Merry Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas!

Since I have been a little lazy in the writing department lately, our dog took over and wrote our Christmas letter… Blessings, Keira

December 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

Woof Woof, Sam here! Some of you may not know me, but I am the Moodys’ American Bulldog. It seems that they are too busy to write a letter this year, so I am stuck with the task. Can you believe it? Well, someone has got to pick up the slack.

About a year ago we sold our house…boy do I miss the doggy door. Now I have to scratch at the door every time I want in or out. We live in a house near the U of A, but I keep hearing my family talking about wanting to move back to the NW side of town. Honestly, that would be a great idea since it seems like they are always driving to that side of town for church, Collier’s music lesson/church band practice, Generation Joshua (apparently William is the treasurer and Daddy does a lesson on the Constitution at each meeting), homeschool co-op (Mom and Dad helped start it and are on the leadership team) and science classes. While I get a bit lonely every time they leave…for hours mind you, I have found ways to entertain myself. For a while, I was trying out all the comfy furniture. I liked the couch the best, but then they started putting stuff on top of it in order to foil my plans. That’s okay, I then learned how to pull down the pillows they stacked on the chair. Well, I guess they found that out too, so onto the beds I went. In fact, today while they were at church—for a long time since Collier plays his clarinet in the worship band and Daddy teaches a Sunday school class with the family—I got on Mommy’s and Daddy’s bed and made my very own nest! I am pretty sure they found out since I left my nest and some fur… Oh well, every once in a while, they forget to shut the bedroom doors or cover their furniture…it is a new plan every day!

Speaking of new plans, Daddy has let go of the job search at universities and is following a call into ministry. Currently he is teaching fulltime and taking classes for his Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies through RC Sproul’s Reformed Theological Seminary. And he thought he was done with school after his doctorate...funny! I keep him company though, and give him comfort by allowing him to pet me when he is up late at night writing papers.  I do the same for Mommy during the day as she homeschools the boys.  They seem happy and productive and are learning a lot.  Mommy seems to relish in teaching them, allowing all of the boys to progress at their own pace (which seems to be fast), and learn with the Lord at the center. 

During the day, you will find me either relaxing or enjoying adventures in our backyard. Collier put in a couple of gardens, but I am not allowed to walk in them. It is just so tempting when a lizard is crawling up the wall and the only way I can get to it is by running through the garden! What is a dog to do? Not only do we have lizards driving me nuts…yes, I stalk them…call me a stalker, whatever…but they got two bunnies and eight chickens!! William and Evan are hoping to enter their bunnies in the Fair through 4-H…personally, I think they would make a great snack! The chickens don’t really bug me, in fact I consider myself their protector. Well, I am not too sure how I would react if one got out…they might make a good snack too. My family can’t wait for them to start laying eggs…yummy!!

Speaking of food, it seems like there is always yummy food being prepared in the kitchen. Mommy loves to cook, Evan is taking a cooking class through 4-H, and Collier loves to bake cookies. Honestly, I cannot help but go in there and put on my cute face and hope that someone will give me something. Yes, I admit it; I am a beggar!

I am also a great howler especially when Collier is practicing his clarinet and electric guitar. I simply can’t help but sing along. Evan is learning how to play the Ocarina, so that one is fun to howl along with too. Meanwhile, William loves to practice his military drill for Civil Air Patrol…seems like a lot of work when you can just relax and wait to be petted.

I hear that Mommy and Daddy are getting ready to celebrate their 20^th wedding anniversary this April. At least I have a few months to figure out what to give them…though they don’t ever seem to appreciate the “surprises” I leave. Perhaps I will offer to take them for a walk to the park…they always enjoy that…as long as they don’t forget to bring bags!

Overall, life is just great…well, except when I am being scolded for slurping and licking. But, again, what is a dog to do? My family is happy, and they feed and pet me. What more could I ask for?

  

Oh, and I hope you enjoy the Christmas card of Ed, Keira, Collier (15 at the end of this month), William (12 ½) and Evan (9 ½). I am a little resentful about that photo shoot since they did not bring me along…so many lizards I could have chased!!!

I hope this finds you all well and enjoying this beautiful season and the very reason for it.

Woof,      

Sam

Trust in the Lord for He Provides

A post I wrote for The Focused Homemaker on November 29:

Back in August, I wrote an article describing our financial situation and posing the question: Is it Possible?

Since then, some amazing things have happened, and they all point to our almighty and sovereign God. He is truly amazing and provides for our needs!

Please allow me to share what has occurred in this past month through my journaling that I did on Facebook.

November 2, 2013:

I am in absolute awe right now–God, yet again, provided for our family in a mighty way. He is sovereign and has completely honored us for following His lead and handing EVERYTHING over to Him–even our finances, one that is not easy to hand over. There have been many days when I have wondered how we were going to pay our rent or even buy food, but we continued to trust that He would provide and honor our commitment to live debt free, on one small salary, and homeschool our children. And, amazingly, He always provided. Many look at our choices as radical and reckless and that our situation could easily be rectified by me going back into the work force. But, we do not look to the world or our culture for our guidance, instead we are committed to what God has revealed to us in His living Word. We praise Him when all is going well–but especially when we are feeling weary and everything looks bleak because we know He is actively working on us and that we can lean on and trust in Him. We are His, and we know He is molding us (we made our fair share of bad choices in the past, and it certainly takes time to clean up our mess)! I pray that our journey is truly an encouragement and a testimony of our mighty and glorious God’s sovereignty! LIFE IS SO GOOD–I serve a mighty and glorious God, am married to a courageous, loving, and faithful biblical man who honors me and my role as a biblical woman (talk about liberating!!), and am privileged to be a mom to three amazingly smart, strong and faith-filled boys!!! Praise God!

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30

 November 4, 2013:

And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.” Luke 21:1-4

What a wonderful feeling it is to give! Just over a week ago a childhood friend expressed her need on Facebook. My heart truly went out to her, knowing how I felt so similar to her…this is how I responded to her post:

October 25: I so wish I could (help)–one day I truly hope to bless you. “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion–how can God’s love be in that person?” 1 John 3:17 Right now we are in a very similar boat (not sure how we are going to pay rent next week), but we also trust in Jeremiah 29:11 because we are on His narrow path and He is leading us to something amazing. We have sacrificed everything to homeschool our kids–I would never change that, but it is not easy financially. And, yet, God provides in mysterious ways each month! We will continue to trust as I know you do. I will keep praying for you!

Well, little did I know, God already had something in the works to meet our financial needs–He did so in an amazing way on November 2^nd and now, a little over a week later, we get to bless her! We could choose to store it all away for a “rainy day,” but we see someone in need now. Right now! And, we know that on our “rainy day,” that may or may not even ever happen, God will provide. When we are His, He provides for our needs. He is forever faithful.

My prayer is that we will continue to give of all that we have so that we are allowing our Lord’s light to shine, giving hope to those in need. Ultimately all that we have is only because that is what God has given us.

November 22, 2013:

I love seeing all these thankfulness posts during the month of November. While I cannot keep up each day doing it myself, I must share yet again the gratitude I have for God’s mighty provision. After He provided for us and blessed us in a mighty way at the beginning of this month, my husband and I decided to turn around and provide and bless a single mom who was struggling to make ends meet. Within a week of us blessing her, God provided 120% of that back to us through two anonymous gifts (one was handed to my husband at church and the other was a gift card emailed to my husband) . I am in AWE! Wow! Wow! Wow! Since we have surrendered our finances and let go of our pride, God has blessed us by providing every step of the way. We are so humbled–our budget does not work on my husband’s little salary. The only reason our budget works is not because of our own efforts and accomplishments but because we have surrendered our finances to Him and God takes care of what is His. We are His and I am so thankful! I look forward to continuing to bless those around us who are in need–what a beautiful way to show God’s love!

Today:

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace. Phil 4:6-7

May your Thanksgiving weekend be filled with love and thanks to our Lord God! He is so good! And, may you find encouragement in this post.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Keira

Tired, But Not Ashamed!

It's been a while! If you did not read my post over at The Focused Homemaker about a shared prayer journal that my husband and I have, I encourage you to read it. It has truly been a blessing to our marriage.

I have to say that I am tired and my heart is heavy for many reasons, but the most amazing thing happened yesterday. God used a dear friend who is suffering an absolutely unimaginable life change to encourage me. In the midst of her terrible storm she encouraged me to keep writing. Because, to be honest, I have been feeling like giving it all up--this blog and Facebook. But, she reminded me that my writing and words are inspiring. I am also reminded that God put our family on this journey and encouraged me to share it in order to minister to others. It is about glorifying Him!

There are things I would like to share, but the timing is not right. And, one thing that I have learned in the past few months is that I really need to consider what and when I share. Not all who read this blog are supportive of us. What I will share is this:

• I am in awe of God's mercy and complete providence. Last week He provided for our needs through three people (one anonymous), and this week another anonymous person blessed my husband! I am truly humbled by His power and love. Last week we were also able to bless a family in need with a meal. Even when we have so little and being surrounded by a world that tells us to rely only on ourselves (or the government), our boys are learning to trust in our Lord for everything and develop a servant's heart.
• I am in awe of the power of friendship and ladies willing to serve friends in need. Over a period of a few weeks, I have witnessed ladies support a beautiful sister-in-Christ, whose husband is battling cancer, by providing encouragement and meals. I have also observed a team of moms plan a benefit for a sweet mom struggling financially due to medical costs. Giving to others, whether it be your time, a meal, or helping financially, is truly a beautiful expression of God's love!

