I am so proud of my mom this weekend. Let me tell you a little about her. Mom and dad were always perfectly fine sitting at home all the time. They were best friend's and that is just the way they were. Well its been 6 months since dad passed away and mom is doing everything she can to let God take over all this hurt and pain. She is taking the steps to heal and have peace in the Lord. Well, my mom has also never flown in an airplane or been a very long distance away from home. Last Thursday, she FLEW to CALIFORNIA to visit some friends. I was worried the whole day that she was freaking out on the airplane or that it was making her anxious. When I talked to her after the flight, her first comment was," I loved it." Now, there may have been a bit of medical intervention to cause this ease and love of flying but nevertheless, she made it. Talking about coming out of your comfort zone.
I am so proud of her for taking this step and doing something so radical for her. I am amazed at how God is chasing my mom and just loving on her through the people in her life. These friends in California are lifelong friends and mom is blessed to have them. I am so glad mom took this step and now she knows she can and that its ok. Dad would be overjoyed to see her doing these things. I am so happy for you mom and the awesome things you are doing. I love you and can't wait for you to get home to hear all about it.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Couldn't have said it better myself.
I have a homeschool friend, Ashley Hearn. I read her blog today and thought, "WOW, I couldn't have said it better myself." So, instead of trying I thought I'd share her post with you. Thanks Ashley for your honesty.
The question I never thought I'd have to answer...
If you asked me 5 years ago when Grace started school if I would ever consider homeschooling, I would have laughed at you. Don't get me wrong, I had always deeply admired those that homeschooled. I just always thought that I was not someone who had what it took to do it; I didn't fit the "mold" of what I thought a homeschooling mom looked like. So, how is it that now here we are, 5 years down the road, doing the very thing that I thought was not even something I would've considered? As I look back over the past few months, and years really, I can see how God was preparing us for this even well before we ever knew it. He was preparing me, changing me and molding me into the very thing that I thought was impossible: the homeschool mom.
Over the last few months, I have been asked one question repeatedly: "So, why have you decided to homeschool your children?" While on the surface this seems like an easy enough question to answer, it actually can be quite complicated. I know that I should just answer honestly, but the people pleaser in me is always afraid that I might accidentally offend someone with my answer. First of all, the people asking are generally not people who homeschool. Other homeschoolers already know, without asking usually, why we've made this decision. So, that means the people who are asking have their children in either public or private school. Sometimes they are people I know well, and other times, they are people I hardly know at all. Unfortunately, I tend to respond differently depending upon who's asking. Even now as I am writing this, I am worried that my thoughts will offend someone who is reading! But, there is a true reason why we homeschool, and the truth is that it may not be politically correct. I could give you all the "safe" reasons that I typically offer such as, we needed more flexibility in our schedule...which is true. Or that I wanted to be more available to help Matt in his ministry...which is true. Or even the semi-safe reason of this is what we feel like God is asking us to do...which is also true. But the real reason goes far beyond these safe, but true answers.
The truth is, we are not trying to raise smart, well-rounded, socially acceptable kids. I am sure you are thinking, what in the world did she just say??? I know at first this might sound a little crazy, so let me explain. Our ultimate goal in raising and educating our children is that they become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. The ultimate purpose in education, in our view, is not that we prepare them to get into a good college and get a good job, but that we prepare them for whatever God's calling is upon their lives. We want to raise children who are ready to follow Jesus, wherever He might lead them. Each day that I am home with my children, I have an opportunity to teach them math, reading, history and so on, but more than that, I have precious time to share with them the love of Jesus, His wonderful plans for their future and to help them see the benefits of living their lives for Jesus and not for themselves. Yes, I want them to be prepared for anything, so that does mean high academic standards, but it isn't the focus...it isn't the priority.
Please let me say that I know a lot of parents whose kids are in school (public and private) who are purposeful in teaching their children the very same principles. We just believe this is the best way for us to accomplish what we want for our children. Our ultimate reason for homeschool is perhaps best summed up in a verse I recently memorized for my Bible study. In Deuteronomy 11-18-19 it says, "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." We have such a long way to go in being the parents that God wants us to be. Everyday I stumble, when I don't have enough patience or when I lose my temper, or who knows what else. But everyday my prayer is that God will prune me, stripping away my imperfections so that my children might see Jesus in me...and that they too would fall in love with our wonderful, merciful Savior. That they would see that following Christ brings the ultimate reward beyond anything that this world can offer them.
