What a tremendous blessing it was to be a witness to the joining of these two lives. Seth and Carol, may your lives together be full of love and abundant blessings as you continue to serve the Lord with your many gifts.
The Lord spoke to me so personally today through the sermon at church that I just had to share. Our Pastor read from the book of Joshua, telling the story of how God spoke to Joshua; telling him to lead the Israelites across the river Jordan and its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap. Joshua did as God told him and after everyone passed safely through the people knew that God was with them. (Obviously I paraphrased greatly. Read Joshua 3 and 4 for the entire story.)
My Pastor asked us to imagine what would have happened had Joshua decided not to do as God called him. Standing at the edge of the river, which the Bible says was in a flood stage, it must have been a daunting task for Joshua to contemplate. It would have seemed more logical, and certainly much easier for him to find another way. But he listened to God’s call, stepped out in faith, and God did as he had promised.
I’ve been homeschooling my girls for three years now. We made the decision to homeschool because we believed that was what God was calling us to do. This past year has been a real struggle for me. Such a struggle that after many, many conversations and even some arguments, my husband and I decided we were going to send them to public school in September. I struggled because I felt inadequate-with all of my responsibilities there was always something left undone. I struggled because none of my friends homeschool their kids and I was feeling left out. I wanted to fit in…to have my kids be like everyone else. I struggled because I thought about what my life would be like after my kids were grown. If I spent the next 13 years of my life home with my kids, what would I do with myself after they’re gone? I asked my husband “what about me?” I reasoned and rationalized and argued that if God was truly calling me to homeschool I wouldn’t be having these thoughts, I’d still feel the passion for it I had in the beginning.
As soon as the decision was made I started to question myself. I went to the school and picked up the kindergarten registration forms. I told my friends about our decision. But when I wasn’t excited and eagerly planning all the things I’d do with my free time, I was having doubts. Was I just being selfish? And how in the world did I know for sure what God wanted me to do? I started praying. A lot. I asked God to just tell me what He wanted me to do, and I’d do it. I was at church at bible study one night, watching Beth Moore’s DVD. I was in a lot of turmoil, just wanting some peace with the decision so I could fully enjoy the prospect of freedom. And then Beth started talking about wanting something and asking God over and over to just give her an answer. (I’m paraphrasing again. I don’t really remember the story exactly, it was what she next next that stuck with me.) She said God said to her “I’ve already given you My answer…it just wasn’t the one you wanted to hear.” I had my answer that night. God had already called me to homeschool. Just because He wasn’t speaking to me and encouraging me year after year didn’t mean His will had changed. I’d just convinced myself I’d misunderstood it.
That was in June. Everything was going along fine until last week. Last week the doubt started creeping back in. In September I will have more on my plate than I’ve ever attempted. I’m not done with my planning, and school is just around the corner. I started the same old refrain in my head. This must not be what God wants from me, if it were I’d be passionate about it; I wouldn’t want to ship them off to school every time things got rough. I am not equipped for this, I’m doing my kids a disservice keeping them home with me. And on and on it went in my head. I told my husband I’d do it one more year, but this was our last.
A few days ago I was having ice cream with a dear friend of mine, pouring my heart out to her. I gave her every reason why I don’t think I’m supposed to be homeschooling. That poor girl, I carried on for quite a while. I think God got a little tired of my whining, because I had a revelation. As revelations tend to go, it was not subtle. God said to me, in no uncertain terms, that the reason I lost my passion, the reason I didn’t feel equipped, the reason I hadn’t gotten my act together in three years is because I never submitted my will to His. Sure, I gave in. I didn’t dare not. BUT. I was stubborn. I was like the stubborn teenager who does enough to get by to be technically obeying their parent. I didn’t give Him everything. Instead of focusing on what He wanted for my life, I focused on what I wanted. I didn’t step into that river, I merely stuck my toe in.
Homeschooling is hard work. Harder than I ever could’ve imagined and much harder than anyone who doesn’t do it can understand. Like everything else in life there are mountain top moments and there are valleys. Whether it’s through the elation I feel at helping my baby read her first book or the frustration I feel when I’m overwhelmed, God is working in our lives. God is using homeschooling to further mold me into the person He meant for me to be. Through this experience He’s giving me strength. He’s teaching me patience. He’s forcing me to finally stick with something no matter how badly I want to quit. He’s showing me that I can be different, that I don’t need to be like everyone else. He’s answering my prayer to raise godly children; children that will carry on a new legacy for future generations of my family.
When God calls us to do something, He equips us with what we need to carry out His will. He called me, and He equipped me-it just took me a little while to realize it. If God calls you, be like Joshua. Step out in faith. He will keep His promise to you.
I’m down 3 lbs. this week for a total of 13 since I started!! The eating plan has been going well, and tomorrow I start phase 2. This means I can add most fruits back into my diet, as well as foods high in whole grains. I’m a little nervous about this new phase, I don’t want to start gaining back the weight I’ve lost. However, I know that if I continue to eat sensibly and not go overboard just because I can have healthy carbs again (bread…oh how I’ve missed you!!) I will continue to be successful.
I’m increasing my exercise by doing cardio three days a week. Starting this week I’m going to add in some strength training on the off days.
My husband is doing fabulous. He’s lost a total of 15 lb. and is invested in this diet now. I can’t tell you what a tremendous difference it makes when we’re both on the same team!
I’m finding that I crave the old junk food less and less. Also, being able to actually feel the difference in my clothes is a huge motivator to stick with it!
How was your week?
My husband and I recently decided it was time to get serious about our health and serious about losing weight. I’ve been trying to lose weight off and on for quite a while now, but never saw results that motivated me to stay with it. I’d start off determined and full of willpower for the first couple of weeks, and when I didn’t see the results I wanted I got frustrated and lost sight of my goal.
My goal to be healthy
to live a long, productive life
to be around to watch my children grow into the people God intends for them to be.
I heard about a diet from a friend, and decided to give it a shot. It’s called the South Beach diet, maybe you’ve heard of it? I remember hearing all the hype about it when it came out. Since I’m not a big fan of fad diets I didn’t pay any attention to it. But my husband and I did a lot of reading about it, and it’s pretty nutritionally sound. Even during the most restrictive phase you are eating normal sized portions of healthy food. I started it on Monday, and I’m astounded with the results.
I have lost 10 pounds in 6 days!!
Ten pounds!! Can you believe it?! I put on a pair of jeans this morning I haven’t been able to wear in months!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. It obviously isn’t healthy to lose weight at this pace. Because this diet starts with a 2 week “jump start” period, they say you can expect to lose 8-13 pounds in the first two weeks. (after the first two weeks it should slow down to a more reasonable 1-2/week) I honestly didn’t believe it would work for me, because my metabolism is beyond slow. But I’m telling you, I can feel the difference already! And while I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss my bread and my strawberry milkshakes, finally seeing some results makes the sacrifice so worth it!! And instead of feeling sorry for myself I focus on the positive outcomes of sticking with it:
I feel better already. Without all of that processed, sugar laden garbage I’ve been putting into my body I just feel better! No more heartburn or indigestion. No more of that gross heavy I ate way too much feeling.
My kids see us eating healthy foods, and they’re taking notice. Just as our bad habits did, our good habits will rub off on them. My 5 year old daughter asked for some vegetable juice today!
God never intended for me to fuel my body the way I had been. By eating healthy and exercising, I am honoring Him in a way I wasn’t before.
Today I ate two pieces of celery and some slices of turkey for lunch. No bread. Six days ago that was unheard of. Today I’m full and satisfied. We’ve been eating lots of vegetables. Lots of lean meats. Lowfat cheese. Lots of beans. And you know what? It’s been ok. Not fabulous. Certainly not easy. But I’ve not been starving, and it’s completely within my capabilities to keep it up. We have one more week of eating like this and then we will start adding in more healthy carbs. Fruit. Whole grain bread and pasta. Good carbs. But in moderation, that’s the key to everything. No more sugar for us. No more white flour or processed food. A small sacrifice to make for the tremendous benefits we reap.
My husband is doing amazing. He’s been very resistant to changing to a healthy diet. Along his walk with the Lord he has given up many things. Food was his last stronghold. I am inspired and motivated by his commitment and determination to succeed.
He has lost 12 pounds in 6 days!
So, my first goal is to lose 50 pounds. Which is down to 40 pounds!
His goal (he hasn’t broken it up) is about 77 pounds. Which is now down to 65 pounds.
We’re praising God for our success, and leaning on Him to keep our resolve firm. We’re going to do it this time, you wait and see! I’m linking up with April over at Heartfelt Homeschooling once a week, so check back every Sunday to hear how we’re doing!
My husband took this picture with my daughter’s little point and shoot. After a long day of hiking with her daddy, my girl looks a little…well, like she’s been hiking all day with her daddy. Despite those things, I absolutely adore this shot, and just had to share it with you all!
Visit Wordless Wednesday and 5 minutes for mom for more Wordless Wednesday!
Today Katie swam all on her own, without her arm bubbles or anything, for the very first time!
Here she is, floating around with her arm bubbles…
…and here she is a little while later, after she decided she’s all big and grown-up and no longer needs them.
*Sniff*
Just thought you’d all like to know my little girl is growing up. (way too fast for her mama)
