The Biblically-Healthy Household - Part 1: Built Upon the Rock of Christ

Do you sometimes struggle with lesson planning, keeping the house somewhat presentable, teaching your kids, keeping up with the laundry, AND getting dinner on the table the same day you homeschool? Learn to apply these 7 truths of juggling skills to take your homeschool journey from sanity-defying circus act to a joyful and peaceful experience.

Having problems with your children or grandchildren? This is one of our most requested presentations. See what the Bible says about the discipline and education of your children. Find out what God sees as priority for your children and learn Biblical steps in raising a Godly family.

Imagine your children chew with their mouths closed, never announce what they don’t like at the table, sit respectfully while eating, show gratitude when they are served a meal, and help clean up afterwards, This is possible. It's all in how you approach table manners. Learn 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?"

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “joyful mother”? If you aren’t sure this describes your perspective on motherhood right now, come learn six steps to guide you to the joyful path! We also discuss practical strategies to help us stay “tuned up.”

The majority of youth raised in Christian homes by Christian parents abandon their faith before their high school graduation. Research has shown four proven steps that parents can take to dramatically improve the likelihood that their children will remain vibrant and active Christians throughout their adult lives. This message will help you understand those four steps.

In this session you’ll discover the Seven Principles of Family that were embraced from Creation until around 1890. These are great mission objectives for the Kingdom family. If you will embrace, apply, and pass on these principles to your children, and they will be set up for success in God’s Kingdom.

Come get ideas for healthy, nutritious meals for the busy homeschool mother.You will get new recipes, meal planning ideas and also learn how to incorporate sour dough in your daily routine. Take home recipes and your own sour dough starter.

When Sonya realized how Charlotte Mason defined strong-willed vs. weak-willed, it completely changed her attitude toward her children. If you feel like you are constantly butting heads in a battle of the wills, this session could revolutionize how you view your child. Discover helpful ideas that can relieve the tension, refresh your perspective, and restore the peace.

What does it take to have a wonderful marriage? Why do marriages grow apart? Jared will discuss how to get rid of lie-based thinking and bitterness, have courageous conversations, and how to truly be one. He’ll also discuss the impact this transformation will have on your family as a whole. Couples, singles, sons and daughters are all welcome to attend.

Pornography has become one of those awkward, taboo topics that too few Christian parents discuss with their teens, especially sons. This is exactly what the enemy wants! All parents need to be aware of the massive prevalence and the physical, emotional, and spiritual perils of pornography. Young people are falling victim to it at greater rates than ever before, and falling much deeper into depravity, because of its ready availability on the internet. You’ll be given practical steps for having open dialog with your teens. Keith will answer questions like: What do I say? What’s the right age? What if my teen is already addicted,? What about long term accountability? Parents will walk away encouraged and empowered to speak to their teens about this crucial issue!

Are you ever embarrassed or shocked by what comes out of your child’s mouth? Based on her newest book, I Can’t Believe You Just Said That, Ginger provides a practical, three-step plan to reach beyond the behaviors of tongue-related struggles—such as lying, defying, and manipulating—to address your child’s heart. After all, as Matthew 12:34 tells us, “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

How important is your child’s purity? Is there a safer way to find a soulmate? In this session, we will explore what the Bible says regarding the path to marriage and expose some of the common pitfalls that many well-intended homeschoolers fall into.

Is the world sending you mixed messages? Have lies about your identity from the pop culture, high expectations from others, and confusing self-talk from your own emotions and brain become a jumble of exhausting mental activity tossing and turning like a washing machine’s agitator? Many teens are secretly wondering, “How do I sort through all of this to find out who I really am and what I’m supposed to be? Do I really have what it takes to be a Christ- follower in this culture?” Angela will reach into the hearts and minds of teens with the TRUTH of God’s Word that brings confidence, peace, and wisdom to those who are searching.

