This has been one crazy emotional wild month, or two or three or maybe four, for my family. WOW! I feel like a crazy lady some days :)
There has been wedding plans, school plans, redoing school plans, work craziness, and yes, even church busyness.... and then the unexpected shows up. My mind is still trying to catch up with it all.
But here's the thing...in the midst of all of this wild crazy stuff, God has placed huge blessings in my life, even in the unexpected places. Places I would have never looked or even want to take a gander at. Here's a little of what has made my mind a tad crazy :)
HUGE BLESSING......
Tomorrow, my 22 yr old son is marrying the wife that God created and saved for him. Two beautiful people that God formed for each other. If you know these two, you know exactly what I mean. This is a beautiful thing for me. My baby boy is leaving his mother to cleave to his bride. WOW! My heart leaps everytime I think about it. I am so crazy blessed by this. Can you tell???
Now, for the unexpected....
In the middle of these wedding plans, there has been pain in the lives of two of my daughters.
One who, though her pain, has grown in trusting in her LORD as her Father. Before, she could never grip Him as Father for so many reasons due to her earthly idea of daddy. Praise God for this! It is only something God could have done through her circumstance. Easy, not at all, but overjoyed at what He allowed her to overcome! YAY!!! Still has a journey, but she understands Who she is journeying with now :)
The other daughter, is facing a complete life change, one that she never believed she would have to face the way she is. Did she fall down and grieve, yes. Did she repent, yes. Is her life still changing, yes. Will she press on, yes!!! Will the blessings flow, yes!! The situation was completely unexpected for all of us for sure. But the blessings to come....WOW!
I know that some of you reading this know the things I am writing about and I thank you for your friendship and continuous prayer. Many of you know the situation in the life of one or both of my girls and your unconditional love for them and for me is a gift that I cherish daily!
So as I look back over the craziness....the interruptions and unplanned, unexpected circumstances, I SEE MY GOD IN ALL OF IT. Waiting to bless us, waiting for us to cling to Him, waiting to hold us close as we cry in our storm and rejoicing with us in the morning! How can I know be inlove with my KING!!
MY GOD IS ENOUGH! That feels so wonderful to say. Go ahead, say it out loud. I think you want to :)
Friday, November 30, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Season of Grace
This last month as been quite a journey for my family. We have shed tears, became angry, repentant, loving and healed...still being healed :)
Just a few weeks ago, my world as a mom was rocked quite a bit by the news from my daughter. My beautiful daughter who loves the LORD so much was broken. Her heart was broken over something and I immediately remembered that same heartbreak. At that moment, God reminded me what He had done for me during my time. He held me close, even when I just wanted to shut down and run, give up and almost make the most tragic mistake of my life. Something I would have carried for years. PRAISE GOD for His intervention. It literally saved a life that day :)
So, as I let all of this soak in, I still have those tearful moments that a mommy heart will have, but it is followed by moments of joy and excitement over the new joy that is coming.
No matter what comes our way, we are held by a mighty hand that will not let me or my children go. NEVER...HE PROMISED!! That alone makes my heart overflow with hope. We belong to Him...because of Christ, we are overcomers!
Kay Arthur said something that really touched my heart....she said "there is always light that follows darkness, there is always day that follows night". So, even in this difficult, crazy time, His grace will be sufficient for us because we are clinging to the hope of our calling as a children of the LIGHT. Nothing else can hold me, or my beautiful child. Nothing, not even a situation or circumstance, can change who we are in our precious Jesus!!
His Grace holds us!
Just a few weeks ago, my world as a mom was rocked quite a bit by the news from my daughter. My beautiful daughter who loves the LORD so much was broken. Her heart was broken over something and I immediately remembered that same heartbreak. At that moment, God reminded me what He had done for me during my time. He held me close, even when I just wanted to shut down and run, give up and almost make the most tragic mistake of my life. Something I would have carried for years. PRAISE GOD for His intervention. It literally saved a life that day :)
So, as I let all of this soak in, I still have those tearful moments that a mommy heart will have, but it is followed by moments of joy and excitement over the new joy that is coming.
No matter what comes our way, we are held by a mighty hand that will not let me or my children go. NEVER...HE PROMISED!! That alone makes my heart overflow with hope. We belong to Him...because of Christ, we are overcomers!
Kay Arthur said something that really touched my heart....she said "there is always light that follows darkness, there is always day that follows night". So, even in this difficult, crazy time, His grace will be sufficient for us because we are clinging to the hope of our calling as a children of the LIGHT. Nothing else can hold me, or my beautiful child. Nothing, not even a situation or circumstance, can change who we are in our precious Jesus!!
His Grace holds us!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Constant Encouragement
This morning, I took my daughter to her first class of Art Enrichment and while I was there, I met a sweet mom. She too has an older child that she is homeschooling. What a blessing!
I think one of the hardest things for me in homeschooling, above curriculum choices, the ability to do this, or even the planning, has been finding moms with older kids that could understand the pressure of homeschooling teens.
At one time, I had a mom of younger children tell me she didn't want to talk about high school homeschooling because hers were still to young. I understood her point, but at that time, I needed to vent. I needed someone who just gets it!! Not the homeschooling part, but the teen part...ha ha!
Since then.....and even before then
God has blessed me with moms of junior high and high school homeschoolers who understand the pressure of not only homeschooling, but of teenagers in general. YIKES!!! So, we pray for each other continuously...whew! That is a lot of praying ; )
Being a mom of a teen is not an easy task, but there is so many blessings that far outweigh the hormones and frustrations. Sometimes, (who am I kidding)... a lot of the time, God uses these other moms to encourage me, nudge me and down right tell me to chill and let God do His thing! I need all of this, and I know they need the same.
Some of our struggles are similar and some are different, but all require encouragement that can only come from our DADDY in Heaven! He uses these moms as His hands and feet :)
It is warfare when we do what God wants us to do, satan is not happy about us homeschooling and teaching our kids how to live from Christ's viewpoint and not how the world wants us to.
So I leave you with this verse, one that speaks daily to my heart:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Ephesians 6:12
Know your foe and know your Victor. Rest in Him, who called you and Who will sustain you.
"Be strong in the LORD and in the strength of His might"
Love you all!!
I think one of the hardest things for me in homeschooling, above curriculum choices, the ability to do this, or even the planning, has been finding moms with older kids that could understand the pressure of homeschooling teens.
At one time, I had a mom of younger children tell me she didn't want to talk about high school homeschooling because hers were still to young. I understood her point, but at that time, I needed to vent. I needed someone who just gets it!! Not the homeschooling part, but the teen part...ha ha!
Since then.....and even before then
God has blessed me with moms of junior high and high school homeschoolers who understand the pressure of not only homeschooling, but of teenagers in general. YIKES!!! So, we pray for each other continuously...whew! That is a lot of praying ; )
Being a mom of a teen is not an easy task, but there is so many blessings that far outweigh the hormones and frustrations. Sometimes, (who am I kidding)... a lot of the time, God uses these other moms to encourage me, nudge me and down right tell me to chill and let God do His thing! I need all of this, and I know they need the same.
Some of our struggles are similar and some are different, but all require encouragement that can only come from our DADDY in Heaven! He uses these moms as His hands and feet :)
It is warfare when we do what God wants us to do, satan is not happy about us homeschooling and teaching our kids how to live from Christ's viewpoint and not how the world wants us to.
