It is that time of year again, the time to gather together from across Oregon at the annual statewide Christian Homeschool conference. It always surprises me how much I look forward to this each year. I circle the date on our calendar as soon as I get it and I find myself anticipating the full measure of encouragement I always receive. So why does the conference matter to us so much?
1. It is our annual planning meeting as husband and wife. Because we attend together we are on the same page at the same time. What an opportunity! As busy partners in marriage it is easy to go about our separate roles and not communicate directly about what is happening in our homeschool. The conference provides the chance to really delve in and work through things together.
2. We always catch a vision. It has been at conferences that we have often caught new or deeper visions for our family life. Homeschooling is so much more than mere academics.
3. We see that we are not alone. How encouraging to be in a gathering of hundreds of homeschooling parents. We are all different, with different styles and methods of homeschooling, yet we share the same heart’s desire to teach our own.
4. Dads are empowered in their roles as the leaders of their homes. This is no small thing. Dads are not a side note here. OCEAN is very good at bringing speakers who teach and exhort specifically about the roles God has commanded fathers to fill.
5. Mothers are commended. Homeschooling is a tough job and it rests heavily on the shoulders of mothers who want to do the best they can. It is a balm for my soul to be among others who see value in my life’s work and recognize the battle it can be. One of my favorite times is when mothers are recognized and applauded for the size of their families. How different from the stares and glares of the world.
What can you expect at the next conference? Below is a list of just some of this year’s featured speakers. Don’t miss out on the encouragement and inspiration.
Dr. Jeff Myers mission is to equip culture-shaping leaders to understand the times, unleash their God-given gifts, and communicate the truth with confidence. Well known for his work with teens and teaching leadership skills, Dr. Myers shares a vision for the future of the next generation. He and his wife Danielle homeschool their four children--Graham, Emma, Cate and Stuart--and live in Tennessee.
Todd Wilson, author of Help! I’m Married to a Homeschooling Mom and The Official Book of Homeschooling Cartoons, is a dad, writer, conference speaker, and former pastor. Todd’s humor and gut-honest realness have made him a favorite speaker at homeschool conventions across the country. As founder of Familyman Ministries, his passion and mission are to remind dads and moms of what’s important. Todd and his wife Debbie, along with their seven children spend several months of the year traveling the country encouraging moms and dads.
Jeannie Fulbright is the author of Apologia’s Young Explorer’s series. Jeannie and her husband homeschool their four children, ages six to thirteen, in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to homeschooling and writing, she enjoys speaking around the country to encourage homeschoolers on their journey.
Special needs consultant Jennifer Bliesner is mother of eight (5 of which are special needs). She has home schooled for twenty-four years. Currently Jennifer tutors home school students with special needs, and has set up a program to mentor families with this unique challenge.
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