On this lovely rainy day in September, I gladly retire to my cozy office with cup of coffee in hand. It's days like this that make me thankful for being home! Anyway, for those who are interested, here's a bit of an update. My son, Michael, will be leaving Iraq on Sept 22 and begin his journey back home. We continue to earnestly pray for him and appreciate all of you who are praying for him. Please pray for his continued safety - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual - and that he would be encouraged by the Lord in this time. Also, for his his reunion with his wife and nine month old baby - this is going to be an important time for all three of them. Meantime, back at home, I'm writing the revised Romans, Reformer, Revolutionaries student manual and teacher's guide and sending them out to those who want to use the material before it is printed (brave souls!). I had so hoped to be ahead of the game by now, but life keeps happening. For instance, at the end of this week, I'll be going to a conference to work with 67 teenagers for 3 days. . . oh, my! But, you know, the Lord has been teaching me over the course of years that His timetable is not the same as my timetable. I also anticipate getting everything done quickly, without the messiness of unexpected happenings, visitors, sickness, etc., getting in my way. And, yet, the Lord uses all of those things to great advantage in my life, to change me from glory to glory into His image. Patience, kindness, gentleness, joy, peace, self-control, love, goodness, faithfulness - do those ring a bell? It's wonderful to read about them in the Word, and get a glow considering how much we exhibit these things UNTIL someone or something gets in our way. That's when we run out of our own patience, etc., and, over time and through desperation, we begin to learn how to draw out of His deep well His patience, etc. And, oh, my, isn't that an important lesson to keep in mind when we're teaching our children?
Something to ponder. . .as I keep pondering, considering what it means to have His fruit in our lives.
Blessings!
Diana
Aren't you glad He's merciful even when we do these things ;o) I enjoy reading your blog and am looking forward to starting some of yout items with our dc this Fall! It'll be our first time using them but I'm so blessed at even the thought. God bless you and your family, Rhonda. (PS- I just changed my blog from HomeFREAKS, sorry for multiple replies ;o)
Extremely happily married since 1979, Bill and Diana Waring home schooled their three children for more than twenty years. The Waring kids were the proving grounds for all the precepts, concepts, and encouragements Bill and Diana teach--the real-life examples of the wonders of home schooling! Now, new grandparents and somewhat empty nesters, Bill & Diana travel all over the world to share the joys of loving learning, honoring one another in the family, and enjoying the journey.
• Sep. 23, 2006 - Praying he is safely home ;o)