Homeschool Minnesota
Covering topics to empower and encourage parents who homeschool their children.
Episodes

Jul 24, 2025
Jul 24, 2025
23 min
In this episode of Home School Minnesota, host discusses with Jeff Peck, author of 'Busy Parents Raising Resilient Kids', the importance of resilience in children and how parents can foster it through various strategies. They explore the role of failure in learning, the significance of emotional intelligence, and share real-life experiences that illustrate these concepts. The conversation emphasizes that it's never too late to teach resilience and that parents play a crucial role in their children's emotional development.
Links:
To buy Jeff's book: https://a.co/d/0TAcBwO
To contact MACHE: https://mache.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Homeschooling and Family Dynamics02:04 The Inspiration Behind 'Busy Parents Raising Resilient Kids'03:43 Teaching Resilience Through Failure10:40 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence16:28 Real-World Examples of Building Resilience21:55 It's Never Too Late to Teach Resilience
homeschooling, resilience, emotional intelligence, parenting, Jeff Peck, family dynamics, education, grandchildren, strategies, personal growth

Jul 21, 2025
Jul 21, 2025
33 min
In this episode of Home School Minnesota, the hosts delve into the final steps of their self-care series, focusing on the importance of revarnishing one's life to shine brightly. They discuss the significance of discovering personal joys and establishing rhythms of self-care that align with individual needs. The conversation emphasizes the biblical perspective on enjoyment and how God desires for us to experience joy in our lives. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to engage in self-care activities that reflect their unique identities and bring them joy.
Links:
To find Mellany's blog, Sanctuary of Home: https://www.sanctuaryofhome.com/
To contact MÂCHÉ: https://mache.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Self-Care Series01:19 Recap of Previous Episodes02:57 The Final Step: Revarnishing the Masterpiece04:14 Discovering What Makes You Shine15:12 Establishing Self-Care Rhythms25:01 The Biblical Perspective on Enjoyment32:18 Invitation to Engage in Self-Care Activities
self-care, biblical self-care, personal growth, mental health, family dynamics, self-discovery, joy, parenting, rhythms of life, Christian homeschooling

Jul 17, 2025
Jul 17, 2025
21 min
In this episode of Home School Minnesota, host Dayle Annand speaks with Jean Burk, founder of College Prep Genius, about the importance of college preparation for homeschool families. They discuss the various college entrance exams, the significance of test scores, and how to navigate the college application process without a traditional guidance counselor. Jean shares insights on effective test-taking strategies, the offerings of her program, and the benefits of starting college prep early. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to be proactive in preparing their children for college to avoid financial burdens and ensure future opportunities.
Link:
College Prep Genius: https://collegeprepgenius.com/
To contact MACHE: https://mache.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Homeschool Minnesota01:36 Meet Jean Burk: College Prep Genius03:12 Understanding College Entrance Exams05:46 The Importance of Test Scores07:17 Changes in College Entrance Exams09:41 The Skill of Test Taking10:56 Critical Thinking Over Content12:37 Traditional vs. Innovative Prep Methods14:04 Course Offerings at College Prep Genius16:33 Bootcamp Experience and Benefits19:08 When to Start Preparing for College Exams21:09 Final Advice for Homeschooling Families
Keywords
homeschooling, college prep, SAT, ACT, CLT, test taking, scholarships, education, Jean Burk, College Prep Genius

