We receive many requests/calls/emails/orders from homeschool moms wanting to get this book in August and start homeschooling their high schooler in September!!!  I feel so bad for them because they don't have a clue as to what this is all about! They think this book is going to tell them exactly what to do, what text/workbooks to get, how to do it, and then they can start!

   

That's not what this book is about!  It's about a whole new way of approaching education!  It's about moms (and dads too, hopefully) becoming discipled to the Lord so that they can then disciple their children to the Lord! 

   

Homeschooling ~ true education ~ is NOT about merely doing "school at home"!  That's the world's way and will only yield worldly results!  If you want more, if you want God's purposes accomplished in your families, you have to find out HOW He wants you to do it!!!  And then DO it!  He never intended for us to flounder and be fearful through high school.  Where He calls us, He equips us! And shows the way!

  

But it takes some TIME to shed our old ways of thinking (which are what cause the floundering and the fear) and discover God's ways, and then start putting them into "rubber meets the road" practice.  In other words, you don't start this process one month before you want to start walking in it!  You do yourself a HUGE favor by STARTING EARLY!

     

But don't take MY word for it! Cuz if Barb Shelton tells you that you ought to get her book early on, what's it sound like? Yup, a sales pitch! So with that thought in mind, I have compiled the thoughts of several homeschooling moms on this topic and share them here with you. Hopefully you'll hear what these very sincere homeschool moms have to say about it! (And no, I didn't pay them to say this!)  Some are "short but sweet"; others are "mini articles"!  All of them give very interesting and insightful perspectives that I could never have given! (Cuz I wrote it!)  (By the way, a few of them allowed me to include their email addresses so that if you have further questions, you can write to them!)

  

If, after reading the following thoughts from these 22 homeschooling moms, you start feeling like maybe it's too late, I have some further thoughts to share with you toward the bottom of the page, after the last comment.  (It's the part that starts "For any who are feeling discouraged right about now...")

 

     

  

 

         

Beth    

  
I wanted to let you know how much Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+U+la has meant to me. I bought it last summer from CBD, not knowing a thing about it or you, hoping it might give me some ideas and answers. My oldest was starting high school, and even though I had homeschooled for years I felt total confusion over what to do about high school. No matter how much I prayed, nothing felt right. I know now that God led me to purchase your book. It has totally changed me and the direction of our homeschooling. I am so grateful for you and the insights God has led you to share with others. I have such a peace about homeschooling my children now, and I am filled with gratitude toward you for starting
me on this amazing journey. Thank you so much! I also love your Homeschool Oasis website, and I spend time there whenever I get the chance. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.

   
~ Beth M., homeschooling mom of 3 for 9 years, GA

  

 

           

 

Robin

     

I would just like to say "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!" for writing the Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+U+la. You have become one of my heroes! Your book has freed this family from the drudgery of "school."  I cannot say THANK YOU enough!  ...  I am sure that you get all kinds of letters about your book, and I just wanted to add one more...  I have been homeschooling for 10 years, and this year we graduate our first.  When we first started homeschooling we didn't use textbooks, and it was all unit and discovery learning ~ so much fun!!!  My kids learned so much!  Then when our oldest hit sixth grade, I was told by some well-meaning moms (who I greatly admired and still do) that, now that my kids were older, we needed to do more "formal" school.  As you know, it was downhill from there and school became a drudgery and something just to be done to pass a test. This year as I watched my son struggle with the beginning of his sophomore year (and thinking this kid is going to be a provider for a family later on ~ and where are we going with all this?), I found your book.  I read the "jumpstart" section and "jumped" in.  We sat down and did some figuring, and changed the entire way we do school. My daughter, who was halfway through her senior year and already enrolled in college (which, after I read about that in your book, is another story!) opted to stay where she was since she was almost done. She told me that she wished that I had found your book 4 years ago ~ so do I!  But, God is faithful, and the rest of my three children will be schooled the way the Father wants them schooled.  So again, I thank you for allowing yourself to be used by the Lord.  Tell your mom also, from me, THANK YOU.  (Barb:  I DID!!! )  I pray that you reap one hundred fold of the blessing that you've sown not only into me, but into all those who come in contact with yourself, your family and your materials. 

