My son, a landscape contractor, is sometimes called upon to repair a retaining wall built by a previous contractor. An inspection usually reveals an inadequate foundation. The wall may have looked magnificent initially, but in time it started to lean and to come apart.

"I wish I knew what to do!"

"I wonder if anyone else has encountered this."

In a flashback moment, I see the craggy cliffs extending from the ocean upward all around me. I stand on the rocky ledge, gazing across the open water. The wind is blowing, and the waves are rolling shoreward. All I can see are turbulent, powerful waves. Nothing stands in the way of this mighty, rushing force below me, but I stand and watch from a secure distance. As I watch from my rocky perch, I am in awe, not only at the breathtaking beauty before me, but also at the overwhelming conviction that this picture displays the stamp of my Creator.

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. . . . My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
(Psalm 62: 1-2, 7-8)

Join us in prayer:  The Convention Committee puts months of work into preparing for the convention each year.  Today, please pray that they would be granted an extra measure of wisdom and understanding as they arrange the final details.  Lift them up in gratitude for all the work they do to serve and bless the homeschoolers of Illinois.  If you would like this devotional to come directly to your e-mail, please send your e-address to the office at info@iche.org.

Illinois Christian Home Educators has a Facebook group, a Facebook page, and you can follow us on Twitter. Join the conversation!

Homeschool students and graduates, take advantage of this opportunity to give your business a boost -- promote it at the convention. The entrepreneur area will be highly visible and convenient for vendors and shoppers alike. There are two ways to participate:

Purchase a table in our entrepreneur area and in combination receive a free advertisement in our handbook.

Place a classified ad in the handbook for a small fee. This handbook goes home with every family and serves as a reference throughout the year.

Here is a list of the companies which will have exhibits in the 2012 ICHE Vendor Hall.

Which are your favorites?

EXHIBITORS

Speaker: Vickie Bentley

Moms, if you're looking for some practical insight or fresh vision, you won't want to miss hearing Vicki Bentley. Vicki shares wisdom and encouragement from her vast experience as a home school mom, support group leader, writer and speaker. The mother of eight daughters and foster mom of over 50, she and her husband have home schooled 17 children since 1988.  More details...

Bring Your Young People!