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.

Dads and moms, in all the busyness of life and swell of expert advice, we've forgotten the fundamental truths of homeschooling and family. In short, we’ve forgotten why we do what we do. We have plenty of “how tos” but have forgotten the “why tos” and it evidences itself in our lack of joy of homeschooling, family, and parenting. Join funny guy and familyman, Todd Wilson, as he sets the stage for a great homeschool convention and the best year ever as he brings us back to the basics of what we believe about family and homeschooling. You're not going to want to miss this for the world.

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.

Are you having trouble finding the time and energy to meet the needs of your husband after a hard day of homeschooling? Maybe you've forgotten what his needs are. Would you like your husband to take a more active role in homeschooling? Maybe your husband refuses to be involved in training your children. Join me as we look at your role, not as a homeschooling mom, but as a homeschooling WIFE. Your husband will thank you for coming! The discussion will be led by a real husband of a homeschooling mom.

We are raising kids in a generation where more hours a day are spent in front of a screen than are spent outside. From video games to social media, this generation is existing more virtually than they are in the real world around them, and we are seeing the damaging results in our children, families, and culture. Join Aby Rinella as she discusses the dangers of social media on our kids, how we can step out of the virtual and back into real life; how we can cultivate real connection, thrive in the tangible world around us, and how we benefit physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually from being outdoors together. You will also learn practical tips to take your school outdoors and how to grow as a family on the adventure!

More devotional and vulnerable in tone, Mystie discusses misconceptions about rest and approaches this needed topic in a relatable but deeply Scriptural way. This talk is a meditation on what it means that our rest is in Christ, not in our own self-care.

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.

Many homeschoolers struggle with self-doubt and/or criticism for their decision by well-meaning friends and family. In this session, Israel will tackle some of the top objections people raise about home education and will give statistics and fact-based answers to help give you confidence to defend your choice to home educate.

Homeschool families are often portrayed as retreating from culture. In reality, they are investing in the slow, unseen work that shapes the future. This session encourages Nebraska families to see their faithfulness as long-term cultural engagement. Christian homeschooling does not withdraw from the world; it prepares children to enter it with clarity, courage, and conviction. Revival does not begin with slogans or protests, but with truth taught patiently, lived consistently, and passed to the next generation

This session will be in Spanish En esta charla reflexionaremos sobre el rol fundamental que tenemos como padres en la formación espiritual, moral y académica de nuestros hijos. Más allá de los libros y las materias escolares, la educación en el hogar es una oportunidad única para discipular a nuestros hijos de forma intencional, conforme a los principios y valores del Reino de Dios. Exploraremos lo que la Biblia dice acerca de la responsabilidad que Dios ha puesto en nuestras manos, y cómo podemos vivir ese llamado en el contexto diario del homeschool. Hablaremos sobre cómo cultivar un ambiente que fomente la fe, el carácter y la sabiduría en nuestros hijos, integrando el aprendizaje académico con el desarrollo espiritual. Esta conferencia busca animarte, inspirarte y darte herramientas para que la educación en casa no solo sea efectiva, sino también eternamente significativa. In this session, we will reflect on the vital role we have as parents in the spiritual, moral, and academic formation of our children. Beyond textbooks and school subjects, homeschooling is a unique opportunity to disciple our children intentionally, in alignment with the principles and values of God’s Kingdom. We’ll explore what the Bible says about the responsibility God has entrusted to us, and how we can live out that calling within the daily rhythm of home education. Together, we’ll talk about how to cultivate an environment that nurtures faith, character, and wisdom—integrating academic learning with spiritual growth. This session is designed to encourage, inspire, and equip you so that your homeschool journey is not only effective, but eternally meaningful.

Could you use some encouragement and strategies to help reignite your student’s love of learning? If so, this session is for you! There are many factors that impact a child’s motivation level—stress, executive function, nutritional needs, media usage, and more. With a little bit of theory and a whole lot of practical application, Cheri Kay equips parents with the tools they need to tap into their child’s God-given gift of curiosity.

