The month of August is upon us & I can hardly believe it! I thought yesterday was May...I vaguely remember June & quite honestly, I don't know where July went! Are you thinking what I'm thinking??? School will soon begin! So... How is your planning for next year going!?
Are you ready for your new school year? Do you have everything planned or are you scrambling to put together your lesson plans? Are you using the same curriculum as last year or is it new? Perhaps you're adding a child to the mix this year & you're not sure how it's all going to work.
What about your kiddos? Have they done some summer prep work to keep their minds fresh? Have you found any interesting books for them to read lately? Are there any holes you left from last year's curriculum which you said you would finish up this summer? What about their weakest subject ~ Have they done some practice work to try & "patch up" their understanding?
There are many reasons why we plan ... A wedding ... A special event ... A baby ... A trip ... A party ... An outdoor barbecue ... School ...and so much more! But do you make sure you ask that the Lord lead you through these steps? Remembering that the Word of God is as sharp as a double-edged sword and will judge both the attitudes and thoughts of your heart, what occupies your mind as you plan?
Are you thinking about the ways in which God can use you as you plan and prepare for your business trip? ...Or are you thinking that the company sure should have sent someone else because you have too many other things going on right now!
Do you ask the Lord to tame your tongue & allow His Words to flow forth when in conversation with your neighbor at the backyard barbecue? ...Or do you decide not to stand up for what you believe in because you "don't want to turn them away from Jesus by being zealous? and you gossip about the other neighbors"
What about the attitudes we get when planning? And no, it doesn't have to be an attitude that anyone can see.
Are you grumbling in your head as you purchase that gift for a sweet friend's wedding shower? ...Or are you still asking God why SHE gets to get married and not YOU?
Do you roll your eyes (publicly or privately) when you find out that "so-and-so" is going to be at the social tomorrow? ...Or do you continue to pray God heals this relationship in order to bring Him glory?
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Please don't think I don't stand here (okay, I'm sitting...) saying that I haven't done each and every one of those examples above...I HAVE! Maybe not the exact words, or the exact situation, but definitely the same attitude or thought. My dearest friend challenges me in such tremendous ways that I cannot thank God enough for her. During one of our most recent bible chats, we both resolved to continue pressing forward with the scripture which I will end with in mind.
There is no sin in preparing. We are charged with using our time wisely. I would be honored if you needed some assistance and called upon me to help. This is why God led me to begin this journey. I enjoy delving into curriculum and planning to make sure your home school year is successful! Please know I am here to help you prepare. Whether you call upon me for assistance or not, as you begin to prepare for next year, please continue to pray for God to lead you. Pray that God will guide you through your planning and selection of curriculum; Pray for God to order your thoughts concerning all matters regarding your choice to home school; Pray for the meditations of your heart and the words of your mouth and the attitudes you both portray and hide; Pray that in all you do and all you say and all you think, HE is at the forefront of your mind and heart and that bringing Him glory through all He has purposed for you is not only your heart's desire, but that it brings forth fruit through your actions.
"In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9.
Praying and Planning ...
Shannan
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Joy comes in the morning...
This is long ... So I'm sorry ... But I kinda am not ... it's been on my heart. Will you take 5 minutes though and humor me? ;o) Thank you~
We all grieve. Each in our own ways & in our own time & each through various difficulties...but we all do it. As adults, we know the "stages" & can work through it in our minds over time. But as children, the effects of a loss can be very confusing.
My parents sheltered me from a lot & I'm grateful for that. They also let me see things that were a part of God's master plan, even when they hurt. Every time we moved, I suffered a loss. I remember my mother's sister dying & while I was too young to really understand it all, I knew she was gone & I saw the pain surrounding me. We had to give my dog away before we moved once. My dad's best friend suddenly passed away. One of my surrogate grandparents passed away. I got my first D. My best friend no longer wanted to be my best friend. They were all gut-wrenching to me...at that time...at that point in my life.
So how do you as a parent help your child as they grieve? ...Well, that's kind-of a tricky subject. And honestly, everyone has their own opinions. And, rightfully so! I like to copy my dearest friend's statement of "Everyone gets their own child to screw up in their own way" because in this profession, I get asked ~ "What's your opinion of...." a lot. So, "To each his own" I say.
Can I offer up a suggestion though? Don't hide them from the tragedy of life. The scriptures tell us that, "In this life, you will have struggles. But take heart, I have overcome the world!" Letting your child know that life is a battle but there IS a greater hope reaches far into the depth of their soul & lasts far longer than you might imagine. With even one scripture, you can talk for hours about how it relates to their personal life & what they are going through at any given moment. Some of my favorites which have spoken to me through many trials & tribulations are below...They also have some topics which you might choose to discuss with your sweet cherub.
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all of our days." Ps. 90:14 Perhaps your child struggles with bullying. Don't you want them to know God loves them with an UNFAILING love? What about the child who has just been rejected from a team sport? Or the one who sits & waits on a phone call from the "friend" who said they'd call. His love NEVER fails. Lamentations 3:22-23 is also a great reference for these topics. His mercies are new EVERY morning. ... EVERY morning!
"I love you O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my Rock, my fortress and deliverer. My God is my rock in whom I take refuge." Ps. 18:1-2. Does your child have nightmares? Do they become fearful before they take a test? Does he/she come to you with questions about what to do when they can't shake the fears of tomorrow because of what "that girl" or "that boy" might say? Verse 3 says, "I call to the Lord who is worthy to be praised and I am saved from my enemies." I mean, go ahead God...set the record straight why don't you?!!!!! ;)
"Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." Rom. 12:15. What about when your child says they "just don't know what to say" when someone is hurting? Or, have they ever been so excited for someone & want to do something for this person out of excitement? A hand-written note of encouragement ~ whether it is of congratulations or sorrow ~ is always nice to receive. As a body of believers, we are called to minister to one another & when someone is overjoyed, be overjoyed with them! On the flip side, when someone is weeping ~ even in their heart ~ we not only grieve with them (in a sense) but we should encourage them to persevere. Sometimes that might be with a cupcake in hand...I'm jus' sayin!
