This past weekend Brian and I flew to California to attend a funeral for a friend of his that became a friend of mine, Debbie. It was an unexpected death and brought shock to most. In order to travel there are many things that have to be done. You have to have someone to watch the kids to start with then plan a flight, car rental, hotel (or folks to stay with), food, and make sure work allows the time off. Once all this is set up, you pack, have someone take you to the airport then you're off. It's not easy.
As we were preparing our trip, I wanted to make sure I knew what the Bible said about hope, after all, that's what her husband would need to hear, hope in the Lord, to trust Him, to be confident in the God of the world that He had a plan, a good plan even when we couldn't see it. Yes, I had mentally noted the scriptures and words that would be used to minister to Al. I was ready.
Per usual, the Lord taught me something. Something I'm not really good at. Being quiet. You see, when I saw Al, I said nothing. I cried and hugged him. That's all I could do. He said thanks for being there. And later when we would talk, he would talk of Debbie and tell us about her and tell stories. And it was wonderful. He just needed to talk about her. He needed my presence, not my words. He knows we have three kids and live in Texas and traveling to California isn't the easiest and it meant the world to be there for him. That's it, to be there. Present.
I learned that there is a time to talk and minister and sometimes there is just a time to hug someone, cry with them, and tell them they are loved. And that goes far deeper than words ever could.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
2 Months and Still Going
If you remember we pulled the girls out of public education to homeschool them back in November. Currently as I write this the two older are running around in the backyard playing with the dogs and jumping on the trampoline as the littlest naps, all during "school" times. Yes, we should be doing science right now but it'll be there when I'm done, right?
As a Type A person, being flexible has been one of the hardest things for me. Learning that it's OK to stop a lesson because it's going south instead of feeling that it needs to be done right now or you'll get behind (OK, so I haven't done this in practice, but there have been times I have thought we need to shelve this for the day. Still beating the public school teacher out of me).
Prior to Christmas our curriculum was very rote, mostly out of fear of deviation. Then it dawned on me, I never taught this way so why am I doing this with the girls? Homeschool is a blessing to be able to have fun and learn. I have began to look at our curriculum to see what we're going to learn for the week and then look on Pinterest to add in games or different ways of teaching. I have really enjoyed this aspect because as a public school teacher I mourned not being able to do the fun creative stuff, the way I'm wired.
This semester we have added science and history and I love it. We do each one 2 days a week. We also enrolled them in art lessons and love that so far. These things are done with the older two together and I really like that.
There have been days that I am thinking, "What have we done? Are you kidding me? Can we be done for the day?" But I wouldn't change that for the world. I enjoy being home with the girls during the day and being their teacher. I enjoy hearing them play outside on a school day or going to Chick Fil A for lunch with fewer kids running around. I like that.
I also have to remind myself of my calling because it is easy to fall into pity and think, "If the girls were in school my days would be quieter and on days Brynlie was in school I'd have alone time and could do what I want." Those days aren't often, but they do rear their ugly head. It is a sacrifice of self to homeschool. I feel you really have to give up your free time. To me, it's a sacrificial love for the good of the family to invest into their education. It's not always easy. But it's sanctifying to say the least.
Two months in and so far, we're all surviving. Abbie is doing fantastic at cursive handwriting and can do elapsed time better than any of my third graders that I taught. Ellie's reading has improved greatly and her math skills are superb. Bryn, well, she tends to come in and make a mess with the math tiles, dump toys in the middle of the lesson, or turn up the TV very loudly. But it's greatness.
As a Type A person, being flexible has been one of the hardest things for me. Learning that it's OK to stop a lesson because it's going south instead of feeling that it needs to be done right now or you'll get behind (OK, so I haven't done this in practice, but there have been times I have thought we need to shelve this for the day. Still beating the public school teacher out of me).
Prior to Christmas our curriculum was very rote, mostly out of fear of deviation. Then it dawned on me, I never taught this way so why am I doing this with the girls? Homeschool is a blessing to be able to have fun and learn. I have began to look at our curriculum to see what we're going to learn for the week and then look on Pinterest to add in games or different ways of teaching. I have really enjoyed this aspect because as a public school teacher I mourned not being able to do the fun creative stuff, the way I'm wired.
This semester we have added science and history and I love it. We do each one 2 days a week. We also enrolled them in art lessons and love that so far. These things are done with the older two together and I really like that.
There have been days that I am thinking, "What have we done? Are you kidding me? Can we be done for the day?" But I wouldn't change that for the world. I enjoy being home with the girls during the day and being their teacher. I enjoy hearing them play outside on a school day or going to Chick Fil A for lunch with fewer kids running around. I like that.
I also have to remind myself of my calling because it is easy to fall into pity and think, "If the girls were in school my days would be quieter and on days Brynlie was in school I'd have alone time and could do what I want." Those days aren't often, but they do rear their ugly head. It is a sacrifice of self to homeschool. I feel you really have to give up your free time. To me, it's a sacrificial love for the good of the family to invest into their education. It's not always easy. But it's sanctifying to say the least.
Two months in and so far, we're all surviving. Abbie is doing fantastic at cursive handwriting and can do elapsed time better than any of my third graders that I taught. Ellie's reading has improved greatly and her math skills are superb. Bryn, well, she tends to come in and make a mess with the math tiles, dump toys in the middle of the lesson, or turn up the TV very loudly. But it's greatness.
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
A Heart Breaking Verse
This morning as I reading through Luke (I will finish this month, it's only taken a year!), I stumbled across a verse that just breaks my heart. Let me set the scene first.
In Luke 22 we have the Lord's Supper where this sweet moment is celebrated with Christ that turns into a dispute about who is the greatest. This leads into Jesus approaching Simon (Peter) and tell him that Satan demanded to have him, why? To sift him like wheat. Here's the thing, Jesus lets Satan! I would have been like, "What the what Jesus? You said no, right?!" Then I'd walk around wondering what was lurking around the corner and when this sifting would happen. But Christ knew. And Peter could take comfort because Jesus prayed that his faith may not fail. And listen to this, "And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Catch that, when you have turned again! Sounds like something dramatic is coming.