Jul 14, 2025
Jul 14, 2025
1hr 11 min
In this episode of Home School Minnesota, the hosts delve into the theme of forgiveness as a crucial aspect of biblical self-care. They discuss the importance of recognizing and addressing both the wrongs done to us and the wrongs we have committed against others. Through personal stories and biblical references, they emphasize that forgiveness is not only a command but also a pathway to healing and restoration in our relationships with God and others. The conversation highlights the need for self-forgiveness and the role of prayer in the process of healing. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to engage in a practical exercise to reflect on their own experiences with forgiveness.
Links:
Mellany's blog: https://www.sanctuaryofhome.com/
To contact MACHE: https://mache.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Biblical Self-Care02:49 The Importance of Forgiveness06:04 Restoration Through Forgiveness08:54 Understanding Our True Enemy11:59 The Model of Jesus in Forgiveness14:38 The Weight of Unforgiveness18:06 The Hooks of Unforgiveness20:41 The Journey to Forgiveness23:54 The Power of Forgiveness26:45 Forgiving Those Who Have Wronged Us29:35 Recognizing Our Own Wrongs32:46 The Upside Down Kingdom of Forgiveness37:03 Navigating Anger and Miscommunication39:34 The Importance of Apology and Forgiveness43:22 Confrontation and Communication in Relationships46:28 Understanding Anger Towards God51:29 Finding Hope in Grief and Loss57:08 The Power of Forgiveness and Restoration01:03:06 Invitation to Reflect and Forgive
forgiveness, self-care, relationships, Jesus, healing, biblical principles, emotional health, prayer, restoration, Christian podcast

Jul 10, 2025
Jul 10, 2025
25 min
In this episode of Home School Minnesota, host Dayle Annand welcomes Amanda Dykes, author of 'A Pocketful of Wonder.' They discuss the importance of outdoor activities for children, the significance of fostering a sense of wonder, and how nature can deepen children's understanding of God. Amanda shares insights on creating engaging activities that cater to various learning styles and ages, emphasizing the joy and peace that come from exploring the natural world together as a family.
Links:
Amanda's blog, books, and activities: https://amandadykes.com/
To contact MACHE: https://mache.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to A Pocketful of Wonder03:06 The Heart Behind the Book06:01 Activities and Engagement with Nature09:07 The Significance of Wonder11:58 Fostering a Wonder-Spotting Lens15:00 Activities for All Ages17:53 Building Relationships Through Nature20:57 The Impact of Nature on Faith23:51 Conclusion and Encouragement to Explore Nature
Keywords
homeschooling, nature activities, parenting, outdoor learning, children's books, family bonding, wonder, education, faith, creativity

Jul 7, 2025
Jul 7, 2025
36 min
Summary
In this episode of Home School Minnesota, Mellany Zepelak discusses the importance of self-care from a biblical perspective, emphasizing that true restoration comes from Jesus. The conversation explores the process of cleansing oneself spiritually, the significance of continuous self-assessment, and the foundational truths about God, sin, and Jesus Christ. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their relationship with God and to seek His cleansing and restoration in their lives.
Links
To find Mellany's blog: https://www.sanctuaryofhome.com/
To contact MACHE: https://mache.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Self-Care Series02:44 Understanding Restoration in Self-Care09:08 The Process of Cleansing17:06 The Truths About God, Sin, and Jesus21:48 Understanding Sin and Separation25:45 The Good News of Jesus Christ29:47 The Process of Restoration37:20 Responding to God's Invitation
Keywords
self-care, restoration, Jesus, cleansing, faith, God, sin, podcast, Christian, self-improvement

Jul 3, 2025
Jul 3, 2025
29 min
Summary
In this episode of Home School Minnesota, host Dayle Annand speaks with Katie Reid, a Bible teacher and homeschool mom, about her book, God What Do I Do?. They discuss the importance of understanding one's identity as a child of God, making decisions in uncertain times, and the significance of collaboration in overcoming challenges. Katie shares insights from her book 'God, What Do I Do?' and emphasizes the need for community support and the power of remembrance in faith. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their struggles and to seek God's guidance in their lives.
Order Katie's book and visit her website, blog, and podcast: https://www.katiemreid.com/
To contact MACHE: https://mache.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Homeschooling and Faith02:01 Katie's Journey: From Public School to Homeschooling06:40 Making Decisions in Uncertainty11:06 Lessons from Deborah: Strength in Collaboration14:40 Overcoming Obstacles: The Iron Chariots17:33 Finding God in Dark Times23:20 Moving from Sidelines to Frontlines28:14 Encouragement for Families and Community
Keywords
homeschooling, faith, decision making, Bible study, parenting, collaboration, overcoming obstacles, God, encouragement, community

