Hello to all PAACH homeschooling families. I pray that your family had a blessed summer and were able to encourage one another in God’s Word. As you begin to start a new school year, it is important to remember that above all the curriculum, pencils, pens, notebooks, or other school materials is to remember to get in God’s Word. Life is filled with many things that can make someone busy, but I implore you to make God number one. The dads on the PAACH Board have been working together on a Bible study that encourages one another to lead our families in worship. There are four elements from our lessons that I would love to share.

The first and most important lesson is to READ the Bible to your family. God reveals Himself to us through His Scriptures. In Genesis 18:19, God says, “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what He has promised him.” God commands us to read His Word and teach our children a good sense of morality. More importantly, it gives us an opportunity to share the Gospel message to give them a chance to believe and teach their children. Just by reading the Word out loud, we are planting seeds.

Second, it is important for us to DISCUSS the readings as a family. In Deuteronomy 6:6- 7, God tells us, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” As parents, God gives us the opportunity to help nurture and develop his seeds through fun and sometimes circular Bible-centered discussions.

Pray, pray, PRAY… is our third element. God teaches us in James 5:16 that “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Our children need to know that we are not afraid to talk with God and pray over them. At my home, we pray for our family, friends, and each other. There are many opportunities throughout the day such as meals, beginning of a school day, bedtime, and especially Family worship time. Prayer will help them to develop their own relationship with God and let the seeds blossom.

Finally, take the time to SING as a family. “Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! (Psalm 47:6) While there have been many blessings that have come from singing as a family, to be honest, it is not necessarily always easy to do. I enjoy letting my kids pick songs and take turns to help lead us to sing. This is when you get to see those seeds blossom.

God has given you a heritage. Now is the time to hear the call to worship to plant the seeds of His family tree with those he has entrusted you to care for. Fathers listen to the call to lead in family worship. Mothers cherish the opportunity to teach your children about God. God wants you to treasure the time with your family that He has given you. Every day with those we love is truly a gift from God. Make sure to often speak the Gospel to those you love. Each day with a loved one may be our last as God has our days numbered. “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

The PAACH board desires for you to lean on God and His Word, and to know that you have a community of homeschool believers that are here to help and support you in your journey. We also desire to help you disciple your children by providing encouragement, wisdom, and resources that will enable you to be Godly parents who lead your children towards Christ. We pray that your family learns together, grows together with others in community, and glorifies Christ in everything you do. You are chosen to be a part of His family.

Carlos Gonzalez
PAACH Vice President