I'm excited to share today some of my favorite speakers from last week's NCHE conference. Sometimes, just even hearing the title of a seminar will inspire and encourage. At the end of the post, I'll let you know how you can listen to all of these seminars on audio yourself!
The Downers - Phil (Dad), Paul (Son), and Anna (Daughter)
Website: DNA Ministries
First off, isn't it great to have a homeschooling family including graduated children speaking for a homeschool conference. The longer I homeschool, the more I appreciate those who have reached the finish line of schooling their children. And these children have turned out pretty well.
Paul (the son) Downer's seminar on parenting the strong willed child (entitled Homeschooling the Strong-Willed Child–I Am One!) was very enlightening. It allowed you to have the child's perspective and yet, filtered through the perspective of maturity. In a practical sense, he mentioned how his parents, and especially his mother reached his heart and guided his steps.
Bert enjoyed sitting in on Phil's seminar "The Keys to Godly Discipline", as well as Anna's (the daughter) seminar entitled "Perfectionism and Grace in the Christian Family".
There were two seminars that we couldn't attend due to scheduling conflicts that we bought on audio entitled, " Teaching Your Children How to Work with Godly Diligence" and The Homeschool Marriage, from Surviving to Thriving!", so I'll share in a few weeks our thoughts on these.
Mark Hamby
Website: Lamplighter Publishing
If you're not familiar with Lamplighter Publishing, they republish classic books from centuries before that teach character and faith. The books are captivating for young and old. This year, we also purchased our first Lamplighter audio story and I was enthralled, along with our children. I was especially impressed with the audio quality - It was like you were listening to a movie.
One of the seminars I sat in on was "The Education of a Child—The Wisdom of Fenelon". Francois Fenelon was the priest who was charged with educating the grandson of Louis XIV. This young man, apparently, was quite the handful. Hamby's words were very challenging on how to win your child's heart.
In a separate seminar, he also spoke on the role of media ("A Great Awakening: the Mind, Media and Moral Imagination") and basically said that TV is turning us into vegetables. The talk was not profound, but a good reminder about the reasons why we don't watch much television.
Tomorrow, I'll share more about writing, nature, and the biology of learning - All topics I learned about at the conference.
In the mean time, if you would like to purchase any of these or one of the many other seminars and key notes from the conference, you can go to Manna Recording and click on their Online Store.
Showing posts with label links. Show all posts
Showing posts with label links. Show all posts
Monday, June 6, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Interesting Links
Since we've been gone to the Homeschool Conference and are still getting settled back here at home, here are some interesting links for you to check out for the holiday weekend!
Extraordinary dams built to save homes in Mississippi
15 fun and frugal ideas for the summer (Thanks to Keeper of the Home)
Teaching Children to Pray (Thanks to the Gospel Coalition)
Teaching your Daughter to make Cinnamon Rolls (Thanks to Homegrown Mom)
Extraordinary dams built to save homes in Mississippi
15 fun and frugal ideas for the summer (Thanks to Keeper of the Home)
Teaching Children to Pray (Thanks to the Gospel Coalition)
Teaching your Daughter to make Cinnamon Rolls (Thanks to Homegrown Mom)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Gratitude for Sat, May 21st
Thank you, Lord, today for ...
#121: Encouragement from my dear sweet hubby
#122: Legos
#123: Homemade tomato soup
#124: Crockpots
#125: Land's End swimsuits for little girls - TOO CUTE!
#126: Rolling babies
#127: Unleashing the little mermaid inside my girl
#128: Plans and hopes for a new school year
#129: New mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23)
#130: First babbles from a sweet little voice
I Thess 5:18 (ESV)
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Read about the original One Thousand Gifts list from Ann Voskamp HERE.
#121: Encouragement from my dear sweet hubby
#122: Legos
#123: Homemade tomato soup
#124: Crockpots
#125: Land's End swimsuits for little girls - TOO CUTE!
#126: Rolling babies
#127: Unleashing the little mermaid inside my girl
#128: Plans and hopes for a new school year
#129: New mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23)
#130: First babbles from a sweet little voice
I Thess 5:18 (ESV)
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Read about the original One Thousand Gifts list from Ann Voskamp HERE.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Homeschool: Why Conferences are great
This next week we will be heading as a family to the North Carolinians for Home Education Conference in Winston-Salem.
Why should you go to a conference?
Encouragement
Anyone who has homeschooled through a year knows that there are certain times and points when you need to remember why you homeschool. There are times when you need some new resources to overcome the obstacles. You need to know where to turn. You need to know that your situation is not unique and impossible.
Conferences give you just those things. There are speakers that help you fine tune your purpose and goals for schooling. There are "how-to" seminars that teach you the mechanics of writing, math, history, etc.
There are also classes on running your house in the midst of schooling, maintaining your marriage, and shepherding your child's heart.
Resources
There are vendors that have resources that will jump start your kids. Speakers and vendors come from around the country to you. You can see products in person and purchase them, many times at a discount.
You can talk with representatives from the vendors that are knowledgeable about their material and using it.
You can find fun "extras" that make learning exciting and engaging.
Time
Time to reflect on your year - the success and failure. Time to renew your vision and plan it out for the following year. Time to rest.
Fellowship
Conference is always a great time to meet up with other families who homeschool. There is time to go to dinner, sit and chat, and get to know them better. At our state-wide conference, there are even activities for children including a sports and chess competitions, as well as a talent show and graduation.
Some favorite vendors from conferences past:
Doorposts - character training material for children
Lamplighter Books - classic books for your family
Sonlight Books - the particular curriculum that we use
Miller Pads & Paper - great prices on the basics
Artistic Pursuits - art curriculum
Simply Charlotte Mason - Charlotte Mason resources
Vision Forum - books and products for purposeful living/teaching
Well Planned Day - the organizer that we use for school
YWAM books - missionary books and resources
Some favorite speakers from conferences past:
Norm Wakefield - pastor, father, homeschooler who speaks on purposeful relationships in light of the Cross
Jennifer Schmidt - mother, Blogger who speaks on frugal living
Sonya Schafer - Charlotte Mason writer and speaker, homeschooler
Jim Weiss - artist who narrates fabulous stories for children
If you are outside of our area, here is a link to a list of homeschool conferences across the US.
Here is the link for the NCHE Conference.
Monday, May 9, 2011
10 Daily Essentials from Dr.Oz
Still getting things back in order from our vacation ... but I wanted to share something helpful that I ran across. These steps from Dr.Oz are so simple that everyone can do it!
Here's the original link for the article from Dr.Oz's website.
To make life simpler, Dr. Oz has whittled down his top 10 daily essentials, starting at number 10 and building toward the single most important thing you need to do on a daily basis to achieve optimal health.
Dr. Oz’s Top 10 Daily Essentials
10. Eat a Hard-boiled Egg
Eggs are protein powerhouses that provide 13% of your daily protein and only 4% of your daily calories. These excellent, inexpensive protein sources fight frailty. Rich in choline, they also reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s. Cook up a week’s worth in advance and take them with you on the go. If you’re not a fan of hard-boiled eggs, eat one a day scrambled, poached or any other way you like it.
9. Check Your Poop
First, your poop should never appear white. If this occurs, it could mean lack of bile, indicating a blockage or a problem with absorption. Second, keep in mind that the range for bowel movement occurrence is very broad – anywhere from 3 times a week to multiple times a day is considered normal.
8. Make Vegetables Half of Every Single Meal
Vegetables are chockfull of vital nutrients and most of us do not get enough of them. Make them half of every single meal. Get your veggies in the morning by tossing them into an omelet. At lunch and dinner, eat more veggie-based salads and soups; divide your plate into two halves with your main course, say chicken or fish, taking up one side and vegetables the other. Click here for more suggestions on getting more vegetables into each of your meals.
7. Take Half Multivitamin in the Morning and the Other Half at Night
A multivitamin serves as an insurance policy, guaranteeing your body gets everything it needs. However, your body can’t absorb all these nutrients at once, and you wind up eliminating a portion of them via your urine or bowel movements. To maximize absorption, split your multivitamin in two and take half in the morning and half in the evening. Better yet, try and purchase a brand that offers a daily dosage in various pills. Click here for Dr. Oz's Ultimate Supplement Checklist.
6: Supplement With a Bone-Boosting Cocktail
To protect your bones, a multivitamin is not enough. You need a bone-boosting cocktail comprised of:
5. Get at Least 7 Hours of Sleep
A brand new study shows that people who don’t get enough sleep are not as sharp the next day and most alarmingly, they don’t even realize it. Here are 4 ways to help you sleep better and get to sleeper faster:
4. Have Sex
You already know that a healthy sex life with your partner helps you stay bonded and also provides a good workout. Now a new study shows that sex is also good for your brain, leading to improved interconnections in the brain and stress reduction.