Peter has grand intentions and tells Jesus he is ready to go to prison and death with Christ. He's all in. Ready. Committed. Sold. But see, his intentions would ultimately lead him to denying Christ as Christ had told him he would.
Keep following the story in Luke and we see that Jesus is taken and what does Peter, this man who was all in do? He trails behind. We see him following at a distance, not wanting to be part but not wanting to be left out. How many of us, me included, do that with Jesus today? Kinda in, kinda out. Close enough to know but not close enough to be associated. And what does Jesus say about that? Rev 3:16: So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
Keep going and three different people say that Peter was part of this group that Jesus belonged to and of course, fulfilling Christ's prophecy, denied Christ three times. And here is the heart wrenching verse during that third denial:
But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
The Lord turned and looked at Peter in the midst of his sin, his denial, the one who would go to prison and death with him. I wonder what Jesus's face was like. Was it a face of condemnation? I told you so? Or filled with compassion, grace, and mercy? Peter then remembers what Jesus had said and went out and wept. Bitterly.
It seems in this moment that Peter's faith had failed. Ever felt that way? I say, "Lord, I will..." or "Lord, I will never..." only to find out faith has failed and I do that very thing I said I would or would never do. And I go out to weep bitterly because it has broken the heart of God.
I also see Christ's face in a different way. When I replace Christ with idols of the heart, I will deny Christ his rightful place and when those idol's eyes meet mine, I will be left empty and weep bitterly. With Christ in his rightful place, I can remember that Christ has prayed that my faith may not fail. Though I deny and build idols, he prays for my faith to not fail. John 17 Christ asks God to allow us to be where he is, in glory.
Whether we are in a season of being sifted by Satan or denying Christ (whether by words or actions), we have a hope and confidence, that once we turn again, we should strengthen our brothers.
In Luke 22 we have the Lord's Supper where this sweet moment is celebrated with Christ that turns into a dispute about who is the greatest. This leads into Jesus approaching Simon (Peter) and tell him that Satan demanded to have him, why? To sift him like wheat. Here's the thing, Jesus lets Satan! I would have been like, "What the what Jesus? You said no, right?!" Then I'd walk around wondering what was lurking around the corner and when this sifting would happen. But Christ knew. And Peter could take comfort because Jesus prayed that his faith may not fail. And listen to this, "And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Catch that, when you have turned again! Sounds like something dramatic is coming.
Peter has grand intentions and tells Jesus he is ready to go to prison and death with Christ. He's all in. Ready. Committed. Sold. But see, his intentions would ultimately lead him to denying Christ as Christ had told him he would.
Keep following the story in Luke and we see that Jesus is taken and what does Peter, this man who was all in do? He trails behind. We see him following at a distance, not wanting to be part but not wanting to be left out. How many of us, me included, do that with Jesus today? Kinda in, kinda out. Close enough to know but not close enough to be associated. And what does Jesus say about that? Rev 3:16: So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
Keep going and three different people say that Peter was part of this group that Jesus belonged to and of course, fulfilling Christ's prophecy, denied Christ three times. And here is the heart wrenching verse during that third denial:
But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
The Lord turned and looked at Peter in the midst of his sin, his denial, the one who would go to prison and death with him. I wonder what Jesus's face was like. Was it a face of condemnation? I told you so? Or filled with compassion, grace, and mercy? Peter then remembers what Jesus had said and went out and wept. Bitterly.
It seems in this moment that Peter's faith had failed. Ever felt that way? I say, "Lord, I will..." or "Lord, I will never..." only to find out faith has failed and I do that very thing I said I would or would never do. And I go out to weep bitterly because it has broken the heart of God.
I also see Christ's face in a different way. When I replace Christ with idols of the heart, I will deny Christ his rightful place and when those idol's eyes meet mine, I will be left empty and weep bitterly. With Christ in his rightful place, I can remember that Christ has prayed that my faith may not fail. Though I deny and build idols, he prays for my faith to not fail. John 17 Christ asks God to allow us to be where he is, in glory.
Whether we are in a season of being sifted by Satan or denying Christ (whether by words or actions), we have a hope and confidence, that once we turn again, we should strengthen our brothers.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
I'm a Better Mom
We have now completed two weeks of homeschooling and something I never thought I would say, I love it. The girls seem to be thriving and my favorite thing is that we start our day in the word, studying what God has to say to us and asking questions and praying then we start our day. There is no formula for a well ran day, but I truly believe the Lord is blessing our time because we honor him with ours.
Here is what else I feel, I'm a better mom. I don't feel anxious all the time with all the have-to's. We have to be home to get homework done, we have to get in the shower, we have to get dinner started, we have to read now...we have to, we have to. It's now, we get to. We get to go outside and play. We get to read a book together, we get to sleep in and have a leisurely morning. We get to start our day in the word. We have time.
Matt, our pastor, was talking this past weekend about a tired that we feel when we go to bed because we honored and worked hard for the Lord doing what he has asked. I must admit, there were many nights before I home schooled that I went to bed tired, exhausted, and dreading the next day and all that had to be done and joy was sucked right out of me. And in hindsight, perhaps all this stuff I was doing, wasn't unto the Lord because he hadn't asked me to do it! I was working on my plan doing my thing.
But when I surrendered to his call to home school (reluctantly at first), I came under his umbrella of obedience. And I go to bed a good kind of tired. I don't dread my day ahead and all the have-to's, I look forward to going to the park to play with the girls, and for all this, I'm a better mom.
Here is what else I feel, I'm a better mom. I don't feel anxious all the time with all the have-to's. We have to be home to get homework done, we have to get in the shower, we have to get dinner started, we have to read now...we have to, we have to. It's now, we get to. We get to go outside and play. We get to read a book together, we get to sleep in and have a leisurely morning. We get to start our day in the word. We have time.