So I leave you with this verse, one that speaks daily to my heart:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Ephesians 6:12
Know your foe and know your Victor. Rest in Him, who called you and Who will sustain you.
"Be strong in the LORD and in the strength of His might"
Love you all!!
Friday, August 24, 2012
The ONE Who Steadies my Heart!
I am blessed by what my LORD has done for me. He has just kept pouring out His love all over me even when I just wanted to sit and sulk.
There has been a lot these past few weeks, from small mishaps and set backs to huge disappointment and a down right crisis. One that blew me away......but...you know what. God has been so present right there with me steadying my heart and keeping my focus on Him and not the circumstance.
My enemy has not wasted any time and has sent his darts by using "mean" hurtful people to salt the wound.... and immediately, God counters by literally putting someone who had GRACE written all over them to encourage me or to just let me lay my head down on their shoulder and cry. THIS IS THE GOD I LOVE!!!
I have been studying Ephesians with some down right fantastic ladies for a few weeks. We have been on a journey through this study learning deeper about Spiritual Warfare and the tactics our enemy uses to thwart our focus. Each time, he throws a blow meant to tear us down, Our Ancient of Days is there to knock him out of the way and pick us up to continue pressing on. Think of the prize at the end of our race. Makes my heart pitter patter all over the place!!
Not one time are we told we won't battle. Not one time are we told we will have it easy. Not one time are we told to give up! Ephesians tells us to "take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, having done everything to stand firm." STAND FIRM! HOLD FAST! If we were not going to struggle, then why would we need to know how to stand? We will have battles, we will have warfare. WE DO HAVE THE VICTORY! Satan appears to win at times, doesn't he? Well, if you are a child of the KING, he can't defeat you! He thought he had won when the stone rolled in front of the tomb.....wow....3 days later, he knew he was outdone! AMEN!!
I know that there are so many of us with these enemy attacks looming and jabbing. I know we will have those until Jesus comes for us. The Hope of Glory that lines my heart, steadies my heart is the only constant immovable love that causes me to stand and face the same direction....because I am keeping my eye on the "author and perfecter" of my faith. He inspires me....literally inspires me to not look back, but to keep my mind and my eyes on the forever He has waiting for me. So, I am pressing on.
I am praying for all of you and praying that you can see the "Light that shines in dark places". Keep your head up. He is coming back for us!
"Finally, be strong in the LORD and in the strength of His might" Ephesians 6:10
If you get a minute, listen to this song below. I hope it blesses you!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJi_7f1cpbk
There has been a lot these past few weeks, from small mishaps and set backs to huge disappointment and a down right crisis. One that blew me away......but...you know what. God has been so present right there with me steadying my heart and keeping my focus on Him and not the circumstance.
My enemy has not wasted any time and has sent his darts by using "mean" hurtful people to salt the wound.... and immediately, God counters by literally putting someone who had GRACE written all over them to encourage me or to just let me lay my head down on their shoulder and cry. THIS IS THE GOD I LOVE!!!
I have been studying Ephesians with some down right fantastic ladies for a few weeks. We have been on a journey through this study learning deeper about Spiritual Warfare and the tactics our enemy uses to thwart our focus. Each time, he throws a blow meant to tear us down, Our Ancient of Days is there to knock him out of the way and pick us up to continue pressing on. Think of the prize at the end of our race. Makes my heart pitter patter all over the place!!
Not one time are we told we won't battle. Not one time are we told we will have it easy. Not one time are we told to give up! Ephesians tells us to "take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, having done everything to stand firm." STAND FIRM! HOLD FAST! If we were not going to struggle, then why would we need to know how to stand? We will have battles, we will have warfare. WE DO HAVE THE VICTORY! Satan appears to win at times, doesn't he? Well, if you are a child of the KING, he can't defeat you! He thought he had won when the stone rolled in front of the tomb.....wow....3 days later, he knew he was outdone! AMEN!!
I know that there are so many of us with these enemy attacks looming and jabbing. I know we will have those until Jesus comes for us. The Hope of Glory that lines my heart, steadies my heart is the only constant immovable love that causes me to stand and face the same direction....because I am keeping my eye on the "author and perfecter" of my faith. He inspires me....literally inspires me to not look back, but to keep my mind and my eyes on the forever He has waiting for me. So, I am pressing on.
I am praying for all of you and praying that you can see the "Light that shines in dark places". Keep your head up. He is coming back for us!
"Finally, be strong in the LORD and in the strength of His might" Ephesians 6:10
If you get a minute, listen to this song below. I hope it blesses you!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJi_7f1cpbk
Thursday, August 2, 2012
There is Rest for the Weary-Followed by Joy for the KING!
I am so excited about yesterday. God just kept pouring out the blessings at the same time, binding up the enemy from stealing the moments!
The day started with something wonderful for my 15 yr old. Totally God!! AMEN!!
Then my three daughters and myself had some amazing hang time, we ate, we laughed, we drove and laughed some more. Then we visited with my daddy and he was making us laugh more! What a joy!!
We then headed to church for Wednesday night time! LOVED IT!!
Yesterday was my first day back from Sabbatical and God was pouring out the joy!!
Let me tell you, my heart was beating so fast with excitement. I was back to lead Calvary Kids again after a beautiful rest!
I met two new boys last night, and they were a huge gift. At the end of the night, after the teaching, application and worship, they told me it was the best time they have had at church. When I was walking them over to childcare, one of them said "can we just hang out with you some more?"
My heart melted. My God was giving me the assurance that I was ready to be back. I am still tearing up hearing those words from this 4th grade boy...yes 4th grade boy! What a joy!!!
So, I am back, not with a full plate, but back doing what God has given me to do. His way, for His Glory!
I have not taken on huge leadership positions, but have stayed with my roots....in the room, talking Jesus with Calvary kids! I am looking forward to this year. I am looking forward to what God has in store for me, for my family, and my ministry to both my own girls and to kids at Calvary. I know that this rest was what God planned for me to do, as hard as it was, I rested in obedience to Him. So, I know He has huge Kingdom work for me both at home and at church. He knew I needed to rest and get prepared for the next lap of "this race He has set before me".
So, I am running it with endurance knowing Who has the Victory!
Have a blessed day in the LORD!!!
The day started with something wonderful for my 15 yr old. Totally God!! AMEN!!
Then my three daughters and myself had some amazing hang time, we ate, we laughed, we drove and laughed some more. Then we visited with my daddy and he was making us laugh more! What a joy!!
We then headed to church for Wednesday night time! LOVED IT!!
Yesterday was my first day back from Sabbatical and God was pouring out the joy!!
Let me tell you, my heart was beating so fast with excitement. I was back to lead Calvary Kids again after a beautiful rest!
I met two new boys last night, and they were a huge gift. At the end of the night, after the teaching, application and worship, they told me it was the best time they have had at church. When I was walking them over to childcare, one of them said "can we just hang out with you some more?"
My heart melted. My God was giving me the assurance that I was ready to be back. I am still tearing up hearing those words from this 4th grade boy...yes 4th grade boy! What a joy!!!
So, I am back, not with a full plate, but back doing what God has given me to do. His way, for His Glory!
