Refocused!

This past week I was hoping to do some writing. I came across some old notes that reminded me of what a different perspective I had early on as a mother, and I really wanted to find the time to write. But, it just did not happen. In fact, my week was quickly filled with lots of tasks.

My husband and I are the class coordinators for a new co-op starting up at our church this fall. The course catalog and registration are coming up soon so, needless to say, the week was not focused on home, and I really felt it. It left me feeling sad—that I was missing out on precious time with my children. In my mission to focus on several other things, I let my focus at home go…not good.

And the irony of it all is that early on in the week, when I was preparing for our Friday Homeschooling Moms’ Bible study (we are reading Todd Wilson’s Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe), I was reading about the “truth” that “You can’t do it all.”

Boy, did the week leave me feeling like I was trying to “do it all.” In my attempt to get it all done, I realized I was neglecting what was most important—my husband, children, and home. It certainly affected our whole family. How easy it is, this day in age, to do and be involved in so many good things but quickly lose our focus on our most important job. We simply can’t do it all…only the enemy wants us to believe otherwise so that we become distracted and weary.

I know I need to guard my time…and not lose my focus on my God-given mission.

Despite wanting to write, I am glad I did not get the time—my laptop suddenly died and all of my files are inaccessible (hyperventilating a little here)… Perhaps this is God’s way of refocusing me! Praise Him!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Keira

Cleaning and Pruning

It's May, and I can certainly tell it is spring cleaning time for lots of us just by all the posts on Facebook! Whether it is putting away winter clothes and bringing out summer clothes, doing a thorough cleaning of the house and going through piles that have multiplied, or beautifying the home with spring colors and scents, it feels good to start fresh. We all need that--the eliminating, organizing, and beautifying seems to bring clarity and refreshment.

I started pondering over "spring cleaning" from a different perspective--perhaps one that you would not think about if I were to announce, "It is time for me to do some spring cleaning." And that is one of intentionally evaluating all the things, activities, projects, and even time spent with certain people, that are distracting…

This day in age, with technology, media, more choices of products than ever, opportunities and activities for our children, friends under the spell of worldly thinking or professing new age philosophies, etc., we can easily get distracted and become confused about what is best for our family. Lately, I have started questioning everything…and my litmus test is the Bible. If we are to remain the salt and the light in this dark and decaying world, we must remain focused on our eternal purpose, strong in our faith and undiluted. Jesus says in Matthew 5:5-13,

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus clearly illustrates that there are only two ways of life. As I read His teachings, I can't help but think what could be preventing me from shining bright and remaining on the narrow path--thus hindering the growth I desire and distracting me from my mission of supporting my husband and raising godly children. For it is only on that narrow path that I will glorify God and find the small gate that leads to life.

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."

So, as I "spring clean" my home, I will prayerfully evaluate other areas that need "cleaning" and lovingly prune distractions and negative influences.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Keira

Falling Apart or Falling in Place?

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

The past few weeks have been tough! As we were approaching 2013, I was feeling worn down and beginning to feel hopeless on our journey. I was growing fearful of the lack of clear direction for our future. It simply felt like things were falling apart with no hope in sight. I saw this image on Facebook and started wondering if this was what was actually going on in our life.

My husband and I found ourselves at a crossroads. We had an opportunity to rent (after short selling our home), month by month, a cute little brick house down by the university (very back to basics and in need of lots of TLC…no dishwasher, a dryer outside in the shed, etc.), and my husband was contemplating a major career change that would require even more schooling at the university and possibly incurring school loan debt. My, oh, my!

We have been praying for direction, and it seems that things are falling into place…just not what we were thinking. So, is this God's will? Are we being hasty and impatient; are we not trusting in God; are we losing our focus; or is God leading us on this very path? We trust in our LORD, and are at peace because our focus is on following His lead.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Unfortunately my husband's doctorate in education does not seem to be helping his career move forward…is there a reason for that? Does God want him in that field? Or, has He put these plans on my husband's heart and made them his desire for the very reason of change?

I can tell you this, a year ago I never would have imagined, as a public school teacher of 13 years, that I would be a homeschooling mom who has now completely turned her back on government education, and in fact find it unbiblical (yup, I finally said it--sorry if I offended anyone, but scripture clearly puts the education of children in the hands of the parents, not of the government…oops, getting off topic). So, is it really that surprising that our LORD would continue to lead us in a direction we had not anticipated? I guess not…

As we move forward in this new year, following His lead, we will draw strength and take refuge in our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 

May you, too, find peace and strength in our LORD. Happy New Year!

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

My Struggles as a New Homemaker

In case you missed my second article over at The Focused Homemaker: My Struggles as a New Homemaker, head on over and check it out.