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Leaders e-Newsletter, June 2006
In This Issue On the Agenda: A word from your editor From God's Word: Do You Ask God? Leader to Leader: Mentoring New Leaders Wisdom for Leaders: Homeschoolers as Servant Leaders Book Review: Homeschooling the High Schooler
On the Agenda Welcome back to the June edition of Leaders e-Newsletter from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. We pray that you are well and blessed and getting ready for a fun summer with your family! The summer months are a great time to recharge physical and spiritual batteries after a busy school year. Have you experienced a great homeschool year filled with blessing and success thus far? Or are you facing obstacles and discouragement? Maybe you are experiencing a little bit of both. Serving as a homeschool leader is a great responsibility that is filled with many blessings as well as obstacles. Trust in the Lord through all times and He will give you endurance and direct your steps. Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." This month in the Leaders e-Newsletter we are discussing mentoring leaders and serving in leadership. Kim Wolf starts us off with the devotional "Do You Ask God?" Paula Anderson offers encouragement in "Mentoring New Leaders," and Teri Ann Berg Olsen shares wisdom from the Word in "Homeschoolers as Servant Leaders." Wayne Walker follows up with his review of the e-book Homeschooling the High Schooler: From Transcripts to Graduation from The Old Schoolhouse. We pray that you will be encouraged by the articles in this month's e-Newsletter! Blessings, Sharra Badgley Editor, Leaders e-Newsletter Sharra Badgley is the blessed wife of Michael and mother to Shaiya and Briyah. They make their home in west central Indiana. She is a freelance author, serves as the Editor for the Leaders e-Newsletter, and is the Indiana Homeschool Nations Coordinator for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Stop in and visit her at www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/SBadgley and www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/Indiana. Devotional From God's Word: Do You Ask God?    By Kim Wolf James 4:2-3 - "You want something but don't get it ... You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." "Boy, I sure do wish I could get that new science book for next year - if only we had the money" ... "Oh, if only my girls will marry godly men" ... "Wouldn't it be great if only ... if only ... if only ... if only ..." I have come to a realization - after being a Christian for "ONLY" 24 years! - that I am settling. I am settling for the mediocre, the mundane, the "good enoughs." I've had it with settling! Now, don't get me wrong. I am NOT a "name it, claim it" person. If the Lord's will is "no," then "no" it is. But it has come to my attention that I've been praying for, and believing in, answers to prayer for everyone except myself and my home. Isn't that craziness?! Why is it that I seem to think that my prayers are for everyone else in my life but me and mine? I know ... crazy. And the really nutty thing is, I've SEEN God answer my prayers over and over and over again in the last 24 years of my walk with Him - when my husband was laid off for 7 months and we couldn't afford new curriculum, I was asked to review products and - lo and behold - wouldn't you just know it, EVERYTHING I was asked to review "just happened" to be items that we needed for our school year! Huh. Did I ask? Yes. Did I receive? "The grace of our Lord was poured out on me ABUNDANTLY, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 1:4). Like you, I've prayed for and watched people get healed and accept Jesus as their Savior; I've seen my girls accomplish wonderful things ... huh. Did I ask? Yes. Did I receive? Abundantly! But there are other times when I knowingly don't ask. What's wrong with me? I KNOW that the Lord wants me to ask, so why don't I? Now, I'm not saying that I don't believe that the Lord will answer my prayers. I KNOW that He does answer. It just seems that I pray for the "bigger things" for others and not myself or my family. I used to, what happened? I'm SO sorry, Lord, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). As I said, I'm NOT a "name it, claim it" person - but what have I missed because I have not asked? I certainly know that if I should pray for something that's not in the Lord's will, or is for selfish use, that the Lord will graciously say "no." I welcome that. But WHAT have I MISSED? I'm willing to find out. I'm willing to once again be the prayer warrior that I used to be! I'm willing to ask and watch EXPECTANTLY for His loving answer - even if it's "no." I'm willing to watch my family once again blossom under His umbrella of blessing. Won't you join me? Kim Wolf loves living in a small Ohio town with her husband of 21 years and their two teen daughters. They have homeschooled since 1993 and are very active in the music ministry of their church, particularly in the praise team and the audio/video team. She is a Miami County homeschool coordinator and loves getting new homeschool families started on their journey. Kim is also a speaker and freelance writer; plus a contributing writer, product reviewer, and Ohio coordinator for TOS. Visit her blog: www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/Buckeyeblog Leader to Leader: Mentoring New Leaders    By Paula Anderson There has been a gentle luring in the warmth of the last few spring days. While our family generally takes a winter break, we work so hard in the late winter and spring months that we long for the summer break when responsibilities ease and time is more abundant. The high temperatures have given rise to the hopeful expectation that relaxing times are not that far away! Summer is a time to reflect on the future of our homeschooling endeavors, not only because of the excellent seminars we attend at the conference that gives us thoughtful ideas to consider, but also because we plan the next year for our children. Another thing as leaders that we ought to thoughtfully approach is the mentoring of new leaders. Over the summer months lots of groups change leaders, passing on the baton. It is our prayerful hope that this occurs in the spirit of maturing mentorship. Experienced leaders need to raise up the next set of leaders in a spirit of Christian maturity like that expressed in the book of Hebrews, which was written to encourage and exhort the early Christian church as it was suffering under grave persecution. Instead of growing in Christ during these stressful times, some in the early Christian church did what was easy and clung to what was familiar. Fear of persecution and hardships caused some to be stunted in their spiritual progress. It seems they forgot the promise of Jesus Christ that He would "be with us always." It takes courage and commitment to mature in our faith. Also courageous and full of commitment is the arduous task of mentoring new leaders for our groups. Done well, it will help effect smooth transitions as well as a maturing of the whole group. As leaders, we often practice the command of Christ to "love one another" (John 13:34-35). We sacrificially give of our time and talents to the benefit of others (2 Timothy 2:23-24). It is vital that we continue to love and serve the members of our groups by nurturing new leaders. Mentoring new leaders can be readily seen in many instances in the Bible, such as in Numbers 27:15-21, where we read about preparing leaders to follow and succeed us. Of course the finest example of this was Jesus Himself, who prepared His disciples to take the mantle of leadership after His ascension. As we assimilate the Word into our lives (Ephesians 4:15), we mature (Ephesians 4:13, Philippians 1:9), and then we begin to teach (1 Timothy 4:13). Someone once compared discipling new Christians with making bread, and it is easy to see how this applies to mentoring leaders, too. You gather the necessary ingredients: instructions, information, and prayer, and don't forget the yeast, which is the Word. Mix it all together, and then you knead them together to become a cohesive unit. Then let the Holy Spirit work it into their hearts and minds (similar to when you cover the dough and put it aside in a warm environment to rise). Then turn the dough out and cook it. This would be when you allow the leader to test the responsibilities that have been carefully nurtured. Jesus taught us that leadership requires being a servant (John 13:14). Leadership is a choice, not a position, that develops over time and experience. It is a vocation, which means that it is the fulfillment of the natural giftings the Lord has blessed you with that have been nurtured and grown with His love. As bread nourishes the body, the benefits of investing yourself in others so they may assume the mantle of leadership in your support group will produce abundant blessings. Paula Anderson and her husband, Mike, are the Support Group Leader Liaison of the Christian Home Educators of Colorado. Visit Paula at her blog: www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/PaulainColorado/ US Subscriptions: 19 FREE GIFTS Whether you are new to our magazine or a long-time subscriber, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has an incredible offer that you won't want to pass up! In the past, we couldn't offer the renewing subscribers the 19 free gifts - those were only for new customers. But for a limited time only, RENEWING subscribers get all 19 gifts (over $200 value), too! I'm a new subscriber…what do I get? With your paid two-year subscription to TOS you'll receive: •A 2-year/3-year subscription to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine •19 FREE gifts for you All this for ONLY $39 for 2 years and ONLY $59 for 3 years Click Here to Purchase Online Or, call 1-888-718-HOME Already a subscriber? Renew now and receive: • Two or Three more years of your favorite homeschool magazine and 19 FREE gifts (valued at over $200)! All this for ONLY $39 for 2 years and ONLY $59 for 3 years Click Here to Purchase! Or, call 1-888-718-HOME The first 3,000 two-year or three-year new subscriber or renewing your two or three year subscription, you will receive (by USPS mail) NINETEEN free homeschooling gifts. But you don't get four gifts - you get 19! And yes, even the shipping is paid for - and you are not required to buy anything again - EVER. Click Here to View the FREE Gifts (US Residents Only) Wisdom for Leaders: Homeschoolers as Servant Leaders    By Teri Ann Berg Olsen I never wanted to be a leader. I simply liked helping other homeschoolers and promoting an awareness of homeschooling among the general public. Next