Often our aim for our children’s development is to see them “above-average” or “better than most.” But, when the Truth of our super-conquering Jesus Christ is infused into the training of our children, nothing short of “children that change the world” will do. In this session, Eric Ludy will pass along both a vision and a practical platform for beginning to think and parent with even greater boldness and purpose.

The constant declaration of the Christian life should be “I can’t, but God can!” Our lives were made to be inhabited by the living God, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, to be used as a “glove” upon His hand. This enabling power of His life, called grace, supplies all we need for life and godliness. Grace is far more than a mere hug of God. In this life-changing message, Eric Ludy equips you with the spiritual tools to stop trying to manufacture the Christian life and instead let God do it in and through you.

This word is usually used in regards to strong fortresses of old, but it is also meant to describe the believer's life - fortified. In this session, Eric expounds on how to live a fortified life spiritually, physically, and emotionally in order to remain strong against the enemy of our soul.

Kirk Thomsen, a homeschooling Dad of over 25 years, will share on the practice of prayer in living the Christian life. Our home is where discipleship happens in the family and our children learn from what is practiced. So, how do we do that? How do we talk with God and how do we teach our children? Come discover practical steps for growing in this foundational part of our relationship with God.

Melanie, Kristen and Melissa Thomsen, homeschool and college graduates, share about how the habit of a daily Quiet Time can help us grow in our relationship with God. They will share why the Quiet Time is important, how simple it can be and the difference it makes in their personal lives. Bring your Bibles and join other mothers and daughters in learning how spending daily time with God is not only doable, but tremendously rewarding. This session is for daughters ages 10-20 and their moms.

Raising up followers of Jesus is a noble calling for parents. The first twenty years of our children’s lives are the most important in terms of a parent’s investment. But all investments require a strategy, careful planning, and detailed execution. Enabling and encouraging our children to follow Jesus is our most important mission as parents. As a former home schooling father of three home school graduates, Kirk reflects on how he and his wife Marian purposed to accomplish that mission.

In this workshop Marian will continue to share from her personal experience of spiritually investing in the lives of her children. Come glean some creative, inexpensive and practical ways to enjoy praying with your children. Marian will share how to organize these ideas into a weekly prayer plan. Kristen, one of Marian’s daughter will share about her prayer journey. This workshop is for mothers.

Parents have tough questions. “Can I make Snapchat safe from sexting? How can I block the bad stuff on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media? Can I be notified if someone e-mails or texts my teen a sexual picture or video? Help me protect the whole device!” If you’re looking for answers to solve today’s tech dilemmas, this session is for you.

This seminar will look at several specific challenges to reaching out and developing men spiritually, beginning at boyhood. We will look at some practical guidelines to magnify your effort with these significant participants in God’s Kingdom. Men are the rebar in the concrete that holds up the structure of an effective church ministry. Often misunderstood if not ignored, a male’s relationally challenging responses have caused many in the church to not develop the vital resource of a men’s ministry. Women and children have also been harmed as the representative of Jesus they were dreaming of is often a no-show.

When Steve is asked why we made the decision to teach our children at home, I respond, to train our sons to live forever. Join Steve as he reflects on strategies discovered in the word of God on how to influence our children to follow Jesus.

There is no one who can build up my family like me. As we live and learn together let’s be intentional our relationships in the family. Understanding each other and working on speaking and listening leads to healthier interactions among all members of the family.

This seminar provides important insight and advice on how men can be better husbands and strengthen their relationship with their wife. The speaker will address common mistakes men make when relating to their wife, and why it is important for men to value the feelings, emotions and opinions of their spouse.

This workshop is Steve’s testimony of the last thirty years as the father of a child with special needs. He shares what his family has learned as a result of Johnny’s disability, and the special, rewarding, and joyful role he has played in their lives. Even in the difficult experiences of life, God proved faithful. His grace sustained them and brought good out of their struggles and disappointments.