Matt, our pastor, was talking this past weekend about a tired that we feel when we go to bed because we honored and worked hard for the Lord doing what he has asked. I must admit, there were many nights before I home schooled that I went to bed tired, exhausted, and dreading the next day and all that had to be done and joy was sucked right out of me. And in hindsight, perhaps all this stuff I was doing, wasn't unto the Lord because he hadn't asked me to do it! I was working on my plan doing my thing.
But when I surrendered to his call to home school (reluctantly at first), I came under his umbrella of obedience. And I go to bed a good kind of tired. I don't dread my day ahead and all the have-to's, I look forward to going to the park to play with the girls, and for all this, I'm a better mom.
Saturday, November 09, 2013
Thanks for Thanksgiving
Thanks for Thanksgiving is one of my favorite books. I read it so much each year that it's falling apart. I used that book and some ideas I found on Pinterest and this is what we did today.
I read the book to them then we made thankful-pies (Pumpkin pies, cool whip and all!). We took a paper plate and turned it upside down to trace a brown circle, cut it out, and glued that on the plate. Then we cut a smaller orange circle and cut a piece out and marked out the slices on the brown paper where they put their thanks. We stuck a brad through the center and added a cottonball for the whip cream. They're pretty cute if you ask me.
I read the book to them then we made thankful-pies (Pumpkin pies, cool whip and all!). We took a paper plate and turned it upside down to trace a brown circle, cut it out, and glued that on the plate. Then we cut a smaller orange circle and cut a piece out and marked out the slices on the brown paper where they put their thanks. We stuck a brad through the center and added a cottonball for the whip cream. They're pretty cute if you ask me.
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| One day, this won't be sideways. Till I figure it out, sorry! |
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| Abbie wrote what she was thankful for. |
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| Ellie drew what she was thankful for. |
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| And ta-da! Our thankful pies are done, whip cream and all! |
Monday, November 04, 2013
Day 1 in the Books
Today was our first day of homeschooling. After careful thought I put on my gray comfy pants, house shoes, threw my hair up in bun, and went to work. One great thing was we started our time studying the bible. This week we are studying Pentecost and using the book Old Story New, which are 10-minute devotionals.
Part of our reading curriculum is FIAR and all three girls sat down with me on the floor and we read and did our lesson together. We got all our work done, reading, math, grammar, and handwriting. It worked like a well-oiled machine and I couldn't have asked for today to have gone any better. It was nice to work one on one with each girl in a relaxed environment. To top it off, we finished everything in 2 hours.
We went to Chick-fil-A for lunch, headed to the library to load up on books, and enjoyed having fun after working diligently.
I know every day won't be this seamless (and awesome), we will be adding Explode the Code for both of the older two girls and the oldest will start her writing program twice a week using Writing Strands. But I feel good about this decision and fear I might become one of those, "You have to do this!" kind of person. Oh Lord have mercy!
Part of our reading curriculum is FIAR and all three girls sat down with me on the floor and we read and did our lesson together. We got all our work done, reading, math, grammar, and handwriting. It worked like a well-oiled machine and I couldn't have asked for today to have gone any better. It was nice to work one on one with each girl in a relaxed environment. To top it off, we finished everything in 2 hours.
We went to Chick-fil-A for lunch, headed to the library to load up on books, and enjoyed having fun after working diligently.
I know every day won't be this seamless (and awesome), we will be adding Explode the Code for both of the older two girls and the oldest will start her writing program twice a week using Writing Strands. But I feel good about this decision and fear I might become one of those, "You have to do this!" kind of person. Oh Lord have mercy!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Don't Say the "S" Word
Many people, even myself, think about homeschooled children as these weird, awkard little people who don't know how to interact with others. I have looked upon my own kiddos and have Abbie, who is very active, loves people, loves to chat, and is overall, the social butterfly and in her very humble opinion, is famous at Vista since everyone knows her.
Ellie is the quiet kiddo who can sit around the house all day in pj's and be completely happy for hours...days...weeks?
Bryn is still evolving but I think she will fall somewhere in the middle of these two.
I do worry about socializing them. How will they make friends? Who will their friends be since they'll be at home while everyone else in school?
There are a few things we do have in our favor.
1. They will be involved in a homeschool gymnastics class and I have asked for them to be in a class where there are ages close to where they are.
2. They are at church on Sunday and Wednesdays.
3. My future plan is to find a coop for us to join to hang out with other kiddos who are homeschooled.
4. I know many moms who homeschool so for me, it will be having to be diligent to pursue these relationships, even if it means me stepping out of my comfort zone.
One article I read said that kiddos who have awkard parents, whether they are in public school or homeschool, will be awkard. Here's hoping I'm not awkward. Feel free to check back in year to see how we fair.
"What most people mean by "socialization" is simply socializing. And they regard children are not in school as being deprived of this opportunity. However, studies show that homeschooled children participate in more activities than the average child." (Free Range Learning)
"A homeschooler who interacts with parents and siblings more than with peers displays self-confidence, self-respect, and self-worth. She knows she's part of a family unit that needs, wants, and depends on her. The result is an independent thinker who isn't influenced by peers and is self-directed in her actions and thoughts." (Social Skills and Homeschooling: Myths and Facts)
The Home School Mom had a great article about homeschooling and socialization, highly recommend you take a couple minutes to read over it.
Please hear, I am not against public school. I am not pulling my kiddos out of public school (charter) because I am against it. I do, however, don't want misconceptions formed that my kids won't be socialized because I have made a personal choice to teach them.
Each family follows the path that God gives them. He has chosen homeschooling and whether it be for the rest of their education or for a season, either way, I will be faithful. He knitted these littles together in my womb, he knows them full well. He knew their bent, their design, their personality, and he determined that it would be best for all of us to be home. And so, I walk in faith that he will socialize them as he sees fit and I am to be faithful to the good works he has prepared in advance.
Ellie is the quiet kiddo who can sit around the house all day in pj's and be completely happy for hours...days...weeks?
Bryn is still evolving but I think she will fall somewhere in the middle of these two.
I do worry about socializing them. How will they make friends? Who will their friends be since they'll be at home while everyone else in school?
