Well, I'm sorry to say I just haven't been able to figure out how to customize my blog here at HSB. So, unfortunately, I have had to move to blogspot, only because I seem to be able to comprehend how to customize and change things the way I want them at that site. So I invite you to visit my blog at http://momma23blessings.blogspot.com/. Certainly, I am still a HomeSchoolBlogger at heart! May joy and peace be yours in abundance.

Blessings

     Granddaddy is taking a nap, Billy is watching a preschool program on tv, and my kids are doing math right now, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to write down my thoughts and share a little....

     Granddaddy and Billy are here visiting with us for a week! The kids are so very excited to have them here. Granddaddy is my dh's 82-year old dad and Billy is dh's mentally handicapped 57-year old brother. We get to see them about 4 or 5 times a year. So the kids really anticipate their getting to spend an entire week with them.

     It is alot of extra work when they are here, but it is so worth it. God has really used this time to stretch and grow me. It gets me thinking about others and less about me...lol. It causes me to literally run to Him in the mornings, for His strength and help in coping with whatever the day brings.

     It's also a time of fun and change! We are planning to relax this week, not doing as much school as usual. I do try to do a little school with the kids, though. I don't want Granddaddy to think I'm raising his grandchildren to be ignorant!  

I really feel uplifted and encouraged after our morning worship service today. We had a singing group, The Akins, today and they really ministered to my soul. God spoke to me through their testimony in word and song and I felt God's presence all over me! I was so encouraged. They are coming back tonight and I can't wait to hear more.

I have really been discouraged with some things at church lately, and I think God used this to draw me to Him and to show me that I need to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, rather than on what's going on around me. He is the Author of my faith and He is able to keep me from stumbling when everything around me seems to be crumbling!

When I take my eyes off Him, it is so easy to be discouraged and pulled down into the mire. I thank Him for reminding me of just how easy it is to slip back into that pit that He has pulled me out of so many times. For reminding me that He is my Joy and my Salvation. That He is my Rock. That He is my All and my Everything, and that without Him I am nothing.

Today is a special day. It seems like just yesterday I was bringing a little pink bundle of joy into this world...and now here she is somewhere between a child and a woman. What a joy to watch her grow into a young lady and to see how God is preparing her. What a privilege to be her mom and to guide her into adulthood!

We drove down to Baxley today and met her big brother, Ryan for lunch at Fuji's Japanese, one of her favorite places to eat. Some friends joined us, making the day even more special. Tonight when our daddy comes home from work we'll have a special dinner and a cake.

As we celebrate her physical birthday today, I am reminded to also give thanks that we have opportunity to celebrate her spiritual birthday each year, as well.  How grateful I am that she has given her life to Jesus.  And how wonderful it is to watch with awe as He molds her into a young lady of purpose.

What joy when you FINALLY realize that school doesn't have to be done just like the book says it should!!! I know I've heard that statement over and over, but now I can finally relate! My youngest has really struggled this year, and I've just pushed him right along. Not so much thinking we have to finish the books, but more along the lines of how will he do on the test if we don't cover this stuff? Ok, I guess that's pretty much the same as "We've got to finish this!" I've been praying for God to give me wisdom in this area, and lo and behold, if the words didn't come straight from my husband's mouth this morning..."Just stop where you are; don't continue in that book. Go back and review what you've already covered."

"Sounds simple enough," I told him, "But here we are in the month of February. We've made it this far. Shouldn't we just keep trudging along?" When I stopped and considered what I'd just said, it hit me that I really am as stubborn as my husband says I am (lol)!

What peace filled my heart when I considered what God said to me through my husband's words! When I finally got it!! We don't have to finish that book. If we just review everything we've covered up to this point and pick up where we left off next year, that's okay! I know I'm beginning to drone on here, but I'm still trying to convince myself that it really is alright.

