Intentional Parenting

“When will I ever use Algebra?” I’ve heard that question so many times, from not only students but parents also. Each time I hear it, I am reminded that this is a serious question that needs to be answered. Instead of just giving some overcast, cloudy answer like, “every day,” I am going to answer...

When our first child was born thirty years ago, homeschooling was nowhere on my personal radar screen. Then in 1996, Rachael and I reluctantly began our journey down this path. Four years into it we were sold on the lifestyle and made a personal commitment for the long haul, even with high school looming in...

“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”  Hebrews 13:14 Work Here Prepares Us for Eternity Often, we may feel as if our time has come and gone, as if we missed the boat, and life sails on without us. This is far...

Have you had a homeschool parent HEART Exam and what exactly does this mean? Ten years ago I was golfing with three business colleagues on a gorgeous Carolina course. We enjoyed the day, trying our best to get some distance out of our drives and accuracy from our short game, all while maintaining the mental...

Deb Bell was the first homeschooler I heard use the phrase, independent learner. For me, an exhausted mother of four at the time, that sounded like heaven. The very idea that my kids might possibly at some point in the distant future be able to learn without my direct supervision sounded wonderful. But I could...

Writing about the book of Proverbs, Eugene Peterson says that wisdom is “the art of living skillfully.” In 1 Corinthians 14:33, Paul tells us that our God is not a God of disorder but of peace. Therefore, life should be as simple as figuring out steps one, two, and three and doing them, right? Shouldn’t the...

Twentieth-century illustrator Norman Rockwell was famous for his iconic depictions of everyday life in America. His distinctive style and subject matter captured the optimism and can-do spirit of his time, most notably in the 322 original covers he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine. For the March 6, 1954 issue, Rockwell painted “Girl at Mirror,” one...

Have you ever considered how homeschooling might affect your homeschool marriage? We tend to talk about how homeschooling can improve your relationship with your kids. However, if you know where the sticking points are, you can avoid the trap of letting home education become a sore spot between you and your spouse and negatively affecting...

Definition of Faith in the Bible Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1 Faith Scriptures in the Bible Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Test Yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless...

Turkey and dressing. Sweet potatoes and brown sugar. Pumpkin pie and whipped cream. These are winning combinations found in many a recipe book. After a fine time with family enjoying these as part of a great meal, you will most likely find my crew in the basement continuing another Thanksgiving tradition—a Dallas Cowboys football game....