January Newsletter Cover
From the Chair:
Over the past few years we have been blessed with greater connections to the VHSA members who have “graduated” this homeschool journey ahead of us. We started by inviting more experienced homeschool moms to serve as mentors at co-op. This year we have had two events: Mentor Mom Potluck in November, and then in January was our Mentor Mom Tea. As we learn from them about their different approaches and styles, we are encouraged that this journey is do-able, and we are not “ruining our kids.” So thank you to all of our mentor moms!
This month I have invited one of our mentor moms to share with us in our newsletter. Lori McCoy began homeschooling in the 1980’s and has two grown children, and now grand-children, and great-grand-children. I have been blessed by her wonderful mentoring! Here is a word from her heart to yours:
“Being a Mom is a tough job. Being a Home-School Mom can sometimes be overwhelming. We used a more traditional “classroom” style of education and sometimes getting through the material seemed like it was a never ending struggle. Would we finish all of the textbooks, would the kids have good test scores? Will other people see that my children are intelligent and not slackers? The comparison trap was always hanging over us and being criticized for our choice was never pleasant. Yes, teaching and learning is important, but is it the MOST important? It was also very easy to be so involved with “outside activities” that we were never home. After all, socialization is important, you know!One thing that helped me was to remember to focus on what really is important. I came to realize that home school was more about parenting than it was about “educating”. Education is a portion of good parenting, but it is not the whole thing! Our society has built education up to the place that it has become a god. “Knowledge is Power” is a phrase we hear loudly and often. Proverbs 1:7 says that the “Fear of The Lord is the beginning of Knowledge but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The Fear of The Lord is what is most important. Knowing God, loving God, obeying God is what the focus should be. When I came to realize that fact, I could relax and allow God to direct our daily steps and accept the end result.I made many mistakes while raising my children. I am not and of course, will never be perfect. Neither will my children. My children did not become rich or famous. They did not become intellectuals. They did, however, become kind and caring adults who love and serve God. They are raising their children to also love and serve God. III John 3:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” I have experienced that great joy. So can you!”
Thank you, Lori!
<3 -Laura
Proverbs 1:5, “A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel”