Our family celebrated Joseph’s high school graduation Saturday night. Even though Joseph has officially been done with school for several months, with trips and the house building project, we hadn’t been able to celebrate his graduation yet.
A few weeks in advance, we had asked family member who would be attending to find a Scripture verse to share with Joseph concerning their heart’s desire for his future and for them to be prepared to pray a blessing for him.
In a way, the first part of the graduation evening was like a birthday with Teri’s parents, Nathan, and Melanie joining us for the evening. After our dinner of Joseph’s choice of a favorite meal, we moved into the living room for family Bible time.
When we were finished with our time in the Word, I presented Joseph with his high school diploma. For our graduating children we order blank diplomas from HSLDA. Nathan blessed us by brushing up on his calligraphy skills so he could letter the diploma entries. The diplomas are professional looking and beautiful when completed.
A side note about his graduation. In addition to completing his school work, I had given Joseph another requirement for graduation. He was to read through the Bible, outlining it as he went while also compiling a timeline and doctrinal statement. These would be for his own personal use. The outline would be a consolidation of the points that were important to him from each chapter – a condensed view of Scripture from his perspective. The doctrinal statement was to be doctrinal points and supporting Scripture that he gleaned as he read and ones that would be foundational to his life and walk with the Lord Jesus. The timeline was to help him understand key Biblical events. He worked hard on this, and I have been very pleased.
The next graduation event was for family members, one by one, to read the verse or verses we had picked out with which to bless Joseph. After explaining our choice of a verse, we each prayed for Joseph. There were several times where tears flowed among different family members. It touched my heart when Sarah shared weeping with gratitude to the Lord, as she prayed and realized that if the Lord had not changed Teri and my heart to have more children, Joseph (and the four after him) would not be here! What a blessing and joy they are to our family.
After that, Joseph opened graduation gifts. He also expressed to the family his gratefulness for Teri’s investment of all those years in homeschooling him. Amen. A side note: When discussing the upcoming graduation several weeks ago, the children and I decided that “teacher Mom” ought to have a token acknowledgement of those years of blessing Joseph. We decided a fitting treat for her would be for the two of us to spend a couple nights away together. We are so grateful for her labor of love through these years.
Homeschooling requires a tremendous investment by moms who are willing to pay the price. How appropriate to close with this verse. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). May God tremendously bless you moms who have chosen such a path.
Steve
What a meaningful time, Joseph will never forget. By the way, I love the comfortable feel to your time with the everyone wearing socks. That is another plus for graduation at home!
This is so sweet. I love that everyone had a meaningful word and prayer for Joseph. Thank you for sharing; I could really sense the blessing of the Lord!
What a wonderful way to celebrate a graduation! Daniel asked me to read this blog entry outloud to the family. What a wise idea to have Joseph read through and outline the Bible, make a timeline, and doctrinal statement. The wisdom and instruction gleaned from God’s Word, led by His Spirit, and under the loving, faithful and experienced guidance of your father and mother…how priceless! You are far ahead of the majority of your “Bible College” peers!
The reading of the Scripture verses and praying for Joseph reminds me much of the way we celebrate birthdays here in our home! We let the “birthday” girl/boy pick their favorite meal too. Which reminds me…the question of the hour among our children after reading about Joseph’s graduation was “What was his favorite meal?” 🙂
Congratulations again Joseph! And may “teacher mom and dad” have a blessed, wonderful time away together. What a sweet and thoughtful gift to show your appreciation and gratefulness!
Congratulations Joseph! Continue seeking the Lord in all you do. Thank you all for sharing your wonderful family.
I love to see the loving faces your family has for Joseph — such support and giveness!
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Oh, how precious! I attended public school, and my high school graduation was nowhere near as special as yours! We plan to homeschool our little ones, and hopefully we can give them such a meaningful celebration.
Congratulations Maxwells. What a special time for your family. God Bless.
this was so specail, and thank you for sharing with us, your readers. i especially love the pictures of joseph and seeing him looking at hsi family members–the love he has for you all is evident and god is present in each and every one of you. your family is such an inspiration. blessings.
how special! it brought tears to my eyes! you are blessed joseph! what a loving & beautiful family you have. stay in the Lord’s hands.. keep walking with Him. blessings to you from our family!
Congratulations Joseph! The Bible study that you did is impressive! As a side note…I see a bass in the background, is that yours?
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Catherine,
The bass is Christophers’, yet Joseph, Jesse, Mary and Christopher all take turns playng it.