October 6, 2009 - set apart
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God ---this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2
Jenna and I are memorizing these verses...
Meaty sustenance for our daily living.
The very thing we need.
I am challenged by these words, are you?
Studying these verses has led to much conversation about what the world offers and what we expect from God. I am amazed at the depth of my 10 year old who already can recognize the pull of the enemy through things like the television, advertisements, and music.
The enemy is exactly that - the enemy - so we must purposefully strive to steer clear of those forces every day! As Christians it is so easy to give in the subtle things and before we know it we are desensitized and have no clue that what we are doing/watching/reading is totally opposite of what God wants! And we wonder why!
We are very challenged in our relationship with Jacob these days. The world is his biggest attraction. It is heart breaking to watch. We are taking the steps necessary to bring him back onto the right - the better - path, but it is hard. Yet we must continue on. We must! I don't want to be normal, and I don't want my family to be either. Normal is going through the motions of this self-centered world. No, I want to be set apart - to live self LESS. Don't you? I want my children to know of the better things...and to have a heart's desire for the things of God! Don't you?
As a parent we must ask ourselves, what are we willing to do to make sure we are helping our children to "renew their minds" rather than aiding them in conforming to the pattern of this world?
- What are they watching on television?
- What are they listening to on their Ipod? Have you listened to it lately?
- What are they browsing for on the internet? Don't assume they are not curious or that they haven't seen inappropriate material - no matter their age, or the fact they are in a "Christian home" - do not be naive!
- What are they wearing? Is the waistband rolled down to show their flesh? Are the guys pants below their underwear? Is the shirt revealing or too tight? Modesty is such an important characteristic - it lays just part of the foundation for purity!
- What are they reading? Pre-read it! Or at least research it.
That may seem like a lot of checking in to do - but we must! The easy thing to do would be to ignore their tendencies or habits and play it off as if they are going through a stage, it doesn't really matter, or worse - it's normal! As parents we get tired tho, don't we? I know I do. Sometimes it is less painful to just be silent because we don't want the conflict - but a little bit of pain brings glory!!! What is an inconvenience now will bring lives living out love for God!
Just because we raise our children in a Christian home, and attend church 2-3 times a week, and they have Christian friends, and possibly even attend a Christian school, does NOT make them immune to the pulls of the world which are the very devices of the enemy! Do not be ignorant! Get involved in renewing your child's mind - make sure they are seeing the world through God's eyes.
We cannot, simply cannot, assume they are sheltered from the one who is set on destroying them. Be the adult - be the parent - and step into your child's life to know what is going on.
Be set apart.
Live it out.
HE is worth it.
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September 5, 2009 - more than football
We had a substantial lead (30-7) and all of a sudden we hear the Coach call in the freshman! Jacob slyly moves to the opposite end...perhaps anxious over the moment finally arriving - perhaps even wanting to be invisible.
We're that way at times, aren't we? We spend time preparing, praying, desiring to be used by God and when the moment happens sometimes we hesitate. Why do we do that? Faith is trust. Yet even that is a process. Growth. Little by little, by our experiences, we gain more confidence and we begin to recognize the moments God has for us - just for us.
Yes. We heard the Coach yell, "Moore! Where's Moore?".
And he put his arm on Jacob's shoulder and began to tell him what he needed to do.
The whistle blew and he ran out onto the field. Just like that.
Two plays later the game was over.
And our son walked off the field not only with a taste of victory, but also the realization that he has what it takes to get in the game.
My prayer is that he will realize more and more each day that who he is in Christ is enough. That he will draw closer to Christ each day - desiring more of him, and less of the world. I pray he will realize he can "do all things through Christ who strengthens him." I pray he will TRUST the One who will never forsake him. And I pray he will "get in the game" of life as one of His own.
This mama's heart will treasure the moment he ran out on the field last night...it was as if he was running INTO the moment that will help shape his life.
This season of our lives is so much more than the game of football.
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August 27, 2009 - there's a new kid in school
Yes, there's a new kid in school. Her name is "Lizzy Rose." Jenna adopted her from the local animal shelter. She saved her money...to the penny...for the adoption fees, the food, the litter box, etc. We are so proud of her determination and discipline. And sweet Lizzy is a wonderful addition to our family.
However, right now she is quite the distraction!
Yet totally worth it...
One more blessing of homeschooling - Jenna not only paid for Lizzy herself, but is responsible for her daily care. Life lessons really are the best teachers.
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August 26, 2009 - Wordless Wednesday
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August 23, 2009 - blue skies
blue skies
a coolness in the air
and clouds
a beautiful day
yet, I wonder
as pretty as the day was
will the clouds remain?
the "clouds" that are often not discussed
the clouds of despair
disappointment
and frustration
and how long
will they hover and hang
and sometimes bring rain
wind
and storms
even when
the skies are blue
yet, I know
these same clouds
hold
hope...
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope."
Psalm 130:5
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August 16, 2009 - ponderings of a fifth year
She's a fifth grader now.
"It's the most important year for college, Mom!"
i love her so much.
i am so excited about this coming year...
We are continuing on in My Father's World with the study of "Rome to Reformation". We are using Saxon 6/5 for math, and all of MFW's recommendations for language arts - even adding in Wordly Wise and Easy Grammar alternatively. This will be her fifth year of piano lessons, which she isn't too excited about, but I am hoping as we begin this new year with a new instructor perhaps her heart (and attitude) will enjoy it once again.
Our Tuesdays will be spent at the barn, and on Thursdays you can spot us on the road delivering for our county's "Meals on Wheels" program. Bible Drill and the Children's Choir will start up again in September at our church. It's a full schedule, but so very rich with everything she loves.
And our school days will be opportunities for much learning, much snuggle time, much exploring, and much one-on-one time. With big brother at high school now...well, it's a bit bittersweet...looking forward yet wishful at times for what could have been. I already miss him. As crazy and HARD as it was, I look back over the last four years and see clearly that God ordained that season of our lives. It was full of experiences, learning, growth. It was so much more than "homeschool" - it was a season of dependence on the One who calls, who equips, who loves, who builds, who breaks down and restores. Yes. It was a season; and it was good for that season.
I'm certain the craziness will continue simply because I have a 14 year old boy 
.
And this season, a different one - yet still given to us by God - will also be about experiences, learning, growth. At times it feels a bit MUCH, I admit, but I am confident that the One who began a good work will see it to completion...and that He will strengthen my feeble arms and weak knees...all for His glory.
So how will I blog now? We're in our fifth year of homeschooling, but it's different now. One at home, and one at a private Christian school...one in elementary, and one in high school. Two completely different worlds. One Lord over all.
I guess I'll just share my heart about whatever is pertinent at the time...I do know that at some point, when it doesn't feel so raw, I will write about my relationship with my son and how the transition of leaving homeschool and entering school has been -- it's worthy of a post all by itself.
Til then, we're in our fifth year - doin' fifth grade - and blessed! I thank God for the opportunity to be with my girl this next year...
Oh, and lest I forget, "Go Cougars! Go Jacob! #59!"