There are a few things we do have in our favor.
1. They will be involved in a homeschool gymnastics class and I have asked for them to be in a class where there are ages close to where they are.
2. They are at church on Sunday and Wednesdays.
3. My future plan is to find a coop for us to join to hang out with other kiddos who are homeschooled.
4. I know many moms who homeschool so for me, it will be having to be diligent to pursue these relationships, even if it means me stepping out of my comfort zone.
One article I read said that kiddos who have awkard parents, whether they are in public school or homeschool, will be awkard. Here's hoping I'm not awkward. Feel free to check back in year to see how we fair.
"What most people mean by "socialization" is simply socializing. And they regard children are not in school as being deprived of this opportunity. However, studies show that homeschooled children participate in more activities than the average child." (Free Range Learning)
"A homeschooler who interacts with parents and siblings more than with peers displays self-confidence, self-respect, and self-worth. She knows she's part of a family unit that needs, wants, and depends on her. The result is an independent thinker who isn't influenced by peers and is self-directed in her actions and thoughts." (Social Skills and Homeschooling: Myths and Facts)
The Home School Mom had a great article about homeschooling and socialization, highly recommend you take a couple minutes to read over it.
Please hear, I am not against public school. I am not pulling my kiddos out of public school (charter) because I am against it. I do, however, don't want misconceptions formed that my kids won't be socialized because I have made a personal choice to teach them.
Each family follows the path that God gives them. He has chosen homeschooling and whether it be for the rest of their education or for a season, either way, I will be faithful. He knitted these littles together in my womb, he knows them full well. He knew their bent, their design, their personality, and he determined that it would be best for all of us to be home. And so, I walk in faith that he will socialize them as he sees fit and I am to be faithful to the good works he has prepared in advance.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Homeschool Curriculum Choices
I have spent a lot of time researching and talking to other HS moms and have made a choice for curriculum for our girls. I will include those we did not choose because they might work for you!
Abbie: 3rd Grade
Bob Jones University (BJU) 3rd grade reading (mostly for the book portion)
BJU Math
Cursive Handwriting book
Writing Strands Level 3
Explode the Code Level 4
First Language Lessons Level 2
Ellie: Kinder
BJU Math
D'Nealian Handwriting Book (went with this method since they've been doing it in Kinder. Didn't want to switch her up).
Explode the Code Level 1
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
For Both of them:
Five in a Row (FIAR) This will incorporate our "formal" reading and tie in History, Geography, Language and Science. I do want to add in experiments during the week.
For next fall I will add an formal history using The Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times and Science using Apologia Exploring Creating with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures. They each will have their journal for this.
If you're new to looking for curriculum, try the publishers website then search on Amazon which will typically give you a better deal and if you're Prime, FREE shipping. Also, Mardel does run sales on their HS curriculum (that's where I bought Explode the Code for pretty cheap) but overall, they tend to be higher in price. If you get their emails, there are coupons and you can usually get 1 item for 25-30% off.
My favorite place is Home Educator's Resource in Lewisville. They sell new/used HS books and such. Even found some of my FIAR books from here for $3! They are super nice and so helpful there. I asked a million questions and they answered every one!
Curriculum that I did not use but have looked at:
Math:
Abbie: 3rd Grade
Bob Jones University (BJU) 3rd grade reading (mostly for the book portion)
BJU Math
Cursive Handwriting book
Writing Strands Level 3
Explode the Code Level 4
First Language Lessons Level 2
Ellie: Kinder
BJU Math
D'Nealian Handwriting Book (went with this method since they've been doing it in Kinder. Didn't want to switch her up).
Explode the Code Level 1
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
For Both of them:
Five in a Row (FIAR) This will incorporate our "formal" reading and tie in History, Geography, Language and Science. I do want to add in experiments during the week.
For next fall I will add an formal history using The Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times and Science using Apologia Exploring Creating with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures. They each will have their journal for this.
If you're new to looking for curriculum, try the publishers website then search on Amazon which will typically give you a better deal and if you're Prime, FREE shipping. Also, Mardel does run sales on their HS curriculum (that's where I bought Explode the Code for pretty cheap) but overall, they tend to be higher in price. If you get their emails, there are coupons and you can usually get 1 item for 25-30% off.
My favorite place is Home Educator's Resource in Lewisville. They sell new/used HS books and such. Even found some of my FIAR books from here for $3! They are super nice and so helpful there. I asked a million questions and they answered every one!
Curriculum that I did not use but have looked at:
Math:
Math U See
Saxon
Teaching Textbooks (TT)
Right Start
Math on the Level
Life of Fred
History (not yet at least):
Notgrass
Notgrass
Reading:
The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading
Writing:
The Complete Writing: Writing with Ease
There is so much out there that one can get overwhelmed. I chose to pick and choose in lieu of a boxed set. My goal is to start leaning toward more of a classical curriculum and some of these choices do allow this, though not all. It's all about balance and what is right for your family.
And finally, if you're thinking of HS, read these two books now.
A Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home (This book covers pre-k through HS)
Friday, October 18, 2013
A New Season
There is new season upon the Vinson family and not just fall, which happens to be my favorite, but a season of change. Lots of changes. And for one who does not like change, this is sanctification in warp speed for me.
Over the summer Brian and I began to discuss homeschooling, a topic that is not new. We have many friends who homeschool and love it (at least, they seem to!). And the seed began to grow, that we will homeschool our girls. Of course, I met this with a bit of resistance and began to research curriculum after curriculum. I talked/wrote many moms who homeschooled to see what they did, what they liked or didn't like and began to create lists of ideas for every subject and then began to delve into those to find what I think would work best for our girls.
I made a pros and cons list for home school vs. charter school still not certain that the Lord would really ask me to take them out of school that we love, love, love. I will be an advocate for Vista because it's awesome. We are not pulling from this school for any reason other than the Lord has spoken a command over our family and our response is to obey.
