HOW I DO HOMESCHOOL||HOMESCHOOLING THROUGH HARD TIMES 

I was at the point of enrolling my kids in school today. I felt like this homeschooling journey was too hard, there were too many obstacles, too difficult to make friends, they would probably do better in school. But I decided to pray and ask for help and then this came up. Thank you for being an encouragement to a homeschool mum across the pond in England today xx

I'm trying to think how to say this without it seeming weird or strange. Not long ago I prayed and ask God that he would send a faithful obedient woman of God into my life that would speak words of encouragement. I no longer attend any church where I live because unfortunately they have decided to push the narrative we're seeing all over etc. Your boldness and honesty tells me that you're not interested in subscribers or likes. I'm very thankful to God right now that he led me to your RU-vid about a month now. Continue to share what the Lord has put in your heart, I will pray for your strength.

“As Gods people we keep going” you have no idea how those words are something I needed to hear in this season of my life. I sobbed thru most of it…Bless you Ashley and all that you bring to this platform! Just saw that homeschoolers in our country have doubled since March of 2020 (hooray!!!!) so voices like yours are needed more than ever!💕🙏🏻

I had to listen to this in 2 parts...mom life...but the second half, girl! I wanted to shout AMEN several times!! Thank you so so so much for being founded and grounded in your faith to share such heartfelt convictions!! Bless you and your beautiful family

We had a difficult last homeschool year with a major move and huge job change. I think, for me, having a grateful heart helps tremendously. Even in the midst of upheaval and chaos, there is always something to be grateful for. On a practical note of how I homeschooled surrounded by boxes was to just focus on the basics. You were right when you said “it’s only a season”. My kiddos survived without science. They survived without music lessons. But they gained so much knowledge of how home buying works, how moving from one state to another works. My teenage son knows how to pack a moving truck like a pro! Coming from a homeschooler of 20 years, don’t stress too much newer homeschoolers! It all works out in the end.

I wanted to thank you for your video on preserving childhood. I’m being called by God to homeschool my child and that helped me speak to my husband more eloquently because in my head I was all over the place. My little one will be in preschool and I know it’s a long journey but I’m much more confident after recently finding your channel.

Girl. Yes. "If the enemy can't defeat you, he will distract you." Yes. Thank you so much for this. 🙏❤

So true. It sucks being a "doer" that can't "do" anything about a situation. Thanks for letting us know we're not the only ones feeling that way! 💖🙌 "If he can't defeat me, he'll distract me." ...girl 🤯🤯🤯 Yes. Thanks for this video. Much needed. 💖💖💖

Wow!! This was what my heart needed to hear! I am glad that the Holy Spirit lead you to say what you said! 🙌🏼😩 I’m having a hard time with the things I cannot control. Thank you for this video!

Completely needed to hear this today girl! Started my 5th year of homeschool today and it was THE worst first day EVER! Starting this new year with 3 kids now(my son is in Kindergarten) plus a toddler and newborn baby has my like"How in the world am I going to do this!" Our first day was today and I cried multiple times and wanted to give up.... But I didn't! Prayer, . my husband and breathing helped turn our day around and we were able to end on a better note. Thankful for this video and the role God has given us mommas in this homeschool journey!! Lifting all us homeschool mommas in prayer tonight 🙏🤍

Thank you for the encouragement, God has called me and my family to homeschool as well within the last few years, and has prepared us to for this time. In 2018 I had a successful fulltime business, was actually extending my buisness reach and was also going to college to finish my degree and everything, but little by little God seemed to be moving us toward letting go of my business and college-even downsizing what we had like our home, etc. and so here we are in 2021 fulltime homeschooling and seeking the Word of God now more than ever and sharing the gospel and our testimony with anyone who has ears. Praise God, and thank you for these videos that have encouraged and guided me on this homeschool journey!🙌🏼❤️

You are so spot on here!! And thank you for not saying "new normal", I'm so sick of that brainwashing phrase.

I can relate to this 4 million percent! I got off social media almost a year ago and haven’t regretted it one bit. For me, social media was a source of my stress. I’ve felt a huge weight lifted. I can certainly understand though that we, as children of God, need to be a good, strong presence on social media platforms. I’ve switched my outreach from social media to more face-to-face moments. It’s helped my mental health! Lol What a fantastic video! Thank you for sharing your heart and days with us!

Fixer and doer here too. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and encouragement. So happy and blessed that you are here for us. ❤️

This was right on time...we have had such a difficult time getting back into the homeschool groove and getting our routine back. I felt SO defeated and ready to quit after today...felt like a complete failure as a mom. And now here’s your video...encouraging me (again) and reminding me God gave me these babies and He called me to homeschool. Thank you and God bless you!

