To listen to or read Cindy Rushton is to be infused with an enthusiasm that spreads right out to your fingertips. Her love for the Lord and for her family is abundant. She has written more than 80 books and thousands of articles, has spoken to countless groups across the country on homeschooling and other topics of godly womanhood, and has an extensive ministry on the Internet with her many websites. She joins us today to talk about pressing to the finish line.

TOS: The Apostle Paul said, in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Cindy, I know your kids are getting older and you are in a season of life when you are pressing on. How are things at the Rushton home these days?

CINDY: Beyond expectations! Seeing the kids growing into such godly young adults is simply awesome! Our days are filled with long, long talks—tough topics, but these are the best days ever! We still homeschool Elisabeth (only two more years!). She and I stay busy with her lessons, and all of us stay busy working together in our businesses.

These are precious days of really getting to know each other better and better. I had no idea that these years would be so priceless. We are simply enjoying making sweet, sweet memories, making each day really count, and soaking in all of the treasures.

TOS: Does it seem like only yesterday they were toddlers? What can you say to the mom who is mired in diapers and housework and wonders whether she can make it?

CINDY: Absolutely! I have blinked, and they are now almost grown. It is truly amazing! The years fly! It may not seem like it when they are little and everything is so demanding every second of the day (and night!). But, these years really do go by much too fast.

I think that the most important thing to remember at those breaking points is that “this too shall pass.” Funny thing, when it does, there is something in me that misses it. … There are such treasures each and every second of our children’s lives. They will not always be like they are—that is great for the bad things, but very sad for the little things! I am so glad that God placed godly women in my life from the beginning of my journey in motherhood. They constantly encouraged me to really soak it all in and enjoy every second. I am so glad that I did! I spent time just sitting and watching them play when they were little. I still love to just watch them. Such a blessing. I just want to make sure that I set aside time to really tune in and enjoy the journey. That is what I would love to pass on to other moms.

It is SO worth it all! Keep your focus! Relax—they WILL get it—this too shall pass! Enjoy every second—if you can’t, get rid of everything that hinders you from enjoying these days. Each second is a treasure!

TOS: What has been the most rewarding thing about homeschooling?

CINDY: Christine, there are so many treasures. Sweet, sweet memories. I think that the most rewarding thing about homeschooling would have to be that we have had so many years to really get to know each other. Deep relationships are so rare in our culture, even in the family. Even in Christian families. As we began to homeschool, we were convinced that homeschooling afforded our children the very best education possible for them, but we got so much MORE than just a great education. We were able to really forge strong relationships.

Our children got to know US. They had time with us to learn what we know, what we love, what we do well. This was some of our BEST curriculum ever through the years. God made no mistake in placing these children in our lives. Matthew and Elisabeth both needed to know things that no other teacher could have taught them—only us. Sure, other teachers could give information. Sure, my children could have learned many skills from another teacher. However, when I look at some of the things that education (even homeschooling) commonly misses, those things were naturally instilled in my children just as we went along the way in our homeschool journey.

I have learned through the years that there is so much more to education than merely covering the subjects that are taught in the typical school years. It is so easy to give in to the pressure of doing what others do. In this, many children miss the most important lessons of all. Homeschooling gave us the opportunity to give our children a great education. But it did more! They have had time with us to learn things that have prepared them to mature earlier and, we believe, go further than Harold and I have been able to go because they have such a strong foundation so early. … They learned how to minister, run a business, get along with all ages, socio- economic and religious backgrounds, on and on. How often do you see students mentored into their life calling? Homeschooling gave our children both of those worlds all in one very real world—just like God designed for children to learn!

Not only that, we have a relationship with our children that many parents could only covet. I feel so blessed that we have really not had to deal with the teen rebellion that so many “expect” today from teens. They have both been completely delightful, not only to us, but to everyone that they come in contact with. It is a treat to watch!

I appreciate that they really seem to enjoy us too! Our children really seem to enjoy us as much as we enjoy them. I think it is because they have had time with us to really know us—our dreams, our passions, our heartaches, our struggles, our disappointments, our victories, our biggest successes! They see our walk with God firsthand. The biggest tragedy of our culture is that far too many children are insulated in school and never get to know that their parents are real people. There is something about being in the home to learn that allows our children to see the real us. They really know me. And we didn’t have to wait until they were in their 30s!

