"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation"  Isaiah 52:7.

"Welcome to The Homeschool Shoe Store." Have you ever walked in a shoe store and just looked for a minute? You will be surrounded by a diverse selection of shoes. Some will be pretty, some elegant, some merely functional, and after looking, sometimes for quite a while, you will find the pair for you with the perfect blend of style, comfort, and support. Homeschooling, like shoe shopping, comes in many shapes and sizes, colors and patterns, styles and methods. So do support groups, co-ops, and whatever else you want to call a meeting of homeschoolers. These meetings can be exciting places where homeschoolers meet and learn what to do and what NOT to do from each other!

There are many different kinds of homeschool groups available today. Some are support groups, others would be more correctly classified as co-ops, and some are best described as private schools for homeschoolers. In order to get the best fit for your family, it is important to know and will make your shopping more enjoyable if you are familiar with the differences between them.

Support Groups ~ A support group is a group of families/mothers who gather together and share ideas, how-to's, answer questions, etc. in order to effectively encourage and support each other up in the common goal of homeschooling.

Co-ops ~ A co-op is short for a cooperative gathering of families to make schooling easier or more enjoyable. A true co-op utilizes the skills and talents of each of its members to teach classes, maintain the facility, and the organization required for meeting.

Homeschoolers Private School ~ A private school for homeschoolers is where families meet and cooperatively hire teachers (these may or not be homeschooling parents themselves) to teach their children for them. The parents may or may not participate in teaching but usually do take part in the running of the group, and building maintenance.

Each of the above types of groups will have membership changes and possible growth each year. Some members are new homeschoolers and some are veterans. If you are a new homeschooler I encourage you to join a support group and become an active participant. This can become a vital part of your homeschooling effort and provide a tremendous amount of encouragement for you as you make friendships with other homeschoolers, and glean ideas of what you do and do not want your homeschool to look like.

Old But Not Worn Out Shoes

To all veteran homeschoolers, I hope you will consider becoming a part of a group if you are not. If you are, I commend you since by simply participating you will be an encouragement to new homeschoolers who will gather tips and how-to's from your comments. You in turn, by gathering together with other veteran homeschoolers, will also pick up ideas from them as you share some of your own experience. The Bible says in Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

Within the boxes of shoes on your group's shelves there is someone who has been through, is going through, or someday will go through, what you are going through. Through with that thought? In short, talk and learn from each other.

Also, sweet friendships are made in the fellowship of these groups. Don't isolate yourself by thinking that you are the only one who has a "low" day in a world of perfect homeschoolers. You won't be embarrassed. Instead you will find a sisterhood that the Lord has purposely put in your path.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Remember, beautiful feet to our Father are the ones who carry the Good News. The next time you are considering whether or not to go to your support group meeting don't forget to carry the Good News of your eternal salvation and that you are surviving homeschool to boot. (Did someone just hear the word 'boot'?!) Show off your beautiful feet!

High Heels or Birkenstocks?

You could homeschool without ever leaving home but what a wealth of information and ideas you would miss out on! Among the different types of groups described above there is an incredible diversity. Each group is set up with specific goals in mind. Some groups require a certain dress, class content, etc. while others may not. Look for a group that "fits" your family needs.

In the verse from Isaiah quoted above, we are taught the significance of our spiritual shoes. We can call it the "soul" of our shoes. We want our spiritual shoes to get noticed in a whole different way. If you are like me you want to gather with fellow believers. Look for a group that requires a statement of faith.

If you are looking for academic support, for example mathematics, find a group that has a strong teacher in that particular area. Pay particular attention to the 'soul' of the teacher. You don't want to turn your precious child's mind over to just anyone. We have all purchased a bargain pair of shoes only to discover later on that they were no bargain at all.

In a shoe store there are many different types, styles, colors, and price ranges. Each shoe is distinctive in some way yet each is a covering for your feet. Just because the shoe or group of your choice claims to be one thing or another, don't expect everyone to be exactly like you. Each of us must decide what is essential in our beliefs and needs before deciding whether or not this group falls in with them.

Just like a shoe store does not offer one type of shoe for sale, we are all different. Some of us need support in homeschooling older children, some need encouragement with homeschooling while some children are still little, and others need help in covering some subjects they detest or never seem to get around to. Some will want homework and textbooks while others will be offended with either of these.

Even though our needs vary, we all need support and as Christians we are all responsible to be caring and helpful to one another. We all have different reasons for homeschooling. Don't let these differences get in our way. We each have so much to share and learn from each other's successes -- and mistakes.

Remember just because you have chosen to participate in a group of what you hope will be "like minded" individuals, this does not insure they will believe precisely as you do. Also remember, being a new member in any group will take some time to 'fit in.'

Becoming A Cobbler

You may even decide to start your own homeschool group of some type. You should be able to do that fairly easily. I guarantee there are other homeschoolers looking for the same thing you are!

Some examples of things to consider in starting a group would be defining what kind of group you were going to be. What will the parameters be for behavior, class type, class size, teachers, ages, worldviews, etc. Who will be in charge? What about money?

If you are going to consider starting a group, remember to be gentle. You do not want to start a new group if your heart harbors resentment toward any other group in your area. Rebellious or competitive attitudes would not be a healthy beginning. Your goal should be to supply a need that is not currently being filled.

