College {at} Home-My Story

(It has been a while since I have blogged, but I wanted to share my college at home story.  I had previously written a post about my "whys" of doing college this way.  You can read about it, here!)

 

My Story

I have had the privilege of being homeschooled my whole life.  It has been the greatest blessing!  My parents have always felt like it was their God-given responsibly to train me and my sister in His ways...even in school!  I am grateful that they have chosen to live out the Biblical model of keeping us under their protection until the Lord brings our husbands (if He so wills).  Thankfully, this responsibility did not just end once I graduated homeschool high school (in 2012).  I always knew I would not "go off" to a college campus, so I was excited to see how the Lord would work out the whole "college thing."  :)  (Side note: The reason I pursued a college education was for the sole reason of having a degree in case the government required it to homeschool my children, one day...it was easier to do it now, than 10+ years down the road!)  During my high school years, the Lord introduced my family to the wonderful world of credit by exams (CLEP, DSST, ECE exams).  Little did I know that this would be the answer to our prayers!  Over the course of my last two years of high school, I accumulated almost 60 college credits before my graduation.  As of December 2013, I completed the requirements of a Bachelor's Degree in History and applied for graduation from Thomas Edison State College...all without ever having to live on a college campus!    I only had to take two online guided/independent classes (my Capstone and another history class)...the rest of my credits were credit by exams.  I am amazed at how the Lord continually provided the tests for me to take! 

 

As of today (March 7, 2014), I can finally say that I am a college graduate!!!  I am so humbled by the Lord's faithfulness and grace.  Looking back over my schooling years, I always knew He would get me to this point of being a homeschool-through-college grad.  At the time, we were not sure how that would play out, but we continued to strive to follow His Word and His leading.  We did not get the "whole picture," all at once, but He kept reaffirming this journey.  Culture will tell you that you need your "freedom," you need to "find yourself...by yourself," "you can't homeschool after high school," and other such things.  My story is a prime example of how, through His grace, I was able to stay under my Daddy's protection and still receive a college education.  I am the first to admit that I don't have it all together and there were ups and downs along the way, but I can attest to the fact that this was and is the greatest blessing!!! 

 

You might be thinking..."You have your degree and you're done with school, so now what?"  My desire is to serve the Lord, where He has me!  This includes continuing to do the things I love (anyone who knows me well, knows I love to garden, craft, bake, etc.), helping Daddy with Craig Church Ministries, serving my family while learning homemaking skills, running my home-businesses (That's Sew Taylor and Lilla Rose), and seeking to follow Him where He leads.  I pray that these skills I learn, now, will one day bless my future family (if that is in His plan).

 

Of the many blessings of doing college at home, these stand out to me... 

 

I was able to stay under my father's protection. 

I know I keep "harping" on this, but I believe it is a vital, Biblical truth that many are missing out on!  I believe it is the Lord's best for daughters to stay under this protection, until He gives this responsibility to their husbands.

 

I was able to continue learning to be a homemaker.

I believe in the Titus 2 model of women being keepers of the home.  College does not teach young ladies "to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands." (Titus 2:4b-5)  These aspects are so important that the verse ends with, "...that the word of God be not blasphemed."  I am grateful that I did not have to spend four years, while getting an education, away from my home...the place where I am able to learn these valuable traits.  (Believe me...I am still a work in progress, but I am thankful for a wonderful teacher!)  :)

 

I was able to pursue my other interests.

  As I mentioned above, the Lord has given me several interests and I am thankful I was able to continue to pursue them, these past few years.  (It's kind of hard to bake cookies and grow tomatoes in a college dorm.)  ;)  In all seriousness, I have learned so much, in addition to my schooling...I'm glad I got to do both!

 

I was in an environment that put God first in every aspect.

           I know there are many conservative Christian colleges out there, but no place compares to home and the one-on-one discipleship you receive from your parents! 

 

 

In closing, I would to thank my Daddy and Momma for always striving to follow God's Word and praying for me!  They and Leah were my biggest cheerleaders and constant encouragement.  (A "thank you" is not adequate for all of the time, effort, resources, prayers, sacrifices, encouragement, and love they gave...I hope you know how thankful I am!)   A big thank you to my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who would lift me in prayer when they would get the "I'm getting ready to take a test" email.  :)  Thank you to my dear friends who prayed and rejoiced with me along the way.  Each email and word of encouragement meant so much!!!  Most of all, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior who walked with me each step!

 

As you can see, I am very blessed and humbled by the Lord's goodness!  May He receive the glory!

 

 

Taylor 

Linking up with...
 

 

 

 

Are you ready?

 

It's lining up...  "What?"  The return of our Savior...the end of time.

 

That might seem a little "far-fetched."  I mean, come on...that's not really going to happen.  Right??? 

 

"And Jesus answered and said unto them,

Take heed that no man deceive you. 

