refuge is described as “a condition of being sheltered from danger.” One definition of a fortress is “a person or thing not susceptible to outside influence.”

I love this Scripture and the picture it produces in my mind. A safe place. A place I know I can run to anytime. In fact, this is the place I try to live from. Knowing I am cared for and kept by Almighty God enables me to be a refuge to others.

Psalm 91 has to be one of the most beautiful passages in Scripture. I like to use Blue Letter Bible as a resource for studying the Word. The following statement from their site explains their mission: “On November 3, 1995, God impressed upon the hearts of a particular group of Christians in Southern California to invest time and effort into a new venture utilizing the World Wide Web. Through prayer, the goal became clear: put the Bible up live on the Internet, along with a special set of digital tools, to accelerate the in-depth study of God’s Word. The name of the website became Blue Letter Bible, simply because all links to Bible verses were—and still are—blue.”

The site takes the original Hebrew and Greek words so that you can look at each phrase and know better what it means. These ancient languages have more depth to their words than ours do, as we know. The first time I looked up Psalm 91 on this site (they have a free app too), I was amazed. I wrote out the Psalm with all the additional words around the original ones I’ve known since I was a kid and it gave me a deeper understanding of God’s desire to be our refuge and place of total security. I’ve included my favorites below from the first two verses:

He who dwells (to sit, be set, remain, stay) in the secret place (covering, shelter, shade, protection, defense) of the Most High

Shall abide (to lodge, to cause to rest, remain) under the shadow (shade, protection, defense) of the Almighty (most powerful).

My God, in Him I will trust (have confidence, be bold, be secure, to cause to trust, be careless, to feel safe, make secure).”

Our theme this year is all about how our homes are at the center or heart of this choice to homeschool. We’re focusing on cultivating the atmosphere in this issue. We all want our homes to have an atmosphere of safety for our kids to grow in. Safe to dream, take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, and just be.

Much like we want to provide this space for our children, God wants us (His children) to know we are safe too. “My God, in Him I will trust” isn’t a passive statement. It’s bold and confident! I think the author is making a declaration here. He’s reminding himself of the truth. There’s no better place to put your trust.

Trust at its core is relational. The feeling of safety can’t develop without it. Trust blossoms out of what we believe. We can put our firm belief in Him when we realize what He’s really like. He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11). He watches over us (Psalm 121:5). He fights for us (Exodus. 14:14). He is a mighty tower we can run to and find safety in (Proverbs 18:10). He is for us (Romans 8:31). He’s faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

As we have noted before, trust is: the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something.

Trusting in His nature produces rest and peace in us. We don’t need to understand everything, we just need to trust Him. You know, He trusts you. That’s why He gave you this incredible responsibility to raise and nurture your children. To teach them and love them. To find your safety and security in the Father. Then you will be a safe and secure place for your children.

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!

texted Ashley one day while editing the columns for this edition asking her if it was weird that I started crying as I read the articles. I was overwhelmed with the fact that I get to work with a team of such incredible writers who want to love homeschooling families and minister to them. What a privilege.

We want you to know that. Our team truly loves you all. They are a gifted, talented group who could do anything out in the world, but they choose to serve the homeschooling community. It’s more than a job for them and us. It’s our mission.

Last year we focused on the boldly part of what it means to homeschool boldly. This year is all about HOME. Homeschooling is about so much more than academics. It’s about creating a safe atmosphere where our kids can thrive. It’s about having fun and building relationships. It’s about doing life together as we prepare them for whatever God has called them to.

This year’s magazine is better than ever. We’re excited to bring you some new columns, as well as making some changes to others this year! Our friend Steve Demme joins us with two different columns. The tips he shares in Taking the Sting Out of Math are gold! (Our copy editor, Tracy, texted me when she read it and called one idea “brilliant!”) And his honesty and vulnerability as he shares his heart in Faith Filled Family may just be life-changing.

The sisters from Trim Healthy Mama, Serene Allison and Pearl Barrett, are going to give us some great advice when it comes to kids, nutrition, and problems we face in the kitchen! My husband and I live a Trim Healthy lifestyle and I’m so thankful for all I’ve learned from them. And Michelle Moody is going to help you do some backyard science throughout the year! You’ll love her hands-on approach, making science study fun and doable.

We’re also welcoming a new writer for our Great Books column. Dachelle has been creating literary book clubs for elementary through high school students, and we think you’re going to love the fresh new look and ideas she’s bringing.

Durenda Wilson is now writing our Mom to Mom column as well as a new one: Dear Durenda. Now’s your chance to get your questions answered. If you have something you’ve always wanted to ask her, send it to deardurenda@homeschoolingtoday.com and maybe she’ll pick it to write about in the summer issue!

Cheryl Bastian’s column about high school is now called High School Helpline. She’s tackling some of the most common questions moms have about teaching high school. Her wealth of knowledge in this area will be invaluable to you.