Normally I don’t comment but your message today was definitely intended for me to hear. I am a very type A person. In 2000 I was pronounced dead for 8 minutes after a failed attempt to revive me. Even with my afterlife experience of being in heaven, I have found myself in seasons of life where I feel trapped, held down, lost and confused even tho NOTHING can usually hold me down. I’ve gotten so caught up in trying to control what’s going on around me, that I’ve forgotten the most simplest principle in life of just allowing God to work through me (us). If your calling from God was to set up this channel, just know that I made my decision to homeschool my kindergartner after I found your channel at the onset of covid. Just know, I also homeschooled many years ago, my older two kiddos so I understand the difference your referring to even tho the hardships of today’s season (for me) are work related. I want you to know your message today is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you.

Totally agree with you on this. We lost my mother last fall and I was not okay and my kids saw the process and where able to work through their own grief. Yes we had to adjust our yearly school plan as we missed 4 weeks of school but in the end it all worked out and we took the time we needed. The wonderful thing about homeschooling is you can work around the crazy times.

This video was such a blessing to me! I burst into tears as you literally said everything in my mind and heart. We’re a self-employed/homeschooling family, 20wks pregnant with baby #5, about to sell our home and planning a move states away from friends and family. Stressful is an understatement. I know God is working all things and giving us wisdom through it all but it was so nice to hear another wife/mother confirming how I’m feeling. Thank you thank you!

Yes yes yes! It all starts within our home. Raise up warriors for the kingdom!

HOLY WOW! Preach 🙌🏼. Best video ever from you Ashlee. Keep it up :) I’ve been homeschooling for over 12 years. Things are incredibly different now, but we must keep encouraging each other and holding each other up. God bless you.

Your words are beautiful, truthful and encouraging! Thank you for being a light for Christ.

Thank you so much for your encouraging words. You are such a blessing!

“Ask God to fill you” so true + encouraging!!

Oh I needed this today. Thank you, thank you. It’s SO difficult these days. I may watch this one everyday for the next few weeks or so. This world is so distracting and Satan is just eating us up. We need to stay strong and connected.

How to start homeschooling when there aren’t anyone homeschooling in your community? Like how do we communicate with other homeschool families if it wasn’t a common thing where we live? Such as having groups and so…

“God’s people keep going…” ❤️I needed to hear this!!

“Duties are ours, events are the Lords.” Samuel Rutherford. In the events that we are in, we need to take care of the duties that God has put before us.

Ashlee thank you so much for this encouragement. I know I'll be returning to this video more than once through this season. I turned away from God for a long time in my life and as more things in this world unfold, it's clear to me that He was always guiding me back to Him, helping me to make choices that I couldn't see then but I do now (like starting homeschool 4 years ago, moving, etc.). Our world needs God, period. Lately he has been placing strong, beautiful, vibrant women of faith in front of me, and you are one of them ❤️

I would love how do you keep your kids engaged during the winter when kids can’t really go outside if it’s raining or too cold 🥶

As you are taking the time to pour into us, I want to pour a little into you. I felt psalm 46:10 as your were talking and I could feel how real and heavy this all is for you as well. Be still and know! God is faithful. The beautiful thing about God is he made us all different so although I don't agree with everything you believe or think (because we are both entitled to freely believe and think) I still believe God highlighted your channel to me years ago for moments like this. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability and truth. Thank you for pouring into the homeschool community both new and old faithfully despite worldy and personal difficult times. Thank for for always being centered in christ and reminding viewers that this is YOUR view and that you aren't forcing it on anyone. (Just a friendly reminder. She ALWAYS states that) and thank you for being light in the midst of all this darkness. I pray that you will hold firm to that scripture and let God pour back into you in those still moments! 🙏🏽🙌🏼

Such a timely message! Thank you for always sharing your heart with us 💕🙏🏼 God bless you and your family!!

We're going through a very difficult time right now. This video is right on time. Thank you so much for the love and effort you put into your videos. I know you're just chronicling what works for you and your family, but the help this playlist has given my family is invaluable. God bless you!

So appreciate your boldness and obedience to Christ. Thank you for continuing to encourage us! And yes. I’m a doer so I feel ALL of this!

I was looking at all the videos I would normally enjoy and just felt too heavy and depressed to watch any of them. But I felt prompted to watch this one and I’m so glad I did. I have learned this lesson before and I keep forgetting. Thank you for being the angel that reminded me today that I am carrying too much and I have to give it to my Savior.

Thank you Ashlee for making this video. You are a light in the world. Thank you for speaking the word and encouraging others to keep going. This last 18 months have been very difficult and stressful.

I prayed your same prayers this morning before listening to this. Ashley, I love your light and the truth you share. We will Let God Prevail and turn to him for comfort and guidance. Keep fighting the good fight, thank you for your testimony and strength! (P.S. I’m the momma that came up to you at the Good and Beautiful store to tell you how much I love you and your channel… we took a photo together. 😉

From one sister-in-Christ to another, THANK YOU. Your words are always such a blessing.

"The enemy will use distractions" so true. Those late nights to myself I miss so much, but with homeschooling I cant. Ill wake up not in the mood to homeschool or in the mood period. I also think the enemy knows our weakness so that will always be used first to create a crack in our armor.

I can not thank you enough for speaking from your heart on this subject. This was exactly what I needed to hear. I have had some huge distractions in our family along with being distracted about what is happening in our world today. And that quote about if the devil can’t defeat you, he will distract you- hit hard. That is exactly was is happening in my life. That reminder helps me to focus on what is truly important. I appreciate you more than you know!

Don’t forget…as a “doer” you can DO something - you can pray! And God will hear our prayers!

So needed to hear this today! Thank you!

That was inspired! I watched it twice. Thank you for those words encouragement. ❤

I’ve been following you for a year now and you’ve helped me so much in my homeschooling journey. However, I think this video is your most powerful video yet! This is territory-taking kind of Kingdom stuff here! 🔥 Thank you for sharing your heart and God’s heart for His people!

Truly needed this encouragement today!! 💜💜💜💜💜

Thank you so much for this video, I really needed this today, and thank you for having the courage to speak up in this crazy world right now . I am new to homeschool this year after God definitely called me to be homeschool mom. I am so grateful I found your channel! We are using the good and beautiful also and appreciate all your ideas, guidance and encouragement 🙏 ❤

Really needed this today. I got a little teary at one point when you were talking about how God's people have kept on living and having children through all their struggles. We are about to go through a very life changing time in our lives here related to job change/loss and we were at a place of talking about another child. My first instinct was absolutely not now but as I'm watching this...opened my heart some. I know you have to be careful with what you say in your videos but the bits that do come through, I know you're on the same page about what's going on in the world right now. We all have to find like minded people and just keep on trucking. One day at a time and definitely LOTS of prayer.

Yes, girl, yes! 💛 This is my second year homeschooling and we're two days in right now. I'm not a very organized person and I'm amazed how much you are. I think I share your passion for teaching and learning with my kids. I love how real and vulnerable you can be. You are a love!

This was so helpful and so needed! I needed to be reminded that I cannot solve the world's problems and I'm not called to, I'm not SUPPOSED to, it's not my burden to bear. Such a weight off to hear it from someone else! And the reminder that God's people didn't stop living. They kept going even if it seemed like tomorrow wouldn't come because we're not given permission to stop moving forward just because we're going through hard times. So good to hear. The reminder that the enemy wants to distract us because he knows he can't defeat us, and God has work for us each day, so to really forget the world, glorify Him and enjoy the moment when we're homeschooling. I will be rewatching this as needed - it really gave me a sense of peace. Thank you!

So much truth ! Gosh I neeeeeded to hear all this !!!!!!

I am not a homeschooling Mama but I appreciate this video! I am currently going through a tough "season" and I really needed to hear what you had to say about persevering and keep going! Thank you!

I always knew I wanted to homeschool, it was something deep inside of me 💕 My little girl is now 5 so we started Kindergarten this year and we are loving it!! Your videos have been SUCH an encouragement and sooo much inspiration 🥰 Thank you for ALL you do Ashlee!

You are amazing! Thank you for the encouragement!

I’ve been watching your videos off and on for years now, and I just wanted to pop in and say, this is probably my favorite video you have ever made. Well done. Good for you. And thank you for your honesty and letting the Spirit convict us through your bravery.

You are a true inspiration. Thankyou for sharing your wisdom with us.

This video topic is so helpful. From the way people show what they are doing to homeschool the feeling of inadequacy creeps up on me. I look to women like you as a role model and some days I use your awesome amazingness to use it against myself. Like I’m not doing it as good as you. But this video was a reminder that of course we can’t all be Ashlee lol. I have so many things in common with you and this community here. And it’s hard to find my rhythm for my kids with so much information out there. I wish I could do things a little differently but I’m having to give grace for what my kids need and for what I need. Your comment about how your kids would be fine homeschooling in a mess after a move - but you wouldn’t be - was exactly what clicked for me. I’m healing from ptsd and it requires I slow down (even though it goes against everything in my brain). Thanks for saying the things that could seem like everyone already knows. But honestly I’m just learning I have to give myself permission. Permission to be myself. I can only see others from the outside and I’m the only one who can see all my own flaws and I hope and pray for the grace needed to have compassion. 🤍🤍

Thank you so much for sharing your heart. As a homeschool mom of 16 years I can honestly say these past few years have been different. But God is good and he has answered prayer.