In the past twenty years, we’ve seen a lot of changes in the homeschool community. There is much more pressure being put on homeschoolers to excel academically. We’ve gone from a few brave moms who, without access to mainstream “curriculum”, managed to give their children an excellent education—but we’ve forgotten what made it excellent. It was excellent because these moms had a vision for homeschooling—they weren’t trying to re-create school at home. They were simply being obedient to the One who had called them to be different. They knew that if He had called them, He would equip them. And they were right. If you’re struggling to find joy in your calling as a homeschooling parent, if you’re looking for more LIFE in your homeschool, this is one keynote you won’t want to miss. join Heidi as she talks about her journey away from curriculum-driven, workbook based homeschooling and into delight-directed learning. What she learned will bless and inspire you.

Researchers now confirm what the greatest minds in education have advocated for centuries: raising self-sufficient, self-motivated, eager learners depends on specific actions and attitudes from parents and educators. Unfortunately, most of what we naturally tend to do results in the exact opposite—overwhelmed, unmotivated, anxious, unhappy learners. There is a very good and logical reason our parental efforts go unrewarded. In this talk, Jeannie shares modern research along with both Biblical and ancient wisdom to equip you with the mindset, tools, and faith needed to help your children develop self-motivation and a drive to pursue their education and God-given purpose with passion.

Young adults today are struggling. It's not exactly a revelatory statement–one only needs to glance at the closest high school or university to see it clearly. A hopeless and profound lack of direction is a hallmark of our culture, and these problems are so pervasive that even young adults fortunate enough to come from solid, Christian homes still deal with shades of these issues. What are we to tell them? In this session, Trent offers a practical perspective on hope, and how it inspires the kind of resilient lifestyle that allows today’s young adults to face failure undefeated.

Heidi’s hunch is that you don’t need to quit… you need to see things new; to have fresh perspective and renewed vision. And maybe you need chocolate. That too. Come join Heidi for an hour of encouragement and chocolate. You’ll be glad you did!

Mike Farris has been in leadership positions in the Christian community for forty-five years. In this session he tells the stories of God’s intervention in his own life and in the protection of the freedom of our freedoms—particularly our freedom to homeschool. If you want to hear afresh the power of God in our generation, these are the stories for you.

There will always be a math lesson, science project, or research paper clamoring for your immediate attention. But what about the bigger picture? How is God using homeschooling to work in your child’s heart? In this session, Kathryn shares how God used homeschooling to build her faith and develop her character and how that is giving her a vision for her own kids. Drawing on examples from her own life, she’ll bring a fresh reminder of how the challenges that your child is facing today are preparing him or her for a life of service in God’s kingdom.

Education for the masses is a relatively recent phenomenon that grew out of a Christian desire to know God and His Word. The advent of government control of education, by contrast, was a distinctly anti-Christian project with roots in communism and a plan to build utopia. Men such as Robert Owen, Horace Mann, and John Dewey were all united in the push to radically transform society using education as the means. In this explosive talk, Alex Newman breaks down the hidden history of education that will shock you to the core and explain how society ended up in the mess it finds itself in.

There are 10 Essentials needed for a joyful homeschooling journey. You might be surprised to find out they aren’t using a perfect curriculum, reading a particular book, or following a specific methodology. The 10 Essentials to homeschooling are far more foundational than that (and they are super easy to apply this week)! In this session, Carrie shares the 10 essentials and how to incorporate them into your homeschooling today whether you are new to homeschooling or you have been homeschooling for years.

As you consider how to go forward in your homeschooling journey, where are you standing? Are you on the field, in the stands, or in the blimp? It matters. What is obstructing your view? Who’s on your team? Where is the finish line? How can you best proceed? Why are you where you are? It’s difficult to answer any of these questions in the heat of the battle. It’s important to take inventory, to step back, to step away. Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards, to go down to go up, to go left to go right. What if there’s a place to stand so that you can really see?

