Welcome to Our Homeschool Journey
Before you scroll, take a quiet moment to watch the video below. It’s a small window into what homeschooling means to us—not just books and lessons, but a way of walking through life together with wonder, courage, and trust.
At The Once and Future Homestead, we believe learning begins with love—love of family, of truth, of quiet moments, and of the One who authored every page of our story. Homeschooling isn’t just an educational choice; it’s a lifestyle of discipleship, discovery, and delight.
You won’t find perfection here. You’ll find slow days and silly questions. Muddy boots and bedtime read-alouds. Kitchen table science and middle-of-math tears. And through it all, you’ll find the same gentle rhythm: turning the page, together.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking for fresh inspiration, I hope you’ll find rest, encouragement, and a few ideas here to carry into your own homeschool days.
Welcome, friend. Let’s begin this chapter together.
Messianic Kids in a Modern World: Raising Set-Apart Children with Confidence and Joy
Raising children has never been easy—but raising Messianic children in today’s world is both a beautiful calling and a brave act of resistance. While modern culture often celebrates convenience, instant gratification, and self-centered values, our families are called to a different path—one that is ancient, sacred, and set apart.
Raising children has never been easy—but raising Messianic children in today’s world is both a beautiful calling and a brave act of resistance. While modern culture often celebrates convenience, instant gratification, and self-centered values, our families are called to a different path—one that is ancient, sacred, and set apart.
The Hebrew word kadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) means “holy” or “set apart.” It is the same word used to describe the Sabbath, the feasts, the Temple, and the people of Israel. To raise set-apart children means to raise kids who know who they are, Whose they are, and why it matters.
This post is a practical guide for Messianic parents who want to build homes where children can grow in confidence, rooted in the joy of Torah and the love of Yeshua. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be willing to walk beside your children, learning and growing as you go.
🌿 The Moedim – God’s Appointed Times
A Homeschool Mini-Lesson about the Feasts of the Lord
The Bible gives us seven special celebrations called moedim (Appointed Times)—times when God invites His people to meet with Him. These Feasts of the Lord aren’t just old traditions—they’re full of meaning for today and tomorrow. Each one tells part of a bigger story, and Yeshua (Jesus) is right in the middle of it!
A Year of Feast-Based Homeschooling: Teaching Through the Moedim
Each year, the rhythm of God’s appointed times gently calls us back to Him. The Hebrew word "moedim" means "appointed times," and these Feasts of the Lord offer a sacred structure for worship, remembrance, and joyful celebration. For Messianic families and homesteaders like ours, they also provide a beautiful framework for homeschooling.
Instead of following only the traditional September-to-May academic calendar, why not let the biblical calendar lead your learning year? With each feast, your children can explore history, Scripture, science, art, music, and more. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to homeschool through the moedim and suggest fun, faith-centered ways to make each feast part of your family’s educational journey.
Messianic Kids in a Modern World: Raising Set-Apart Children with Confidence and Joy
A downloadable teaching with printables.
Outline: A Higher Calling for the Next Generation
The challenge: raising kids in a culture that doesn’t reflect your values
The gift: we are not alone—Scripture, tradition, and the Spirit guide us
What “set-apart” (kadosh) really means for children
1. Foundations: Identity First
Teach them who they are before what they do
Hebrew concepts: kadosh (holy), brit (covenant), mishpachah (family)Daily declarations: “We are a covenant people”
Printable: Identity Builder Cards with key scriptures & Hebrew words
2. Home Habits: Building a Culture of FaithDaily routines that root them in truth (Shema, blessings, morning routines)
Celebrating the Moedim together as anchors of memory and joy
Encouraging questions and wonder—Torah is not dry!
Printable: Messianic Family Routine Chart
Printable: Shema Poster
Printable: Children’s Prayer Templates
3. Torah as the CenterChild-friendly Torah study methods
Weekly parashah as a family practice (include art, questions, and play)
Teaching heart-level obedience, not performance
Printable: Parashah Kids Journal Pages
4. Shielding Without Sheltering
Teaching discernment about culture, media, and influence
Being “in the world but not of it” with practical boundaries
Printable: Media Discernment Guide for Kids
Printable: Mirror Moments
5. Holy Days = Holy Opportunities
How the feasts shape their calendar and mindset
Age-appropriate roles during feast prep and celebrations
Using costumes, food, and songs to cement memories
Printable: Feast Activity Planner for Kids
6. Their Voice in the Kingdom
Encouraging prayer, worship, and prophetic hearing from a young age
Opportunities for kids to lead blessings or worship
Letting kids create their own set-apart space (prayer corners, etc.)
Printable: My Shabbat & Feast Journal (illustrated printable)
7. You’re Not Alone: Finding Support
Building or joining a small community (even virtually)
Reading list for parents and older kids
Encouragement: You don’t need to do it all—just be faithful
Printable: Community Builder Packet
Conclusion: Raising Remnant Children
These are Esther and Moshe kids—called for “such a time as this”
Your home is their sanctuary. You are planting eternity.