We Just Turned Five!

     It feels like yesterday when we attended our first HS 101. We were encouraged by the testimonies of the parents who have been homeschooling their kids for years. "How can they do it?" That was the question in my mind as I listened to them. With that, I prayed with all my heart that it will also work for us.

      Looking back, I remember a season when I felt so down. These were the times I tried to compare our family with other homeschool families. These families have everything. They can bring their kids everywhere and the world is literally their classroom. When I felt this way, I reminded myself of the reasons why we homeschool and focused on God's mission and vision for our family. I have learned to maximize the resources the Lord has given us and to invest on things money cannot buy - things that have eternal value.

      I was also obsessive-compulsive when it comes to schedule. I still outline our plans and topics for the whole year but I don't panic anymore when we are late. I have learned to deal with interruptions with joy, reminding myself that "all things work together for good for those who love Him". Interruptions must be divine appointments - they are usually, now, a time for me to pause, ponder and pray.

      For the first time, Alvin and I have also written our goals and would soon post them in our study area as as a reminder for all of us. We based it on Col. 1:25-29.

Of this home, we were made parents, according to the stewardship from God bestowed on us that we may...

1... lay the right foundation, disciple our kids and help them grow to full maturity in Christ
2... teach them about Jesus not only through daily reading of His Word and weekly Bible study but more so through our words and actions
3... to lay in their hearts the fear of the Lord
4... influence and encourage other families for the glory of Christ
5... just enjoy every moment with them keeping in view how fast life is.

For these, we labor, striving according to His power which mightily work within us.

      "How can they do it?" I can now answer that question --- It is all by God's grace. We are on our 5th year of homeschooling and I know this will be our most exciting year! By His grace, we will walk with Him one step at a time... each day will be an adventure, each moment a treasure to cherish.

      Thank you, Lord, for the privilege to homeschool our kids. Thank you for the chance to influence them for eternity. All glory and honor be to our God!

      Proverbs 22:6 (NASB) Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Kuper doodles'  Summer Afternoon Kit

Here are some  homeschool photos taken last school year.

Why We Homeschool

OTBDS - Count it All Joy/Wishville & Heart Garden

We are  on our fourth year of homeschooling our 2 boys! Praise God!

Here are some reasons why we do what we do:

1. God has called us to homeschool. We believe that discipling, training and instruction happens at home. (Dt. 6:1-7, Prov. 4:1-4)

2. We want our kids to love the Lord with all their being, to glorify Him as they grow to be committed Christ followers - and homeschool is the best environment for this.

3. In homeschooling, we get to enjoy every moment with our kids. Every moment with them is precious & cherished.

4. Through homeschool, we met homeschool families who encourage and inspire us in our journey.  God has given wonderful friends to our kids - friends we hope they can keep forever.

5. Through homeschooling, God is molding us to be better parents. We became more intimate with our kids, all by His grace.

6. Our kids love homeschool. It has been both a blessing and a privilege to our family.  It has become our lifestyle.

     Thank you, Lord, for another homeschool year to look forward to. We are so excited about the things you have prepared to teach us. May I be more loving and kind to my children.  May we have increasing awareness of Your presence and may we respond accordingly. May you fill our kids with Your wisdom. May they be more obedient and attentive.  How we pray that someday, you can say to them - "I have found David...a man after My heart, who will do all My will." (Acts 13:22) ---In Jesus Name. Amen.