It was an ordinary Tuesday when I went to pick up my husband from the hospital after a routine procedure. It was a simple outpatient scope. My older son had dropped off John while I ran some errands, and I arrived in time for pickup. Yet when I walked into the office area, a doctor was waiting for me.

“Mrs. Goyer there were some problems with the procedure, and your husband is currently being worked on.”
My heartbeat quickened, and a boulder grew in my stomach. “How bad is it?”
“It was scary for a minute, but he should be fine. My guess is that he’ll need to stay in the hospital for a few days.”

When I rushed back to John, thankfulness filled my heart, and there was also a peace that I couldn’t explain. When I’d woken up that morning, I had no thought of anything different happening other than the day full of errands that I’d had planned. My husband having a major medical problem hadn’t been on my mind. And even though it was scary, John returned home five days later. He also shared God’s goodness with everyone who entered his hospital room. 

I also discovered something about myself. Even with the scary news, I had peace, knowing that God was with me. Knowing God isn’t just a cerebral thing. It’s not just about having enough facts; the reality of God tips the scale more to one side or the other. Instead, through the years of reading my Bible, seeking God, and walking in fellowship with Him, I have a true knowing of God’s character. I know God loves me and will take care of me. I know that God will be with me through every challenge, every heartbreak.

Knowing God

Sometimes we forget that the God described in the Bible is the same one who is active and present in our lives. We learn about God’s character and nature in the Old Testament, and we witness it in the New Testament. And when I understand God’s character in these ways, it helps me to trust that He will act in a similar manner with me today … and every day.

The very nature of God the Father in the Old Testament breathes life right through the actions and words of Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. During His time walking around the earth, He showed us exactly what the Father’s character looks like in action. We know God for ourselves as we read and study. Yet we know these things to be true when we witness them in our own lives. 

10 Evidences of the Character of God

These ten examples illustrate who God is and how understanding His character can transform our daily lives.

1. The Compassionate God

Old Testament (The Father): “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8, NIV)

New Testament (Jesus): “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36, NIV)

2. The Good Shepherd

Old Testament (The Father): “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (Psalm 23:1, NIV)

New Testament (Jesus): “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NIV)

Not a single loophole or worry or fear is left to the soul that knows God. –Hannah Whitall Smith

3. The Forgiver of Sins

Old Testament (The Father): “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (Isaiah 43:25, NIV)

New Testament (Jesus): “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.'” (Mark 2:5, NIV)

4. The Light of Salvation

Old Testament (The Father): “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1, NIV)

New Testament (Jesus): “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” (John 8:12, NIV)

5. The Great Healer

Old Testament (The Father): “For I am the Lord, who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26, NIV)

New Testament (Jesus): “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:23, NIV)

6. The Creator of All Things

Old Testament (The Father): “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 40:28, NIV)

New Testament (Jesus): “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16, NIV)

7. The Righteous Judge

Old Testament (The Father): “God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.” (Psalm 7:11, NIV)

New Testament (Jesus): “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.” (John 5:22, NIV)

8. The Faithful Provider

Old Testament (The Father): “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:15-16, NIV)

New Testament (Jesus): “He took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied.” (Matthew 15:36-37, NIV)

9. The Holy God

Old Testament (The Father): “For I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:44, NIV)

New Testament (Jesus): “Such a high priest truly meets our need, one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:26, NIV)

10. The Embodiment of Love

Old Testament (The Father): “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV)

New Testament (Jesus): “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13, NIV)

Every page of Scripture points us toward a God who loves us deeply and consistently. Seeing how Jesus modeled the Father’s heart gives us a solid foundation for our faith today. It was this very foundation that sustained me in that quiet hospital room with John. 

The peace I felt in that moment wasn’t random or circumstantial; it was rooted directly in these unchanging truths of who God is. Knowing Him as our Compassionate Shepherd, Faithful Provider, and Great Healer transforms abstract theology into a living anchor when unexpected storms hit, filling our hearts with a supernatural rest that passes all understanding.

Discussion Questions

1. Which character trait of God mentioned above resonates most with your current season of life, and why?

2. Can you recall a time when you experienced unexpected peace during a stressful or fearful situation? How did knowing God shape that experience?

3. How can actively reflecting on the connection between God’s character in the Old Testament and Jesus’ actions in the New Testament strengthen your daily walk with Him?

A Prayer to Know God More

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your true character and nature through Your Word and through the life of Your Son, Jesus. Help us to know You not just with head knowledge, but through a personal, daily trust in Your unfailing love and goodness. When unexpected challenges and storms arrive, ground our hearts in Your peace that passes all understanding. Remind us that You are our Shepherd, Healer, Provider, and constant Companion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

An Exciting Opportunity

Have you ever dreamed of walking the cobblestone streets of Europe and stepping right into the pages of history? I would love to invite you to join me for a special adventure in August 2027. We are heading to the breathtaking city of Prague!

Writing historical fiction and navigating the homeschool journey has shown me that a beautiful adventure begins when we step into the very places where history was made. 

The 2027 Prague Experience offers three unique paths to fit your heart’s calling:

• The Mission Experience: Serve alongside local ministries and build meaningful relationships within the community.
• The Homeschool Experience: Bring history, literature, culture, and faith to life through immersive education for your family.
• The Leisure Experience: Take in the stunning architecture, enjoy authentic Czech cuisine, and share wonderful fellowship.

We will discover historic landmarks and celebrate a rich Christian heritage together. The itinerary is being finalized right now, and there is no obligation to simply learn more.

Join the priority list today to receive early registration opportunities, pricing details, and special updates directly from me!

Real life has a funny way of interrupting our best-laid lesson plans with one constant truth: people have to eat!

My family still expects food in the fridge and dinner on the table every single day. Over the years, as our family grew and life stayed busy, I made it my mission to collect easy, delicious recipes that feed a crowd without keeping me glued to the stove all afternoon.

This Taco Soup recipe was given to me by a former editor, and it has been a staple in our home for well over twenty years. Even now that my kids are older, it remains an absolute family favorite. It is rich, comforting, full of veggies, virtually foolproof, and best of all, it turns your kitchen into a hands-on learning lab where kids of all ages can pitch in and help.

Print your copy of the recipe here!

Fast and Easy Taco Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 45-60 minutes (or 4 hours on LOW in a slow cooker) | Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 can pinto or kidney beans
• 2 cans chili beans
• 1 can whole kernel corn
• 1 can white corn
• 2 cans Mexi-corn
• 1 can stewed tomatoes (Mexican style)
• 1 can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 packet original Ranch dressing mix

For Serving: Tortilla chips or warm cornbread, shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and salsa.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Combine the Cans: Add the taco seasoning and Ranch dressing mix to the meat, stirring well. Next, dump in all the canned beans, corn, and tomatoes. Do not drain any of the cans—the juices create the flavorful broth!
3. Simmer and Serve: Stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 45 to 60 minutes so the flavors meld together. Alternatively, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
4. Garnish: Ladle into big bowls and top with your favorite fixings!

Tricia’s Kitchen Tip: This recipe is wildly forgiving. Don’t like onions? Leave them out. Missing a specific type of corn? Swap in whatever canned veggies or beans you have sitting in your pantry. You can also throw in a small can of green chilies if you are out of Ro-Tel. You truly cannot mess this up!

Print your copy of the recipe here!

How to Get Kids of All Ages Helping in the Kitchen

Involving your kids in meal preparation isn’t just a great way to lighten your workload; it doubles as practical math, life skills, and team building. Cooking together gives us a chance to slow down, talk about our day, and practice serving one another.

Here is how you can delegate this recipe based on age:

Preschool to Early Elementary (Ages 3–7)

• Can Duty: Let younger kids hunt through the pantry to find the right cans of beans, corn, and tomatoes.
• Pouring and Dumping: Once an adult opens the cans, little ones can safely dump the contents straight into the pot or slow cooker.
• Tearing and Crushing: Have them crush tortilla chips into bowls or tear up fresh cilantro for garnishing.

Upper Elementary (Ages 8–11)

• Measuring and Seasoning: Let them open the seasoning packets, measure out toppings like cheese and sour cream, and practice reading the recipe steps out loud.
• Can Opener Master: Under supervision, this is the perfect age to master using a manual or electric can opener.
• Prep the Toppings: Teach them how to safely slice green onions or dice avocado with a butter knife or child-safe nylon knife.

Middle & High Schoolers (Ages 12+)

• Stovetop Duty: Older kids can take charge of browning the ground beef, chopping the onions with a chef’s knife, and monitoring the pot as it simmers.
• Scale the Recipe: Challenge your middle or high schooler to practice fraction math by doubling or halving the recipe based on your family’s needs for the night.
• Sous Chef Status: Turn the entire meal over to your teen once or twice a month so they build confidence cooking complete dinners for the family before heading off to college or adulthood.

Nourishing Hearts and Homes

Scripture reminds us that gathering around the table to share a meal is about far more than just filling hungry bellies—it is about cultivating gratitude and Christian fellowship within our homes:

“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity.” — Acts 2:46 (NLT)

When we bring our children into the kitchen, we teach them that feeding a family is an act of love, service, and hospitality.

Homework for Homeschool Moms

Sometime this week, hand this recipe over to your kids! Assign each child a job based on their skill level, step back, and let them take ownership of making dinner.

A Prayer for the Family Table

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithful provision in our lives and for the daily blessing of food on our table. As we gather in our kitchens to cook and share meals together, fill our home with Your peace, laughter, and joy. Help us to use these simple, everyday moments of meal prep to teach our children life skills, patience, and a heart for serving others. Bless our conversations around the dinner table, and let our home be a place of sanctuary and warmth for all who enter. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

YOUR TURN! What is your family’s favorite “go-to” easy weeknight dinner? Do your kids have a favorite job in the kitchen? Drop your recipes and tips in the comments below!

An Exciting Opportunity

Have you ever dreamed of walking the cobblestone streets of Europe and stepping right into the pages of history? I would love to invite you to join me for a special adventure in August 2027. We are heading to the breathtaking city of Prague!

Writing historical fiction and navigating the homeschool journey has shown me that a beautiful adventure begins when we step into the very places where history was made. 

The 2027 Prague Experience offers three unique paths to fit your heart’s calling:

• The Mission Experience: Serve alongside local ministries and build meaningful relationships within the community.
• The Homeschool Experience: Bring history, literature, culture, and faith to life through immersive education for your family.
• The Leisure Experience: Take in the stunning architecture, enjoy authentic Czech cuisine, and share wonderful fellowship.

We will discover historic landmarks and celebrate a rich Christian heritage together. The itinerary is being finalized right now, and there is no obligation to simply learn more.

Join the priority list today to receive early registration opportunities, pricing details, and special updates directly from me!

It’s a strange thing to admit: as a homeschool mom, I was rarely by myself, but there were many, many seasons when I felt lonely. My children were with me all day—and often all night, depending on who needed a drink, couldn’t sleep, or suddenly remembered something important at bedtime.

There were lessons to teach, meals to prepare, dishes to wash, appointments to remember, and laundry that multiplied when I wasn’t looking. Add writing books and household and ministry responsibilities, and every hour already had an assignment. I was surrounded by people I loved, yet I sometimes felt deeply lonely. Maybe you’ve felt that way too.

Loneliness doesn’t always mean we’re physically alone. Sometimes it means we don’t have enough space to be seen as a person—not only as Mom, teacher, cook, driver, nurse, and household manager.

We love our children. We’re thankful we get to educate them. But we can love homeschooling and still admit that it’s hard. A full house doesn’t always mean a full heart. Yet the good news is that we don’t have to stay lonely. But before I get to the tips, let’s dig a bit deeper into the reality of our unique situation.

Why Homeschool Moms Can Feel So Lonely

Homeschooling asks a lot from a mother. We are educating our children, but that usually isn’t our only job. We’re also caring for our homes, planning meals, paying bills, managing schedules, helping aging parents, serving at church, and trying to maintain our marriages.

Many homeschool moms also have part-time jobs, businesses, ministries, or work-from-home careers. Because the work happens at home, others may assume it is flexible. But “flexible” doesn’t mean “free.” 

Personally, I write two or three (sometimes more!) books a year, and while I can switch up my writing, there are still deadlines, meetings, and emails. Just like there is always a to-do list running through my mind as a homeschool mom, there’s always a to-do list running through my mind as a professional writer, too.

In addition to work duties, when your children are with you twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, it can be hard to find time to meet a friend for coffee—or even finish a phone conversation without someone needing help with a math problem.

For many years, things like coffee dates and book clubs felt impossible to me. Only recently, with my two youngest children now in high school, have I been able to add a few of those activities to my week.

I can now meet a friend for coffee or attend a book club at our local library. Those may sound like small things, but they have been life-giving. Before this season, getting away felt nearly impossible.

If that’s where you are today, please hear this: you aren’t doing something wrong. You may simply be in an intense season. Not every season has the same capacity.

You may not be able to build your friendships the way someone with older children does. You may not have childcare, extra money, or an open evening. That doesn’t mean connection is out of reach. It may simply need to look different right now.