Nodding my head in agreement with all you are saying. I am a doer as well and this whole situation is frustrating to say the least. I always think of the Toby Mac song "Move". "Get up and move, keep walking. Soldier keep moving on. Move. Keep walking. Until the morning comes and lift your head. It ain't over yet." Soldier on ladies.

Amen and amen!! Im going to go back and listen to this video when I'm having a hard time and need a shot in the arm to boost me👍 we must not be distracted from fulfilling our purpose. And we must ask God for more strength when we grow weary of doing good. Keep the truth coming! Got to remember to keep my eyes looking up at Him and not just looking around at all the crazy. Have a blessed week!

You encourage me so much. The state of affairs these days are hard to deal with. It’s down right depressing! I hang on your every video. I’m an old Nana homeschooling my grandson. You have been an inspiration in more than one way! Thank you!

Thank you for speaking from your heart. I have been struggling with the new school year starting. I hear and see other parents struggling with all the hard choices that are coming. We chose to pull our daughter from public when all the yuck happened 2 years ago. It's been the best choice. She is loving homeschooling. She is begging to do more of The Good and The Beautiful curriculum every day. My biggest concern is keeping up with all the social. We do tons of stuff but not around other people. Our church has gone back and forth with all the restrictions. Just not even sure where to go to help her with making friends.

Thank you Ashlee! I need that!!! ❤️

What encouraging words you have spoken! God has guided you in speaking encouragement as the Bible instructs us to do to one another. We are as you say, fighting for truth and in this together. My children are adults now but we had seasons in our homeschooling years which were difficult as mentioned, moving, birth of children, deaths and medical issues. These times however as we are aware are quite stressful, I would remind us of a verse my son recently reminded me of “ For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds” Thank you again, for standing fast, ladies, let’s speak encouragement to one another.

I have had this in my watch later and finally watched it today- and I needed it today. Thank you.

Thank you for this video! I really needed to hear this to help me start our homeschool week without the anxiety that’s been heavily weighing on my heart.

You spoke to my heart. I so needed this today. I am a “fixer” too. I want to fix this mess for my children’s sake. Sometimes I forget to allow God to be God. Thank you for that beautiful reminder❤️🙏🏻

By far the best video you have ever put out. Thank you so much. With having older teens who are venturing out into this world it can make a mama’s heart overwhelmed. But praise the Lord for his word and for you reiterating the truth. I had just been thinking about the fact that people had to just keep living life in the middle of whatever was going on around them.

Amen. Thank you for sharing Ashlee!

So much truth in all of this!! My dad passed in February & for all intensive purposes everything stopped the grief was to much for my girls & me. Six months later I am so thankful I gave us that time to heal 💗 Grace is a huge part of homeschooling.

Preach!!! Wow. This video was amazing. So much encouragement and Biblical truth here. I feel like that came straight from the Lord! Thank you, Ashlee!

Loved this video SO much, everything you said was gold. We need to power through, we have community and I feel so comforted knowing we're not alone. God has given you such a great voice, Ashlee!!!

I've watched your videos from time to time. Today's video drew me to subscribe. Thank you for this message.

Thank you Ashlee, you’re on fuego girl! 🔥 ♥️ 🙌🏻 What you’re saying reminds me of Elizabeth Elliot’s book entitled, “Do The Next Right Thing.” She quotes a poem stating, “Do it immediately, do it with prayer, do it reliantly, casting all care. Do it with reverence, tracing His hand who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing, leave all resultings, do the next thing.” That is a wonderfully saving truth.

Thank you. Dare I say that I think this may be one of your best videos yet. I've been struggling (I'm in Australia, WA so not locked down though) and this encouraged me a lot.

