Ruling the World from the Cradle

Aside from one last week of getting things in order around here, we've pretty much wrapped up another summer.

I am not an intellectual homeschool mom. My idea of preparation is not diving into preparing classes. My idea of preparation is getting behind all the furniture and appliances to clean, knowing that whatever doesn't get attention will have to wait another year. I know this sounds weird. I don't care if things are untidy, but I have to know underneath that they are clean, at least for as long as clean lasts for the duration of another year. I know so many wonderful homeschool moms that have that natural gift of teaching. I am so thankful for them, since a few of them have filled in the gaping holes of "Roots and Wings Academy" (the name Cassie chose for our homeschool when she graduated. I, at one time longed to be more like them, but alas, it is not meant to be. The part of homeschooling I feel most comfortable with is the age level Ethan is (close to 5 years) through about third grade. My favorite thing to do in those years is to sit down with my child or children snuggled up and read books. I enjoy instructing them in the 3 r's. Beyond that I have always felt out of my league. Overall, one thing I have been able to conclude thus far is this:
Children need academics, but above and I would be so bold as to say, way beyond that, children need moms who are there and moms who love. I have always believed the old saying, "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world". So to all of you moms out there who may be tempted to think your finest quality doesn't seem to exceed rocking the cradle, take courage. The greatest and most important influence you will ever have in this world comes through rocking the cradle!

A Way of Escape

"God is faithful,who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."

1 Cor. 10:13



I used to interpret this verse wrong. I didn't really want to comprehend the words, "with the temptation", nor the words,"so that you will be able to endure it". I liked to dwell on this part ..."who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able". My idea was, at the point when I couldn't stand my trial any longer, God would surely bring me immediate calm waters in the midst of every storm. Though I am aware God is able to do so and sometimes does, He has been teaching me how to take hold of another part of this verse..."will provide a way of escape". I think of the people with addictions. They are looking for a way of escape. We are sure to let them know they have no escape in things like drugs and alcohol. Indeed, we are right to do so. They desparately need to know, however, there is an escape. It is the holy dwelling places of the Most High; this is the Christian's escape. It is our sanctuary, a resting place in a world that makes no sense, and is full of hurt and pain. Here in the sanctuary, we hide ourselves in the loving imbrace of He who made us, died, and rose again for us. He lives for the moments that we draw near to His side, and the one final moment when He will rescue us for good.

If we are going to portray a picture of this sanctuary (which we all need), to those who desparately see their need for an escape, we have to imbrace the parts of the verse in 1 Cor. 10:13 that at first seem repulsive. The part about "with the temptation" and the part about enduring in it. If we have not experienced the great miracle of God to keep us in the storm, how can we ever be sure that God can keep those with the worst dependencies. I don't think we can be very convincing if we are not certain ourselves first and foremost of the power of God in and through our own impossible situations.

God, in His mercy, is making me strong through the power of utter dependency upon Him. His all encompassing love, His all encompassing approval based on His own shed blood, His all encompassing wisdom for the moment at hand, His all encompassing peace, rest, and security, provide for me a place of escape. I find all of these things in my sanctuary with the Lord. If you want to give it a romantic twist, you might call it our "secret get-away". Here I find myself more than a conquerer in the midst of these common temptations: anger, unforgiveness, division, self-focus, self-pity, and a multitude of other pitfalls.

We cannot escape trouble on this earth. We will all face at one point or another times that are overwhelming and impossible. The best books won't help us, counselling won't help us, friends and family will want to, but won't be able to help us. Our sanctuary will be the only place to fly, and that Someone there waiting for us is a very present help in times of trouble.

"there is a stream that makes glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns...Cease striving and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46

Updates and blessings!

I hardly know what to write. We have been through various emotions these past few weeks as the reality sets in that Mark's condition remains pretty much the same; without relief. Many ask how he is and I hate to not be able to give a good report. The last treatment was this past Thursday with a final evaluation on
Friday. Of course the chiropractor didn't want it to be the last, but Mark and I agree that it is too costly to continue going all the way to Tyler, when we have seen no change. Medical bills are piling up, not to mention gas expense, and work-loss time.

In spite of it all I have peace. God's word is my firm foundation. By His stripes we are healed. Mark doesn't need any created source to heal him. God may use these things, whether they be doctors or medicine or special foods, but He is not limited by these things. I will not give in to unbelief. I will stand on what I know to be true. God will bear this burden for us. In truth, He daily bears the burdens we are willing to cast upon Him. So we should pray for God to have mercy on us that we might be able to surrender every care to Him, for He cares for us. I must pray every day for healing for Mark. God is able to hold him up and give him what it takes to do what he has to do for that day. Certainly, it is harder for Mark to take hold of this, since he is the one in pain. God says, however, "two is better than one". God has used Mark's amazing gift of discernment to protect me from many toils and snares. I was able to remind him of that the other day. I also reminded him to lean on me also. I know God has given me an extra measure of hope in the midst of this trial. I won't stop believing God is in complete command of all that concerns us. In no way does this diminish the pain I feel for him, but I refuse to let our emotions rule over the truth. That being God's grace is sufficient for us, and He is made strong in our weakness. This all sounds so bold. It is, if fact, impossible! But I have found that my Savior delights in delivering us in the impossible. I am able, by His precious blood to approach His throne boldly, for the grace needed in the storm!

Thanks to all of you who pray for us. I'm sure your prayers are carrying us right now. Don't stop!

We are so happy to have Connor home. It has cheered our hearts to hear of his adventures in Russia and all God is doing there. It was a different sort of trip than that of last year in India. As he said, one of "breaking ground". A lot of group prayer in stratigic places took place. God does not forget the prayers of the saint and every one counts. May He send workers into the harvest to build upon this foundation of prayer. He is surely moving in those places.

We have plenty of things to praise God for. As if it were not enough to give us His own precious blood and resurrected life, he showers us daily. Cassie's commitment to Ukrain is taking shape. Hopefully she will be on her way sometime between Jan.-Mar. of 2008. God has opened up many wonderful opportunities for our kids for their homeschool this year. I can't tell you what a relief this is. I haven't been able to even think about it. But the Spirit never fails to order it all for me in the most practical ways. It is true that He does not withhold any good thing from those who trust Him. Amen!!