If the children are the glue holding your marriage together, you are on the path to divorce. A healthy marriage has characteristics that lead to a thriving home. Bringing 40 years of experience in marriage to bear on the subject, the Smiths recognize that some stages are harder than others, while it is never too late to improve the health of the relationship. The Smiths will share several tools that can help to restore or invigorate a marriage in a busy home where no one seems to have any extra time. Leave this session with one or more ideas to make an immediate difference.

Homeschooling is hard. So is keeping a strong marriage in the midst of it. Be encouraged with these practical and spiritual tips that will help you fight the good fight, rather than fighting with each other.

There is no plug-and-play formula for a good education. Mystie Winckler explains why systems and shortcuts fail, how to keep the home at the center of your homeschool, and how to practice this art with confidence and enjoyment.

Thinking about homeschooling? This workshop is for moms and dads who are wondering if homeschooling is right for their family. You want to go into this with eyes wide-open and realistic expectations. Real-dad, Todd Wilson, will shoot straight with you, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly and will help clarify if homeschooling is for you.

Frustrated by the fact that what works for your homeschooling friends doesn't seem to work for you or what works for one of your children doesn't work for all your children? For the first time ever discover the FOUR homeschool Temperaments. You'll discover if you're a Falcon, Owl, Swan, or Sand Piper and how to homeschool in light of those traits. You'll laugh, nod your head in agreement and find yourself saying, "That finally makes sense. During our time together we'll discuss tips for each temperament, how to teach your children who may NOT be your temperament, and what types of homeschool curriculum works best for your temperament. This is going to be fun as you discover your homeschool temperament!!

The holy grail of parenting is “what to do to have good godly kids.” Unfortunately God didn’t leave a complete guideline for our use. He did leave us some examples of the good, bad, and ugly of parenting, and plenty of principles...but we’re still left...wanting more. Enter the flim-flam man who fills in all the gaps and begins to pile on rules, principles, and things to avoid. The problem is that it sometimes has adverse effects and leaves behind hurt and wayward children. So...some parents swing the other way and claim and proclaim the message of Freedom to equally dire results. While I would never be so bold as to say, “Here’s how to parent and what to do to have successful children.” I will say there seems to a sweet-spot in parenting that avoids the extremes but not the responsibility. Join me as we get down and dirty in the trenches of parenting and discuss a method of parenting that is IRRESISTIBLE.

With humorous personal stories both from being homeschooled as well as homeschooling, Mystie walks through how a homeschool mom’s life and role changes as we raise our children from dependent babies to independent adults, casting a vision for the glory of the mission.

Ever feel like homeschooling is for those ‘blessed enough’ to afford it? Ever feel like you don’t have the financial resources to give your kids all the opportunities everyone else is giving their kids? Ever feel like if you just had a little more, your homeschool would be so much better? Come and learn tips and tricks to homeschool affordably and be reminded of the heart behind the Great Provider that has called us to this gig in the first place!

As we look around us we find ourselves asking “how can it be?” ?Everywhere we turn the world looks almost unrecognizable. ?Yet, this is our place on the world’s timeline; there never was another moment meant for us. We cannot let fear creep in and paralyze our purpose, nor can we turn and run. We have been called for such a time as this; called to live boldly, to stand on truth, and to make an impact on the next generation. And we are called to do it with peace in our hearts. ?We must fight for the hearts and minds of our children- preparing them to stand strong, to answer the call placed on their lives, and to cling to the ONE that gives hope and peace in the unknown places. Come and be encouraged, learn from biblical examples of those that have gone before us, and be reminded that He will equip us for the call, and the time, He has created us for.

It's a fact! The only thing tougher than being a homeschooling mom is...being married to a homeschooling mom! Dad, your wife needs your help. Come join me as we discuss how to support and assist our wives in the homeschooling journey. We'll also do a lot of laughing, as I encourage men to be encouragers of their homeschooling wives.