I began to feel an angst in my soul that I can not explain other than if you've experienced the Lord asking you to do something and you didn't really want to do but he wouldn't let up till you did. I finally resigned to the fact that he was asking me to do this. And yes, I have a teaching background, but teaching your own kids? Ha! After saying yes, it came down to the timing. We had thought we would start next school year but began to feel better about starting in January and began to second guess ourselves. Curriculum is bought, we know the Lord has asked us, why are we waiting? We then decided to start the first week of November and let the girls be home for the holidays and begin our new way of educating.
Here is one thing I do know, just because the Lord has asked me to do this does not guarantee it will be easy. Part of me is really excited, the other part terrified. I can easily walk the what-if road of all the things that could go wrong. God has been very clear about this calling and he has graciously answered my request for clarity so I know that I am right where I need to be.
The girls are excited. We have our "school" room set up, desks, book shelves, lamps. It is fun to see it all put together and I pray over their desks as I clean them, that the Lord would bless them, bless the girls, and be part of this whole homeschool thing.
I would be remiss not to mention the moms who have been so incredibly helpful (they may not even read this blog, but a huge thanks is still in order!): Nissi, Amanda, Jess, Emily, Kristen, Dawn, and Robin who has poured more time into mentoring me than I dare mention!
Over the summer Brian and I began to discuss homeschooling, a topic that is not new. We have many friends who homeschool and love it (at least, they seem to!). And the seed began to grow, that we will homeschool our girls. Of course, I met this with a bit of resistance and began to research curriculum after curriculum. I talked/wrote many moms who homeschooled to see what they did, what they liked or didn't like and began to create lists of ideas for every subject and then began to delve into those to find what I think would work best for our girls.
I made a pros and cons list for home school vs. charter school still not certain that the Lord would really ask me to take them out of school that we love, love, love. I will be an advocate for Vista because it's awesome. We are not pulling from this school for any reason other than the Lord has spoken a command over our family and our response is to obey.
I began to feel an angst in my soul that I can not explain other than if you've experienced the Lord asking you to do something and you didn't really want to do but he wouldn't let up till you did. I finally resigned to the fact that he was asking me to do this. And yes, I have a teaching background, but teaching your own kids? Ha! After saying yes, it came down to the timing. We had thought we would start next school year but began to feel better about starting in January and began to second guess ourselves. Curriculum is bought, we know the Lord has asked us, why are we waiting? We then decided to start the first week of November and let the girls be home for the holidays and begin our new way of educating.
Here is one thing I do know, just because the Lord has asked me to do this does not guarantee it will be easy. Part of me is really excited, the other part terrified. I can easily walk the what-if road of all the things that could go wrong. God has been very clear about this calling and he has graciously answered my request for clarity so I know that I am right where I need to be.
The girls are excited. We have our "school" room set up, desks, book shelves, lamps. It is fun to see it all put together and I pray over their desks as I clean them, that the Lord would bless them, bless the girls, and be part of this whole homeschool thing.
I would be remiss not to mention the moms who have been so incredibly helpful (they may not even read this blog, but a huge thanks is still in order!): Nissi, Amanda, Jess, Emily, Kristen, Dawn, and Robin who has poured more time into mentoring me than I dare mention!
Friday, June 07, 2013
Worst End of the School Year Mom Conviction
I am sure by now you have read Worst End of School Year Mom Ever and if you haven't, you should. It was me this year. Don't know why but I just ran out of steam and said many times, "I can't wait for summer!" We did a lot of auditory reading, and checking the folder? Um, folder? I claimed to not have received an important paper to fill out and return and Abbie's teacher lovingly said it was in the folder. Oh, that folder!
But today the Lord convicted me. I will not take away from what Jen wrote, it describes me. But I want to add. In the midst of the chaos of end of school, what did I teach my girls? Did I teach them to persevere? Did I teach them to lean into Jesus when we just wanted to be done? Did I teach them to continue to be diligent in their work and continue to do what was asked, actually reading for 20 minutes a day?
No, I didn't. I had summer on the brain and began to just survive. I didn't teach my girls to persevere even when we (I) didn't feel like it. I didn't teach them to honor God in the midst of busyness and to work with eager hands. I had the end in mind and that is what kept me going, not truly walking in the day to day craziness and allowing myself to be a vessel of hope and truth that praised God that we have 'free' education, teachers who care, activities to enjoy, friends to hang out with, birthdays to celebrate, cars to get us where needed to go, and so on. I forgot God. Sure, I prayed in the morning, "Lord help me!" But after my cry to him I went about the day on my strength and only turned to him when I was at my wits end. He wanted me to be his, communicating with him from sunup to sundown trusting him to carry the burden and the load and all the little things that just had to be done. He wanted to be part of it. But I didn't invite him in. I had summer on the brain.
Hindsight is 20/20, that is truth. My question for myself is how to move forward. I think it might just begin with repentance, asking God to forgive me for trying to do it all and grumbling about "having" to do it all, possibly, most likely, telling the girls that I did not honor in this season by working diligently and asking for their forgiveness, and then, next year when this all happens again, that I am reminded of His goodness and grace and I invite him into all the end of the year milestones.
But today the Lord convicted me. I will not take away from what Jen wrote, it describes me. But I want to add. In the midst of the chaos of end of school, what did I teach my girls? Did I teach them to persevere? Did I teach them to lean into Jesus when we just wanted to be done? Did I teach them to continue to be diligent in their work and continue to do what was asked, actually reading for 20 minutes a day?
No, I didn't. I had summer on the brain and began to just survive. I didn't teach my girls to persevere even when we (I) didn't feel like it. I didn't teach them to honor God in the midst of busyness and to work with eager hands. I had the end in mind and that is what kept me going, not truly walking in the day to day craziness and allowing myself to be a vessel of hope and truth that praised God that we have 'free' education, teachers who care, activities to enjoy, friends to hang out with, birthdays to celebrate, cars to get us where needed to go, and so on. I forgot God. Sure, I prayed in the morning, "Lord help me!" But after my cry to him I went about the day on my strength and only turned to him when I was at my wits end. He wanted me to be his, communicating with him from sunup to sundown trusting him to carry the burden and the load and all the little things that just had to be done. He wanted to be part of it. But I didn't invite him in. I had summer on the brain.
Hindsight is 20/20, that is truth. My question for myself is how to move forward. I think it might just begin with repentance, asking God to forgive me for trying to do it all and grumbling about "having" to do it all, possibly, most likely, telling the girls that I did not honor in this season by working diligently and asking for their forgiveness, and then, next year when this all happens again, that I am reminded of His goodness and grace and I invite him into all the end of the year milestones.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Rules, Rules, Rules
I love rules. I really do. Rules tell me what I can or cannot do. It gives me boundaries. The problem with rules for me is they are set in stone. I am quick to judge those who break rules but even quicker to justify my failures. Yes, a love/hate relationship with rules.
Luke 11: 37-52 are the woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers.
The Pharisees get three woes:
1. hypocrisy: tithe everything, even herbs, but neglect to do justice and love God.
2. love for the best seat in the house: they like the praise of others
3. like unmarked graves: those who follow Pharisees are deceived, they lead others astray.
Then it's the Lawyers' turn.
1. They interpret the law, make them hard to bear, but won't even help people keep the law.
2. Hypocrisy for building monuments to the prophets, of "whom they will kill and persecute."
3. Condemned for their interpretation of Scripture that "have taken away the key of knowledge" to understand God's plan of salvation and "hinder those entering in."
I find myself in both. I am like the Pharisee at times who makes sure the outside of the cup is clean, but my heart is not in the right place (vs. 39). I like to "look" a certain way or get a certain response and be praised for what I have done instead of basking in what He has done.
And sometimes, more than I like, I impose rules upon my girls, like the lawyers, expecting them to follow, but not helping them burden the weight of them. Can you say convicting? I set rules to keep routine and stability in the home, sometimes like a drill sergeant, "Do this, do that!" I don't enter into the rules myself, teaching them why they are good, how they help us, why they are needed, and how they can move their little hearts to actually like the rules. Instead, like the lawyers, I "do not touch the the burden with on your fingers." (vs. 46).
It should not be. Rules haven't saved me. They never can, never will. Only the righteousness of Christ has saved me and out of a deep love and revere for knowing him more deeply, serving him more joyfully, I follow the rules. It's out of an overflow of my heart that has been transformed that I am able to love the rules and appreciate them and know that when consequences come, it is for my good, his joy, even when it hurts.
My girls need me to enter in, to lift a finger, heck, a hand, to hold them, show them how rules are out of a joy and respect and walk with them until God transforms their heart and makes them his.
I must not take away the key of knowledge needed to understand God's plan of salvation. I have entered in and been saved, but they have not. I must do what I can, empowered by the Spirit, trusting in the Lord, to make sure they have heard and know God and pray fervently that he lights that on fire and just blows up their hearts and mind with who he is.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
With God...
I am going through the book of Luke with Good Morning Girls Living Like Jesus and this morning the focus verses were Luke 1: 37-38.
For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
The angel had just told Mary she was to have a baby and nothing was impossible with God and Mary's humble response was that she was a servant, let it be.
The verse that stood out to me was, "nothing will be impossible with God." God opened my eyes a bit to help me understand this a bit more in my life. There are many things I try to get done and I often have a list of things, then I get burdened by the list and there is no joy and I get upset that others aren't helping me with my list of things or are getting in the way. Frustration builds or I just wonder why I try to do it all. It can be from having a clean home, cooking good nutritious meals for my family, bringing my girls up in the Lord, serving others, working out to take care of my body, budgeting well, and fill in the blank with what you are trying to do. And we say, with God, this won't be impossible! Yet, we're exhausted. But I think we cling wrongly to that promise because we need to step back and ask, is this call to do these things from God? If they are from God, I do think they will be possible and if they are from us, there's going to be some friction.
I will cling to the promise that nothing is impossible with God, when he's ordained it. Yes, raising my kids in the Lord is from God, a biblical call on my life, it will be tough, but not impossible.
My response, like Mary, is to humble myself, remember I am a servant of the great high King and the things he calls into being in my life won't be impossible as I walk with him.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Heartbreak Beyond Comprehension
Too fresh in our minds, the news out of Connecticut sent my stomach to turn and almost create in me a sickness that just wouldn't go away. Watching and hearing the news unfold was one horrible story after another. There are so many ways we can turn. We can scream like Piers Morgan at our guests that more guns isn't the answer and how we need tighter gun laws or we can begin to cry out about the mentally ill. I have an opinion. A big one. But one I won't share. It doesn't matter. What matters is there is hope in Christ. Hope for breaking hearts. God has a promise.
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 118:11 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
The LORD knew we would face trials, hardships, pain, and loss. But He has never left us.
John 16:37
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Take heart dear believer in Christ, that he has overcome the world. We mourn, cry, pray, praise, and worship until his return. John 16 states that no one can take our joy away.
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 118:11 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
The LORD knew we would face trials, hardships, pain, and loss. But He has never left us.
John 16:37
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Take heart dear believer in Christ, that he has overcome the world. We mourn, cry, pray, praise, and worship until his return. John 16 states that no one can take our joy away.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Hope
Driving along listening to Christmas music I began to dwell on Jesus as a baby. Blows my mind that he came that way. In the night, breaking the silence with the cries of a newborn. And here he was, with his mom, to save the world.
Something else entered. Hope.
Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." We hope for what we can't see, but Christ in the flesh filled the world with hope. He grew into a man, walked with the sinners, and continued to give hope to those who were shunned by society. He died the death we couldn't, saving us though we put him there, and was raised again. He didn't leave us alone, he gave his spirit to walk with us. And so, we hope again. This time, our hope is that he is coming to rescue us forever.
Christmas is a reminder about the hope we have. Hope to have marriages healed, hope to restore relationships, hope that our children will be saved, and hope that though we struggle, there is eternity waiting.
