Prayers Answered

Last night I grabbed a prayer journal that was sitting on my night stand and started reading prayers I had written almost a year ago.

January 16, 2012
Lord, I pray for the direction for next year--I feel your leading toward homeschooling Evan and William. You have softened my heart to this, and I will do what you want. I don't know how this can happen financially, but I know that all things are possible through you.

February 21, 2012
Lord, I am so thankful that you have changed my heart to meet your will--I know now that it is your will for me to homeschool my kids next year. Collier?? It only seems right that I would homeschool all, especially with what I am reading. I know for sure that public is not working for William and Evan, but what about Collier? Please help me know what is right for him…
Lord, I also ask for you to make it clear how we are going to make it financially without my income. Lord, thank you for all of your blessings!

February 26, 2012
Lord, thank you for giving me the direction when it comes to homeschool. I feel at peace and realize that you have renewed my mind and put it on my heart. Please give me direction about Collier's schooling.

March 4, 2012
Lord, we would like some direction on what to do about our house. Provide us with the resources and knowledge to make the right decision.

Looking back on these prayers, among many others, it so evident that God is in control and leading us in the direction He intended. In this past year, for the first time in our lives, my husband and I have truly listened and followed His word--even when it does not make sense. (I just read this aloud to Evan, and he said, "Like Sarah!" Yes, Evan, many days it feels like Sarah and Abraham--just following God not knowing where we are headed or how it will all work out. I just pray that we do not do anything to get in the way of His plan, as we have done in the past. I am eternally grateful to be back on God's path.)

So, today marks the first day I have ALL three of my boys home for homeschooling. Yesterday was Collier's last day in public school! God changed his heart, and Collier asked to come home for his schooling on Sunday. Praise God!

And, in a little over a week we will be signing papers to close on the sale of our house. Everything is going smoothly, and we will be staying at my dad's house until June. We do not know what the future holds beyond that, but that is okay. God is working everything out as we follow.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Focused on the Reason for the Season

My husband and I have celebrated Christmas all of our lives. We grew up believing Santa brought gifts, and we carried on this tradition with our own children. We loved it! Even after accepting Christ, we perpetuated the myth of Santa. While the actual history of St. Nicholas is amazing, and the tradition itself of Santa is exciting and fun in so many ways, I realize now how much it shifted our focus. Our kids were focused on Santa and what he might bring rather than on the birth of our LORD Jesus Christ. Satan is certainly crafty in his ways of shifting our focus.

Just a few months ago I told the kids that there was no Tooth Fairy, Easter bunny, or Santa. I was somewhat put on the spot as William had lost his tooth and the tooth fairy did not come. My husband and I had already decided to talk to the boys about it; it just happened before we had time to do it together. While it all came as a surprise, I realize that they were most upset about being deceived. All of them took it well, but kept asking questions. They were shocked that we had bought all the presents, hidden the Easter baskets, and had left tooth fairy money. I felt awful--how is it that I could lie about these things but then rebuke them for lying? Lying is lying… No excuses. How could my husband and I participate in these traditions that required us to lie? Satan is certainly crafty in his ways!

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

As Christians we must examine our lives according to scripture rather than live double-minded, conforming to this world.

Ed and I continued to conform to this world through the participation of Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. We expected the boys to believe in these myths AND in Jesus, equally!

Paul instructs, in 2 Timothy 4:2-4 to preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For a time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

It starts at a very early age.

As Christian parents, if we want our children to believe in the word of God and not conform to this world, then we must teach sound doctrine and be truthful--certainly not tickle their ears with myths by conforming to the world's ways. Remember, Satan is crafty.

So, with a renewed and biblical perspective, we are approaching this Christmas with a focus on the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, not on Santa. After doing some research, I found two beautiful approaches to gift giving.

One, focusing on gifts that represent how Jesus grew during his lifetime as explained in Luke 2:52: And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

With that, each child would receive a gift representing wisdom (book, devotional, game), one representing stature (clothing, shoes, attire), and one representing favor (toy--perhaps something to share with others). Each representing a way to grow and become more Christ-like.

And the other, the one we have chosen, is based on the gifts, as described in Matthew 2, given to Jesus by the Three Kings--the wise men. Gold representing something of higher value (fit for a king), Frankincense representing spiritual growth such as a devotional, prayer book or journal, or a Bible, and finally Myrrh representing something to do with the body and more practical such as cologne/perfume or clothing.

When we shared our vision with the boys, they loved it. Each of them have a simple list divided by those three categories and will receive three gifts, other than their stocking. We are keeping it simple and focused on Jesus's gifts and his birthday.

We certainly pray that this helps our whole family focus on the reason for this season rather than on extreme consumerism.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Keira

P.S. If you are interested in reading a beautiful way another family is choosing to intentionally celebrate Christmas and giving, enjoy Kendal's post. I am in awe of their plan.

Praise God!

