Finding God’s Purpose in Your Fall Homeschool Days
Homeschool
Audio By Carbonatix
How to Embrace Routine, Cut the Chaos, and Savor the Season
September and October are like a second New Year in the Goyer house. While the calendar may say the year started in January, the start of fall feels like a true reset—new schedules, new school rhythms, and a fresh chance to reorient our hearts and homes toward God’s purpose.
Back then, when I first wrote this post, I had three kids. Fast forward 15+ years, and I’m now a homeschool mom of ten. Over the years we’ve adopted seven children, walked through caregiving for parents and grandparents, and added new layers of beautiful, messy life. What hasn’t changed? The need to slow down, seek God’s direction, and pursue purpose over productivity.
Here’s how you can do that this fall—whether you’re just beginning your homeschool journey or entering another year with seasoned experience.
4 Ways to Pursue Purpose in Your Fall Routine
1. Let Go of Guilt and Say No with Grace
Not everything that’s good is meant for you right now. Every ‘yes’ has a cost, and sometimes we say yes out of guilt, fear of disappointing others, or comparison. Lay those burdens at Jesus’ feet.
“Let us throw off everything that hinders... and run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” —Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Your race is unique. Run that one.
2. Be Purposeful With Your Chores
Order creates space for peace. You don’t have to deep clean your house daily, but setting up simple systems with your kids builds habits that bless your entire home.
- Create chore charts based on your kids’ ages.
- Practice the “five-minute family clean-up” before bed.
- Meal plan once a week to avoid the daily “what’s for dinner?” stress.
These small steps create margin—margin to breathe, to teach, and to love well.
3. Take One Tiny Step Toward the Dream God Placed in Your Heart
Homeschooling doesn’t mean your dreams are on pause—it means your dream is expanding to include your family. So take one small, intentional step toward what God has whispered to your heart.
- Write one page.
- Take one walk.
- Send one email.
- Read one book on the subject.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” —Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
4. Read the Bible Daily—Even if It’s Just for Ten Minutes
This one habit has been the anchor of my life. You don’t need to study for hours or have a perfect system. Just open the Word and let God speak.
Need help? Join me and Michelle Hill on the Daily Bible Podcast. We read through the Bible in a year and share reflections to keep you encouraged and connected to God’s truth. It’s a perfect companion for busy moms.
Encouragement for the Weary Homeschool Mom
Homeschooling in the fall isn’t just about lesson plans and sharpened pencils—it’s about rhythms of grace. It’s about sipping cider while you read aloud under a cozy blanket. It’s about pausing in the middle of math to watch the leaves fall. It’s about seeking Jesus in your home and trusting Him with your heart.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” —Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
Even the messy days. Even the tired ones. Even the days that don’t go as planned.
A Simple Fall Recipe to Make With Your Kids
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup melted coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1½ cups flour (whole wheat or all-purpose)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, eggs, oil, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Divide batter into muffin cups. Bake 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let your kids help stir and scoop—then enjoy warm muffins with a Bible story and hot cocoa!
A Prayer for the Homeschool Mom
Lord, thank You for this new season. Thank You for the gift of teaching and training our children. Help us release what doesn’t serve Your purpose and embrace the small, faithful steps that do. Fill our homes with peace, our hearts with joy, and our days with glimpses of Your goodness. Amen.
Additional Resources
Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents
Need more ideas and advice on homeschooling? Pick up a copy of Homeschool Basics. Receive tried-and-true homeschool advice from veteran homeschooling moms Tricia Goyer and Kristi Clover. We dish out practical help on getting started and staying the course. Homeschool Basics will remind you that the best homeschooling starts with the heart. Packed with ideas to help you push aside your fears and raise kids who will grow to be life-long learners. Kristi and I believe that homeschooling can transform your life, your home, and your family. Mostly, we believe homeschooling can truly prepare your children for the life God’s called them to live. Don’t let doubts hold you back any longer. Get Homeschool Basics on Amazon Now!
Want more encouragement and practical tips? Be sure to subscribe to my homeschool blog newsletter and check out my devotional Walk It Out for inspiration on living out your faith in every season.
