Thankful All the Time!

Yes, we should be thankful all the time. Are we? No, I'm sure of it. I grumble and complain about things not going right, about life getting in the way, about NOT getting my own way, about school not going exactly as planned some days. I'm trying to be more thankful for everything. joyful in all things and Godly in thought and deed... It's really hard. Yet, I am so very thankful for the ability to homeschool and teach my children what God has put on my heart to teach them...

Schooling can sometimes be a challenge, Yes!. Actually, the mentality of others can be the challenge. I was approached the other day at the store by a woman who's idea of homeschooling is, hanging out all day doing nothing and giving your kids grades. What! I use a curriculum, Sonlight, that does a lot of the work for me with regard to lesson plans, but, I work too... I do art, music, home economics, Latin, Spanish and other subject lesson plans, plan field trips, activities, projects, service outings, etc... as well as teach everyday. How is that nothing? My kids work really hard, becasue I expect a lot from them. We have a schedule we stick to daily incorporating school, service and chores around our home. I was really taken aback at first. Then I took a second and praised God for the oopportunity he put in front of me.

Here was a chance to show someone who was under a misguided impression, just what homeschoolers do and are like. I wasn't sure, at first, how to reply to her questions, and then it hit me... I let my 8 year old tell her what he has been studying. Anyone who knows my son, knows that you will not get the short answer, you'll get the encyclopedia version with graphics.... He did a great job and the woman stood there shocked and transfixed. Oh, I forgot to mention that he asked her before giving his explanation of school, if she'd like him to say it in English, Latin or Spanish. He noted that his Italian is coming along slowly (as he's decided to learn that on his own) and he didn't want to mess it up...

Thank you Lord for opportunities to show grace and peace, joy and wisdom when I really don't want to...
Help me, Lord, to praise you in my circumstance. Help my unbelief. Guide my thoughts and deeds to your glory and define my life. Your power and strength are within me - use me, shape me, pour me out to your glory.

I'm thankful today and everyday for God's grace, for those He's seen fit to bring into my life and make my family. I praise Him for His grace and beauty in my life through my husband, my children, my whole family in Christ, for His son whose sacrifice enables me to live.