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Leaders e-Newsletter, July 2006
In This Issue A Word from Your Editor From God's Word: Homeschool Fathers in Leadership Leader to Leader: Busyness - The Thief of Family Memories Wisdom for Leaders: Homeschool Leader Tips Bulletin Board
A Word from Your Editor Welcome back to the July edition of the Leaders e-Newsletter from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. We hope that you are enjoying a blessed summer! This month in the Leaders e-Newsletter we have several encouraging articles for homeschool leaders and their families. Wayne Walker begins by encouraging fathers in their roles as leaders of the home and homeschool in his devotion "Homeschool Fathers in Leadership." Alan Melton continues with an inspiring essay "Busyness: The Thief of Family Memories," which is a gracious testimony of how realigning family priorities can lead to peace and fruitfulness. Teri Ann Berg Olsen concludes with a comprehensive list of helpful tips for leaders to consider in her article "Homeschool Leader Tips." We pray that these articles will encourage and support you in your ministry as a leader to your families and homeschool communities! If you have been blessed by the articles in the Leaders e-Newsletter, and if you have any feedback on what you would like to see in upcoming issues, we would love to hear from you. 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 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: Homeschool Fathers in Leadership    By Wayne Walker "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Father's Day was last month, but since many homeschooling families take a break during the summer and start making plans for renewing their children's academic studies in the fall, the whole summer is a good time for fathers to examine their role in the homeschool. In most situations, Mom does most of the actual instruction and day-to-day interaction with the children in their schooling, but that does not mean that Dad is off the hook. Fathers, God has given us the primary responsibility for the upbringing of our children, including their education. Therefore, we need to be doing whatever we can to help them in their learning and also to help Mom in her teaching. "For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body" (Ephesians 5:23). Homeschooling fathers should be leaders in their homes. In most situations where Dad is gone for a large portion of the day to make a living, we might compare Mom to the teacher and Dad to the principal. In a normal school situation, it is the principal who provides leadership for the whole school and makes most of the final decisions, in consultation with the teachers. One way in which a homeschool dad can exercise this leadership and be more involved in his children's education is in the area of helping to choose curriculum. It may be that Mom feels perfectly competent to choose curriculum and Dad is quite willing to let her do so. That is fine. However, for many moms, curriculum choices can be a bit daunting and stressful at times. Of course, headship does not mean dictatorship, so it would not be a good idea for Dad to walk in with a catalog, drop it in front of Mom, say, "Here is the curriculum that you will be using," and then walk out! However, it is good for Dad and Mom to sit down together, look over the curriculum choices, and select what they mutually feel is best. If Mom is a little unsure about one or another program, Dad can make suggestions and strive gently to lead in the direction that he feels is best. Why is this important? We need to remember that, as head of the family, the father is ultimately responsible for its direction. Thus, he needs to exercise the kind of leadership that will enable him, as did Abraham, to "command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord" (Genesis 18:19). 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 Leader to Leader: Busyness - The Thief of Family Memories    By Alan Melton "Seventeen summers," said the busy father, wistfully describing the memory of his oldest child growing up. He continued, "We get seventeen summer vacations, and then our children are gone." His statement stung me as I thought about my own family experience. Is that all there is with parenting - seventeen family vacations? If Scripture teaches that children are a blessing, why am I not enjoying that blessing? I thought about my own busy schedule: go to work Monday through Friday with some evening work; on Monday night, deacons' meeting and basketball practice; Tuesday night, church visitation; Wednesday night, prayer meeting and youth choir; Friday night, youth group meeting; Saturday, basketball game, yard work and church social; Sunday, teach Sunday school, attend worship, and back to church by 5:00 pm for discipleship classes and evening worship. Most days we ate fast food or restaurant food while running to activities. My schedule allowed me exactly one night per week to spend with my family, and guess how we spent it? We went out to dinner, then watched television or a movie, or I was on the Internet! At one point my wife worked outside the home, which would have made things even worse. Now she was busy providing taxi service to and from school, to basketball, to dance. Add to that television, video games, neighborhood friends, and all kinds of other activities that I couldn't oversee. I realized that virtually every activity we were involved in divided our family! The "treadmill" that we were on was a thief of one of the greatest blessings of God: time with our children. In every arena of our life our relationships with others were superficial, and our busyness was contributing to superficial relationships with our children! You have probably heard the statement that nobody gets to the end of their life and says, "I sure wish I had spent more time at work" or "I should have spent more time watching television" or "I wish I had made more money." What do people say? They say, "I wish I had spent more time with my loved ones." Even the respected evangelist Billy Graham said that if he could do it over again, he would spend more time with his family. But this problem is not unique to busy people like Dr. Graham. Most Americans can identify with this problem; it is a sign of the times. The problem is we can't see it. Doug Phillips, president