So, there it is. The answer to the question I never thought I would have to answer. I have to say that even though it may be hard or even unpopular, I am so thankful that He has asked me to be a homeschool mom. I am so thankful for each day with my children, and I honestly wonder how we ever did anything else
Over the last few months, I have been asked one question repeatedly: "So, why have you decided to homeschool your children?" While on the surface this seems like an easy enough question to answer, it actually can be quite complicated. I know that I should just answer honestly, but the people pleaser in me is always afraid that I might accidentally offend someone with my answer. First of all, the people asking are generally not people who homeschool. Other homeschoolers already know, without asking usually, why we've made this decision. So, that means the people who are asking have their children in either public or private school. Sometimes they are people I know well, and other times, they are people I hardly know at all. Unfortunately, I tend to respond differently depending upon who's asking. Even now as I am writing this, I am worried that my thoughts will offend someone who is reading! But, there is a true reason why we homeschool, and the truth is that it may not be politically correct. I could give you all the "safe" reasons that I typically offer such as, we needed more flexibility in our schedule...which is true. Or that I wanted to be more available to help Matt in his ministry...which is true. Or even the semi-safe reason of this is what we feel like God is asking us to do...which is also true. But the real reason goes far beyond these safe, but true answers.
The truth is, we are not trying to raise smart, well-rounded, socially acceptable kids. I am sure you are thinking, what in the world did she just say??? I know at first this might sound a little crazy, so let me explain. Our ultimate goal in raising and educating our children is that they become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. The ultimate purpose in education, in our view, is not that we prepare them to get into a good college and get a good job, but that we prepare them for whatever God's calling is upon their lives. We want to raise children who are ready to follow Jesus, wherever He might lead them. Each day that I am home with my children, I have an opportunity to teach them math, reading, history and so on, but more than that, I have precious time to share with them the love of Jesus, His wonderful plans for their future and to help them see the benefits of living their lives for Jesus and not for themselves. Yes, I want them to be prepared for anything, so that does mean high academic standards, but it isn't the focus...it isn't the priority.
Please let me say that I know a lot of parents whose kids are in school (public and private) who are purposeful in teaching their children the very same principles. We just believe this is the best way for us to accomplish what we want for our children. Our ultimate reason for homeschool is perhaps best summed up in a verse I recently memorized for my Bible study. In Deuteronomy 11-18-19 it says, "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." We have such a long way to go in being the parents that God wants us to be. Everyday I stumble, when I don't have enough patience or when I lose my temper, or who knows what else. But everyday my prayer is that God will prune me, stripping away my imperfections so that my children might see Jesus in me...and that they too would fall in love with our wonderful, merciful Savior. That they would see that following Christ brings the ultimate reward beyond anything that this world can offer them.
So, there it is. The answer to the question I never thought I would have to answer. I have to say that even though it may be hard or even unpopular, I am so thankful that He has asked me to be a homeschool mom. I am so thankful for each day with my children, and I honestly wonder how we ever did anything else
Friday, October 14, 2011
Things I have learned while homeschooling.
I didn't realize that as I teach Katelyn everyday, I am also learning more than I ever did in school (or now I'm actually paying attention).
1. Learning is fun
2. Kangaroos babies are called Joeys and they nurse for 3 months before they are actually born.
3. The English language is full of so many rules that say, " Sometimes you do this....."
4. A.D. does not stand for After Death (of Jesus).
5. History starts at Adam and Eve.
6. Learning phonetically, my daughter spells and reads like an adult (needless to say, I didn't learn that way).
7. Our world map today is nothing like the way it looked before the Flood.
8. The word Dinosaur means " Big Lizard".
9. We learn so much from experimenting and serving our community.
10. I am my children's best teacher.
11. God knew my kids needed us as parents. It is my job to disciple and lay a foundation that will carry them through life.
12. I fall more in love with my kids everyday that I spend with them ( even on the crazy, whiny, disobedient, tiring, sassy, and complete disorder days......YES, WE HAVE THEM).
I could go on and on about Tubal-Cain in the Genesis who was an Ironmaker (more proof we didn't come from apes), Samuel learning from his big sister, and how God is walking with us everyday to point our children to Him. I am excited to be learning again and seeing my children learn along with me. I have had a blessed week and wanted to share. If I write about an awful week next week, remind of this.....LOL!!!!
1. Learning is fun
2. Kangaroos babies are called Joeys and they nurse for 3 months before they are actually born.
3. The English language is full of so many rules that say, " Sometimes you do this....."
4. A.D. does not stand for After Death (of Jesus).
5. History starts at Adam and Eve.
6. Learning phonetically, my daughter spells and reads like an adult (needless to say, I didn't learn that way).
7. Our world map today is nothing like the way it looked before the Flood.
8. The word Dinosaur means " Big Lizard".
9. We learn so much from experimenting and serving our community.
10. I am my children's best teacher.
11. God knew my kids needed us as parents. It is my job to disciple and lay a foundation that will carry them through life.
12. I fall more in love with my kids everyday that I spend with them ( even on the crazy, whiny, disobedient, tiring, sassy, and complete disorder days......YES, WE HAVE THEM).
I could go on and on about Tubal-Cain in the Genesis who was an Ironmaker (more proof we didn't come from apes), Samuel learning from his big sister, and how God is walking with us everyday to point our children to Him. I am excited to be learning again and seeing my children learn along with me. I have had a blessed week and wanted to share. If I write about an awful week next week, remind of this.....LOL!!!!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
I just love them.....
I love my little family and I know that I am so blessed. I thanked God for them while I was praying this morning. God says children are a heritage from the Lord. My husband is the love of my life and my biggest fan. I am one blessed woman.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
When the Darkness Will Not Lift!