In this session, Dr. Sandi Queen shares how, during her youngest son’s 3 1/2 year battle with cancer, and her own diagnosis two years into her son’s struggle, the Lord allowed her to continue to not only persevere through daily life in a busy household and care for her ailing son, but also write 40 books during this time. No matter what your struggle is - caring for an aging parent, loss of your own health, going through a divorce or other di cult family time, this session discusses practical ways to get through your days, and will be a blessing and a help.

A look into the ancient definition designed by God of what a “good man” is inside of a modern culture that either doesn’t know or doesn’t care.

Time is given to equally to everyone. It is a valuable gift that can be squandered through disorganization and the accumulation of material goods. The session will include practical and simple ways to conquer clutter once and for all, and to teach children to do the same.

We know from the Bible that a gentle spirit is precious to God. This session will examine how both parents and children can develop a gentle and peaceful spirit, and maintain it in the midst of difficult or frustrating days.

Do you have a child who doesn’t want to be homeschooled, in-laws who don’t understand your reasons for homeschooling, a spouse who isn’t sold on the idea, or worse – a guilt complex reminding you that you have no business homeschooling your children? Those nagging, sometimes-silent disapprovals can crush a person under the weight of guilt and despair and snatch away firmly held convictions if we allow them to. Join Todd for an hour of laughter and encouragement as he goes face to face with the Conviction Snatchers and shows you how to address their concerns, questions, and critical comments. You’ll be glad you did.

All too often the lessons are finished, the books read, and the frogs dissected, but what priority are you giving the principal? When does he get time with his favorite teacher? Is it time for a principal-teacher meeting (a.k.a. a date)? Standing by our husbands through this challenging lifestyle choice is often neglected. Come and remember the blessing of a well-prioritized home.

Marriage is hard… in fact, it’s real hard! Yet 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 as he shares real life stories, problems, and frustrations along with practical, simple solutions to having a marriage that can‘t be beat!

Relational wisdom is the ability to discern emotions and interests in yourself and others, interpret them in the light of God’s Word, and use them to manage responses and relationships successfully. In this life-changing message, Jeff describes the basic principles of relational wisdom and shows how these skills reduce conflict; promote close family relationships; and prepare young adults for close friendships, durable marriages, better job performance, and a more credible witness for Christ.

Enjoy a more peaceful and productive classroom by learning how to teach your children to resolve conflict constructively. They will learn to discern the heart desires (idols) that fuel conflict, sincerely confess their wrongs, graciously confront others, and practice meaningful forgiveness.

Homeschooled children can flourish when their parents have strong, healthy marriages. Conversely, children suffer when there’s conflict between Mom and Dad. Learn how parents can have a relationship that allows their children to prosper, not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually.

What are your generational blessings? What baggage do you carry from one generation to the next? We have baggage from earlier generations; we leave baggage for future generations. It’s not our intention, but as frail and imperfect human beings, we can (BUT DON’T HAVE TO) perpetuate cycles of sin and pain. Our goal is to find gratitude, learn about practicing grace, and live together unburdened and free.

Emotions are wired into all people by God’s design and are tied to our greatest joys and accomplishments of life—as well as our greatest struggles and agonies. Ken explores the biblical nature of emotions, how God intends them to enrich our lives, and how we can channel both negative and positive emotions into constructive action.

How does a family interact with popular culture? Popular culture is everywhere. It influences peer groups and sets worldview and cultural perspectives of almost everybody. Very few have wisdom and strength to swim against the stream. So, how does a family make its cultural choices? What part should entertainment play in the home? What are major biblical principles for discernment of music, movies, tattoos, dress, etc.?

Learn about successful crisis management and the disposition needed to turn disturbance into blessing. There are life events outside of our control but to which we must respond. Unemployment, health crisis, loss of a loved one, moral failure, and a long list of other “surprises” are either a basis for family implosion or can be handled in a way with redemption and growth as outcomes.

Change is one of the most frequent causes of conflict, whether in the home, office, church, or on a home school board. This workshop will provide a strategy for managing change in a way that builds unity, honors the “old guard,” empowers the “new guard” and inspires entire groups to see every transition in life as an opportunity to grow in character and become more useful to God.