Our homeschool group had an interesting field trip a couple weeks ago. I love field trips! I always learn as much as my children do. I suppose that's why I so enjoy homeschooling! I learn so many things right alongside them. It's amazing how much I did NOT learn from my public school education, despite the jam-packed, busyness of the long days. I'm so thankful that God allows me the privilege of educating my children at home, to be involved in the daily joys, trials, accomplishments and struggles of learning.

It hasn't always been this way, though. I think back to the early years when my high school senior was ready to begin kindergarten. Homeschooling was foreign to me. I did know some families from church who homeschooled, but still....I thought it was weird. So, my husband and I put our five year old little man in public school (I feel sick at my stomach thinking back on it now). And there he stayed in public school for four years. Was I that stubborn, or did God just not convict right away?

Well, we brought him home after third grade, and these last years I wouldn't trade for anything. Of course, there have been many trials and struggles, but the joys and triumphs far outweigh them. We did struggle with whether or not to homeschool through high school, though. After much prayer, we decided to send Ryan to a small Christian school in our community in his 9th grade year. And now he's a senior.

However, I do have two children at home. My daughter, Kate, is in seventh grade, and my youngest son, Will, is in fourth grade. They have been homeschooled their whole lives and I pray that God will allow me to continue to teach them at home. Through the years, He has given me more confidence in myself as their teacher. Why does that seem to be a source of weakness for me? Of course I'm their teacher! He gave these children to me, didn't He? I know their learning styles, their faults, their quirks, what makes them tick...of course I'm their teacher. 

And while I'm teaching them, I'm learning right alongside them. That's the way it should be. The joy of homeschooling...I'm so thankful that God has led me down this path.  

Wow! I can't believe January is almost over. I keep asking myself where the time goes. Life seems to be moving faster these days (at least it seems that way to me). Maybe it's because we're in the count-down until high school graduation for my oldest son. Maybe it's because I'm not ready to let him go yet (Will I ever be?).

Maybe it's because I'm not fond of change. I know alot of people look forward to change, but transition comes harder for me. Especially when it comes to life as I know it now. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it is my first-born who is about to be out of my home and away at college. He's excited about this time in his life and I try to be excited for him. But, my momma-heart is having a very difficult time.

I know that God has my son in His hands and I know that God has my son's future mapped out already. I trust God completely.  I know that my son is allowing God to direct his life right now. So.....why so down-hearted, O my soul?

No matter the changes that come my way, one thing I know for certain....My Jesus is right here with me, carrying me through this sad/joyous time. He lifts me up; He carries me in His strong arms. Praise Him for He is holy (how could I do anything else?).

Blessings!

     Instead of taking my usual nap on Sunday afternoon, I have instead (for the past two Sundays) spent those hours perusing cookbooks and making something to take to our church-wide dinner on Sunday evening. Every year beginning in January, our pastor does a six week (or something like that) Winter Bible study on a certain book of the Bible for our evening service. This year someone decided we would serve supper before-hand. Each Sunday is a different theme, hence the cookbook perusals. It has been interesting, but since I am on the hospitality committee (the people who serve the food and clean up afterwards), I have found myself tired and cranky these last two Sundays (and unable to enjoy the Bible study). However, it has been interesting, to say the least. A study of the creation account according to Genesis, pointing out the fallacies of evolution. Pastor goes very deep in his rendering of this subject. I feel like I'm in a college level science class! I am confused about his choice of Bible study this time, though. I mean, are there really that many Christians in the church who actually believe the theory of evolution? After discussing this with my dear hubby, however, he pointed out why he is actually enjoying this study. His perception is that we as Christians don't always know how to defend our faith when it comes to issues involving evolution. Therefore, this study will better equip us to do this. I guess it helps to consider someone else's point of view when I am tempted to ask why this is important! As for my Sunday afternoon naps.......I'm certain God will make a way! 

~Blessings ~

Hello everyone,

I'm new to HomeschoolBlogger, and I'm very excited about being here! I'm looking forward to making new friends. My goal is to bring glory to Jesus by uplifting and encouraging each one who stops by to visit my blog. Praying God's blessings on you and your family in 2009!