Interviews with homeschoolers at the Illinois Christian Home Educators 2009 State Convention. Homeschoolers talk about their experiences.
What did your kids teach you this year?
July 1st, 2009From My Husband’s Notes . . .
June 10th, 2009What was my husband’s favorite workshop this year? The teaching of J. Mark Fox in his workshop called Prophet, Priest, Protector, Provider won hands down!
My Beloved spent quite a while Friday night telling me about it from his notes. He missed part two, and is really looking forward to receiving the MP3s so he can hear the rest.
Here is some of what impressed him:
You are not likely to see general reformation until you see family reformation.
Men as Prophets: A prophet hears from God - we must be listening and hearing from God. A prophet communicates what he hears - we must communicate what we hear to our families.
A plan for family devotions starts with conviction. Something that is merely a preference will not last, but a principle will. There will be days when you don’t feel like leading devotions - ask God for the desire!
Posted by Mrs. Gretchen P.
Vicki Bentley’s Organization Insights
June 8th, 2009Due to some internet connection difficulties, I was not able to post during the last day of the Convention. However, I heard such helpful things that I’m going to go ahead a share from my notes.
I attended Vicki’s workshop on organization, and what a wealth of practical wisdom she had to share! It was wonderful to glean ideas from a veteran mom. Here were some tips I especially enjoyed.
Some Top Time Wasters:
- Not being prioritized
- Inability to say No (this includes the phone and internet!)
- Doing everything yourself
Don’t forget to create margin!
Margin: the distance between where you are and your own personal limit.
Some keys to creating margin are getting some rest, having a quiet time, eating well and maintaining some amount of order in your home.
Some practical tips:
- Keep some crates in the car.
- When you’re cooking, make “Planned Overs” for another meal.
- Ask God to free you from bondage to things, then de-clutter.
- To make laundry sorting easy, put dots on the tags (or toes of socks) to identify the owner, one dot for first child, two for second, etc. As clothes get handed down, you simply add another dot!
- When making your lesson plan, build in down time and always write in pencil.
- Keep all library books in one location
- Have a shelf/cabinet for things relating to errands (items that need to be returned, etc.).
- Teach your kids to turn their clothing right side out before tossing them in the hamper
Some last thoughts:
- Ask your husband for advice (what’s important to him?).
- Your goal in organization is to glorify God (being ready for hospitality, less harried=more gracious spirit)
- Don’t make organization an idol.
I hope you find this as helpful as I did!
Mrs. Gretchen P.
End of Convention
June 6th, 2009
<yawn> End of convention and time to go home.
posted by Helena Bluedorn
The Volunteers
June 6th, 2009
Kimberly directs.
Ethan smiles.
Registration.
Sandy, Becca, Katrina, Kim, Sarah, and Ellie at registration.
Volunteers help with set-up.
Cheryl, creator of tea decorations.
A volunteer bringing in refreshments for the tea.
Sandy, registration assistant.
Sadie, Haley and Ahna.
John and Jason, official flyer-passer-outers.
Rachel, volunteering for Heritage House Press.
Nathaniel, one of the two convention photographers.
Emily, exhibit hall coordinator.
Hans, Jason, Allison and Jeremiah, volunteers at the taping booth.
Mark, Nate and Tim, relaxing. :)
Volunteers at package check.
Matthew, having too much fun to be a real volunteer? :)
Nathaniel and Linnea filming interviews.
Faith (speaker volunteer) and yours truly, Helena (convention blogger).
posted by Helena Bluedorn
Esther’s Place of Fibers
June 6th, 2009An interesting booth I found in the exhibit hall:
Spinning wool from their own farm. For more info: www.esthersplacefibers.com
posted by Helena Bluedorn
Music at the Convention
June 6th, 2009
We have been enjoying the vocal talent of the eight Caswell children.
David Michael Carillo (speaker--"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Living with ADHD) entertains with his guitar.
Melody Hemmer shares her gift on the flute.
posted by Helena Bluedorn
James and Stacy McDonald
June 6th, 2009
James and Stacy McDonald have been giving workshops on the topics of: "Sacred Mission of Motherhood" and "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God", among others.
Slight clash in time eras? 
Mr. McDonald also gave a workshop on: "A Faithful Life: Story of John Knox", complete with cool authentic costume.
One of the items that the McDonalds offer at their book table.
posted by Helena Bluedorn
Steve Demme
June 6th, 2009
Steve Demme gives his keynote message: "Renewed Vision for the Family".
posted by Helena Bluedorn
Dave’s Creation
June 6th, 2009
Dave D'Armond's Exhibitor Presentation--How to Teach Hands-on Science
Stop by his table in the exhibit hall.
posted by Helena Bluedorn