Save time and money by teaching most school subjects to all of your students together. Sonja shares strategies to lower your stress level, provide a well-rounded education, and help you build sweet memories. Learn how to do school subjects together and which subjects are best done one-on-one. Take a sample schedule to get started. Teach your whole family together with Charlotte Mason methods!

More than feeding, dressing, and driving our kids to play-dates, being a mom means every day is an opportunity for teaching, training, and modeling Christlikeness. The Disciple-Making Mom needs tools to disciple her children in prayer, service, Bible study, Scripture memorization, and true fellowship. Be encouraged and strengthened, knowing that although discipling seems a huge task, God is on your side.

Joe Tyler discusses the key issues we face as dads striving to instill a Christ-centered vision of purity in our sons. He addresses the cultural pressures on our young men and shares practical advice to counter the culture. Because of the frank and sensitive nature of this discussion, we request that only men attend.

Romance, passion and negligees...for too many home-schoolers these are things of past. Dad goes to work, Mom is busy from sun up to sun down with the house and kids, and there are still obligations outside of the home. Everyone falls into bed exhausted! But marriage is still the bedrock of the home and must be nurtured! Dara will give you some creative ideas on keeping your marriage a priority and maybe even a little bit steamy.

~This workshop is for ladies and young ladies only. Some material may not be suitable for boys and young men~ Learn how God has intricately designed the female body.

How did our wonderful home-trained son go off the rails? He forsook his faith and all he was taught. Lies consumed our relationship. He plunged into the lifestyle of worldly passions and fell into the deep end of the legal system. We lost our son... but God! This prodigal came back to the kingdom of Heaven taking it by force and revenging his former disobedience. The impossible happened in our son. That son is Jake MacAulay, and he’s here to share his story. Parents, there is hope.

The Beginning and End of Marriage, and Why Ours Matters

Pursuing God's Blessing in Our Marriage

Growing Through Hard Times in Our Marriage

Cultivating Intimacy in Our Marriage

Taking the Next Steps in Our Marriage

Two hundred years ago a man could be excommunicated from his church for failing to lead his household in regular family worship. Today a man can become a pastor without ever having engaged in the process. Learn the history, theology, and importance of family worship, along with gaining practical tips any family can follow to institute this vital practice.

This session will help parents move past the awkwardness inherent in topics regarding sexuality and provide you with ideas and resources to incorporate into your family conversations.

Will the fabric of your relationship as a couple unravel once your children leave home? Home education demands can consume couples, causing them to forgo investing in their marriage. Dr. Baucham shares the theological and practical importance of a strong marriage as the foundation of home education and explores ways to make time for our marriage and why it will benefit not only us but our children in the long-run.

A recurring theme among homeschoolers is: Help! I’m committed to homeschooling, but I’m feeling overwhelmed just by everyday life! For many of us, standard organizing suggestions don’t “stick,” and we wonder what’s wrong with us. In this workshop, Vicki shares some tools that have helped her (and other busy moms) to homeschool and get dinner on the table… on the same day. (If you were “born organized,” you may find yourself in this workshop anyway, to possibly pick up one more idea!)

Handout available at: https://www.oceanetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/Word-in-Your-Wee-Ones-handout-2015.pdf

You can’t teach what you don’t know. ?This session is designed to equip parents as they develop a biblical sexual ethic for themselves that they can then share with their children.

One of the most glaring shortcomings in the home education movement has been the absence of male involvement. This session offers a biblical look at the father's true role in the home and why it is absolutely essential to the successful home education of the children. Dr. Baucham will address several issues including feminism and hyper-patriarchy, which have brought imbalance and disorder into many Christian homes. He will disclose how the gospel addresses these issues for ultimate hope and healing.