Marriage is hard...in fact, it’s real hard! But when it is right and good, it can withstand anything. It doesn’t matter what the economy does, the status of your bank account, the condition of your home or vehicles, or what your children dish out...because when a husband and wife are right, they’re unbeatable. On the flip side, when a husband and wife feel distant or apathetic, it only takes the slightest breeze to ruffle a bunch of feathers. The truth is a mediocre marriage sucks the joy right out of life and your homeschool. The economy can swing up, your checking account can be healthy, your home and vehicles can purr like kittens, and the kids can behave like angels, and life still...stinks. That’s because marriage matters. Join Todd Wilson, The Familyman, for a time of laughter and encouragement as he shares real life stories, problems, and frustrations along with practical, simple solutions to having a marriage that can‘t be beat!

Homemaking is not a side project—it’s kingdom work. In this talk, Mystie Winckler reframes home management as a God-given vocation that forms souls, builds culture, and advances the gospel. From folding laundry to fostering hospitality, she shows that our daily work reflects the work of God and fulfills the Great Commission right where we live.

When our kids are in their upper high school years, we might begin to question whether we’ve prepared them (and ourselves!) for the next steps. Did I teach them everything they need to know? Will the world eat them up? What have I missed? We can be assured that God has a plan for the good of our children, and for His glory. Parenting doesn’t end when our children graduate from our homeschools, and we can be encouraged by trusting in God’s faithfulness in the lives of our young adults. Find hope for a parent’s heart as our kids leave the nest, learn to fly on their own, and soar.

Homeschooling is hard, parenting is hard, and marriage...well, that’s way hard. And that’s OK and even normal. Trouble is we don’t like hard. We want easy, fast, and cheap, and at the same time we want successful results. But the truth is that good things are hard and hard things are good, and they go hand in hand. Sadly, most people don’t ever experience the good because they can’t handle the hard. They put the hard thing off, hoping it will get easier, or they avoid it all together, and all they end up with is a pile of regrets. Here’s the good news: you can handle the hard. In fact, if you’re faced with two choices, pick ‘HARD.’ During this hour, you’ll laugh with Todd as he shares how to embrace the hardness while keeping your eye on the joy and experience God’s best for you.

Are we allowing secularism to creep into the homeschool? Are we allowing worldly standards to establish our definitions of success? Have we clarified the differences between a man-centered education and a God-centered education enough? Kevin Swanson gets back to the basics on a biblical worldview in this presentation.

Character is the most important fruit that parents can nurture in their children, and it is the foundation for academic learning. Discover how character is learned and how to establish a plan for teaching it to your children. Kathie will give several creative ways you can encourage your children to develop in this important area. After hearing this, you will be motivated and full of ideas to use with your own children.

Do you struggle with a child who is difficult or challenging? Do you have one child who causes you exasperation and takes more time and energy than all your other children put together? How do you respond to the resentment and anger he stirs up in you? How do you respond to him? There IS hope and help!! Get answers to these questions that will encourage you and help you deal wisely and lovingly with that child.

Is your marriage facing challenges or obstacles? Do the problems seem overwhelming or too big to handle at times? This workshop will clearly define God's intention for marriage but also outline three very simple, practical habits that you can use right away. These habits can strengthen your connection, build resilience, and help "divorce-proof" your relationship. Ebon's goal is to equip and inspire you to build something lasting and deeply rooted in God's plan for marriage.

Do you remember your first date with your spouse? Take a moment and think about how you felt while holding hands and gazing into their eyes. God intended for marriages to maintain that cherishing nature throughout the entire journey. In this workshop we will discuss the distractions and barriers that arise and how we can successfully tend the garden of our relationship to always treasure their presence.

As a homeschooling mom it can become easy to allow being a wife to slip into the background. Come have your heart renewed toward your husband, with Biblical encouragement and practical conversation on how you can love your husband even during the busy homeschooling season.

Every marriage longs for deeper intimacy, stronger connection, and lasting harmony. When couples intentionally pursue these three biblical priorities, joy becomes sustainable and faithfulness becomes natural. In this seminar, we will explore how Scripture calls husbands and wives to cultivate Intimacy, Connectivity, and Harmony—so that our marriages reflect Christ and His Church and flourish until death do us part.

Homeschooling homes are havens for teaching much more than just academics. Come explore why the home is truly the best place for children to flourish and for families to pass on the faith.

(Preceded By The Old Testament Live Experience Part 1)

In this message, Monica speaks encouragement and perspective into the homeschool journey, blending biblical truth with practical insight. Parents leave renewed in confidence and reminded of the joy found in faithful obedience.

