Sometimes, as homeschooling parents, we feel pretty isolated and alone. Closing the doors on the rest of the world while we do our little school thing at home is pretty "different" from the "norm" after all. So it's always nice to meet with other homeschoolers from time to time and we always look forward to the AHEA convention.
Over 1000 Homeschool Paricipants Gather for AHEA Convention
The AHEA (Alberta Home Education Association) convention was held in Red Deer, April 17 and 18. What a great event! There were over 1000 parents present - wonderful to see so many dads and grandparents in attendance!
Keynote Address a Show Stopper
The keynote speaker was Kevin Swanson, a home educated homeschool activitist. Kevin's keynote address was both hysterically funny and encouraging at the same time. After warming us up with his hilarious "I can't do this anymore" antics, he confirmed what most of us already know: homeschooling is no easy task. It's a big responsibility and has its share of frustrations for both parents and kids. But in the end, committed homeschoolers know intuitively that it's still the best thing for our kids.
Why We Do What We Do
Kevin listed all the reasons why home educated kids have an advantage over schooled children and backed up his points with research. As it turns out, the relationship we develop with our children is critical to their academic success (not to mention social/emotional success, as well).
Simply put, kids who stay home with their parents during the formative years do better in life. Period.
Support For Homeschoolers
It was great to hear about the research that bears this out. It was also terrifically encouraging to hear that others go through the same frustrations and difficulties that we do. It's nice to know we're not alone.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What are You Doing Here?
In family devotions this morning, we talked about the story of Elijah when he ran away from wicked Queen Jezebel. He was hiding in a cave when God called him. "What doest thou here, Elijah?", asked the Lord. 1 Kings 19:9
We talked about how God communicated with Elijah. It was obvious to our children that Elijah was not where God wanted him to be. God did not send him to the cave to hide. He really should have had faith and waited upon the Lord. Elijah had made a mistake in running away.
But God did not try to destroy him by using the wind to throw the rocks around. God didn't want to rattle Elijah's bones done the mountain side with the earthquake that came next. And it was not God's intention to incinerate him in the fire that followed.
God wanted Elijah to hear His voice even when He whispered. God wants us to hear Him even when He whispers, too.
And He wants us to consider two things throughout our day.
We talked about how God communicated with Elijah. It was obvious to our children that Elijah was not where God wanted him to be. God did not send him to the cave to hide. He really should have had faith and waited upon the Lord. Elijah had made a mistake in running away.
But God did not try to destroy him by using the wind to throw the rocks around. God didn't want to rattle Elijah's bones done the mountain side with the earthquake that came next. And it was not God's intention to incinerate him in the fire that followed.
God wanted Elijah to hear His voice even when He whispered. God wants us to hear Him even when He whispers, too.
And He wants us to consider two things throughout our day.
- What are we doing?
- Where are we?
The children were reminded to listen for God's whispering voice and to remember what God wants us to be doing (His will), and where He wants us to be (with Him).
Elijah's experience with God on the mountainside has a bearing on our walk with God.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Untiring Effort to Curb Rebellion
King David was once called by God "a man after my own heart". David had so many good qualities. He was a man of high integrity, loved the truth, was unswayed by wealth and power, and championed the cause of the poor and underprivileged.
And yet, David did not command his household after him as Abraham had done. He favoured his sons and did not reign them in. He did not act decisively when Amnon raped his half-sister. In fact David did nothing about it, so that Absalom (Tamar's full brother) felt compelled to take justice into his own hands.
David vacillated in his treatment toward the murderous, manipulative Absalom. David allowed Absalom's rebellious heart to thrive without correction. Then one day Absalom drove David from his throne in Jerusalem in open rebellion. Even then, David failed to see that he had allowed evil to reign in the heart of his son. Rather than deal decisively with him he slunk away in the night.
Our children are born with rebellion in their hearts. Unless we take them continually in prayer to Jesus for His protection and leading in their lives, our children will continue to be preyed upon by the enemy of our souls.
We need to teach them to humble their hearts and let Jesus rule in them through acts of kindness and love otherwise their selfish natures will control them and like Absalom, they will rebel against the very ones who love them most.
This requires an unceasing effort on the part of parents through prayer, entreaty, and correction. But our diligent, untiring efforts for our children when seen from the perspective of heaven will seem well worth it, though it may be difficult now.
And yet, David did not command his household after him as Abraham had done. He favoured his sons and did not reign them in. He did not act decisively when Amnon raped his half-sister. In fact David did nothing about it, so that Absalom (Tamar's full brother) felt compelled to take justice into his own hands.
David vacillated in his treatment toward the murderous, manipulative Absalom. David allowed Absalom's rebellious heart to thrive without correction. Then one day Absalom drove David from his throne in Jerusalem in open rebellion. Even then, David failed to see that he had allowed evil to reign in the heart of his son. Rather than deal decisively with him he slunk away in the night.
Our children are born with rebellion in their hearts. Unless we take them continually in prayer to Jesus for His protection and leading in their lives, our children will continue to be preyed upon by the enemy of our souls.
We need to teach them to humble their hearts and let Jesus rule in them through acts of kindness and love otherwise their selfish natures will control them and like Absalom, they will rebel against the very ones who love them most.
This requires an unceasing effort on the part of parents through prayer, entreaty, and correction. But our diligent, untiring efforts for our children when seen from the perspective of heaven will seem well worth it, though it may be difficult now.
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