Oct
04
Mountain Movers Conference 2010
Mountain Movers Conference from Catch The Fire on Vimeo.
Mountain Movers Conference is a conference to inspire integral Christian values and purpose in business. This would be an ideal conference to attend with your teen entrepreneurs, or better, the entire family.
Mountain Movers Conference is hosted by Catch The Fire Toronto and is focused on the 7 Mountains of Influence. This year’s conference is centered around the Mountains of Business and Government. Speakers include Dr. Jerry Anderson, President of LaRed Business Network (watch for more info soon on this golden find!), Heidi Baker Founder of Iris Ministries International and Johnny Enlow author of The Seven Mountain Mantle and The Seven Mountain Prophecy.
October 20-23, Toronto, Canada-Find out more at:
http://mountainmoversconference.com/
Sep
23
Keeping Kids Safe Online
One in five children is sexually solicited over the Internet, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Aside from that frightening statistic, reading stories about innocent young children accidentally viewing unmentionable images simply because they misspelled an URL is reason enough to be sure you have controls in place.
I love the internet. As a young’un, I would dream about getting locked in a library overnight. Now, with all that information and more at our fingertips, I’m a confirmed information junkie that has definite controls in place (my husband) to maintain the biblical admonition “all things in moderation”. Since research, religion, homeschooling and business are my weaknesses, I find I don’t accidentally stumble upon much that I wouldn’t want my children to see. Maybe a spam email eeks through once or twice a month, but they are easy to spot even before opening.
However, with social networking being a major part of most teen’s lives, there are so many different avenues to watch over that it can get a little mind boggling.
First, Start With The Basics:
Your Computer’s Internet Options/Content
In the past, I’ve found that the parental controls didn’t do much except cause great frustration. It seemed that over-blocking or not blocking at all made the effort futile. I’ve not changed my computer’s controls in awhile, but if you are worried, it’s worth checking out. It is a free option. However, the Content Advisor on Windows XP and 7 is something you may want to go over and change the settings to your choosing.
Google’s Safe Search-A Must Do
Since I use Google exclusively for search, along with over 90% of online search, we’ll only cover them. If you don’t know how to set your search preferences, it’s very simple and will only take a minute. Go to your iGoogle page (or set one up if you don’t have one yet) and at the top right click on ‘Settings’ and then ‘Search settings’. Then, on ‘Safe Search Filtering‘, I use ‘Strict Filtering’. ” Be sure to save preferences before you leave the page. I have found this works very well for me, rarely encountering a site that is remotely questionable.
It used to be enough that setting the family computer in a central location and checking the history (Control+Shift+H) was enough. It’s obviously gone way beyond that, which is why there are so many child safety filtering services out there now. But how do you choose?
Most internet security suites offer parental controls, but they are reported to never be as fully functional and effective as stand alone programs. Webroot is one of the few that has competitive parental control filters included that can rival any on the list below.
If you share a computer with your children, then you want a program that is user-specific. Creating a user account for each family member works as long as you remember to log out every time. If you are looking at an older program, watch out for exclusively category-specific programs. Offenders have learned how to easily circumvent most of these. Invest in the most up-to-date program you can afford. Free updates would be a big plus in your decision making.
The top programs that rank in the best reviews are:
Safe Eyes This is the one that Dave Ramsey recommends, and is in the top 10 3 of every review site I checked. One license can be used on 3 computers. Looks good. Price: $49.99
Net Nanny - If you were sure about Safe Eyes, then I’ll make it more difficult to decide. Net Nanny makes #1 on just about every review list online. They seem to have figured out all the ways kids can circumvent the controls, and ways naughty sites can trick the filters-making little room for errors or hacking. Top choice of many. Price: $39.99 (only one computer, $59.99/3)
Cybersitter – The least expensive if you only have one computer ($24.99-charges increase with number of computers you own), it’s highly effective, but a little complicated when used with multiple browsers. Price: starts at $24.99
Onlinefamily.Norton.com – Now I’m really going to complicate your decision-or possibly make it a no-brainer. If you have used Norton’s AntiVirus’s parental controls and were not impressed, this is a horse of a different color. Full featured and rated highly with the critics, it’s difficult to fool or poke holes in this web based program. Norton originally said they were going to charge $60/year for their new program, but as of September, 2010, it’s still free. So, the price is right, unfortunately that might not last forever. Price: Free
K-9 Web Protection - This is a free program that has returned some mixed reviews. Although WordPress has debunked the “you get what you pay for” myth, protecting kids online is a worthy cause. It’s definitely worth a try!
Order a free Online Safety Education Kit
One of the best informational and educational websites geared to engage kids to help them learn to protect themselves is NetSmartz. On the front, or home page, you will see where you can order this kit or click here for the online form. You can also call 1-800-THE-LOST or write:
NetSmartz Workshop
Charles B. Wang International Children’s Building
699 Prince Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3175
Get Net Wise is another good website devoted to educating kids and parents on safe internet usage.
Become a Teen Angel
Is your teen web-safety-savvy? Maybe they would consider becoming a Teen Angel! Read more about what these TeenAngels are doing to help others stay safe.
Anyone know of other tools that are worthwhile in keeping kids safe online? It helps us all to share… Thanks!
More From HomeschoolEntrepreneur
Sep
21
Titus 2-Helping You Redeem Your Time
The Maxwell Family
Adding a home business to an already full schedule seems insane to some people, yet when I refer back to my posted goals and purpose, it makes perfect sense. In addition to extra funds for curriculum and field trips, a home business helps us achieve our educational goals, too. Preparing children to live productively in a world that contradicts much of what we believe is no easy challenge. Running a business offered training in real world situations that I have yet in over 20 years of homeschooling to find in a textbook. It put feet to what we were learning.