That is not all. We have been blessed to really get to know our children during these years. I am not talking about a superficial knowledge that even others can know from a distance. I am talking about the privilege of getting to know them— who they are/were, what they are/were capable of, and who they are becoming— as they become all that God created for them to be. We have a real treasure! We have been able to get to know their heartbeats, their stuff. We didn’t miss a thing. We have been the ones to walk through these precious days with them as they labored through tough concepts, as they battled learning the disciplines, as they developed skills (some that were VERY slowly learned), as they delighted over people, events, and information—as they reached their goals! This has truly been a means of storing away treasures that will forever be precious to us. Just another incredible perk to homeschooling!

TOS: Your son and daughter are involved in some interesting things. Tell us about them.

CINDY: This is where I may sound like I am gloating—ha! I will try to tame it down. They are both simply incredible!

Both are writers. Shhh—don’t tell Elisabeth!

Matthew is working on a fun book with me this year. We are writing a book called Kids in Business. Actually, both of us have reached a point in the manuscript where we have decided that it may end up being several books. There is just so much that we have lived out through the years. It is a blast writing a book with Matthew. He has so much in his head that simply intrigues me. Blending both of us together into a book is one of the neatest combos I have ever seen. Just stay posted for more info on that before long!

Elisabeth is also writing like crazy. She began an ezine (Time for Tea for Teens) for teenagers a few years ago. It began after a very tough time of her life. There was something in her (I have a feeling it came from me!) that just had to help other teens get through those days a bit easier— sound familiar? She has written for it bit by bit as God has moved on her heart. Now, she has had so much on her heart lately that she has a huge notebook full of wonderful articles for the teen today. She is still writing a few of the chapters, but now the book is almost ready, and God has been giving her chapters for another book on the heart. I really enjoy watching this writing process in her. It has bonded us so close. She just amazes me! So, keep an eye out for that.

Both are entrepreneurs. Matthew began his first business when he was 12. His business is still going strong, although he has branched out to other areas of interest as well. He has a dream that he is working toward (private still). To get there, he is continuing his knife business and he is also on board with my husband’s businesses (construction, commercial/ residential playgrounds, and real estate development). This year … we will be introducing our full line of commercial/residential playgrounds that come from our own manufacturing company in North Alabama. Enlarging our business will offer Matthew the opportunity to work toward his personal dream. The greatest thing is that Harold and Matthew are getting even more time to work together. It is priceless!

Elisabeth is very creative and artistic. She has made many products through the years for sale. … She is doing several things right now that excite me. She is finishing up her [two books] … and will be working with a dear family friend on a joint venture to offer a nice package to help raise money for her “computer fund.” She cracks me up! You never know what she will be up to next! Everything should be ready to go in the next few weeks. Just see her website for more details: www.ElisabethRushton.com.

Both love missions and ministry. … This past year we have been so blessed to be a part of many mission trips. Elisabeth and I went to Chicago in August to help with a church plant. Just a few weeks after that, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the entire South. Since then, we have made around ten trips in and out of Mississippi and Louisiana taking help to those in need. It has been amazing, an experience of our lifetime. The kids have such a heart for comforting people and leading the lost to Jesus Christ. Such a blessing!

… Both are very involved at our church. They are part of our youth group and youth ministry. … Matthew is an Awana teacher. His kids just adore him! Elisabeth has been a coach for a sweet little cheerleading squad. … She does an amazing job with them. They both have a big bunch of godly teens that they hang out with. When they can all break away from commitments, they love getting together to have fun!

TOS: I see they have then caught your entrepreneurial spirit!

CINDY: I think they have a greater edge than I do. They won’t have to battle some of the problems that come with the mindset of our culture about security, business, and prosperity. They have super ideas. It will be neat to watch them as they grow up!

TOS: It would seem the home business route is ideal for the homeschooling family. What advice do you have for our readers who might be considering such a business, for themselves or their children?

CINDY: Great question, Christine. This might be a whole interview of its own!

We have seen a HUGE turn toward home businesses—not just with homeschoolers, but with our culture at large. In our own local area, I am amazed at the new home businesses that have popped up. I really think that God is calling many back to the old paths. Home businesses are not new. This is the way “it was done” for thousands of years. It is an old path that works. Of course, it will work if there are a few things set as the foundation of the business. I guess that would be my advice— to have a commitment to a strong business foundation. Here are some of the things that we have found to be vital since we have been in business:

1. Make it a calling! Look for what you love! Make sure it is a real call from God! If what we do is a calling, it can go on through the demands, through the ups and downs. So, most important is to make sure it is a calling! Make sure it is ONLY what you are called to do.

2. Be original! From the very beginning of our businesses (all four of them), we saw needs that were not being filled by anyone else, and those gave us our direction. It set us apart. We have committed to do what God calls US to do without regard to what others are deciding to do or not do. God has blessed that! If someone were to use us as their model, they could mess up quick. There are some things that we do just to minister or just because the other parts of the business pay the bills for that to be done. If someone were copying our business rather than being completely original, I think that they would be at risk of failure.