Finding the Right Fit

Finally, remember finding a good fit is not always instantly apparent. Some shoes you slip on and instantly know they are uncomfortable; maybe they are too small, too big, too flashy, or too mousy. Possibly at first glance they appear to be fine and then you step out in them only to find they pinch when you walk a few steps. At times you may even wear them a while and think they are a good fit only to discover after really using them, they bind and constrict causing blisters, or are too loose to really provide comfort and support. Sometimes you have to walk in a shoe for a bit to find out if it truly fits us comfortably. So why are we surprised to find the same kind of shopping is required for a homeschool meeting?

Get out there and window shop. Explore the different options available to you and don't make commitments until you have had an opportunity to wear it enough to be ensured of a comfy fit. Don't be surprised to find after a bit, that what first appeared to be just the snappy little shoe/meeting you were looking for, isn't quite right after all. If that is the case, move on with a smile and enjoy the shopping as you get to know others. Don't shop till you drop. Barefoot is fine but it isn't always the most comfortable.

GOING TO GO FOR IT? READ ON!

So, you've decided to be or become a "cobbler" and have started or are considering starting your own group. Years ago my friend Trudy and I did this. It was a combination of fun and excitement along with the realities of tiring and time consuming work and not being able to please everyone, all balanced with a huge amount of rewarding satisfaction.

Assuming that you are already an experienced homeschooler, I will give you some practical tips and things to think about. Please forgive me if I end up giving you much more information than you want (or need). Use this information the same way you would approach a Sunday buffet, eat what looks good or what you know is good for you and skip the rest.

First of all, why do we need support groups? No matter how many years a person has been homeschooling or how much education they have, I highly recommend everyone participate in a support group. Not because homeschooling is so tricky -- it really isn't. I like to see us all involved in a group because of a fact of life. At some time in your homeschooling journey you will need encouragement. Your group is the perfect place to get your cup filled. This reminds you are not alone. That alone is key. In fact, sometimes that's what people need more than anything else -- just the assurance that they're not alone.

Managing a support group can be a very time consuming ordeal. The hardest part is the start up because there are so many details that have to be thought out. Here are some things that need to be considered:

Meeting place: where will you meet? Are you looking at someone's home, rotating throughout the group, a library or other public place, a church, a restaurant, daytime, evening, etc.?

Child care: This has been one of the greatest issues. What do you do with the children while the meeting is going on? If the meeting is during the day, then childcare is a major factor. How will the children be supervised while the meeting is in progress? The children must be supervised.

Meeting content: Will there be a speaker each month? Will the leader select and lead a specific discussion topic? Will the discussion be left open for whatever comes up? Will there be membership dues? If so, what is this money to be used for? Don't forget the IRS! Field trips? Brochures, handouts, flyers, etc.? Copying costs?

Have numerous contacts been made? This aspect is probably not that crucial in the beginning. At some point, if the group is ever going to grow, some PR work has got to be done. Network. Network. Network!! Make sure as many people as possible know that you're out there. Get your group name on some message boards online. Register with some homeschool agencies. Once or twice a year announce an open house over the radio station that would most likely be listened to by your target audience. The best times would be around late April and early August. August would be the best time, if you can or only choose to do one.

Miscellaneous details: Paperwork, guidelines, policies, etc. need to be in place as quickly as possible. I encourage you to establish a leadership group and devise a purpose statement/mission, what is and is not allowed. Who is the group targeting? Is it only those in a specific geographic location or anyone who is interested in fellowshipping with other homeschoolers? Is it a Christian organization or again, anyone interested in homeschooling.

Have you considered placing yourself under a parent organization such as a state recognized group? WATCH (www.WATCHhome.org) is Washington's state Christian organization, if you agree with their Statement of Faith they will probably list your group on their website. What about a chapter or branch of another group? Would you rather go it as a private independent group, or non-profit 501(c)(3), or church affiliated? Since homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, I am assuming that every state has some sort of organization as well as a local (city) homeschooling organization. Contact the state and local organizations for info and find out what their procedures and requirements are for forming a support group. If they don't want to help, it's a free country - there's nothing stopping you.

Pulling a group together can be extremely time consuming -- how are you going to fit this venture into your schedule? Make sure you have at least one other person to help with all of those details. This person could also serve as a sounding board.

Homeschooling is not a trend that will pass. It is a lifestyle choice that you must be committed to. Will you be prepared to answer the myriad of homeschooling questions that will no doubt come your way?

I would advise you to not set up the leadership in the group as co-leader and co-leader. Let's face it - anything with two heads is considered a monster. I recommend you set up as a leader and assistant-leader or president and vice -- something like that.

I guess if I thought about it, I could come up with a number of other "things to consider." I want to encourage you to start a group if that is what the Lord has for you to do. So I went over some of the areas that could potentially be lethal weapons regarding your time. However, we serve an awesome God!! Although starting a group can be overwhelming -- It's not impossible.

Enough said. Go for it!! You're going to have to do some homework, but with God's guidance, you CAN do it. I've heard and learned from experience that where God guides, God provides.

Lorrie Flem has been honored to be the happy rib of Randy for 20 years. They make their home in Maple Valley, Washington until they reach the mansion Jesus is preparing for them. She considers it a privilege to be a stay-at-home homeschooling mom to their always precious and often precocious eight children.

Lorrie has always been prone to talk and as a result she has written a number of books, is the publisher of TEACH Magazine, a FREE bi-monthly ezine, and speaks nationally at conferences, retreats, and teas. Lorrie is known for her humorous and gentle words of encouragement to other keepers of the home. See her and get a sample of TEACH -- The Magazine that Puts the Home in Homeschooling -- For Mothers of Today with Yesterday's Values, at www.TEACHmagazine.com.