The face of home schooling has changed much since its infancy. While we may not be considered mainstream yet, the overall culture has definitely taken notice, which is evident from the recruiting of home-educated students at the collegiate level to the marketing of curriculum and other educational tools to the growing populace. It has provided numerous opportunities that seemed but a far off dream to its forefathers.

Deuteronomy 8 was given as a strong warning to the Hebrews who stood at a similar place of prosperity in their history:

“Behold, I see the heavens opened up . . .”

What does mightily serving the Lord and waiting tables have in common? One would think, “Not much.” Actually, there is a compelling corresponding connection, and one individual links these seemingly disparate functions together in decisive fashion. The flash from Stephen’s evanescent snapshot in the New Testament seemingly came and went, but left a penetrating portrait for the ages.

History: Stephen’s “Everyday” Life (Acts 6:1-7)

Two bills that would expand government control over children are moving in the Illinois Legislature. Please call to help bring them to a halt!

HB 2762 would lower the starting age for compulsory school attendance from 7 to 6 and repeal the graduation exemption. It received a favorable vote in committee and will go the House floor quickly.

SB 1307 would lower the starting age from 7 to 5. It passed Senate committee and the full Senate could vote on it very soon.

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:

A bill in the Illinois House of Representatives that would lower the starting age for compulsory school age from 7 to 6 and repeal the graduation exemption will have its first hearing tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. Please call today to oppose the bill! (This is a different bill than the bill in the Senate, SB 1307.)

I was recently talking with a dear friend, a home schooling father, and he commented that home educators’ independent spirit was their greatest strength as well as their biggest weakness, a blessing and a curse. I smiled because of my experiences on both sides of the coin.

Greetings to all. My name is Kirk Smith and if you haven’t heard by now, I am the new Executive Director of ICHE. It’s my joy and privilege to be working with the Board of ICHE to best serve the needs of home educators in Illinois.

This is the first of what I hope will be weekly thoughts to stir each of us up to good works in our homes, churches and communities.  I also trust these writings will provoke further thoughts on our blog that will encourage, instruct and exhort one another.

". . . If I perish, I perish . . ."

Imagine ascending to the height of royalty and its attendant regalia, only to be thoroughly frightened for the lives of your people . . . as well as your own! This was the plight of Queen Esther (or Hadassah, her Hebrew name). At a time when she would have preferred basking in the limelight of prestige and power, she faced a crucial, life-altering decision.

History: Esther’s “Everyday” Life (Esther 1:1-2:18)

Approximately 500 mothers and daughters were blessed to attend the ICHE Mother Daughter Day held on January 26, 2013. They were encouraged by Valerie Elliot Shepard to remember that God's grace covers our mistakes. It is His covering of righteousness that makes us pleasing to Him. In addition, Valerie Shepard graciously posed for photographs with mothers and daughters as well as chatted with many of the ladies and children between sessions. Also, the attendees enjoyed a delicious luncheon with live harp music served by many willing volunteers.

Have you begun your new school year?  Do you and your family have a special way to kick off the new year?  Perhaps it is a special breakfast and "school pictures".  Or special new school supplies. Please share your traditions!  ICHE wishes you all a wonderful year as you homeschool and serve the LORD!

Thank you to Kim and Kayla D'Escoto for photos of the 2012 ICHE State Convention.