Discover how your role in homeschooling can be used for God’s eternal purposes in your children’s lives. Find encouragement in understanding how the challenges of the homeschool journey comes with rewards!

If the children are the glue holding your marriage together, you are on the path to divorce. A healthy marriage has characteristics that lead to a thriving home. Bringing 43 years of experience in marriage to bear on the subject, the Smiths recognize that some stages are harder than others, while it is never too late to improve the health of the relationship. The Smiths will share several tools that can help to restore or invigorate a marriage in a busy home where no one seems to have any extra time. Leave this session with one or more ideas to make an immediate difference.

What do you do if you feel you have bitten off more than you can chew in the homeschooling journey? What do you do with fears that you aren’t enough for your children? Come examine mindsets that hinder moms, and learn how faith, gratitude and servanthood can be fleshed out in daily life.

If you are married with children, you probably find that there is a huge balancing act between caring for your children and nurturing your own relationship as a married couple. This straight-forward message by Brook and Israel Wayne gives practical and Biblical advice on how to keep the fires of love alive in your marriage, even when you are busy raising children.

Parents, first...relax! Let’s remember that with God, all things are possible and let’s also remember, FEAR does not come from God. With that said, it’s time to get excited and look forward to the years that your children will begin the process of choosing their spouse.

Let's imagine...your children: chewing with their mouths closed, not making weird noises at the table, never announcing what they don't like at the table, sitting still and respectful while eating, showing sincere gratitude each and every time they are served a meal, allowing their elders to go first, never forgetting to ask if they can help clean up afterwards, etc. Is this a dream? Is this possible? YES OF COURSE! It's all in how you teach and approach table manners. This Parenting Master Class by Master Motivator, Monica Irvine, will teach you the pattern of teaching your family how to have impeccable table manners and how to make it fun and doable. Parents, this is not rocket science; however, if you think that your children are going to "get it" by just constant correction, then allow me to ask, "How's that working for you?" Don't miss this!

Is Education a neutral subject? Does God have a preference for how He wants children to be educated? What does the Bible teach about schooling? Is there one correct path for education? Are public schools a viable option for Christians? These questions and more will be discussed in this engaging presentation.

When you are trying to inspire and motivate children, there are two forces that are often exerted: Positive and Negative Reinforcement. In this session, Israel explains the importance of Affirmation as a way to inspire and motivate your reluctant child. Drawing from practical and Biblical examples, this session will help you to keep those important relational connections as you are attempting to impart knowledge.

In a world overflowing with screens, games, and constant digital distractions, it’s time to reconnect our children with the natural world. Nature study lays the foundation for scientific observation and critical thinking, with proven benefits for both mind and body. Yet, introducing nature study can often feel overwhelming. In this talk, Jeannie shares practical tips to make nature study simple, rewarding, and engaging for your family. Discover how to cultivate a love for the outdoors while nurturing curiosity, focus, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

Bummer, isn’t it? Wouldn’t it be nice if homeschooling was the answer? I mean, wouldn’t it be nice if all of the problems in our families could be solved with good family time and top of the line curriculum? Wouldn’t it be great if all we had to do was adopt a certain daily schedule, read aloud certain books, and follow a certain educational philosophy? Wouldn’t it be awesome if there were just a simple checklist of “To-do’s” each day that would guarantee success? Yes, it would, but alas, there’s not. However, there is an answer to all that ails us: the sin and death, the pain and misery. Come be reminded of the Answer and the hope it engenders.

Just like mothers, fathers are critical for homeschooling, and not just for paying the bills. In this fun talk, Alex — who homeschools his 5 children alongside his wife — will share insights into the role of dads in the education, upbringing, and discipleship of their children. He will also offer practical tips for fathers and families that can make home education even better!

The way we are parenting today impacts our grandchildren and great-grandchildren yet to be born. In this session, Dr. Rienow will share key Scriptures, from both the Old and New Testament, which will equip you not only to raise your children for the glory of God but to also accelerate faithfulness in the future generations of your family.