I have not taken on huge leadership positions, but have stayed with my roots....in the room, talking Jesus with Calvary kids! I am looking forward to this year. I am looking forward to what God has in store for me, for my family, and my ministry to both my own girls and to kids at Calvary. I know that this rest was what God planned for me to do, as hard as it was, I rested in obedience to Him. So, I know He has huge Kingdom work for me both at home and at church. He knew I needed to rest and get prepared for the next lap of "this race He has set before me".
So, I am running it with endurance knowing Who has the Victory!
Have a blessed day in the LORD!!!
Monday, July 23, 2012
"Quiet" Time- Really?
"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
A few years ago, I began to ask God to help me plan a better quiet time. I desired to do it in the morning, I actually felt deeply about that being the time...but how?!... instead, I would get up to late, wanting those extra minutes of sleep and would find myself later trying to do it at work, or when I got home and all of the "hungry ones" were chomping at the bids for food!!! I know a lot of you feel me on this :)
My plan just wasn't taking off to well.
So, here's how He accomplished it:
First, He needed to remind me that He is the One who works out time. He sets it up, He has total control over it. I needed to stop trying to "fit Him in".
Second, He had to show me that my quiet time was not the deep digging that I do for Precept. He just wanted me to sit with Him, read His Word, meditate and have a "heart to heart" with Him. In my mind, I was at the point where everytime I opened His word, I thought I needed to dive in like I was preparing a lesson, which is why I was having such a hard time in the morning having my "quiet time". I kept missing that quiet meant resting in Him and in His word.
Third, He again had to show me that I could not just fit this time into some moment during the day that was convenient for me. I realized that somedays.... (who am I kidding)....most days, that time did not come. I am a single mom, work full time, homeschool, helping to plan a wedding for my son....see my issue?
FINALLY.... I GOT IT!!! With a lot of nudging from the Holy Spirit :)
SO..
This month, I have been waking up, rolling out of bed, going right to the desk beside my bed, turning on my lamp, opening my Bible and having that quiet, restful, beautiful, amazing heart to heart with my KING before I even begin getting ready for work. He WANTS this time with me. His word says He delights in it. WOW! He delights in that time with me. This makes my heart beat so fast!
Here is the cool part, I work from 5am to 5pm, so I have been waking up at 3:17am (not sure what that is the exact time- ...hmm) and eagerly grasping this time with Him before my day begins.
My days have been better, my mind has been clearer to hear Him on so much that I didn't seem to hear Him on before. Including a mission trip...but that's another blog :) and I have this peace about what may or may not come.
He made a way for me. In the early morning hours, when it is literally so quiet in my house. GOD IS GOOD! I am not tired or sleepy from not getting those extra "minutes" of sleep. I am actually pumped and ready for what the day and my enemy has to bring. I have my Sword! PRAISE GOD!
Nothing is impossible with God. I have seen it through the details of my son's wedding, homeschool planning, my sabbatical and through the lives of so many and now from this time that He has set up for our morning time together. Believe me, early morning quiet time seemed very impossible just a month ago.
He continues to remind me to have faith in what He is doing in my life and to let it inspire me to be the one He has made me to be in all aspects of my life and the lives of my kiddos. It feels pretty great!
My days are far from perfect, but for some reason, they seem less crazy. Hmm... ; )
LOVING MY KING!!!
A few years ago, I began to ask God to help me plan a better quiet time. I desired to do it in the morning, I actually felt deeply about that being the time...but how?!... instead, I would get up to late, wanting those extra minutes of sleep and would find myself later trying to do it at work, or when I got home and all of the "hungry ones" were chomping at the bids for food!!! I know a lot of you feel me on this :)
My plan just wasn't taking off to well.
So, here's how He accomplished it:
First, He needed to remind me that He is the One who works out time. He sets it up, He has total control over it. I needed to stop trying to "fit Him in".
Second, He had to show me that my quiet time was not the deep digging that I do for Precept. He just wanted me to sit with Him, read His Word, meditate and have a "heart to heart" with Him. In my mind, I was at the point where everytime I opened His word, I thought I needed to dive in like I was preparing a lesson, which is why I was having such a hard time in the morning having my "quiet time". I kept missing that quiet meant resting in Him and in His word.
Third, He again had to show me that I could not just fit this time into some moment during the day that was convenient for me. I realized that somedays.... (who am I kidding)....most days, that time did not come. I am a single mom, work full time, homeschool, helping to plan a wedding for my son....see my issue?
FINALLY.... I GOT IT!!! With a lot of nudging from the Holy Spirit :)
SO..
This month, I have been waking up, rolling out of bed, going right to the desk beside my bed, turning on my lamp, opening my Bible and having that quiet, restful, beautiful, amazing heart to heart with my KING before I even begin getting ready for work. He WANTS this time with me. His word says He delights in it. WOW! He delights in that time with me. This makes my heart beat so fast!
Here is the cool part, I work from 5am to 5pm, so I have been waking up at 3:17am (not sure what that is the exact time- ...hmm) and eagerly grasping this time with Him before my day begins.
My days have been better, my mind has been clearer to hear Him on so much that I didn't seem to hear Him on before. Including a mission trip...but that's another blog :) and I have this peace about what may or may not come.
He made a way for me. In the early morning hours, when it is literally so quiet in my house. GOD IS GOOD! I am not tired or sleepy from not getting those extra "minutes" of sleep. I am actually pumped and ready for what the day and my enemy has to bring. I have my Sword! PRAISE GOD!
Nothing is impossible with God. I have seen it through the details of my son's wedding, homeschool planning, my sabbatical and through the lives of so many and now from this time that He has set up for our morning time together. Believe me, early morning quiet time seemed very impossible just a month ago.
He continues to remind me to have faith in what He is doing in my life and to let it inspire me to be the one He has made me to be in all aspects of my life and the lives of my kiddos. It feels pretty great!
My days are far from perfect, but for some reason, they seem less crazy. Hmm... ; )
LOVING MY KING!!!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Blessed by the Reminder
"For He has rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have the redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation."
Colossians 1:13-15
These last few days have brought both sadness and rejoicing. Disappointment and encouragement. Heartbreak and totally "cup runneth over" moments.
In all the moments, whether good or bad, my God was present. My Portion, my Ebenezer was right there with me. It was me that did not notice.
In every minute and every second, He was present with me, cheering me on in whatever that moment brought. He is my biggest fan, my biggest love! Noone else can do what He has done for me. Why do I sometimes miss it! Why do I sometimes ignore it?......because my enemy cannot wait to "steal, kill and destroy" my joy of who I am in Christ. This enemy cannot have my life, but he can sure make living it miserable at times, always looking for a way to dig in. Causing me to concentrate on the situation, not the One Who walks with me in it. You think I would have learned this by now ;)
So, this morning, as I sat and spent time with my King, studying His word, praying for so many,
I was shown something very special to me. Something I needed to know. Thanking my LORD for it!
Today is a new day for me and for my family and for you and yours. Praying choices are made to glorify God and not ourselves. Praying that someone sees Jesus!! Praying for a church full of kids today hearing the message of salvation. Praying for God to be "noticed" in every moment. He is so worth it!!!
He has overcome the one who tries to overcome me...I am an overcomer because of my Jesus, Who is coming back for me!! He is coming back for all of those who believe! GLORY!!!
Have a wonderfully, God filled, day!
"For behold, He who forms the mountains and creates the wind and declares to man what are His thoughts, He who makes dawn into darkness and treads the high places of the earth, THE LORD GOD of hosts is HIS name."