The Homeschool Co-op I Didn’t Technically Need

One of the best decisions I made was joining a homeschool co-op. Honestly, it would have taken less time and energy to manage my children’s lessons on my own. Getting everyone ready, packing supplies and lunches, driving to the co-op, and spending the day there added more work to our schedule. 

But I realized that efficiency wasn’t our family’s only need. My children needed friends. And I needed friends too.

At our co-op, parents were required to stay with their children. This meant that I spent one entire day every week at the co-op. At first, that might sound like one more obligation. Instead, it became something I looked forward to every week.

I interacted with other parents and teachers. I got to know the other children. At lunchtime, I sat with other homeschool moms and talked.

We didn’t always discuss deep subjects. Sometimes we talked about curriculum, meals, children, or the strange things that had happened during our week. Yet those conversations reminded me that I wasn’t the only one trying to teach fractions while keeping up with laundry and wondering what to make for dinner. Over time, our relationships grew beyond co-op day. We planned other activities and began connecting outside of classes.

Coming out of the COVID lock-down, it was exactly what my children and I needed.

The most efficient homeschool isn’t always the healthiest homeschool. Sometimes we need to make room for something that takes more time because it gives us something more valuable: community.

You Don’t Need a Perfect Homeschool Group

Not every family has access to a large co-op. Maybe the co-ops near you are full, expensive, too far away, or simply not a good fit. Connection doesn’t have to begin with a formal program. It can start with one other mom. Here are some things I’ve done that you might try:

• Invite another homeschool family to meet at the park. The children can play while the moms talk. Bring coffee from home and let the children run.
• Plan a nature walk together. Meet at the library. Take turns hosting a simple lunch. Choose one science experiment, art project, or history activity to do as a group.
• You can also share the teaching load. Maybe one parent enjoys science while another loves art. One can lead an experiment while the other organizes a craft. The point isn’t to create a complicated program. The point is to stop carrying everything alone.

Community doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Choose a few that you can start with:

• Meet another family at a park twice a month.
• Invite a mom and her children over for lunch.
• Host a weekly summer Bible Study for other moms and kids
• Plan a monthly field trip with two or three families.
• Start a simple book club for moms.
• Create a group text where homeschool parents can encourage one another.
• Work on a science, art, or history project together.
• Ask another mom to exchange childcare for an hour.
• Meet at the library while older children work independently.
• Take a walk with another mom while the children ride bikes.
• Invite a family over for pizza without cleaning the whole house first.

Don’t wait to start! Don’t wait until your home is perfect, your schedule is peaceful, or your children are always well-behaved. If we wait until life is easy to build relationships, we may wait a very long time.

When Comparison Keeps Us Apart

Sometimes a lack of opportunity isn’t the only thing keeping us from friendship. Sometimes the barrier is inside us. If you’re hesitant to reach out to other moms, pause and ask yourself why.

Are you afraid you won’t fit in? Are you worried your children will misbehave? Do you feel embarrassed by your home? Are you concerned that another mom will judge your homeschool choices? Or do you struggle with comparison?

Comparison kept one of my dearest friends, Tara, and me from becoming friends for three years. We were both homeschool moms, and we knew of each other. Yet I would look at what Tara was accomplishing and feel as if I didn’t measure up. What I didn’t know was that she was doing the same thing when she looked at me.

Each of us saw the other woman’s strengths and compared them to our own insecurities. Then our families finally met up. Our spouses came too, and we all hit it off. Tara and I discovered how much we enjoyed each other. A beautiful friendship began. But I was sad when I thought of the three years we had missed.

Comparison had convinced each of us that the other woman had everything together. It built an invisible wall between two women who could have been encouraging each other.

Comparison turns potential friends into imaginary competitors.

The mom you find intimidating may be looking at you and feeling exactly the same way. She may appear confident but feel lonely. She may seem organized but be struggling in an area you can’t see.

We often compare someone else’s visible strengths with our hidden struggles. That comparison will never be fair. What would happen if, instead of pulling away, you took one small step closer?

What Scripture Says About Friendship

God did not design us to carry life alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 teaches that two people are better than one because one can help the other when she falls. Homeschool moms need people who will help us get back up—not people who expect us never to stumble.

Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that a friend loves at all times. A true friend doesn’t only show up when the house is clean, the children are cooperative, and the homeschool day goes according to plan. She loves us in the messy seasons too.

Galatians 6:2 tells believers to carry one another’s burdens. Yet no one can help carry a burden we continually hide.

Romans 12:10 calls us to love one another with genuine affection and to delight in honoring each other. Friendship grows when we learn to celebrate another woman’s gifts without treating her success as evidence of our failure.

Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers to keep meeting together and to motivate one another toward love and good works. Gathering matters because encouragement is easier to receive when we stop trying to live in isolation. Take some time to look up these Scriptures and write down what God is speaking to your heart.

Jesus Himself valued friendship. He ministered to crowds, but He also shared meals, walked with His disciples, and spent time with people He loved. If Jesus made room for relationships, we shouldn’t consider friendship selfish. Friendship isn’t a distraction from faithful living; it is often one of the ways God sustains us.

Friendship May Look Different in This Season

You may be reading this and thinking, That sounds wonderful, but I truly cannot get away. I understand.

There are seasons with babies, toddlers, special needs, health problems, financial limitations, or demanding work schedules. You may not be able to attend a weekly book club or meet a friend for coffee. Start with what is possible.

Maybe friendship looks like sending a voice message while folding laundry. Maybe you call a friend while driving to an appointment. Maybe you invite another mom to sit at your kitchen table while both of your families work on school.

Perhaps you exchange encouraging texts throughout the week. You might join an online homeschool community and then slowly build a friendship with someone in your area. Maybe you and another mom can agree to pray for each other every Monday morning. Small connections still count. You don’t need hours of free time to begin building a friendship. You need one intentional moment.

At the same time, be willing to examine your schedule. Sometimes we say we have no time for friendship, but we spend the small pockets of time we do have scrolling social media, watching other people’s lives, and feeling more alone. Online interaction can be helpful, but it isn’t always the same as being known.

Could you exchange thirty minutes of scrolling for a phone call? Could you invite someone to join an activity you’re already doing? Could you stay at the park a little longer and talk with another mom? Connection may not require adding another complicated obligation. It may mean opening the life you already have and inviting someone into it.

Give Yourself Permission to Have Needs

Homeschool moms can become so focused on meeting everyone else’s needs that they feel guilty acknowledging their own. But needing friendship doesn’t mean you love your children less. Wanting adult conversation doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful. Needing an occasional break doesn’t mean you aren’t committed to homeschooling. You are a mother, but you are also a woman created for relationship.

Your children can also benefit from seeing you build healthy friendships. They learn that adults ask for help, make time for people, apologize, listen, laugh, and encourage one another. When we model community, we teach our children how to build community too. Taking care of your need for connection is not abandoning your family. Instead, it is strengthening the person who cares for them.

Seven Practical Steps for the Lonely Homeschool Mom

1. Tell God the truth.

Don’t minimize your loneliness. Bring it to God honestly.

“Lord, I love my family, but I feel alone. Please help me notice the people You have placed around me. Give me courage to reach out.” God already knows how you feel. Prayer opens your heart to His comfort and direction.

2. Identify one possible homeschool friend.

Don’t begin by trying to create an entire community. Think of one woman you would like to know better. 

She doesn’t have to be exactly like you. Her children don’t have to use the same curriculum. You don’t have to agree on every homeschool method. Look for kindness, honesty, and a willingness to encourage one another.

3. Make a specific invitation.

“Let’s get together sometime” rarely becomes an actual meeting. Instead, try:

“Would you and your kids like to meet us at the park Thursday at ten?”

Or:

“I’m going to the library Tuesday afternoon. Would you like to join us?” A simple, specific invitation is easier to answer.

4. Connect friendship to something already on your schedule.

Invite someone to join you for a field trip, nature walk, library visit, or afternoon at the playground. Friendship doesn’t always need its own separate space. Sometimes it can grow alongside the life you are already living.

5. Consider a co-op or regular group.

A weekly or monthly gathering provides repeated opportunities for relationships to grow. You don’t have to manufacture a new meeting every time. Give a group time before deciding it isn’t working. Real friendship often develops through many ordinary conversations.

6. Be willing to go first.

Share something honest. Ask a meaningful question. Admit that you’ve had a hard week.

You don’t need to tell your entire life story at the first meeting, but a little vulnerability lets another person know she has permission to be real too.

7. Stop waiting to feel impressive.

You don’t need a spotless home, perfectly behaved children, or a beautiful homeschool schedule to be worthy of friendship. Come as you are, and give the other mom permission to do the same.

An Invitation to Reach Out

Maybe there’s a Tara in your life—someone you’ve admired from a distance but assumed wouldn’t need or want your friendship.

• What if you’re wrong?
• What if she’s lonely too?
• What if both of you have been comparing yourselves when God wants you to encourage each other?

Send the text. Make the invitation. Suggest the park day. Try the co-op. Join the book club when your season allows it. It might feel awkward. The first conversation may not turn into a lifelong friendship. Keep trying.

Community isn’t built through one grand gesture. It grows through small choices to show up, listen, share, and make room for another person.

A Prayer for the Lonely Homeschool Mom

Lord, thank You for the children and responsibilities You have entrusted to me. You see the work no one else notices, and You understand the loneliness I sometimes feel.

Help me remember that needing friendship is not a weakness. Give me the courage to reach out, the wisdom to recognize healthy relationships, and the humility to let others know the real me.

Free me from comparison. Teach me to celebrate the gifts You have placed in other women without believing their strengths diminish mine.

Please bring people into my life who will encourage me, pray with me, laugh with me, and help me keep going. Show me how to be that kind of friend in return.

When I feel unseen, remind me that You see me. When I feel alone, remind me that You are near. Lead me toward the community You have for my family and me. Amen.

Friend, if the house is full but your heart feels lonely, you are not the only one. There is another homeschool mom packing lunches, explaining fractions, switching laundry, answering emails, and wondering whether anyone else feels the way she does. Perhaps today is the day one of you reaches out.

Sometimes the friendship we’re waiting for begins when we become brave enough to say, “Would you like to join us?”

Additional Resources – An Exciting Opportunity

Have you ever dreamed of walking the cobblestone streets of Europe and stepping right into the pages of history? I would love to invite you to join me for a special adventure in August 2027. We are heading to the breathtaking city of Prague!

Writing historical fiction and navigating the homeschool journey has shown me that a beautiful adventure begins when we step into the very places where history was made. 

The 2027 Prague Experience offers three unique paths to fit your heart’s calling:

• The Mission Experience: Serve alongside local ministries and build meaningful relationships within the community.
• The Homeschool Experience: Bring history, literature, culture, and faith to life through immersive education for your family.
• The Leisure Experience: Take in the stunning architecture, enjoy authentic Czech cuisine, and share wonderful fellowship.

We will discover historic landmarks and celebrate a rich Christian heritage together. The itinerary is being finalized right now, and there is no obligation to simply learn more.

Join the priority list today to receive early registration opportunities, pricing details, and special updates directly from me!

Hey friends!

Can I be honest with you for a second?

I know you have a book inside you. Maybe it’s been there for years. Maybe you’ve started it a dozen times, or maybe it’s still just a dream you keep whispering to yourself at night… someday.

You tell yourself you’ll write it after the kids are older, after life slows down, after you finally have a free weekend.

But here’s what my friend Amber Lia and I have learned after writing and publishing hundreds of books between us: that a free weekend is never coming. And the good news? You don’t need it.

The Real Reason Your Book Isn’t Finished Yet

When Amber and I sat down recently to talk about what actually holds writers back, we didn’t discuss talent or time. We talked about three things that quietly steal your finish line:

• You’re waiting for life to slow down. (It won’t. Trust me. I have 10 kids. Amber has four sons and lives in what she affectionately calls a “testosterone house.” We both write anyway.)
• You’re trying to figure it all out alone. The editing process, the structure, the audience, the next steps. It’s a lot to carry by yourself. No one should have to.
• You have no finish line. Nobody at the front of the classroom is saying, “Get it done by 3 o’clock.” Without accountability and a clear target, even the best intentions drift.

Does any of that sound familiar? I thought so. You’re not alone, and that’s exactly why Amber and I are doing something about it.

Three Writing Tips That Will Change Everything

Before I tell you about the most exciting thing we’re doing this October, let me share a few of the things that have made the biggest difference in my writing — and in Amber’s.

1. Stop Writing for the Editor. Start Writing for Your Reader.

So much of our creative energy gets strangled when we’re worried about proposals and word counts and what an editor might think. The moment you shift your focus to one specific reader (someone you can picture, someone with real pain points you understand), everything gets clearer, faster, and more alive.

I never scroll social media just for fun. I’m always asking: What does my reader need from me today?

Our audience asks questions and posts about their struggles. These are HUGE clues about what they need from us as writers.

That’s the secret behind writing four books a year with a full house… focus on the reader and write FOR them in the fringes of your day.

2. Understand Your Format Before You Write a Single Word.

When I wrote my very first novel, I had my heroine going shopping for winter clothes and visiting a travel agency before her big adventure even started.

An editor finally told me: “Think of it like a movie. Cut to the next scene.”