3. Embrace change! This was the hardest lesson ever for me to learn in my business life. I have a tendency to really love stability, security, consistency, faithfulness. While those may be great qualities in my marriage, those are not always possible, much less recommended, with a growing business. Businesses grow. That is inherent in the thing. If our businesses do not grow, t 2 hey will die. Change is all around. We can’t get in a rut and keep on doing what does not work just because it is “the way that things have always been done.” The wise business owner keeps on learning and growing. I think that the best illustration of this is in the book (that everyone should read) Who Moved My Cheese? Without detailing the book (you must get it!), the lessons are too vast to mention. God used this little secular book to renew my mind and prepare me for success. Just a few things it instilled in me: we want to be the one who is willing to risk going out there for the new things. They may seem risky. They may take a bit of work to find. But that is where the profit and blessing is.

4. If we wait around with “lack” until there is just nothing else left where we are, we also miss out on the big blessings and risk staying in “lack” because others soak up all of the new things. Now I am not saying that you should chase everything that is out there. There are many things that may not be for you and your business. … I need to focus on the things that God wants for me to do. When I have that, He is faithful to show me the new things, my cheese. Of course, only if I am willing to move speedily!

5. Don’t do debt! One of the biggest mistakes I have ever made was presuming upon the future with my business. Even though I had bookstores who owed money to us for products we had already delivered to them and conventions who were obligated by contract to pay for our expenses and teaching at their conferences, that money was not in hand. Assuming that others would pay their bills to us by the date that it was due, I went into debt for my business. To make it short and sweet, I will just share the lesson. God gives us our daily bread, our daily needs. If we are not content with those, even in our business, we will fall prey to the temptations of the tempter. A home business cannot operate with debt, obligating something that may never be there. Something will suffer—the business growth, the family, the person in business. Satan would love to entice the business owner with debt—he knows how it enslaves. It may be investing in equipment that we cannot afford yet. That equipment will become a noose around our necks—a curse. It may be going to the bank for our provision, but that lender will become our “pharaoh” the entire time that we are in bondage to him. Instead, build your business with what you have. That is a great indicator of what you should be doing in business anyway—what is in your hand? What do you know? What can you do today? Do it. Use it. Grow as God provides. Have something on your heart? Take it to the Lord. Let Him alone know your heart’s desires, and watch Him work! You are in store for a wonderful treat! By the way—wondering if I regret the debt? Yes and no. Yes, I regret ever doing anything that separated me from God’s best. I still have a horrible gut hatred for debt—can you tell? However, I love that my Lord can take my mistakes and make them into something great. He did that with my struggles with debt—first teaching me about the snare of debt, then watching His miracle to restore me, and now opening the doors for me to help others conquer this giant in their life. Want a business? Begin where you are to get out of debt. Use what you have right now to commit as a means for getting out of debt. Go to the Word of God for God’s view of debt and His means for getting free of this taskmaster (John 8:31-32).

6. Stay balanced. If there is one major “con” to a home business, it is the demand on your life. Now, you must know that if you are not a selfstarter or self-motivated or industrious, you may not need to begin a home business. It takes someone who gets a delight from working hard and accomplishing tasks. If you are looking for something that will give you money with minimal effort, a home business is definitely NOT for you—I would recommend getting a job working for someone else who just needs a body to fill the spot (of course, expect pay according to that commitment). On a weekly basis, I hear at least someone who looks at what we do and really wants this for themselves. I don’t want to sound negative, but it is far more work than I ever did for someone else. The lists of things to do and demands never cease. I get one thing done and 20 more are there popping up with an immediate demand on my time. I could work 24/7 and never get it all done. One thing that I have learned the past few years is that it won’t ever all be done. And that is a good thing! God worked into my heart a sweet peace about that—that it was His gift for me to always have work to do. That is a sign of His abundant blessing upon my business. I have had to learn how to balance letting some things go while not getting lazy or procrastinating too … finding God’s principles for work and rest … distinguishing between those things that I should and should not do … take time time to do the things that are eternal and also walk away and rest—recreate too.

With all of that said, if a family feels a pull toward a home business, I cannot begin to tell you the delights that await! We work together as a family on each of the businesses. I love working with my family! … We find that each of us working together has different gifts, abilities, and talents. Right now, my husband hired me to build his website for Playmasters (the playgrounds). It is a BLAST for me. My daughter loves web design too. She is helping me, and she is also using her graphics gifting to help her dad with a program he needs for working with clients and his representatives. We each do what we do best. The result is amazing! I cannot recommend enough that each family consider how they might be able to work together in a business. The lessons that your children will glean from the experience just make their education full and complete!

