A Journey of Faith: Trusting the Established Steps
By Brandon Judy
As we approach Thanksgiving, a season built for remembering, I find myself looking back on a year unlike any other. My heart is full, and I’m a little tired, in all honesty. However, woven through it all is a deep sense of gratitude for how faithfully God has carried my family and me through a season of profound transition.
For sixteen years, I had the privilege of serving in the homeschool industry, pouring into families in a mission I loved. Then, almost instantly, the role I had was eliminated. A chapter that felt steady suddenly closed, and I found myself standing in unfamiliar territory, asking the Lord what He would have me do next.
The months that followed were marked by both uncertainty and unmistakable grace. As I prayed and explored possibilities, God brought people into my life whose paths I never expected to cross—men and women with deep-rooted legacies in homeschooling, and others with wisdom in areas outside my own professional experience. Their presence wasn’t random. It was provision.
Little by little, the Lord began revealing a new direction. He asked my family and me to take steps that felt both daunting and exhilarating. And with each step, He confirmed that He was the One establishing this path. Today, in a way only God could write, we now own three homeschool curriculum brands. Yes, you read that right. If you are thinking, “wait, I only know about TLP,” you are right (more to come in the near future)! However, it still feels surreal to say that out loud, but the story behind it is one of His goodness, not our strategy.
Through every decision, every late-night conversation, and every moment of “Lord, what now?”, I have rested on Proverbs 16:9 (ESV):
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
And as I look back, I can clearly see His handiwork all over this year.
Here are just a few blessings I’m thanking Him for:
Continuing the Mission: I am deeply grateful that I still get to serve homeschool families, a calling I love, but now I get to do it together with my own family at my side.
Unexpected Time at Home: During the transition, I spent more time with my four children than I anticipated. At one point, I think my 5-year-old was convinced only Daddy could teach math!
Carrying Forward a Legacy: My wife and I have been entrusted to steward the work of leaders who helped shape the homeschool movement. That responsibility humbles me daily.
Wisdom from Those Who Went Before: God placed mentors in our path who offered direction, encouragement, and insight, clearing obstacles that could have made this journey far more difficult.
Provision in Motion: Resting on the Lord's provision and seeing Him work to orchestrate these incredible connections has been a constant source of worship. Micah 6:8 (ESV) anchors me in what He asks of me:
“…to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
It has been a stretching, refining, joy-filled year, one that has reminded me again and again that “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1a ESV).
As we enter Thanksgiving week, I want to encourage you to pause. Step back from the pace of life and ask: How is the Lord building your house this year? Look for the foundations He has already laid. He is faithful.
