Choose JOY!

Yesterday, our pastor preached on Philippians 4:4:

"Rejoice in the LORD always, again I say: Rejoice!"

God really spoke to my heart through this sermon. I felt like He was telling me that this is my theme for the school year. Last year, I focused on relaxing and letting go of grade-level expectations. This year, no matter what, I want to choose JOY. Homeschooling is THE biggest faith-builder I have ever walked out. God humbles me daily and I must be on my knees before Him or I will fall completely on my face.

Our pastor reminded us that Phil. 4:4 is a command from God, not a "cafeteria verse". We can't just say, "Well, I think that looks good, but no thank you." God is commanding me to choose joy no matter my circumstances. Even when I am teaching whiny kids. Even when we have the great math meltdown. Even when nobody wants to get out of bed. Especially when we have one of those days when I longingly watch the school bus drive by. No matter what, I choose joy. Only in the LORD is it possible to choose joy. No one can rob me of Christ, therefore no one can rob me of my JOY in Christ. No "thing" can cause me to lose my joy. 

**The LORD would not command me to do something that He will not give me the strength to do. ** 

I know this won't be easy. That's one reason I'm blogging about it. Accountability. 

So, what happens when I choose joy? Here are the 3 things our pastor said will happen:

1. People get blessed. 

If I'm choosing joy, those around me will be blessed. #1 priority for me is my family. They will be blessed when I'm choosing JOY. I want to find a need in someone's life and meet that need. There's no greater blessing.

2. Prayer life improves. 

If I'm choosing joy, I will be praying, petitioning, giving thanks, and giving my requests (v. 6) to Him. I'm not trying to figure it all out on my own. 

3. Peace of God shows up. This is not the peace "with" God that comes through the initial choice of giving my heart to him. This is different. Peace "of" God (v. 8) is a calm serenity in my soul. 

So, that's what I'm striving for this year as I teach my 6th(!) grader, my 3rd grader, and my 1st grader. I will strive every day to choose JOY no matter what. What about you? Where in your life do you need to choose JOY?

One Proud Mama

If you would indulge me for a moment, I have to brag on my sweet Luke. During VBS, we collected pennies (any kind of change, really) for our mission project. It was a boys vs. girls contest because we weighed the pennies every day to see who brought more. Well, Luke decided to take his $25 birthday money (which he had saved for 3 months!) to the bank. He cashed it in for 2,500 pennies! I was so proud of him and his willingness to give.

P.S. The girls came back and won in the end, but like Luke reminded me, "We're all winners because we all gave!"

Good email : )

This is the email from our adoption agency I had waiting for me when I got home from children's camp. VERY encouraging. I have been praying for a while that we'll get our referral for my birthday. THAT would be an awesome gift!

Good evening,

I am writing to let you know that I have been in contact with Dixie, Jean and Melissa at GLA regarding my families still pending a formal match of a child. Dixie has informed me that a number of children have just completed their psychologicals, which are required before a child can be presented to a family. Please know that I will continue to advocate for your family, as you wait for your proposal.

I am hopeful a number of you will receive your formal proposals during the coming weeks and I will continue to be in touch with GLA regarding this. If you have questions or concerns, please do e-mail me and I will do my best to resolve them.

Thank you for being such wonderful families!

96!!!!

Happy Birthday to my Grandpa! He is 96 years young and lovin' life. Every day is an adventure for him and he squeezes the joy out of every minute. We had a great family time with BBQ and cake. His favorite saying is, "My goal is to live to 139, but I might not make it out the door." What I love about my Grandpa's attitude on life is that he's READY. If the Lord chooses to take him home today, he's ready. If not, he's ready to live today to the fullest. Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Cat Got Your Tongue?

No, no cats here, although the youngest two have become VERY obsessed with Garfield the cat lately. We have checked out every Garfield library book and they read them from cover to cover. Then, no matter what happens in our day to day lives, there's a Garfield story to allude to. Sundays, it's a race to get the newspaper and tear it open to read the newest Garfield comic. Lasagna is also the highest requested meal right now. :)

So, in case you haven't noticed, I haven't blogged much lately. Summer always seems to start out empty and then quickly fill up. Here's a quick list of all of the fun reasons I haven't had time to sit down and blog:

Visit to National Boy Scout Museum with our favorite Eagle Scout

Aunt Penny's Ordination

Swim Dates with Friends

VBS

Swim Lessons

Painting

Taekwondo for Jonah

Guitar Lessons for Noah

Storytime at the Library

More Painting

Summer Library Programs

Road Trip to Jonesboro, Arkansas

Family Reunion

Arkansas Travelers Baseball Game

Still More Painting

Geocaching

More Swimming

Visit to our Alma Mater, Ouachita Baptist University

This isn't a complete list, but you get the idea. If I don't develop severe carpel tunnel syndrome from holding a paint brush in my right hand for hours every day, I'll post pictures of our finished living room (VERY!) soon.

iPiccy

I've been playing around with some photo editing software. I took TONS of pictures during our family reunion trip this weekend. Here's an example of the fun you can have on iPiccy. More to come soon!