Most of us know that homeschooling has great academic benefits and is good for families, but did you know that the benefits go beyond reading, writing and arithmetic? In this session you will learn how you can use your homeschool to grow strong, healthy kids: physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

The first thing you must know is that you’re not alone if you have one. And the second thing you need to know is that they’re sent to you as a blessing. If those two things seem unimaginable, if you’re thinking, “If you only knew.,” well, I do. I’ve got one too. So, what face comes to mind when you hear the phrase ‘That” child? Do you smile or scowl when you see that face? Do you see yourself in that face? Do you struggle to like that child? Does it seem difficult? Impossible? I want you to know: That child is a world changer. God has a plan for that child. All of that energy, all those questions, all that strength, all THAT, is God-given for His glory. Come learn strategies for learning to love that child, to embrace that child, to train that child. They are worth it and He is worthy!

Homeschooling provides an education that is beyond comparison with any other method. That said, Idaho code requires that homeschoolers provide instruction, “in subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools.” This is often summed up as a requirement to provide a “comparable education.” But how are we to meet that requirement without stifling the amazing educational freedom that homeschooling offers? Join Linda Patchin as she unpacks various teaching methods used by homeschoolers and how they can each meet, and exceed, the statutory requirement of a “comparable education.”

There are many existential threats to fundamental liberties and the very fabric of Christian civilization building on the horizon, but homeschool families are uniquely positioned to help hold the line. From rekindling an awareness of the biblical principles at the foundation, to re-imagining education, to getting involved in the cultural, political, and spiritual battles raging all around us, we have an obligation to be a part of the solution. In this talk, Alex will offer concrete ideas for action.

The world has a vision of education and its purpose. Christians must as well. In this talk, Alex Newman will explore what the Bible teaches on education and discipleship, and how this differs radically with what the present education system offers. He also provides an in-depth look at the history of Christian education — the very education that built Western civilization and the United States of America. Finally, he will equip parents to rethink education in light of Scripture, with practical tools to honor God in this critical realm of life.

So here we are. Most of us would have chosen something different than what we’ve recently had to face. I mean really, who would have signed up for the crazy chaos that has characterized the last few years? Not me. But, if I believe in a sovereign God, and if I believe that He has a plan, and if I believe that He has a role for me to play, and I do, then how do I lean into that and His plan? And what is my role in this cultural moment? Let’s take a look at some other similarly chaotic cultural moments in Scripture and see what we can learn from those who’ve gone before us. This is our moment. Let’s dare to live it for Him.

Did you know that vision problems can masquerade as learning struggles? From skipped words while reading to trouble paying attention, visual challenges can quietly get in the way of your child’s success — and they’re more common than you might think. In this eye-opening (pun intended!) session, we’ll uncover how vision — beyond just seeing clearly —impacts your child’s ability to read, write, focus, and thrive academically. We’ll talk about the visual skills that support learning, what signs to watch for, and how to tell the difference between a vision issue and a learning difference. This workshop will equip you with practical tips, simple at home checks, and guidance on when to seek help. You’ll walk away with fresh insight and confidence to support your child’s visual and learning development. What you’ll learn: • The “hidden” visual skills essential for learning (it’s more than 20/20!) • How vision problems can mimic ADHD, dyslexia, or reading issues • Easy ways to spot visual red flags at home • Action steps: what to try, what to tweak, and when to get help

Are you just struggling to get it "all done" everyday, get your kids back in line, and your homeschooling rolling smoothly? As homeschooling moms, it is always a challenge to balance our many roles, and accomplish what we need to without being distracted. But it IS possible! Kathie will share practical ideas on staying focused, and being a wise manager of your time, so you can get those important things done!

So often, Satan tries to sabotage our effectiveness for the kingdom by placing boulders in our path stealing our God-given joy. Erika speaks truth and encouragement as she identifies how to choose joy along the journey while avoiding some of the major joy-killing sinkholes of our current culture. Homeschool moms will be empowered in their callings as wives, moms, and educators as they are pointed to their true identity in Christ.

Technology is inescapable, but it is not the enemy. Using these critical action steps, you can learn to manage technology so it does not manage you. It can be a great tool for ourselves and for our families.

