Spring 2017

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SPRING 2017 HOMESCHOOL IOWA 27
Since it’s the father’s calling to train his children in the Word
of God, maybe you could find one of those character-building
Bible courses and lead the family in it. I’m encouraging you to
go to the convention on a quest of your own – don’t just “tag
along” behind the wife! Enter those halls with thanksgiving and
praise, and also enter them with a determination that you’ll find
something you can teach the children.
SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROWYOURSELF
Are you kidding? Do you think you could walk through that
entire convention hall and not find something to enrich your
own life? Something to enhance your own walk with God? Be-
cause one of the important things a homeschooling parent can
do towards the education of their children is to enrich your own
spirituality, to deepen your own relationship with the Lord, to
keep on learning as a disciple – and for the children to know
that you are!
If not on the convention floor, have you ever carefully pe-
rused the pages and pages of workshops available? Chances are,
you’ve never read through that section of the program carefully.
If you do so, I can promise you – as a 53-year old homeschool
veteran, who has been to over 200 conventions myself –each
and every time, you’ll find several workshops, which have the
potential to make significant changes in your life and your fam-
ily’s life. When that convention program is put in your hand,
make it your first order of business for the day to carefully read it
like a menu at your favorite restaurant. You’ll find tasty nourish-
ment for your soul.
WATCHWHAT CAPTURES YOUR CHILD’S EYE
I don’t mean just the“glitzy” stuff. Of course, that big screen with
the cartoon videos grabs your little one’s eyes. But don’t just let
those turn into a convention “babysitter”while you and the wife
shop.Pullthemawayandtakethemwithyou–yes,boothbybooth!
Eveniftheydon’tlikeitatfirst.Asthedaylingerson andtheirmood
becomes quieter and more pensive, keep observing. You’ll see
them pick up this and that. Take note of what they’re picking up
on their own. You may catch a clue of their interests. If it’s wor-
thy, why not make it part of their curriculum this year?
“Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all
to the glory of God,” the Apostle Paul wrote us. Yes, even
convention shopping can be done to the glory of God;
and to discover new ways to manifest His glory to
our children.
DENNIS GUNDERSEN is Senior Pastor of Grace Bible Church,
Tulsa, Oklahoma:
He and his wife Naomi are own-
ers of Grace & Truth Books:
WORKSHOPS
• Serving with Love and Loving to Serve
• Homeschooling with a Broken Spirit
• Building Godly Character with Older Books
• Go for the Goal! Shepherding Children with Eternal Aims
• A 17th Century Puritan Curriculum
USED CURRICULUM SALE
Join us for Iowa’s largest homeschool used curriculum and book sale!
THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2017
1:30 – 6:30 P.M.
Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
300 E 9th Street, Coralville, IA 52241
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC