New School Room

So I finally got around to making an "official school room".  It is something I've wanted for sometime.  Even though our kitchen table works fairly well it is often a pain as we have to clean up the table for lunch, then get it back out after lunch and then have it cleaned up by supper.  This is especially difficult if we are working on projects.  It would be really nice to just have a space that is designated for school stuff.  A room where we can hang stuff on the walls and a central location for all of our supplies.

Well Drew and Tannin had been wanting to sleep in each others rooms every night so I finally decided that I would put them together in Drew's room and make Tannin's room a school room.  It was a long process last weekend but it is almost complete.  Saturday we will get the table to go in there and then we will be able to use it as our official school room.  The kids seem to be really excited about it.  It is so fun to see them excited about learning.  They are already spending a lot of time in there with the books and learning toys.

We've also been looking at curriculum for next year.  We have decided that what we are using this year isn't working for anyone.  After much thought and prayer we have decided to go with My Father's World.  I'm really excited about it because I think it will give the boys more opportunities to do stuff together as well as to do more hands on and less of the mundane paper and pen exercises.

One of the greatest joys of homeschooling is the ability to be flexible and try new things.  I've never been so excited for a new school year to start, but it is safe to say I'm anxiously awaiting next August!

Do not be afraid

As my appointment with the endo approaches tomorrow morning I would normally be afraid right now.  Preparing myself for the worst, anxiously awaiting the news that would change our lives forever.  And yet I'm not.  I know that when I lay down tonight I will sleep sound and will go to Champaign tomorrow and regardless of what I find out I know that I will be fine.

God has surrounded me with His peace in so many ways.  Through friends and family, through His word, through our quiet times together and through the Esther study.  In fact Esther was postponed last week because of the weather so our message last night came a week late.  But the message is very clear, "Do not be afraid, I am in control".  Knowing that He is in control and believing that He is in control are two very different things.

Do you know what the most repeated command in the Bible is?  Most people guessed it had something to do with loving our neighbors or be kind to one another, surely it has something to do with the 10 commandments.  Actually it doesn't, the most repeated command in the Bible is "Do not fear/be afraid".  God says this hundreds of times in both the Old and New Testament.

I don't think that God is saying we should never be afraid, but I do think that He is saying that we should not let our fears rule our lives.  Beth Moore had an awesome fill in the blank lesson last night.  If _________, then God.  Take whatever fear is ruling you and put it in that blank.  Nothing you can come up with can trump God.  We serve a mighty and good God that cares for us so profoundly that over 2000 years ago He stepped down from His throne to not only be with us but to save us.  No matter what fear you have God will provide the strength and the courage needed to overcome it.

I personally never realized what a stronghold the evil one had on me when it came to my fear of something happening to me and leaving my children without a mother and my husband without a wife.  But by saying If I die, then God, it puts it into a perspective that I can manage.  I know that my God loves me and cares for me enough that even if I got the worst possible news He would carry me through and would provide a way for my family and I.  He must have known that we would have a lot of fear ruling over us, so much that He tells us over and over and over, "Do not fear/be afraid".

Thank you Dana @ Except for Mondays for this fun award.  I love your blog!!  

7 (interesting) facts about me:

1. I gave my life to Jesus Christ and am blessed through Him everyday.
2. I love homeschooling my 4 children even though people look at me like I've lost my mind (and sometimes ask me that) when I tell them about it.
3. I haven't bought a new out from a department store for me in over 3 years.  I seem to only shop at Goodwill or will occasionally buy a clearance shirt at Old Navy.
4. I am starting a juice fast today.  They are good for physical and spiritual needs.  I'm looking for both.
5. I hate strict schedules.  I have a hard time sticking to plans they usually change at least 3 times.  It drives those around me insane.
6. I have a passion for people.  I love people and desire to make a difference in others lives.
7. I hate materialism.  The happiest people I know are blessed with family and friends and could care less about keeping up with the Joneses next door.  The trouble with the rat race is even if you win you are still a rat.  

And I nominate in alphabetic order : (I know I was suppose to do 7 but I only have 5)

• Dana @ Except for Mondays (I know you nominated me but I LOVE your blog)
• Dana @ Gateau - Cakes by Dana
• Olive Jude @ Jude's Blog
• Pastor David @ Your Pastor Dude
• Wendy@ The Short Story

So here's what you need to do:

• Thank the person who nominated you and copy the award in your blog
• Link the person who nominated you for this award
• Share seven interesting things about yourself
• Nominate seven fellow bloggers and add the links to their blogs