So, what if this Christmas we filled our homes with hope. When we see lights that we teach our children we are to be the light of the world, that the Christmas tree (even fake ones) are evergreens symbolizing eternal life, and the presents under the tree are not because they are worthy to receive, but because we give out of an overflow of our heart.
What if, as Christians raising our children in a dark world, we give them the one thing they need: Christ. Let's start now. Let's pledge to give our children Christ not just this season, but every day of their life.
When Christ comes, we won't have to hope because we will see. And once we see, we'll never want anything else.
Something else entered. Hope.
Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." We hope for what we can't see, but Christ in the flesh filled the world with hope. He grew into a man, walked with the sinners, and continued to give hope to those who were shunned by society. He died the death we couldn't, saving us though we put him there, and was raised again. He didn't leave us alone, he gave his spirit to walk with us. And so, we hope again. This time, our hope is that he is coming to rescue us forever.
Christmas is a reminder about the hope we have. Hope to have marriages healed, hope to restore relationships, hope that our children will be saved, and hope that though we struggle, there is eternity waiting.
So, what if this Christmas we filled our homes with hope. When we see lights that we teach our children we are to be the light of the world, that the Christmas tree (even fake ones) are evergreens symbolizing eternal life, and the presents under the tree are not because they are worthy to receive, but because we give out of an overflow of our heart.
What if, as Christians raising our children in a dark world, we give them the one thing they need: Christ. Let's start now. Let's pledge to give our children Christ not just this season, but every day of their life.
When Christ comes, we won't have to hope because we will see. And once we see, we'll never want anything else.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Hot ham & cheese sandwiches
2 pkgs pepp farm dinner rolls
½ - 1 lb shaved ham frm deli
½ # swiss cheese
Place ham & cheese inside rolls and place in 9x13
On the stove melt:
1 stick butter
3 T brown sugar
1 T mustard
1 T worchestershire
Stir while heating
Pour glaze over sand
Chill in fridge to marinate (20 min)
Bake 325 10-15 min
Serve immediately
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Sanctity of Life. And my 7 year old.
Abbie came home from school to let me know that a friend told her, "Obama wants to kill babies in mommies tummies."
Pause. Freak out. "We'll talk about that later."
Not quite what I was expecting when you ask, "What did you learn today?"
My first thought, honestly, was what parent told their kid this? What did they hear? Why are they telling others? Oh. my.
I didn't say anything else to Abbie. Just needed to sit in it.
This morning I got out the bible and told Abbie that I wanted to talk to her about. Told her that we see what God has to say about things in life and what did God say about this. I read to her Psalm 139. We talked about how God is everywhere, you can't hide. We talked about God knitting her together and that he could see her when I couldn't and that God has determined the days of her life before the earth began. He has for all us. We talked about being fearfully and wonderfully made.
Then I asked what she thought about that. She only agreed.
Then I had to tell her that Obama believes that a girl who is pregnant has the choice to have the baby or not, and that is called abortion, when they murder it. She asked what murder was and I told her they kill it. Her inquisitive 7 year old mind wanted to know how they kill it and I honestly answered that I didn't know, nor did I want to.
I told her based off the bible, God gives life, God takes life. Not us. Every soul is loved by Him.
I never had abortion as a topic of discussion on my radar. Not for a 7 year old. I didn't want to shy from this topic as though it should be taboo. I want her to know truth. God's truth. I want her to run to the bible and seek out God. She might not quite understand this topic fully, and that's ok. But I want the words of the living God to be placed upon her soul as kindling so that they might light a fire in her heart that burns for him and she will know why we believe what we believe because if I don't bring the truth to light, someone else will bring false teaching.
Psalm 139
Pause. Freak out. "We'll talk about that later."
Not quite what I was expecting when you ask, "What did you learn today?"
My first thought, honestly, was what parent told their kid this? What did they hear? Why are they telling others? Oh. my.
I didn't say anything else to Abbie. Just needed to sit in it.
This morning I got out the bible and told Abbie that I wanted to talk to her about. Told her that we see what God has to say about things in life and what did God say about this. I read to her Psalm 139. We talked about how God is everywhere, you can't hide. We talked about God knitting her together and that he could see her when I couldn't and that God has determined the days of her life before the earth began. He has for all us. We talked about being fearfully and wonderfully made.
Then I asked what she thought about that. She only agreed.
Then I had to tell her that Obama believes that a girl who is pregnant has the choice to have the baby or not, and that is called abortion, when they murder it. She asked what murder was and I told her they kill it. Her inquisitive 7 year old mind wanted to know how they kill it and I honestly answered that I didn't know, nor did I want to.
I told her based off the bible, God gives life, God takes life. Not us. Every soul is loved by Him.
I never had abortion as a topic of discussion on my radar. Not for a 7 year old. I didn't want to shy from this topic as though it should be taboo. I want her to know truth. God's truth. I want her to run to the bible and seek out God. She might not quite understand this topic fully, and that's ok. But I want the words of the living God to be placed upon her soul as kindling so that they might light a fire in her heart that burns for him and she will know why we believe what we believe because if I don't bring the truth to light, someone else will bring false teaching.
Psalm 139
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Monday, November 05, 2012
Hands
Lately I've been thinking about my hands. Mainly because I read about the woman in Proverbs 31, specifically vs 20: She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
I have to admit, I'm not a fan of my hands and when I taught Pre-K I had this little boy tell me I had old lady hands. That was 4 years ago and it has stuck. They are kind of bony, pretty sure those are age spots but I have to look back at the verse, "extends her hands to the needy." Who is needy that you come across? Most frequently, it's my children. Today I have wiped snot, dried tears, cleaned pee up off the floor (and I don't even have a boy!), changed poopy diapers, carried kids, and have hugged my kids and husband. The list doesn't end there. I will be needed to help with homework, put on gymnastics clothes, change more diapers, cook dinner, help with baths, read books, and tuck sweet littles into bed and kiss them goodnight. These hands may be "old lady" hands, but I am serving my family the best I know how.