  

~ Robin Clifford; homeschooling mom of 4 for 10 years; Waterloo, IN

            

 

 

         

Angie

   

I ordered Sr. High Form+U+la last year. I only wish I had discovered you and Marilyn Howshall a couple of years ago. My boys are 18 and 16 (fourth and third years of high school). I have slowly been trying to implement the Lifestyle of Learning "techniques" in our home. I know it's not totally too late for them, but ~ and I am not dwelling on this ~ it could have been so much better had I discovered you sooner. I do also have a 10-year-old daughter and I'm really looking forward to her high school years because of coming into this new way of homeschooling. I'm looking forward to my Lifestyle of Learning transformation!!!

   
~ Angie W.; a homeschooling mom

   

 

              

 

Joann

     

I started to get the hebegebes about high school when my son was in 7th grade; wondering about transcripts and all that. So I would recommend that the book be geared to that time-frame. (Not to mention all the other great benefits to be gleaned from it.)

   
~ Joann C.; homeschooling mom of 1 for 10 years in Michigan   

              

 

      

 

Carol

   

I wish I had know about Form+U+la when my oldest was in 6th grade (he's now finishing 9th). The last two years would have been much happier for everyone. Now I can't wait to get started with next year's schooling. I'm so blessed that I found your book, and excited, too. My two older kids ~ ages 16 and 14 ~ have stopped asking if they can go to public school! They've never been, they were just burnt out with "textbook school"!

   
~ Carol; homeschooling mom

              

 

 

   

Tina

     

Read it while they are still little!  I bought it because my oldest is 11 (12 soon)  We have about one year before he will be ready to start High School, and I wanted to be prepared ahead of time. I have 5 kids total and I now feel peace about having all of then go into High School. So I'd say read Form+U+la at least a year before you need to start using it.

  

~ Tina W.; homeschooling mom of 5 for 4 yrs; Independence, MO

(Visit her webpage at: http://butter-cup.homepage.com)                      

              

 

      

 

Melinda

   

This last year we decided to "go all the way" and homeschool through high school with our 15-year-old daughter who has just finished her sixth year of being homeschooled. (She'll be in 10th grade next year.)  I can't express to you how much I am enjoying your book, which I purchased about a month ago. Next to the Bible, it's what I want to read all the time!  I wish I would have had it a year ago, when our daughter was 14.  It has been SO helpful!  I love your perspectives and insights on education, probably because it is so much of what I have felt and believed, as well. You have challenged me anew to rely more on the Holy Spirit than ever before and I am grateful for that! 

   

~ Melinda Ecker; homeschooling mom of 2 for 6 years; Tacoma, WA 

              

 

 

   

Bev

   

As the mother of a 9th grader-to-be that just purchased your book this spring, ideally I would have bought and read through it at least once when she began 7th grade. I tend to like to "have my ducks all in a row" so the perfect plan would seem to be to read through the book once, chew on it a little; then read through the book again during the child's 8th grade year, making notes and plans for the high school years.

As it is, I'm reading it leisurely this summer with the idea that I'll implement the record-keeping ideas ASAP. Our "mind-set" of education follows yours very closely so it makes it a little easier than if this was an entirely new concept for us. Hope this helps!

  

~ Bev Hansen; homeschooling mom in Oregon   

              

 

 

      

Shar

     

I wish I had Form+U+la before my first went through High School, I could have saved myself so much trouble and WORRY!  It's laid out beautifully. My second high schooler is entering her sophomore year... all at home ... and I've got tons of credits already and am feeling SOOOOOOOOO relieved and SOOOO excited about the future, as compared to dreading the next years!!  I have the vision back and am so grateful.  I've got 12 years ahead of me with the youngest children!  This past year I didn't know if I could make it through that 14th year, and now feel energized for the next dozen, should I live so long!  Thanks Barb and family!

   

   ~ Shar Boerema; homeschooling mom of 5 for 14 years; Michigan 

              

 

              

 

Donna P.

     

I bought Form+U+la at our homeschool convention and have finally had a chance to sit down and read it. I'm only able to read it in snatches here and there but it's enough because then I can chew on what I've read so far. 

   

One mom mentioned that she has a relative that believes her oldest should now go into the real world. After all, no one can teach high school except the experts. I also get that from relatives. Homeschooling during the "elementary" years was fine. After all, how much do you REALLY need to know to teach those grades?    ;-D   Isn't it amazing how people "change their tactics"?  First it was "socialization" but when that didn't pan out, it's how can you possibly teach these advanced courses? You're not able. Well, I can't. So I learn along with them, if not a little ahead of them.

   

At what point should a parent read this book?  If you decide to homeschool, you might as well prepare yourself and your family early on to take it all the way "through" high school. People who have homeschooled for many years typically place their children in high school because they don't feel prepared, or are under pressure from so many different sources. Those who do so (give in and put their kids in high school) usually don't really want to do so because that's the time kids need their parents the most for guidance and wisdom ~ even if they (the kids) don't realize it!   ;-D   So, as soon as one decides to homeschool is a good time to start looking into reading this book, if not just borrowing it to "check things out."  Chances are it will convince parents that they really can do it ~ despite the "experts" who say they can't or shouldn't!

  

Barb's book takes all the panic out of it for me. That was the worst part, you know.  All the "requirements," the paper work, etc.  If they want to go to college, will they be ready, etc.?  After reading a good portion of this book, I'm not so concerned anymore.  My problem will be how am I going to fit in everything these kids want to know?  Notice I said want!   ;-)   Music to our ears!

   
~ Donna Pheneger; homeschooling mom of 3 for 3 years, in Indiana

Visit her web page at http://sites.netscape.net/phenpharms/homepage               

              

 

 

      

Karen

   

I would say that Form+U+la should be read when their oldest is in 5th grade, 6th at the latest. This is when most people are deciding on their direction for Middle School, as a preparation for High School. It gives them time to transition to the Form+U+la ideas and approach High School with a completely different mindset. I got my book when I my son was entering 6th, I was a basket case with worry over the future. I had had a clear vision for elementary and felt completely overwhelmed by Middle School and High School. Barb's book gave me vision and excitement over the future.
  
Maybe I am slower than average but there is so much mindset changing about what High School is and so many wonderful ideas in Form+U+la that it takes at least a year or two just to digest it all. (I am still getting so much out of it two years later.)  When I first read it I would say "Wow Barb has so many great ideas!"  Now that I am changing, the Lord is giving ME some great ideas that are tailor-made for my own children. I think if I had waited until High School to get it, I would not have had the time to implement my own plan. This is why I LOVE Barb and her book so much. Her joy is in freeing us to follow the Lord's plan for us, not squishing our children into her plan. I still have some butterflies at times but at least now they don't send me tossing to and fro on the curriculum sea.
  
For those with younger children, Barb's Jumpstart Navigator and Booklet Building Book are great. Now, I wish I had had those from the beginning, like from the time they were born!

      
~ Karen; homeschooling mom of 2 in Florida   

              

 

 

      

Boni

   

I bought the book only about a month ago ~ after our homeschool convention. I took a week off of doing anything else in my life, so I could read and concentrate on this book. This was necessary for me to do because of my learning style. I am now in the process of "re-digesting" the book. It has truly been a life changing experience for me. Like so many others, I too wish I had read this book earlier. I think this book would be very beneficial any homeschooler. The reason for this is because Barb puts so much emphasis on "seeking God."  In fact, I have been reading it like a devotional!  If I had read ~ and received ~ the message of this book when my children were younger, I truly believe that they would have enjoyed school more, and we would probably be farther a long in our studies. The forms provided in this book could easily be adapted to any child's age, provided they can read and write. I believe that my daughter would much rather have had this type of writing and reporting than what we have been doing in the past. 

  

Thank you, Barb, for your obedience to the Lord in writing this book. It truly is a blessing to those who read it. I am sure it was a difficult task, but "great will be your reward in Heaven" for helping all of us. I would also like to say that I almost wish I had a case of them in my home because I have 'sold' the book to three people in the last week.   :o)

   

~ Boni; a homeschooling mom in Florida  

              

 

 

      

Charisse

     

I am enjoying this book soooooo much!  Okay, so I got my book a little late... I only learned of it a few months ago, and my oldest just graduated this June. However, I have six following her. One is 11th grade and another just starting 9th. The other four range between 5 and 11years old.  I didn't exactly dread teaching high school, but wondered if I could keep the excitement and create a love of learning for each one of them...  before I hit BURN-OUT. That's what I feared most because I battled "BURN OUT" for two years before this last year.

  

I am SO PUMPED on the wisdom, the hands on "practical-ness," and the encouragement I receive from Barb's book, that I bought it for my best friend whose oldest is just turning 12, and next year is going to be their third year of homeschooling. Before I ordered the book for her, I'd read parts of "Out of Fear and Into Freedom."  She often came to tears; this spoke to her heart in so many ways, and she hasn't even given a thought to high school yet (not much anyway). So, she is now devouring this book, and says the same things I feel:

   
This book gives you a vision or hunger or both for seeking God, stirring up those embers in our hearts, not just for "academics" but what do we really want to impart or plant in the hearts of our children. Barb's book reminds me of a scripture in Malachi 4:6 "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers." 
It's our hearts that God is after. And for me, this book has just been another part of what God has used to direct my heart back to Him and His wisdom!!!  If I'm very happy, content, and blessed serving this great and wonderful King who sets me free even daily from fears and the cares of this world...  well, my children will be excited to get to know that God! 

   
The other side of that coin is just as true (as it use to be in my life) if I'm "burned out" (homeschool was easy to blame) think what that phrase says, "burned out" - NO longer burning, aflame, on fire, nor zealous" and if I'm complaining or grumbling in my heart about the cards God has dealt me, or whining that this is just too much, God (sounds like some Israelites I knew in the wilderness a couple thousand years ago). Is this the life, the way and the "god" that I want to introduce my children too? Guess what? They will have a hard time being excited about meeting a hard task master like that. BUT ~ this is what is so wonderful about the heart of Barb's book. The Holy Spirit began stirring and blowing on my heart in this area of giving to my children!  And Barb's encouragement filled me with hope. (Isaiah 42:3 or Matt. 12:20) ~ "A bruised reed He will not break, and smoldering wick He will not snuff out."

   

So...  when do I need this hope, when would be a good time to get stirred up to joyfully do what God has set before me? How about NOW. I love that word...NOW or TODAY. "NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation." (II Cor.6:2)  "TODAY if you will hear His voice..." (Heb.3:15, 4:7)  "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and TODAY, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)  Okay, okay...  I know I'm getting carried away. I just noticed recently that God likes those terms too...  "TODAY" and "NOW."  He's so current and daily!  How wonderful!

   
~ Charisse; homeschooling mom of 7; WA state  

              

 

 

      

Terri

   

I started homeschooling 4 years ago at a homeschool curriculum fair. I had hoped it would help me with my soon-to-be-ninth grader, but since I was so "new" at homeschooling (read that as NERVOUS!!!), I took other homeschoolers' advice who were doing various pre-packaged curriculums.  My kids HATED homeschooling!  The bad taste is STILL in their mouths.  It took me until this last year to get it "in my head" that the Lifestyle of Learning ways of homeschooling were better.  It it STILL makes be a bit nervous, <G> but with God's leading, it is easier to bear! 
   
My oldest totally rebelled against homeschooling to the point my husband enrolled him in public school this last year and he will continue there. (ARGH!!!!!!)  But some things just can't be "undone" and I have to go from here. 
   
So, in my case, it took 3 years of learning and living the message to get comfortable enough to actually USE the book.  I have found such freedom!  We will be letting God lead HOW we use "curriculum" instead of the curriculum leading US. 