That one moment of feedback saved me years of confusion. Once you understand story structure — the inciting incident, the midpoint, the climax — writing stops being a mystery and starts being a map.

3. Get the Words Down. Then Make Them Beautiful.

Early in my writing life, I would edit the same first page over and over again, trying to make it look like a bestselling book on the shelf.

Here’s the truth: nothing we write at first is “good enough.” And that is perfectly, wonderfully okay.

Write it rough. Write it messy. Write it imperfect. You can’t polish something that doesn’t exist yet.

What Would You Do With Four Focused Days?

Imagine this: four days where the only thing on your agenda is your book. No dishes. No to-do lists. No one needing anything from you. Just you, your words, the most beautiful fall foliage in Arkansas, and two bestselling authors right there beside you — cheering you on, coaching you in real time, and helping you finally cross that finish line.

That’s exactly what Amber and I are creating this October at our very first Writers Intensive Retreat in Hot Springs, Arkansas. And friend, we have been praying over this thing. Everything has fallen into place in the most providential way, and we are so ready to welcome you.

 Writers Intensive Retreat

Hot Springs, Arkansas
October 2026 (Thursday–Sunday)
Only 24 spots available — 6 already confirmed!

Register for The Finish Line Intensive

Register Now!

Here’s What Your Four Days Will Look Like

Thursday — Your Personal Deep Dive

We kick things off with a pre-conference day at my home. Yes, my actual house, with the medieval-European-castle kitchen, I fell in love with the moment I walked in.

This is your day for one-on-one attention from both Amber and me. Whatever you need:

• clarity on your project
• help choosing between ideas
• a fresh perspective on a stuck chapterPhoto by Nicolas Lobos on UnsplashWe are all yours. We end the evening together over a shared dinner right here in my home.

Friday & Saturday — Deep Work at Mariposa Retreat Center

We move to the stunning Mariposa Place of Wellness. Twenty breathtaking acres owned by my friend Dr. Kenisha Bryant, nestled between my home and Hot Springs.

There are nature trails for brain breaks, a commercial kitchen, hills overlooking the trees (which will be ablaze with fall color), and wildlife around every corner. It is the most inspiring place I can imagine doing this work.

This is where the magic happens. We’re not just going to talk about writing. We are going to write.

Amber says it best: it’s easy to get obese on information if you never exercise it. So we’re building in real, dedicated writing time, with Amber and me right there in the room with you, available to look over your shoulder and say, “What about this? Have you tried that?”

One evening, we’ll head into Hot Springs itself (where hot water actually bubbles up out of the earth!) for a fun outing together.

Fun fact: Hot Springs was once the spring training hub for Major League Baseball and the mafia. So, you know. It has stories.

Sunday — Send-Off at My Home

We close the weekend back at my place with a shared breakfast, a time of prayer, and the most important thing you’ll leave with: your concrete next steps.

Not vague encouragement — a real, specific, actionable plan mapped to exactly where you are in your project and where you want to go.

The Food, the Fellowship, the Fun

We are not messing around with the details. Every meal is included and prepared by our personal chef. Think nourishing soups, fresh salads, healthy snacks, and food that keeps your blood sugar stable and your creative energy flowing.

Your body and your brain are going to be so well taken care of.

And the people? Oh, the people.

Let me give you some backstory… some of my dearest author friends (bestselling names you’d recognize today) were complete beginners when we first met at a conference years ago.

The community you build at an event like this? It can last a lifetime. We’re also creating an online community that continues throughout 2026 and 2027, so the support doesn’t stop when you drive home.

This Is For You — Wherever You Are

Maybe you have a half-finished manuscript. Maybe you have three ideas and no idea which one to chase. Maybe your book is technically done, but you have no clue what to do next. It doesn’t matter. We will meet you exactly where you are.

There is no judgment here — only encouragement, strategy, and a whole lot of joy. And you don’t need more talent. You don’t need a quieter life. You probably just need this.

And you don’t need more talent. You don’t need a quieter life. You probably just need this.

Your 30 Seconds of Brave

Amber and I had our own 30 seconds of bravery when we hit “publish” on the application form and asked ourselves, Is anyone even going to want to come? People showed up. Because God is clearly up to something here.

Now it’s your turn.

Don’t wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow has a way of never arriving. You’re reading this for a reason. The obstacle in your way — the busy schedule, the self-doubt, the unfinished draft — that’s not a stop sign. That’s the very thing we’re going to tackle together. The obstacle, friend, is the way.

 Ready to claim your spot? Fill out the JotForm application. We’d love to have you. Grab a friend and come together. There’s nothing better than doing something brave with someone you love.

Only 24 spots total. Six are already gone. Don’t let this be the thing you put off until someday. Register Now!

We love you, we believe in your book, and we cannot wait to see you in Arkansas this October.

With so much love and excitement,

Tricia Goyer (and Amber Lia )

P.S. What do you like most about this? Also, if you had to plan a retreat here with us, what would YOU want?

The words “high school transcript” can make even an experienced homeschool parent nervous. I remember the first time I’d created my own transcript and joined my son as we met with the college counselor. I was certain he’d look at the page, crumple it up, and tell me I didn’t know what I was doing. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. I have created high school transcripts for seven of my children—and guess what? Every college has accepted them. Some colleges require my children to take standardized tests or a placement test at their school. Yet having an accurate transcript is important.

Make It Simple

As homeschooling parents, we’re used to creating lesson plans, choosing curriculum, teaching through interruptions, and adjusting when a child needs extra help. Then, suddenly, we’re expected to become a guidance counselor and school registrar too! We find ourselves shaking in our boots.

The good news is that creating a homeschool transcript doesn’t have to be complicated. A transcript is simply an organized summary of your student’s high school education. It tells colleges what your student studied, how many credits were earned, and how well the student performed. But it needs to do something else, too: tell the truth. A strong transcript doesn’t exaggerate your student’s story—it explains it clearly.

Colleges understand that homeschool parents prepare their children’s transcripts. What admissions officers need is a document that is professional, consistent, realistic, and supported by the student’s actual work. Let’s walk through the process together.

What Is a Homeschool Transcript?

A homeschool transcript is an official academic record, usually covering grades 9–12. It normally includes:

• The student’s full legal name
• The student’s date of birth
• The homeschool’s name and address
• The parent or homeschool administrator’s contact information
• Courses completed each year
• Credits earned for each course
• Final grades
• The grading scale
• Grade point average, or GPA
• Expected or actual graduation date
• The parent or administrator’s signature
• The date the transcript was issued

You may also include honors courses, Advanced Placement courses, dual-enrollment courses, and other significant academic information. The finished transcript should be clean and easy to read. In most cases, one or two pages are enough. Your transcript should be complete enough to inform, but simple enough to understand.

Putting Together a Homeschool Transcript

Step 1: Begin with the End in Mind

Before deciding what belongs on the transcript, think about where your student may be headed.

Is your teen considering:

• A four-year university?
• A community college?
• A trade or technical program?
• Military service?
• An apprenticeship?
• Employment?
• College athletics?

These paths may have different expectations. Research the admission requirements of several possible schools while your student is still in ninth or tenth grade. Do not wait until senior year to discover that a college expects an additional laboratory science, foreign language, or advanced math course.

Also check your state’s homeschool requirements for graduation. Homeschool laws and graduation expectations vary, and colleges may have their own course requirements in addition to state requirements.

Don’t build a transcript around where your student has been; build it with an eye toward where your student may be going.

Step 2: Choose Clear, Accurate Course Titles

Course titles should help an admissions officer understand what your student studied.

Instead of vague titles such as:

• Math
• Science
• English
• History

Use specific titles such as:

• Algebra I
• Geometry
• Biology with Lab
• Chemistry with Lab
• English Composition
• American Literature
• United States History
• World Geography
• Spanish I

Creativity is wonderful in homeschooling, but clarity is best on the transcript. “Exploring God’s Amazing World” may have been a beautiful year of study, but “Biology with Lab” tells a college exactly what the course covered. You can still describe your creative approach in a separate course-description document. Let the learning be creative, but let the course title be clear.

Step 3: Decide How Credits Will Be Awarded

A full-year high school course is commonly recorded as one credit. A semester course is commonly recorded as one-half credit. However, credit practices and college expectations can vary.

Parents generally award credit by considering one or more of these:

• Completion of a recognized high school curriculum
• Time spent studying the subject
• Mastery of the material
• Completion of significant projects
• Classes taken through a co-op or online provider
• Dual-enrollment coursework
• Documented instruction with a tutor or outside teacher

Keep records showing how you awarded the credit. Save course outlines, curriculum information, major assignments, tests, lab reports, reading lists, and grades from outside instructors.

I have never needed this type of information for my children, who have attended college, but they have not applied to top schools. We choose to start our children off at a local community college or state school. And when it came to my daughter who attended a private, Christian college, answering a few questions presented by the school counseler was enough to satisfy him.

For unusual or student-designed courses, create a brief description explaining:

• What the student studied
• Which books or resources were used
• What assignments were completed
• How learning was evaluated
• Why the amount of credit was appropriate

I’ve included this type of information in a brief “notes” section on the transcript. A short sentence about any unusual or student-designed courses was good enough. Yet remember this: If you award the credit, keep the records that support it.

Step 4: Create a Realistic Grading System

This step matters—a lot. As homeschool parents, we love our children and want to present them in the best possible light. But a transcript is not a place for wishful thinking. It is an academic record.

A common grading scale is:

• A: 90–100
• B: 80–89
• C: 70–79
• D: 60–69
• F: Below 60

You may use a different scale, but state it clearly and apply it consistently. Grades can be based on:

• Tests and quizzes
• Essays and written assignments
• Projects
• Laboratory work
• Presentations
• Daily assignments
• Class participation
• Final examinations
• Demonstrated mastery

If a course was taught by an outside instructor at a co-op, an online school, or a college, record the grade that organization awarded. Do not quietly change an outside B into an A.

A transcript filled with perfect grades may look impressive, but it can raise questions if those grades are not supported by the student’s work, outside classes, recommendations, or test results. Give the grade your student earned, not the grade you wish your student had earned.

Why Realistic Homeschool Grades Matter

A transcript is not only used to decide whether a student will be admitted. Colleges may also use academic records, test scores, placement testing, or a combination of factors to determine which classes a student should take.

If a transcript says a student mastered advanced algebra, but the student still struggles with basic equations, placing that student into a higher college math class may set the student up for frustration or failure.

Likewise, an inflated English grade may place a student in a writing-intensive course for which they are not prepared. That does not help our children. Our goal isn’t merely to help them get into college. Our goal is to help them be ready for college. Admission gets your student through the door; honest preparation helps your student stay there.

A lower but truthful grade is not a mark of parental failure. It is useful information. It shows you and your student where additional study, tutoring, or practice may be needed.

Step 5: Calculate the GPA

A standard unweighted GPA usually follows this scale:

• A = 4 points
• B = 3 points
• C = 2 points
• D = 1 point
• F = 0 points

Multiply the grade points by the credit value of each class. Add those grade points together, and then divide by the total number of credits attempted. For example:

• English II: A, 1 credit = 4 points
• Geometry: B, 1 credit = 3 points
• Biology: A, 1 credit = 4 points
• World History: B, 1 credit = 3 points
• Art: A, 0.5 credit = 2 points

The student earned 16 grade points across 4.5 credits: 16 ÷ 4.5 = 3.56 GPA

Some families use a weighted GPA for honors, AP, or dual-enrollment work. Colleges may recalculate every applicant’s GPA according to their own system, so identify clearly whether the GPA on your transcript is weighted or unweighted. When uncertain, an unweighted GPA is often the simplest and most transparent choice. A GPA should be calculated—not created.

Step 6: Include Outside and Dual-Enrollment Courses

Did your student complete courses through:

• A homeschool co-op?
• An online academy?
• A community college?
• A university?
• A private instructor?
• A public-school partnership?
• A technical program?

Include those classes and identify the provider when appropriate. For example:

• College Algebra—Central Community College
• Spanish II—Bright Path Online Academy
• Chemistry with Lab—Cornerstone Homeschool Co-op

Remember that listing a dual-enrollment course on the homeschool transcript does not replace the college’s official transcript. The student will usually need to request an official transcript directly from the college that awarded the credit.

Outside classes are helpful because they provide colleges with additional evidence of a student’s readiness and ability to work with instructors other than a parent.

Step 7: Understand Testing and Placement Policies

Families should not assume that every college follows the same testing policy. Many colleges require, recommend, or consider ACT or SAT scores. Others are test-optional, test-flexible, or test-blind. Even a test-optional college may require scores for certain scholarships, academic programs, athletic eligibility, or course placement. Always check the current policy of every school on your student’s list.

Homeschooled students may find ACT or SAT scores especially helpful because they provide an external measure that can support the grades on a parent-issued transcript.

Some colleges—particularly community colleges—may also ask students to complete placement testing. One widely used option is ACCUPLACER, which helps institutions evaluate readiness for courses in reading, writing, and math. Other colleges use their own placement exams or consider several factors, including high school grades and test scores.

A placement test is not necessarily a rejection of your transcript. Its purpose is to help the school place the student in a class where the student has a reasonable opportunity to succeed. Placement testing isn’t about proving your child is smart. Instead, it’s about finding the right place for your child to start.

