Faith over fear in homeschooling – Safe Haven News October

I’m so glad you’re here today!

As you know, faith is a big theme of my life. I believe there’s no place for fear in a Christian’s life. No fear of evil, because Jesus has overcome all evil. And no fear of failing, because He is our strength. So I wanted to share this message with you today.

✝️ Faith Over Fear in Homeschooling

Dear Homeschool Mama,

October is often filled with talk of fear—haunted houses, scary movies, and spooky costumes seem to be everywhere. But for many of us, the real fear isn’t found in a costume shop. It’s the kind that creeps in late at night when we’re lying awake wondering:

• Am I messing this up?
• What if my kids fall behind?
• What if I’m not enough?

Fear can feel overwhelming when you’re carrying the weight of your children’s education, character, and future. It whispers lies about your worth, your capability, and even your calling. But friend, the Lord has something very different to say.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
—2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

🌿 Faith Looks Different

Faith doesn’t mean we never worry—it means we choose to believe God is bigger than our fears. It’s trusting that He called you to this homeschool journey on purpose, for your children, in this season. And He promises to walk with you.

Faith doesn’t always look bold. Sometimes it looks like:

• Starting the day with prayer when everything feels chaotic.
• Teaching the same math lesson again—because you love them.
• Saying “I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out together.”
• Resting, even when the to-do list is long.

🙌 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

When you feel the grip of fear, don’t try to power through alone. Lean into God’s Word. Speak truth aloud. Reach out to a fellow mom who understands. Worship. Breathe.

Ask God to replace fear with faith—and He will.

“When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
—Psalm 56:3 (CSB)

🍁 October Challenge: Faith Over Fear

This month, I challenge you to do one small thing every day that puts faith over fear in your homeschool:

• Write a scripture on your bathroom mirror.
• Say a short prayer before your homeschool day begins.
• Let go of one unrealistic expectation.
• Speak one life-giving truth over your homeschool.

You don’t need to do all the things. You need to do the next right thing, in faith.

💌 P.S.

Would you like a printable of the “Faith Over Fear” challenge to keep nearby this month? Just click here and it’s yours! And let me know if you find this helpful. Just hit reply and tell me what helped the most.

If you’re afraid you’re messing up, I would be happy to come alongside you as a mentor or coach to give you some tips or advice through my coaching course HERE.

👻Don’t be afraid to make learning fun!

There are so many things you can do to make learning fun in October. Here’s an extensive list of activities, books to read, websites, art tutorials, and other resources to help you make learning fun in the fall.

 🦟And fear not! I have found a way to keep the mosquitoes from biting you!

Did you know that mosquitoes don’t like vanilla extract? You can put 10-15 drops into a spray bottle of water and spray it all over you and the mosquitoes will leave you alone. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Watch this:
https://t.me/BarbaraOneill_official/3475

If you have been looking for a way to add copywork and narration into your homeschool, I have the perfect way for you to do that!

I have a bundle that goes with the book The Green Ember. This bundle includes a copywork journal and a narration journal that include some of the best passages from The Green Ember; a place to write favorite quotes, write about favorite characters, favorite scenes, an alternate ending; a place to draw pictures to go with the story; and even a crossword puzzle! And there’s more. You get A Writer’s Journal which encourages your kids to think about their writing. They get a chance to explore why writing is important, and what helps them to write better.

Get your bundle here at a reduced price and you’ll save $1.10.

Freebie Corner!

🍂Get my annual Fun Ways to Homeschool through the Holidays for October HERE!🍂

🍂 Here are some really cute Fall Graphing Worksheets for preschool and kindergarten. They’re free!🍂

🍂 I haven’t forgotten about your second-fourth graders!  Here’s a set of Autumn Multiplication Worksheets covering multiplication facts 1 through 12. Also free!🍂

🍂 And here’s a free Fall Festival Logic Puzzle for upper elementary to middle school.🍂

🍂 And here’s one for your football fans Football Word Search 🍂

🍂 A fun game for the whole family Fall Scattergories! 🍂

🍂 Here’s a freebie from JoDitt Williams who has the Fruitful Creativity Community that I’ve told you about before. You can join that group HERE. This coloring page is called Faith Over Fear! 🍂

🍑 Here’s a cozy recipe that my family loves. I know everybody talks about pumpkins and apples in October, but this recipe is all about PEACHES!

My mother-in-law gave me her famous (among church people) recipe, and my family loves when I make it (or my son makes it).

Margaret’s Easy (But Delicious!) Peach Cobbler

1 stick butter
1 c. sugar
1 c. flour
3 t. baking powder
1 c. milk
1 pinch salt
2 cans peaches, 1 drained

Melt butter in pan. Mix dry ingredients with milk, pour over butter. Drain one can of peaches. Spread peaches evenly over batter. Start with the one without the liquid.
Bake @350 degrees for 30-40 min. until golden brown.

Note: Other fruits can be used in place of peaches as long as you have the liquid.🍑

If there’s anything I can help you with, just reach out to me.

Do you find yourself battling fear about whether you’re doing enough in your homeschool?

Are you afraid that you’re messing up your kids by homeschooling them?

I would be honored to come alongside you with encouragement and solutions.

To book a 15 minute call with me just go to:
https://calendly.com/safehavenhomeschool

 If you have a friend who you think would like to read this newsletter, please pass it on!

Make sure you come back next month when we’ll talk about how to fight homeschool burnout.

And remember: “Your homeschool doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.”

With love and faith,

Penney Douglas

Safe Haven Homeschooling

My books on Amazon

Curriculum I’ve created with a Charlotte Mason twist plus other conventional types of curriculum

E-course I created – The Basics of Learning and Homeschooling

Coaching Course I created – Also called The Basics of Learning and Homeschooling – I take you through the course and do a coaching call with you each month

My shop for homeschool merch, t-shirts, mugs, notebooks, phone covers, and much more!

linktr.ee/penneydouglas – All the places you can find me!

Changed By Love – My original Blog about Homeschooling, Family, Faith, and Alternative News

My YouTube Channel – Safe Haven Homeschooling Channel – Homeschool Encouragement for Newbies and Burnt-out veterans, Family projects, Relationship Building, and Interviews with Homeschool Experts

My Substack – Where I share posts with a rich blend of educational insight, spiritual encouragement, and practical wisdom to help families embrace homeschooling as a lifestyle—not just a school alternative.