The tough part about trying to blog about all of the fun that we had at the TN meetings for TOS is that now I’ve got a lot more work to do in my action plan so that I can share the vision which leaves less time for blogging. 

Nonetheless, it truly was wonderful to meet all of these men and women that I’ve only known via the internet.  While sometimes people looked younger or taller or maybe even more casual (when they said sweats & jammies they meant it) than I imagined, I’ve got to say that I wasn’t surprised too much by any of them.  The same voice and heart that comes across in their emails or blogs is what I saw at the meetings. 

And I’ve got some funny stories to tell you, I really do.  But first I just had to share what God laid on my heart.  Maybe I’m a little sentimental because the holidays are coming up, but as I looked around that cabin full of homeschool parents and friends I thought about how God uses everyday normal people.  The Old Schoolhouse staff is remarkable. They are a group of talented, creative and hard working folks, but they are mostly all just homeschool parents working a work-at-home job.  And I’d say that they all see their work as a calling to encourage Christian homeschooling families. 

Everything that they touch in their job reflects what God has done in their lives and how He is continuing to work.  It was amazing to hear one staffer share her story of how God was faithful to her, even when she was faithless when she was younger (2 Tim 2:13).  Another friend there talked about how God has proven Himself as her family’s Provider time and time again.  Another shared her excitement at the doors that God was opening.  Some gave me hope for beating the fibromyalgia.  Others had older kids and shared the joy of watching their children walk with the LORD.  Work was being done and a fun time was had by all, but just hearing what God was doing in so many lives was almost overwhelming.  I mean we’re all stretched out all over the country and yet we share a common faith. 

So it made me think of a verse - "We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power and the wonders He has done."  Psalm 78:4   Through The Old Schoolhouse and HomeschoolBlogger, we are telling about the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD.   And He is so worthy to be praised.  We are encouraging other parents along their journey and trusting that it is being passed on to the next generation. 

So as Thanksgiving is approaching, think about the praiseworthy things that God has done for you and share them.  You don’t need a magazine to do it.  You don’t need a women’s retreat or a pulpit to preach from.  Just look around at the people that God has placed in your life – your spouse, your children, your extended family, friends, neighbors and the folks that you see around town- and share with them.  Listen to them.  God works and uses us everyday ol’ ordinary people in unlikely circumstances so that He is the one who gets the glory.   I think you’ll be blessed.  I know that I was.