Prepare for testing early. Do not wait until the month before graduation to discover that your student needs extensive review in algebra, grammar, or essay writing.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Details

Before calling the transcript complete, make sure it contains:

• A clear title, such as “Official High School Transcript”
• The student’s identifying information
• The homeschool’s identifying information
• Courses organized by year or subject
• Credits and final grades
• Total credits earned
• Cumulative GPA
• Grading scale
• Graduation date
• Parent or administrator’s printed name
• Parent or administrator’s signature
• Date issued

Save an editable copy and a PDF copy. The PDF prevents accidental formatting changes when the document is emailed or uploaded.

When sending the transcript, follow the college’s instructions. Some institutions accept transcripts uploaded via an application platform. Others ask the homeschool administrator to send it directly. A college may request a final transcript after graduation, even if an earlier transcript was submitted with the application.

Label the transcript “official” only when it is final, signed, dated, and being submitted through the method requested by the institution.

Keep a Supporting Portfolio

The transcript is the summary, but your records provide the evidence supporting it.

Consider keeping:

• Course descriptions
• Curriculum names and publishers
• Book and literature lists
• Laboratory records
• Major essays
• Significant projects
• Test results
• Volunteer records
• Internship documentation
• Co-op grades
• Online-course reports
• Dual-enrollment transcripts
• Certificates and awards

A college may never ask for most of these records, but having them available makes it much easier to answer questions.

For each high school course, write the description while the details are fresh. Reconstructing four years of coursework during the fall of senior year is possible, but it is not pleasant. Ask me how I know!

What Should Not Go on the Homeschool Transcript?

Not every accomplishment belongs on the academic transcript. A transcript usually should not contain lengthy descriptions of:

• Hobbies
• Volunteer work
• Church involvement
• Sports
• Employment
• Mission trips
• Clubs
• Awards unrelated to coursework

These experiences are valuable, but they usually belong on a student résumé, activity list, application, or school profile. They are not needed on your child’s homeschool transcrip.

If an experience was developed into a legitimate course, such as an internship connected to a career-exploration class, document the learning objectives and explain how the credit was earned.

A Final Homeschool Transcript Checklist

Before sending your student’s transcript, ask:

• Are all course titles clear?
• Are the credits reasonable?
• Are the grades accurate?
• Is the grading scale included?
• Is the GPA calculated correctly?
• Are outside providers identified?
• Does the transcript include a graduation date?
• Is it signed and dated?
• Does it look professional?
• Does it match the student’s actual level of preparation?
• Have we checked the requirements of every prospective college?
• Have we saved the records that support every course and grade?

Then ask one more important question: “Does this document honestly represent my student?”

If the answer is yes, you have done your job well. The goal is not a perfect-looking transcript. The goal is a trustworthy record of real learning.

10 Helpful Online Resources for Homeschool Parents

Policies and requirements change, so always check the latest information directly with each college. These are some amazing resources, but not that some do require membership to access the information.

1. HSLDA High School Transcript Templates
   Offers transcript guidance and downloadable templates, although some materials may require an account or membership.
2. HSLDA Sample High School Transcript
   Shows how course names, credits, grades, and GPA can be organized.
3. Common App
   Allows students to apply to participating colleges. A homeschool parent or supervisor commonly completes the counselor portion and submits school documents.
4. College Board’s Homeschoolers’ Guide to Assessments
   Explains how homeschoolers can access the SAT, PSAT, AP, and CLEP programs.
5. ACT Resources for Homeschool Students
   Provides ACT registration, planning, and college-readiness information for homeschool families.
6. ACCUPLACER
   Explains college placement testing and provides free practice materials and sample questions.
7. BigFuture College Planning for Homeschoolers
   Helps families research colleges, applications, financial aid, and other planning steps.
8. Federal Student Aid
   Provides official information about the FAFSA, federal financial-aid eligibility, grants, loans, and application procedures.
9. College Navigator
   A U.S. Department of Education tool for researching colleges, programs, costs, admission information, and graduation rates.
10. NCAA Homeschool Student Eligibility Requirements
    Essential for homeschooled students who hope to participate in NCAA college athletics. NCAA documentation requirements extend beyond an ordinary transcript.

You Can Do This

Creating a transcript can feel intimidating because it carries so much importance. But remember: you have already done the harder work. You selected the materials. You taught the lessons. You encouraged your student. You adjusted when something wasn’t working. You watched your child grow. The transcript simply gathers that learning into a form someone else can understand.

Be thorough. Be realistic. Be truthful. And give yourself permission to ask colleges questions. Admissions offices would rather help you prepare the correct documents than receive incomplete information later.

You are not trying to manufacture an impressive student on paper. You are helping a real student take the next faithful step. And that real story—told clearly and honestly—is worth sharing.

Additional Resources – An Exciting Opportunity

Have you ever dreamed of walking the cobblestone streets of Europe and stepping right into the pages of history? I would love to invite you (and your homeschool grad!) to join me for a special adventure in August 2027. We are heading to the breathtaking city of Prague!

Writing historical fiction and navigating the homeschool journey has shown me that a beautiful adventure begins when we step into the very places where history was made. 

The 2027 Prague Experience offers three unique paths to fit your heart’s calling:

• The Mission Experience: Serve alongside local ministries and build meaningful relationships within the community.
• The Homeschool Experience: Bring history, literature, culture, and faith to life through immersive education for your family.
• The Leisure Experience: Take in the stunning architecture, enjoy authentic Czech cuisine, and share wonderful fellowship.

We will discover historic landmarks and celebrate a rich Christian heritage together. The itinerary is being finalized right now, and there is no obligation to simply learn more.

Join the priority list today to receive early registration opportunities, pricing details, and special updates directly from me!

If you’ve read any blogs about homeschooling (or have attended a homeschool conference), you most likely have been encouraged to Read Aloud to your kids. For some the idea of reading aloud to your children may feel foreign or intimidating, especially if you did not grow up with someone reading to you. Do you feel that way, friend? If so, you are not alone. 

The good news is that sharing a book together is not about putting on a theatrical performance or having formal literary training. Instead, it is simply inviting your child into a story, creating a warm bond, and discovering the joy of words side by side … no multiple character voices needed!

Cultivating a Love for Literature

Reading aloud became a core part of my homeschooling when I had seven children I was teaching at once. That’s when I turned to Sonlight curriculum.

One of the greatest gifts that Sonlight gave our family was a love of beautiful literature. Even years later, my children still remember many of these stories. 

Some of our favorite read-alouds included timeless classics like Charlotte’s Web, Owls in the Family, and Homer Price. These books are filled with both humor and moral values. They were written during eras when authors consciously embedded strong moral foundations into their narratives. The characters in these books model virtues like sacrificial friendship, family unity, and community responsibility. Children learn the value of these things through the pages of a story.

Why doe reading aloud matter? In today’s rapidly changing culture, children frequently face confusing messages about right and wrong. Returning to character-rich stories provides a steady and reliable moral compass … which is exactly what our children need.

Great books like these bypasses the need for a lecture. Instead our kids see morals, values, and consequences played out. These types of stories plant truths directly into children’s heart, shaping their character in ways that will last well into adulthood.

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." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NIV)

How to Read Aloud

For first-time homeschool parents, the idea of reading aloud might feel challenging. The secret is understanding that young children do not need to sit rigidly still to absorb a story. Aren’t we glad?

Kids can listen while they are busy with other things. You can easily read while they play with wooden blocks or color a picture. Keeping their hands busy actually helps anchor their attention to the words being spoken. This is a concept supported by Jim Trelease in The Read-Aloud Handbook, which is a great book!

Make the reading aloud experience interactive and engaging. You can pause to ask questions about what might happen next. You can also (if you choose!) give different characters unique voices. 

If your kindergartner or elementary school aged child is coloring, you can encourage them to draw the scenes they hear in the story. This removes the pressure of forced stillness and turns literature time into a joyful shared activity. 

Yet also read to older children too! I read to my kids all the way through high school. Reading aloud naturally builds vocabulary and comprehension, setting a strong foundation for their independent reading journey later on. My older kids had independent work too, of course, but they enjoyed listening along with their younger siblings.

Here are some books that I read aloud to my kids ages 5-15 as I homeschooled them together:

The Read-Aloud Handbook

Understood Betsy

Little Pear

Charlotte’s Web

Owls in the Family

Homer Price

My Father’s Dragon

Henry Huggins

Sarah, Plain and Tall

The Boxcar Children

As a homeschooling mom of many, I also loved using Five in a Row Curriculum. Instead of rushing through subjects, we’d spend an entire week enjoying one wonderful picture book together. As I read aloud, the conversations these books sparked were just as valuable as any workbook.

Some of our favorites were:

The Story About Ping

Make Way for Ducklings

Caps for Sale

Katy and the Big Snow

Madeline

Very Last First Time

Lentil 

Owl Moon

A Treasured Routine 

You do not need a background in literature to make reading aloud time a treasured part of your day. You only need a willingness to start. 

As you open these books, you will find that the shared laughter, the wide-eyed wonder, and the quiet moments of connection will naturally unfold. I love how God can use these simple stories to draw families closer together and to weave His truth into our children’s hearts. Pick out one story, find a cozy spot, and let the adventure begin.

Prayer for Aspiring Readers 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of stories and the precious minds of our children. Please give us the courage to step into new routines and the grace to enjoy the learning process. Help us to use these moments of reading together to build strong bonds and point our families toward Your unfailing love. Guide our words and our hearts as we explore these wonderful books side by side. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

An Exciting Opportunity

The 2027 Prague Experience offers three unique paths to fit your heart’s calling:

• The Mission Experience: Serve alongside local ministries and build meaningful relationships within the community.
• The Homeschool Experience: Bring history, literature, culture, and faith to life through immersive education for your family.
• The Leisure Experience: Take in the stunning architecture, enjoy authentic Czech cuisine, and share wonderful fellowship.

We will discover historic landmarks and celebrate a rich Christian heritage together. The itinerary is being finalized right now, and there is no obligation required to simply learn more.

Join the priority list today to receive early registration opportunities, pricing details, and special updates directly from me!

If you want God to move in your life in ways that leave you breathless, there is one simple, radical posture you have to adopt: Just be available.

Be available, and genuinely believe that He will move on your behalf.

You have to believe this down in your bones. If you don’t believe in a BIG God with BIG dreams, there’s no real point in making yourself available. But when you learn to trust God completely and surrender your timeline to His divine imagination, you can rest in the absolute assurance that He will lead you down the right path.

Let me tell you how I know this is true.

More Than a Statistic

Fifty-two years before I wrote these words, a young woman was about to give birth. She was young, scared, and had no idea how she could afford a child without her parents’ help. She hadn’t spoken to her former boyfriend in months and didn’t even know how to reach him. Her conversation with God was stilted and filled with heavy questions: How could God let this happen to me? What is my life going to look like now?

When that baby girl was born, the young mother held her close and realized that things were going to be okay. This child wasn’t a burden; she was a gift. She raised her daughter the best she could, pouring love into her, wanting so desperately to give her a better life.

But history has a heartbreaking way of repeating itself.

Years later, that daughter found herself in the exact same situation—living at home, pregnant, terrified, and wondering how she was going to survive.

If you haven’t guessed by now, I was the daughter.

I was born to a single teenage mom, and at seventeen years old, I became a single teenage mom myself. My boyfriend was out of the picture, and I faced raising my son with no college degree, no money, and—according to the world’s calculations—little to no hope for a bright future.

If you take my story at face value, I was supposed to be a statistic.

Government research tells us that daughters of teen mothers are overwhelmingly likely to become teen mothers themselves, walking a path defined by hardship and cycle after cycle of poverty.

Yet, I am not a statistic. And do you know why? Because God doesn’t do statistics.

God loves to take human statistics and blow them completely out of the water. Throughout Scripture, He has a habit of seeing what nobody else can see. He saw a mighty king in a forgotten shepherd boy named David (1 Samuel 16:7). He saw a bold apostle in a persecutor named Paul. He saw a mighty warrior in a frightened nobody hiding in a wine press named Gideon (Judges 6:12).

God has spiritual X-ray vision. He looks past your current circumstances, past your past mistakes, and past national demographics, peering directly into the human heart.

And when God looked at a seventeen-year-old scared girl holding a newborn baby, He saw something worth redeeming.

Today, God has allowed me to author dozens of books, write for major publications, speak across the country, and walk alongside thousands of women through the Daily Bible Podcast and my Heart Happy community. Over the years, our family launched crisis pregnancy centers, supported teen moms, and stepped out in faith to adopt and foster children.

None of that happened because I was special, talented, or had it all together. It happened because of a BIG God with BIG plans for my life.

What Does “Being Available” Actually Look Like?

God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, but He invites us to participate. We have to open the door.

My journey toward availability wasn’t a one-time decision where I suddenly had everything figured out. It started on a quiet day when I was six months pregnant and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ as my Savior. That was Day One.

Over the decades since, God has taught me what it really means to live an available life.

1. Being Available Means Stepping Away from the Status Quo

Sometimes, being available to God requires you to do things that look completely crazy to the people around you.