Homeschooling in America is freer from restrictions and more accessible than ever. With so many successes, you’d think that homeschooling would have convinced critics of its place as a proven educational option. However, this year we’ve witnessed yet another wave of persecution aimed at home education. Christian homeschoolers have shown that we are uniquely equipped to serve and lead our culture. As individuals and as a mature institution, we must do what only followers of Christ can do: draw our neighbors to the gospel that offers forgiveness, sustenance, guidance, and reconciliation. We need to champion homeschooling as an enduring institution that continues to shape children’s characters by encouraging and modeling virtue.

As parents, we desire to disciple our kids and help them grow the authentic faith they need to live #NotConsumed by the hard things in life. Join Kim as she shares her journey, as well as ideas and resources for reaching the hearts of our kids as we help them develop a real-life faith that impacts their todays and shapes their tomorrows.

Do your kids “forget” to do their chores? Is their schoolwork just a box that gets sloppily checked off? Do you feel like they’ll never take initiative? If you’re looking for the magic pill to help your kids get off the couch and work hard, this isn’t the session for you. But if you want practical ways to kick laziness to the curb, be sure to join us as we learn how to encourage and nurture our kids to be disciplined and responsible workers.

Come and discover, or encounter anew, a bigger vision of what homeschooling can be for your family. Find encouragement as you reconsider your goals and put into perspective the pieces of the puzzle. We’ll talk about both academic and non-academic objectives, and practical ways to fit it all together to help you and your children find out who they were created to be and what the changing seasons might hold for you.

Most students today are graduating from college completely unprepared for the working world, and employers are growing increasingly concerned. Give your young person an advantage in life by teaching them a work ethic before it’s too late.

One of the most important aspects of homeschooling is to prepare our children well for what comes next. Some of the topics covered in this session are how to determine direction and interests, exploring and preparing for college majors or vocations, conducting a college or career search, and preparing spiritually for life after homeschool. High school curriculum, transcripts, tests, college visits and applications will be covered in this session. We will also discuss relevant books and websites that will help you in this vital role.

Homeschooling while dealing with challenges – learning, health, or more – is challenging! Seriously, it can be tempting to quit and let the “experts” take over, but homeschooling offers some benefits that no school can match at any price. Hal & Melanie have homeschooled through learning disabilities, children with chronic medical conditions, and bouts of serious illness themselves. They’ll give you hope and practical encouragement to leverage the flexibility of homeschooling to bless your family.

If you find yourself constantly comparing your homeschool to others or looking outward for answers, you might be an insecure homeschooler. Join a second-generation homeschooler who lives to tell the story that this is possible and that your kids are going to be okay. Learn some tools and key points to help you trust your own discernment and listen to what God is saying to you about your homeschool so you can follow His lead. Give yourself some grace for the journey and then rise up and stand firm—not easily swayed or moved with your feet planted on your path. You are not doing this by accident, and you, my friend, are not alone.

In a self-centered, entitled culture, Christian parents want more for our kids. We were created to serve others, but it doesn’t just happen. It takes intentional parenting and a personal desire to serve. Learn how to incorporate an attitude of service in your family, beginning in your home and taking it to your neighbors, your city, and the world!

If you’re experiencing burnout or can’t seem to stay on top of the homeschooling, you’re not alone! If you’ve lost the joy in your calling as a homeschool mom, then maybe you’re making homeschooling harder than it needs to be! This session will help you refocus your vision, while learning how to implement effective systems to get the most important things done in your homeschool.

Where did the idea of education come from? Does the Bible say anything about it? Is our common viewpoint on education in the US on point or way off target? Join Ginger as we consider the purpose and goal of education, along with what a proper education should include.

Homeschooling has changed drastically over the years—everything from who is doing it to why and how they go about it. What does the future look like? Do we just keep approaching the same things in the same ways, or is it time to adapt and flip the script? We aren’t raising our children for a world that was written about 20 years ago, we are raising them for the world 10 years from now. Let’s talk about proactive homeschooling and equipping a generation for what is yet to come.

If you’ve ever heard your kids say this, it’s time to have a frank discussion about it. What is genius? What are we measuring ourselves up against anyway? Sometimes we need freedom from our own limited view of intelligence so that we free our children from the narrow-minded perspective of the world. Let’s unlock the individual genius in the kids we have been given—and in ourselves—as we lift the veil and choose to see the bigger picture together.

