Mommy's Moment: Motherhood, Mud Running, and the Gospel

To anyone who is on Facebook and is my friend, you've recently been inundated with last Saturday's Mud Crusade pictures.

Sorry.

I couldn't help myself.

There were genuinely some people who wanted to see them.

My apologies if you were not one of them.

And for those of you who have taken the road less traveled, meaning one without Facebook, I'll leave you with a few.

But first...

Mud running, well, it's a lot like motherhood.

At least for me it is.

The Mud Crusade was filled with obstacles...some were easy while others proved much harder, often resulting in plunging into a mirey pit.

In motherhood, it's quite the same. Obstacles are always thrust before you and if unprepared, you often fall helpless in the mud.

I feel that way a lot.

My obstacles aren't climbing a large wall or swinging across monkey bars, or even attempting to pounce from log to log like an over zealous cat...no...

My obstacles are obstinate children, bad attitudes, milk splashed across the floor, or chocolate smeared hand prints along our once clean wall. They are banged up knees, burned dinners, hurt feelings, 106 degree fevers, broken toys, lost blankies, bathtime, nightmares, wet beds, overflowing laundry, sleepless nights.

It's how I handle these obstacles that often leave me in a mirey pit. Lately, I've been convicted of my bad attitude, of my sin, in the midst of these obstacles. I'm often unprepared, meaning, I've let that crucial time in God's Word slip that day or several days. I've rested in my own strength (which as seen in the Mud Crusade, is very, very weak) to handle situations. I've become blinded to my ever present need for the Lord. When I "hit" these obstacles I'm often personally offended. I'm bothered that I have to deal with them. My tone is harsh with my children and I rush through the obstacle, not taking the time to deal with my children's hearts, let alone, my own.

I leave the obstacle covered in mud.

You see, with some obstacles in the Mud Crusade your degree of muddiness reflected your ability or inability to execute the task at hand.

One such obstacle was the monkey bars which spanned across a large pit of mud. As I wrapped both hands across the first rung, I realized I was weak. I realized my strength wouldn't carry me across this pit. And, I quickly dropped into the mud.

It seems lately I've been dropping in the mud a lot during motherhood because again, in my own parenting strength, I am weak and when left to my own strength, I'll get muddy.

But, there is hope. Hope.

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:2

Because, the Lord has saved me from myself. He's saved me from my sin. He's saved me from my good works. He's saved me from my failures. He did this on the day of my salvation and He does this each day as He pleads for my behalf at the right hand of God.

Therefore, as a Christian, when I fall into that pit there is hope for me. I don't have to stay in the mud. I can rise up and press on. I can turn from that sin and know the Lord has paid the price for it. Instead of seeing a muddy Jessica, He's sees the perfect righteousness of Christ. Praise the Lord for Christ and His life, death, and resurrection!

Therefore, I can "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:1.

And you know one last beauty I gleaned from the Mud Crusade? I didn't do it alone. I ran alongside a friend. Together we encouraged one another, helped one another through the obstacles and finished the race.

As I walk through motherhood, and life in general, I'm reminded that the Lord did not intend for us to do this alone. Of course, we have the Holy Spirt, but we also have the Body of Christ, other believers. I was so thankful to have my friend, Amy, run along with me. And I'm so much more thankful to have friends and family like Amy to run the real race with me. People who can encourage me toward the Lord, who help me when I'm "stuck," who celebrate in good times with me and mourn in bad times with me.

Praise the Lord for other runners to run the race with me. And praise the Lord that He doesn't leave His children in the mud.

 

Kickin' It Old School

 

I guess you could say we're "kickin' it old school" as my shirt so proudly states. Cuz in old school days kids helped with the clothes folding...and as Mommy so wisely explained, back in the days kids also milked cows, made food, gathered eggs perhaps, and maybe even washed clothes by hand all beginning before the sun came up...so, having us fold clothes mid day here in the early 2000s wasn't really asking much.

 

I took to the challenge well.

 

I thrived with neat piles.

 

And Hannah finally took to this new found hobby...I say hobby because I don't think this is a one time event, especially after Mommy saw how talented we are in the endeavor.

