I have been in the homeschooling community for about 28 years. Did I just say that? Yup, 28 years.
I am a second generation homeschooler and when I began to be taught at home, my parents were heros (they still are by the way) they were the true pioneers. And there weren’t that many curriculum options out there.
So after all these years and being familiar with all the different approches to teaching your child at home…
From Bob Jones, to Abeka, Classical, Charlotte Mason, to Konos, after cutting my teeth on the fundemental principles of the how-to’s and whys of it all…
Why would I need to go to a homeschool conference?
And my wonderful husband has been solidly grounded in biblical truth with strong convictions on his roles as the leader, husband and father in our family. His heart has beat for years in the very truths and messages that movies like
Courageous and Fireproof seek to drive home.
So why would we need to go again to a conference, especially when I am not looking for lots of new curriculum?
Why would we need to go to a homeschool conference?
Because the edge gets dull…the spirit gets weary…the vision gets blurred and frankly…
We need each other!
My husband and I spent 3 days at the Teach them Diligently conference. Through breakfasts with Voddie Bauchum and Stephen Kendrick, through speakers such as Ken Ham, Doug Phillips and Voddie, through the smiles and enjoyment of meeting old and new friends…the fire was rekindled.
I became proud to be a mother of four sons through the powerful encouragement of Doug Phillips. My husband was shouting “Yes!” inside as Ken Ham shared his vision. And we laughed as Voddie Bauchum made us laugh and cry as he shared again those things that we have held pressure but gotten weary in.
My daughter and I attended a session together about preparing your daughters as they enter into their teen years and it was a blessing.
My son worked at the CollegePlus booth and was encouraged to meet others that are going through the program.
It was good for our children to see other families with the same vision all together in this family reunion type gathering.
And there is something about the knowing look that happens as you catch the glimpse of a fellow homeschool mom with her sweet brood of precious ones trailing behind her. You just have a connection without even knowing her name, but you are both in the same battle, with the same goals…and you smile.
And then as a blogger this conference held a special place for me. I got to meet some wonderful bloggers such as:
Kathy from Kathy’s Cluttered Mind,
Amanda from The Pelsers,
Kim from Not Consumed,
Rebecca from Mom’s Mustard Seed,
Betty from A Journey Through Learning,
Jenny from Southern Savers.
Plus more lovely bloggers!
But, one of the highlights of my time was meeting face to face and having lunch with my friend Amy from Raising Arrows. I even got to introduce her to her first Chik-Fil-A Sandwhich!
In conclusion, my friends, let me encourage you to head, yes run to your nearest homeschool conference for a fresh revival of vision, a wonderful break from this hard but blessed task of teaching your children, a look outward and upward at again the hows and whys of what you are doing.
And to help you do so, Midwest Parents Educators has joined with A Mother’s Heritage to give away a FREE passes to their conference.
- families just starting out with homeschooling
- families homeschooling children with learning challenges
One family will win an adult conference registration (which includes a spouse) and a children’s conference registration for 5-12 year olds. You do have to provide your own transportation and lodging. The giveaway is only for the admission ticket. You must be a resident of America and at least age 18 to enter and win. There a few ways to enter and some entries you can do again each day.
Have fun!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Linking up with some of the following: Welcome Home, Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood, The Better Mom, Titus2sdays, Teach Me Tuesdays,,Domestically Divine, On your heart Tuesday,Women Living well, Raising Homemakers.Works for Me Wednesdays, Wise Woman Linkup, Encourage One Another Link-up,Hearts for Home, Painting Prose, Thought Provoking Thursday, Proverbs 31 Thursdays,Homemaker By Choice, Inspiration Friday,Women of Noble Character, Serenity Now,Best Post of the Week,