Feeling grateful..

Hi All,

I am not going to go out on a limb and try to say anything too terribly intelligent today.  I am enjoying a Sunday doing practically no housework and thankful that my Faith mandates that.  Guilt- Free- Sundays-you gotta love it.  Of course, that is no excuse for yesterday, but being pregnant and tired does fine for me.  

I am reminded once again how good God has been to our family today.  I feel like it was a big leap for us to try out homeschool this year, and it has not been without its trials.   But, almost a full year in, I can not believe that He has rewarded us so handsomely in the growth within myself and my children.   Just yesterday, I was speaking with a mom much more experienced then myself.   We were talking about the stages of growth that a family goes through, the truth in the fact that there is a difference between a new mom and one years along her journey.  Sometimes we are stretched to our limits, sometimes we question the trials placed before us.  We tend to judge ourselves to be far less capable then we are, when guided by Grace and the learning that happens as we grow as mothers.

Perhaps the greatest gift that has happened this year, is that I am learning to be a teacher to my children.  I mean teacher not in the limited sense of "doing school" but in the broader sense of teaching them how to be a member of a family, how to pick up after themselves, make their beds, say their prayers, hold tight to the values that we in our family hold dear.   Though my children are mischievous and sometimes even outright naughty, there is a kindness that permeates through our family: in their relationships with each other and with other children.  I am learning to resign moment by moment to God's will for each day and for my children.   I am slowly making progress in embracing the sacred duties and responsibilities God has given me.   I firmly believe that this growth in myself in the result of the trials that the Lord has given me.  Sometimes it is only apparent what the Lord is doing when we look back.   It is so funny to me how just a few months ago I was desperate and wanted to give up, and now I am enjoying homeschool and getting exited about the projects and learning that will happen next year as I pick out the books and curriculum that I think will enrich my children the most in their growth in the Lord.  Most of all, I love having our family together.  

Now I know homeschool is not for everyone.  I believe it is a calling, and like any calling it can be scary and overwhelming.  But for those who come to believe that it is what God wants for their children, I wish I could give to them the confidence and trust that God will provide.   He is generous beyond measure, and the rewards far outweigh the effort.   Thats all I have for today.  But, I do want to mention we are having a BOY!!!  More later in the week on the name we have chosen.