Video Viewing: The Morning Songs

 

 

 

 

Two worlds are colliding here on The Harman Hood. We've got Video Viewing in conjuction with Homeschool Diaries. Get. Fired. Up. And because of these unique two worlds, I realize only a small few of you may enjoy this...namely grandparents.

Each morning during breakfast we do our calendar time. In an attempt to help the kids remember how many months are in a year and the names of the months, I made up a song. And I did the same for the days of the week, though I can't remember if I made that one up...sorry, don't want to infringe on anyone's rights to the song.

First up, Grant, singing the months of the year followed by Hannah's quarky rendition of our days of the week song...and, not to be left out, Kate's interpretation of the days of the week song with the help of her back up singers, Hannah and Grant...and Mommy.

I'm always thankful for an opportunity to record their little voices...I don't want to forget the sweetness.

Homeschool Diaries: In the Thick of It

Well, we've completed three weeks of school.

Lots of thoughts.

I'll try to keep it contained.

Overall, I'm loving it. I really am. I have enjoyed the structure it has brought to our home. My kids (I think ALL kids) thrive in a structured environment. So do I. Since homeschooling I've found it a bit easier to stay up on housework...though if you walked in my home you wouldn't necessarily notice it! But having a tentative schedule allows me to have mandatory housework time. I also find the structure cuts back on discipline issues. As the kids know what to expect and are kept busy through various activities, it cuts back on sibling fights and unnecessary mayhem. Yes, mayhem.

Grant wrote his name. Hooray! That should be a whole different post. His pencil grip is continuing to get better.

Math is going well. The kids love the games and hands on activities that come along with it.

Another part I've thoroughly enjoyed, moreso than the kids...is learning about the ancient times. In Classical Conversations we are on Cycle 1 which focuses on the Ancient Times in regards to geography and history. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. I love history. And then to see it in relation to the Bible as well is awesome. The kids are memorizing the location of The Fertile Crescent (as am I) and how this is the beginning of civilization. Of course this is modern day Iraq and into Iran and Turkey. We've talked about how this is where the Garden of Eden was and where Adam and Eve lived. They are memorizing the location of the Hebrew Empire where we looked at the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea. Thanks to the internet, we've taken a "tour" of these places and talked about how Jesus was there. We also looked at amazing pictures of Iran and Iraq. What beautiful countries! Thanks to the media we simply see the "ugly" parts. But after looking at pictures I can see how the Garden of Eden was there. The kids also have to memorize a timeline from creation to modern day (thankfully they do this each year because it's a lot). One card says Babylonians to which Grant replied...King Nebuchanazzer! I love that my children are connecting general history with the Bible. I want them to see the Bible isn't separate..that it lines up with general history and fits together. I could go on and on...it's just been fascinating to me. Now when we read in the Old Testament we can connect the Tower of Babel with the Fertile Crescent and Sumer, the Red Sea with Moses, and the Sea of Galilee with Jesus walking on the water. Okay, this is getting long.

On a different note, while there have been many great things happening, it's also been a struggle. The past four weeks all three kids have been sick. We've missed two weeks of Classical Conversations. I miss it. For me and for the kids. Thankfully we'll be there this Tuesday, Lord willing. With sickness permeating the house, bad attitudes have flared up, including my own. I've had some hard days with Hannah not wanting to learn. There have been many tears shed by her and some frustrated words shared by me, unfortunately. While homeschooling is fun (at times) it's also hard. Hard because it amps up the patience meter and again highlights my need for the Lord. I get so frustrated when Hannah whines about doing her work or says, "I can't do it," and shuts down for the rest of the lesson. There are times I just want to shake her (don't worry, I won't). I know this comes with the homeschool territory. But it's hard. Hard not to be hard on your own kid. I have high expectations for her. This isn't bad. But I also have to chill out. Slow down if need be. Listen. Take breaks. I'm not good at those things. So, like every other role (wife, mother...now teacher) I desperately need the Lord to do this. Because I can see how I can and will easily make a mess of it if I don't depend on Him in this pursuit. I want my kids to look back on this time and say, "I really enjoyed that time with Mom." Not, "wow, Mom was a real lunatic and I wish we never did that." I've heard those stories...the lunatic ones...well lunatic was never said but probably could be by my kids if I try to pursue this in my own strength.

So, that's my update...and I'll leave you with a few pictures because, well, that's probably what's more interesting!

 

Seriously, I need to do a post simply on why it's such a big deal he wrote his name! Bless his heart. He was so proud. And so am I.

 

Hannah's copy work time. She's made great improvements from day one. She's shed a few tears but has made a big progress the past couple of days we did this. This is a great lesson in perseverance for her among many others. She's got this first part of the verse down pat too!

 

In the midst of some of our struggles I thought it best to relax with...ART! Always a hit! I found this easy and fun lesson on Pinterest. You just make a glue design, sprinkle salt over it, and then drip water color and watch them run. The kids LOVED it and keep asking to do it again, Grant especially.



 

 

We got messy another day with paint. I realized we needed some more "fun" things to do. And, I need some artwork to hang up for Hannah's "Art Gallery" at her Art Birthday Party in a few weeks.

Good to Have Around...

 

An older sister is good to have around. Besides walking me up the hill while I have blood streaming down my face after I managed to face plummet straight into the sidewalk, she also makes me laugh.

 

And she holds my hand while crossing the street to see our favorite neighbors.

 

And she wets my hair...over and over again...just to give me the perfect hairstyle.

 

And she's willing to put me in a "swim soup" just for the heck of it.

And she shares her dolls with me. I think she's even allowed me to adopt one of them.

And she entertains me in my crib in the mornings when Mommy is a little slow to come and get me.

She even gets me water in a big girl cup and doesn't care if I manage to spill it all over the floor.

All in all, she's a great sister. Sure, we have our moments, but I think we're going to have a beautiful friendship.

 

Kate's Prayer

Dear Lord,

Please help me be good today.

Help me to stay out of trouble.

You know what I mean, no making messes, no screaming, "No Mommy!" at Mommy. No hitting. No spreading toothpaste across the walls and carpet (that was a bad one wasn't it?). No throwing crayons. No pouring water/juice all over the floor. Or spitting it out of my mouth for that matter. And help me to have the self control to NOT color on the carpet. Oh, and one more thing, help me not to dig in my dirty diaper to give Mommy proof that I did, indeed, poo poo in my pants. Apparently she doesn't need evidence.

And while you're at it, please give Mommy an extra measure of patience.

Amen.

What I'm Good At

I'm a young buck.

I have little experience in which to provide any helpful insight on anything.

But there are two things I'm really good at.

1) Eating

2) Making Messes

The latter is my strongest attribute.

I prefer all sorts of food, but, if it's a combo of sweet and um, (and I do say "um" a lot when asked a question) grain, well, let's just say, I ain't skeerd to go after the sweet. Like this Nutella toast for example. Why worry about the wheat toast when you can just lick off the chocolately goodness?

And what does that produce? An Olympic sized mess.

Write me down for a gold medal. I'll even throw in an Olympic pose.

And yes, it looks like someone else is also posing for an Olympic medal in messing eating. Perhaps there will be some stiff competition in this event after all.

We look a lot alike.

As for other gold medal messes I've competed in, I'd say I'm sure to be the winner.

While eating yogurt, I managed to smear it all over my body in a matter of a few short minutes while Mommy went to go check her email. Mommy chose not to post those award winning photos because well, I was just in my diaper.

Modesty ladies, modesty.

And you just never know who's lurking around the internet.

We'll make sure my next mess is fully clothed.

Homeschool Diaries: First Day 2012

Yesterday was our first day of school. So, in an attempt to document the day we took some photos. Surprised? Hannah is an aspiring mommy who is most excited about learning to read because she wants to read the Bible(however this did not jive well with her attitude when it actually came time to read, funny. And when reminding her why she said she wanted to read she replied, "I don't want to read the Bible." This is a typical homeschool day).

And what's a first day photo shoot without some pizazz, like those Senior pictures you take in high school, you know, the one you take after the all serious ones? Where you "let your hair down." I think my consisted of showing off my yellow fingernail polish. Oh the rebel I was. Hannah is well beyond her years.

