1. Quick takes because this is all I can seem to do to get a decent post in. Life is crazy busy.
2. One reason my life has turned a bit more crazy than the usual is because I’m working for a new reporter. He’s in Washington D.C., very busy, clean --- very nice, family-oriented guy –- but my workload has doubled, if not tripled, in the last month. I’m taking it because we have the very real threat that Josh will be laid off for several months and we need to save up as much as we can now. I believe God is preparing us for what’s ahead.
3. Homeschooling is going great. It’s the first year that it’s the least of my worries. God gave me a vision this past summer and I’m applying that vision and wow, things go smoothly. Homeschooling is our first and foremost thing each morning. My mission field right now is in my home with my kids and husband.
4. I have taken on two other things outside the home. That’s it. I felt God was telling me to focus on my home, not the outside activities, so I’ve limited what we do with outside activities. One is our homeschool coop group. One requirement of joining the group is to teach a subject. I volunteered to teach science to 1st-4th graders. I am simply using the same science curriculum that I’m using with Isaac and Eli. This keeps it simple because I’m familiar with the lesson and it also requires less planning on my part.
The second outside activity is volunteering my time with Awana. I am one of the leaders of the T&T girls. This requires no planning. Just showing up with patience and love in my heart. There are a lot of girls that come from not-so-good homes and they need attention, love and kindness. I feel blessed to do this.
Now that I’m thinking about it, I’m also doing another volunteering thing. I am teaching 4th-6th grade Sunday School. I co-teach with my mom so it’s not every week. We’re teaching the kids American history from a Biblical and Christian standpoint. You’d be amazed at how different this is from what we were taught in school! It’s very important to know on what beliefs and morals this country was founded. We’re using Drive Thru American History. Since I’m teaching this same American history to my boys, it doesn’t take much time.
You may be thinking, jeez, Steph, you’re taking on a lot considering you have four kids, you homeschool and you work at home AND you said you were concentrating on your home. Well, you may be right. But I’ve prayed for God’s direction in what I do and this is where He’s led me. If no one steps up to reach out to these kids, if every parent just sits back and expects someone else to do it, then these events, classes, programs will be cancelled and the kids won’t be reached. I’m working for God’s kingdom and there’s nothing better than that.
5. I wanted to encourage each of you to pray daily for your marriage. I recently witnessed how quickly a marriage can fall apart through lack of communication, bitterness in the heart, and unforgiveness. It’s scary how quickly it can happen. The enemy is constantly there trying to deceive us and cause marriages to fall apart, families to fall apart, children to be ripped from their security. Do not stop praying! God can overcome all obstacles—He has overcome the world! Nothing is impossible for Him!
6. Last weekend I attended the Women of Faith conference. Whew, what an awesome time! We heard speakers such as Patsy Clairmont and Andy Andrews and artist like Mandesa (spelling???) and Steven Curtis Chapman. Steven Curtis Chapman was awesome but terribly heartbreaking. This man lost his little girl in an accident so he thinks often about heaven. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the audience after he was done. We were literally sobbing!
If you have the opportunity, I highly suggest planning to attend next year. You will be blessed! And you’ll have a great “girls weekend!”
7. Fall is here and I love, love, LOVE this time of year. Leaves changing, cooler temps, apples, pumpkins….I think it may be my favorite time of the year.
I hope you enjoy it too. Spend time with your family and kids. Thank God for each of them and for each moment you have. These moments go by so fast. Cherish each one.
Blessings.
