Therefore we do not lose heart.

Though outwardly we are wasting away,

yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)

Home of Contented Homeschoolers
Saturday / July 19, 2008


"And be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5b)

Because you are a homeschooling parent, chances are your family has given up the "two-income" dream. You've probably done without in many areas including new clothes, vacations, and eating out. Have you been noticing how everyone else seems to have much nicer homes and cars than you? Have you been thinking you are being left behind?
If so, don't allow your focus to be blurred. Stand firm against the evil one and his lies. Satan comes to us in our weak moments of frustration and fatigue and tries to convince us that everyone else has it better. Maybe if you just got a "regular" job and went back to work, you could get out from under the financial burdens you have. Matthew 6:25 says, "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?"

Trusting God for all your needs to homeschool involves a faith that will continue to be stretched. The extra expenses involved in buying curriculum and school supplies will even add more to that strain. Knowing that God will meet those needs but not always the wants is the balance that homeschool parents must find. God always provides, even if it is only macaroni and hot dogs. If we don't have the latest in fashion or the best house on the block, we still can enjoy life and the wonderful privilege of teaching our children. May we be like the Apostle Paul when he said in Philippians 4:11, "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Lord,
Help me to look to You today for all that I need, and make me thankful for the many blessings You've already given. Thank You that in Christ, I have all things. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Unfulfilled Days
Monday / June 30, 2008


Do homeschooling parents ever admit that life is anything but one blissful moment after another with their children? If they're honest, they will. As much as we would like to proclaim homeschooling's benefits and see our children's lives through "rose-colored glasses," we must also attest to our children's sinful behavior that causes disruption in the home and unproductive homeschooling days. Children easily demonstrate sinful actions of selfishness, greed, jealously, and other undesirable characteristics that require daily correction and training in righteousness. Like management in the workplace, wise homsechooling parents must allow for down times in academic productivity to address the more important issue of character building in their child.

Amazingly, there are many similarities between our relationship with our children and God's relationship with us. As His children, we demonstrate actions that disrupt God's family of believers. With selfishness, pride, and rebellion, we fail to be productive in accomplishing God's will. Daily, God must discipline us and provide the instruction in righteousness that will develop Christ-like character. Patiently, He continues to perfect the work which He has begun in us, so that our lives will bear much fruit for His name's sake (Philippians 1:6).

Are the frustrations of homeschooling tempting you to give up teaching your children? Do you find yourself taking one step forward and two steps backwards? Just as God gently corrects and teaches you in your spiritual walk, allow the Lord to help you show that same patience towards your children. Although your days may seem unfulfilling, you are giving your child the exact education they need. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Lord,
How difficult it is to stay on track in our homeschooling! Remind me that we are learning more than just academics and show me how to deal with my children's true needs. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Wanted: Homeschool Teacher
Monday / June 02, 2008


"Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us." (Psalm 68:28)

Have you ever thought about how an advertisement would read for a homeschool teacher? If truthfully stated, the ad would probably go something like this:

Now accepting applications-

Family seeking fun-loving, godly homeschool teacher. Applicant will be responsible for providing total educational development and daily personal care for children of multiple ages. Applicant will assume the following roles: cook, housemaid, nurse, taxi driver, administrative assistant, accountant, athletic coach, social director, computer technician, household and automotive repairman, gardener, course instructor in multiple subject areas and grade levels, and various other responsibilities. This is a full-time position-approximately 120 hours or more per week. Qualified candidates must be able to work well under pressure, multi-task, and prioritize work loads while maintaining a friendly, enthusiastic attitude. Quick thinking, good memory, and a varied background in extensive subject matter are a must. Promising candidates will be resourceful, adjust easily to distractions, and display creative, hard-working leadership abilities. Organizational and problem solving skills are a plus. Previous teaching experience and/or college preferred, but not required. If you're interested in working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, this is the position for you! For more information on this exciting opportunity to earn fulfilling, one-of-a-kind rewards, please apply in person today.

After reading these qualifications, no wonder many parents walk away from this employment opportunity. Who can measure up to these standards? Praise God, you can! As you step out in faith and yield your weaknesses to God's strength, you'll not only get the job, you'll also successfully homeschool and discover the fantastic benefits of teaching your children at home. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." (Ephesians 6:10)

Lord,
Homeschooling seems overwhelming and there's so much to learn. Like the new guy on the job, teach me what I need to know to successfully homeschool with Your wisdom, strength, and power. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Why I Love Homeschooling
Friday, May 30, 2008

How do I love homeschooling? Let me count the ways--

I love homeschooling because fixed hours aren't required to learn a subject. When I discovered God had given me a night owl that loved to sleep in, I simply adjusted and made a schedule that worked best for our family.

I love homeschooling because there are so many fun things to learn. Not only are there great curriculums for covering the main subject areas, but there are also countless extracurricular topics and activities to explore. We once spent an entire week studying birds of prey when we found a wounded hawk in our yard after a severe wind storm.

I love homeschooling because I have the flexibility to adjust our day depending on what God brings. If my child is grasping concepts quickly and wants to know more in language arts, great; I'll keep going and forget about doing history that day. If Dad has an impromptu meeting in another city, I can take advantage of the opportunity and schedule a family field trip.

I love homeschooling because I don't have to wait until school's out at 3:30 p.m. to receive a hug and a kiss. I have the joy of loving and being loved by my children throughout the entire day.

Upward Thoughts
Thursday, May 22, 2008

"O how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the day." (Psalms 119:97)

Homeschooling families have incredible opportunities to train their children in righteousness. Without public mandates restricting our actions, we can enjoy daily devotions, prayer, and the Bible's wonderful truths. Just as exciting is the unlimited moments we have to direct our child's thoughts toward God. Throughout the entire school day, biblical applications can be interjected as they apply to our Christian curriculum or the problems of daily living. Growing in the Lord, our children's faith becomes vibrant and powerful as they learn to "think on these things" (Philippians 4:8b).

King David also learned the art of directing his thoughts toward God. Throughout the Psalms, he demonstrated how to daily mediate on God and His Word. Whether fighting giants, killing bears, herding sheep, or playing his harp, David focused his thinking toward God as he remembered His faithfulness and blessings. Even when running for his life from Saul, David trusted in God's protection and remained focused on what God could do rather than the hopelessness of the situation.

What about you? Is Satan bogging down your mind with homeschooling worries which cause you to forget God's blessings? If you're having trouble keeping your thoughts fixed on God, remember what He has already done. As you count your blessings every moment of the day, you'll find the strength to trust His promises for the future. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Father,
Thank You for the wonderful way You've blessed our family as we've homeschooled. Remind me of Your promises and strengthen me to hold fast to the joys of teaching my children at home. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Malachi 3:3 says:  "He will sit as a refiner and  purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and  they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.  One of the women offered to find out the process of  refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.  As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says:  "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."  She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.  The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"  He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy --when I see my image in it."

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Do you have a favorite poem, story, or devotional that will encourage other homeschooling families? If so, please e-mail it to KarcherHSG@gmail.com.