thing I knew, I was asked to lead a local homeschool group! Suddenly I found myself taking on the responsibility of leadership. If you look in a dictionary, you will see that the first definition of "to lead" means "to show the way," "to guide," "to direct someone toward a goal." This implies making the way easier or helping to bring about a successful result, not through forceful coercion but by being an encouraging influence. Thus, I looked upon my position as being more of a facilitator among peers rather than the head person in charge. Later, I found out that this is what is meant by the term "servant leader." International Subscriptions: 19 FREE GIFTS Whether you view your subscription as a gift for yourself, a homeschool conference delivered to your door, a professional journal, or simply a wonderful opportunity to fellowship with other homeschool families around the world, subscribe now to insure that you are in the first 2,000 and receive this incredible International Subscription Homeschool Gift Pack! One-Year International Subscription: Receive four issues of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine delivered directly to your door and 19 FREE gifts from our generous sponsors. Subscribe now! Only $38! And we have an additional gift for two-year and three-year subscribers! Two-Year or Three-Year International Subscription: Receive eight issues of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, the 19 free gifts, AND our Secrets of Successful Homeschooling e-book! Subscribe now! Only $69 for 2 years and $83 for 3 years! These special offers will expire soon, though. Subscribe or renew today so you don't miss out on this opportunity! Three easy ways to subscribe! Subscribe online Call 1-888-718-HOME Mail your order to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC PO Box 10 White Pine, TN 37890 Click Here to View the FREE Gifts (International Residents Only) The term "servant leadership" comes from the writings of Robert K. Greenleaf (1904-1990), an American essayist in the tradition of Emerson. Back in 1970, he wrote a short essay entitled "The Servant as Leader," in which he described servant leadership like this: "It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant - first to make sure that other people's highest priority needs are being served." Of course, long before Greenleaf coined the term, the concept of servant leadership was demonstrated in the Bible. According to the biblical model, one first serves God, and from that motivation one proceeds to serve others. While the idea of leader as servant has roots in the Old Testament, it was Jesus Christ who said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all" (Mark 9:33-35). Characteristics of Servant Leaders Calling - Servant leaders feel called to use leadership as a means to help others rather than as a way to gain personal power or prestige. Vision - Servant leaders are creative thinkers, open to a world of possibilities. They encourage others to think out of the box, dream big dreams, and reach lofty goals. Stewardship - Servant leaders have a natural sense of stewardship, which is the careful and responsible management of the resources entrusted to one's care. Awareness - Servant leaders are in tune with the environment and have a keen sense for knowing what is going on around them, as well as being able to anticipate and prepare for the future. Empathy - Servant leaders have an instinctive ability to understand and empathize with others' circumstances and problems. This includes a willingness to sacrifice self-interests for the sake of others. Listening - Servant leaders are excellent listeners. They are generally interested in and value what other people have to say. Growth - Servant leaders are committed to enabling people to become the best they can be - professionally, personally, and spiritually. At the same time, the servant leader is learning from those he leads. Persuasion - Servant leaders convince others to do things through the powers of persuasion rather than relying on force or formal authority. Equality - A servant leader does not consider himself above those he leads, nor does he believe that the leader is better than the followers. The servant leader shares burdens and benefits equally with the people that he or she serves. Community - Servant leaders have a strong sense of team spirit and believe that an organization should function like a close-knit community while allowing everyone to do what they do best. Are You a Servant Leader? Are you willing to sacrifice your own self-interests for the good of the group? Do people feel a strong sense of teamwork in the organization that you lead? Are people willing to share their ideas with you? Do you listen to other people and value them? Are you committed to helping others grow and develop? Do people feel that you understand them? Are you aware of what is going on around you and can you look ahead to the future? Do others follow your requests to get things done because they feel they have to or because they want to? Are you willing to step out of the spotlight and let it shine on someone else? Do you want your organization to make a difference in the community by serving others? (If you answered "yes" to eight or more of the above, you would make a great servant leader!) Teri Ann Berg Olsen is a home educator, librarian, and author