I suffered through Postpartum Depression with both of my children. After Katelyn's birth was much worse and I really did not feel like myself until she was about 2. It seemed to take over every aspect of me. I couldn't handle well the things I use to. I didn't sleep well and my view of things were irrational during this time. My husband bought me a book in the middle of this. It is by John Piper called: When the Darkness Will Not Lift: Doing what we can while we wait for God...and Joy. Well, I came across it the other day and started reading it again. You see, the last time I read it, I was in the midst of despair and irrational thinking. Now, that I am not in that place, it makes more sense and I see the truth that lies there. I wanted to share a little from it in hopes that if you are in the midst of depression or despair, you will be comforted by our Savior.
He has promised not to turn away. " Whoever comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37). By this act of faith God will unite you to Jesus. You will be "in Him," and in Him you will be now and forever loved. forgiven, righteous. The light will rise in your darkness in due time. God will hold onto you (Jude24). You will make it. This is His promise: "Those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified" (Rom.8:30). The glory is coming. In the meantime,"this slight momentary affliction is preparing us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Cor.4:17-18) John Piper
So wherever you are, be comforted. Helplessness, desperation, apparent hopelessness, the breaking point for the overworked businessman, the outer limits of exasperation for the mother of three constantly crying children, the impossible expectations of too many classes in school, the grinding stress of lingering illness, the imminent attack of the powerful enemy: IF YOU ARE IN THE PIT, take heart. God sees you, hears you, and loves you. There is coming a day of release and comfort. Wait patiently for Him in the midst of this and you will see His glory more than you ever have.
He has promised not to turn away. " Whoever comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37). By this act of faith God will unite you to Jesus. You will be "in Him," and in Him you will be now and forever loved. forgiven, righteous. The light will rise in your darkness in due time. God will hold onto you (Jude24). You will make it. This is His promise: "Those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified" (Rom.8:30). The glory is coming. In the meantime,"this slight momentary affliction is preparing us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Cor.4:17-18) John Piper
So wherever you are, be comforted. Helplessness, desperation, apparent hopelessness, the breaking point for the overworked businessman, the outer limits of exasperation for the mother of three constantly crying children, the impossible expectations of too many classes in school, the grinding stress of lingering illness, the imminent attack of the powerful enemy: IF YOU ARE IN THE PIT, take heart. God sees you, hears you, and loves you. There is coming a day of release and comfort. Wait patiently for Him in the midst of this and you will see His glory more than you ever have.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Simplify
I feel like I need to simplify some things. I have simplified my schedule and it has made homeschooling a blast this year. I have simplified what I am involved in and have had rest in the Lord because of that. I don't want to be busy doing just for the sake of doing. I have decided to simplify other things. I want to simplify my dinners. I am cooking things that don't require all day cooking and using my crock pot a lot more. I want to simplify my daily homemaking schedule. I have a plan of doing 2 things on each day of the week so that each thing gets done easier and weekly (laundry, mopping, dusting, changing sheets, etc.). So far, it's working well. I want to simplify those who I surround myself with. This part is hard. I need people around me that are striving for the same goals and we can walk through life together with Jesus. Lastly, I want to simplify my view of God. God is bigger than the way I used to view Him. I feel that I have believed things about God because it was just what I was told to believe. I am beginning to see God like the Bible teaches Him to be, not man's view of Him. I want to remove the misconceptions of Him and see Him the way He intended me to all along. I know there are so many things that I need to simplify. This is just the beginning of a life-long process of growing closer and more intimate with my Savior. I see my imperfections everyday and I know I am loved anyway. I just want to live a life worthy of Christ. So, I will Simplify!!!!
Monday, October 3, 2011
I think I'm losing it!!
Ok. I was so excited this past weekend when Samuel just up and started going potty. We still had a busy weekend so he was still in a diaper most of the time. Today, I have keep him out of the diaper all day. NO ACCIDENTS!!! He tells me when he has to go and he even went and popped while I was doing math with Katelyn. He just came out and said, " I pooped". WHAT???? I was so excited and he has been getting stickers galore every time he goes. We just made a trip to Walmart to get Big Boy Underwear. Now I am watching him walk around in these underwear and I am overcome with sadness. As excited as I am, he is not a baby anymore. He climbs out of his crib, is going potty, and Big Boy Underwear???? AHHHH!!! I didn't think I'd be this way. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that we get to sleep through the night now and he tells us when he needs something. I am glad to see his personality and watch him learn. But I miss my chubby cheeked, bald baby boy!!! I remember when we first had Katelyn, people telling us to cherish it because she would grow so fast. At the time, my thoughts were, good, because then I can sleep again and she can talk and walk and it will just be easier. NOW, I get it. It has gone fast. I am so glad I am here to cherish every moment with them. I see everything they learn and do. I see when they cry and when they want to sing songs. I see when they get mad and frustrated. I want even those hard moments to be cherished and remembered. So, today, I am one sad momma but also a very proud one.
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