TOS: Do you have any regrets? What would you do differently if you had the chance to do it all over?

CINDY: Absolutely! But praise God that they are fewer than I expected. Actually, they are different than I expected. Stressing out—ugh! If I had only known. Trying to be super (duper) homeschool mom—ugh! Great way to find yourself on Xanax and Lexipro!

Being pressured to conform: clothes (yes—there is a peer group within homeschooling), activities, cooking, babies (same things that the Egyptians dealt with and made into their gods!), legalism. We have to be very careful how we walk in our lives or the enemy will enslave us. He would love for us to swap these things for a personal relationship with God and our family. Just say no!

Crashing out—yet it was inevitable! And although I wish more than anything that I had not bottomed out, I think it was the one that showed me what was really important in life—God, my husband, my kids, godliness. Those tough days drew me to God in a way that nothing else ever could have. While I wish my children had a testimony of being trained up by a perfect mom, my weakness showed them that I was REAL and let them know my real heart! And it birthed a fresh ministry. Nothing tugs on my heart any greater!

TOS: I’ve now met several moms who are ending the active homeschooling season. What’s ahead for you in the next season of your life?

CINDY: God used these years of homeschooling to give me my heart’s desire— a godly home. I could have attained the world and everything that it could have given me, and that would not have been as precious to me as those sweet memories through the years. These have been very, very good years. I have no regrets for homeschooling. I feel that the kids got the “perfect” preparation for their calling.

As we walk into the next season, I am afraid that you guys will still be stuck with me! My children plan to homeschool their own children, so there may be another 80 books for grandparents! Actually, this year is the twentieth year since God called me into ministry and the tenth year of our business. He has been preparing me for a couple of years to expand our ministry. I never meant to have so many books on homeschooling. God just moved on my heart to write each one. I am not finished with all of them yet. But I am very excited to be working on some projects that expand our ministry to some real heartbeat niches: quiet times with God, Bible studies, organization (obviously), romance (we have several marriage books coming—our Romance Toolbox is due out for my twentieth anniversary in May), debt, family business, family ministry, health (spiritual, mental, and physical), and whatever God leads me into.

We are walking into our tomorrows with complete confidence that we have unspeakable, amazing, awesome treasures at every step. I am elated to see all of the treasures that God has stored up for us as we continue to get back to His design for the godly home. I suspect that the greatest treasure for me will be a legacy of godly children—a houseful of wonderful grandchildren and many years of proclaiming God’s goodness!

TOS: What advice do you have for the mom whose busy work as a homeschooler is nearly done?

CINDY: Don’t stop now! … The job is not finished at graduation. … These are very special years. Their greatest decisions are in the next ten years of their life. We should have learned to hear God for their training at the beginning of the journey, or by third grade, or by high school. But, if not, these are the days that we must listen to His very breath so we can train our children up in the way that they should go, and know how to let go so they may soar!

TOS: Looking into the future, what do you think “the homeschooling movement” will look like in 50 years?

CINDY: I don’t think it will be like it is today. Just seeing the differences in the past few years, I don’t think it will be the same. I think that the next generation of homeschoolers will be [composed] of many of our children who are homeschooling the next generation. If they choose to homeschool, I believe that they are going to adopt many of our successes and stay away from many of our failures. They will be beginning their own families with so much more than we did—godly heritage, great education, strong relationships, entrepreneurial mindset, passion for God, good clear paths to walk upon, intense commitment to family. … I pray that we leave the next generation with a torch of freedom, promise, and fervent passion for God. I look forward to seeing this generation rise up and take the torch to the next generation!

TOS: And we will be watching as you and your family carry that torch. Cindy, we so much appreciate your wisdom and enthusiasm. May God continue to richly bless you and your family.

Cindy Rushton is the wife her very best friend, Harold Rushton, and the mother of Matthew and Elisabeth who have always been homeschooled. Cindy lives in the beautiful mountains of North Alabama in her dream cedar cabin. Cindy is the author of over 75 books, Bible studies and homeschool resources. She edits and publishes two magazines, Time for Tea and Homeschooling the Easy Way. She has become a beloved and favored speaker for homeschool conventions and retreats across our country. See her online at www.CindyRushton.com or www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com; or email Cindy@CindyRuston.com

Christine M. Field, TOS’s Resource Room columnist, practiced law for eight years before becoming a full-time mommy for her four children. Her husband serves as Chief of Police in Wheaton, Illinois. She is a freelance writer and the author of several books about homeschooling, adopting, and more. www.HomeFieldAdvantage.org www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/ChristineField