I'm reading through 1 John and wanted to share some of the verses of scripture as they are the verses God is piercing my heart with as I read them.
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:5-10
Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him; whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 1 John 2:4-6
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:9-11
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2: 15-17
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Best Choice for Our Family (and It's Okay if it's Not the Best Choice for Your Family)
As a homeschooling parent I hear:
"Wow, I don't know how you do it!"
"I could never do that!"
"You must have more patience than I do."
Here's my answers:
I don't have patience and yes, you can do it if it's the best decision for your family!
Wes and I do it, because God has given us the responsibility to teach our kids. Currently, Wes and I believe the best way for us to obey God in that is to homeschool. We don't know whether God will continue to lead us to homeschool until our kids graduate high school or whether He'll lead us to place them in a private or public school next fall. We evaluate each year as to what God is leading us to do.
This week someone mentioned to me that if I would put the kids back into school (as if they aren't in school now) I could have the freedom to go do things with Wes during the day.
Wow! I should place my kids back in public school so I can have the freedom to do what I want. Hmm. I don't think so!
Now, I believe the person who made that comment to me was well intentioned in saying it would make it easier for me to do certain things, and I'd have more opportunities to do things if I didn't have the kids with me all the time. That is true, and there are occasions where it is inconvenient for me to have the kids with me. It is especially hard since the kids are too young to stay home unsupervised, and we don't live near family. Thankfully God has provided wonderful friends who have been willing to help out when those occasions arise.
I know it would be easier and less stress if I placed the kids in public or private school. Trust me when I say I would enjoy having 7 hours every 5 days of me time; however, that is not what God has called me to at this point and time. God doesn't lead everyone to homeschool and that's why there are other resources for education as in public/ private school systems. God has called each one of us to a specific job and some are called to be teachers in those school systems. I thank God for those teachers and pray for the local school systems as they have an important task in educating those children God has placed there.
I support educating kids no matter whether it's by public, private, homeschool, or other means. I don't think those who choose to educate their kids differently than I currently do are wrong, so please don't encourage me to change what I know God is leading me to do because you don't understand, like, or agree with it!
"Wow, I don't know how you do it!"
"I could never do that!"
"You must have more patience than I do."
Here's my answers:
I don't have patience and yes, you can do it if it's the best decision for your family!
Wes and I do it, because God has given us the responsibility to teach our kids. Currently, Wes and I believe the best way for us to obey God in that is to homeschool. We don't know whether God will continue to lead us to homeschool until our kids graduate high school or whether He'll lead us to place them in a private or public school next fall. We evaluate each year as to what God is leading us to do.
This week someone mentioned to me that if I would put the kids back into school (as if they aren't in school now) I could have the freedom to go do things with Wes during the day.
Wow! I should place my kids back in public school so I can have the freedom to do what I want. Hmm. I don't think so!
Now, I believe the person who made that comment to me was well intentioned in saying it would make it easier for me to do certain things, and I'd have more opportunities to do things if I didn't have the kids with me all the time. That is true, and there are occasions where it is inconvenient for me to have the kids with me. It is especially hard since the kids are too young to stay home unsupervised, and we don't live near family. Thankfully God has provided wonderful friends who have been willing to help out when those occasions arise.
I know it would be easier and less stress if I placed the kids in public or private school. Trust me when I say I would enjoy having 7 hours every 5 days of me time; however, that is not what God has called me to at this point and time. God doesn't lead everyone to homeschool and that's why there are other resources for education as in public/ private school systems. God has called each one of us to a specific job and some are called to be teachers in those school systems. I thank God for those teachers and pray for the local school systems as they have an important task in educating those children God has placed there.
I support educating kids no matter whether it's by public, private, homeschool, or other means. I don't think those who choose to educate their kids differently than I currently do are wrong, so please don't encourage me to change what I know God is leading me to do because you don't understand, like, or agree with it!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
My Desire
This morning my heart is heavy as I pray to be the godly wife and mother God has called me to be. This is what I desire most. It is also the biggest challenge I face daily.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1 & 2*
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Ephesians 5: 22-24*
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord you God with all hour heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sighn on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of you house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9*
My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are they way of life. Proverbs 6:20-23*
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4*
For me to be the a godly wife and mother God has called me to be I must be first be one of His children. I must have recognized my need for a Savior; desired a relationship with Him; and responded in faith & repentance. For me to have a relationship with Him I must spend time getting to Him through reading His Word and talking to Him in prayer daily. For me to teach God's truths to my children requires me to teach them with my words and show them with my actions. I can't speak and show God's truth if I don't first know them myself and practice it in my life! As Vickie Courtney puts it in her book Your Girl "Practice what we preach and preach what we practice."
My desire is to be the godly wife & mother God has called me to be and it is a work in progress!
*The Bible (ESV)
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1 & 2*
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Ephesians 5: 22-24*
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord you God with all hour heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sighn on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of you house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9*
My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are they way of life. Proverbs 6:20-23*
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4*
For me to be the a godly wife and mother God has called me to be I must be first be one of His children. I must have recognized my need for a Savior; desired a relationship with Him; and responded in faith & repentance. For me to have a relationship with Him I must spend time getting to Him through reading His Word and talking to Him in prayer daily. For me to teach God's truths to my children requires me to teach them with my words and show them with my actions. I can't speak and show God's truth if I don't first know them myself and practice it in my life! As Vickie Courtney puts it in her book Your Girl "Practice what we preach and preach what we practice."
My desire is to be the godly wife & mother God has called me to be and it is a work in progress!
*The Bible (ESV)
Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
And Two Days Later...
God was still encouraging and convicting me as Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day:
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6 & 7.
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6 & 7.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Doubt? God Answers!
Yesterday I lacked motivation all day. As the hours passed I got cranky, because I was letting the day pass by and not doing anything productive!
At 3pm I knew I had to get the kids school lessons accomplished for day before we went to church at around 5pm, so I made them stop playing and come into the dinning area for school lessons.
They complained.
I got upset.
I was frustrated and knew we (I) had wasted the day, but I was taking it out on them as if it was their fault.
Then it got better.
Sebastian & I snuggled up in my bed and read a story or two while Katherine did her lessons on the computer.
And then, it unraveled again.
I asked Sebastian to get his handwriting lesson out of the drawer and begin working on it, while I assisted Katherine, who had a question about her lesson. Sebastian couldn't find his handwriting lessons, which frustrated me. I was asking him to do the same thing he does everyday, but yesterday he could not understand that I wanted him to pull out the 3rd blue drawer, pick up the two sheets in that drawer, and do those two handwriting practice sheets while I helped Katherine.
No, I didn't respond as the kind, loving, respectful, non-frustrated mom. Instead I used harsh words.
Why can't you do what I've asked? This isn't hard, Sebastian! I need you to listen to what I've asked and do it, so I can help your sister. I can't help you both at the same time.
Sebastian did finally understand and do what I ask, but the damage from me was already done. I saw it on his face.
As I began to help Katherine I snapped at her, because she wanted me to help her with an answer on her quiz.
I wasn't being a good teacher or mother. I wasn't honoring Christ with my words or actions, and I knew it! I felt like a failure, and I questioned whether or not God wanted Wes & I to homeschool the kids. I doubted my ability, their ability, and just about everything else I could think of!
This morning I received an encouraging newsletter in my inbox from homeschoolhelper@homeschoolingtoday.com that was exactly what I needed after the day I'd had yesterday!
God used scripture from my devotion today and the article Considering Homeschooling? Fear Not! by J.J. Francis to calm all the doubts I had yesterday about homeschooling.
Yes, God provides wisdom, strength, and encouragement when we need it when we seek Him.
At 3pm I knew I had to get the kids school lessons accomplished for day before we went to church at around 5pm, so I made them stop playing and come into the dinning area for school lessons.
They complained.
I got upset.
I was frustrated and knew we (I) had wasted the day, but I was taking it out on them as if it was their fault.
Then it got better.
Sebastian & I snuggled up in my bed and read a story or two while Katherine did her lessons on the computer.
And then, it unraveled again.
I asked Sebastian to get his handwriting lesson out of the drawer and begin working on it, while I assisted Katherine, who had a question about her lesson. Sebastian couldn't find his handwriting lessons, which frustrated me. I was asking him to do the same thing he does everyday, but yesterday he could not understand that I wanted him to pull out the 3rd blue drawer, pick up the two sheets in that drawer, and do those two handwriting practice sheets while I helped Katherine.
No, I didn't respond as the kind, loving, respectful, non-frustrated mom. Instead I used harsh words.
Why can't you do what I've asked? This isn't hard, Sebastian! I need you to listen to what I've asked and do it, so I can help your sister. I can't help you both at the same time.
Sebastian did finally understand and do what I ask, but the damage from me was already done. I saw it on his face.
As I began to help Katherine I snapped at her, because she wanted me to help her with an answer on her quiz.
I wasn't being a good teacher or mother. I wasn't honoring Christ with my words or actions, and I knew it! I felt like a failure, and I questioned whether or not God wanted Wes & I to homeschool the kids. I doubted my ability, their ability, and just about everything else I could think of!
This morning I received an encouraging newsletter in my inbox from homeschoolhelper@homeschoolingtoday.com that was exactly what I needed after the day I'd had yesterday!
God used scripture from my devotion today and the article Considering Homeschooling? Fear Not! by J.J. Francis to calm all the doubts I had yesterday about homeschooling.
Yes, God provides wisdom, strength, and encouragement when we need it when we seek Him.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Haunted Questions of Today
So today I feel like a terrible mom and teacher. I'm frustrated and worried. I'm wondering if Katherine & Sebastian are where they should be academically. I wonder whether I'm actually teaching them anything productive. Are they really learning? Am I a teaching them anything correctly? Where are they compared to their friends in public schools? Is Katherine still above average as she was when she attended public school? What level is she on now? Am I pushing Sebastian enough with his reading? Is he building a strong foundation?
Why am I doubting so much today? Why am I so caught up in comparing myself (& my family) to others?
Today I'm discouraged and struggling.
I realize the problem is my lack of focus, self discipline, and structure.
I'm asking the Lord to draw me closer to Him and teach me how to be more disciplined with Him and with my family.
Why am I doubting so much today? Why am I so caught up in comparing myself (& my family) to others?
Today I'm discouraged and struggling.
I realize the problem is my lack of focus, self discipline, and structure.
I'm asking the Lord to draw me closer to Him and teach me how to be more disciplined with Him and with my family.
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