   

So then, in my VERY humble opinion, ya GOTTA read the book as early on as possible!!!

   

~ Terri; a homeschooling mom

              

 

      

 

Ronnie

   

I just got my book at the beginning of this month from our homeschool convention. I must say that I went back 4-5 times and picked it up, looked through, and put it down again. Finally, my husband said that I might as well get it.   ;-)   Our oldest is 12. I like to be prepared and not have things like high school, especially, sneak up on me...  I have not finished the book, yet... it isn't a quick-read, but I am loving every minute!!  I am getting excited about homeschooling again!  We have homeschooled for 4 years now and I was getting a little sick of things as they were. God has led us on our own path towards a Lifestyle of Learning-type lifestyle and then we received Marilyn's books ~ and I've visited Barb's website OFTEN!  

   

In soooo many ways, this is not JUST a high school book. I have been able to see the big picture and am excited about finding God's long-term plans for all of our children. Being able to see the vision of high school in a relaxing atmosphere, has put even grade school into a better perspective. There is no great rush to get the right amount of info into their little heads before they enter high school.

   

Being able to see the Graduation results we want can be broken down into bite-sized pieces, not just for the preceding 4 years, but all the way down to where each child is right now. I can see now where I want some foundations for the future studies in high school.  My recommendation would be to read this book along with any other homeschooling info books. The basics and the long-term vision are both described with much needed realistic perspective.  
  
Thank you, Barb, for the effort you've put into making this book a picture of a wonderful family life - and for keeping the focus on Jesus and how much God is just waiting to lavish us with His blessings!!

  

(Right after Ronnie finished reading the book, she added this:)  Whew!! I just finished reading the humongo Form+U+La book!!  I feel sort of like I've walked out of the Twilight Zone after being absorbed by everything for the last 3 weeks. My mind is just swimming with all the possibilities!! The excitement is sort of doing a slow bubble, kind of like the fizz from a great root beer float. (Hee-hee!)

   

I did want to thank you, Barb!!  Thank you for giving so much time and effort to put sooooo much info into one place!  WOW!  You said somewhere in your book that books are just tools in our hands and that you have given a sort of smorgasbord for us to glean from. Thanks for giving us the credit to sift through and let the Holy Spirit do His thing in our homes!  I have loved the Lifestyle of Learning info that I have learned in the last year. God has already been working on my husband and me, and we are finally understanding where our family needs to be for peace and freedom. PTL! 

      
~ Ronnie; Honey to David for 13 years; Homeschooling mom of 4; KS

              

 

      

 

Amy

   

   

I'd put Form+U+la on the "must have ASAP" shelf with a couple of other resources I own. Ideally the homeschooling mother and/or father would read this book several times while their children are young, so they could perhaps avoid the entire "jump-in-burn-out" cycle and really ENJOY more of the younger years of homeschooling. Failing that, reading it by the time the oldest child reaches age 11 or 12 would be optimal, to help smooth out the middle-school years and to enter the high-school years with confidence and eagerness... and without our old enemy, Fear. 

   

Barb's book(s) have been wonderful, encouraging, inspiring, and all-around helpful for our oldest child, but I can see even more benefits coming up with our two younger sons, since the ideas in Form+U+la have had some time to sink in and I've had the time to adapt the framework to our own family. I'd encourage parents to buy and read this book as early as they can, and to have their older children read it with them!

  

~ Amy Beckel; homeschooling mom in WA

              

 

      

 

Cindy

   

Form+U+la is not just a "side book", but is a "reference" book for the high school years. Read it BEFORE you have high schoolers. I would recommend reading it no matter what age your children are ~ it will give you direction. If you have junior high-age children, it will be a GREAT help; you can use a lot of it to get them on the road to a lifestyle of learning in high school. (By the way, I'm even talking about the old Form+U+la!    :-)    But I'm giving myself the new one for Christmas!!   :-)   

   

If I could convince everyone I know who is homeschooling to read this book, I would!  In my humble opinion, anyone who is even thinking about homeschooling through high school ~ no matter what age your child(ren) is/are ~ get it, and read it now!  

