Wanna Be a Steader!

Saturday with the Somerville's

This past Saturday (Nov. 4, 2006), I had to opportunity to actually meet - face-to-face - a personal hero of mine.  Scott Somervile - and his LOVELY and gracious wife, Marsha - were in Cincinnati, Ohio to share with homeschool families what they have learned in their 20 years of homeschooling their own children, PLUS Marsha's writing of Tapestry of Grace, PLUS Scott's years as a lawyer for HSLDA.  Their new endeavor is "Building Your Homeschool Together."  A subject that is so close to their hearts which will bring homeschool moms and dads together in the leadership of thier homeschools! 

Scott has such a heart to see homeschool DADS join the ranks of our homeschools and REALLY get ENGAGED!  To really make it an part - and an enjoyable part - of their lives.  NOT just "my wife's thing."  I've been a county coordinator for over 10 years and I can tell you that we NEED our men to be engaged!  Don't let the entire burden fall upon us, your wives. 

These seminars are especially meant to be attended by husbands AND wives.  I'm so happy to say that Scott and Marsha were pleasantly surprised at the attendance - they even ran out of folders!!  What a GREAT "problem" to have!   

There were some great and funny moments to the day, but I was so touched at how transparent they were throughout the entire presentation.  They did a very BRAVE thing and let their children take the floor - through video - at different stages of the day.  ...Here's something you have to attend to find out -- be sure to ask Scott about TOE KISSING!!  That's just ONE of the things we learned about the Somerville's!   

There were tender, wonderful testimonies from those teens and young adults that touched us all and brought tears to many eyes.  Now, you will HAVE to attend one of the seminars (THEY'LL BE BACK IN CINCI IN MARCH 2007!!) to understand the context of these quotes, but some of my favorite quotes of the day came from the next generation of Somerville's: 

~Education = a means to an end, it = a means of learning about our living and active God.

~God is a gracious and generous Father, man's model.

~Like the dawn, it cames slowly, JOY dawned in my soul!

~God loves me!  It was a shattereing moment; it was BRIGHT, it was HOPE!  Growth with underlying JOY!

~The Lord works in a variety of ways; usually through the daily discipline of His Word.

How humbled and gratified I would be if I heard such wise words coming from the mouths - expressing the hearts - of my children!  Scott and Marsha, how honored you must be that the Lord allowed you to be a part of their lives!  You have done WELL with your stewardship! 

I hope this has whet your appetite to come and see Scott and Marsha when they are in your area.  If they are not scheduled to be there anytime soon, you can find out more about what they are doing by going to http://www.lampstandlive.com.  You can learn more about bringing them to YOUR area there!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><