I have been in need of that anchor in the last few months as I have been dealing with health issues.  These issues and the ensuing effects have caused me to doubt myself and my ability to educate my children.  I have even gotten so far as to seriously consider putting them in school after the Christmas break.  I feel like I have let my children down.  Not only am I not giving them a Classical Education but it might also be debated whether I am giving them any kind of education at all.

Those are the words that I mutter to myself when I sink into that bad place.  That dark, suffocating place that does not abide in hope.  I don't like that place so I combat it by turning to God's Word.  I read His Word and commit it to my spirit, so that when the darkness starts to enfold me, I can hold it off by the light of His Word.  

When I am at this place, there are quite a few scriptures that wards off the darkness.  Here are a few  that I have relied on in the last few months.

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.  Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.  Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of  truth.  (Ps. 31:3-5)

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.  (Ps. 31:24)

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness .  (Isaiah  41:10)

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.  (Ps. 5:3) 

I am so thankful for God's Word that I can cling to as my anchor through this rough time.  In clinging to His Word, I am assured that He will lead me to higher and drier ground  in time. 

Julia lives on the Canadian Prairies with her husband, homeschooling their 3 children (10,8,6) and is attempting to give them a Classical Education.  You can read more at her blog.

Excerpt from the fourth book:

 

    My new horse, a beautiful Morgan filly, wanted to run.... 

    After purchasing the chestnut beauty the day before from a man at Springfield who supplied horses to the army, I had yet to name her. She deserved one that matched her build and personality.  

            The filly stood fifteen hands high, weighed one thousand pounds, proud and high spirited, with a muscular build, clean cut head and a well arched neck. Her color was copper-red with a reddish-gold mane and tail.....

            The horse trader who sold me the filly assured me she was descended from Black Hawk, and of course all the Morgans had come from the original Morgan horse—Figure. Black Hawk was famous for a lightning quick stride and elegant manner. I had seen with my own eyes this great horse when he was shown at the Ohio State Fair.

            “Granny, this horse wants to run and I’m going to try her out.” Gently nudging her in the sides with my boot heels was all it took. She sprung forward and the sudden jerk nearly knocked me off. Quickly righting myself I kept low in the saddle and clung to the pommel. This horse was quick.....

            “Whew girl! You’re something else. Blackie at his best never had your speed.” Bringing her about, again I nudged her, and this time prepared for her fire. She did not disappoint. The sorrel lit out as if trying to out run lightning.