   

I also highly recommend the articles on Barb's website about the season of renewing the mind.  I was doing it before I even knew that's what it was!    :-)   The Lord just led me to some books which I read, some scripture which I'm studying, then I re-read the part in the Form+U+la book about the season.  I'm convinced every homeschooler ~ actually, every CHRISTIAN ~ should go through this season. I will tell you that, as I allow the Lord to show me how to renew my mind to His Word and ways, most of the fear and concern about homeschooling high school is falling away.

   

All that to say, PLEASE if you are even considering homeschooling through high school, read the Form+U+la book and make a start on your season of renewing the mind.  It will touch a lot more in your life than homeschooling your children. 

   

I'm also going to put another plug in for the price of Form+U+la...  Frankly, I think Barb doesn't charge enough for her books (don't get any ideas, girlfriend!) ~ especially Form+U+la. There is no way to calculate the value in dollars of the information and inspiration in that book!  You will never regret the money you spent on it.  I promise. The amount of time, mental and spiritual energy it will save you ~ not to mention money needlessly spent on things that do not profit ~ will FAR outweigh the price of the book!

      

~ Cindy, (who likes to call herself "the resident Barb-groupie"!)   

              

 

      

 

Vicky

   

I have 5 children ages 16 down to 7.  I wish I had heard about you and Wisdom's Way of Learning a long time before this. I just learned of all this from a woman in our church only two weeks ago, and I just can't read enough of your resources. ...  I have homeschooled for 10 years now but had grown to hate it. I felt trapped because I wanted to give up but couldn't turn my back on what the Lord had asked me to do. Yet, I knew I was failing miserably. I have hope again because of the insight you and Marilyn Howshall have given me. I am excited that the Lord has stepped in to lift me just when I felt I would sink. Thank you for sharing so openly. 

  

(A few months later this mom said:)  I wish that I had started reading Form+U+la while my children were all still in grade school. I think it should be read at the latest before the child enters 6th grade. Before that it could be read slowly and over and over again to allow the Lord to show you a plan and to start moving in that direction. My oldest was 16 and in the middle of 9th grade when I started reading it. We are using many things from the book for him, and we are managing, but I do believe my other four children under him will benefit much more. 

       

~ Vicky French; homeschooling mom of 5 for 10 years; NY  

              

 

 

      

a Former Homeschooled Girl

   

My 20-year-old daughter was looking through the new (1999) version of your book for the first time today, and she said "Mom this book is great!  This could be used for any age kid." I laughed and she asked "what?"  I told her that I had mentioned that to you already and that I tell all of the parents I do counseling with the same thing.   :-)   Praise God!  It was great to have confirmation from a former homeschooler who is not the teacher.

   

~ Pamela in Hawaii   

              

 

 

      

Cyndi

   

After reading Senior High Form+U+la, I feel like a light has been turned on! It had never occurred to me that two credits in science could be spread out over the four years! Wow!!! It is such a new way of thinking that it takes a while to renew your mind. I am suggesting to all of my friends to start reading it when their children enter 6th or 7th grade. We are just now entering the "High School Years" and I feel much more confident about this journey.

   

~ Cyndi Clack; Homeschooling Mom of 8 for 9 years; SC.

              

 

 

      

Donna H.

   

I have heard many homeschool moms say something like "This is a book I have on my list to buy" or "when my kids get to high school I'll read this book."
   
First, let me say that Form+U+la is the FOUNDATION book for homeschooling through high school, and NOT just one nice option among many!  Every homeschooler should read this one first - years before high school - in order to be prepared; to have time to go through the season of reeducation; to get out of that "school at home" mentality and past the curriculum craze that we all have to go through.
   