Years ago, after I gave my heart to the Lord, birthed my son, and later married my incredible husband, John, we had three small children under the age of five. We felt a quiet, persistent prompt in our hearts to raise our family in Montana—a place we had literally never even visited! We had no job lined up there, very little money, and our family thought we had lost our minds.

We got on our knees and prayed a simple prayer: “Lord, if this desire is from You, make it clear.”

At the time, John sold computers on commission, usually selling one or two a week. The very next day after our prayer, he went to work and sold eleven computers in a single day—enough to pay off our lingering bills and fund our move.

We packed up our kids and moved 1,000 miles away. Within three weeks, John had a far better job. Within six months, we bought our first home. And within a year, we were deeply plugged into a thriving church, ministering to youth in ways we had only ever dreamed of.

When you trust a Big God, you can trust Him to guide your steps even when the destination feels unknown.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11

2. Being Available Means Cultivating a Hungry Heart

To be truly heart-happy, you have to want God Himself—not just His blessings, not just answers to your prayers, but His presence. When you become hungry for His Spirit to work in and through you, you stop clinging to comfort and start asking, “Lord, what are You doing today, and how can I be a part of it?”

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." — Ephesians 3:20-21

Step Into Your Story

You might feel like your past disqualifies you. You might look at your current bank account, your relationship status, or your lack of formal training and think, “God could never use someone like me.”

Let my story be your reminder today: God loves using the broken, the overlooked, and the statistically improbable.

All He needs is your “Yes.” Lay down your need to control the outcome, stop worrying about what other people think, and make yourself available to the Creator of the universe. You will be amazed at where He takes you.

A Prayer to Become Available

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not view me through the lens of my past, my mistakes, or the world’s statistics. Thank You for having BIG dreams for my life and for seeing potential in me that I cannot see in myself. Lord, today I make myself completely available to You. Take my talents, my time, my resources, and my ordinary moments, and use them for Your glory. Give me the courage to step away from comfort and follow You down whatever path You lead. I place my hope and my future in Your faithful hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

An Exciting Opportunity

Have you ever dreamed of walking the cobblestone streets of Europe and stepping right into the pages of history? I would love to invite you to join me for a special adventure in August 2027. We are heading to the breathtaking city of Prague!

Writing historical fiction and navigating the homeschool journey has shown me that a beautiful adventure begins when we step into the very places where history was made. 

The 2027 Prague Experience offers three unique paths to fit your heart’s calling:

• The Mission Experience: Serve alongside local ministries and build meaningful relationships within the community.
• The Homeschool Experience: Bring history, literature, culture, and faith to life through immersive education for your family.
• The Leisure Experience: Take in the stunning architecture, enjoy authentic Czech cuisine, and share wonderful fellowship.

We will discover historic landmarks and celebrate a rich Christian heritage together. The itinerary is being finalized right now, and there is no obligation to simply learn more.

Join the priority list today to receive early registration opportunities, pricing details, and special updates directly from me!

The first year of homeschooling can feel exciting and overwhelming. When I started, I had three kids ages five, two and newborn. I was overwhelmed, and I thought, “What in the world am I doing?” That’s when I decided to focus on the basics, and it really paid off.

My first year of kindergarten was over thirty years ago. The good news is that my oldest three kids are now adults. All of them are doing extremely well. Two have wonderful spouses and children. They all have great jobs, good friends, and exciting hobbies. Most of all, my adult children love learning, love our family, and love God. 

At the time, I didn’t think I knew what I was doing, but looking back I see that my top priorities led to success. That’s the good news, friends! Kindergarten doesn’t have to be complicated. The very simple choices you make during kindergarten are the exact building blocks that can lead to growing life-long learners!

Don’t Get Overwhelmed

…and don’t worry if your child is “keeping up.”

If you happen to do an internet search on “homeschooling schedules and curriculum,” the millions of results can be overwhelming. There are thousands of ideas for daily schedules, and even more ideas for the best curriculum choices. How can you ever choose? Worries fill your mind, and you wonder if your child will “keep up.”

After homeschooling for more than thirty years—including homeschooling seven children at one time—I can tell you something that will hopefully give you peace: Your goal isn’t to recreate school at home. Your goal is to raise a child who loves God, loves learning, and loves being with you. Kindergarten is the perfect year to slow down, start simple, and enjoy the journey. If you are brand new to homeschooling, here is exactly how to start, step by step.

Step 1: Remember What Matters Most (People Over Schedules)

The most important rule of a homeschool routine is simple: Don’t let the schedule rule you. A schedule should serve your family, not the other way around.

Try planning four formal school days each week and saving one day for field trips, library visits, nature walks, playgroups, or serving others. Some of our children’s favorite school memories happened outside our house.

Also, don’t be afraid of rabbit trails or redirection. When you leave room for the unexpected, you leave room for the Holy Spirit to move in your day. If a morning starts off rough, you have the freedom to pause, go outside, or share a quick snack. By building flexibility into your week, you teach your children that forming relationships always matters more than checking boxes.

Step 2: Keep Your Priorities Simple

If I were homeschooling kindergarten again today, these would be my priorities:

• Bible
• Phonics
• Reading aloud
• Handwriting
• Basic math

Everything else can happen naturally in everyday life. Science happens while digging for worms. History happens through great books. Music happens while singing. Art happens while painting, coloring, and creating. Life skills happen while baking cookies and folding laundry. You do not need a massive stack of textbooks for a five-year-old.

Step 3: Focus on Phonics

One reading specialist commented that she often sees parents spend lots of time reading to children—but not enough time teaching phonics. I think that’s excellent advice.

Read aloud every single day. But also spend intentional time helping your child connect letters and sounds. Strong phonics instruction makes reading, writing, and spelling much easier later. By breaking reading down into its smallest parts through short, daily phonics games or lessons, you give your child the tools to unlock thousands of stories independently.

Step 4: Keep Lessons Short

Kindergartners don’t need long lessons. Their attention spans are short, and their bodies are built to move.

Instead of trying to finish every worksheet, watch your child. When they’re engaged, stop. Leave them excited for tomorrow rather than pushing them to the point of frustration. Ten to twenty minutes is often enough for one subject. Learning should feel enjoyable—not exhausting.

Step 5: Read Constantly

If I could only give one piece of homeschool advice, it would be this: Read more books. Many subjects can be learned through wonderful stories.

When we open a book together, vocabulary grows naturally. Character develops. Curiosity grows. Conversations happen. Some of our richest homeschool discussions started with a picture book. Sitting side by side on the couch, sharing a story builds a shared family culture that workbooks simply cannot replicate.

Step 6: Don’t Be Afraid to Play

Do not feel guilty when your school day looks like play. Play isn’t taking a break from learning. Play is learning for a young child. Children learn beautifully through:

• Building with blocks (exploring physics and spatial awareness)
• Pretending and role-playing
• Nature walks
• Painting, coloring, and creating
• Cooking and baking
• Board games (practicing math, turn-taking, and critical thinking)
• Dancing in the living room
• Helping around the house

A Simple Kindergarten Schedule

To help you visualize your week, here is an example of what a balanced, gentle routine can look like.

Monday–Thursday Routine

• Bible & Prayer (10–15 min): Devotional, scripture memory, and praying together.
• Read Aloud (20 min): A chapter book or beautiful picture books.
• Phonics (15–20 min): Short, interactive lesson or reading game.
• Handwriting (10 min): Tracing letters, drawing shapes, or practicing their name.
• Math (15–20 min): Counting objects, playing math games, or a quick workbook page.
• Outside Play (Lots!): Running, climbing, exploring, and fresh air.
• Enrichment (Flexible): Art, music, science, cooking, nature, or life skills.

Friday: Day of Discovery

Keep Fridays completely fun and flexible:

• Library visits or museum trips
• Field trips or visiting the zoo
• Park days and nature walks
• Visiting grandparents
• Baking together
• Service projects
• Reading lots of books

Give Yourself Grace

Your homeschool won’t look like anyone else’s. Some weeks you’ll finish every lesson. Some weeks you’ll only read books and go to the park. Both are okay. Both are school.

Children don’t remember perfectly completed lesson plans. Instead, they remember cuddling on the couch while Mom read another chapter. They remember baking bread. They remember collecting leaves. They remember laughing together.

One Last Thought

When people ask me what made the biggest difference in our homeschool across thirty-five years, they often expect me to name a specific curriculum or an organizational hack.

Instead, I tell them this: We read together. We talked together. We prayed together. We explored together. And we enjoyed one another. This builds an education and a family.

It is vital to remember that kindergarten is the foundation on which the rest of your homeschool years will be built. Because of this, the main focus should be fostering a true love for learning. Cultivating this sense of wonder and delight in the early years sets a joyful tone for the decades of discovery ahead. As we read in the Bible:

“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.” — Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Embracing the Journey Ahead

As you begin this wonderful journey of homeschooling your kindergarten student, take a deep breath. You truly have everything you need to succeed. The simple moments spent reading on the couch, exploring the backyard, and learning about God’s world build an incredible foundation. When you prioritize relationships and keep your days simple, you give your child a gift that will last a lifetime. Remember the wisdom found in Scripture: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Your primary goal is simply to guide their heart toward the Lord and foster a genuine joy in discovery.

A Prayer for Your Homeschool

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful gift of children and the absolute privilege of guiding their education. Please grant deep peace to the parent reading these words today. Remove any feelings of overwhelm or anxiety about checking every single box. Help them to see the wonder in small, everyday moments. Give them the patience to handle challenging mornings and the joy to celebrate tiny victories. Guide their daily routine and let Your Holy Spirit fill their home with love, laughter, and a sincere desire to know You more. Lord, bless their homeschool and knit their family closer together this year.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Helpful Resource for Your Journey

If you want to dig deeper into building a joyful and simple learning environment, I highly recommend reading Homeschool Basics. My friend Kristi Clover and I teamed up to gather the best tried-and-true advice from our combined decades of experience to help you get started and stay the course.

We wrote this book to provide practical tools that take the unnecessary pressure off your shoulders so you can focus on the heart rather than just academics. We cover a wide range of topics to support your family:

• Top ten tips for a successful first year
• Strategies for planning your schedule with absolute confidence
• Advice on balancing your housekeeping and lessons
• Ways to teach multiple children at the same time
• Ideas for helping your child develop a life-long love of learning

Homeschooling can truly transform your life, your home, and your family by preparing your children for the life God called them to live. If you are feeling overwhelmed or simply need a fresh dose of inspiration, this guide will remind you that you have exactly what it takes to succeed.

An Exciting Opportunity

Have you ever dreamed of walking the cobblestone streets of Europe and stepping right into the pages of history? I would love to invite you to join me for a special adventure in August 2027. We are heading to the breathtaking city of Prague!

Writing historical fiction and navigating the homeschool journey has shown me that a beautiful adventure begins when we step into the very places where history was made. 

The 2027 Prague Experience offers three unique paths to fit your heart’s calling:

• The Mission Experience: Serve alongside local ministries and build meaningful relationships within the community.
• The Homeschool Experience: Bring history, literature, culture, and faith to life through immersive education for your family.
• The Leisure Experience: Take in the stunning architecture, enjoy authentic Czech cuisine, and share wonderful fellowship.

We will discover historic landmarks and celebrate a rich Christian heritage together. The itinerary is being finalized right now, and there is no obligation to simply learn more.

Join the priority list today to receive early registration opportunities, pricing details, and special updates directly from me!

Looking back at my thoughts from 2009, I cannot help but smile at the journey. Back then, I was just navigating the end of the teen years with my oldest children. I was a coffee-loving, non-gardening mom who felt a little out of place in the traditional homeschool mold, but I was so deeply thankful that the scary predictions about teenagers hadn’t come true for our home.

Now, fast-forward to today. After raising ten children—navigating toddlers, teenagers, and young adults many times over—I have a whole new perspective. If you are a homeschool parent currently staring down the barrel of the teenage years or feeling anxious about what lies ahead, let me offer you some gentle, time-tested encouragement: the teen years do not have to be a season of terror.

What 2009 Taught Me vs. What 10 Teen Kids Have Proven

Back in 2009, I wrote about a family at church with eight kids whose warmth toward each other blew me away. I wanted teenagers who actually liked their parents, and I worried if homeschooling could really deliver that.

Here is what decades of parenting ten kids has taught me since then:

• Homeschooling Isn’t a Guarantee, But It Is an Invitation: Homeschooling isn’t a magic formula that prevents every struggle or rebellion. However, it gives us something priceless that traditional schedules often strip away: time.
• Time Breeds Intimacy: When you spend your days together, you get to witness the subtle shifts in your teenager’s heart. You get to hear their late-night thoughts, understand their unique sense of humor, and work through real-life conflicts in real time.
• Connection Over Perfection: You don’t have to fit a specific homeschool stereotype to build a lasting bond with your teen. Whether you are baking bread from scratch or grabbing fast-food milkshakes after a hard math lesson, what matters most to your teenager is your presence, your empathy, and your willingness to listen.

The Gift of Knowing Your Teenager

Culture constantly tells us that teenagers will automatically become distant, moody, and secretive. But in a homeschool home, you have the special privilege of seeing who God is shaping them to be right before your eyes.

