Approaching a New Year

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