10 Points I Learned at Teach Them Diligently

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I learned so much at the Teach Them Diligently Homeschool and Parenting Convention, last week. Today, I thought I'd share with you 10 main points that I picked up while listening to speakers, and just being there. I hope it blesses and encourages you, as much as it did me.


1.) Seek God first ~ Matthew 6:33 (NIV) says, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." We are here on Earth for His pleasure. He wants to have a relationship with all of His children. We need to remember our most important relationship is the one we have with Him. Putting anyone or anything else ahead of Him... is idolatry. "We still have one main resource... this book {the Bible}... God gives us all advice." ~ Pam Tebow at Teach Them Diligently, Nashville.


2.) It's about fixing you ~ "You are the worst sinner! See yourself as the one needing fixing." ~ Todd Friel {Wretched Radio} If you have problems with other people, especially your kids, it's not about changing them... it's about changing you! When we remember that we are the chief of sinners, and God still sees you as perfect through the blood of Jesus, can we accept the things that bother us about other people. Is it a behavior problem or a sin problem? Attack the sin, not the person.


3.) Remember the Gospel ~ What's the Good News? That everyone has a chance at salvation through faith and repentance. Are you broken? You can find healing in the gospel. Jesus came to cover all sin with His blood. It's a heart problem if someone doesn't accept it.    


4.) Keep the faith ~ Faith is the hope that we have, that things will be better... even if only in eternity. God gives us His peace through our obedience. He is more concerned with holiness... and not our happiness. He wants us to have a healthy fear... faith in His promises but understand that His love is perfect. He keeps all of His promises. "Perfect love cast out fears." ~ Mark Hamby


5.) Protect yourself and your family ~ Train your children to identify and fight the enemy. He is on the prowl... seeking to ruin all of your relationships. (1 Peter 5:8) Realize that he is a real threat and teach your children to protect themselves from temptation. Teach our boys to be men... not boys! They need to know how to guard themselves and their home! "It's your responsibility to guard your mind and heart." ~ Hal and Melanie Young {Raising Real Men}


6.) Be a blessing ~ Serve others and be a blessing in the life of others. We can't just be lukewarm Christians, who talk the talk but do not walk the walk. We need to look for ways to share the love of Jesus with others. But not just for what we look like to others... "we need to put our heart into it." ~ Rachael Carman {His Sunflower}


7.) Give grace and mercy... over and over ~ {True story} I learned that forgiveness is not just a one time thing. Sometimes you need to re-forgive someone for hurting you... even if you've already done so. The enemy will try to remind you of that sin against you... or something may trigger a memory and you have to go through the process of forgiveness again. Side note: forgiveness doesn't always mean repentance from the other person... forgiveness is learning to let go of the wrath that belongs to God. (Romans 12:19)


8.) Get the gospel into your kids ~ "How does a child learn to love Jesus? By parents modeling it. Just think GOSPEL and get engaged {with your children}." ~ Todd Friel {Wretched Radio} Our children need to be reminded, to stay God' umbrella of protection. Outside of that umbrella is pain... and death. Share Biblical truths when you see sin in your children. Attack the sin... don't dismiss it.


9.) Cover everything in prayer ~ "Prayer is our first line of defense. He will give us the encouragement to keep us keeping on." ~ Pam Tebow at TTD, Nashville


10.) I am not done learning ~ I am still a sinner... we all are! We can all "call" ourselves good people but the fact still remains, that we are sinners at heart. Until the day that I die, I will constantly be learning how to be a better Christian, better mother, and a better person. Will I ever be perfect? Nope! Which means I have more learning to do!


Love my new Drive By Parenting: Joy in the Home... CDs. Learning a lot!


Want to hear more quotes from Teach Them Diligently? Check out my tweets on Twitter or search hashtag #hsttd, for more. You can also buy MP3 recordings from the convention at Resounding Voice.


Many days growing and learning in Him,








Blessings from Teach Them Diligently ~ Real Life Friendships

This blog contains affiliate links. Read more about this on the Disclosure page or my Affiliate Links page. Thank you!