3.Breathe and Stretch for 5 Minutes
Five minutes of breathing and stretching each day creates a powerful stress buster that can add years to your life. When you wake up in the morning, try the “hippie” stretch: Reach down and try to touch your toes. Relax your hips and let your head go loose. Now alternate relaxing your left and right knees and walk around a bit. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Five minutes later, you’re loosened up and good to go. For Dr. Oz's 7-Minute Workout, click here.
2. Eliminate Simple Sugars
Simple sugars are the reason behind America’s obesity epidemic. If it’s white or processed, you need to eliminate it. In addition, practice reading labels and avoid products containing “hidden sugars” such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), evaporated cane juice and brown rice sugar. For a list of the other foods you should elimate, click here.
1. Sit Less, Move More
Groundbreaking research shows that for every hour a day you spend sitting, your risk of death increases by 11%. Even small movements throughout the day, such as fidgeting, can add up to major health benefits. Dr. Oz recommends getting 10,000 steps a day. To do this, invest in a pedometer so you can keep track of each step you make toward optimal health.
Which step do you want to work on?
Here's the original link for the article from Dr.Oz's website.
To make life simpler, Dr. Oz has whittled down his top 10 daily essentials, starting at number 10 and building toward the single most important thing you need to do on a daily basis to achieve optimal health.
Dr. Oz’s Top 10 Daily Essentials
10. Eat a Hard-boiled Egg
Eggs are protein powerhouses that provide 13% of your daily protein and only 4% of your daily calories. These excellent, inexpensive protein sources fight frailty. Rich in choline, they also reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s. Cook up a week’s worth in advance and take them with you on the go. If you’re not a fan of hard-boiled eggs, eat one a day scrambled, poached or any other way you like it.
9. Check Your Poop
First, your poop should never appear white. If this occurs, it could mean lack of bile, indicating a blockage or a problem with absorption. Second, keep in mind that the range for bowel movement occurrence is very broad – anywhere from 3 times a week to multiple times a day is considered normal.
8. Make Vegetables Half of Every Single Meal
Vegetables are chockfull of vital nutrients and most of us do not get enough of them. Make them half of every single meal. Get your veggies in the morning by tossing them into an omelet. At lunch and dinner, eat more veggie-based salads and soups; divide your plate into two halves with your main course, say chicken or fish, taking up one side and vegetables the other. Click here for more suggestions on getting more vegetables into each of your meals.
7. Take Half Multivitamin in the Morning and the Other Half at Night
A multivitamin serves as an insurance policy, guaranteeing your body gets everything it needs. However, your body can’t absorb all these nutrients at once, and you wind up eliminating a portion of them via your urine or bowel movements. To maximize absorption, split your multivitamin in two and take half in the morning and half in the evening. Better yet, try and purchase a brand that offers a daily dosage in various pills. Click here for Dr. Oz's Ultimate Supplement Checklist.
6: Supplement With a Bone-Boosting Cocktail
To protect your bones, a multivitamin is not enough. You need a bone-boosting cocktail comprised of:
- Vitamin D3, 1000 IU
- Calcium, 600 mg
- Magnesium, 400 mg
5. Get at Least 7 Hours of Sleep
A brand new study shows that people who don’t get enough sleep are not as sharp the next day and most alarmingly, they don’t even realize it. Here are 4 ways to help you sleep better and get to sleeper faster:
- Read a book before bed. Reading acts as a soothing balm that helps you fall asleep.
- Instead of an overhead light, which stimulates the brain to wake up, use a reading light.
- Turn your alarm clock away from view so it won’t stimulate the brain’s pineal gland, which senses light.
- Use an eye mask to keep light out and increase sleep quality.
4. Have Sex
You already know that a healthy sex life with your partner helps you stay bonded and also provides a good workout. Now a new study shows that sex is also good for your brain, leading to improved interconnections in the brain and stress reduction.
3.Breathe and Stretch for 5 Minutes
Five minutes of breathing and stretching each day creates a powerful stress buster that can add years to your life. When you wake up in the morning, try the “hippie” stretch: Reach down and try to touch your toes. Relax your hips and let your head go loose. Now alternate relaxing your left and right knees and walk around a bit. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Five minutes later, you’re loosened up and good to go. For Dr. Oz's 7-Minute Workout, click here.
