Another School Year Down....

Really, where does the time go?  It is hard to believe that yet another year has passed.  Despite an emotional fall; a middle of the year move; seeing their father put in jail and subsequently deported; and living under the pressure of yet another possible move (this time to a totally different country), the kids did amazingly well in completing 4th and 3rd grades.  I am amazed at how resilient they are!  I have wanted to fall apart for them on many occasions!!  Of course, we still have subjects that are shaky and need firming up this summer/beginning of next year; but, overall, I am amazed.  God is good!!  I am so thankful to be allowed the privilege of being on this journey.  One day at a time, one step at a time, HE gives us exactly what we need.  I confess, at times I "feel sorry" for the kids when I think of all the things that they are "missing"... and the fact that they are stuck with just one teacher who cannot even begin to give them everything they need!!  However, in those moments I am sweetly reminded of the ONE who supplies all of our needs.  The ONE that makes a way.  The ONE that never calls us to a place that HE does not equip us for the life HE has chosen.  Yes, there are areas that my kids if measured would fall short of the mark, but I am walking with confidence in the things that we are all learning along this road that will run far in compensating for anything "missing".    AT

We would truly appreciate your prayers and words of wisdom in this area. Each year is a new challenge, and we really do try to simple sit at the feet of the Father.  However, we know that many of you have training and are gifted in the areas of teaching, education and home schooling.  Please, as you think of us, pass along ideas, tips and helps.  It will be openly received!

Pilgrim's Progress

The Pilgrim's Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan and published in February, 1678. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English literature. It has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print. (Wikipedia)  For the last 2 years we have been using A Beka homeschool materials for Language Arts.  We have truly enjoyed the traditional style and great literature.  The last reader in the 3rd grade program is a version of Pilgrim's Progress.  Having attended public schools, this classic was not something that I read.  I have heard it referred to in sermons and other discussions, but I had not taken the time to read it for myself.  Truthfully, I often get lost in some of the writings of the classics.  John Branyan is a Christian comedian.  He gives a sketch that is hilarious describing our current lack of understanding as well as proper use of the English language.  The Three Little Pigs. After over 8 years of trying to teach language, I can say that it is possible that I am even more confused today! LOL!!  I am; however, grateful that I am experiencing some of the classics on a simple level along side my kids.  Perhaps in the future, I will try to get my hands on the original version, but for now I would like to recommend to anyone who has not read this classic to perhaps try the "readers version".  One of the great things about this book is the questions at the end of the chapters.  They allowed for great discussions of faith and theology for our family.  I was a little worried each year when I started with my 3rd grader.  I wondered if they would not be able to understand the allegory; however, much to my surprise each child put themselves right in the book.  The gospel came alive before their eyes.  Our kids have been highly exposed to the sharing the gospel, but this was a wonderful picture of watching a person travel down the road of salvation.  This would be a great summer read for kids; however, I would suggest perhaps reading as a family or one-on-one so as to allow for questions and discussions.  We can give our kids a lot of things, but pointing them to the gospel and the road of salvation is a must.  Let's do it over, and over and over again in every form possible!!  AT    

Easter 2012

This was a very different Easter for our family.  You can read in past blogs and see how much our family loves crafts, art and sensory lessons for this most important holiday.  It is the highlight of our year.  Most people will not debate the fact the Jesus was born; however choosing to accept HIM as their atonement for sin and way of salvation is another story.  As many of you know, leading up to Easter Matt was detained and deported.  The kids and I were left waiting each day and wondering if we should begin packing to move or would we too be given a suitcase and asked to leave immediately ourselves.  The day that Matt was jailed was to be the start of our "12 days to Easter" focus.  With him gone it just didn't seem right to color eggs, start resurrection projects and "celebrate".  I was torn (having been given the advice by crisis mangers to make things "normal") to just move forward with our activities or simply wait and celebrate later.  In the first few hours of shock, looking for something to unlock my fuzzy brain, I opened my email to find a prayer sent from a dear friend who had experienced a similar situation.  She advised me to just worship.  Prayer would be hard; reading would be even more difficult; just worship.  I immediately closed the computer and sat on the floor.  How could I just worship?  I couldn't breathe; I couldn't process; I couldn't think!  Surprisingly, tears would not come.  I thought I needed a good cry, but I was so encircled by HIS arms that all I could do was begin to praise Him.  The Spirt that lives within me swelled and engulfed my being.  Strength and clarity of mind came in that moment.  The next day I received an email from my sister-in-law with a song by Aaron Keys, Song of Moses.  It became the "theme" song of the next 10 days.  The kids and I put aside "activities" and decided to just worship.  Christ gave up everything for us.  What would we give up?  Would we give up candy and treats?  Would we give up parties and activities?  Would we give up where we live?  Would we give up all of what we own aside from a suitcase?  Would we give up our daddy/husband?  What would we give up to see people have a relationship with the Almighty?  Christ gave up everything!  It is one thing to say it with your lips, but it is entirely different to stare it in the face and commit to turning it over to HIS hands. Wow, what a lesson for the kids - what a lesson for me!!  Yes, our Easter lacked the color, crafts and candy of years past, but praise Him, praise HIM, PRAISE HIM our hearts have been given a precious touch of his longsuffering, love and life!!  AT

PS: Matt was "returned" to us late in the eveing of Good Friday.  The weekend was spent with much rejoicing!!