For the last couple of years I have been "online friends" with some wonderful ladies. Well, this past weekend, at the Teach Them Diligently Homeschool and Parenting Convention, I finally got to meet most of them... in real life! ;)

Certain people have thought I was crazy when I said I have friends from all over the country that I've never even met. From Florida, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, and many other states. It's almost hard to believe that we all came together this past weekend.

It's funny when you meet someone you've known for so long but have never really hugged! There is a deep connection, that feels like you've always been in "real life friends." It's like having a long-distance family member that you never get to see. But when you come together... it's like you've never been apart.

Yet, leaving... I felt like I never will see them again. Although, even if I do not... our friendships are so deep and meaningful, and not just because we met in Nashville. No! We truly love each other! These ladies want to see good come to my life, just much as I want to see good come to their lives. We are all happy with each other when one is successful... and pray for each other through life's storms.




I overheard a conversation, at the convention, about how being a blogger is hard work. I'm not going to tell you or anyone else that it's an easy. But the benefits out way the work. These real life relationships, with other bloggers who understand your world... is such a blessing! They are walking with me through this life... as I walk with them... even if we mostly only see each other on social media.


See a list of my friends... HERE


Many days growing and learning in Him,










Frugal Planning for Homeschool Conventions

This blog contains affiliate links. Read more about this on the Disclosure page or my Affiliate Links page. Thank you!



It's that time of year, in the homeschool world. Homeschool conventions and conferences have started across the country.

Our first year homeschooling I never thought I'd be able to afford a homeschool convention. But... soon we'll be leaving to attend our very first one (shhh... don't tell anyone that we are newbies to conventions)! Although we have sponsors for our trip, which I am working for, before, during, and after the event, we still are on a limited budget so I still am finding ways to save and be frugal during this trip. Here are my tips:


1.) Plan where you are going, staying, and sleeping way before the trip. Take advantage of advance hotel and/or the convention pricing on local rooms, if you need one. Sign up for loyalty programs or AAA to get discounts. Also, if you are planning to visit other places on your trip, like The Creation Museum, check into package discounts (see their website for some). Shop around for the best deal!


Photo used with permission by Meghan Tucker


2.) Buy your tickets for the convention/conference as early as possible. When registration opens online, usually months in advance, that's when tickets are the cheapest. Take advantage of those early-bird specials or when there is a coupon code to save a little extra. If there is specific convention, like Teach Them Diligently, that you are interested in, then sign up for the email subscription, so you don't miss the great deals on registration.


3.) Pre-make or pack as many meals as you can. Pack a cooler or two with as many drinks, snacks, and meals that it can hold... better too much than not enough. Food at conventions and conferences can be pricy. Being prepared will save you on impulse buying, when everyone is hungry or thirsty. If your room does not have a microwave, then bring one (we will be) along with mini-microwave meals. {I know, I know processed foods... blek!} In my defense, the hotel vending machines will have these same items... and I knew my kids would ask... so I bought them at the grocery store to save us money. While also buying healthy sides and drinks to go along with the meal.




4.) Save your gas credits, from shopping at your favorite grocery stores, for saving at the pump when you fill up to drive to the convention. Make sure your tires are pumped to the correct pressure and all your fluids are full to get the best gas mileage, to and from.


5.) Lastly, don't plan to buy all of your curriculum at these homeschool conventions, in the vendor hall. Why? Because, trust me, they are not the most frugal places to get what you want and need for your homeschool year. Use the time to look at all of the curriculum and compare. Then go home, pray, then find better deals elsewhere. Learn about planning your frugal homeschool year (with lots more to come on this subject). But then again, I will be handing out flyers and coupons for Bright Ideas Press... so maybe you can pick up a good deal from some vendors. ;-)


What bloggers will be in Nashville at Teach Them Diligently Homeschool and Parenting Convention? Here is a {partial} list:



Be sure to follow all of us on social media, if you cannot make it to TTD. Last year I felt like I was there, and learned so much just by following bloggers and companies who were there. Why should you go? Search #HSTTD on Twitter, as well to follow along. Prizes will be give for those who join in the discussion.




Again, I need to mention our main sponsor for the Teach Them Diligently Convention in Nashville, Bright Ideas Press. I will be proudly sporting a BIP shirt as I will be helping them out a little at the convention. If you'll be there please come find me! I'd love to meet you and chat a little. :)




Many days growing and learning in Him,

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