 

Our first "real" math lesson was, well, easy. But easy is good. However, easy or hard, Hannah must have her tongue sticking out.

Hannah has come a long way in her handwriting over the past year.

A typical Hannah face. However, had I had the camera out a short bit later, the face would look dramatically different...picture Makayla Maroney. Hannah wasn't impressed.

And here's my Grant, eager to start school. He announced yesterday he would like to be a "cooker," and that he would "be in the Olympics" when he grows up. As for "playing on the slide," well he is thinking of the old church we used to meet at for Classical Conversations. It had an indoor playground. Awesome. We don't meet there anymore. Not awesome. Looks like he best be finding a new favorite thing to do at "school," like read or do math.

Typical of most boys, Grant loves math and joined in the lesson as best he could.

I know, I know, his pencil grip is all wrong. We're still working on it. But we've made some improvement. However, tracing numbers with a poor pencil grip results in this...

Thankfully we recovered quickly and his excitement returned with the promise of dry erase markers and reading pages.

As for Kate, well, like in everything else, she's too eager to grow up and do what Hannah and Grant do. As we left for Classical Conversations this morning she insisted on wearing "my backpack."

All in all, I'd say our first day of school and Classical Conversations today was a success. Tears were shed. Excitement was had. Expectations were real. And because of that, tomorrow we'll do it all again.

Homeschool Diaries: A New Year

While I've been seeing "back to school" pictures and posts on Facebook, I am suddenly compelled to face my children's own "back to school" status in a week.

But our "back to school" is different of course.

While most kids will be filing onto buses next Monday, mine will be filing into the kitchen, then the den, then the "school room."

I've been busy the past several weeks in the director role of Classical Conversations. I've been making sure all is in place for our community to start again this year.

And now this week I am focusing on what needs to get done for our beginning of the year here at home.

I'm excited that Grant is eager to get back to our calendar time and enthusiastic about his new Kumon math workbook.

And it's always a plus when Hannah says, "we need to get back to my letters," also known as our reading time.

This year Hannah will be delving into a real math curriculum, Saxon. As well as continuing with "The Writing Road to Reading."

I plan to start our day with the calendar while we eat, followed by our morning devotions. Then we'll break and do our morning chores (for me this will be getting the laundry running, getting ready, making the bed and for the kids, getting dressed, teeth brushed, beds made, room tidied). Afterwards we'll do our math for thirty minutes followed by thirty minutes of review time for Classical Conversations. Then it's lunch time followed by play time while I clean up. Before Kate's nap we'll have our read aloud time. Have I ever mentioned that Kate LOVES to read? During Kate's nap Hannah will do her reading/writing for thirty minutes or so. I plan to work on Grant's letter/sound recognition also during this time and I am still working on what that will look like.

And that's it.

That's my school plan for 2012-2013. It's simple. It's doable. The beauty of homeschooling is that so much more can get done in a smaller amount of time than in a traditional school...less kids, less behavior problems, less questions to answer. It's a treat coming from a previous public school teacher who taught 23 kids.

And of course, every Tuesday we'll be joining other homeschool families at our Classical Conversations community. It's a fun time for the kids to be in a "classroom" and see their friends.

So, here we go....let another year of homeschooling begin!

Wiggles Groupies

John and I are still cool. Sure, we have our disagreements, but it seems we agree on a couple of things for sure.

1. The Wiggles are pretty darn awesome.

2. The best way to celebrate the Wiggles is by jumping on the couch (which got nixed as soon as Mommy saw us and therefore there is no documentation of our AWESOME dance moves).

I'm glad I have someone to share in my new found passion, someone who appreciates the finer things in life...because everything is finer with an Aussie accent.





On a different note, Hannah, Grant, and I are all enjoying wearing Mommy's t-shirts. Here I am modeling Mommy's third grade shirt.

I make it look goooood.



The Queen Bead

 As some of you may have heard, The Queen Bead is in business.

The company consists of me, the brains and developer, as well as my younger siblings, Grant, our sign spinner, and Kate, the "I want to take the money and eat it" girl.

