Why Do We Homeschool?

In July of 2003, I gave my life to Jesus Christ (John 3:16).  It was about 1 year before Lee and I got married (we married June of 2004).  In that year, God was transforming me (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17).  He started putting it on my heart that one day when Lee and I had kids I would homeschool.  I presented the idea to Lee and he completely shot it down.  I began praying that if this was what God truly wanted me to do, He would change Lee's heart.  If it wasn't what He wanted, I prayed that He would show me. 

In May of 2005, I found out that I was pregnant with Luke.  I can honestly say that I had no clue what I was going to do with my life until God placed that baby in my womb.  I was completely lost.  I was married and knew I wanted to be Lee's wife, but that was about all that I had figured out.  I had a Business Marketing degree but wasn't really sure that was what I wanted to do.  I was looking into going to school to be a teacher, and then I got pregnant with Luke.  It was the best thing that has happened to me (besides salvation and Lee).

God kept telling me He wanted me to guide my children in His ways and that meant homeschooling.  I continued to pray that God would change Lee's heart because I knew so strongly that He was telling me to homeschool.  Over the years, God has placed lots of homeschooling families in our path and has taken away Lee's thoughts on why we shouldn't homeschool. 

A couple of years ago, Lee told me, "I think homeschooling is a good idea."  I nearly cried I was so happy.  I knew that God was calling me to do this and I didn't want to not be in submission to my husband (Ephesians 5:22-23), so I was so thankful that He answered my prayers and changed Lee's heart.

So, why do we homeschool?

#1 - I believe that I am called by God to homeschool my children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).  If that was the only reason, it would be good enough. 

#2 - I want my children to have a Bible-based, Christ-focused education.  Every subject we learn about has a Godly world view (yes, even science).  We cannot afford Christian school and even if we could, I defer to #1.

#3 - I believe my kids will get a strong academic foundation (reading, writing, math, the Godly foundation of our country) at home.

#4 - I can gear their education to their individual learning style, pace, and timing. 

#5 - We can study things that each child is interested in as well as prepare them for their future vocation.

I could go on, but those are the top reasons.