"Staying Close to the Almighty"

This deserves a permanent post to my blog. Dr. Charles Stanley always seems to write devotionals that speak directly to me. And this one came at a poignant moment considering my emotional roller coaster ride last weekend. Working past old haunts and addressing skeletons isn't an easy task for the heart. But now is the time, and if I remember to keep my eyes and ears open, God will provide encouragement and sustenance, for example:

January 19

Staying Close to the Almighty

Isaiah 41:10-14

As children of the Most High, we are called to walk with Him whether circumstances are delightful or difficult. Both can be challenging.

In times of relative ease, we may lose sight of how dependent we are on God. Of course, we still desperately need His direction and care, but pleasant "seasons" can cloud that reality and lull us into a self-sufficient mindset. To prevent this, we should discipline ourselves to fill our minds with God's Word, pray for direction, and listen for His answer.

Strenuous times, on the other hand, can draw us to our Creator for sustenance and help. With Christ by our side, we can walk fearlessly through any situation. As Jesus warned, hardship is inevitable (John 16:33). Yet we have a choice about how to respond. We can either let painful situations trigger increased dependence upon the Lord, or we can allow doubt, depression, and anger to fill us.

The Lord promises to give all that we need to endure difficulty well. Our responsibility is to stay by His side, follow where He leads, and obey even when we don't like or understand what is happening. Our goal should align with the apostle Paul's: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7).

Amen!

It's been one year!

Tomorrow, we celebrate our first year of homeschooling! Well, I doubt the girls will be interested; in fact today my oldest asked (after a long Christmas holiday), "Am I in fifth grade now?" Out of the mouth of babes...

It has been very difficult for me to fall back into our normal school routine. I take three different medications to combat my bronchitis and all leave me drowsy and fatigued. I can't tell if I'm feeling any better yet. The nurse warned me that the cough may not abate for weeks. So, not the best start to the new year but I must be patient, and in time I'll heal.

One year! I survived! I don't want to quit! These accolades are praiseworthy - thank You, Lord! As He knows, many days I wanted to surrender and I didn't feel as if I could lead the household anymore. He has heard my prayers and He has comforted my doubts and fears. He never fails me.

I have been fortunate to locate a couple of terrific homeschooling families on Face Book. If I ever feel lost or frustrated, I update my status and within a short time, I receive several pep talks in my inbox. It is wonderful and encouraging. Thank You, Lord for bringing these ladies into my life.

Perhaps what surprises me the most is my confidence level. I am slowly learning to trust my gut. I believe my path to home educating is the right one for us and I am secure in my curricula. If I ever feel inundated, I simply focus and turn to the Bible. This is my personal "refresh" button.

It certainly hasn't been a bed of roses but as the Bible teaches us, God uses moments like these to mold us. I pray that my heart remains open so I can always hear Him clearly and serve His purpose.

Beginning in The Book of Proverbs

Even though I was raised in the Catholic community, I never opened a Bible as a child. I attended mass every Sunday, without exception, and received all of my Catholic sacraments, but I had no clue about God's Word.

Thankfully, my neighbor introduced me to the Bible and it has transformed my life. About three years ago, my husband and I were invited to our neighbor's non-denominational church for a candlelight Christmas Eve service and I was enthralled. The service was intimate and beautiful. We began to attend the church and little by little, my senses were awakened to a new world, God's world.

I had always been a faithful person. He showed Himself to me in different circumstances (which I can write about in a later entry), and I knew instinctively that I could depend on Him through my prayers and tears.

Fast forward to now and I've decided to purchase, The Book of Proverbs: God's Book of Wisdom study guide authored by Colorado pastor Kevin Swanson. (I listen to Kevin Swanson's radio program Generations with Vision as often as I can. He is a great motivator and keeps my thoughts and feelings in perspective.) My intent is to learn the Book of Proverbs alongside my family: my husband at the helm, my four children and myself. As we explore the study guide together, I'll include more postings on our progress.

"Genesis is God's history book of the world, the book of Psalms is God's book on worship, the Gospels are God's autobiography of the Savior, and the book of Proverbs is God's book on life." Kevin Swanson