I realized Grant needs sign spinning lessons.

And a possible attitude adjustment.

Kate has no idea how to count money.

She does know how to eat it.

Training is imperative.

That's my first order of business.

Therefore, I thought it best to man the table on opening day.

 

Our first customer, Nathan, proudly spent his money on some bracelets.

 

We hated to see him go. He was a good customer.

So, back to advertising. Since Grant suffered a bit at sign spinning, I thought it fair to give Kate a turn.

It seemed she couldn't keep the sign appropriately displayed.

I really need to hire a sign spinner to train my employees.

Until then, I'll do it myself.

I'm proud to say we earned $9 during our opening day. Thank you to all our patrons who stopped and bought our bracelets/necklaces/rings/hair ties.

All 8 of you.

We are proud to do business with you.

Chick-Fil-A: Eat More Chicken

I'll be the first to admit, Chick-Fil-A wasn't my favorite. Hence, the face when Mommy told me we were dressing up as cows to go eat at Chick-Fil-A. Obviously, I didn't share the same enthusiasm as my two siblings.

I mean, what's up with the huge cow? He's the most intimidating creature I have seen. I've never seen the fibers of Mommy's shirt so clearly before either. And, I'll be the first to admit, I don't eat their chicken. I eat grilled cheese.

But, then I realized a few things about Chick-Fil-A. First, they're kind enough to give me a grilled cheese. They don't force me to eat chicken. And two, I just realized in the past week I DO like chicken nuggets. In fact, I love them. Thirdly, their playground is awesome. Fourth, I get a balloon when I go. Fifth, they always tell me it's a pleasure to serve me...even though I manage to sometimes make a colossal mess. So, my feelings have changed...and I will proudly don a cow costume for a free meal. And, I may even resist the temptation to hide my face in my mom's shirt.

So, I proudly exclaim, "Eat More Chicken!"

Mommy's Moment: Rowena

Today I feel like Rowena.

Who is Rowena? 

I don't exactly know. However, when I picture the name Rowena, I picture long locks cascading down her back and flowing away from her Victorian dress.

Today, I feel like her, minus that whole romantic vibe.

Why?

Because my hair has grown ever so long. Not as long as the above mentioned Rowena, but it might as well be for me. My hair has not reached this length since, well, maybe since I was a young child. I'm at a loss of what to do with it.

Therefore, my Rowena-like hair often gets pulled up into a beautiful, pulled halfway through, "bun."

Now, I can sympathize with those "What Not to Wear" contestants who also must have felt a bit like Rowena, had they "known" her. Their long hair combined with kids meant no hair drying and pulling it up to get it out of the way.

And now, I too have been guilty of the same. And I'll confess, I've enjoyed my no hair drying days of late, but, I've also come to the realization that someone may just be video taping me to be the next contestant on "What Not to Wear" because, folks, I'm looking rough.

Untouched by the hair styling tools of today, my hair is not worthy to be compared with Rowena's. It's just not. And I'm not sure if Rowena had a hair dryer or not. Chances are, she did not and her hair magically dried as if she were headed to a Pantene audition.

So today, I took the time to dry it and straighten it and add some relief to it's flowing tresses that encumber my vision and just plain get in the way. I'm not convinced that I am a Rowenian. I find myself missing shorter hair days. But, until our budget loosens, I will embrace my inner Rowena and make do with what I have, lest I show up on the next episode of "What Not to Wear."

Obviously Kate ain't diggin it.

Just in Case...

Just in case you forgot, or need an example, This IS what awesome looks like.

Or maybe it's what delirious looks like after being cooped up inside for too many hot days.

Either one.

But if delirious looks THIS awesome, well, Grant and I will proudly be delirious.

Video Viewing: For Aunt Ash

Hey Aunt Ashley, this video is for you. Check out my mean kick.

Yes, I did dress myself.

And yes, those are blue Scotty dog tube socks I'm wearing with my navy blue fake Crocs. And yes, my red Spiderman t-shirt is too little and I did pair it with a red pair of athletic shorts. It matched. Red matches red.

