Wednesday, June 16, 2010

A New Adventure!

Wow...it's been a few months since I've blogged!  Yikes.
I have had all sorts of things come up.
End of the school year, a dear friend's illness, my daughters' swim schedule....just to name a few.
I have just read Beth Moore's So Long Insecurity.
It is so fantastic.  I have been through so many of her Bible studies.  I, like most women who do those studies, feel like Beth is a close personal friend. 
Let me tell you, it is even more the case when reading this book.
The truth and humor of it all is a perfect blend.
Run.  Don't walk.  Go get your hands on that book!
You may not struggle with insecurity.
Well, come on, who doesn't?!
But, it is well worth the read!!
Make sure to check out her blog, too. It's so fun!
The two verses that have meant so much to me are these:
Proverbs 31:25
She is clothed with strength and dignity
She can laugh at the days to come.
and.....
Psalm 112:7-8
(S)he will have no fear of bad news;
(her) heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
(Her) heart is secure, (s)he will have no fear;
in the end (s)he will look in triumph on (her) foes.
Great verses to have memorized and "on file" at all times in my mind!
About 8 years ago, I was faced with the decision of what to do with my oldest daughter's education.  She would be starting school, at that time it was preschool, and I had no idea what to do.
I had taught preschool for 3 years before giving birth to her, but I was still a bit nervous.  As it turned out, God placed me smack dab in the middle of a TON of homeschool families when we moved down here to the Central Coast.  It seemed like EVERYONE homeschooled their kids.
I, however, had said that I admired homeschooling but thought I would never, ever have what it takes to do it! Too great of a responsibility.  Too much at stake.  After all, I had only completed some college.  I wasn't smart enough.
Well, as God would have it, I prayed and prayed and decided to homeschool.  At first it was just going to be preschool and maybe Kindergarten.  I mean, how hard could it be?  Kindergarten is just one step up from preschool.
So, the homeschool journey began. 
I walked in LOTS of fear and trepidation.  I was extremely insecure and convinced that I was probably messing up my daughter's education.  I was so intense and if it hadn't been for the wonderful love of learning that God instilled in Kourtney, I would've squashed every single bit of possibility for the kid to succeed.  I pushed waaaaay too hard!
By first grade, I was ready to quit.  I prayed and prayed and felt like God was calling me to keep up with homeschooling.
Okay, well, how much harder can first grade be than kindergarten?
And so it went...Me wanting to quit, God calling me to keep going.
LONG story short, here we are....all these years later.  I have homeschooled all along.  Kourtney will be a 7th grader and Maggie will be in 5th.  Jacklyn is almost 3 and participates in her own (distracting) way as much as she can. :)  This past Monday night, I accepted the role of Director for our homeschool group.  I do not feel any more "qualified" now than I did 8 years ago when I started this journey of homeschooling.  I do, however, know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is able to equip me.  I keep checking in with myself.....I should be scared to death (I've certainly had those moments!), I should be cowering in insecurity....but, the truth is, I know God's track record and I'm excited to see what He has in store!
So Long, Insecurity!  You've Been a Bad Friend to Me!!!!!!!!!