2. Eliminate Simple Sugars
Simple sugars are the reason behind America’s obesity epidemic. If it’s white or processed, you need to eliminate it. In addition, practice reading labels and avoid products containing “hidden sugars” such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), evaporated cane juice and brown rice sugar. For a list of the other foods you should elimate, click here.
1. Sit Less, Move More
Groundbreaking research shows that for every hour a day you spend sitting, your risk of death increases by 11%. Even small movements throughout the day, such as fidgeting, can add up to major health benefits. Dr. Oz recommends getting 10,000 steps a day. To do this, invest in a pedometer so you can keep track of each step you make toward optimal health.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Homeschool Styles and our pick, Charlotte Mason
There are quite a few styles of homeschooling. I never knew there were so many until we actually started schooling. Here is a great quick link to give you an idea on the Styles of Homeschooling .
We follow the Charlotte Mason style of schooling in our house. Click HERE to learn more about Charlotte Mason, the teacher and writer.
Now, let me start write off by telling you that we haven't gotten this all down. We are still very early in our schooling journey and are trying to work out the day to day.
How did we pick CM?
When I read about the different styles of homeschooling and I read about Charlotte Mason I instantly "clicked" with it. I agreed with almost every facet completely. You will find one that fits you as well. It perfectly combines our reasons for homeschooling, along with my gifting and experience as a teacher. I know of families that "unschool" and that is perfectly right for them. Another family we know is using a more traditional approach. Each family has to find their way of doing school that works for them.
Some unique parts of the Charlotte Mason style that we focus on?
** Living Books: CM heavily prioritizes reading first hand books, even to young children, that make learning come alive. Biographies, First hand accounts, rich artwork.
** Character and Habit Training: I feel that this might be one of the most important parts of what we do at home.
** Nature Study: CM celebrates and honors God through learning about His creation first hand.
** Fine Arts: CM encourages regular study of artists, composers, poets, etc.
** Narration: Challenging our children to be able to remember and express their thoughts on what they learn will help them so much in life.
Why is style important to know?
Because at the end of each year, it helps to know what you are shooting for. It helps to remind yourself at the start of the year what kind of school you want to have. It helps you to find resources in line with what you have already decided is important.
Some my favorite CM websites:
Simply Charlotte Mason : Sonya Schafer, head of Simply Charlotte Mason, is usually at the NCHE Conference. Don't miss their talks, even if you don't CM.
Ambleside Online has so many resources, from a full curriculum to pages on artists, composers, poetry, etc.
Handbook of Nature Study Blog
Karen Andreola's Blog: Karen is one of the foremost CM writers.
 |
| Charlotte Mason (1842-1923) |
There are quite a few styles of homeschooling. I never knew there were so many until we actually started schooling. Here is a great quick link to give you an idea on the Styles of Homeschooling .
We follow the Charlotte Mason style of schooling in our house. Click HERE to learn more about Charlotte Mason, the teacher and writer.
Now, let me start write off by telling you that we haven't gotten this all down. We are still very early in our schooling journey and are trying to work out the day to day.
How did we pick CM?
When I read about the different styles of homeschooling and I read about Charlotte Mason I instantly "clicked" with it. I agreed with almost every facet completely. You will find one that fits you as well. It perfectly combines our reasons for homeschooling, along with my gifting and experience as a teacher. I know of families that "unschool" and that is perfectly right for them. Another family we know is using a more traditional approach. Each family has to find their way of doing school that works for them.
Some unique parts of the Charlotte Mason style that we focus on?
** Living Books: CM heavily prioritizes reading first hand books, even to young children, that make learning come alive. Biographies, First hand accounts, rich artwork.
** Character and Habit Training: I feel that this might be one of the most important parts of what we do at home.
** Nature Study: CM celebrates and honors God through learning about His creation first hand.
** Fine Arts: CM encourages regular study of artists, composers, poets, etc.
** Narration: Challenging our children to be able to remember and express their thoughts on what they learn will help them so much in life.
Why is style important to know?
Because at the end of each year, it helps to know what you are shooting for. It helps to remind yourself at the start of the year what kind of school you want to have. It helps you to find resources in line with what you have already decided is important.