of Learning for Life: Educational Words of Wisdom. An AFHE member since 1995, she and her husband have always homeschooled their children. In addition to serving as resource coordinator for the Knowledge House Learning Resource Center, Teri is the leader of Desert Hills Christian Homeschoolers and Arizona State Coordinator for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Visit her blog: www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/Arizona and website: www.knowledgehouse.info/. Homeschooling a High Schooler or Thinking about It? Our newest e-book, Homeschooling the High Schooler: From Transcripts to Graduation, is hot off the press and getting rave reviews! In this e-book, we've enlisted homeschool parents, homeschooled high school students themselves, and experts to share some practical tips for facing those upper level courses. Our authors share not only the "how-tos" of transcripts, math, science, and language arts but also why they chose to homeschool through high school, some of the opportunities they took advantage of along the way, and the blessings they've reaped from keeping their teens at home for high school. Order your copy for $12.45, by visiting our Schoolhouse Store! Book Review: Homeschooling the High Schooler ~ From Transcripts to Graduation    Review by Wayne Walker Teaching your children how to read, learn penmanship, or do addition and subtraction, along with elementary science and history or geography, while it does take effort and planning, is not overly daunting. However, the thought of trying to instruct your children in algebra and geometry, biology and chemistry, American and English literature, term papers, or the entire history of the world in their high school years can be a bit sobering. When our local homeschooling group has a meeting on homeschooling high school, we always have a huge turnout. Two of the most popular seminars at the Greater St. Louis Area Home Educators Expo are Carolyn Schriner's "Homeschooling for High School and Beyond," in which she explains all about high school curriculum planning, testing and transcripts, and scholarships and financial aid; and Scott and Kris Wightman's "College Without Compromise" in which they explain how to use high school years to prepare for college. Each seminar is three hours long! Several good books about homeschooling through the high school years have already been written. A new e-book on the subject, Homeschooling the High Schooler, has been prepared by Paul and Gena Suarez, creators of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, along with Nancy Carter, project editor. This book has tons of interesting and helpful information but does not appear to claim that it contains every detail. Rather, it has general articles of encouragement written by several well-known authors from the homeschooling community and lots of resource references listed (books, websites, etc.) that will be helpful in planning to homeschool through the high school years. Writers include Ronald and Inge Cannon of Education PLUS; Christine M. Field, who authored A Field Guide to Homeschooling; Maggie Hogan of Bright Ideas Press; Ann Zeise of A to Z Home's Cool Homeschooling website; Coie Igarashi, who is a homeschooled high schooler; Claire Novak, who is a homeschooled high school graduate; and others. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1, "You Can Homeschool Through the High School Years," contains a lot of the general articles of encouragement. Part 2, "Options and Resources to Help You," offers material on credit by examination, curriculum planning, dual enrollment, higher level math, high school science, and language arts. Part 3, "Preparing for the Future," has advice on transcripts, how to turn extracurricular activities (e.g., work experiences, computer design, etc.) into credit courses, preparation for college, apprenticeship for vocational training, and encouraging entrepreneurship. While the authors make helpful suggestions, they do not necessarily tell you what to do but instead provide access to the resources that will help you chart your own course. Whatever method of homeschooling your family has chosen, you should be able to find a lot of helpful information and material in this e-book. As the father of a 15-year-old and a 10-year-old, I found the book fascinating and extremely beneficial. Wayne S. Walker is a minister, the husband of Karen, and the homeschooling father of Mark and Jeremy. Visit him at www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/Missouri Thank you for reading the Leaders e-Newsletter this month. We'll have more articles, inspiration, and practical tips for you next month. Have you enjoyed this issue of Leaders e-News? If so, you'll want to take a look at all of the free e-Newsletters TOS offers to guide and encourage you during your homeschooling journey. Be sure to stop in to see which ones are best for you and your family! For more information please visit: www.theoldhomeschoolhouse.com/Devotional_Door/Newsletters_Subscribe.php You may forward this e-Newsletter to your friends in its entirety. If you have any comments, please email me at Leaders@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com with your feedback. I would love to hear your recommendations on how to make this resource even better.

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