Jun 30, 2025
Jun 30, 2025
31 min
Summary
In this episode of Home School Minnesota, Dayle and Mellany discuss the importance of self-care from a biblical perspective, emphasizing that self-care is not selfish but essential for spiritual and emotional well-being. They recap previous episodes, explore the consequences of neglecting self-care, and share biblical stories, particularly the story of Mary and Martha, to illustrate the need for balance between service and rest. The conversation highlights practical solutions for incorporating self-care into daily life, the significance of receiving love, and concludes with an invitation to spend intentional time with God.
Links
To find Mellany's blog: https://www.sanctuaryofhome.com/
To contact MACHE: https://mache.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Self-Care and Spiritual Battles01:23 Recap of Previous Episodes on Self-Care04:27 The Importance of Self-Care in Daily Life05:16 Consequences of Neglecting Self-Care10:07 Biblical Perspectives on Self-Care16:12 Finding Solutions Through Jesus22:02 The Role of Receiving in Self-Care28:30 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned31:27 Invitation to Practice Self-Care
Keywords
self-care, biblical self-care, spiritual health, Mary and Martha, Christian parenting, mental health, emotional well-being, homeschooling, faith, personal growth

Jun 26, 2025
Jun 26, 2025
22 min
Summary
In this episode, Danika Cooley discusses her work in Christian education, focusing on her Who, What, Why series that teaches children about biblical history and theology. She emphasizes the importance of understanding Christian history to see God's sovereignty and how it shapes our lives today. The conversation also covers the use of lap books and unit studies to enhance learning, the biblical perspective on slavery and abolition, and the role of parents in discipling their children. Danika shares her passion for making complex historical and theological concepts accessible to kids, encouraging them to see God's hand in history and their own lives.
Links:
Thinking Kids Blog: https://www.thinkingkidsblog.org/
Thinking Kids Press: https://thinkingkidspress.com/
To Contact MACHE: https://mache.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Danika Cooley and Her Work02:28 The Importance of Teaching Christian History05:42 Exploring the Who, What, Why Book Series10:09 Unit Studies and Lap Books for Enrichment11:35 Understanding Slavery and Abolition from a Biblical Perspective14:04 Connecting God's Sovereignty to Historical Events21:50 The Role of Parents in Discipling Children23:39 Conclusion and Resources for Homeschooling
Keywords
Christian history, homeschooling, Bible education, Danika Cooley, Who What Why series, church history, lap books, abolition, parenting, discipleship

Jun 23, 2025
Jun 23, 2025
33 min
Summary
In this episode of Home School Minnesota, Dayle and Mellany continue their self-care series by exploring the lies we believe about self-care, our identity, and the barriers that prevent us from taking care of ourselves. They emphasize the importance of understanding our value in Christ and how self-care is not selfish but essential for our well-being and the well-being of our families. The conversation encourages listeners to trust God, identify barriers to self-care, and take intentional steps towards nurturing themselves.
Links:
Sanctuary of Home:
https://www.sanctuaryofhome.com/
MACHE:https://mache.org/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Self-Care Series01:16 Identifying Lies About Self-Care10:00 Understanding Our Value and Identity16:57 Overcoming Barriers to Self-Care25:52 Who's in Charge? Trusting God with Self-Care34:01 Invitation to Self-Care and Conclusion
Keywords
self-care, identity, value, barriers, trust, faith, motherhood, self-worth, Christian parenting, overcoming lies

MÂCHÉ
Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators has two main purposes: to protect homeschool freedom in Minnesota and to provide support for families who homeschool. This podcast, Homeschool Minnesota, is part of that support. For any questions or to contact us regarding homeschooling, you can visit us at MÂCHÉ