There are ten things I’d like to share with you that I learned along the way in almost two decades of homeschooling. Some may surprise you! You will focus on the most important things needed to get you through this journey.

Why do you homeschool? A customized education? A more flexible schedule? The ability to teach to your children’s unique gifts and talents? Are these blessings enough to withstand the hard times? What if your plan starts to unravel? What if these things don’t pan out? Having a why is important, but having the right why is crucial to staying the course. Come and join Aby as she discusses the heart of homeschool and the greatest ‘why’ of all. This session is for all homeschool parents; the new homeschool mom that is just now discovering her why as well as the mom that has been doing it so long she may have lost her ‘why’ along the way. You will be inspired, encouraged and have your passion for His calling lit on fire!

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.

Homeschooling provides an education that is beyond comparison with any other method. That said, Idaho code requires that homeschoolers provide instruction, “in subjects commonly and usually taught in the public schools.” This is often summed up as a requirement to provide a “comparable education.” But how are we to meet that requirement without stifling the amazing educational freedom that homeschooling offers? Join Linda Patchin as she unpacks various teaching methods used by homeschoolers and how they can each meet, and exceed, the statutory requirement of a “comparable education.”

Being a Mom is about so much more than feeding, dressing, and driving our children to play dates! With only a few short years to impart critical spiritual truths to our children, every day becomes an eternal opportunity for teaching, training, and modeling Christlikeness. The Disciple-Making Mom session will give mothers the tools they need to disciple their children in the most critical areas of prayer, service, Bible study, scripture memorization, and genuine fellowship. Moms will walk away encouraged and strengthened, knowing that although discipling their children seems a huge task, God is on their side!

As Christians we face a spiritual battle every day of our lives. And homeschooling is no different. Expect battles. Be equipped for them. And know that as you fight them, you are becoming stronger in the Lord each day.

Why do military families choose to homeschool? The last survey completed by Blue Star Families estimates that at least 6% of military families homeschool. This number is continuing to rise post-COVID as more military families choose to homeschool. This session will give an overview of these reasons and examine some of the challenges—and solutions—to homeschooling military-style.

As a pilot for American Airlines, Steve was very close to the events of 9/11. Although initially scheduled to be the First Officer on Flight 11, the first flight to be hijacked on September 11, 2001, Steve was bumped from that flight the night before through an extraordinary set of circumstances. In this session, he tells his deeply moving story of God's providence on that terrible day in our history. Discover why God gave Steve a second chance, and how He now uses Steve to teach parents around the world to parent with purpose and urgency, as he introduces you to The Nine Practices of The Proactive Parent. Intensely practical and Bible based, the Nine Practices of The Proactive Parent is designed to give parents the tools they need and the necessary hope, to build a Christ-centered and character-driven home environment. We’ll never be better as homeschoolers than we are as parents! The Nine Practices are a great way to revitalize parents in their all-important task of parenting. This session will take highlights from the 10- week Parenting Matters small group study. Join Steve as he unwraps the Three Pillars of Parenting, The Motivation Model, The Growth Continuum, The Proactive vs. Reactive Parent, and more.

Gone are the days when people would choose a career and stick with it for life. Many careers these days last less than three years and the majority of 20-year-olds will have four career changes within that decade. In fact, it is likely that the careers they will have, haven’t even been invented yet. How are we supposed to prepare our homeschooled children for a world that we can’t predict? Learn research-backed ways to ensure your homeschooler is prepared for an uncertain future.

If we homeschool simply to achieve high academic marks, we are squandering the opportunity to influence our children for Christ. Character-healthy leaders are those children who have learned to elevate virtues above feelings. If we spend our homeschooling hours simply on academics and activities, we may win the praise of man, but we risk losing the hearts of our children. In our few short years with our children, we must focus on first things first and character is always the first thing! In this session, Megan, a homeschooling mother of eight, will challenge parents to use every opportunity to teach their children to serve God by loving others and to love others by faithfully serving God.

