everyday worship

May we not save our worship just for Christmas, but may we fall to our knees every day, of every year, in worship of our King.

Dear mama...

Dear Homeschool Mama,

It’s been a long year.

2011 is almost over. You’ve spent much of it at home. You’ve taught math lessons (over and over and over …) and learned more about grammar than you ever wanted to know. You’ve worked on character training as you’ve helped make beds and clear tables. You’ve washed a veritable mountain of laundry and cooked boatloads of macaroni and cheese.

You’ve had eyes rolled at you 9,362 times, stressed over the SAT and the ACT and had to make hard curriculum and school decisions.

Your heart has been broken when your children weren’t nice to one another or when older ones chose paths you didn’t approve of. You’ve cried over spilled milk and shattered dreams. You’ve received non-glowing progress reports and unfavorable doctor’s prognoses. You’ve questioned yourself daily as you struggle down this path of educating your children at home.

You’ve also enjoyed some sunny days. You’ve held hands walking paths in the park and watched the sun glow golden through trees. You’ve watched understanding dawn on your children's faces. You’ve lit birthday candles, wondered at giraffes and elephants at the zoo, and you’ve prayed together and laughed together and lived life together.

Not many people saw.

But I did.

And I want to thank you. For loving well, for laying your life down, for working hard at this task you’ve heard Me call you to.

Love,
Your Father

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:11-12

“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

New Year Hopes

New Years Hopes (in no specific order)

1. I hope to drink more water

2. I hope to drink less Pepsi

3. I hope to get healthier

4. I hope to lose weight

5. I hope to be a better wife

6. I hope to be a better mother

3. I hope to write real letters, not just email

6. I hope to get more organized

4. I hope to take my dog to the dog park

5. I hope to work out

6. I hope to pray more and spend more time with Jesus

7. I hope to share my faith more with boldness

8. I hope to serve God more and to serve others more

9. I hope to give more

7. I hope to eat less

8. I hope to make time to have fun and just be silly

9. I hope to tell my daughters something I love about them everyday

10. I hope to think about good things more and bad things less

11. I hope to cook more

12. I hope to be a better friend

13. I hope to be a better daughter

12. I hope to dance, dance, dance

13. I hope to love people that I do not feel like loving

13. I hope to spend less time on Facebook

14. I hope to spend more time with my daughters

15. I hope to listen to music

16. I hope to have a cleaner house

16. I hope to tell my husband something that I love about him everyday

17. I hope to offer my opinion about stuff a lot less

19. I hope to become less busy with stuff that does not matter at all

20. I hope to treasure every moment. We do not know when it may be our last day. We never know what tomorrow may bring.

21.I hope to live the best life day by day that I can

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

the gift

Thinking about Christmas brings to mind gifts. Well, this year I am thankful for the gift of homeschooling.

As I look back on this journey, I am realizing it is a gift that God presented to me five years ago, and I have slowly been peeling off the paper and bow, to reveal the beautiful gift that it truly is.

It is a gift that has given me more of my kids. Chances for relationships with them, time with them, and the opportunity to really get to know them on so many levels- being with them each day, teaching them.

It is a gift that has given me more of my beautiful Savior. I have grown closer to Him, seeing more and more glimpses of the other side, when I am drawn closer to Him each and every day.

It is a gift hat has given me friendships. I have been blessed beyond measure with the many friends I have made on this journey, and because of this journey. Kindred spirits, like minds, and sisters in Christ.

It is a gift that has taught me to lean on Him, and not my own understanding. To stay on His path, and the blessings are abundant.

This was a gift that I did not know that I wanted until it was given to me. And it has taken me awhile to unwrap it and appreciate how much I love this gift.

So I thank you Lord for your gift of homeschooling…

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15

You Never Let Go

Never Let Go

Christmas In Heaven