Whenever anyone asks me for help with beginning to homeschool, the very first book I refer them to is the Guide-a-log. (And if they're on the Internet, they can go to Barb's new website!)  However, now that the new Form+U+la is out and much of the material is in there also, I suggest it instead. Barb has now come out with A Personal Guided Tour Through Form+U+la for Pre-Highschoolers especially for those with very young children; however if they're getting to be 11 or 12, you'll just want to read the whole thing!  It is not a book you will buy ~ read ~ and resell. It should be on your shelf for reference all through your years of homeschooling. 

   

~ Donna Heck; homeschooling mom of 2; OR   

              

 

      

 

Trish

   

I read Form+U+la when my oldest daughter was in seventh grade (our second year of homeschooling). Since I was still new to homeschooling, it was rather mind-boggling. A dear friend had implemented portions of it for her daughter and encouraged me to re-read it later on. I did so and grasped it! Shortly after that I was blessed to be able to attend every one of your workshops at a conference in Spokane, Washington. I went home and read through Form+U+la again and was hooked!  I review it yearly now and glean it periodically whenever I need a boost!  I feel really blessed to have had the advice to read it before we reached the high school years.  It gave me (and allowed God) time to adjust and readjust my thinking and my heart."

   

 ~ Trish N., homeschooling Mama of 3 for 7 years, Currently in CO   

              

 

      

 

Martha

      

I bought the '96 edition of Barb's Form+U+la book last year then found out she came out with a new edition so sold the old and bought the new. My son is 13 (8th grade). After a year of reading and thinking, I think I have finally put together a system and notebook that will work based on Barb's model. I was so excited about it I told all my friends and showed a few my notebook with the "Master Framework,"  "Class Content Sheets," and "Record of Work Done" sheets. I got funny looks from some who, while ever polite, were probably balking inside about recording hours for taking walks and putting together telescopes. OH WELL!  Others were as excited as I and will be following my/Barb's example to keep track of High school. 
    
I am so glad to have a system in place that will not bind us to textbooks and can change to suit our lifestyle. I was glad to have a model to work from and especially glad I started to think about all this before he was of high school age. He will be the most likely to be college bound, and to be able to have the freedom of Wisdom's Way of Learning (which is the core book of the Lifestyle of Learning message) with a record keeping system is ideal. 

    

~ Martha; a homeschooling mom in West Virginia   

          

 

 

 

 

Nicki

   

I'm glad God put this on my heart this year, so we have time to pray and plan and listen to the Spirit before it's really time to start (in 2 years).  It's the kind of sharpening and bolstering we need before we begin the big-kid journey through homeschooling!  Thanks for giving us specific things to pray over. 

   

 ~ Nicki Burley, homeschooling mom   

 

 

 

 

      

      

  

For any who are feeling discouraged

right about now...

         

So IS it too late?

 

      

If after reading "all the above" you are feeling like it's too late, or that there's no hope, please do not do another thing until you read everything on this page, start to finish; and then this page of encouragement for those starting to homeschool at mid-high-school:

 

Is Mid-High School Too Late to Start Homeschooling?

 

The more uncomfortable you're feeling right now, the more you need to read it.  I say this only because of how the enemy works, and how he weasels his way into places where God is doing a deep work.  Since this deep work of God is seldom comfortable, we readily want OUT of the discomfort and pain.

   

One thing you have to remember is that the enemy is quite adept at offering diversions that will keep us from grasping what God has for us.  He is "prowling around waiting for whom he may devour."  I hope you will not fall prey to his schemes, but that you will "press on for the prize" that God has waiting for you, if you will only follow His leading, uncomfortable as it may be.  "What the enemy intended for evil, God will turn for good" ~ but not if we just sit around passively waiting for it!!!  We have to "press in"!!!  I hope you will do so; you will NEVER regret it!!!!  And you have SO much to gain!!!

   

 

With love and big hug,

Barb

 

(Me ~ in pink ~ with my three lovely and lovable girls, left to right:

Carlianne, Sharnessa, and Chrissy (our son Tory's wife)

 

(This picture was taken at a baby shower given for

7-months-pregnant Sharnessa in June of 2005!)

               

                

   

 

        

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I got the photo for the

title graphic at Pixabay.

 

...and the coral rosebuds from: