His Plan Looks Different Than Mine

 As I look back, nearly a month has gone by since enrolling my son in public school. I went in with great hopes of seeing his weaknesses turn into strengths. As the first week came to a close, I had thoughts of withdrawing him as it was both emotionally and spiritually draining. Most days ended with a report from his teacher that showed his behavior wasn't good. Daily phone calls and/or emails from his teacher, highlighting his struggles, made me sad. She encouraged my husband and I to consider homeschooling him again. I scratched my head wondering, "What just happened?"

I had prayed, sought counsel, received confirmation in scripture and honestly felt the Holy Spirit guiding me in that decision. So what happened? His plan. It wouldn't be until a few weeks later that I felt the Lord encourage me to email his teacher (who no longer was his teacher as we were homeschooling again) and ask how I could serve her in the classroom this year even as my son was no longer her student.

As my fingers typed her that email, my flesh was so weary but I chose to obey His prompting. Not understanding. Not  knowing why, but I obeyed. She responded back excitedly wanting me to volunteer in her classroom weekly. She doesn't know Jesus. HE has a plan. HE wants to show her His love.

The Lord planned this whole thing. HE knew my husband would go in for a conference and ask to pray with her. HE knew I would send response emails with scripture verses in them to her. HE knew we needed to voice to her how we are praying for her daily and had been (for the perfect teacher for my son) over the summer as well. HE knew my son would only be there for a week. HE knew we needed her and she needed us too!

I plan to volunteer in her classroom soon. I am praying my eyes will be open for ministry opportunities in out-of-the-ordinary ways, as I serve her. 

Has that happened to you before? When you have heard Him and obeyed yet it went completely different than you thought?  Did HIS plan look different than what you were expecting?

Has HE directed ministry through your kids, for you to do, that was unexpected?

Keep your eyes open for ministry opportunities, with those you entrust your little ones to.

HIS plan looked different than mine but what an amazing journey my faith will be if I will trust and obey.

ps. My son's teacher shared with a colleague (who also is a friend of ours) that she would like to try out our church sometime! God is working! WOOHOO!

Regret Free Education

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         It’s the time of year when we start evaluating the school options for our children’s education.  I’ve always said I wish I were the type of mom who could enroll her child in public school when they were entering kindergarten and never think twice about it until they have graduated.

         The education piece in our parenting has lead to MANY discussions, much prayer and a lot of indecision over the years.  After more than 16 years of education decisions for our children (which included: Christian, public and homeschool), I can say I am very glad we did home educate our children.  

I do NOT regret the years we chose to homeschool our children.  I will adamantly say home education is NOT for everyone, but for our family, it occasionally was.

         A simple list should suffice why Home schooling worked for our family.

1.    We loved being able to spend quantity and quality time with our children.

2.    We are always more intentional about educational opportunities when we see ourselves as both parent and teacher.

3.    Because I am not always at “my best,” the more time I spent with our children, the more likely they will eventually see “my best.”

4.    We were able to travel and still consider the time a day of school.

5.    We could be selective about who our children spent their time with.

6.    Our children were forced to be best friends.

7.    I was able to watch our children learn to read, do math and fall in love with History.

8.    Bible “class” was a practical application of what we were reading and learning about

9.    Their classes were chosen and taught based on their interests and abilities.

And finally,

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10. I will never regret the hours I had with our children, rather than hours they would have spent with teachers in a traditional school setting.

I know many of you are evaluating what kind of education you will offer your children in the coming school year.  Evaluation is a reflection you have great concern for the well being on your child.

     Don’t feel like you have to make the same decision for your children that your friends are making for theirs.  Ask the Lord to give you discernment and direction.  He may direct you to the neighborhood public school or your church’s Christian school.  Should He lead you to home educate your child, He will teach through you, and you will never regret the time with your child.

     Trust Him in this parenting piece.  The Lord Jesus cares about our children far more than we do.  As we trust HIM, we have no regrets!

Proverbs 27: 23  

"Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds."

         

Decisions Decisions

Those who love your instructions 

have great peace 

and do not stumble. 

- Psalm 119:165

It was last night, as I drove to my OB/GYN monthly appointment, that I spoke to a friend who lives in another state. Chatting about life with Jesus and the adventure that it brings, we both shared about decisions we needed to make. Ones no one but Jesus could help us decide on. Have you had a decision like that lately? Maybe....

Homeschool vs. Christian School  vs. Public School

Go back to work vs. Stay home

Buy it vs. Wait 

Stay vs. Go

Get pregnant vs. Wait 

Submit vs. Do your own thing

Spend vs. Save

The Bible says that in the multitude of counselors there is wisdom, Proverbs 15:22.  I have found this to be true. Many times I have sought out a seasoned Christian mom for advice on discipline and child rearing, marriage, and friendship. Then there are those times the only One I need to seek for wisdom and guidance, in order to obtain peace, is Jesus. 

Yes many times in my life I wanted a person to give me the "right" answer to my question. I wanted someone else to make the hard choice. Someone I could point to when I questioned if I made the right decision, but honestly ladies there is no human that can give you that peace besides the Lord.

Some of the sweetest times in my walk with Jesus have been when I've gotten alone and seen His Word jump off the page and reveal truth to me. It is that personal relationship where HE speaks when I am listening. Many times we don't quiet ourselves long enough to hear His response. His Word is powerful, with answers to EVERY question you have. Yes EVERY! He is Creator. He is all-knowing. He made you. He knows the best path for you and your family. 

Will you seek Him today? 

Do you have a question needing an answer? 

Get alone with God. 

Open your Bible.

Ask & seek His Holy Spirit for wisdom and direction.

Watch His Word come alive and reveal TRUTH in your life today.