1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us
I am not sure about you, but it is nice to sometimes be reminded that we (my family) are living life how God intended. Today started different then any other day; since we started home schooling Mateo. I had to wake the kids up at 6:30a.m. so we could make my 7:45a.m. doctors appointment on the Air Base. I was even up at 5:45am so I could have time to get myself ready. We were on time to leave the house, and as I told Mateo it was time to go, he accidentally bumped the swiffer (that I forgot to put up when I was done) over and that hit my bottle stand, and then all the bottles plus there pieces (for those that know what Dr. Brown bottles are you feel my pain, for those that don't know each bottle has 6 separate pieces) fell into a pot on the counter that just so happened to still be filled with the grease from frying our chicken the night before. Needless to say, I had to take a deep breath, quickly clean up what I could, explain to Mateo that yes accidents happen, and this one wouldn't have happened if I put the swiffer back in its home. So we are in route to my appointment 3 miles up the road at 7a.m. We make it a quarter mile up the road and then traffic is stopped.....and doesn't move for 20 minutes!!! Ahhhhhhh Now Jacoby is feeling my pain.
So I soon turned around to go a different way. We make it about a mile up that road and then come up on some traffic that is just crawling. Now Mateo is wishing we never left the house.
Well, I realize at this point I am not going to make my appointment that is 3 miles up the road even though I gave myself 45 minutes to get there. I called and rescheduled. Meanwhile, I would like to just turn around and go home but felt somewhat committed since I got myself and the kids up and out of the house that early. As we were sitting in traffic I was thinking about all of the stuff I could be doing if we just stayed home. I was thinking about what errands I could run since I was already out of the house. I then looked ahead......
and stared at the traffic in front of us. And then I looked up......
and saw this beautiful sky that God painted. I began to forget about my to-do lists, errands, screaming children, and the homeschooling that wouldn't get done today. I began to thank God for all of the reminders as to why we make the decision for me to stay home with the children and to homeschool. I am so appreciative that I can stay home, and that I don't have to get myself and the kids up early everyday to take them to a daycare or school. I can't imagine the stress that is put on individuals and families because they have to sit in that traffic every morning and every evening. I know that this isn't ideal for all families, but if it is you should know the impact it has. Know that it makes a huge difference for our children to learn without distractions of a class full of other students. Due to curriculums, interruptions, snacks, lunch, bathroom breaks, etc... they are at school for anywhere from 4-8 hours. Did you know that if the day goes smooth Mateo at the ago of 5 can get done in about 2 hours. Did you know that what we paid for this years curriculum is what we would have paid for 2 months in his old private school? Did you know that when I was working it was to pay solely for the kids private school. Now I will say that it isn't easy. There are sacrifices on everyones part that have to be made. If you like to drink a Starbucks or Monster daily, eat out for lunch a few times throughout the week, go to the movies on the weekends, have cable at home, drive the latest and greatest vehicles then this may not be possible for you. We learned to live a new way. We learned what was important to us and we don't live outside of our means. Instead of going to the movies, we make fresh popcorn and get a movie from Redbox. Instead of going to Starbucks we brew coffee at home and just use the flavored creamer (I know my mouth waters for a Pumpkin Spice Latte in the Fall, but now it is a special treat to myself instead of a daily thing I used to take for granted). Instead of cable, we have Netflix. If you are anything like me and have to do a load of laundry and dishes everyday detergent can get expensive. I have been making ours for almost three years now, this saves us so much money. I make one batch every 6-8 months. These are just some of the changes our family made to adapt. I am sure I could come up with many more but you might get bored and not come back to our blog. So what was I talking about? Oh yeah, God's Assurance and the confirmation that we are living how He wants our family to live. I am grateful for days like this. They start off stressful and then end with lots of laughter and stories to tell. I thank God for these reminders even though I may not always see them at that moment. This particular day I saw them and was able to capture and share the many images. Is God assuring you of your way of life or are you feeling conviction for not making specific changes? Pray about it, and don't put it off.
Deuteronomy 28:2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.
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