I'm a "doer". I was just telling my husband how hard it is to let go when you are a "doer". I'm thankful that God will take care of us, and bless us for being true to our convictions that he has laid on our hearts.❤

“The sin on front street and no one is doing anything about it”….thank you for speaking to me at 12:06 mark. I felt someone finally understands my heart….or at least someone else who isn’t afraid to talk about it and discuss the pain and anger and anxiety and fear I have for my children’s future….thank for you making this video and for your encouragement ❤️🙏🏻

Preach sister! Lord, let us not be distracted but press forward toward the goal! Search our hearts Lord and give us all wisdom from You.❤

I appreciate your words and especially the part where you said that if we have questions and concerns that it doesn’t mean we aren’t people of faith. I join you in the tiredness that comes from people who say you aren’t believing or trusting in God if you admit a struggle or that something is difficult. I believe God is sovereign AND sometimes things are super hard! We will carry on in Christ knowing He knows our frame.

I needed to hear this today. Thank you.

I am a task list checker. Due to changes in how everything works these days I’m often waiting for something or someone to be available to check a box. This video made so much sense. That stuff doesn’t matter as much as being a good example to my kids and focusing on Christ.

Thank you for your encouragement, Ashlee! Sending our support and prayers from Detroit ❤👍🏽

Thank-you for your encouragement to "keep on going." God is good and he will carry us through.

Thank you for the encouragement! I have really struggled over this past year with some health issues. I am a “doer” as well and when I haven’t been able to fix my body, it has made it difficult to remain focused and steadfast on what really matters. ❤️

Ironically we had planned to start homeschool/roadschool in fall of 2020. I just chuckle at Gods sense of humor, because given everything that is going on, I would have pulled them out anyway lol. Now I don't see us ever going back. Thanks for sharing and continuing to encourage us homeschool Mommas. Praying for you and your family 🙏🏼

Your thoughts are resonating with me. I often wonder how people without the Lord's peace carry on when I battle with worry and anxiety even while holding His hand. " The best is yet to come " has become my mantra over these months. And I pray that the Father is helping me to equip my children to be lights in their world for such a time in history that He has placed them. To God be the glory!

I so needed these reminders! Thank you so much🤗

Thank you for the encouragement!!! I’ve been praying about some difficult things, as far as homeschooling this year, and God has spoken to me through your words today! I needed to here your words (God’s words). Thank you again.

This was so encouraging. Thank you!

Yes. Thank you! I have thought so many of these things over the last year and a half and it was such an encouragement to hear them voiced. I also agree that it's especially hard for the doers to watch everything that's going on.

You always bring so much encouragement Ashley! God bless you and your beautiful family ❤

Amen, Sister! 🙏

I needed this so much. We just moved and I had it in my head it was going to go smoothly and I was going to be able to keep homeschooling. It’s almost laughable to think how I was mentally 3 weeks ago. This month, our kids at church are learning about contentment and then I listened to this video this morning…I said out loud as I was getting ready “Ok, you have my attention. Speak to me.”

I want to thank you for making this channel, all your videos. I know you do all you do in obedience to God, and wanting to help others. I honestly cannot write into words how much you have helped & encouraged me in my homeschool journey and faith journey. Your impact is so much greater than you realize. Just, thank you, thank you, thank you 🤍 I pray blessings over you and your family!

Thank you. I needed this encouragement today.

Thanks for speaking about this! This has definitely been my experience too, especially the past 2 years!

Amazing video Ashlee!! I'm so thankful you allow the holy spirit to move and speak through you!! This video is one I know I will come back to as a great reminder and will help a many of homeschooling families for years to come!!! I've been at this homeschooling thing for 9+ years one of those year inwhich my oldest was doing the cancer treatment when he was 5-6 1/2. To be honest their was very little "academics" going on but we learned a ton about medications and many different procedures and read books together and talked about life stuff all while being pregnant and bring a new baby into the world. It was a crazy couple of years and even since then it's been a keep moving forward situation. We all get dealt situations most of which we have no control over and we have to choose to make the best of them and enjoy life as much as we can along the way!! Another time in our homeschool I injured my hip and was pretty out of it for at least a year and off and on after that. So at lot of academics fell off due to my pain levels and ability to move so a ton of audio books and copywork were going on for our school time. It did help my boys grow independence and gave them a love for self directed learning and has shaped a lot of what our homeschool is to this day. Thanks for being a beautiful bright light on the social media platforms!! You can imagine how big of a blessing you truly are to the world!!!! Love and hugs

Amen!!! So many truths. Thank you for sharing.

Preach !!! Yes!!! To all of this!!!

Thank you so much for this video!! I’m not a homeschool mom we just transferred to a private Christian school but your videos are always so encouraging to me and I love to watch them! Thanks so much for shining your light in this very dark world!

This is so spot on for me right now . Today was a day like this for me . I love the truth in your videos ! Thank you for the encouragement! Truly inspirational, blessing to you and yours !

Preach Mama Preach 🙌🏼