With the lack of rain here in the Bible Belt, the ground IS hard...and cracked....and not producing as much as we'd prefer.  At the same time, we've experienced similar circumstances in our relationships, especially at church.  There's been a drought of love, compassion, and encouragement in many areas of ministry.  Much of the 'refreshing' we've experienced is not through the usual avenues, but through individuals who God has placed in our lives for 'such a time as this.'  It's so important to remember that God knows the truth in each and every situation -- and we cannot let the ignorant imaginings of others drag us into despair.  However, we have all slipped here and there, allowing unkind and untrue remarks to dig into our hearts.

Times like this make me miss those certain members of our old homeschooling group who prayed with us, laughed with us, cried with us, and encouraged us.  :) Makes me look in the mirror to say, "Am I doing that for someone else?"

But the even bigger question is, "Why in the world did I let my guard down?"  If I was staying in the Word, continually in prayer, and keeping God at the forefront of my thoughts, all this stuff would just roll off me (and my family) like water off a duck's back. 

So there you have it.....time to get back to basics. :)  Back to sitting at Jesus' feet, turning off the 'noise' of the world, and just basking in His love, mercy, forgiveness, peace, joy, and restoration.

BACK TO BASICS!!!

Reading God's Word

Righting Myself as I 'soak' in God's Written Word

'Rithmetic Those Blessings ;) -- never stop counting each one!

School with God does not always take place within 4 walls....

but I am more than ready to replace the Dunce Hat with a Halo!  LOL!

Come Quickly, LORD JESUS!

But back to planning for the academic part of our education, three of the kids signed up for classes at Vo-Tech.  Night classes, so they will ride together -- but a fun opportunity to learn a few new skills.   We've encouraged them to try whatever variety sounds interesting to them -- because they are at the prime time in life to do so!  No house payments, no car payments, no little ones to care for... so Carpe Diem!

In the midst of all the planning (and hassles), we've seen a wealth of miracles begin to pour out on friends --- babies for the barren, books sent to publishers, young overcomers beating the odds!  God is good!  It is imperative to remember that He does NOT have 'favorites' -- so I shall rejoice with those who are rejoicing and pray for those who are undergoing affliction....

Remind me, LORD, of every blessing!

Peace to your heart today!