Sunday, February 17, 2008

You Are Not Alone

When I (Kristen) first became president of our homeschool group, I felt. . . well, let's see. . . intimidated, overwhelmed and completely inadequate. I vividly remember that first monthly meeting.

I was wearing an orchid t-shirt and my favorite blue jeans and I just knew everyone could see me sweating. I didn't speak loudly enough, my hands and lips wouldn't stop quivering, and my thoughts wouldn't come together for the life of me.

Now, forget the fact that I had been voted into that office. And many wonderful people believed strongly in me. And it was those same wonderful people who walked by me at the end of that meeting, smiling and encouraging me and saying how excited they were to be a part of the group.

I was mentored very well by the president before me. She was my confidant, my friend and my advisor and prayer partner during that tough first year. She was a lifeline to me.

But what if you don't have anyone like I did? What if you are the first leader of your group or for some reason, you don't have a good relationship with the one who went before?

That's where we come in. Denise and I want to be there for you.

We built Homeschool Group Leader by the Lord's guidance to mentor you as a leader, turning your heart toward Him and offering you resources and helps for leading your homeschool group in this present age.

We want to know what you need. What are your biggest questions? What are your greatest fears? Please, share your joys with us, too. We wish to rejoice with you and see you fulfill your calling. You can do this!

We commit to pray for you. I had many praying for me during those early days. And the Lord showed me that He alone is my strength and with Him by my side, I was not alone--ever-- even when my hands were shaking and my mind went blank. He will complete His good work in you. He's guaranteed it!

Blessings!
Kristen
http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/

Friday, February 1, 2008

Announcing New Teleseminar!




Are you overburdened or stressed out?

This interview will greatly encourage you. Denise Grosse, a veteran leader from western Arkansas, will share her insight with us about what she has discovered it takes to lead with a stress-free attitude, greatly preventing burnout--plus, much, much more.

Denise Grosse and her husband have led their group H.E.D.G.E. (Home Educators Devoted to Godly Education) for the past 15 years. She lives in a very rural area of Arkansas and deals with homeschoolers who need a group to interact with that does not decrease their effectiveness at home.

She says that the challenge has been to keep their group an asset to all involved rather than add additional burdens to their already busy lives.

Denise and her husband also serve together on a steering committee for Arkansas' Education Alliance. This alliance works with the state legislature on issues affecting education. "It has been a tremendous blessing to be impacted by leaders all across our state and glean from their experiences," Denise said.

The Grosses are parents of six children, three of whom are still at home. She says that they began homeschooling when their eldest son was born 25 years ago, and are still in the thick of it!

You can register for this heart-changing seminar at http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/.

We look forward to you joining us!
Denise and Kristen
www.homeschoolgroupleader.com

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Group Leader Teleseminar was Outstanding!

It was really wonderful.

If you didn't get to join with us on Tuesday for the teleseminar with THSC's Lyndsay Lambert, you missed out! She really shared her heart with us. Her words were exactly what was needed to encourage and strengthen leaders before, during and after conflict.

This recorded talk with Lyndsay Lambert is so important that we are looking for ways to have it available to you and all other homeschool group leaders. It is so important because she explained beautifully the steps to take that truly work to resolve conflict; the deeper roots that can lead to win/win negotiations; and the hidden paths to full forgiveness. Not every conflict will always work out, but she encouraged us to never give up praying for the others or for resolution.

Keep checking back with us, so that you can find out how to get your copy of "Conflict Resolution with Lyndsay Lambert" from HomeschoolGroupLeader.com.

Have a peaceful day,
Denise & Kristen
www.homeschoolgroupleader.com

Monday, December 10, 2007

Big News! Support Group Leader Teleseminar


It's coming up in one week!

Lyndsay Lambert has graciously volunteered for a teleseminar with homeschool group leaders. She will be addressing the subject of conflict resolution with her personal been-there-done-that stories and wisdom.


This often-avoided subject of conflict resolution is one that everyone needs to hear. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Lyndsay Lambert will be giving you that prevention and pouring out the cure as well. You will be blessed by her words of knowledge and wisdom as you listen.

If you are not familiar with Lyndsay Lambert, you have missed out. She is a delightful speaker who prepares and encourages homeschoolers and group leaders alike. Her years of experience and understanding outlook have lifted up many who have attended her workshops and conferences. Read her full bio here.


Please join us and others on this teleseminar (this is a seminar where you listen in over the phone) on Tuesday, December 18, at 1:30 pm. To register and get the call information, go to http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/ and enter your first name and email.


We look forward to joining you there!
Denise & Kristen

Friday, December 7, 2007

The Top Four Traps for Homeschool Group Leaders to Avoid!




We are excited about offering this free mini-course for leaders.


Born of our own experiences, this course is designed to warn you of certain pitfalls that homeschool group leaders can face.


For example, we remember how in the beginning we were clueless on how to handle a lot of different, strong personalities on the leadership team. As a team, we had to learn the fine art of giving up one's own rights for the rights of another.


This course will give you an alertness to those dangers that we didn't have and hopefully save you a lot of time and pain. When you heed the warning signs out there, you can steer clear of the danger and successfully lead your group.


To get your FREE copy of the mini-course on "The Top 4 Traps for Homeschool Group Leaders to Avoid!," then click here .


Happy Trails!
Denise & Kristen
http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/

Expanding Your Newsletter for Homeschool Families


Homeschooling is all about



  • loving to learn

  • learning for life &

  • living to serve.

You, as the homeschool group leader, can facilitate all of this and more in your group's families when you expand your newsletter to include student work.


Give volunteer assignments to the students of your homeschool group covering the topics you need written in the newsletter. Each writer will learn crucial interviewing skills, journalism techniques, and grammar applications. Let them use and become proficient in the publishing software programs. Add an optional photo to the assignment and watch them shine as they put it all together in a great article.


As they have fun learning, they will gain practical skills they can use in the "real world." Their contributions will serve the whole group. And you will be able to share your work-load. It's a win-win!


**We have some exciting news coming up--maybe as soon as our next post!


Denise & Kristen


http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/


Wednesday, November 28, 2007

More Tips on Starting a Homeschool Group Newsletter



Your tasteful design will draw readers to your newsletter which helps you reach your group with the important information they need.

Good taste in design usually is synonymous with simplicity--thus an uncluttered look.

A well-chosen graphic line, lines or clip art add interest and polish, but don't overdo it. You want the graphics you choose to draw attention to your content, not to itself.

Keeping the clutter to a minimum is also achieved by keeping your writing to 2-3 fonts and sizes. There are some exceptions, but a clean, polished look that works together is best for clear readability.

Use the interesting templates on Word or Publisher or other software to quickly make your newsletter. To make your own template, you can make one large text box with 3-4 columns as your guide. Then add text boxes within the columns for each article. Fill in the great graphics; add your calendar and send it out.

Your homeschool group will love it and reference it often!

Denise & Kristen
http://www.homeschoolgroupleader.com/