Yes, there will be hard days. There will be attitudes to correct, heavy conversations to navigate, and moments when you feel completely out of your depth. But because you are walking shoulder-to-shoulder with them through their education and daily life, you get opportunities to connect with them in ways other parents rarely get the chance to experience.

You get to be their sounding board, their safest place to fail, and their biggest cheerleader as they step into young adulthood.

Scripture gives us such a beautiful reminder of the value of pouring truth and time into our children daily:

“And you must commit yourself wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” — Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NLT)

Homeschooling allows faith, character, and relationship to be woven naturally into the fabric of your ordinary days.

3 Ways to Cultivate Joy with Your Homeschool Teen

If you want to build a rich, connected relationship with your teenager during these crucial years, try focusing on these simple heart habits:

1. Protect Unscheduled Time: Resist the urge to over-schedule every hour of their day. Leave room for spontaneous conversations, shared hobbies, or just sitting on the couch together at the end of a long afternoon.
2. Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Judge: When your teen shares a doubt, a struggle, or a quirky opinion, try to listen without immediately jumping into lecture mode. Create a safe space where they know they won’t be instantly condemned for processing out loud.
3. Enjoy Who They Are Right Now: Don’t just focus on preparing them for the future; enjoy the person they are today. Laugh at their jokes, learn about the things they are passionate about, and celebrate their growing independence.

Action Step for Homeschool Parents

Sometime this week, set aside 30 minutes to do something purely fun with your pre-teen or teenager—no schoolwork, no chores, and no hidden agendas. Grab a coffee, go for a drive, or play a quick game, and simply tell them how much you enjoy being their parent.

A Prayer for Parents Navigating the Teen Years

Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of our children and for the privilege of walking alongside them through every season of growth. For the parent who feels anxious or fearful about the teenage years, please fill their heart with Your peace and confidence. Give us supernatural wisdom, patience, and gentle grace as we guide our teens toward young adulthood. Help us to guard our relationships with our children, to listen with open hearts, and to reflect Your loving-kindness in our homes every day. May our homeschools be places of deep connection, laughter, and lasting faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

YOUR TURN! Are you currently homeschooling a teenager, or are you preparing for those years ahead? What is one way you like to connect with your big kids? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Additional Resources

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart.

Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners. Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!

What if the most atheistic country in Europe became your next mission trip?

In one of the hardest places in the world to plant a church, 1,300 people a month are finding faith — and you’re invited to be part of what’s next.

The Czech Republic is often cited as one of the most atheistic nations on Earth. It’s a place where faith isn’t just uncommon; it’s counter cultural. And yet, for over a decade, a network of churches called Maják (”lighthouse” in Czech) has been doing exactly that: planting light in the dark. I want to share, in his own words, a message from one of the men leading that work.

A note from Pastor Freddie (Bedrich):

I am Pastor Freddie from the Czech Republic, leader of the Maják Network. We started Maják with the hope of bringing Jesus to people in one of the most atheistic countries in the world. By God’s grace, our church has grown into a network of 11 churches serving more than 1,300 people every month. But we are not done! Our vision is to see our network grow to 20 churches, reaching even more people with the good news.

To help fulfill this vision, we are organizing a Maják Partner Conference on October 6th and 7th in Birmingham, Alabama.

Our hope is to connect with ministry partners for new churches not just in the Czech Republic, but also in Slovakia and Poland. We want to share more of our vision and introduce some of our incredible leaders. We are so grateful for current partners like Tricia and John Goyer—whose daughter, Leslie, is part of one of our churches. They are helping us see this vision fulfilled, and we will have some exciting news to share about our partnership with them very soon!

For now, our immediate need is raising $15,000 to cover the travel costs to bring our Czech leaders over to the US.

If you are interested in learning more, would you consider joining us in Birmingham, or partnering with us financially to help get our team there?

Why This Mission Matters

Eleven churches. Over 1,300 people reached every month. In a country where secularism runs deep, and faith often feels like swimming upstream. WOW! That’s not a small thing… that’s a movement.

And Pastor Freddie isn’t asking anyone to take his word for it from a distance. He’s asking for the chance to show it. He will be bringing his leaders across the ocean to sit at the table with partners in Birmingham. Their heart is to cast a vision for what 20 churches across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland could look like.

That kind of trip doesn’t happen on hope alone. It happens because people who believe in the mission step up to cover the cost of getting there.

These are the leaders who are coming:

Marek, David, Dima, Freddie, Petr, Ivo, Daniel

You Can Help!

There are a few simple ways to be part of this mission:

1. Join Us in Birmingham

The Maják Partner Conference is October 6–7. If you want to hear the vision firsthand and meet the leaders behind it, this is your invitation.

Schedule and Information

Register for the Conference

2. Help Fund the October Trip to Birmingham

The immediate need is $15,000 to bring the Czech mission leadership team to the US. Every gift — large or small — moves them closer to being in the room. If this stirs something in you, reach out and let’s talk about how to get involved. Sometimes the most atheistic corners of the world are exactly where a lighthouse is needed most.

Donate $15 to help

3. Learn and Pray, Give and Go!

Go see it for yourself. Whether it’s a short-term mission trip, a homeschool family trip, or simply taking a vacation to learn more about how church planting works in Moravia and the Czech Republic — there’s a door open for you! Sometimes the most atheistic corners of the world are exactly where a lighthouse is needed most. Go see it for yourself! Fill out the part you’d like to play!

Connect With Us →

Tell us how you’d like to be part of this mission story. Give financially, ask about traveling to the Czech Republic next year, join the prayer team, or just stay in the loop. It takes two minutes, and it’s the first step toward Birmingham, Prague, and everywhere this vision is headed next!

I can’t wait for you to join us!

Additional Resources

Daily Bible Podcast Coffee Club

We’re Tricia and Michelle, two friends inviting you to join us in reading through the Bible chronologically this year. Reading the Bible every day can be a challenge. We’re here to summarize each day’s passage and provide action steps… in under 15 minutes. Grab a buddy and join our community. Take the plunge, and let’s read through the Bible together. We’ll be cheering you on all the way!

You can join us using your own One Year Bible© (if you’d like to purchase one, you can grab your preferred version using the links below). Or you can print up the One Year Chronological Reading Plan. If you don’t have a copy of the One Year Bible©, we will have the exact passages for the next day in the show notes. You can also subscribe to the One Year Chronological Bible Reading plan on the YouVersion Bible App.

Join us here!

When our family welcomed new children through foster care and adoption, it was one of the most beautiful—and utterly overwhelming—seasons of my life. Our home was suddenly filled with new routines, new fears, and a delicate mix of big emotions.

I felt weary, but my load was lightened immeasurably when neighbors, friends, and our church family stepped in to help. They brought meals, gave gift cards, offered childcare for our large crew, and sent constant notes of encouragement. They didn’t just tell us they were praying; they rolled up their sleeves and became our village.

As homeschool parents, we have a unique opportunity to turn these moments into living classroom lessons. When we open our Bibles, God’s command to care for the vulnerable is crystal clear:

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” — James 1:27 (NLT)

“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” — Isaiah 1:17 (NLT)

Teaching our children the value of service doesn’t have to come from a textbook unit study. Serving foster and adoptive families allows our kids to practice hands-on, Christlike compassion right in our own communities.

Turning Service into a Family Practice

When you involve your children in blessing foster and adoptive families, you teach them that loving others requires action. Here are a few ways to turn these acts of service into meaningful family projects:

• Meal Prep as a Home Economics Lesson: Gather your kids in the kitchen to double a batch of dinner rolls, bake a casserole, or assemble freezer meals for a family navigating a new placement.
• Chore Blessings: Teach your older kids to serve by offering to mow a foster family’s lawn, rake leaves, or walk their dog during those hectic first few weeks.
• Organize a Supply Drive: Have your kids inventory baby gear, diapers, wipes, and gently used clothes, or let them help pick out brand-new pajamas to build a “placement kit” for a local agency.
• Blessing the Biological and Existing Kids: Remind your children to include the resident siblings in a foster or adoptive home. Giving existing kids a special card, a small treat, or an invitation for a play date shows them that their changing world is recognized and cared for, too.

Real Ways You Can Bless Foster and Adoptive Families

I asked several foster and adoptive moms what meant the most to them during their placement seasons. Here is what they shared:

1. Show Up Without Being Asked

When a child arrives, parents are often operating on pure adrenaline and low sleep. It is hard for a weary parent to even know what to ask for.

• “Friends brought over food, diapers, formula, and other necessities while we got settled. Kids are often dropped off with nothing. They didn’t ask … they just DID.” — Krystie
• “Friends just show up. We had a couple who came out to California where we were adopting and celebrated with us, serving as a hand to hold after the emotional roller coaster.” — LeighAnn

2. Provide Meals and Paper Goods

Dinner is often the hardest hour of the day during a major transition.

• “Our mom’s group at church made meals for us for the first two weeks and donated toys and baby supplies. They have been such a huge blessing!” — Charity
• “Meals for the family are so helpful, along with paper products so we don’t have to do dishes.” — Shannan

3. Throw a Shower or Organize Supplies

Many foster placements happen with less than 24 hours’ notice, leaving parents scrambling for age-appropriate gear.

• “Friends threw us an adoption shower. We took the money and bought our three adopted kids a new wooden swing set. They enjoyed it for many years!” — Sherrie
• “My church threw me a baby shower. I had nothing, and we were surprised to have only 24 hours to get ready for her.” — Laura

4. Offer Childcare and Respite Support

Providing trusted eyes and hands gives parents much-needed breathing room to recharge or spend one-on-one time with individual children.

• “Respite care, meals, activities with individual kids, clothes, and Christmas gifts meant so much. Something that really touched me was when my biological kids were included, too.” — Kimberly
• “Friends washed laundry while watching my little guy, gave seven weeks of free childcare until he could go to daycare, and watched him while I had a nap after being sick all night.” — Andrea

5. Wrap Them in Acceptance and Prayer

Above all, foster and adoptive families need a community that surrounds them with fierce love and consistency.

• “The most important thing is having a village of friends, family, and fellow foster/adopt families to surround you and your kiddos for support. Prayer is the key for daily strength and wisdom.” — Christy
• “We were thankful that each of our children was always accepted as OURS—not as outsiders, not as someone else’s child. Everyone accepted our adoption in the same way they would a biological child.” — Karen

Action Step for Homeschool Families

This week, sit down with your kids during your morning gathering time and pray over the foster and adoptive families in your community or church. Pick one simple action step your family can execute together—whether that is dropping off a freezer meal, mailing a card of encouragement, or purchasing a box of diapers to donate.

A Prayer for Foster Families and Those Who Support Them

Heavenly Father, You are the Father to the fatherless and the protector of the vulnerable. We lift up the foster and adoptive parents who have opened their hearts and homes to children in need. Give them Your supernatural strength, wisdom, and patience for each new day. Lord, open our eyes to the families around us who need support. Teach our children how to serve with generous, loving hearts, and use our homeschools as places where Your compassion is put into action. Wrap these precious children in Your love, grace, and protection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

YOUR TURN! Have you ever received or offered support during a foster or adoption journey? What are some creative ways your homeschool family likes to serve others? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Additional Resources

The Grumble-Free Year: Twelve Months, Eleven Family Members, and One Impossible Goal

USA Today bestselling author Tricia Goyer and her family of eleven embark on a yearlong quest to eliminate grumbling from their home and discover a healthier, more thankful approach to life together.

The Goyer home–with two parents, eight kids, and one eighty-eight-year-old grandmother with dementia–is never without noise, mess, activity, and, often, complaining. And it’s not just the kids grumbling. After adding seven children in less than six years through adoption, the Goyer family decided to move out of survival-mode and into unity- and growth-mode. They decided to tackle the impossible: a grumble-free year.

With grade-schoolers, teenagers, and a grandmother who believes children should be seen and not heard, plenty of room exists for flunking the challenge. Add to that seven children being homeschooled together in close quarters, and what could possibly go awry?

Do you have a recent high school graduate who is heading off to college? Friend, I wish we could sit down for coffee and chat! After being both parent and teacher for years, it’s often a hard transition. Yes, it’s exciting, but it’s a big change. The key is helping our teens launch strong while keeping our own hearts in check. 

And that is exactly why I put together this guide. We are going to walk through the unique dorm items your student actually needs, the crucial conversations to prioritize before move-in day, and the specific prayers to anchor your soul. Also, we must remember 1 Peter 5:7 as we navigate these practical and emotional hurdles. The key to it all is casting all our anxiety on God because He cares for us!

I remember exactly how it felt when we went to set up our daughter Maria’s dorm room. She was our fourth oldest, but our older children had lived at home during their first few years of college. Packing her up and moving her onto campus was a completely new experience for our family. When the final box was unpacked and it was time to say goodbye, driving away left an undeniable hole in my heart. Letting go is incredibly hard.

Beyond the emotional burden, the practical side of this transition can be overwhelming. The financial strain is real, and there are always unexpected expenses you have to cover quickly to ensure your student is ready.

Here is a guide to navigating the practical, relational, and spiritual aspects of sending your homeschooled teen off to college.

The Practical College Prep: Beyond Pens and Paper

You already know to buy notebooks, highlighters, and a sturdy water bottle. However, dorm living requires a few unique tools to make a small space feel like home and function well.

Unique College Dorm and Apartment Items:

• Quality Mattress Topper:  Dorm beds are notoriously uncomfortable. A thick memory foam topper is an excellent investment for good sleep.
• Clip-On Bed Fan and Lamp: When sharing a room, having personal lighting and air circulation keeps the peace between roommates with different sleep schedules.
• First-Aid Kit and Medicine Caddy: Pack a small bin with basic cold medicines, bandages, and pain relievers. They will need this the moment they catch their first campus cold.

Time-Saving Gadgets:

• Single-Serve Coffee Maker: This saves both time and money, keeping them out of the expensive campus coffee shop line.  
• Noise-Canceling Headphones: Essential for maintaining focus in a bustling dorm or a crowded library. 
• Rolling Laundry Hamper: Carrying a heavy bag across campus to the laundry facility is exhausting. A hamper with wheels is a game-changer.

Crucial Conversations to Have Before College Drop-Off

When you homeschool, you are intimately involved in your teen’s daily schedule and environment. College shifts that responsibility entirely onto their shoulders. Before you pack the car, make time for these essential conversations:

• Time Management and Boundaries: Talk about how to structure a day when no one is telling them what to do. A good planner is a great resource for first-time college kids. Discuss the importance of setting boundaries with new friends to ensure study time is protected.
• Owning Their Faith: They are stepping into a space where they will encounter many different worldviews. Ask them how they plan to find a local church or campus ministry. Discuss what it looks like to make their faith their own. I highly recommend the workbook Experiencing God.
• Financial Expectations: Be very clear about who is paying for what. Get them one of these handy budgeting wallets and set expectations for a monthly budget that covers everything from textbooks to late-night pizza runs.

Anchoring Your Heart in Scripture

When the anxiety of the unknown creeps in, we have to turn to God’s Word. Here are a few scriptures to cling to as you navigate this transition:

• Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
• Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
• Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Check out these Scripture cards!

Prayer Prompts for the Journey

Prayer is our most powerful tool as we send our kids into the world. Use these prompts in the weeks leading up to move-in day:

Prayers for Your Teen:

• Lord, please provide healthy, uplifting friendships for my student. Lead them to peers who will encourage their faith and challenge them to grow.
• Father, grant them wisdom and discernment in their daily choices. Give them the courage to stand firm in their convictions.
• God, help them manage their time and energy well. Give them focus in their studies and peace in moments of academic stress.

Prayers for the Homeschool Parent’s Heart:

• Lord, comfort my heart in this season of transition. Help me to trust You with my child’s future.
• Father, give me the wisdom to know when to step in and when to step back. Teach me how to transition from a role of daily management to a role of supportive counsel.
• God, thank You for the privilege of homeschooling and raising this child. I surrender their next steps entirely to Your capable hands.

Sending a child to college is a beautiful, heart-wrenching, and entirely worthwhile process. Trust that the foundation you have built during your homeschooling years will serve them well in the days ahead.

Additional Resources

Join us over at the Daily Bible Podcast Coffee Club for daily Scripture reflections and videos. Not only will you be immersed in the Word every morning, but you’ll find a community of fellow believers from all walks of life who are coming together to understand God’s Word. A cozy blend of faith, community, coffee, and Bible reading for extra-committed listeners of the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle awaits you here; come on over!

Growing up, I didn’t understand it when I’d hear older people saying, “I felt the Lord speak to me.” Was it an audible voice? And if so, how did you know it was God? I mean, when people start hearing voices, that’s usually a problem.

The thing is, as my relationship with God grew, I started becoming one of those people. 

People ask me this question more often than you might think. In fact, some of the most life-transforming moments of my life have happened when I wanted direction, asked God to provide and answer, and then I actually paused to listen. 

If you find yourself wondering how to tune out the loud noise of daily life to truly hear God, you are not alone. Many of us deeply desire clear direction for our families, our ministries, and our daily choices, yet we struggle to recognize His leading amid our chaotic schedules. In the stories below, I will share how God has gently guided me through His Word, prayer, and everyday circumstances, helping you see that He is still actively directing His children today. 

My goal is that you will walk away from this post with practical tools to recognize His gentle whispers and the courage to step out in faith when He calls. 

A Whisper to My Soul: The Beginnings of Hope

I can clearly remember the day when I was praying about whether or not to help start a crisis pregnancy center. At the time, my days were already incredibly full. I was homeschooling, writing, and raising our family, and it did not seem I had time to commit to anything else.

As I prayed, God’s voice was clear. I felt Him whisper to my soul, “What about them? What about the young women who face the difficulties that you faced as a young mom? What are you going to do to help them?” It wasn’t an audible voice, but the words were very clear in my mind.

I understood what God meant. When I was fifteen and pregnant, I sought counsel and help. Instead, a Planned Parenthood clinic gave me an “easy way out” by suggesting abortion, and it’s a decision that I’ve regretted since.

Yet, a few years later, when I found myself pregnant again, I had the love and support of women from the church that I occasionally attended. Because of their love, I believed that God loved me, too, and I dedicated my heart to Jesus, making Him Lord of my life.

The Stirrings of Change

As I prayed about starting a crisis pregnancy center, these memories surfaced, and  I knew exactly what God was asking me to do. Because I remembered what it was like to be young and so unsure in my role as a mom, I felt a deep responsibility to be there for others. I am so thankful for the women who surrounded me with support and encouragement during those early years, and I wanted to ensure other girls had the same community.

In 1999, I took that first step in faith. I partnered with Kathy Keller, Twyla Klundt, and Pastor Daniel Lambert to found the Hope Pregnancy Center in Kalispell, Montana. We began simply by providing free pregnancy tests and counseling. God quickly brought dozens of new volunteers around to help carry the vision forward.

When dozens of young mothers began choosing life for their children, I knew we needed to do even more to support them. That realization eventually led to the start of a Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)  support group in 2002 to continue loving and guiding those teenage moms. God just needed me to take the first step to get the ball rolling. Looking back, it is beautiful to see how He provides the exact strength we need when we simply say yes to His call.

When His Plan Comes Together

The amazing thing is that the very first teen mom who came to that meeting became an unofficial part of our family. In fact, her baby is grown and has a baby. Not only was God calling me to serve, but He was also expanding our family, too, which is more than I could have imagined.

So, does God still speak to people today?

My answer is simple: Yes. Not because I’ve heard an audible voice from heaven, but because over and over again I’ve experienced God’s gentle, unmistakable leading through His Holy Spirit, His Word, prayer, circumstances, and the peace—or lack of peace—that only He can give. The Bible talks about this too. This verse has become one of the foundations of my life:

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” - John 10:27

The First Time I Couldn’t Ignore Him

One of the clearest moments came after my abortion. For years I carried shame that I thought would never leave. I believed God had forgiven everyone else, but I wasn’t sure He could ever fully forgive me. Then one day I felt an unmistakable nudge in my spirit to attend a post-abortion Bible study that was happening at my church.

It wasn’t something I wanted to do. Everything inside me wanted to stay hidden. I wanted to pretend my past didn’t exist. But God kept drawing me. It wasn’t condemnation. Instead, I felt an invitation to find healing in part of my life.

As I walked through that Bible study, Jesus met me in my deepest places of brokenness. He replaced shame with grace. He showed me that the cross was enough—even for me. That decision changed everything.  It was after I received healing that I wanted others to receive it too.

From Hidden Shame to Public Freedom

Not long after I attended that Bible Study, God placed another impossible thought in my heart. Share your story: publicly, at church.

Every part of me wanted to say no. Standing in front of my church and admitting my abortion felt terrifying. What would people think? Would they judge me? Would they look at me differently? But obedience mattered more than my fear. So I stood before my church and shared the story of my abortion—and more importantly, the story of God’s forgiveness.

Instead of rejection, I found freedom. Instead of condemnation, I found women quietly coming to me afterward saying, “Me too.”

That day I realized something important. The testimony I wanted to hide was the very testimony God wanted to use.

Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” 

Our stories become powerful when Jesus becomes the hero.

God Asked Me to Help Others Find Freedom

I thought my healing journey was complete, but then God had other plans. Soon He began nudging me again. I led a post-abortion Bible study, and honestly, I didn’t feel qualified. But maybe you’ve heard this saying: “God rarely calls the qualified. He qualifies those He calls.”

Week after week I watched women walk into Bible studies carrying shame, fear, and secrets. Week after week I watched Jesus set them free as we went through the Bible Study, Forgive and Set Free.

Only God could have taken the worst decision of my life and turned it into one of the greatest ministries I’ve ever experienced.

A Pregnancy Center Was Never My Plan

As I continued serving women, another opportunity emerged. Starting a pregnancy center had never been on my bucket list. Yet God kept opening doors that I couldn’t have opened myself, which is the story that I shared first. This is also why I know that an amazing God speaks to very ordinary people. 

Eventually, those steps of obedience became Hope Pregnancy Center. When our doors opened, women found hope. Babies were born, and families were strengthened. Lives were changed back then, and all these years later they are still being changed. And it all started because God asked me to take one small step.

Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'” 

God had a plan for me then, and He still does today.

And this is exactly what following Jesus has often felt like: One step. Then another.

God Guides My Writing

People often ask where my book ideas come from. The truth is, many of them begin in prayer. Some have come while researching. Others have come through conversations. Some have arrived while traveling.

Over and over, God has connected pieces that I never could have arranged on my own. He has led me toward stories that needed to be told. He has also closed doors. Too often we hear when God says, “Yes,” but sometimes He says, “No.”

There have been publishing opportunities that looked wonderful on paper: contracts, projects, and speaking invitations. Everything in me thought they made sense, yet God gave me no peace. Looking back, I can see His protection. Sometimes God’s guidance is found in what He tells us not to do.

Looking back, I can see the times when God stopped a big project—or I felt a pause in my spirit telling me to decline an “amazing opportunity,” it was because God needed my attention someplace else, like caring for my Grandma (until she passed away in 2025) or adopting children.

Three Times God Called Us to Adopt

Perhaps the clearest examples of when God spoke to us to “care for the least of these” came through adoption. John and I didn’t decide one afternoon that adopting seven children sounded like a good idea. Three separate times, God clearly stirred both of our hearts. The first time He called us to adopt one child.

Later He called us again. Then years later He called us yet again. Each time the assignment felt bigger than our resources. Each time we wondered how it would work. It’s not as if we were bored and had any room in our schedules, yet each time God faithfully made a way. Somehow He expanded our capacity and our hearts

Those three moments of obedience eventually became seven beautiful children who forever changed our family. I cannot imagine our lives without them.

God Moved Us to Arkansas

While each of the previous examples came from God placing something on my heart that stemmed from personal experience, moving to Arkansas wasn’t on my radar at all. Moving wasn’t simply a financial decision. In fact, my husband took a huge pay cut. It also wasn’t a career decision. John was stepping back to serve a ministry. But it did become a prayer decision.

John sensed God leading us toward Arkansas, and I was hoping that my husband would come to his senses. Instead, God spoke to my heart and confirmed that this was His plan.

There wasn’t a giant neon sign in the sky. There was simply the growing confidence that He was preparing something we couldn’t yet see. As we’ve watched Him unfold His plans—from ministry opportunities to writing to family—we’ve seen His fingerprints everywhere.

How Does God Speak?

Blackaby wrote this years ago in his book Experiencing God, and I’ve found that still to be absolutely true today.

God’s voice has never led me to do something that contradicts Scripture. Instead, His Spirit has consistently illuminated His Word, confirmed His direction through circumstances, and brought unity with other believers.

Another of his quote has stayed with me for years:

That has become one of the guiding principles of my life. God isn’t asking me to invent new plans. He’s inviting me to join Him in what He’s already doing.

Does God Still Speak?

Absolutely, and it’s not because we’re special. It’s not because we’ve earned it, but because we belong to Him. The Holy Spirit still guides. Jesus still leads His sheep. The Father still directs His children.

The question isn’t whether He is speaking. The better question is: Am I slowing down enough to listen?

Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Looking back over my life—from healing after abortion, to ministry, to writing, to adoption, to moving across the country—I see a trail of God’s faithfulness. Each step began with one simple act of obedience. I didn’t always understand where He was leading. Instead, I simply trusted the One who was leading me.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: God is still speaking. He is still calling, and He is still directing. And for those who belong to Him, He is still saying, “Follow Me.”

Practical Takeaways for Hearing God’s Voice

Here are a few practical ways you can begin applying these principles to your own walk with the Lord:

• Create quiet moments to listen. We cannot hear God if our lives are constantly loud. Carve out a few minutes each day to sit quietly with your Bible, turn off the distractions, and simply listen for His leading.
• Pay attention to your peace. God often guides us through a deep sense of peace or a noticeable lack of it. If an opportunity looks wonderful on paper but leaves your spirit unsettled, consider that it might be God protecting you and saying no.
• Take one small step of obedience. You do not need to have the entire plan figured out. Whether it is attending a Bible study, making a phone call, or checking on a neighbor, just take the first step God places on your heart.
• Let God use your broken places. The parts of your story you want to hide are often the exact areas God wants to use to bring freedom to someone else. Do not be afraid to share how God has redeemed your past and brought you healing.
• Look for confirmation. God’s voice will never contradict Scripture. When you sense Him leading you, look for confirmation in His Word, through prayer, and through the wise counsel of other faithful believers.
• Join in the work already happening. You do not need to invent a brand new ministry. Look around your community to see where God is already moving, and ask how you can jump in and serve right where you are.

