homeschooling parents, we have God-given authority in our homes and over our children. Along with this authority, He enables us to identify our children’s needs and equip them for the future He has in store. We are the ones God has granted with this incredible responsibility.

No one else has the authority over your kids that you do. Not to rule them, but to help them grow. As you discover your unique rhythm in this season of life, I encourage you to remember this about your role.

These are uncertain times in many ways. But thank the Lord, we are not people of uncertainty. We know of whom we believe. We can step up to the task of homeschooling with boldness because we trust the One who has entrusted us with these children. It doesn’t mean you’ll know exactly what to do all the time… it means you have access to the One who does. But we do need to put on the truth of our authority and identity. We are called to this role so we can lean on the Lord knowing He’s going to provide wisdom, guidance, and peace.

God has gifted you and your spouse with the ability to discern your children’s needs. One thing that’s clear as you read the pages ahead, everyone’s rhythm will be different. Everyone will have their own timing and season to identify.

That’s the adventure of it! Finding your family’s path and seeing it as a creative exploration with God.

My husband is more of a night owl. He enjoys connecting with the Lord after everyone goes to bed. Not me! I can hardly keep my eyes open past 10:00 p.m. Some people take a midday walk and use that as their time to worship, pray, and connect with God. You can even listen to the Bible now through the Holy Bible app. It doesn’t need to look a certain way. Whatever brings rest and connection to your heavenly Father, that’s what matters. That’s the place where we find hope and perspective that originates not from ourselves, but from above.

Magnifying God instead of our circumstances and above our questions and concerns, this is what reminds us that He is in control. I like how the New Living Translation puts it:

hirty years ago Homeschooling Today magazine was founded by homeschooling parents with a vision to encourage and assist homeschooling families. Today, that vision continues with homeschool graduates Alex and Ashley Wiggers at the helm.

We are staunch supporters of homeschooling because we’ve seen the value of what this choice has to offer. In our homes, it was enjoyable, filled with learning that lasted, and built on the foundation of relationship. We are now continuing this legacy of freedom in learning with our own children. Parents, we believe in the power of influence you have as you walk with God, to provide everything your children need to fulfill their destinies. We believe that homeschoolers are uniquely fitted to become world changers because they’re used to doing things differently. Having been shown the true value of learning and what they’re capable of, these children will look at the world with eyes to help, lead, problem-solve, and display a depth of character that reflects the convictions of their faith.

This is what our children are called to do, but it won’t happen if we walk in fear. Our mission is to come alongside you with encouragement and practical help, to remind you that we’re in this together, and to help you see past the present trials into the reality of your true calling, equipping your children to be the remarkable people God created. Whether you are homeschooling for a season of life or the years to come, this movement can be a catalyst for courage. It will be through our ability to shed fear and embrace courage that we will enable our children to do the same!

I live in Texas, and as I sit here writing this we’ve had more than sixty days where the temperature has been over 100 degrees. At least it’s been consistent! This coming week there’s a glimmer of hope in the form of forecasted rain and a break in the heat—I can’t tell you how happy that makes me. But summer’s not the only crazy season around here. Often during the winter, our temperatures are “temperamental,” swinging from warm days to freezing temps. Some winters we barely have any snow and at other times we experience blizzard-type conditions.

That’s the way it is with the weather here in Texas and I’m guessing where you are too… it’s always changing. Sometimes the same day.

When it comes to homeschooling, our days look a lot like Texas weather. We have seasons of consistency—even hard consistency—and seasons when life feels like it’s all over the place. And in the midst of it all, we are doing more than school when it comes to homeschooling. We are “doing” home.

There are some foundational principles you can have in place to help you be consistent when life isn’t… or when life is consistently difficult. But know that with every principle, there is also grace. The grace to adjust and readjust, to be flexible and creative.

In this issue, Durenda answers the question, “How do you balance everything?” I’m guessing you’ve often wondered the same thing. And in Mom to Mom she explores how to find your routine. Kathy and Lesli share how even our little ones can contribute to the family home while Connie tackles what it looks like for older children and teens to manage their time well. As Todd “gently” reminds us… life skills are REAL school. We hope these practical articles will help you do just that: teach your kids the skills they’ll need for the rest of their lives.

One of the best ways to find a balance between “school” and home is to teach naturally. Michelle Moody shares ways science can be studied without textbooks—in a way that captures kids’ curiosity about the world around them. And I’m continuing my series on shifting our paradigms about teaching writing.

When it comes to the home, you have a lot of responsibilities! The sisters from Trim Healthy Mama will give you a plan for getting supper on the table that is actually doable for those of us who don’t spend a lot of time planning. And Vicki Bently is sharing ways to get your children involved in helping take care of your home.

As always, there is so much more—from Jennifer’s hifalutin hints on planning to Steve’s encouragement for families. Though I wrote this in the midst of summer days, as you are reading it, the weather has probably shifted. Grab that cup of coffee or tea, get in your comfy chair, and find encouragement and practical ideas to help you HOMEschool boldly. As this new season begins… Enjoy the fall, y’all. I know I will!