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Please send support and correspondence to us at our new offices at the US Digital Outreach Center: 1400 NE 136th Avenue Ste 201 Vancouver, WA 98684
It's Homeschool Pre-Season ~ Just Like the NFL! By Steve Lambert
FCHM Board of Directors
Leave it to a man to think about homeschooling in football terminology! I'm a football kind of a guy and I follow the NFL training camps going on around the country right now, and of course the NFL pre-season where we get to see whether that training is producing any measurable results.
Depending on when you plan to start homeschooling this year, perhaps you're in pre-season training camp right now too. The Bible has lots of wisdom on the topic. Did you know that? The NFL is in the Bible?!? NO- not the NFL!! Training camp for homeschoolers is in the Bible.
1 Cor. 9:25 reminds us "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
Time to begin training our bodies for a productive homeschool year. Let's not be distracted. Training camp means getting to bed early, eating three healthy meals each day and developing daily discipline.
2 Tim. 3:16 tells us that "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
Another essential for homeschool training camp: Daily time in the word? Check!
1 Tim. 4:8 deals with two areas; "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
Our homeschool training camp checklist is getting full now: Some daily physical fitness or aerobic training is of "some value" since it reduces stress levels and helps us focus. But let's not neglect Godly character which holds great promise. Let's focus on developing the fruits of the Spirt too. If you missed yesterday's entry about our Christmas shopping list NOW is a good time to read it!
So there you go- Some pre-season activities for homeschool training camp that will produce results when "the game" begins in the classroom all too soon. Develop disciplined daily habits in sleep, nutrition, prayer, worship, Bible study, exercise and character development and you'll be AMAZED at how well you'll "play" this season!
See ya at kickoff time!!
Steve
Married for more than 38 years and in full-time ministry for more than 25 years, Steve and his wife Jane began homeschooling in 1982. Together they publish the award-winning homeschool curriculum "Five in a Row", (written by Jane) while maintaining a busy website, speaking, doing marriage retreats, mentoring other national homeschool leaders and enjoying their five amazing grandchildren. Steve and Jane currently serve on the Board of Directors for First Class Homeschool Ministries. Steve also has a wonderful blog for homeschoolers. Check it out here.
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As Jay likes to say, "BIG...FINISH!!" And that's exactly what we did. Our little RV finally gave up the ghost 40 miles north of our home. God was watching over us, and thankfully, the transmission went out just as we were nearing a rest stop. Jay coasted into the rest area where we began calling and facebooking to let people know we were "almost" home. Within minutes, we had more help than we asked for. It was amazing.
Our thanks to the MANY people who have supported us this summer - for your prayers and financial support that literally carried us 11,148 miles. At the end of the trip we found ourselves unloading our motorhome in a parking lot, surrounded by friends from First Class co-ops in three different locations! It took three mini-vans, one tow truck (thanks Payne family!), a pickup truck, a 15 passenger van and a suburban to pack us and our stuff home.
Churches and Homeschooling Families: A Powerful Partnership for a New Generation
by Heidi St. John
First Class is passionate about supporting homeschoolers - and about connecting homeschooling families through their local church.
Jay and Heidi St. John, Founders and Executive Directors of FCHM have said that "Churches should be light houses for homeschoolers" and that sentiment is rapidly growing as pastors partner wth parents to create FCHM co-ops in their churches.
These communities are making a difference, not only in the families they serve but in the communities they are placed in. Find out why in this article written for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
FCHM Members receive a discount on HSLDA Membership.
HSLDA is committed to protecting your right to homeschool under the law. You can support them in their efforts and receive HSLDA membership benefits by joining their organization.
Contact you local First Class leadership for the discount code.
The St. John family in Virginia with Mike and Elizabeth Smith.
Mike Smith is the President of HSLDA.
News, events and Information as it pertains to Homeschool Families in Washington State. Please note, posted information has not specifically been reviewed or is endorsed by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine or the volunteer blog coordinator. Please review posted information carefully to determine its suitability for your family. God bless your homeschooling journey.
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August, 2009
