At co-op last year our 3rd and 4th graders sang "Oh Rejoice in the Lord" and I have decided this is one of my favorites. To be honest, I had not heard it before. And if one reads the words, it just really makes you so grateful for His tender mercies. There is also a new song in my heart that I wanted to share, maybe some of you have heard this one also, "The Sun's Coming Up" what a great inspirational song. The second chorus says " In a world filled with doubts and confusion, It's so hard when you don't understand; Oh, but I'll stand on a solid foundation And I'll hold to an unchanging hand. And the sun's coming up in the morning, Every tear will be gone from my eyes; This old clay's gonna give way to glory, And like an eagle, I'll take to the sky." Wow, I just love those great songs, especially at times when you got things going on. Just a quick prayer request, my dear sister in law is having surgery tomorrow at 10:30 am and its pretty extensive, she just turned 30, and also just got engaged. This is a very serious issue and I pray for His peace on her and our family. She is a good girl, always has been. We hate to see her have to go through this, but we are faithful for the a great outcome. So if it comes to mind please keep her in prayer. Her name is Michelle. Thanks in advance!
Well this weekend has been very exciting because I have the wonderful joy of having a seven month old in my home to care for as a relative is sick. Now, with that being said " I am exhausted!" One soon forgets how bad those late night feedings can be, plus just the accountability to the little guy as he looks up to you for everything. And yes, he has been sick also. So needless to say, school work next week will be a little slow, so I can get caught up on everything. But what a joy and blessing it has been to have a little one around---all that snuggling, hugging and kissing!!!!
I have received an e-mail regarding the precious three year old boy that has gone to be with the Lord. I pray to the Lord that this family will be able to withstand the hurt and anguish that this accident has caused. Oh how I wish we knew the answers of "why", but sometimes that is the Lords way. He is merciful and kind, we must all hold that dear to our hearts, even in troubling times. Let's all stand in prayer for this family who has experienced something that I can not even imagine. Pray God will fill those broken hearts with peace and understanding that only He can give. Let them experience a glimpse of heaven where they will see their son one day. Pray they can know their angel is with the Almighty, who knows everything and cherishes this soul. Lord, thank you forgiveness of sin, thank you for all the wonderful things that you do for us, thank you for peace that only You can give, we come to you to lift up Marsha and her family at this time of loss for them. Please breathe Your mercy, goodness, peace and understanding on this family. Help them through their time of mourning and to lean on Your promises.
Aug. 25, 2008 - Do you ever feel overwhelmed with......
ALL of the work that one must do, while homeschooling, cooking, cleaning, taking care of....and so on! I must say this week has started out with a bang on that level. The floors need mopping, need to vaccum, windows cleaned, dust, laundry and on goes the list. Maybe I just need to get more organized or something. The homeschool part now is going better than when I first started two years ago, but I feel I'm failing in the "keeping the house" area. Either I need to settle down and let the dust fall where it may, and just realize I'm not super mom, or I need to really get something going to help in this area because I by no means am a perfectionist, but some things just gotta get done or I feel like I'm failing my responsibilities as a homemaker. Well I guess I can always just look at it from this perspective, the kids are learning and happy, mom and dad are happy and taken care of, and the hubby seems quite content and always has a full belly, so maybe it's not so bad to have some dust bunnies hanging out when everything else is falling into place. How do some of you do it? Or is this something us newbies are still having to learn, to prioritize and organize.
Aug. 18, 2008 - Life, homeschooling, and all the other stuff in between......
This year is our 2nd full year of homeschooling, well actually 2 1/2 years because I took them out of public school and finished their education at home. What a journey it has been! Never did I think this was what the Lord would call me to do. I just wasn't sure as some of you may have been about homeschooling. Now I know. It's wonderful and trying all at the same time. But I want you to know that I try to never forget to thank God for helping in all areas it takes to do this job. One income is tough as we all know! But even in the trials that come our way, we know to bring these children up in Gods word, that is what we are to do. Our days seem so much different now, as I look back on those "public school" days. Our attitudes are better, our walk with the Lord is stronger, our family is ONE. My marriage is on course, and with these blessings, I have another blessing to share. My parents live with us, I am an only child so we always knew they would live with us some day. We have been together for almost 2 years, and it works! I thank God he keeps me healthy and strong to be a caretaker for them. They are easy going, sweet, wonderful parents and He has allowed us to be able to do this. My husband is one GREAT guy!!!
Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them. JOHN 14:21
Isn't it wonderful to know we serve a wonderful, forgiving King!!! He reveals himself to us daily and all we need to do is stop, be still, and listen. How hard to do is this while trying to be a mom, wife, daughter, friend ,and all the other good stuff that comes in between. But I've learned in my own life to turn off the tv, radio and just listen. Now for this girl that has been somewhat of a challenge considering how much I like this flesh part of life. After a good three months now, it seems I have no want of the tv, and only the radio on occasion. Isn't it wonderful how He reveals His will, in His time, and all we have to do is turn down the noise!!
Everyday I've been trying to put some reading into a book " The One Year Book of Christian History" and its very similar to a daily devotion as it takes each date and gives you an account of someones life and what they did. For tomorrow August 11, it is in regard to the hymn "Rock of Ages" which was written by someone who knew he would soon die. His name was Augustus Toplady and he was born in Farnham in Surrey, England, 1740, the only child of a major in the English army who was killed in battle before ever seeing his son. His story is a great one and if you get a chance check this book out, or even the story about this fellow who wrote "Rock of Ages" one of our most popular hymns. I know we as a family always enjoy these stories of hope, encouragement, and praise, hope you do too!
I have been homeschooling for 2 years now, and it is the best decision that I have ever made. I have been blessed with a supportive husband and family. A is 9 and C is 7, we love every minute that the Lord gives us, and now we are blessed to have my mom and dad living with us.