We finally made it home from the Texas Home School Coalition Convention Weekend, in Arlington, Texas.
I was asked to attend as part of the Texas VIP Bloggers Team.
These were my roomies for the convention: Esther from Laugh With Us Blog and Betsy from Family Style Homeschooling. Go see their blogs! They are amazing ladies! It was a slumber party without much slumber. I haven’t laughed that much since labor. Seriously, my doctor told me to quit laughing so I could push properly…I know, I am weird.
This conference was amazing filled to the brim with testimonies of true families who have been in the trenches. My heart was filled with joy to hear real life stories of people who followed a set of rules who led them down a path of destruction instead a path of life. It was interesting how easy it is to find a formula instead of a Savior. I found it intriguing to hear, more than once, that we can’t make our children follow Christ. We can only point the way to Christ. Isn’t that amazing?! HE has to draw them in – with HIS loving kindness. AND HE is big enough! Blessed be His Name!
I love homeschooling!
Teaching my kids has been my life long journey. Teaching them about Christ is my ultimate passion. I want them to know – NO matter what they have ever done or what they will ever do – it will NOT surprise God or will hinder His love for them.
This weekend, I was on a journey. I needed to hear everything about college prep and high school. I am weak when it comes to these paths.
My prayer was simple – “Help me Lord! Lead me where You want me to go!”
He did not disappoint…although, even my path was different than others. I showed up to a college prep workshop 5 minutes late and saw this sign. My heart dropped. I thought I NEEDED this workshop more than any others. I left that hallway feeling a let down.
But, God made my path so much better!
Later that day, I went to this particular speaker’s booth (Dual Credit at Home) and stayed there for more than an hour. I eavesdropped on conversations that she had with parents who stopped by. They asked questions, I wouldn’t have thought to ask. She personally helped me with my child’s goals. This was more information that I could ever get in her workshop, which I had attended last year. Sometimes the Lord has such a better plan for us that we could never conjure up.
Another happenstance meeting was meeting the Teaching Textbooks authors. A couple of weeks ago, my daughter mentioned a name of Greg and a math problem. I asked her, who is Greg? She then proceeds to tell me, her “teacher.” I respond, “I’m your teacher.” She then clarifies her Math teacher and shows me her Teaching Textbooks cds. So guess who was thrilled that I got a photo with her math teacher?
She was not able to meet him because they came a day later.
My husband rose early Saturday morning and brought all the kids to be in the kid’s program. They were not too sure if they were going to enjoy it. BUT, all of them want to go back in July, in the Woodlands.
All these years of attending THSC, we have always used this convention as a date for my husband and myself.
So we were not sure how they were going to like being with strangers. I laugh at that statement, strangers. My daughter’s teacher was a friend of mine daughter from when we lived in the Rio Grande Valley. Isn’t it a small world? My youngest now wants to be called George Washington and has a hat to prove his claims.
Our oldest three were part of the Teen program and helped serve others. Their cup of tea. I love that our kids can blend in and just start serving where there is a need. They also learned about World Views. It was an interesting topic on the way home.
My husband also met a friend when we had to be separated for certain meetings. He turned out to be the president of a local college that we met in the elevator. Did I mention we went there for counsel for college? Again, a God thing! I love HIS paths! So much more fun than my “agenda” could ever hope to be!
We also met the authors of Notgrass History, Mr & Mrs. Notgrass.
Do you know how awesome it is to meet those who are writing the books you are reading and memorizing every single day? It makes it even more real! We were also able to see ALL their books that they have poured their time and efforts into for years.
AND last but certainly not least, I love seeing my homeschool friends.
Heather, aka Sprittibee has been my sweet friend for many years. She is also the THSC official photographer. We don’t really know where we met and how our boys became friends, but we do know that the Lord made our paths cross and I am forever grateful! If you guys ever need a Texan wedding photographer – SHE is amazing!
So if you are looking for encouragement – I’d love to see you in The Woodlands, in July!
You can also follow along our adventures by using the hashtag: #THSCconvention on social media.
Blessings to you! You are loved!
Note: Any links can be affiliates meaning if you buy something I might get some pennies. This review has not been monetarily compensated. The review was my honest opinion and views and not influenced by the sponsor in any way.