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ;

and shall deceive many.  And ye shall hear of wars and

rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled:

or all these things must come to pass, but the end is

not yet.  For nation shall rise against nation,

and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines,

and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 

All these are the beginning of sorrows. 

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted,

and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations

 for my name's sake.  And then shall many be offended,

and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many

shall wax cold.  But he that shall endure unto the end,

the same shall be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom

shall be preached in all the world for a witness

unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

{Matthew 24:4-14}

 

After reading that passage, we can start to see the beginnings of the end, even in our own lives.  Looking around, I see so much devastation, in the world and I am afraid it is only going to get worse.  In reference of the tragedy of this week, I believe we are given "glimpses" of the things to come.  Why?  So we can prepare.  It is going to get hard...maybe not tomorrow or next week, but in the near future.  We need to prepare ourselves to be able to stand for Christ.  It has been relatively easy, thus far...we live in a free country where being a follower of Christ is not life-threatening.  What if all that changes?  It is a convicting and challenging thought.  It makes me think...

 

One world government, one global currency, technology that allows everyone to know everything about everybody...it's coming.  It's hard stuff, but it's true. 

 

"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."

{Matthew 24:42}

 

How do we prepare?  I believe Ephesians 6:10-18 applies to this question.  Here is verse 18...

 

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

 

So, I ask, "Are you ready?"  Therefore, I must ask myself the same question.  It helps put my focus in the right perspective.  It is something in which we (myself, included) need to be reminded.

 

All of this must take place, before He comes...but, let me remind you, that we are victorious!  We have the blessed hope that Jesus is coming, soon! 

 

 "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

{Revelation 22:20}

 

Amen!  Are you ready?  May we continue to serve Him, until He comes!

Living Victoriously



"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

{Romans 8:37}

 

We live in a sinful, fallen world.  Therefore, pain, spiritual warfare, heartache, and disappointments are present.  Life is not easy...we have all been there when the going is rough.  Whatever you are facing, I would like to encourage you, sister-in-Christ, that He will never leave you nor forsake you!  (Deut. 31:6)  As believers, we can live victoriously through Jesus!

 

 "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 

{1 John 5:4}

 

If we put our complete trust in Jesus, He will not fail us.  I have experienced this in my own life.  No matter how "dark" it gets, He has never let me down...He has always been there.  The trials still come, but with Him, I can live in victory. 

 

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 

{John 16:33}

 

Satan knows our power is in the Lord Jesus Christ, so he often tries to get us to walk in our own power, which causes us to fail.  It is easy to try to find strength in ourselves, taking our eyes off Jesus.  We cannot overcome on our own!  Our strength only comes from above!  I encourage you to stand firm...don't listen to the lies of Satan.  When the hard times come, trust Him and He will see you through. 

 

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..."

{Ephesians 6:11-18}

 

Stand firm, keep the faith, and continue to trust Him!

 

Blessings,



College {at} Home-Why?

 

I get a lot of questions about college.  After all, I am a homeschool graduate, so I "need" to gain my "freedom" and go off to college.  (I use the words in quotations very loosely.)  I am not saying a college education is bad, but I am getting ahead of myself!  I would like to share my answers to the, "3 Why's of College at Home..."

 

{1.}  "Why at home?"

 

What's so special about being home, in the first place?  I am so glad you asked!  :)  According to the Bible (our greatest guidebook), daughters stayed under their father's protection, until the Lord brought their husbands, if marriage was His plan.  For example, the story of Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24) shows that Rebekah was still in her father's care, when Abraham's servant met her at the well.  She was spending her days serving her family.  Another example, is Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 29).  Even Esther was under her guardian's (cousin's) protection, when she was summoned to the king (Esther 2).  With that said, I am a firm believer that daughters are supposed to stay under their father’s/parent’s protection, until the Lord brings their husbands, if He so wills.  Therefore, “going off to college” is not an option, for me.  I find such joy in being a daughter-at-home!

 

{2.} "Why do you want a college education?"

 

My heart’s desire is to be a stay-at-home mom/wife (Titus 2:4-5), therefore I don’t need a degree to get a job. I am pursuing my BA, for the sole purpose of being prepared, in case our nation requires a college education to homeschool your children. 

 

{3.} "Why CLEP's?"

 

My mom and dad prayed for years for a way to do “college” at home...even when I was a little!  The Lord brought CLEP’s into our lives and we haven’t looked back since! We are so grateful for this option and praise the Lord for His faithfulness to answer our prayers.  Pursuing a degree through CLEPing allows me to stay at home, but also earn my degree!  I am under my father's protection and I am able to pursue different interests, while doing school.  

 

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

You might ask, "What about me? I do not have a supportive family or the option to stay at home."  We live in a fallen world, so there are situations when stay-at-home daughterhood is not possible.  I urge you to pray and seek the Lord!  He can turn a hard situation into a good one. 

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

 

I know it is sometimes hard to wait on the Lord...but,

 

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

 

I know He will honor your willingness to let Him lead you.

 

Every journey is different...concerning what the Lord has planned.  A college education is not for everyone, but

I urge you to embrace the call of daughterhood. 

 

1. Allow the Lord to lead you...daughterhood applies to every girl!  :)

2. Daughters have such an influential part in the family...use this season in your life to bring Him glory! 

3. Be thankful for your father's protection and the freedom it gives. 

4. Don't get caught up in living to the world's standards and doing what is "culturally correct"...choose God's best.

 

In my own life, I am still seeking what the Lord wants me to do.  I have enough credits for an Associate's degree, but right now, I am continuing to pursue my Bachelor's.  There are so many options!  I need the Lord's direction...His perfect plan.  I covet your prayers! 

 

If you have any questions, please comment or email me at: thejourneyofdaughterhood@gmail.com.

 

 

Blessings as you seek His will...

 

Prayer-Engaging in the Battle

 

The Lord has been revealing to me the power of prayer.  A few weeks ago, I read, "This Present Darkness" by Frank Peretti.  I highly recommend it, though be forewarned...it is not for the faint at heart!  After the first three chapters, my prayer life was changed.  Sometimes, we need a "visual" image to help us understand.  Actually "seeing" the spiritual warfare and the impact of prayer makes you want to engage in the battle.  Prayer is not easy and Satan wants to distract us from using our source of strength.

 

   “Depend upon it, if you are bent on prayer, the devil will not leave you alone. He will molest you, tantalize you, block you, and will surely find some hindrances, big or little or both. And we sometimes fail because we are ignorant of his devices…I do not think he minds our praying about things if we leave it at that. What he minds, and opposes steadily, is the prayer that prays on until it is prayed through, assured of the answer.” Mary Warburton Booth

 

In a battle, you do not fire only one shot and then think you have done your part.  You are constantly penetrating the enemy, fighting for the good.  Prayer is so much more that just a little saying...it is talking to our Father, Creator, Sustainer, Healer, Almighty God.  I have been guilty, in my prayer life, of just getting it done and checking it off the list.  When that happens, I am missing out on communing with my Savior and interceding on behalf of my family in Christ.

 

" Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints..." (Ephesians 6:18)

 

"Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees."

Corrie ten Boom

 

I encourage you to talk to the Lord, during your quiet time, but also throughout the day.  Bring the little problems to Him and grow in your fellowship.  He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother.  Also, use your time of prayer to praise Him!  If you are a child of the King, we have so much to be thankful for!   

 

I have definitely not arrived, in this area, and it is a daily struggle, but I purpose to strive to engage in the battle!  I encourage you to pray...it is our strength!
 

 "...[the] power of prayer can never be overrated. They who cannot serve God by preaching need not regret. If a man can but pray he can do anything. He who knows how to overcome with God in prayer has Heaven and earth at his disposal." Charles H. Spurgeon

 

Remaining in Him,

 



For starters...

For starters, I suppose I should introduce myself.  :)

 

I'm Taylor and I am a 17 year old, homeschool graduate.  My "occupation" is a stay-at-home daughter.  I am currently earning my degree through CLEPing, which enables me to be under my father's protection.  (As a side note, I wouldn't have it any other way!)  I am so grateful to be a child of the King and thankful for the blessing of a wonderful family. 

 

Over the past year, the Lord has burdened me over embracing our roles as daughters.  In our culture, it is acceptable (and commended) for us, girls, to go out into the world and just "wing-it."  I feel, instead, the Lord has much higher plans and will lead us, if we let Him.  I look forward to sharing what the Lord is teaching me... 

 

Many blessings!

 

It's a shower!

 

 

Yesterday afternoon, we had a bridal shower for my dear, dear, dear, DEAR cousin, Katy Brown (Isaacs)!  It was a special time with our great-aunts from our MaMaw's side of the family. 

 

Here are the details...

(Warning...lots of pics!) :)

 

The front of our invitation...

(Please excuse the red and blue lines...this was a screen shot before we ordered them!)

 

Flower Pom-Poms

Sewing the Garland

 

 

The Table

 

Katy's Corsage...Made by Momma and Me

The Lovely Mrs. Isaacs-to-Be

Katy with her Grandmothers

A Beautiful Group of Special Ladies

Kandace and Leah

Oh...I love the punch! :)

Opening Gifts

The Four of Us, Girls

 

Pillow Covers for Katy...Made by Me

{Christmas}

 

The wedding will be here, before we know it!  I am so excited for Katy and Josh...I know the Lord will bless them for honoring Him in every aspect of their relationship and future marriage.

 

Katy (and Josh), I love you, dearly!!!