Convention Take-Aways

I am a brand-new homeschooling mama, so I know I will be working hard to create my new rhythm for this new job of mine in the fall.  Attending the Illinois Christian Home Educators State Convention was my first official "launch" into the journey that is home educating.  Homeschooling is something we feel particularly called to for our family and our children; therefore, I am excited to see what fruit and joy will come from this.  I wanted to spend some time going through my notes and thinking on some of the things that stuck out to me so I can learn and grow as much as possible both as a home educator, but also as a parent.  There were so many wonderful speakers/parents pouring wisdom into us on the joy of schooling, the reminder of how relationships and character are more important than academics, and that it is ALL for God's glory.  Here are some of my "take-aways" (in no particular order)... 

Have a vision for your family: Ask yourself what purposes God has for the relationships in YOUR family. Your children are in your family for a reason.

Set [measurable] goals for your child...intellectual goals, physical goals, spiritual goals, social goals. 

Have realistic expectations for yourself (do NOT compare) and know that you have your own gifts, limitations, families, and situations.

Seek out godly families.  Watch them in action and ask them questions.  (We are blessed to know some AMAZING families at church that I want to learn more from.)

When your children have a problem or a need, have them go to the Word for their answers.  That is where there is power!  When your words aren't working, go to God's Words.  Teach your kids to think God's thoughts.

We tend to look at discipline as an interruption, but we need to look at it as an opportunity.

How do kids learn character?  WE have to set the example of godly character.

Our goal in life: LIVE to LOVE.

The value of a person isn't what you can GET from them...The value of a person is that they give you an opportunity to LOVE as you have been LOVED.  It is a privilege to love others.

Relationships are at the heart of education.

Character is the MOST important.

Remember: You're a family, not a homeschool.

Don't apologize for homeschooling.

It's not an issue of how many arrows are in your quiver but if your quiver is FULL.

Daily quiet time alone (for everyone in your family) is essential for serenity and growth.  Resist the intrusion of noise.

Make time for beauty.  Create beauty in your home.

Our house is clean enough to be healthy but messy enough to be happy.

Find something to remind you of your vision for home life.

And my favorite take-away, which is so well-said, for the same vision Zach and I have for our family...

The Vision: When our children reach adulthood, we want them to be men and women who are mighty in spirit, equipped to love and serve, and skilled for the glory of God.

Homeschooling is not the answer...Jesus Christ is the answer.

Only as one lives out of the fullness of the riches of a relationship with Jesus Christ, can one become mighty in spirit, love and serve, and be skilled to the glory of God.  Jesus incarnates this kind of life to cope and perform.

(These words are from the following speakers: Vicki Bentley, Janice Campbell, Norm Wakefield, Kathie Morrissey, Kevin Swanson, and others from the ICHE convention...Thank you, ICHE, for a great "start" to my homeschooling journey!)