Amos 4:13
Colossians 1:13-15
These last few days have brought both sadness and rejoicing. Disappointment and encouragement. Heartbreak and totally "cup runneth over" moments.
In all the moments, whether good or bad, my God was present. My Portion, my Ebenezer was right there with me. It was me that did not notice.
In every minute and every second, He was present with me, cheering me on in whatever that moment brought. He is my biggest fan, my biggest love! Noone else can do what He has done for me. Why do I sometimes miss it! Why do I sometimes ignore it?......because my enemy cannot wait to "steal, kill and destroy" my joy of who I am in Christ. This enemy cannot have my life, but he can sure make living it miserable at times, always looking for a way to dig in. Causing me to concentrate on the situation, not the One Who walks with me in it. You think I would have learned this by now ;)
So, this morning, as I sat and spent time with my King, studying His word, praying for so many,
I was shown something very special to me. Something I needed to know. Thanking my LORD for it!
Today is a new day for me and for my family and for you and yours. Praying choices are made to glorify God and not ourselves. Praying that someone sees Jesus!! Praying for a church full of kids today hearing the message of salvation. Praying for God to be "noticed" in every moment. He is so worth it!!!
He has overcome the one who tries to overcome me...I am an overcomer because of my Jesus, Who is coming back for me!! He is coming back for all of those who believe! GLORY!!!
Have a wonderfully, God filled, day!
"For behold, He who forms the mountains and creates the wind and declares to man what are His thoughts, He who makes dawn into darkness and treads the high places of the earth, THE LORD GOD of hosts is HIS name."
Amos 4:13
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Perfect Love
"I can't comprehend YOUR infinitely beautiful and perfect love"
Those are the first few words of a David Crowder song, "After All (Holy)"
I am in awe of the words penned in this song. As I heard it for the first time, I couldn't quite grasp how a Perfect God could love such and imperfect me. I still sit at times and ask myself, me God? You really loved me enough to save me, even though you knew where I would go in life, where I would stray and be so blatently disobedient. Me?
A few years ago, a very special friend reminded me that when she read John 3:16, she couldn't find where it said "For God so loved the world, except______(fill in the blank with a name, maybe your own) that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish (die and live eternally in hell) but have eternal life (live forever in heaven with God)."
He loved us all, even those He knew would reject him, and deny Him completely. And....even those who would choose Him, and then stray and break His heart...ding ding ding, that's me.
Wow! Still so hard to comprehend. My heart cannot begin to try to grasp it. Why? Because He is Holy! GLORY! HE IS HOLY!! His ways are not my ways! He chased after me for years and years, He wanted me back so He recaptured my heart....That is love, pure, genuine love.
This past weekend, God gave me a miracle, a true miracle. My heart is still pounding.
Saturday, we had a major thing come up and God already had a plan for it. A miraculous plan. A solution to what this situation was, as soon as it happened! I didn't even get a chance to take a breath after saying "What do I do now God? "
But, after that I came in my house, and found myself saying "was that good enough, is what YOU did good enough?"
Immediately, my chest grew heavy and my stomach tightened up. I felt like I had nothing, just empty.
I was convicted by the Holy Spirit at that moment of something I was still carrying, a stronghold that I didn't know still had me. He worked on me all night with it, I even had close sisters praying for me. God moved a mountain in my situation and in my heart, and YES, it was good enough! AMEN YES IT WAS! How could I believe for a minute that it wasn't?
So, as I type this, the problem is still solved, the peace is still here and above that, my God Who knows how to love perfectly and beautifully is still here and still loves this so unperfect me. I know I will face more difficulties, but I am not alone...never alone!
A perfect Jesus, gave up His throne to come to this earth to die in my place, in your place, and was without sin. He chose to come, die, be buried and to be raised again. He conquered death for us. He intercedes for those who believe. He walks with me and also among you. He knows! He sees!
Someday, because of His great and perfect love, I will see Him face to face and live with my forever KING!
My hope, my prayer, is that this same Beautiful One has called you and that you know He will "never leave you"....if you don't know if you are His then reach out. Talk to someone that can help you understand. Don't let another moment go by without knowing the answer to "if I died right now, do I know for sure that I will be in heaven?" This is a matter of eternal life or eternal death. God has this saving business all worked out for you :) You don't have to be perfect or even close!!
Time is precious, and so are you.
Those are the first few words of a David Crowder song, "After All (Holy)"
I am in awe of the words penned in this song. As I heard it for the first time, I couldn't quite grasp how a Perfect God could love such and imperfect me. I still sit at times and ask myself, me God? You really loved me enough to save me, even though you knew where I would go in life, where I would stray and be so blatently disobedient. Me?
A few years ago, a very special friend reminded me that when she read John 3:16, she couldn't find where it said "For God so loved the world, except______(fill in the blank with a name, maybe your own) that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish (die and live eternally in hell) but have eternal life (live forever in heaven with God)."
He loved us all, even those He knew would reject him, and deny Him completely. And....even those who would choose Him, and then stray and break His heart...ding ding ding, that's me.
Wow! Still so hard to comprehend. My heart cannot begin to try to grasp it. Why? Because He is Holy! GLORY! HE IS HOLY!! His ways are not my ways! He chased after me for years and years, He wanted me back so He recaptured my heart....That is love, pure, genuine love.
This past weekend, God gave me a miracle, a true miracle. My heart is still pounding.
Saturday, we had a major thing come up and God already had a plan for it. A miraculous plan. A solution to what this situation was, as soon as it happened! I didn't even get a chance to take a breath after saying "What do I do now God? "
But, after that I came in my house, and found myself saying "was that good enough, is what YOU did good enough?"
Immediately, my chest grew heavy and my stomach tightened up. I felt like I had nothing, just empty.
I was convicted by the Holy Spirit at that moment of something I was still carrying, a stronghold that I didn't know still had me. He worked on me all night with it, I even had close sisters praying for me. God moved a mountain in my situation and in my heart, and YES, it was good enough! AMEN YES IT WAS! How could I believe for a minute that it wasn't?
So, as I type this, the problem is still solved, the peace is still here and above that, my God Who knows how to love perfectly and beautifully is still here and still loves this so unperfect me. I know I will face more difficulties, but I am not alone...never alone!
A perfect Jesus, gave up His throne to come to this earth to die in my place, in your place, and was without sin. He chose to come, die, be buried and to be raised again. He conquered death for us. He intercedes for those who believe. He walks with me and also among you. He knows! He sees!
Someday, because of His great and perfect love, I will see Him face to face and live with my forever KING!
My hope, my prayer, is that this same Beautiful One has called you and that you know He will "never leave you"....if you don't know if you are His then reach out. Talk to someone that can help you understand. Don't let another moment go by without knowing the answer to "if I died right now, do I know for sure that I will be in heaven?" This is a matter of eternal life or eternal death. God has this saving business all worked out for you :) You don't have to be perfect or even close!!
Time is precious, and so are you.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
My YES Moments!
This morning, God woke me up to a pressing desire to go to His Word. I love it when He is my alarm clock. So, I got up, and went. What a blessing it was!!!
I have been leading a ladies Precept Bible Study group through Revelation. This is an amazing group of ladies that God has put together. We have been studying together, some as long as 4 plus years. We have studied the Pentateuch, Daniel, Nehemiah, Judges, Covenant...and the list goes on. We study, pray, cry, laugh and praise God together. God has both blessed me and lavished His love on me by calling me to lead this group. I absolutely adore these ladies.
