Monday, May 26, 2008

Homeschool Conference

  This past weekend I was able to go to the North Carolina Homeschool Conference in Winston Salem.  It is a combination of teaching sessions and a huge book fair with tons of curriculum to get your hands on.  I was quite overwhelmed for the first day and a half.  I was a woman of few words, if you can believe that!  There was way too much for me to take in.  My friends were patient with me and helped me walk through it.  So by Friday afternoon I was in a much better place and decided I wasn't going to give up and send my children to private school just yet:)
  There were many speaking sessions that were helpful for me.  I hope to do a few posts on them, that helps me process what I learned.
  So why are we considering homeschooling?  Well, we feel like God has given us a tall order in raising Gracie and Piper.  He calls us to train them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.  How can we do that best, we ask ourselves.  And the answer for us is to have them home with us to learn and grow.  You see academics is important to us, but character development far exceeds our desires for our girls to be smart.  Now, don't get me wrong, they will be taught well, and will hopefully be intelligent human beings:)  There were tons of testimonies in the sessions of students who are homeschooled that are extremely intelligent, yet more importantly, they are Godly children.  Desiring to make a difference in this world for the glory of God.  That makes my heart sing!
  So what do we want for Gracie and Piper?  We want two young women who are loving and serving our Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.  We want girls who are loving and serving God's people and sharing the gospel with those who don't know Him.  We want girls who love their home and family and embrace whatever calling God places on their lives.  And then, we want them to be well educated with a biblical worldview.  We want them to know that God is the creator of english and math and science and history.  We want it to make sense to them in the light of God's plan for them and for His creation.  
  Now with that being said, please do not read that I am against other forms of schooling.  I do not think homeschooling is the only way, nor the best way for everyone.  But I definitely encourage everyone to consider it and see what God has for you.
  So for now, I am praying about what God would have for Gracie this coming year.  She is 4 and a half!  I walked away from the conference with a cute little preschool curriculum.  So we will see what God has in store!  More soon....

     Hope you enjoy your Memorial Day and pray for our dear soldiers.
  

4 comments:

meghann said...

well said girl!!!! hope to be there myself in a couple years!

Robin said...

Way to go! And just think...in a few short years (although sometimes they seem long) you'll be where I am this coming Saturday -- at the homeschool graduation. You should come and hear the graduating class and be encouraged and envisioned at the same time!

michelle said...

That was lovely - well said!! I look forward to seeing how precious and godly Gracie and Piper turn out to be - I have no doubt God's grace will be abundant upon them! And you, too, as you lead them! :)

Lindsay said...

Yes, Robin I would love to go to one of these graduations. I can't make it this year but maybe next year. I know it would be sooooo encouraging!