Answered Prayer

Recently I was asked to pray about taking on a leadership position in an organization I am part of. I was given a short timeline to pray and give a response. I knew right away that my schedule was pretty tight in the days available for me to pray about this decision, and I was immediately skeptical that I would hear an answer from God. I wanted to set aside chunks of time for prayer and additional Bible reading and maybe a short fast or something, but I didn't have any time for that. Instead, I earnestly, if skeptically, asked the Lord to grant me wisdom and clarity in making this decision and that His will would be done. I also asked a few people to pray with me, I talked to my husband, and I went about doing the other things on my schedule.

I don't know why this surprised me, but the Lord did grant me a clear answer that I was able to give within the timeline with confidence and peace. It turns out He didn't need me to set aside large amounts of time or pray some special prayer. He just needed me open to hearing from Him and ready to obey, as I lived out the everyday life He also already called and led me to. And I didn't need an earth shattering, eye opening big answer from God. I just needed His peace and wisdom in my life.

Spring miracle!

My Christmas cactus decided to bloom for Lent this year too!

Of course, I have had moments of doubt and uncertainty since then, as well as obstacles in my path, but I can face those knowing that God answered me once and will answer me again. I shouldn't have been surprised. This small experience lines up with how God has worked in my life in the past and what I know to be true about Him from His word. I guess I just needed a fresh reminder.

Psalm 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Matthew 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knows, the door will be opened.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Homeschooling is...

When I was writing my homeschool day in the life post, one draft included a few "homeschooling is" statements that eventually got removed and now turned into their own post below. Homeschooling has been a big part of my life for the past 11 years or so. It is fun to reflect, celebrate, and share what I have learned, although I do want to acknowledge that all educational choices are valid and have their own pros and cons. Homeschooling just happens to be the one God has called our family to and I love it!


Homeschooling is...
Always changing

Being present for your child's best moments and their worst moments
A test of patience
Never knowing when to comfort and when to push
Making lots of decisions, often before it is clear how your previous decision turned out
Being available but not hovering
Dealing with strengths and weaknesses
Never being caught up on housework
Always preparing food
Flexible
Following our passions
Beautiful
Busy
Enlightening
Sharing things I enjoy with one of my favorite people in the whole world
Freedom

My daughter, Ash, and I traveled to my parents' house 
for spring break and got to help with maple syrup season!