Reflection Questions

• In what areas of your life is it difficult to slow down and listen for God’s voice?
• Can you recall a time when you felt a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit to take a step of faith? How did you respond?
• Is there a part of your story or a past hurt that God might be asking you to surrender or share so others can find freedom?
• What is one small act of obedience you can take this week to join God in the work He is already doing around you?

A Prayer for Listening Ears

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You still speak to Your children today. Forgive me for the times when I let the noise of my daily schedule drown out Your gentle whispers. Please give me a sensitive heart to hear Your leading through Your Word, through prayer, and through the circumstances around me. 

Give me the courage to take the next small step of obedience, even when the path ahead is unclear or feels intimidating. Help me to trust that You go before me and that Your plans for my life are good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Resources

Have you ever felt a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit to take a step of faith, but fear held you back?

God often asks us to step out of our comfort zones. When He does, it can feel completely overwhelming. I remember feeling entirely unqualified when God first called me to write, and later when He prompted our family to pursue adoption. As I share in my book, Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at a Time, He does not need our abilities. He just asks for our obedience.

You do not need to have all the answers. You only need the willingness to take one small step. If you are wondering what God can do with your everyday obedience, this book is for you. Together, we explore how listening to God’s voice and putting your faith into action changes your heart and your community.

Here is what you will discover inside:

• How to tune out the noise and listen for God’s clear direction.
• The courage to say yes when the assignment feels bigger than your resources.
• The incredible joy that comes from trusting the One who is leading you.

Are you ready to join God in the work He is already doing?

Grab your copy of Walk It Out today and discover the beautiful adventure of following where He leads!

The new school year is just around the corner, and kids everywhere are getting ready to transition back into a routine. But here is the wonderful beauty of homeschooling: that routine doesn’t have to be limited to rigid schedules, heavy textbooks, and endless worksheets.

One of the greatest joys of teaching kids at home is discovering that learning happens everywhere, and board games are a fantastic, hands-on tool for teaching almost any subject.

Whether you are teaching math skills through strategy, world history through territory building, or language arts through wordplay, games bring laughter, healthy competition, and deep connection straight to your kitchen table. “Gameschooling” allows kids of all learning styles to absorb critical concepts while simply having fun together. And the best part is, they’ll be enjoying themselves so much, they’ll forget they’re learning!

Scripture reminds us that joy and connection within our homes are foundational to how our children learn and thrive:

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)

When we infuse our homeschool days with joy, learning ceases to feel like a chore and becomes a shared family adventure.

Gameschooling by Age Group

To help you build your game closet this school year, here is a breakdown of wonderful board game options organized by age group:

Games for Younger Learners

For early elementary kids and preschoolers, games build foundational skills like counting, turn-taking, color recognition, spatial awareness, and fine motor control.

• Outfoxed – A classic whodunit game for preschoolers, perfect for critical thinking skill-building in little ones.
• Ticket to Ride: San Francisco – A younger-child-friendly version of the original Ticket to Ride (fun for older kids), and a great way to teach kids about geography and thinking ahead.
• Stare! Junior – a fun and challenging memory game the whole family will enjoy!
• Shenanigrams – a word-building (and stealing!) game that even your most mischievous littles will love.
• Number Hunter – this one has a neat combination of geography, ecology, and math, all rolled into one exciting adventure!
• Quixx – this fast and fun dice game teaches math and strategy, and is perfect for the entire family.

Games for Upper Elementary

As children enter upper elementary, games become incredible tools for critical thinking, logic, geographic knowledge, vocabulary expansion, and historical context.

• Century Golem Edition: Eastern Mountains – a strategy game that is both fun to play and gorgeous to look at. (Bonus: This game can be combined with Century Golem Edition and played as a special format called “The Call to Adventure”!)
• Tetris: The Board Game – a twist on the classic Tetris video game that teaches logic and strategy.
• A Lotta Axolotls – a strategy-based game full of cute axolotls. What more could you want?
• Shifting Stones – this one teaches logic and decision-making skills while building on your child’s math foundation.
• Here to Slay – an exciting adventure-strategy game of monster fights and heroic feats. It also has lots of fun expansions available.
• Splendor – a gem-collecting strategy game that teaches kids about currency and logic.
• Unlock! Kids Edition – it’s a ready-to-play escape room in a box designed specifically for children. These puzzle games encourage critical thinking and teamwork.
• Get the Picture – a word puzzle game that only takes 10 seconds to learn, so it’s easy to fit into any homeschool schedule.
• Hues and Clues – a vibrant color-and-word-guessing game that encourages teamwork and builds deductive reasoning skills.
• Ligretto – a speedy card game that encourages quick thinking and strategic planning.
• What Do You Meme? Family Edition – a game of funny memes and deductive reasoning that will have your family cracking up.
• Taboo: Kids vs. Parents – a great way to build your child’s vocabulary… and yours, too!
• Mantis – this strategy pick is also perfect for the whole family – if your child knows their colors, they can play! Take turns trying to score or steal and get as many points as you can.
• Mancala – a classic strategy counting game that has been around for thousands of years. (Bonus: Look up the origins of the game for a fun history add-on!)
• Catan – It’s a classic for a reason, and a favorite in our household. Collect resources and build settlements in this hexagonal strategy game. (Bonus: There are lots of different versions of Catan out there to try!)
• Lost Cities – A fun, two-player adventure-based strategy game that is quick to set up and easy to learn.
• Kingdomino – Another family favorite! Take turns choosing tiles to build your kingdom. This one teaches strategy and planning ahead.
• Azul – This game is both aesthetically pleasing and fun to play. Take turns picking tiles to build a Portuguese mosaic wall while helping your child develop critical thinking and logic skills.
• Dixit: Revelations – This guessing game is a bit like Apples to Apples, only you are guessing picture cards instead of word cards. Your children will learn deductive reasoning and build their descriptive vocabulary, and you’ll get to learn more about them. It’s a win-win!
• Wingspan – For your little nature enthusiasts, this one teaches all about birds and their habitats while also teaching strategy and decision-making skills. Plus, it’s absolutely beautiful. (Bonus: Download the Wingsong app to hear the call of each bird featured in the game!)

Games for Teens

Teenagers thrive on deep strategy, long-term planning, complex rule sets, and cooperative problem-solving. Playing games with your teens creates a relaxed environment for conversation, strengthening your relationship while challenging their minds.

• The Bible is Funny – A hilarious Apples-to-Apples-like card game of out-of-context Bible verses. Perfect to lighten up a rough homeschool day.
• Ransom Notes – A magnetic word game that will bring out the inner goof in your teens while teaching them to think outside the box.
• Viticulture – You and your teens will manage a vineyard in this strategy-based board game. It’s great for teaching resource management and planning.
• Everdell – Build up a city of adorable woodland creatures in this strategy game. This is an absolute favorite in our home; the artwork is beautiful and the game is well-crafted.

Your Turn

Take a look at your homeschool schedule for the upcoming school year and block out one afternoon per week as a dedicated “Game Day”. My daughter-in-law does “Fun Fridays” in her homeschool, and it often involves several board games. Swap out your standard curriculum for one or two games from your closet, and invite your kids to learn with you through play.

A Prayer for Joyful Learning

Heavenly Father, thank You for the freedom and gift of homeschooling our children. As we step into this new school year, help us to remember that learning is not confined to pages in a workbook, but is found in the joy of discovery and relationships. Fill our homes with warmth, patience, and laughter. Give us creativity as parents to use simple tools like games to spark curiosity and cultivate wisdom in our children’s hearts. Bless our time together and let Your peace reign over our school days. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Additional Resources:

If you liked this post, check out these others about learning through play!

The first week of the new homeschool year carries a very specific kind of energy. Part of you is thrilled to dive into fresh books and crisp new notebooks, while another part of you is bracing for the inevitable shock that comes with trading laid-back summer afternoons for structured learning.

If you are feeling a little nervous about how to transition your kids back into a school routine without tears (yours or theirs!), here is a secret: the first week doesn’t need to look like a full-court press.

Instead of jumping straight into eight-hour school days and heavy textbooks, treat the first week as a celebration. When you fill those first few days with fun, connection, and gentle transitions, you set a positive tone that carries your family through the rest of the year.

5 Fun Ways to Celebrate the First Day of Homeschool

Make the start of the new homeschool year feel like a special event rather than a chore with a few simple traditions:

• The Back-to-School Feast: Kick off the week with a special “Back-to-School” breakfast. Make over-the-top waffles, serve hot chocolate, or let the kids pick their favorite morning treats.
• First Day Interviews: Have each child answer a short list of fun questions—their favorite color, what they want to learn this year, their favorite food, and a dream for the future. Keep these in a binder to look back on at the end of the year!
• Photo Shoot Fun: Take first-day photos holding a simple chalkboard or paper sign with their new grade level.
  – Pro tip: Take a silly photo alongside the nice one to keep things light!
• Curriculum Unboxing Party: Treat new books like Christmas gifts. Let kids unwrap their workbooks, test out brand-new markers, and organize their desk spaces with excitement.
• The (Not!) Back-to-School Field Trip: Celebrate the freedom of homeschooling by heading to a park, splash pad, or local museum during regular school hours when the crowds are minimal.

Host a “Mini” Back-to-Homeschool Party

Instead of standard ice breaker games, kick off the year with a themed mini-party! Kids of all ages love anything miniature, and it turns the first day into an unforgettable celebration:

• Mini Finger Foods: Serve a bite-sized lunch menu! Think mini sliders, tiny muffin-tin pizzas, mini fruit skewers, tiny juice boxes, and bite-sized donut holes or mini cupcakes for dessert.
• Mini Games: Keep game time fast and low-pressure. Play quick minute-to-win-it challenges, like stacking mini marshmallows with chopsticks, rolling a marble into a tiny cup, or doing a quick 30-second Pictionary round on mini dry-erase boards.
• Mini Prizes: Fill a small basket with fun mini rewards for completing the games or finishing their first day—fun-sized candy bars, mini notebooks, tiny highlighters, or miniature novelty erasers for their new school supplies.

More Connection Activities for the Family

Beyond the party, simple hands-on projects help re-engage young minds and build sibling connection:

• The Family Vision Board: Get out poster boards, old magazines, glue sticks, and markers. Spend an afternoon cutting out pictures and words that represent what your family wants your home, faith, and school year to look like.
• Cooperative Building Challenge: Give the kids a stack of index cards, a tub of LEGOs, or a box of popsicle sticks. Challenge them to work together to build the tallest tower or a bridge that holds a book. It immediately gets them communicating and problem-solving as a team.

Gentle Transition Activities to Build Routine

Trying to force kids into a rigid schedule on day one is a recipe for burnout. Ease into your daily rhythm with these gradual transition steps:

1. Start with “Soft” Subjects: Focus the first two days on subjects that naturally inspire joy—read-aloud books, art projects, nature walks, or hands-on science experiments. Save heavy grammar and math drills for week two.
2. Practice the “Morning Basket”: Use your first week to establish a peaceful morning gathering time. Read a devotion, memorize a short Bible verse together, read a picture book, and pray over the day before everyone branches off to individual work.
3. Time Your Lessons in Short Blocks: Attention spans take time to rebuild after summer. Keep lessons to 15-20 minute intervals for younger kids and 30-40 minutes for older ones, offering quick movement breaks in between.
4. Establish the “Shutdown” Rhythm: Practice how your school day ends just as intentionally as how it starts. Have a set 10-minute routine where everyone puts their books away, caps the markers, and cleans their space so the afternoon starts with a clean slate.

Grounding Your Week in God’s Grace

When we look at Scripture, God constantly reminds us of the power of new beginnings and the beauty of His steadfast love as seasons change:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

If a lesson plan falls apart, a kiddo melts down, or the schedule gets derailed during week one, remember that you don’t have to carry perfection on your shoulders. God gives you fresh mercy every single morning, and your homeschool is a space for grace to flourish.

Reflection Questions for Mom

• What is one fun tradition or mini-party idea you can introduce this week to make your kids feel excited about starting school?
• Which area of your daily routine needs the most grace and patience as your family transitions out of summer mode?

A Prayer for the First Week of Homeschool

Heavenly Father, thank You for the joy and privilege of embarking on a new school year with my children. As we step into these first few days, I ask that You fill our home with Your peace, laughter, and patience. Help me to focus on connection over perfection, and give my children eager, curious hearts to learn. When moments of frustration or weariness creep in, remind us of Your new mercies every morning. Guide our days, protect our hearts, and let our home be a sanctuary of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

YOUR TURN! How do you celebrate the first week of homeschool in your house? What are your favorite back-to-school traditions? Drop your ideas in the comments below!

Additional Resources

Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents

Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course.

Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners. Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer.

Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!