of Vision Forum, asks this question: "Does a fish know that it is wet?" We answer, "Of course not. The fish has always lived in water. It is all the fish has ever known." This is a very good analogy of our condition; we don't realize that we are soaking wet with busyness, with keeping up with the Joneses, consumed by things that have little long-term value, and our relationships with others suffer. For the parent, what has the greatest value, and what will bring us the best memories? Training up our children has great value; showing them how to live can change the world. Deuteronomy 6:7 tells fathers, "You shall teach them [God's words] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." I realized that in all my busyness, and in all our activities, I could not obey this command. Our best example of parenting is shown in the New Testament, with Jesus. Jesus had a Father and a stepfather. Jesus said this about His Father in John 5:20: "For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel." God personally trained and modeled to His Son what He expected. Joseph personally taught Jesus the trade of carpentry. Although Jesus might have learned a few things from Jewish scholars (and vice versa), the primary responsibility for teaching Him was assumed by His Father and stepfather. 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) Today our family lives in the quiet, rural community of Landrum, South Carolina. I work out of my home; my children help me with tasks I need to get done. I teach them things I've learned. Now that we homeschool, our children's SAT scores have improved, and my wife enjoys "relearning" as she teaches most of the academics. We stay together during the activities at our small church. We have ministry projects we do as a family; our purpose is to be salt and light to our community. Each evening we sing hymns, read and talk about the Bible, and pray together. I tell my children stories of how God has worked in my life. We play ping pong and outdoor games. We read stories, play games, and do puzzles together. We get together with other families for fellowship. Now most evenings are spent together as a family. As I write this article I am drawn to the wonderful, familiar aroma of a home cooked meal and the delightful sound of laughter. Was this an easy change? No way! We have been far outside our comfort zone. Our family income is much lower. I have been challenged to find a job that I can do from our home. We live in a less expensive home. Our drive time to the grocery store is now 25 minutes instead of 10. Our children protested our move, and our oldest child resented our decision for a while. The children were bored at first as we slowed down, unplugged, and made other changes. We miss our friends. I gave up golf. Living together has required many adjustments from each family member. Our new lifestyle is in stark contrast with the status quo of American culture; in some ways it is a throwback to earlier times. However, we are beginning to see what a blessing our children are. We are making new friends. We already have some new memories together; busyness could never buy this! My wife loves her role as a Proverbs 31 woman. Our children are growing academically and spiritually; they are involved in ministry rather than programs. Proverbs 13:20 says, "Those who walk with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." Since our children now spend more time with their parents than with other children (the biblical characterization of all children is fools), we have more influence in their lives. Now that I know my children better, I can see their individual strengths and weaknesses. I believe that I will be much better prepared to advise them about their future callings and vocations. Our time together is starting to yield some sweet fruit! Who knows what the future holds, but I don't think we will regret this decision. Alan Melton is a homeschooling parent and the director of Family Together Ministries. FTM is a nonprofit organization that uses biblical principles to strengthen families through articles, workshops, and coaching parents. Mr. Melton may be reached at FamilyTogetherMinistries@yahoo.com. Wisdom for Leaders: Homeschool Leader Tips    By Teri Ann Berg Olsen 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) Homeschool support groups are often started and led by moms (and dads) with good intentions but who may have little or no experience organizing and managing a group. This can lead to members being dissatisfied with the way the group operates, not to mention the group leader feeling overextended and exhausted. If you are a new leader or are otherwise struggling to make your homeschool group all that you envisioned it to be, here are some tips: 1. Whether you built the group yourself or took over from someone else, you have a vision as to what you would like to accomplish as leader. Develop a mission statement for your homeschool group or a personal mission stating your leadership goals. 2. If the membership is dwindling or inactive, consider whether your group is truly fulfilling the needs of its members. To differentiate your group from others in the area, think of a unique niche that your group can fill which the others may not be. 3. Talk honestly with your core members about your frustrations and limitations. They may not realize that you need help unless you ask! 4. Recognize the fact that you're not going to be able to do it all single-handedly forever. Don't be afraid to call for volunteers and delegate responsibilities. Keep in mind that people are more likely to offer their assistance on a specific, clearly defined task, rather than being "roped" into something not knowing what they're "in" for. 5. Set up a regular meeting time and location, preferably in a place where a supervised play area is available for members to bring their children along. 6. Start an electronic discussion list for your group so members can communicate with each other between meetings. 7. Post announcements, flyers, and meeting reminders via e-mail. You may also want to consider putting out a newsletter. 8. Take a survey to discover your members' homeschooling styles, curriculum used, children's ages, what specific types of support or other activities the members would like to see offered, and their greatest area of need in regard to homeschooling. 