The question that I get the most from homeschool moms everywhere is, “What curriculum should I use for homeschooling?” This question has too many layers to unpack in a simple conversation. But my answer gets doubly complicated when talking with fellow missionaries. From these conversations this article was born. There are many great curricula to…
Thanksgiving Verses
Thanksgiving is one of the top holidays in Christianity, not because there is a significant spiritual event that is celebrated that day. But I believe that it is an important day in our own spiritual lives to evaluate our hearts and remember all that the Lord has done for us. Thanksgiving refocuses our hearts on…
Considerations Before Homeschooling on the Mission Field
The table was cleared from all the breakfast dishes. The children regather after brushing teeth, getting dressed, and collecting their school supplies. Sitting at their assigned seats, they rise as you enter the room and joyfully begin singing their favorite hymn from hymn study — in English and in Swahili . A large smile extends…
Why We Homeschooled on the Mission Field
The move to the mission field is full of decisions — where to live, what to bring, what to do, what church to attend, where to shop, what vehicle to get. The list is quite long. This time is full of transitions for the whole family. While some of the transitions are easy others are…
Supporting Missionary Families
Imagine leaving your friends and family to live in another country. Feeling the call of God on your life, you pack up all that you know and venture out for the great unknown… unknown people, unknown grocery stores, unknown culture, unknown language, unknown streets. Living on mission for God is a test of faith. Following…
Blessing your Missionaries Through Prayer
Being a missionary in Zambia, Africa, I have had many people ask over and over again how they can pray for our family. While we appreciate our friends and family asking, some other people wait until they have specific requests to start praying. Well, today I will help my fellow missionaries by giving you a…
Parenting: God’s Gift of Sanctification
The day started off a little crazy. I was helping the five-year-old find her misplaced shoes while the boys got into some markers and began practicing their circles on the walls of the living room. After seeing the mess they were making, I turned around just in time to see the baby projectile vomit across…
Nameless But Known
“As I have encountered women all over the world, I have realized we have one significant need in common: we desire to be known, really known. Knowing comes from the tender protection and provision that we can only get from our Heavenly Father, who not only knows us and our circumstances but knows our hearts’…
Praying Your Kids Back to School
It’s that time of the year again. We are getting our kids ready to return to learning. Whether that is in a private school, public school, hybrid school, homeschool co-op, or something else, we can be concerned about children in various areas. Praying your kids back to school is a commitment that Fathers and Mothers…
Honesty Matters
One of the key tenants in the Lightner Household is honesty. When our children have done something wrong, they will always get into more trouble if they are dishonest about what happened. That’s why when our young boys threw a baseball through the shed window, they immediately came to tell us. With a little quivering…