I cannot tell you what a blessing it is to do what God calls you to do, or not do :)
I love that He has given me passion and a desire to study and love His Word. It is my inhale! I am breathing in the very breath of God. It is a feeling that I cannot be without.
He is giving me six months to really focus on what He wants me to do. Homeschooling is my first and foremost calling. He is showing me in ways I can understand that I am right where I am supposed to be on this :)
He also knows my passion for His Word and the overwhelming desire to show others, including my own kids, how to study it for themselves and discover on their own the precepts that God wants for them!! So amazing to see the lightbulb go off! GOD IS GOOD!! I love to hear the sound of "oh, I get it"!! Makes my heart sing!! Understanding and applying the Truth!!! YES!!!
He brought me to Precept Leading in a way only He could, 5 years ago!! Since then, He has allowed me to use it at home, at church with our kiddos, and in this ladies group. I have been blessed to see Him call other leaders out of the core group that started years ago. I have watched it grow!! YES LORD! THANK YOU!!
This fall, I know where God wants me with our kiddos at Calvary. What a gift this is.
Homeschooling will be my first ministry! I am so excited about it...at the same time He has shown me that He wants me to carry on with Precept Leading. He has shown me a way to put it all together without filling up my plate. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT A GIFT THIS IS TO ME!! A huge answer to prayer for me and my family!
Did I mention my passion for teaching others to study God's Word? GLORY!! Learning the Truth and living in the light of it!! YES!
I am so glad that He loves me enough to take the time to show my hard headed self what He wants for me and for my family! I am pumped!!!! Will tell you more...soon.
Have a fantastic day in the LORD...take the time to let Him breathe His Word into you!!!
"Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of the heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." Daniel 12:3
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Broken-Rejoicing Heart
Wow! Where did April go?? It seems to have come and gone in a flash!
April was a hard month for my family and at the same time a month of rejoicing.
The hard part was a change in my family. Something that seemed to rip my heart out, and at the same time this "ripping" was going on, my son was preparing to ask his girlfriend to marry him. So, I didn't know what to do with my heart that seemed divided by both sadness and joy. Broken and rejoicing at the same time. HOW??
God showed me, yet again, in ways I can understand, that He's got this. My El Roi sees everything that my family is going through, both good and bad, and is right there with us.
However,
Satan does not want me to remember this, he wants to cause me to be blinded by the hurt of the bad and stay that way so I can miss the joy of blessing and deliverance.
My youngest daughter and I have been reading "A Wrinkle in Time" together. The chapter we just read was kind of eye opening to me. In this chapter, Meg, the daughter could see her father but he could not see her. He was surrounded by darkness, that "IT" had covered him with. He was just about ready to give up when Meg showed up and gave him the glasses of Mrs. Who and could see again. (there is more detail in the book)
I am not sure if you have read this book or what you think of it, but the "IT" was evil and wanted all to just conform and be happily comfortable and he promised all would be well. WRONG! "IT" was a liar and a deceiver and a destroyer. The character of "IT"was portrayed as a huge brain at the center of this world that the main characters found themselves in. This brain was causing people to heed to the lies and false hope. Conformity!! Missing TRUTH!
As I read it, I began to mull it over in my head to explain it to my daughter. I realized that satan loves to work in my thought process, my brain! He tries to place thoughts that are not pleasing to God right in the middle of my thinking. These are not thoughts of lustful or of blatent sinful things, but subtle thoughts of just giving in. Just bask in the sorrow and self pity! NO WAY!
My God does not want me to focus so much on the painful things that I miss the joy of who I am in Him. He loves me and knows what I am dealing with. HE SEES ME and HE SEES YOU! He knows that satan wants to capture our thoughts and focus and our God knows it is a war. GLORY TO GOD, WE KNOW WHO WINS!!! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My prayer is that I continue, by God's grace and mercy, to "take every though captive to the LORD", until the day my Jesus comes for me.
Praying the same for you!
By the way, my son's girlfriend said "YES"!! What a testimony of purity they have!
saying goodbye to April to say hello and welcome to May :)
Hoping you have a wonderful May in our LORD!
April was a hard month for my family and at the same time a month of rejoicing.
The hard part was a change in my family. Something that seemed to rip my heart out, and at the same time this "ripping" was going on, my son was preparing to ask his girlfriend to marry him. So, I didn't know what to do with my heart that seemed divided by both sadness and joy. Broken and rejoicing at the same time. HOW??
God showed me, yet again, in ways I can understand, that He's got this. My El Roi sees everything that my family is going through, both good and bad, and is right there with us.
However,
Satan does not want me to remember this, he wants to cause me to be blinded by the hurt of the bad and stay that way so I can miss the joy of blessing and deliverance.
My youngest daughter and I have been reading "A Wrinkle in Time" together. The chapter we just read was kind of eye opening to me. In this chapter, Meg, the daughter could see her father but he could not see her. He was surrounded by darkness, that "IT" had covered him with. He was just about ready to give up when Meg showed up and gave him the glasses of Mrs. Who and could see again. (there is more detail in the book)
I am not sure if you have read this book or what you think of it, but the "IT" was evil and wanted all to just conform and be happily comfortable and he promised all would be well. WRONG! "IT" was a liar and a deceiver and a destroyer. The character of "IT"was portrayed as a huge brain at the center of this world that the main characters found themselves in. This brain was causing people to heed to the lies and false hope. Conformity!! Missing TRUTH!
As I read it, I began to mull it over in my head to explain it to my daughter. I realized that satan loves to work in my thought process, my brain! He tries to place thoughts that are not pleasing to God right in the middle of my thinking. These are not thoughts of lustful or of blatent sinful things, but subtle thoughts of just giving in. Just bask in the sorrow and self pity! NO WAY!
My God does not want me to focus so much on the painful things that I miss the joy of who I am in Him. He loves me and knows what I am dealing with. HE SEES ME and HE SEES YOU! He knows that satan wants to capture our thoughts and focus and our God knows it is a war. GLORY TO GOD, WE KNOW WHO WINS!!! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My prayer is that I continue, by God's grace and mercy, to "take every though captive to the LORD", until the day my Jesus comes for me.
Praying the same for you!
By the way, my son's girlfriend said "YES"!! What a testimony of purity they have!
saying goodbye to April to say hello and welcome to May :)
Hoping you have a wonderful May in our LORD!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
So Thankful for My KING
This week has been a hard week for my family and so many other families. So tough at times that I felt like I couldn't get out of the craziness of it all. I just wanted to hide in a closet and wait for the opportunity to come to start the week over. Well, that's never going to happen right!! If it did, how many days would I spend in the closet. Hmm????
So, my amazing King sweetly reminded me of His presence by taking me to Isaiah. He reminded me that I have been set free from not only the "yoke" of slavery, but of the "yoke" of heavy burdens. He reminded me that He knows and sees those days of joy just as clearly as He sees those days of sorrow. He doesn't roll His eyes and say "great, another whiney day". So thankful for that aren't you?
As I journeyed through Isaiah, though my heart was still breaking, He lifted my head and it felt as if I was sitting in His lap pouring my heart out to Him. I felt like a huge weight was being lifted. I pictured Him reaching and pulling that "yoke" off of me and placing it on Himself. His big shoulders are a blessing aren't they :) The amazing part was that He didn't put a timer on how long I could sit there and on how much I could hand Him or how long I could weep. Can you relate?
My heart is beating so fast as I type this and share with you. My LORD is my Waymaker, my Mountain Mover, My Deliver! I long for others to have that! Long for the joy in the midst of their pain to be so evident. It wouldn't surprise me if you could hear my heart beating right now :)
I will continue to face storms and tough times as long as I am still breathing on this earth. The beautifully amazing part is that the times I face here are temporary. My desire is to see each trial this way-understanding the pain may be unbearable at times, but knowing that it is temporary and that my Jesus is waiting to "wipe away every tear".
From Isaiah 61 we are told we have:
good news for our afflictions
binding for our brokenhearts
liberty from what holds us captive
freedom from strongholds that imprison us
and
comfort in our mourning
PRAISE GOD!!!!!
So, climb into His lap and pour your heart out! His shoulders are big and He is waiting.
So, my amazing King sweetly reminded me of His presence by taking me to Isaiah. He reminded me that I have been set free from not only the "yoke" of slavery, but of the "yoke" of heavy burdens. He reminded me that He knows and sees those days of joy just as clearly as He sees those days of sorrow. He doesn't roll His eyes and say "great, another whiney day". So thankful for that aren't you?
As I journeyed through Isaiah, though my heart was still breaking, He lifted my head and it felt as if I was sitting in His lap pouring my heart out to Him. I felt like a huge weight was being lifted. I pictured Him reaching and pulling that "yoke" off of me and placing it on Himself. His big shoulders are a blessing aren't they :) The amazing part was that He didn't put a timer on how long I could sit there and on how much I could hand Him or how long I could weep. Can you relate?
My heart is beating so fast as I type this and share with you. My LORD is my Waymaker, my Mountain Mover, My Deliver! I long for others to have that! Long for the joy in the midst of their pain to be so evident. It wouldn't surprise me if you could hear my heart beating right now :)
I will continue to face storms and tough times as long as I am still breathing on this earth. The beautifully amazing part is that the times I face here are temporary. My desire is to see each trial this way-understanding the pain may be unbearable at times, but knowing that it is temporary and that my Jesus is waiting to "wipe away every tear".
From Isaiah 61 we are told we have:
good news for our afflictions
binding for our brokenhearts
liberty from what holds us captive
freedom from strongholds that imprison us
and
comfort in our mourning
PRAISE GOD!!!!!
So, climb into His lap and pour your heart out! His shoulders are big and He is waiting.
Friday, April 20, 2012
My Focus
Have you ever felt like you were missing out on something? This week, satan tried to trap me with just that very thing.
For years I have served on the children's ministry team at my church and have loved it and watched a lot of little hearts come to a saving knowledge of our Jesus. Very passionate about that! So, as the church gets ready for VBS, my heart just kind of breaks a bit. I have always been part of the planning. I actually would start planning the October prior when the new theme was released. It fueled my passion. Several unchurched kids flock into Calvary and hear the message of Christ, some for the very first time at VBS. So amazing!
This year, VBS falls in the break I am taking. Is it hard, YES IT IS. I just want to leap right in with those gifts and talents that God gave me and the passion that goes along with it. YEP, those kids are fantastic..but, what about what God wants me to do?
God showed me in ways I can understand in February of this year, that a break was necessary for my family, for me to minister to my own kids. To Homeschool, to lead, to teach, to love without the busyness!!
but...
Satan wanted to trap me. He wanted me to sign the dotted line and serve in VBS....sneaky, subtle enemy he is! He wants my family and he knows he has a better shot if he allows my focus to be on something other than what God says.
In the book of Jude, there is a reference to satan trying to get Michael to tell him where the bones of Moses were buried. He knew that if he could get to the bones of Israel's precious leader, then he could use them to get the focus off of worshipping God and onto the bones of Moses. Idolatry. WOW!
The enemy wants my focus to be off of God so he can go for my family. He is pretty coniving, using things we love to do and the subtleness of something that appears to be innocent and right, church stuff. WHOA!!! Church stuff is fantastic when it is something that God has you doing. When He is at the healm, it is powerful. I know :) But when it is not, it can take you where you shouldn't be and dry you up, I know that too : (
Satan WILL use whatever he can to sway us!! Steal our focus!
I am praising God that He is faithful to remind me that what HE says goes. I am thanking my Daddy in Heaven for his faithfulness to continue to keep me. Not for my glory or anyone else's on this earth, but for HIS and HIS alone!
PRAISE GOD, I am called, beloved and kept by God and He will keep on keeping on with my best interest at heart. GOD IS GOOD! I am clinging to Him! My Portion Forever!!
For years I have served on the children's ministry team at my church and have loved it and watched a lot of little hearts come to a saving knowledge of our Jesus. Very passionate about that! So, as the church gets ready for VBS, my heart just kind of breaks a bit. I have always been part of the planning. I actually would start planning the October prior when the new theme was released. It fueled my passion. Several unchurched kids flock into Calvary and hear the message of Christ, some for the very first time at VBS. So amazing!
This year, VBS falls in the break I am taking. Is it hard, YES IT IS. I just want to leap right in with those gifts and talents that God gave me and the passion that goes along with it. YEP, those kids are fantastic..but, what about what God wants me to do?
God showed me in ways I can understand in February of this year, that a break was necessary for my family, for me to minister to my own kids. To Homeschool, to lead, to teach, to love without the busyness!!
but...
Satan wanted to trap me. He wanted me to sign the dotted line and serve in VBS....sneaky, subtle enemy he is! He wants my family and he knows he has a better shot if he allows my focus to be on something other than what God says.
In the book of Jude, there is a reference to satan trying to get Michael to tell him where the bones of Moses were buried. He knew that if he could get to the bones of Israel's precious leader, then he could use them to get the focus off of worshipping God and onto the bones of Moses. Idolatry. WOW!
The enemy wants my focus to be off of God so he can go for my family. He is pretty coniving, using things we love to do and the subtleness of something that appears to be innocent and right, church stuff. WHOA!!! Church stuff is fantastic when it is something that God has you doing. When He is at the healm, it is powerful. I know :) But when it is not, it can take you where you shouldn't be and dry you up, I know that too : (
Satan WILL use whatever he can to sway us!! Steal our focus!
I am praising God that He is faithful to remind me that what HE says goes. I am thanking my Daddy in Heaven for his faithfulness to continue to keep me. Not for my glory or anyone else's on this earth, but for HIS and HIS alone!
PRAISE GOD, I am called, beloved and kept by God and He will keep on keeping on with my best interest at heart. GOD IS GOOD! I am clinging to Him! My Portion Forever!!
Monday, April 16, 2012
My Jonah Story
Today is rainy and icky outside, but my heart still rejoices!
I am totally blessed to be a part of my girls' education because of the permission from the Chief Administrator, MY KING!
I almost missed the calling to teach them because I was so busy doing everything else, telling God my schedule was already booked. Really, telling God...hmm! As my pastor would say " how's that working out for ya?" Well, it didn't. Ministries I was involved in lost their joy, I was forgetting details and for me, that is not a good thing. Details ruled for me! So, little by little, God weened me from my own agenda and brought me to His. So, here we are today. The blessings pour out because I am working on my God's agenda. You think I would have learned that lesson a long time ago.
But........................
When I was in Jr.High, I felt like the Lord was asking me to work full time with kids. I felt it strongly. I had it in my mind to do it too. Well, something tragic happened in my life at the age of 15, and because of it, I believed God didn't have much interest in me anymore so, I lived on my agenda. My crazy crazy agenda. For years I knew what was best for me. Instead of working with kids, I would become a Marine Biologist, I always loved the water and the life that lived in it. So, there I was...my life, my plan, my way. Right? WRONG!
For years, God wanted me to go to "Ninevah" and do what HE said to do, but instead, I got the first "boat" going the opposite direction. Then, I spent what seemed like a lifetime in the belly of a fish tossed overboard by the life I had planned. There was so much more tragedy and pain and sin and and and....the list goes on and on.
Finally, I cried out to my God and He came to my rescue. He was there with me the entire time. He never left me, just like He promised He would never do. He pulled me up from that mucky, yucky life and brought me to where He wanted me. There are alot of scars from that "belly", but each one reminds me of the where my plan took me, causing me to want to stick with the Master's plan.
He gave me a "goose bump" reminder, a good one, on what He called me to do about 9 years ago and since then I have worked with kids, working at it with all my heart for Him and not for man! AMEN! I have worked in children's ministry at the church for years and years and just this Feb, took a break for 6 months (at least) at God's nudge, to focus completely on my own kids and their school. Praise God that it didn't take a "big fish"this time.
I am sure He will bring me back to the amazing kids at church in His timing. For now, I am a teacher to my girls and He is the Planner! My heart is filled!! God is so good!
Have a blessed day in our LORD!
I am totally blessed to be a part of my girls' education because of the permission from the Chief Administrator, MY KING!
I almost missed the calling to teach them because I was so busy doing everything else, telling God my schedule was already booked. Really, telling God...hmm! As my pastor would say " how's that working out for ya?" Well, it didn't. Ministries I was involved in lost their joy, I was forgetting details and for me, that is not a good thing. Details ruled for me! So, little by little, God weened me from my own agenda and brought me to His. So, here we are today. The blessings pour out because I am working on my God's agenda. You think I would have learned that lesson a long time ago.
But........................
When I was in Jr.High, I felt like the Lord was asking me to work full time with kids. I felt it strongly. I had it in my mind to do it too. Well, something tragic happened in my life at the age of 15, and because of it, I believed God didn't have much interest in me anymore so, I lived on my agenda. My crazy crazy agenda. For years I knew what was best for me. Instead of working with kids, I would become a Marine Biologist, I always loved the water and the life that lived in it. So, there I was...my life, my plan, my way. Right? WRONG!
For years, God wanted me to go to "Ninevah" and do what HE said to do, but instead, I got the first "boat" going the opposite direction. Then, I spent what seemed like a lifetime in the belly of a fish tossed overboard by the life I had planned. There was so much more tragedy and pain and sin and and and....the list goes on and on.
Finally, I cried out to my God and He came to my rescue. He was there with me the entire time. He never left me, just like He promised He would never do. He pulled me up from that mucky, yucky life and brought me to where He wanted me. There are alot of scars from that "belly", but each one reminds me of the where my plan took me, causing me to want to stick with the Master's plan.
He gave me a "goose bump" reminder, a good one, on what He called me to do about 9 years ago and since then I have worked with kids, working at it with all my heart for Him and not for man! AMEN! I have worked in children's ministry at the church for years and years and just this Feb, took a break for 6 months (at least) at God's nudge, to focus completely on my own kids and their school. Praise God that it didn't take a "big fish"this time.
I am sure He will bring me back to the amazing kids at church in His timing. For now, I am a teacher to my girls and He is the Planner! My heart is filled!! God is so good!
Have a blessed day in our LORD!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Past and Future Blessings
My first homeschool journey :)
God had me pull Casey, my son from school when he was in the end of the 5th grade. I did not want to do it, no way! With a lot of nudging, God showed me in ways I can understand that I must do it. Finally, I obediently pulled him out and begin homeschooling. I literally had no idea what I was doing. Thankfully, my God did.
As we struggled through the first couple of years, I began to see a change in my son. A good change :) Anyone of you that knew us way back then knows full well what I am talking about. God did it, not us, not a preacher, teacher or other person influence, only God!
When he graduated in 2009, I had him a diploma and a transcript and he was ready to go, or so I thought. When we went to Lamar, they would not accept the diploma or the transcript. I was devastated, my son was devasted. This was not what we expected. So, he ended up having to take the GED. You know what, HE ACED THE TEST WITHOUT STUDYING! YES AMEN! What that test did was prove to us both that he did learn and I did teach and my God led! We both needed to know this!
This morning, he is taking another test. He is testing for the Jefferson County Sheriff's office.This first step to begin his career in law enforcement. I am so proud of him and so thankful to God for getting him here.
Now I am on the journey with my girls. When we started this year, my 15 yr old just wanted to graduate and be done with school, now, she wants to go to University of Houston for photography. My youngest is planning to attend A&M for Teaching and Library Science. THIS IS GOD FOR SURE!
Today, my girls are officially finished with the 2011/2012 school year and I have to give the glory to my amazing God! My heart is pounding with excitement as the Lord plans and I obediently follow for the 2012/2013 school year. (Through the encouragement and advice of other homeschoolers and HSLDA and THSC, I now know how to do the transcripts and diplomas)
I know there will continue to be hurdles, humps and setbacks. I also know that my God is with me on this journey and He will handle them! He reminds me in Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still" He is my Warrior! GLORY!!
I am so thankful for the support I have from other homeshooling moms, my co-op and most especially my LORD!
Have a blessed day in the our LORD!
God had me pull Casey, my son from school when he was in the end of the 5th grade. I did not want to do it, no way! With a lot of nudging, God showed me in ways I can understand that I must do it. Finally, I obediently pulled him out and begin homeschooling. I literally had no idea what I was doing. Thankfully, my God did.
As we struggled through the first couple of years, I began to see a change in my son. A good change :) Anyone of you that knew us way back then knows full well what I am talking about. God did it, not us, not a preacher, teacher or other person influence, only God!
When he graduated in 2009, I had him a diploma and a transcript and he was ready to go, or so I thought. When we went to Lamar, they would not accept the diploma or the transcript. I was devastated, my son was devasted. This was not what we expected. So, he ended up having to take the GED. You know what, HE ACED THE TEST WITHOUT STUDYING! YES AMEN! What that test did was prove to us both that he did learn and I did teach and my God led! We both needed to know this!
This morning, he is taking another test. He is testing for the Jefferson County Sheriff's office.This first step to begin his career in law enforcement. I am so proud of him and so thankful to God for getting him here.
Now I am on the journey with my girls. When we started this year, my 15 yr old just wanted to graduate and be done with school, now, she wants to go to University of Houston for photography. My youngest is planning to attend A&M for Teaching and Library Science. THIS IS GOD FOR SURE!
Today, my girls are officially finished with the 2011/2012 school year and I have to give the glory to my amazing God! My heart is pounding with excitement as the Lord plans and I obediently follow for the 2012/2013 school year. (Through the encouragement and advice of other homeschoolers and HSLDA and THSC, I now know how to do the transcripts and diplomas)
I know there will continue to be hurdles, humps and setbacks. I also know that my God is with me on this journey and He will handle them! He reminds me in Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still" He is my Warrior! GLORY!!
I am so thankful for the support I have from other homeshooling moms, my co-op and most especially my LORD!
Have a blessed day in the our LORD!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Continued Strength
I am so completely blessed by my LORD! I just went back to work after being off for three weeks with my kids (vacation). God used that time to get me organized in both my priorities and my time.
Him first thing, then breakfast with my kids, school, and family hang time. I even started reading aloud to my youngest (my 15 yr old was listening in ..yay).
I was concerned that when I went back to work on my 12 hr 5am to 5pm days, that I would revert back to being to tired when I get home to want to do anything and waking up later on my days off. I prayed so hard to my Daddy in Heaven to continue to keep me where He had brought me during my time off, and you know what, HE HEARD ME!! I worked Friday, Saturday and Sunday and was able to spend time with Him, come home to cook, tidy up and help where the kiddos needed for school. WOW!! That is only something God can do.
Let me give you a short testimony:
I was six years old and at my mother's funeral when I accepted Christ.
As I listened to the pastor's words I began to understand that I could not spend eternity in heaven with God because of the separation caused by my sin. I knew my mother was in heaven. So, very sweetly, God used that moment for me to realize that without Jesus, I would never see her again. From there, I listened even more intently to the pastor who was leading her funeral. He spoke of this Saving Grace and I understood at that moment that I was being called to that Grace!! AMEN!! The Holy Spirit moved in me I accepted that gift of Salvation and Jesus became mine!! YAY!!!
I would love to say my life was a bowl of chocolate cherries after that and that I devoted myself fully to walking with Christ, but it wasn't and I didn't. That is a whole other story! I can tell you though, I now understand full well the meaning of deliverance :)
Over the years, God has taught me where my strength comes from. There are days when I think I can't do this anymore, and He then reminds me that because of my Covenant relationship through Christ, I have His strength. I also have His Identity and His Protection. ( I strongly suggest reading Kay Arthur's study or any other study on Covenant to fully understand what I am talking about). My Savior will not drop me on my face and say "okay, I am finished with you...see ya". PRAISE GOD, He will "never leave me or forsake me". He will keep me! I am His beloved. He will continue to lead me on this journey of Homeschooling and family priorities. I am loving this King of mine!!
Thank you again for listening to my heart. I do want to mention one more thing. My mom was a teacher, it is one of only a few memories I have of her....I had always wondered if I had any of her in me...Love how my LORD answered that one for me..He gave me her teacher's heart!
I am thankful that I will get to see her again and compare "teacher notes"
My cup runneth over!
Have a fantastic day in the Lord!!
Him first thing, then breakfast with my kids, school, and family hang time. I even started reading aloud to my youngest (my 15 yr old was listening in ..yay).
I was concerned that when I went back to work on my 12 hr 5am to 5pm days, that I would revert back to being to tired when I get home to want to do anything and waking up later on my days off. I prayed so hard to my Daddy in Heaven to continue to keep me where He had brought me during my time off, and you know what, HE HEARD ME!! I worked Friday, Saturday and Sunday and was able to spend time with Him, come home to cook, tidy up and help where the kiddos needed for school. WOW!! That is only something God can do.
Let me give you a short testimony:
I was six years old and at my mother's funeral when I accepted Christ.
As I listened to the pastor's words I began to understand that I could not spend eternity in heaven with God because of the separation caused by my sin. I knew my mother was in heaven. So, very sweetly, God used that moment for me to realize that without Jesus, I would never see her again. From there, I listened even more intently to the pastor who was leading her funeral. He spoke of this Saving Grace and I understood at that moment that I was being called to that Grace!! AMEN!! The Holy Spirit moved in me I accepted that gift of Salvation and Jesus became mine!! YAY!!!
I would love to say my life was a bowl of chocolate cherries after that and that I devoted myself fully to walking with Christ, but it wasn't and I didn't. That is a whole other story! I can tell you though, I now understand full well the meaning of deliverance :)
Over the years, God has taught me where my strength comes from. There are days when I think I can't do this anymore, and He then reminds me that because of my Covenant relationship through Christ, I have His strength. I also have His Identity and His Protection. ( I strongly suggest reading Kay Arthur's study or any other study on Covenant to fully understand what I am talking about). My Savior will not drop me on my face and say "okay, I am finished with you...see ya". PRAISE GOD, He will "never leave me or forsake me". He will keep me! I am His beloved. He will continue to lead me on this journey of Homeschooling and family priorities. I am loving this King of mine!!
Thank you again for listening to my heart. I do want to mention one more thing. My mom was a teacher, it is one of only a few memories I have of her....I had always wondered if I had any of her in me...Love how my LORD answered that one for me..He gave me her teacher's heart!
I am thankful that I will get to see her again and compare "teacher notes"
My cup runneth over!
Have a fantastic day in the Lord!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
My Heart for Homeschooling
My youngest daughter thought that I should begin a blog about our homeschool journey. I am inclined to agree. So much to praise God about!
Just last summer, I felt the Lord calling me back to homeschooling and took that leap of faith and began to teach my youngest two at home. Sounds simple right....well no, not really. You see, I work full time and also single parent, so I thought, really God, are you sure you mean me???
So, after all the nudging and affirmation, we lept in faith for the school year of 2011/2012. WOW! It has been a journey. The first thing we did, after getting curriculum, was name our school...well, as God does, He named it for us and showed us in ways we can understand so,we call it Inspired Through Faith Homeschool Academy, no other name would fit.
This has been a complete journey of faith for us for so many reasons. I have had to clear much of my plate to do this and begin saying no to so much serving at our church, really me, the "yes" girl. YES ME! So, as the months have passed, there have been ups and downs, crazy days, lazy days and AMEN days but, the most amazing part is that they have all been days that God has ordained for us. He loves us and wants the absolute best for my family. He wanted me to be mom and teacher above being the breadwinner and children's leader at church. I am walking in obedience and putting my family in the right place. Glory to God alone for this! I am in this for the long haul.
I raise my Ebenezer to my God and my Sustainer Who knows full well what we need for this journey. "Thus far He has helped me"
I am looking forward to sharing more as we go along. Fasten your seatbelts, this could be a bumpy ride!!
God Bless!!
Just last summer, I felt the Lord calling me back to homeschooling and took that leap of faith and began to teach my youngest two at home. Sounds simple right....well no, not really. You see, I work full time and also single parent, so I thought, really God, are you sure you mean me???
So, after all the nudging and affirmation, we lept in faith for the school year of 2011/2012. WOW! It has been a journey. The first thing we did, after getting curriculum, was name our school...well, as God does, He named it for us and showed us in ways we can understand so,we call it Inspired Through Faith Homeschool Academy, no other name would fit.
This has been a complete journey of faith for us for so many reasons. I have had to clear much of my plate to do this and begin saying no to so much serving at our church, really me, the "yes" girl. YES ME! So, as the months have passed, there have been ups and downs, crazy days, lazy days and AMEN days but, the most amazing part is that they have all been days that God has ordained for us. He loves us and wants the absolute best for my family. He wanted me to be mom and teacher above being the breadwinner and children's leader at church. I am walking in obedience and putting my family in the right place. Glory to God alone for this! I am in this for the long haul.
I raise my Ebenezer to my God and my Sustainer Who knows full well what we need for this journey. "Thus far He has helped me"
I am looking forward to sharing more as we go along. Fasten your seatbelts, this could be a bumpy ride!!
God Bless!!
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