Start the conference with this inspirational message

Studies show that 70% of churched youth abandon the Christian faith sometime before high school graduation. While there are no guarantees in parenting, there are steps parents can take that have been proven through various studies to statistically improve the chances of your child embracing and remaining in the faith. Learn what actionable steps you can take to help strengthen your child against unbelief.

It is true that opposites attract–for a while. But often as the years go by in our marriages, opposites may also begin to attack. The habits and characteristics we once found endearing about our significant other are the exact things that drive us crazy years later! Whether you and your spouse disagree about finances, parenting, or how to load the dishwasher, your differences don’t need to divide you. They can actually bring you closer together–and closer to God. Discover how your “incompatibility” can become the strength of your marital team in this real-life guide to both living with and loving your spouse–differences and all.

Sibling rivalry and squabbling is something we all deal with every day. It can be frustrating, as well as discouraging. We must teach out children how to respond to conflict Biblically so that arguing and strife don’t disrupt our home, and so they will be prepared to handle conflict in life. Learn the most common causes of sibling conflict and get practical Biblical solutions to the problem

Are you feeling overwhelmed or are you just trying to make it to the end of each day? Let's refresh your purpose so you can exchange discouragement for fresh vision for your homeschool. Declutter things that are weighing down your days and gain tips for being fully present, prioritizing rest, and delighting in the time spent with your children when the days are long and the years are short! "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

When children of any age struggle with big emotions like worry, sadness, and anger, they often push back against the very help they need. Their reactions can make it hard to know how to support them without escalating the situation further. But these moments—while challenging—are also opportunities to connect with your child’s heart. Learn the CALM approach to guide your child through emotional storms with wisdom and grace. Discover how to connect with your child when they struggle with a big emotion, help them navigate their big emotions in a healthy and effective way, anchor them in biblical truth, and equip them with a plan to move forward and face the challenges of life that brought on those big emotions. You'll also learn simple parenting scripts to use when you feel triggered, helping you respond with calm instead of chaos. Walk away with this powerful strategy to strengthen your relationship while fostering emotional resilience in your child.

Don't react in ways you regret! Parental anger is a signal. Hear what the Bible really says about anger; listen for it in yourself, recognize its triggers, and redirect it toward meaningful growth. Respond with wisdom instead of reacting in frustration, create a more peaceful home environment for both you and your children. Walk away with biblical insights and practical strategies to help you break free from guilt, foster connection, and become the homeschool parent you aspire to be.

Our culture is obsessed with self. But in the midst of this near-narcissism, people are less content than in decades past. They have forgotten the joy that comes from putting others first. This is both biblical teaching and doable suggested actions. Some are heart-tugging and sentimental. Others are sneaky and hilarious. All are simple and practical. As we scatter kindness, we create a safe space where we can openly share the gospel with others.

Should parents send their children to public schools to be missionaries and evangelists? Homeschoolers are often accused of retreating from society instead of impacting it. What is the balance between protecting our children and reaching out to a lost world around us? Israel explains how you can equip your children for the ‘real world’ without putting them in harm’s way.

Big emotions can easily derail a homeschool day, leaving both you and your child feeling frustrated and exhausted. But what if those emotional moments could become opportunities for growth, connection, and discipleship? In this session, you'll learn how to use a heart-based approach to helping your child/teen process anger, anxiety, sadness, and more—while still making academic progress. Walk away with practical tools to manage emotional challenges, reset negative patterns, and equip your child with lifelong skills for emotional resilience.

Faith, family, and freedoms have faded in Europe and the Americas. But God has given us a tremendous opportunity now — islands of freedom and culture unlike anything we’ve seen. He appears to be using homeschooling as a catalyst for good things. How can your family plant fruitful, beautiful gardens at such a time as this? How does the Gospel of Jesus Christ breakthrough in our homes?

So you kind of like this girl. Or you think he’s cute. WHAT NOW?! Marriage is a wonderful blessing from God, but the path to the altar often seems covered with broken glass—at least that’s what the bloody feet of many couples would indicate! Getting back to God’s foundational principles and offering balance to recent homeschool applications, Daniel shares insights and admonitions based on his attempts in getting to the marriage altar (the third try was the charm!) and having grown up in the homeschool/courtship movement.

The very laws of science are designed so we will know we have a creator. So how can so many people be blind to the obvious?