As a pilot for American Airlines, Steve was very close to the events of 9/11. Steve was originally scheduled to be the co-pilot on AA Flight 11, the first flight to be hijacked on Sept. 11th, 2001. Through a extraordinary set of divine circumstances Steve was bumped from that flight the night before by a more senior pilot. Now, he tells his deeply moving story of God's providence on that terrible day in our history. Come discover why God gave Steve a second chance and now uses him to teach parents all 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 both the tools they need and the hope necessary to build a Christ-centered, character-driven home environment. The Nine Practices are a great way to revitalize parents in the all important task of parenting. This session will take highlights from the 10- week Parenting Matters small group study. Steve will unwrap the Three Pillars of Parenting, The Motivation Model, The Growth Continuum, The Proactive vs. Reactive Parent, and more. You won’t want to miss this keynote event to jump-start your weekend at the CHAP Convention.

In this session we will cover some essentials of what you should be doing and helping you get a grip on how to do it. We'll be looking at large considerations like God's calling for your family, every day considerations such as household maintenance, and individual considerations such as each child's unique learning needs and much more. You will start to create a framework for yourself to be on the path of successfully starting or moving forward on this homeschool journey.

Desiring to be homeschool moms and wives who endure with hope in the race set before us, we will go over how to maintain JOY. The secret is something that we need to do daily (if not moment by moment). You will find this session encouraging as Brandy shows you that you can go through and come out of this journey with a smile on your face; not just surviving but thriving!

Learn how to manage the chaos of homeschooling and keep a heart of hope and joy through chores, messes, markers on the wall, and diaper changes!

Whether you are a beginning homeschooler or a seasoned veteran, there are core truths that call you back to your greatest success. Join Kristen Eckenwiler as she shares her personal list of seven insights she wishes someone had told her about homeschooling. Her passion for homeschooling and encouraging spirit is sure to help you move forward with renewed enthusiasm.

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 reveals seven practical steps to raising the behavior bar in your home. A Character Matters session will begin the process of moving your young people from ordinary to extraordinary.

At fourteen years old I faced an episode of doubt in my life that lasted for fourteen years. Because of it I could not claim God’s Word as infallible nor witness boldly to anyone seeking answers about Jesus Christ. God preserved my faith through it all, but much was lost to those years lived in flimsy faith. It doesn’t have to be so for your child. As parents we have an obligation to equip, prepare, and launch our children into the world fully capable of standing against the spiritual attacks and waves of doubt that they will often face. Discover how to discern if doubt is something your child is dealing with and learn a few basic principles on how to help them overcome and live a faith-filled life, even as a youth.

Parenting and marriage have a great deal in common. Both are loaded with challenges and pitfalls. Ephesians 4:22-24 gives us insight into parenting and marriage success by introducing us to the principle of put-off and put-on. This joint seminar will give you the practical tools to raise the standard in your marriage and in your parenting.

Is behaving like a gentleman an outdated and antiquated idea? Join Dr. Steve in a 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. Come discover ways to cultivate a culture of masculinity without raising men who are brutes!

According to Proverbs 19:19, people who live with an angry person are continually having to "deliver him" from the consequences of his or her anger. In fact, they wind up doing it again and again. Angry people do foolish and mean things that often destroy their testimonies. But the greatest cost of anger is the destruction of relationships with the people the angry person loves. This message gives five key steps to conquer anger.

It is amazing to study both history and the Bible and see the things young people accomplished. Teens such as Joash, Josiah, David, Alexander Hamilton, John Quincy Adams, David Farragut, William McGuffey, “Stonewall” Jackson, Charles XII, Peter the Great, Evan Roberts, Bob Jones, Sr., Vance Havner and others accomplished much in their teen years. We don’t have this in our day because we have no vision for it. In Luke 2 Jesus, by age twelve, had developed seven key qualities that parents should seek to develop in their pre-teen children.