Managing our time isn’t an option. If we don’t manage it, someone else will. One homeschool family knew this principle well and created a business by offering time management tools to help others. We all have our gifts, and they are given to us to share.
Take a look at what the Maxwell Family has created with their gifts at their website, Titus 2. You’ll find many resources to help you redeem the time, along with several free downloads at http://www.titus2.com/master-lists.php
Now that many of the Maxwell children have grown and graduated from their homeschool, their on the job training in entrepreneurship has resulted in several new businesses:
- Christopher (31) runs a photography business, creates and sells Scripture Prints and helps with their web design business;
- Joseph (21)and John (19) run their own . Joseph also programmed two of the software apps the family offers online.
- Sara (28) graduated in 2000 and helps with the family business, keeps up their blog, and writes some amazing homeschool friendly books called the Moody Family Series.
I’d say this family has embraced the entrepreneurial lifestyle in a big way! Visit their website and learn more about this amazing family and what they do at http://www.titus2.com/about.htm
Sep
19
Does Your Business Reflect Who You Are?
This morning I received a letter from Becky Longoria, one of the owners of our homeschool umbrella school, that deeply touched my heart. This letter also inspired me to encourage any current or future entrepreneur to actively think about what truly inspires you and how your business can reflect your faith in a tangible way.
Published at the end of this post is this letter written to all the ‘customers’ of Aaron Academy. This letter is proof that the families that sign up with Aaron Academy are far more than ‘customers’. It’s a shining example of a family business that truly expresses their faith.
David and Becky Longoria started Aaron Academy 11 years ago with a heart’s desire to serve the homeschool community in a tangible way. In TN, it’s the law that homeschool families register with what we call “umbrella schools” or a Church Related School. There are many ways that an umbrella school can serve and protect their registered families, but many agencies simply collect the money and file the papers. The Longorias had a bigger vision how the homeschool family could be served by an organization of this type.
David and Becky Longoria do much more than simply file the required paperwork, as evidenced by this letter sent from “Becky’s Desk” to their registered families. I can personally attest that every time I talk with them, they make me feel like family, like a true friend. It’s who they are and it’s reflected in how they do business with everyone.
It hasn’t been easy for them, starting a business like this is complicated and very demanding. However, their passion to serve homeschooling families was blessed by God and He has been faithful in some amazing ways every step of the journey. They now have a large building on a main thoroughfare just outside of downtown Nashville, complete with many tutorials and one of the best developed homeschool sports programs in the country. Think about it – their sign for homeschooling is prominent and right up there with the likes of the Holiday Inn and Trinity Broadcasting.
I know riches hasn’t been one of the perks of this business, but I do know they love their work. Every day was a walk of faith from the beginning, and it is still hard work but it’s been worth it. Now they are one of the largest umbrella schools in the state and have blessed many, many families in more ways than I’m sure even they won’t know until they meet the Lord. They live the dream of having their own business doing what they love, and serving the Lord by serving others from their heart.
This is the letter I received today, as a ‘customer’ (and may I add a very loyal one!) to Aaron Academy. I hope it inspires you, too, to go before the Lord and ask Him how you can reflect Him in your entrepreneurial pursuits. Talk about it with your children…as they are coming in AND going out…
(written as “From Becky’s Desk”)
In the Palm of His Hand:
Periodically, well known scripture verses will leap off the page, challenging, convicting, and enlightening its readers.This type of revelation happened to me last week as I was studying the Word, specifically the Book of John. The words and message from chapter 10 verse 29, made me think critically about my faith in God and His ability to sustain Himself as Lord through my unbelief.
Personally, I have experienced many changes in my walk with the Lord, my relationship with my family, the growth of Aaron Academy, and my own struggles of contentment. As an employer I have spoken to and dealt with many families who have lost their jobs or have struggled financially during this past year. This breaks my heart, and I sense the urgency to reach out to these families and show them that God is in control. All of these trials stem from a society that considers good evil, and evil good. Family values are disregarded because we have lost sight of our Creator.
As parents, home educators, we wonder how we can change this mindset and establish a better future for our students, our children. We desire to give the best gifts to them, such as spiritual, educational, and future opportunities. Overall, we want what is best for them. Considering the love for our children and the calling we have from God to instruct them compels us to return to our loving Father who will always give His children good gifts.
In John 10:29 Jesus says, ‘My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” This scripture reminds us that our children belong to Jesus and we are in the palm of His hand. This should make our hearts sing for joy! We are secure in Jesus because He is our strength and peace today. Knowing we are snug in the palm of His hand reveals how much he cares for us. Let us remember what Hebrews 6:18 says, “It is impossible for God to lie.” Thus, we learn that He will provide for us and we can trust Him.
Embracing these truths, let us stand, facing our future with peace in our hearts and a renewed faith in God. The staff and I have the honor of praying for you, our parents and current members. We pray blessings, provisions, and peace for each and every one of you as you endeavor to begin another year instructing, ministering, and teaching your children. We would count it a privilege to put your need(s) in our prayer book and lift them before the Lord each day. Together we will stand and believe God for answered prayers, knowing his hand will never tire!
Remember, this is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
You can view Aaron Academy and the services they provide on their website at http://aaronacademy.com/
Please note: This post was in no manner solicited or paid for by Aaron Academy.
Sep
17
Watch This Video, Race To Nowhere
This video will make you think…and be grateful that you homeschool!
Comments, anyone? What do you think is the most important component of education?
Welcome to Homeschool Entrepreneur!
Our mission is to help homeschool families create a home business for several reasons; Running a business in the home creates a natural learning environment for all ages, one that will benefit your child in so many ways* . . and the extra money comes in handy, too!
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