Second-mile leaders are those counter-intuitive servants of God who earn the right to be heard by developing a consistent love of virtue, a disciplined approach to gratification, and a submissive love for the authority of God’s Word. Male leadership is essential to the success of marriages, families, the church, and society. This session will teach men how to Earn the Right To Be Heard, Prefer Proactivity, Reject Reactivity, Learn To Elevate Virtues Above Feelings, Build Moral Muscle, Seek Forgiveness, and Develop A Finisher’s Attitude. Powerful teaching that produces proactive fruit in our homes.

Women thrive on relationships! But are our relationships glorifying God or do they draw our hearts away from faithful obedience to the Lord and His Word? In this session, Megan will encourage women to use their relationships to encourage, edify, and exhort one another. As sisters in Christ and homeschooling mothers, we have the unique opportunity to build up and strengthen one another. Every homeschooling mom will benefit from giving and receiving encouragement from other women. This session will challenge women to examine their friendships and to structure Christ-centered, God-honoring, and faith-deepening relationships.

Character is a the key that opens the door to successful adult living. It is the first thing wise people examine when evaluating a prospective employee, spouse, or friend. That's why Christ-like character is the MOST important subject you will ever teach your children! Come hear Marilyn Boyer, mother of 14 homeschooled kids and learn as she shares how to intentionally teach this most important of all subjects!

More than ever before, raising teenagers that care about their faith is hard, especially in a culture that is quickly becoming increasingly hostile toward Christians. Chuck and his wife raised six children in this age of technology, learning to fight back against teen apathy and help their chidren's faith not only survive, but thrive. Chuck shares insight and techniques to equip parents for the challenging teen years.

What will really matter 10 or 50 years from now? Not how well you taught mathematics or sentence diagramming, or whether your laundry was always caught up. Sometimes we forget--or don't even knowhow to delight in our children and make time to enjoy being with them. Come hear Marilyn and catch a vision of how you can reach and hold the heart of your child and build family relationships that will be passed on through generations.

Today, many of us have an intuitive sense that major changes are coming. When this happens, our lives may become very different in ways not necessarily convenient or comfortable. At the same time, we must live each day as though things will continue pretty much as they are. Resolving this cognitive dissonance requires that we carefully contemplate our circumstances because we are in a cultural war, fighting the "non-gospel" of aesthetic and moral relativism on three fronts: personal, familial, and social. What should our priorities be? How can we prepare children to be culture warriors?

In Jeremiah 29, God's people have experienced judgment and find themselves living in the midst of a hostile culture. God promises to deliver them in His time and directs them to establish homes, build families, and seek the welfare of the city in which they are living. God has a plan for restoring a godly culture. And your family has a part in it.

Dads and moms, in all the busyness of life and swell of expert advice, we've forgotten the fundamental truths of homeschooling and family. In short, we've forgotten why we do what we do. We have plenty of "how tos" but have forgotten the "why tos," and it evidences itself in our lack of joy of homeschooling, family, and parenting. Listen to funny guy and Familyman Todd Wilson as he sets the stage for the best year ever as he brings us back to the basics of what we believe about family and homeschooling. You're not going to want to miss this for the world.

Like you, when we began our homeschooling journey, we asked ourselves, "Will we be able to teach them all they need to know for success?" There were so many options and subjects to teach them. They were loaned to us knowing almost NOTHING, and we were expected to fill up their noggins and prepare them for adulthood. Little did we know then that homeschooling turned out to be not only what we taught them...but what THEY taught US. Never would we have believed how God would use homeschooling to teach us what He needed us to know as parents, homeschoolers, and as His children. So join Todd for an intimate time of sharing and laughing at the lessons my children taught me. My hope is that you'll start to view your homeschool day less as a time to teach and muscle through but as a gift. During our time together, we will look at the smile stealers and makers in your homeschooling world and get you smiling again. Because you have a lot to smile about!!!

Have you ever felt lost amid all the "stuff" that is marketed to homeschoolers, confused by the many voices telling you to do it this way or that way? There's no need to panic. The wisest man in history has some advice to offer. Hear powerful, practical solutions that will help you get your priorities straight. God wrote the Proverbs for parents just like YOU.

