HEAV’s Convention is one of the highlights of our homeschool year, and is our own personal start to the summer season!
However, a few years ago I realized I was doing everything BACKWARDS.
I’d make my decisions first, and then consult God.
Not intentionally, of course! I was just following the normal calendar of homeschooling – spend the Spring researching/planning, go to HEAV (and buy!) in early June, and THEN in August before the new school year started, I spend a month praying that God would direct our path. The problem was, I had already decided on which path before ever praying for it!
Yeah, oops.
I really love this article from 2:1 Conference from a few years ago (and I share this every year), to help us REALLY GET READY for the HEAV Convention the right way, by putting first things first.
In previous First Things First posts, I’ve talked about the idea of making sure we put Christ first in everything we do. And I really like the idea of practicing what I preach to my girls as well – if I say I want to put God first in our homeschool life, then just maybe I should start putting him first in my preparation of it as well!
So that’s my challenge for YOU: Are you putting God FIRST in your homeschool preparation? Before the research of curriculum choices, before the sorting and organizing for the Used Curriculum Sale, before asking a zillion other homeschool moms their opinions on various programs — Have you put FIRST THINGS FIRST?
Do you like Prayer Prompts? Here are a few I found on Pinterest that might be useful! (I love to use specific Bible verses to pray, and these lists often make my prayer time easier!
- http://mercyisnew.com/2015/08/14/10-verses-to-pray-for-your-homeschool/
- http://biblebasedhomeschooling.com/31-days-praying-homeschool/
- http://www.freehomeschooldeals.com/free-praying-homeschool-printable-scripture-cards/
- https://ihomeschoolnetwork.com/project/bible-verses-homeschool-moms/
- https://thepurposefulmom.com/2016/08/31-days-of-back-to-school-prayers-for-your-children.html
- https://creativehomekeeper.com/prayer-calendar-for-the-school-year/
- https://lifeofahomeschoolmom.com/prayingformyhomeschool
- https://faithalongtheway.com/30-days-of-prayer-for-the-new-school-year/
Please take some time this week and prepare your heart with God. Spend time getting His input on your children’s education!
After all, who could really know your children better than the Maker and Creator? (1 Peter 4:19)
Who could know what is truly going to up in the next year better than the One who sees all? (Psalm 139:1-5)
Who is the One who holds your kids in the palm of His hand? (John 10:29)
And pray not only for your children, but what about you? (Oh, and your spouse, of course!)
After all, this is the stereotypical time of the year that you plan for next. And how can you lead unless you yourself are being led by the Commander of the Heavenly Hosts? (Isaiah 55:4)
Pray that you will continue to “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” even before advanced “education.” Beg the One Who Sees All to open your eyes, so that you can see the vision as well, and the road before you.
Ask that He prepare your heart before you arrive, so not only can this (not-so-little) homeschool convention be MORE than just about “school.” May this be a time of rejuvenation, of strengthening, of clarity, of encouragement. Oh, and of fun! Nothing wrong with asking that God help you truly enjoy your time there!
Sign up for my HEAV Convention Pass Giveaway!!
Yes, you can win a pass so you can attend HEAV’s convention for free! (Leaving more money to spend on stuff! WAHOO!) Optional Programs are not included. This giveaway ends May 10th at midnight, so sign up now!
Click on this Rafflecopter Giveaway Link to Sign Up Now!
Previous posts about HEAV Conventions that you might enjoy:
HEAV’s Used Curriculum Sale
Getting Dad Involved in Your Homeschool
Other Ways Homeschool Dads Can Be Involved
HEAV Convention Wish List Tip!
HEAV From the Dad Perspective
Lessons Learned from Past Conventions
My Biggest about the HEAV Convention!
Getting Ready for HEAV???
Last Minute HEAV Convention Survival Tips
https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsWhat great reflections! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsI am making lists and praying NOW 😀 trying not to buy before I get to the convention as I am already getting excited
Yes, it’s hard not to go overboard spending! 🙂
Great advice! Hoping to make it to my first HEAV convention this summer. We are new to homeschooling and could use all the advice we can get!
You will love the convention! It’s great!
Thanks for the post. Never thought about it, but I do it that way too!
Thanks for your comment!
Great links to prayer prompts!
Thanks! And thanks for commenting!
Love this. Just what I needed to hear as I prepare, plan and ask all those questions for our family!
Thanks for sharing!
https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsWe are considering homeschooling and I’ve been really interested in attending HEAV to help us have additional clarity in what that option would look like for our family.
I hope you come! It’s awesome!
A good reminder!
Homeschool Conventions are such a blessing!!!
Yes! Thanks so much for responding!
I have yet to make it to a homeschool convention after 7 years! I’d love to go
I committed this past Lent to praying in a special way for my children’s journeys and the fruits have been amazing!
That is amazing!
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https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.jsThank you for posting! 🙂 http://www.cchomeschoolers.com