As my life goes on as "normal"... there are two mothers walking a similar road... yet their own.  One mother is suffering the loss of her newborn, Poppy Joy, while another savors every moment... and every breath of her newborn boy, Tristan Asher.  How does one ever prepare for such a loss?  No one ever thinks it will be them, and yet, in reading more and more from those who have experienced first hand this loss... I never left without tears of sadness for the impending loss of these women as they go through their pregnancies not knowing how much time they will be able to hold their baby... and the reality of how precious the time with my children truly is... including this life I carry within me.

"A Mother's T.R.E.K." stemmed from coming across other mother's heartaches (not necessarily homeschoolers).  One moment life was "normal" and the next, a turn of events sent their world into "survival" mode.  I know as a wife, mom, and homeschooler, I can get caught up in this as well.  I try to get everything done on the "list", but when a child gets sick (or when I do for that matter) we have to adjust and make exceptions.  A Mother's T.R.E.K. is just another way of reminding us to take a moment to evaluate our lives, our homes, and more importantly... our call as homeschoolers.

It would be wonderful if I could "get it right" every day... but I don't.  Even with the best intentions, I fail (sometimes miserably) as a homeschool mom.  But God's grace is sufficient (But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)), His mercies are new every day (This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “ Therefore I hope in Him!” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.  Lamentations 3:21-25 (NKJV)), and with His strength I can do all things (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)).

As homeschool moms, we're all on a "trek" (a slow or arduous journey), but how we go about it is different.  I pray that A Mother's T.R.E.K. will help us to remember why we do what we do, and encourage us one more day to seek our Lord and thank Him for each blessing He sent to us to care for.

Please join in me in setting aside Thursday, December 6th to pray for the family of Poppy Joy as they mourn the loss and celebrate the life of their daughter at the Memorial Service.  Please keep the family of Tristan Asher in prayer as well.  Only the Lord knows the time that precious boy will spend here on earth.

Take time on Thursday (or whatever day you might choose) to spend time with your loved ones whether it be reading together and cuddling, having a picnic at the park, or a special meal.  Do something out of the ordinary and special... to remind the ones you love how much you adore them... and how thankful you are that you have this very moment with them.   Life can be tough... but one day there will be no more tears, and until then... I'm striving to praise him through it all.

Still Seeking,
Amy