Monday, September 15, 2008

unrealistic expectations

i shared with you all a few posts back about being in the midst of the trial. well, news to report, it seems that the trial is over. let me share....... we decided after much prayer and agony to homeschool our 1st grader this year. last year she was in kindergarten and we knew her teacher very well from church and because of that we were confident in having M in her class. we tried to get Mrs. M to move up the the 1st grade, but after many pleading sessions, we quickly realized that was not going to happen. so, what do we do..... we were not confident in the school as a whole, let alone the school system. we researched and found a wonderful christian school in our area and we were really excited, but God quickly changed those plans when funding for justin's non-profit fell through. plan b- homeschool seemed like the only option at the time and i struggled with the decision, but was I was determined to make it work. as august 17th approached, i became more anxious, determined and overwhelmed. i spent that first week of school trying to come up with a schedule, lesson plan and most of all patience. many nights of praying myself to sleep. i know this is not unusual for new homeschool moms, so in many ways i felt a bit relieved. we went to michigan for two weeks and i tried to get M to buckle down and do her school work- it was nearly impossible with all the family around. most of my time spent in MI, i felt anxious and so nervous to get home. it was very difficult to relax and enjoy my time without thinking about starting school once we got home.

we finally arrived home on tuesday and when i opened the door to the house, i immediately felt this heaviness hit me. my demeanor changed and i become irritated, impatient, and not very loving. i knew exactly what it was.... wednesday, we sent our little L off to her first day of preschool and i was determined to have M study all morning. boy, how that failed.... it became impossible to get her to sit and not be distracted. {i'll speed up the story} our home has always been a fun place and to have her try and switch gears was a real struggle for me. she's a very quick learner and has really enjoyed learning. i thought that was going to be on my side, but in fact it worked against me. i wondered was she learning anything???

thursday, a dear friend of mine called to chit chat. i unloaded all the concerns and issues i had with homeschooling. after listening to me carry on, she mentioned a school that they had heard about. after getting all the details, i called the school and was told that they have one 1st grade spot available and that it might fill quickly. i made an appointment for that afternoon to look at school and called justin to fill him in. i picked justin up from church, {the school is only 5 minutes away from calvary}. when we entered the building we immediately had that small town feeling. i had been praying to either move back east or find a school that has a strong sense of community and parental involvement. after speaking with the director and administrative staff we felt such at ease with this school. i took the application and began filling it out, just as i finished the paperwork the secretary received a call about that open spot in 1st grade. whew! not open anymore..... as we were leaving this incredible peace came over and i just knew this was from Him. my only hesitation was having to tell M. when justin came home that night, we sat down with her and explained all our reasons for enrolling her in school and her response was "YEAH!!!!!". again another confirmation from God.

there is still a bit of a junk that i'm wrestling with and mostly it's my sense of failure. i wanted so desperately to make this work. i had such grand expectations of how i thought homeschooling was going to come together. and again, they were unrealistic expectations. i think that's always been my problem. UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.... ugh..... the biggest relief has been that my sweet husband has and still is so supportive of whatever direction we take. he said on our way back to church that day " let's be frank, i never wanted you to homeschool, but you were so determined, so i just let you go with it." he knows me so well.

we're two days into school and M just loves it. she's so excited and the only issue she has is the fact that she has to wear a uniform. "mom, i want to look pretty"- i think she was relieved to see that she wasn't the only one in khaki pants and an oxford shirt.


thank you Lord, that you allow us to go through the junk and that you know in the end that we'll be stronger because of it. thank you for providing options for us and giving Mia such an excitement for school. i'm honored that you allowed me to try homeschooling and that the way out was always there. thank you for my sweet justin who is so supportive and yet, convicting at the same time. what a beautiful example of who you are in my loving husband. i commit this new year to you and look forward to seeing what you'll do Mia's life. also, we're so grateful for the little christian school that Lis is able to attend, and that you have provided above and beyond to make it happen.


SIDE NOTE: sorry for the long post and i'm not much of a writer. i believe there are lots of run on sentences, yikes.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

COUSINS

we're still in Michigan and having a wonderful time with family. my sister and her family live 5 minutes from my parents, so we've been together everyday. it's so awesome to see all the kids playing together. it wasn't always like this.... there are 6 kids under the age of 6, whew.... it's so interesting that God blessed us both with 2 girls and a boy. my nephew Shepherd just turned 2 and he's had quite a 2 years of his life. he was born with a cleft-palate, many surgeries, many illnesses, many late nights, lots of trips to the ER, feeding tubes, and many nights spent praying. he's a miracle, and it's so beautiful to see just how God has healed, they are not out of the woods yet, but positive that this year will bring about new growth for all.



thank you Lord, for little Shepherd and that you've brought him this far. we look forward to what your going to do in his life. i pray that these two sweet boys will have a great bond and that they grow into men after your own heart.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

i interrupt this post....

for a special service announcement.....

i'm in Michigan for the next 2 weeks visiting my family! i flew alone with the 3 kids yesterday and let's just say it was a journal day......... i will post when i can, but the most important thing is for me right now spending time with my parents, sister and fam, 90 year old grandmother, and aunt.

not many pics right now, but, this was taken at breakfast this morning......
lis was praying over their bagels, blueberries and oldemor's coffee.

heavenly father, thank you that we're able to spend time in Michigan and that you made this possible. i pray that relationships are strengthened and that time spent will only glorify you. thank you for lazy days and quality time around the table.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

going through it...

i knew it was coming..... here i go, through the trial..... but, God is SO good and His mercies ARE new every morning!

thank you Lord, that you remain faithful even in the midst of my chaos. thank you that you restore my spirit and that you hold me close and whisper to me that you will see me through. thank you for showing me your love in those around me. thank you for loving me and giving me glimpses of who you are throughout the day.

Friday, August 15, 2008

not a whole lot to say.......

God is stirring something in me and i just can't put my finger on it. lately, i've been a little on edge and grumpy... ugh {i've needed to ask forgiveness a lot} i've really been trying to be quiet and still before God. at times, it's a really beautiful time for me, but then i find there are times where i'm anxious and waiting for a clear voice, because i feel {see it's all about me} that i deserve to have answers NOW. i know that He's stretching me and i feel a real growth spurt coming on, but do i really want it.. no thank you..... however, i do know that i don't want to remain where i am, so that means i will submit and obey and go through the trial.

i'm always excited to see where God is leading and thankful that He's not through with me yet. so, i will be still and invite Him onto my boat and i will listen to what He's saying, i will try not to lead, but follow.......


dear heavenly father, i know that you have more for me. i know that you have stirred desires in me and want me to be obedient. Lord, i pray that i will set aside what i want and fully commit to your plan. please forgive me for being selfish with my time, i want so desperately to be about your business. continue to speak to me Lord, for i want to listen and obey.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

relationships












heavenly father, i'm struck with how fast time is flying by. thank you for all the relationships in our lives and all the people that you have blessed us with. it's a treasured gift that can't be replaced. help me to be mindful of the time you have given us and not take a moment for granted. Lord, help me to be aware of my words and actions and to love like you have called me to love.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

i will lift my eyes

I will lift my eyes
{song written and performed by Bebo Norman}


God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near, calm my fear
And take my doubt

Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes to the Maker
Of the mountains I can’t climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
Of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
Of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, let Mercy sing
Her melody over me
God, right here all I bring
Is all of me

‘Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
The Lover I need to save me
‘Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God
So hold me now


thank you Lord, that you are my defender. that i can come to you at any moment and you hold me close. i pray for those who curse me and love those who are unkind. thank you that i can find rest in you. i pray that i will use every situation for your glory.