9. Study one or more leaders whom you admire. Observe how they conduct themselves in their leadership role. 10. Keep up-to-date on the education laws in your state and also try to stay abreast of homeschool-related developments nationwide. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) can help with this. 11. Be aware of upcoming events in your area. Know when the next homeschool convention, seminar, workshop, or other activity is scheduled. 12. Familiarize yourself with the educational resources available in your community, such as music and art teachers, sports leagues, museums, libraries, teaching supply stores, etc. 13. Put together a website with frequently asked questions or a "New Member Packet" of information for newbies. 14. Gather a collection of homeschool books, catalogs, and tapes - even if it's simply kept in a box. 15. Don't depend on word of mouth to make your group known. Inform your statewide homeschool support organization. Print out an informative brochure and leave copies at the local library. Post an eye-catching flyer on church and community bulletin boards. Place an announcement of your group's events in the local newspaper's activities section. 16. Set up a "Welcoming Committee" at your group's scheduled functions to make newcomers feel welcome. 17. Host an annual book sale or "Homeschool Information Night" to reach prospective members and parents who may be undecided or curious about homeschooling. 18. Have a special potluck meeting once or twice a year in the fall (September/October) and spring (February/March). This gives the dads a chance to meet each other, and an end-of-year potluck can be an opportunity for the kids to show off their projects. 19. Encourage members to take charge of arranging field trips and posting the information to the group. 20. If coordinating a particular activity is too much for you to handle and no one steps forward to help out, stop doing it. Perhaps someone will decide to take over once the activity is missed. If nobody does offer to do this, then maybe the activity is no longer important to the majority of members at this time. 21. Create a membership form with a place for name, address, phone number, email address, names and ages of children, and so on. Include a statement such as, "Please indicate in which area(s) you are willing to volunteer," followed by a list of jobs, such as newsletter editor, welcoming committee, mentor mom, treasurer, secretary, e-group moderator, test proctor, legislative liaison, co-op teacher, etc. Then when you're looking for help, you will already have a list of people who have expressed a willingness to do so. Another good question to ask is if they have any special talents, training, skills, or hobbies which they may be able to share with the group. 22. Try to maintain a sense of balance and resolve to stay organized so that you won't end up feeling overburdened and overwhelmed. 23. Don't get discouraged when you have bad days, but call a friend (perhaps a former leader) whom you can count on to empathize with and encourage you in some way. 24. Connecting with other support group leaders on a regular basis can be a wonderful opportunity to look beyond ourselves, share ideas, compare what we are hoping to accomplish within our respective groups, and discuss different group structures and how they work. You may want to have business cards made up with your contact information on it that you can pass out. 25. As with any job, it's a good idea to take some regular time off for yourself to relax and recharge. 26. Remember that no one is perfect, but always try to do your best. 27. Don't let past failures or delays diminish your enthusiasm or keep you from pursuing your homeschool group's goals. Remember that God's hand is working in your life. Pray about what He wants to accomplish through you and your group. 28. No one can be an expert on everything, so don't worry if you can't answer someone's question. Admit your limitations and point the person to another source, or tell him or her that you will look into it and get back with them. Qualify any suggestions you make regarding law-related questions by stating that you are not qualified to give legal advice. 29. Keep in mind that a good leader is one who has a caring servant's attitude rather than the know-it-all mentality of a dictator, and will naturally attract others who are willing to serve alongside. Bright Ideas Press In 1992, Maggie Hogan started Bright Ideas Press. Soon, she and her husband Bob began having way too much fun writing, creating, and finding practical, fun, and affordable homeschool resources. Visit them at www.BrightIdeasPress.com - home of the award winning series: The Mystery of History and the Christian Kids Explore science books. Homeschooling the Highschooler... E-Book packed with answers, encouragement, and resources, this e-book will equip you to homeschool through high school with confidence! Order your copy for $12.45 at The Old Schoolhouse Store!! 30. You may not be President of the United States or CEO of a major corporation, but you are a leader nonetheless. Read one or more leadership books such as The Leadership Genius of Jesus by William Beausay, Leadership by the Book by Ken Blanchard, The Leader in You by Dale Carnegie, or Think on These Things: Meditations for Leaders by John Maxwell. 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. Bulletin Board TOS now offers an array of e-Newsletters to meet all of your homeschooling needs! Have you enjoyed this issue of the Leaders e-Newsletter? If so, TOS has added several new e-Newsletters 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! Click here for more information!! Contributing Writers Needed! Are you a seasoned homeschool leader who would like to encourage others in leadership? Please consider joining the contributing writer's panel for the Leaders e-Newsletter. Send an email to Leaders@TheHomeschooMagazine.com if you are interested. Thank you for reading the Leaders e-Newsletter this month. We'll have more articles, inspiration, and practical tips for you next month. You may forward this e-Newsletter to your friends in its entirety. If you have any comments, please email me at Leaders@TheHomeschooMagazine.com with your feedback. I would love to hear your recommendations on how to make this resource even better.

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