Your marriage is a living curriculum that daily instructs your children. In this session, Forrest and Beth get real and practical as they look at the unique challenges of homeschool marriage. Take the time to invest in the one subject that will impact your child’s future even more than learning Latin or Algebra 2. You will walk away from this workshop just as excited about your marriage as you are about unwrapping that new curriculum you just purchased.

Forrest and Beth Mora MP3#24-415 Holiday Inn Banquet Room??We all know it. We all must face it and embrace it. The new homeschool family is an online family shaped by budget constraints and cyberculture. In this session, we’ll explore new ways of meeting the needs of the next generation of homeschool families. We live in an exciting time filled with more opportunities to serve than ever!

Children are bombarded daily with media of every possible variety. In today's ever-changing economic and social climate, parents must find balance to positively raise their children. Rick Green’s mentor, Zig Ziglar, devoted much of his career to providing golden nuggets and guidelines still needed today to face parenting challenges. The Greens credit Zig's biblically based, scientifically-sound strategies with helping them raise children who remained teachable through the “teenage” years, and they want to share Zig's wisdom with YOU! While there is no magic formula for raising kids, these strategies will positively improve the relationships in your home.

Every family has a culture, a way of living, and every family is defined by it. Are your family’s mission and culture breathing life into your days? Being intentional and purposeful is the best way to make sure your mission aligns with your worldview. You’ll leave this session armed with a list of practical ideas and an encouraged heart!

Ginger will share wisdom from her best-selling book, Don’t Make Me Count to Three! There is far more to parenting than getting children to “act” right. We have to get them to “think” right and to be motivated out of a love of virtue rather than a fear of punishment. Ginger quips parents to reach past the outward behavior of their children and address the issues of the heart. Move beyond the frustrations of not knowing how to handle issues of disobedience and into a confident approach to raising your children.

This talk provides an overview of the family economy as the basis for productive households and generational discipleship. We cover the practical steps of involving our spouses and children in work, worship, and wisdom, and how your family can begin creating a new future together today.

Do you find yourself threatening, repeating your instructions, or raising your voice in an attempt to get your children to obey? Do you feel guilty because you know you should be faithfully training and instructing your children in righteousness, but you aren’t sure how? Through personal experience and practical application of Scripture, Ginger encourages and equips parents in the why, when, and how of biblical discipline.

Weeds find the tiniest cracks to take root. The same is true for marriage. Financial stress, communication breakdowns, and unresolved conflicts constantly apply pressure to your marriage. This workshop marriage adventure will help couples develop fun and healthy ways to connect with their spouse. Participants will experience how knowing who they are can produce a joyful style of communication. They will learn new habits and practices as they speak from their heart.

One common concern about homeschooling: what about socialization? In this session we will discuss socialization, its importance, and explore options to help calm this fear. Leave with confidence on how to answer that nagging question, What about socialization?

Screen time, smart devices, social media, and online learning offer opportunities and challenges for all families. But for families with children who learn differently—learning disabled, gifted, and/or other special needs—the pros and cons differ. Considering the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects, Kathy Kuhl offers insights and resources to help you navigate the best course for your family.

“What’s your secret for staying together?” That’s the number one question younger couples want to ask veterans of long-term marriage, according to a recent study. There are bonds which are tighter than the strongest glue, and they’re not dramatic – just very, very powerful, and what’s more, Biblical. Join Hal and Melanie as they share what they’ve learned in 38 years of marriage and years of talking to other couples about the things that stick us together - and help us enjoy it!

The Bible tells fathers to teach their children the things of God - and tells the kids to be sure and ask! But even if you come from a great family, there will always be things you have to learn on your own - from the sublime to the ridiculous. For a lot of us, we're trying to do things a little (or a lot) differently than our fathers did. Hal's dad was an only child and father of two. Come hear what Hal's learned raising eight homeschooled kids of his own and laugh with him about the strange turns our lives take when we take on this adventure.

Let’s be honest: homeschooling is hard. But what makes it even harder is that it is not our only responsibility. We also have to be parents and homemakers while working at our jobs or being involved in our churches or ministries. How do we effectively balance all these important missions that we have been given? How do we prioritize and strategize what truly matters? If you’ve been feeling pulled in a million directions, this one’s for you.