Do you ever think of how the disciples & other believers felt the day our Lord was crucified? Scripture tells us they didn't really understand all of the implications dealing with His death. They didn't understand when He said, "In a little while you will see me no more & then after a little while you will see me again." He also said, "I tell you the truth that you will weep & mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." Could you imagine how their understanding changed on the 3rd day when they finally understood the LIVING JOY?!!!
(((((Is ANYONE standing up shouting at this point????? Just askin'!)))))
Your child will go through many ups & downs during grieving periods. I sit here practically pleading with you to open up God's Word & allow His Word to spread through them at these points. A sweet friend read something to me today referencing all of the many "boxes" we put God into...Yet never really let Him spread through us like wild fire, trusting Him to be our J O Y! Will you not only let Him be your joy...but will you share this joy with your precious child?
This posting is in memory of my sweet niece, Sydney Caroline Murphy. She lived only a mere 61 minutes but forever changed our hearts & lives. We pray fervently that she continues to shape lives for the cause of Christ. ...For this I know..."For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel & with the trumpet call of God, & the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive & are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air & so we will be with the Lord forever." ...I shall meet her One Day...& what a glorious day it shall be! I love you sweet Princess...Enjoy spending today at the feet of our King! Happy Birthday!
Aunt ShaSha
We all grieve. Each in our own ways & in our own time & each through various difficulties...but we all do it. As adults, we know the "stages" & can work through it in our minds over time. But as children, the effects of a loss can be very confusing.
My parents sheltered me from a lot & I'm grateful for that. They also let me see things that were a part of God's master plan, even when they hurt. Every time we moved, I suffered a loss. I remember my mother's sister dying & while I was too young to really understand it all, I knew she was gone & I saw the pain surrounding me. We had to give my dog away before we moved once. My dad's best friend suddenly passed away. One of my surrogate grandparents passed away. I got my first D. My best friend no longer wanted to be my best friend. They were all gut-wrenching to me...at that time...at that point in my life.
So how do you as a parent help your child as they grieve? ...Well, that's kind-of a tricky subject. And honestly, everyone has their own opinions. And, rightfully so! I like to copy my dearest friend's statement of "Everyone gets their own child to screw up in their own way" because in this profession, I get asked ~ "What's your opinion of...." a lot. So, "To each his own" I say.
Can I offer up a suggestion though? Don't hide them from the tragedy of life. The scriptures tell us that, "In this life, you will have struggles. But take heart, I have overcome the world!" Letting your child know that life is a battle but there IS a greater hope reaches far into the depth of their soul & lasts far longer than you might imagine. With even one scripture, you can talk for hours about how it relates to their personal life & what they are going through at any given moment. Some of my favorites which have spoken to me through many trials & tribulations are below...They also have some topics which you might choose to discuss with your sweet cherub.
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all of our days." Ps. 90:14 Perhaps your child struggles with bullying. Don't you want them to know God loves them with an UNFAILING love? What about the child who has just been rejected from a team sport? Or the one who sits & waits on a phone call from the "friend" who said they'd call. His love NEVER fails. Lamentations 3:22-23 is also a great reference for these topics. His mercies are new EVERY morning. ... EVERY morning!
"I love you O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my Rock, my fortress and deliverer. My God is my rock in whom I take refuge." Ps. 18:1-2. Does your child have nightmares? Do they become fearful before they take a test? Does he/she come to you with questions about what to do when they can't shake the fears of tomorrow because of what "that girl" or "that boy" might say? Verse 3 says, "I call to the Lord who is worthy to be praised and I am saved from my enemies." I mean, go ahead God...set the record straight why don't you?!!!!! ;)
"Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn." Rom. 12:15. What about when your child says they "just don't know what to say" when someone is hurting? Or, have they ever been so excited for someone & want to do something for this person out of excitement? A hand-written note of encouragement ~ whether it is of congratulations or sorrow ~ is always nice to receive. As a body of believers, we are called to minister to one another & when someone is overjoyed, be overjoyed with them! On the flip side, when someone is weeping ~ even in their heart ~ we not only grieve with them (in a sense) but we should encourage them to persevere. Sometimes that might be with a cupcake in hand...I'm jus' sayin!
Do you ever think of how the disciples & other believers felt the day our Lord was crucified? Scripture tells us they didn't really understand all of the implications dealing with His death. They didn't understand when He said, "In a little while you will see me no more & then after a little while you will see me again." He also said, "I tell you the truth that you will weep & mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." Could you imagine how their understanding changed on the 3rd day when they finally understood the LIVING JOY?!!!
(((((Is ANYONE standing up shouting at this point????? Just askin'!)))))
Your child will go through many ups & downs during grieving periods. I sit here practically pleading with you to open up God's Word & allow His Word to spread through them at these points. A sweet friend read something to me today referencing all of the many "boxes" we put God into...Yet never really let Him spread through us like wild fire, trusting Him to be our J O Y! Will you not only let Him be your joy...but will you share this joy with your precious child?
This posting is in memory of my sweet niece, Sydney Caroline Murphy. She lived only a mere 61 minutes but forever changed our hearts & lives. We pray fervently that she continues to shape lives for the cause of Christ. ...For this I know..."For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel & with the trumpet call of God, & the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive & are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air & so we will be with the Lord forever." ...I shall meet her One Day...& what a glorious day it shall be! I love you sweet Princess...Enjoy spending today at the feet of our King! Happy Birthday!
Aunt ShaSha
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