Some my favorite CM websites:
Simply Charlotte Mason : Sonya Schafer, head of Simply Charlotte Mason, is usually at the NCHE Conference. Don't miss their talks, even if you don't CM.
Ambleside Online has so many resources, from a full curriculum to pages on artists, composers, poetry, etc.
Handbook of Nature Study Blog
Karen Andreola's Blog: Karen is one of the foremost CM writers.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday Mom Sites
Here are some great sites for your Monday to help you Moms out there!
Meal Planning
Check out e-mealz. For $5/month you can get your meal and grocery list planned out for you. Lots of options (gluten-free, low-fat, etc.) and you can pick your family size even!
Food Inspiration
You can always get some great recipes from Giada (de Laurentiis). Flavorful, usually healthy, and hearty all around.
A Little Pick-Me-Up
The ladies over at (in) courage always have an uplifting word. It's a collection of great writers all together in one place encouraging all of us.
Great Outdoors
If you're a homeschooler and are looking to get out and enjoy some of this finer weather we are starting to have, look at the Handbook of Nature Study Blog.
Just for Fun
Ok, sometimes you just need a good laugh to lighten up the day! Check out cakewrecks and feel better!
Happy Monday!
Meal Planning
Check out e-mealz. For $5/month you can get your meal and grocery list planned out for you. Lots of options (gluten-free, low-fat, etc.) and you can pick your family size even!
Food Inspiration
You can always get some great recipes from Giada (de Laurentiis). Flavorful, usually healthy, and hearty all around.
A Little Pick-Me-Up
The ladies over at (in) courage always have an uplifting word. It's a collection of great writers all together in one place encouraging all of us.
Great Outdoors
If you're a homeschooler and are looking to get out and enjoy some of this finer weather we are starting to have, look at the Handbook of Nature Study Blog.
Just for Fun
Ok, sometimes you just need a good laugh to lighten up the day! Check out cakewrecks and feel better!
Happy Monday!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Resolution Action
"But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before[a] Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen."
1 Timothy 6:11-16
My dear friend forwarded on to me the sermon from her church this past Sunday. It's very honest and very challenging.
Listen to Pastor Mike Willis Harvest Bible Church message entitled "Resolved: For my Faith"
(from Sunday, Jan 9th, 2011)!
1 Timothy 6:11-16
My dear friend forwarded on to me the sermon from her church this past Sunday. It's very honest and very challenging.
Listen to Pastor Mike Willis Harvest Bible Church message entitled "Resolved: For my Faith"
(from Sunday, Jan 9th, 2011)!
Everyday Blogging
What are some of my favorite Blogs? Take a minute and check them out!
No day would be complete without a stop by Ann Voskamp's Blog A Holy Experience. I can not tell you how she captures and describes the world. Humble and yet exquisite all at the same time. She's a pig farmer's wife from Canada and she will change your life. Really.
I thoroughly enjoy the (In) Courage website (sponsored by Dayspring) which has all kinds of girl stuff - inspiration, decoration, humor, etc.
And another lady that I have learned a great deal from .... Sally Clarkson. Her books are a treasure for mothers, and her I Take Joy Blog always has great artwork, truths from Scripture and application when you're in the trenches of raising children.
Enjoy!
No day would be complete without a stop by Ann Voskamp's Blog A Holy Experience. I can not tell you how she captures and describes the world. Humble and yet exquisite all at the same time. She's a pig farmer's wife from Canada and she will change your life. Really.
I thoroughly enjoy the (In) Courage website (sponsored by Dayspring) which has all kinds of girl stuff - inspiration, decoration, humor, etc.
And another lady that I have learned a great deal from .... Sally Clarkson. Her books are a treasure for mothers, and her I Take Joy Blog always has great artwork, truths from Scripture and application when you're in the trenches of raising children.
Enjoy!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Getting to the Bottom of your Joy
Take a few minutes this weekend and listen to John Piper's sermon from the Passion Conference last week entitled "Getting to the Bottom of your Joy" (audio) and here is the video.
14For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." 2 Cor 5:14-15
14For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." 2 Cor 5:14-15
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Lukewarm and Loving it!
On Christmas Eve, I came across this sermon by Francis Chan entitled "Lukewarm and Loving it!" It is well worth the 40 minutes of your time to watch. Bert and I watched it together and have started moving forward with some big changes in our family as a result. Of course, I'll blog about them in the coming weeks!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