Praising God tonight for all the amazing things that are happening in our family right now. AND, just a bit ago, while Collier and I were snuggling in his bed, he broke down. We were talking about our upcoming move and how excited he is about it--we will be staying at my dad's house until June. We were also talking about school…and he grew silent and buried his head. He has been so reluctant to the idea of homeschooling, but I decided to ask him if he had thought about coming home in January. He started crying and said, "Mom, right before you said that, I was praying to God to give me the words to tell you I wanted to come home." WOW! Praise the Lord! He clearly changed Collier's heart.

A Day of Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for, but, being in the midst of transition, it is easy to focus on the challenges! This morning we talked about and wrote down what we are truly thankful for. Now, we are truly praising God for how He is transforming and using our family for His glory.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Soli Deo Gloria,

The Moodys

Beautiful Evidence of the Worldwide Flood

Last Saturday our family had the privilege of going on a 1-Day Tour of the Grand Canyon with Russ Miller from CreationMinistries.org. What a blessing it was to be guided on this tour by a Christian who spoke scientific and biblical truths. Russ shared that he, like so many Christians today, was a evolutionary theist. Now, he dedicates his life to teaching biblical and scientific truths for the sake of Christian salvation. Unfortunately, what is being taught daily to our children in public schools, through the media, and even in some churches, is that evolution created life and man. By reading Genesis 1, it is very clear that God took 6 literal days to complete His creation and proclaimed it "very good." Evolution needs millions of years, death, and suffering to explain its theory. The theory of millions of years and evolution therefore puts death before sin, which clearly contradicts Genesis, uses circular reasoning to explain time, and has not been scientifically proven.

If you, as a Christian, have been taught the Gap Theory and believe in the theory of evolution, I encourage you to consider doing your own research. Our family has spent the past 6 months learning the biblical truths of Genesis and God's creation. We started out by watching Dr. Kent Hovind's 8 part DVD seminars--you can stream them on your computer from Creation Seminars or get the DVDs through Netflix. Our whole family loved watching and learning (Evan feel asleep during some of the DVDs). Dr. Hovind used to be a science teacher, so he explains thoroughly and holds the kids' attention. Following those DVDs, we started watching Ken Ham's Answers in Genesis series and Check This Out. These are great, but the kids certainly appreciated the style of Dr. Hovind more.

So, going on this trip to the Grand Canyon, with Russ Miller, was in many ways a culmination of all we had been learning. Along with the kids, Ed and I could truly appreciate what the worldwide flood had done to the landscape of our state--not millions of years ago, but rather just over 4,000 years ago.

Russ Miller has 34 short video teachings online, and in episode 24 he explains biblically the 3-Day Formation of the Grand Canyon, and in episode 25 he clearly explains the Biblical Age of the Earth. His whole series is well worth watching--make it both science and history lessons for your whole family. You will be blessed!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Keira

For another post on this topic, click here.

A Good Smack in the Face!

Wow! I just finished listening to "The Shocking Youth Message" preached by Paul Washer. While this was recorded and spoken to youth in 2002, it rings loud and clear for youth and adults alike today. It truly spoke to me, and reiterated what I have witnessed as a teacher and parent, of how worldly our Christianity has become today in America. Paul Washer preaches biblical truth and does not sugarcoat anything--he cares too much to deceive and continue to perpetuate the worldly lies that we have bought into.

In this sermon, Brother Paul, preaches from Matthew 7:13-29. He makes it very clear how narrow the gate and path are.

Brother Paul prays, "I want those that are saved to stop looking around them in a cultural Christianity, that You hate and will spew out of Your mouth, and that they will look at the Word of God and say, 'I will follow Jesus!'"

He goes on to say, "I want to talk to you who claim to be Christians. Does your life honor Jesus Christ? Are you looking in His Word to find out how you're supposed to live?"

This question hit home for me--for almost a year now, our family has been making changes to live by His word. Not viewing the Bible as a smorgasbord. And, as each month passes, and especially in the past few, I crave the changes. Looking to His word, to know truth and how to live as a biblical woman, wife, and mother, is so exciting…and yet frightening. It is like never before. With each change we intentionally make as a family, we become more countercultural. Things we believed in, and supported with fervor, we now know clearly go against God's word. Such a drastic change of perspective can feel incredibly overwhelming, and yet it has also been exciting and liberating. Now, finally, I can truly say, my life honors Jesus Christ. I am a missionary in my own home. Being my husband's helpmeet and discipling my children with concern for their salvation is my entire focus. Soli Deo Gloria!

Brother Paul ends by insisting that we, "Bring every thought, word, and deed into subjection to Jesus Christ."

When you have an hour, I encourage you to watch this message (even if you do not belong to his denomination--we don't). And, if you have middle and high school age kids, watch it with them. But, know that it is not a "feel good" message. It is a "smack in the face" wake up call. Something most of us Christians need today. I know I certainly have plenty more growing to do.

May you be blessed!
Keira

Staying Strong

On Friday we found out that our lender approved the short sale with a closing no later than December 14th. Ok, here we go!!