“He never talks to me.” “My teens are so disrespectful.” “I have no idea what she’s thinking.” “They’re so ugly to each other.” “I wish we could just talk.” We hear these things all the time from families. It’s easy to get into a cycle of communicating badly with each other, but it doesn’t have to be that way! The Word of God gives us a lot of really practical advice about communicating with one another, but it’s hard to know what that looks like in real life. Come learn how to turn that advice into action, change your family culture for the better, improve your other relationships, and laugh a little, too.

In this talk I share stories from my own homeschool upbringing and the indelible lessons I unknowingly learned through the experience. In a profound way they informed my own journey as a homeschool parent. I hope these lessons from the perspective of a homeschool graduate will encourage homeschoolers from all backgrounds and remind them that they are uniquely positioned and equipped by God to teach their children in ways that reach deeper than the pages of any textbook, lesson plan, routine, or test.

Is behaving like a gentleman an outdated and antiquated idea? Join Dr. Steve in a lively discussion of how to teach our young men to be masculine in a society that seeks to squeeze them into a feminine mold. Becoming a gentleman starts at home. Discover ways to cultivate a culture of masculinity without raising men who are brutes!

• Want your teen to take more initiative around the house? • Want to reduce the “Drama” level in the family? • Want to get your pre-teens, teens, and young adults excited about character healthy living? Join “America’s Parenting Doctor,” Dr. Steve Scheibner as he unwraps seven practical steps to help raise the behavior bar in your home. While most of our sessions highlight the positive training we can bring into our homes, Battling with Behavior addresses the unavoidable behavior issues that trip us up and can derail the best of days.

Karen has graduated three out of four of her children. They did not all follow the typical post high school path, but have been successful as adults- not necessarily worldly success, but as disciples of Christ. Come hear their unique story of running away from homeschooling in kindergarten, to raising adults that are living for Jesus!

Join veteran homeschooler and mother of eight, Megan Scheibner, as she discusses the importance of thoughtfully traveling the road of change and maturity with your children. Discover the significance of traditions in building security, the necessity of relational transitions for building trust, and the power of transparency to break down communication barriers. Homeschooling isn’t just about preparing our children for success. Successfully homeschooling is a ministry training ground for parents and students alike. Come be encouraged as you see how God can use your faithfulness in homeschooling to reach your world for Him.

Our social media doesn’t dictate how our homeschool should look. God does. Learn to take your eyes off internet ideals and onto what God says. Let His Word saturate your mind rather than getting caught up in the false expectations of social media. Find freedom for your family to walk this journey with God leading you!

Recognizing that a healthy marriage is the basis of a healthy home, this Marriage session is a fun and fruitful way to invest in your marriage relationship. Steve and Megan teach from their book The Eight Rules of Communication for Successful Marriages and finish the session with a fun-loving look at marriage and F-R-I-E-N-D-S-H-I-P Practical advice in a guilt-free environment makes the teaching real and applicable to all those in attendance.

Want to transition your young adults from simple obedience to mature responsibility? In this session, Dr. Steve shares the important phases teens need to learn to take responsibility for their lives. Watch your kids move from childish irresponsibility to becoming young adults who embrace ownership and initiative as they move up the “Responsibility Tree."

Wait what? That’s right. This journey is about so much more than school. We are raising up our children to be capable human beings in a world that is often chaotic and confusing. Don’t get so caught up in school that you aren’t living life and training for life!

Although it’s easy to get caught up in our role as “MOM,” the greatest gift we can give our families is to show them how much we love fulfilling our primary role as “WIFE.” The Wise Wife session is jam-packed with practical ways to focus on becoming a wife who brings glory to God, delights the heart of her husband, and models a Christian marriage for her children. Being a godly wife is serious business, but you’ll get plenty of time to laugh as Megan shares some “What the Heck!” differences between men and women. Come be challenged and refreshed in your most important role!

Ever feel like homeschooling is for those ‘blessed enough’ to afford it? Ever feel like you don’t have the financial resources to give your kids all the opportunities everyone else is giving their kids? Ever feel like if you just had a little more, your homeschool would be so much better? Come and learn tips and tricks to homeschool affordably and be reminded of the heart behind the Great Provider that has called us to this gig in the first place!