But, we aren't here to judge my attire.

Thank goodness, Mommy says.

We're here to watch my mean soccer kick and hopefully begin something beautiful. Professional soccer may be on the horizon, that is, if I was actually interested in playing on a soccer team. . .for four year olds.

Video Viewing: Singer/Song Writers

Besides puppeteering, Grant and I are also dabbling in song writing this summer. As usual, I am the more seasoned song writer but I let Grant go first in sharing his song...much of which was insipired by my song. So, if puppeteering doesn't pan out, at least we have this to fall back on.

Mommy's Moment: Hard

No one told me motherhood was hard.

H.A.R.D.

Or maybe they did, I was just too starry eyed to focus in.

But, it is.

And, while that shouldn't be a surprise, it is.

I'm now almost six years into this and really, it just gets harder.

No one told me the amount of selflessness it requires. Or, let me put it this way, the amount of selfishness it exposes.


And I look in awe at those moms with many kids and think wow, she must be farther down the road in this sanctification process because I know, I KNOW, that each kid you add requires more of yourself to give away.

Of course, my thinking is faulty. I know many a gracious mommies/women who have fewer kids who are quite selfless but I know with each kid we've added I've become more and more frustrated with myself.

Why?

Because I've seen my sin. I've seen my little "fits" I throw in my heart when I have to clean up one more mess, wipe one more bottom, mediate another fight, fix one more head of hair, pour another glass of juice...

the list really goes on and on...and...

it often results in harsh words spoken to my children and a desire to retreat to something where I can just get away...to be by myself and do what I WANT and ignore the fact that I have three needy little people dependent on me for almost everything.

Motherhood is humbling.

Because when those harsh words have come out of my mouth, I know that I will have to seek forgiveness from MY FIVE YEAR OLD or FOUR YEAR OLD.

Ouch.

We memorized early on that "a gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger." Sorry, I can't remember the "address" from Scripture.

I would be a hypocrite if I reminded them of that and yet went on without reminding myself of that. And the best way to do that is model repentance for them. And I'll be honest, a lot of times I don't want to do it because, well, it's humbling. And when I fight it, most likely my little Hannah will be the first one to tell me I need to tell her I'm sorry.

Humbling.

The past year I've felt pretty helpless as this motherhood thing has become bigger than I thought. It's required more than I'm able to give. I've found myself at a loss. All those grand ideas I had prekids or earlier on in this journey have pretty much failed me. Or, I've failed in them. There are some great and grandiose ideas out there, many biblical, in how to raise your children. It's just, a lot of times they leave out a big part of it, the sinful mother (father).

And that's where I'm thankful for the gospel.

Have you ever watched "So You Think You Can Dance?" I know, not the most noteworthy show, but I watch it occassionally. And there's this one dance that sticks in my mind so vividly. A girl and a guy were dancing. He stood on the opposite side of the stage and she, with all power and force, sprints, SPRINTS, toward him and basically, without hesitation, catapults her body and clings onto him. Here's a link for anyone interested. That part just gives me chills.

Dance

And it's popped in my head recently as I ponder Christ and the gospel. Should we not desperately and without inhibition throw ourselves onto Christ who alone saves and alone enables us to do good works? Should we not cling so desperately to Him?

And, praise the Lord that in this motherhood journey, I have Christ. I have His grace, His mercy, His patience, His love, His self control. I have His forgiveness. I have Him.

And so yeah, motherhood is hard. But that's good. It's good because it's another reminder of my desperate need to run with all power and force and catapult myself onto Christ.

I can't do it.

But He can. He did. And He is. And He will.

Puppeteering

Puppeteering.

Who knew?

It's amazing what hot summer days will cause you to discover.

We discovered puppeteering.

And some of Mommy's crazy socks.

Good thing Mommy doesn't wear a lot of socks...even in the winter time. Or with her running shoes, unless she's running, then she'll wear them. But wait, I digress.

With the aide of Mommy, Hannah and I (and Kate...sort of) turned those crazy socks into puppets.

We then proceeded to put on a heck of a show. The audience was captivated (dismiss the fact our audience was also the photographer whose job is to stay captivated).