It's quiet but deadly. It can poison a whole family when no one knows it's there. It dampens affection, kills communication, and leaves hearts wounded and hurting. It is the number one reason marriages break up, and parents lose their children's hearts. The Bible describes it as a "root" that springs up and defiles many. In this talk, Rick Boyer explains how the poison of bitterness damages relationships and how the grace of God can put them back together again. Peace and love in your home are not just a dream.

Heather Haupt MP3# 23-305 Willamette 4 Learning to embrace a natural, holistic way of education can make homeschooling doable and successful academically, spiritually, and socially for both the students and the parents. It's important to let go of our preconceived notions of what "school" should look like and instead major on the strengths of homeschooling – flexibility, real-life learning, real books (living books), dialogue rather than formal tests, etc. Discover how to emphasize the benefits of homeschooling and avoid the burnout that happens when parents try to replicate a traditional school in their homes.

Most teens crave to be independent, express their opinions, and control their lives. Wise parents will channel these tendencies to propel homeschooling forward. Learn how to start communicating with your teen to work together on your teen's homeschool strategy.

Academics are important, but they are not the key to a successful life. When your children grow up and leave your home, you want to make sure they have learned the life lessons that will serve them well for time and eternity. This workshop discusses the issues that matter most in life and how you can pass them on to your children in the brief time you have with them.

Life can get so crazy! Sometimes it's easy to lose sight of why you're spending so much of your time homeschooling. Wouldn't it be easier to send them off to school like most people do? In this session, Marilyn Boyer will help you renew your vision (or develop it), sharing why she's so glad she spent 37 years of her life doing just that.

Handout available at: https://www.oceanetwork.org/2023-speaker-handouts/

Identity – how children define themselves – is extremely important. How they see themselves controls their behavior. Therefore, identity influences their academics, relationships, future, hopes, and so much more. Why is it complex today? Why are so many children confused? Learn how to parent so children will have a healthy identity and believe the most important identities of all.

Discover the secret to smooth and easy days: habit training. Learn how to instill good habits, which habits Charlotte Mason encouraged parents to cultivate in their children, and practical tips for cultivating the Top Three. Sonya will use lots of stories and examples to communicate the general principles for forming any habit and some practical tips for cultivating the top three: obedience, attention, truthfulness.

Could technology be the root of some of your biggest concerns about your children’s behavior? Yes! Are they complaining and arguing, self-centered, prideful, angry, and unsure what to do after graduation? You’re not alone! Dr. Kathy will help you understand the role of technology and practical things to do so children mature even as they keep using technology.

It’s easy to get caught up in the mentality that we’ve got to add more: we must do more, we must get more, and our children must study more. More, more, more! But the funny thing is that when we keep adding more, we usually end up with less of what really matters. Discover the richness that simplicity can bring to your schedule, your home, and your children’s education.

The world, friends, and celebrities will define your journey if you don’t know God’s plans for your family. When children come along, parents are given the unique opportunity to help them understand who they are in Christ and discover their God-given strengths. You may know your child has exceptional skills and talents but understanding how to help them identify these to fulfill their purpose is the key. You will learn from a mother with 35 years of experience who has learned how to help children hit their targets.

You know what they are because you get them too: Questions from within our own hearts, often leading to doubt and fear, and questions from others, thinking they know what is best for our family. Aby shines truth on the common questions that creep into our hearts and threaten to derail our homeschool, as well as build solid answers to common questions homeschoolers get from outsiders.

In the last few decades, childhood has largely moved inside. With so many great opportunities that vie for our time, it's easy to consider outside play as frivolous. In this session, Ginny Yurich, founder of 1000 Hours Outside, reveals how "just" playing outside offers a myriad of developmental benefits to your child and how these benefits will extend through adulthood. Do less and yet gain more with nature immersion!

With so much cultural discord and upheaval, it can be easy to give into despair if we lose sight of our true source of HOPE. Like the Men of Issachar, we must understand the times and know what to do. Join Rick for this promising session as he shares strategies for families to understand and navigate the current state of our country with a Biblical, Constitutional, & Historical perspective full of JOY & HOPE! Together, we’ll train up a generation of leaders who are ready to fight for our freedom and spread HOPE throughout their communities.