In addition to this, I want my hands to be known not to just how I serve my own family, but those in need. Who needs a meal delivered or their kids watched? Who needs help with a project? How might I extend my hand to the poor and needy? That is where I struggle; giving of myself in a generous, abundant way without expectation but an overflow of the generosity that God has toward me.
I guess I don't mind my old lady hands (most days) as long as I remember who they are serving.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Being Intentional
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your 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 sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
(Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV)
Ah, this command challenges me. I know it's there. I know I should do it but fail miserably at it. The reason is that I trust in myself. Not in God. The great thing about these verses is that when I am constantly doing the aforementioned, I am also constantly teaching myself the gospel. And this what I need. Daily.
God broke me the other day. In a good, merciful, much needed way. My "good" deeds that I do for my family are sucking me of joy because they're exactly that, my deeds. I don't serve my children or husband well because I serve how I think they need to be served and when they don't like how I serve, or interrupt, I get frustrated. Can't they see all my good?! God just spoke to me and said that needed to stop and I needed to serve my family they way they need to be served and stop looking to my agenda. Then I can be free to be interrupted because I am serving them in their way, meeting their needs, pointing them to Christ. (Much different than me yelling to be patient. Now!)
I see the need to be more vigilant about exposing Christ in our family. To try to teach myself the gospel (Good News) and pass that to my children. This week we are working on the fruit of the spirit. I have printed two small books for Abbie and Ellie and printed out game pieces to use as conversation starters at dinner. You could even print out the fruit page with blanks and have your kids write in when they see family members (or friends, strangers, etc) demonstrating these characteristics. I need to trust in the LORD and when that happens, I won't cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 says:
7 f“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
(Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ESV)
Ah, this command challenges me. I know it's there. I know I should do it but fail miserably at it. The reason is that I trust in myself. Not in God. The great thing about these verses is that when I am constantly doing the aforementioned, I am also constantly teaching myself the gospel. And this what I need. Daily.
God broke me the other day. In a good, merciful, much needed way. My "good" deeds that I do for my family are sucking me of joy because they're exactly that, my deeds. I don't serve my children or husband well because I serve how I think they need to be served and when they don't like how I serve, or interrupt, I get frustrated. Can't they see all my good?! God just spoke to me and said that needed to stop and I needed to serve my family they way they need to be served and stop looking to my agenda. Then I can be free to be interrupted because I am serving them in their way, meeting their needs, pointing them to Christ. (Much different than me yelling to be patient. Now!)
I see the need to be more vigilant about exposing Christ in our family. To try to teach myself the gospel (Good News) and pass that to my children. This week we are working on the fruit of the spirit. I have printed two small books for Abbie and Ellie and printed out game pieces to use as conversation starters at dinner. You could even print out the fruit page with blanks and have your kids write in when they see family members (or friends, strangers, etc) demonstrating these characteristics. I need to trust in the LORD and when that happens, I won't cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 says:
7 f“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
gwhose trust is the Lord.
8 hHe is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Thursday, July 05, 2012
A Marriage Testimony
Over the past few
weeks I’ve been thinking about our anniversary. It will be 11 years (July 7). I am ferociously for marriages and am
saddened by the ending of so many. Marriage is hard. Ask Brian. He lives with
me and I know I am not an easy person to live with.
But God in his
mercy has done something amazing. He has blessed this marriage, redeemed it,
and continues to sanctify it. He alone. I’m stubborn, selfish, prideful, and
more Type A than I care to be. But God…intervenes, changes, and gives fresh
hope and new perspectives.
For the first 7
years of our marriage there was a secret sin. Never saw the signs. Never knew
anything else was part of this “two shall become one” relationship until my
husband confessed his porn addiction. I had watched another marriage unravel
from this addiction, saw how each reacted, and witnessing their struggle I
think helped me deal with Brian in a grace filled way. It was completely the
Holy Spirit that allowed me to give grace to Brian, to fully forgive.
You see, in the
early stages of marriage I think my gut reaction would have been to close
myself off to Brian, hold this atrocity over his head most likely for the rest
of his life, to be distant, not to serve and love as a wife should. It is quite possible divorce would have been
an option. But God, over the course of those 7 years was preparing my heart for
the sin Brian committed against our relationship (though it should have never
been a secret to start with). He
softened my heart to hear the sin, to forgive, and to walk alongside Brian to
fight this battle, to pray for his heart and mind and that God would give him
victory. And He did.
This was a
catalyst to a much greater, deeper, richer marriage. We followed this up with
Step Studies at church, an intensive 16 week program of viewing your life
through the lenses of the gospel, seeing your sin for what it is, confessing,
repenting, and making amends where needed.
When things don’t
go according to my agenda, I have to be intentional about looking at my heart,
seeing where my sinful desire or expectation is and repent when needed. Jeremiah 17:9 says that “The
heart is deceitful above all things.” I must constantly be before the Lord
asking him to reveal my heart and sin.
As Brian and I have walked in this manner, talking, being
open about the tough issues, checking our hearts to see where there is truth
and where there are lies, it has lead to a deeper more fulfilling relationship.
I am eternally grateful that we both are being conformed
to the image of his Son and that this marriage is a reflection of how Christ
loves the church. I pray that God will continue his good work and look forward
to where he leads us as a couple and as a family.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Happy 10 year Anniversary
I would think that 10 years of marriage makes me a professional. If not, at least I'm educated. The past 10 years of marriage have been fantastic. Brian and I have always gotten along and typically have the same vision for our family and when we don't, we work it out.
In the beginning we had a good marriage. But that's it. Just good. Brian left me to my own decisions and sins in order to avoid conflict and hurting my feelings. After attending Step Studies, our relationship evolved. Brian would confront me over my sins. Now, this has never been pleasant for either of us, still isn't, but I have to take what he says, weigh it, find the truth, and repent. I know he doesn't enjoy this part of the marriage, but I must say I welcome it. It grows us in our faith. We are rooted in Christ. We both have our hope in Him alone. We both seek to do his will and pray for ours to be changed where they don't align.
Our marriage has always been good, but I can say now that with the help of Christ through sanctification, it's great.
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.-Proverbs 27:17
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