I told a few jokes.

Mom coached us on proper puppet position. I'm still working on keeping my head down low.

And Kate, well, she just managed to get the overall feel for having a sock on her arm. I don't think she's ready for puppeteering just yet. It's a process.

Trust the masters.

Homeschool Diaries: A New Chapter

It's July. Last month I attended a Classical Conversations practicum (and finished each day with VBS at night...as a rapper...that's another story!).

As I mentioned in a previous homeschool post, I am taking on the director roll for our local community. Inadequate doesn't even begin to describe how I feel in this new position. However, I am always reminded that the Lord does not call the equipped, He equips the called. And I always cling to His Word that says, "my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Honestly, this position randomly opened up after I had been praying that the Lord would provide the finances for our children to go this year. Last year it was just Hannah, now Grant is at the age he must join. And while Classical Conversations is very affordable compared to most other homeschool programs, it is still pricey for us during this season of life. So basically, the Lord dropped it in my lap unexpectedly through the previous director, whom I highly respect.

In thinking through this decision, I prayed. I made my list of why I should take it and why I shouldn't. Most of the reasons why I shouldn't simply pointed to fear. Fear of what more experienced moms would think. Fear of failure. Fear of my own inadequacies. And as far as reasons why I should, well, it was, what I believe clearly now, the Lord's answer to prayer for provision for our family to be able to attend. More importantly it was another opportunity to trust the Lord in MY WEAKNESSES to work and to stretch me and get me to an uncomfortable place that forced me yet again to lean on Him and not my own "abilities." And while it is definitely uncomfortable, it is the best place to be. It seems that has been a lot of what He has been teaching me the past year.

So, like I said, I attended the practicum. It was a great reminder for me as to why I believe this is the best place to educate our children. I honestly get pretty fired up about it. I know it's not for everyone. And that's okay. I'm thankful for those families that are a part of the public school systems (or private schools) who are laboring for Christ there. So thankful.

And I'm thankful to have the opportunity to provide a Christian classical education for my children that I am praying the Lord would use in a mighty way in their lives to go out into the world and defend their faith, Lord willing they become believers, and proclaim the gospel to the lost world.

Also, I see the benefits of this method to produce clear thinkers who understand how to think, how to process what they read and hear, and how to correctly apply it.

We live in a confusing world. It's deceptive in so many ways. Whatever you believe regarding the Obamacare, it is a piece of legislation that requires the understading of the Constitution, how to correctly interpret it, as well as how to think through the role of the government and how it was intended to relate to the people it governs. I will be the first to admit, I'm not a great thinker. It's hard for me to discern good vs. bad legislation at times. Heck, I don't even know that I can tell you much about the Constitution and the intentions of our forefathers who wrote it. But we need thinkers...who can take the information they know and correctly apply it. And I wonder about those men in our government and if they really are "thinkers," men who are correctly looking at a historical document and able to discern what it is saying and what the intentions were behind the men who created it. Or is it each man for himself who wants to make a document say what he wants it to say?

I'm not looking for a debate on ObamaCare. I'm just using it as an example. In Classical Conversations, our children will study the Constitution (in later years), the actual document itself, along with other historical documents and begin to make conclusions on what it is saying and then how to apply that to our society. That excites me. It's something I never did. I believe it would help me be a better citizen in our society. I feel I would be better able to defend what I am saying and better able to draw out strong convictions.

Obviously there is so much more I could say and there is so much more to unpack regarding what is a classical, Christian education.I think most people think I'm a bit crazy when I try to explain it. I would have a few years ago. But I realize, that's okay. I think I am coming to a place where I don't feel that I necessarily need to defend it. Like I said, it's not for everyone. The Lord puts on each of our heart's where He wants us and where He is leading us, even with our kids' education. It's great to see the diversity and the way He spreads out His people in order to build His kingdom. After all, isn't that what it is really about? So it would be crazy to have all homeschool Christian families or all public school Christian families, or all private school Christian famililes. Instead, He has placed each of our families in specific places. May we bold with His positioning and see it as a way to spread His gospel and bring glory to His name.