Secrets have the potential to greatly bless your life. Secrets build relationships by binding hearts with those with whom you share your secrets. But secrets also have the power to bring you into bondage. Walls may be erected by secrets that are kept from mates or parents. Your most dangerous sin is probably your secret sin. Because sin is a thought before it becomes an action, parents should daily ask children what secret temptations they are facing. We tend to share secrets we should not share and to not share secrets we should share. Parents miss a great opportunity to bind hearts with their children when they allow others to share the secrets of life itself with their children.

Many good families have lost their children because the parents did not communicate clearly in their spirits to their children that their priorities were in the proper order that God meant them to be. Wrong priorities create problems all by themselves that can only be corrected by getting priorities right. The proper question to ask in relation to priorities is, "WHO is a man's top priority, as far as life relationships are concerned?" This message, profusely illustrated, is an “eye-opener” to many parents about how important it is that their children be only after God and their mates in their order of priorities. It also encourages parents to do whatever they have to do to keep those priorities right.

Most parents “let go” of a rebellious child when they should not, and don’t “let go” when they should. Love must be strong enough to deal with rebellion and also strong enough to “let go” when unstoppable consequences start to come. Every Christian may profit from hearing these principles, but they are especially helpful for parents of rebellious children 18 or older.

How can a mom homeschool while her children constantly vie for her attention or bicker whenever her back is turned? Simply put, she can’t. But the Razvis understand that situation because that’s what it was like for them just after their first adoption of a sibling group of five children. Come and hear how they have conquered that sibling rivalry and forged strong bonds between siblings. They will share the tremendous impact sibling relationships have on Mom’s ability to teach. This workshop will leave you encouraged that you can truly have peace in your homeschool.

How can a family of fifteen manage to fit homeschooling in along with all the basic necessities of life and still stay sane? Come and hear the Razvis share how important planning is for their home, what methods they use, and why they use them. Be encouraged that it is possible to not only stay sane but to cover the necessities and still maintain the joy of a God-centered household. Come hear their definition of the word “necessities” along with practical tips for planning. Walk away encouraged that if a family with 13 children can do it, so can you.

There is a spiritual war being waged for our families. Our enemy is strong, and we are in his territory. Dad, if you don’t fight for your family, no one else will. When a soldier is in enemy territory he is alert, focused, and purposeful about every move he makes with weapons ready. Only you stand between the enemy and your family, for God has given you the authority and the responsibility to stop him from destroying your marriage and your children. This takes courage, but your calling is noble…it is God's call to arms. Chuck offers straight answers and practical help for dads who are looking to protect, train, equip, and launch soldiers for Jesus Christ.

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 to earn the right to be heard, prefer pProactivity, reject reactivity, learn to elevate virtues above feelings, build moral muscle, seek forgiveness, and develop a finisher’s attitude.

Imran and Tami Razvi have been married for 23 years and are together raising 13 children. Believe it or not, they still sometimes hit “bad cell” areas in their relationship. Good communication is so important in a marriage, and keeping the communication lines open in a homeschooling family is critical in keeping things flowing smoothly. Come laugh with Imran and Tami over some of the “bad cell” areas they have hit over the years. Imran and Tami will share with you the strategies they use to quickly recognize and move out of “bad cell” areas as well as avoid driving through them as often as possible. Come be encouraged and go home with an exercise to clear all the static from your lines of communication.

Honor is a lost concept in the western world. Yet it is a biblical mandate. How important is honor? What does it mean to honor God? What does it mean to honor your father and mother? And how do those concepts play out in daily life? Even if mom covers all of the academics of homeschooling, dad’s role is crucial. What is that role and how does honor play a part in it? Come and take a peek into the life of the Razvi family and hear what a blessing honor has been for this family of 15.

Coming face to face with our own anger as parents can be a scary thing. But it is also a mercy from God. We can have hope knowing if God convicts us of our anger, it is not to crush us, but to change us. Dig deeper than anger management techniques and learn how God can transform us from the inside out.

This simple, but powerful and life-changing, workshop will help you rise above the day-to-day existence of homeschooling and help you see the BIG PICTURE of why you've chosen to homeschool.