Moving forward may appear as if we are moving backward, but I must say that this is a relief. We are finally free to make decisions that are best for our family. It would, however, be a lie to say that I have no anxiety about this. What must be done in the next month is daunting…and sad. Leaving our home during the holidays will be emotional for our entire family. But, we have the future to look forward to…an adventure that is still unknown.

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, "you are my God." Psalm 31:14

For those of you reading this, I humbly ask for prayers--prayers for our family during this time of transition.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10

God is Sovereign

We just finished dinner and listened to this podcast as a family. Albert Mohler did a great job briefing us on the events of last night, why it happened, and finally what we must do as Christians.

I must say, I am disheartened by last night's results. I fear for the direction of our country both morally and economically. I fear the more globalized and more involved in a world government we become, the less rights and liberties we will have as Americans. I fear for our religious freedom. I fear for our rights as parents to homeschool. I feel such sadness over the sexual promiscuity of our youth and the view we have of unborn babies. And, I feel such sadness over the continued degradation of the family. However, with this fear and sadness, I must cloth myself with my Lord's full armor.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm. Ephesians 6:11-13

And, I certainly take heart in knowing that God is sovereign and that our Lord reigns. Though, as Christians, I must remember that we are called to submit to our government.

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. Romans 13:1-2

As our family follows His lead, we will continue to put our trust and complete faith in Him.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Keira

Countercultural

Bambi, from In the Nursery of the Nation, recently shared a link to my blog, along with the links of the other The Focused Homemaker contributors. She "warned" readers to only head to The Focused Homemaker if they wanted to read countercultural words. Wow--yes, that is it!

Countercultural! That we are, too!

Our perspective and purpose is completely countercultural as is based on a biblical worldview which counters the world's view.

Living this way can feel incredibly difficult--the world telling us quite the opposite of God's word, but the simplicity of it is beautiful. With the challenges in mind, it is so important to be part of and connected with a church who preaches God's truths.

Lately, I have wondered if we really are meant to leave Tucson. Not only are we surrounded by beautiful friends and family, but we are growing increasingly connected with our church through our Faith Home Educators ministry (and all those amazing moms and families), Ed's involvement with his men's ministry, my involvement in the 2 year old room and bible studies, and Collier being part of the worship band. Not only that, but we have a pastor who does not deviate from the word of God. Nothing is watered down! He speaks God's truth each Sunday and is not afraid.

C.S. Lewis once quipped that he preferred to take his Christianity the same way he took his whiskey--straight. Though Lewis's analogy will startle some, his point should not be missed. True biblical Christianity is strong stuff. And because it is, the church has often succumbed to the temptation to water it down with all sorts of alluring admixtures. A dash of pragmatism here, a dash of mysticism there, and voila--down it goes.
      What goes down, however, is not the true biblical faith at all. It is, as Lewis aptly noted, a diluted, weakened faith. Even worse, many church goers are completely oblivious to that fact. While pretending to imbibe the strong stuff of true biblical faith, in reality they start with man-made formulas or water the strong stuff down to insipid solutions. Either way, what they ultimately consume bears little, if any, resemblance to the strong stuff of biblical truth.

David Hagopian, editor of Back to Basics: Rediscovering the Richness of the Reformed Faith

We have certainly chosen to take our Christianity straight--undiluted. And, countercultural--I guess that describes the path we are on. One that seeks to honor God.

And do not be conformed by this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

And, who knows what God has in store for us in the months and years to come. We walk in faith and take joy in being in His hands.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Keira

Tonight's Thoughts...

Boy was it nice to not participate in Halloween this year--the stress of it no more (not just the day, but then weeks thereafter of monitoring the candy intake). It was also nice that the focus was on celebrating my birthday rather than a quest for buckets full of candy.

How did the kids do? They were fine. We went out for dinner and had a yummy chocolate cake for dessert. Our kids are certainly not deprived and get their fair share of candy for our family movie nights each week. Collier did say that everyone was eating candy at school on Thursday…I know he would have loved to have a bunch of candy, but I would not have allowed him to bring it all to school anyway. As a teacher, the day after Halloween was always a hard one--most kids were candy drunk.

My husband and I have always felt it important to limit our children's sugar intake--we value healthy eating habits and moderation.

Have you found honey? Eat only what you need. That you not have it in excess and vomit it. Proverbs 25:16

Evan, in the past few weeks, has been more anxious, explosive, and hyperactive--thankfully we have an appointment with his psychiatrist in a few weeks. I am looking forward to hearing what she says in regards to his meds. They don't seem as effective lately--perhaps from a growth spurt? But, it has also been heavy on my heart (and I have shared this my husband) that we try weaning him off of his meds… Now that he is not in school, he does not have to sit in a seat or focus for an extended period. However, he must behave and have self-control. And, the meds have certainly helped with his obsessive behaviors, hyperactivity, anger, and outbursts. For so long our family walked on eggshells. But, so much has changed in our life--that is not to say that his ADHD/ODD/Anxiety will just disappear… We are praying for God's will and protection for our sweet, loving, intelligent little boy.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4