"If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion--how can God's love be in that person?" 1 John 3:17

• My husband is currently taking two classes through Reformed Theological Seminary. He is loving it and learning so much! It is so clear that his education (doctorate in educational leadership), teaching, conversion, and experiences is leading to an amazing future in ministry. We are so excited about what lies ahead and are so incredibly thankful for the support of our pastor and church, especially in a time when some near and dear to us are scoffing at us and our choices.
• I am frustrated about the "Affordable" Care Act and what it will be doing to our family financially--it is not affordable for us due to a loophole because my husband's work offers us an unaffordable family plan. So, for now, I will continue to be uninsured and pay a penalty. I find such irony in this that the very people who are supposed to benefit from this don't qualify. I am frustrated that it is being blindly passed with so many unknowns…and many knowns that are raising premiums or causing people to lose their full time position because their employers cannot afford it. I am sure there are many people out there (even people in our family) who would tell me to put our kids back in school and go back to work. But, we will never do that…for us as Christians, my husband and I recognize what is more costly and will continue to keep an eternal focus. 
• Chickens are awesome! We have 8 chicks that are 3 1/2 weeks old and just spent their first night out in their coop. We got them when they were only 4 days old and have so enjoyed watching them grow--they each have little personalities. While we will not be getting eggs from them for another 5 months, we are thankful to have them. The boys love taking care of and visiting with them each day.
• Gardens rock!! We love having a garden and are so thankful for the organic produce it is providing our family.

While we may be tired, we continue to walk in faith and trust in our Lord. We continue to live according to God's infallible Word, even though that means being countercultural, for we are not ashamed!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also the Greek. Romans 1:16

Losing My Life to Save My Life

Yesterday after service, I went up to our Elder to say hello. He asked me how I was doing, and I responded that we were doing well. Then he corrected me and asked me again how I was doing. And, the fact is, I am tired, emotional, and lonely.

He knows so much of what has been going on in our life and has been praying for us. So, I just shared…it is hard right now. Even though our path is becoming more and more clear, it is a lonely and isolating path. On one hand I feel an incredible amount of love and support, but for the most part I feel so much judgement for our choice to truly follow Christ--reforming our life to reflect a biblical family with biblical roles.

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:14-15

Much of our past, both relationships and actions, must be changed. Even family relationships must be approached with caution. It is simply lonely and isolating at times--especially knowing there is judgmental talk about us behind our back. But, we are not here to please men, we are here to please Him.

And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? Luke 9:23-25

 Loses his life for My sake…yes, that is it.

That is how I feel…I have lost my life, and relationships have changed. I have had to let go of things that had become idols. Even though I am no longer who I was, there is this continual temptation to think like, do things like, or act like I did in the past. It is a vulnerable time--temptation to worry about how to make ends meet, temptation to be influenced by and have a desire for worldly things, temptation to wrong and worldly thinking which surrounds every aspect of our lives, and temptation for idols.

I miss people, things, even my past blindness.

Each day as I take up my cross, I know that our experiences, even this emotional, exhausting, and lonely time, are continuing to mold us and push us to rely on Him and Him alone. Our sole purpose is to honor our Creator and glorify Him in every aspect of our life. I truly pray that our life, journey, and testimony will inspire others to "lose their life" for our Lord in order to save their life.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Keira

We Are His

Recently, I read a post titled I'm An Outcast. Several things have happened over the past few months, and I can completely relate to that post.

You see, God has been molding our lives, and as we have followed His lead in these past 18 months, we have made so many changes. Some may view these godly changes as evidence or fruit of our regenerated hearts and in fact admire our complete and utter faith. While others may view them as reckless, irresponsible, radical, non-conformist, or just plain crazy.

That brings me back to Jennifer's post. I realize more and more each day, that within the world's standards, we are outcasts. But, we are in good company. I take comfort in Jesus's words to his disciples in John 15:18-19:

"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of this world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.

That hate is becoming apparent more and more each day.

Several months ago, my son's life long friend texted some very hurtful words to him about our family's choices, beliefs, and my son's character. This was a very personal and painful attack on our family.

More recently, my husband was verbally attacked by a teacher who works at his school. He had never met this teacher but was being introduced to him by another colleague. This particular teacher, responded to this introduction with a, "Oh, I know who you are. You are that conservative Christian." That was followed by 2 minute tirade attacking my husband's character, beliefs, morals, "hateful" God, "bigoted, misogynistic, and backwards ideas." He told my husband that anyone who goes to college and still clings to conservative values should not earn a degree, and that my husband does not deserve to be teaching. Ed chose to not respond, but rather, he politely said that he had to go and went back to his building.

While Ed is often judged and questioned for his beliefs, he has never experienced such a hateful and intolerant attack. Clearly "tolerance" and "hate" only goes one way in this young teacher's mind. Clearly everyone should agree with his beliefs. What is even more sad is that if this teacher actually realized what an amazingly hard-working man, loving husband, and caring father Ed is, he would regret every word he said…or maybe not. Certainly, he is "of this world" and does not see things from the perspective of our loving Creator.

This experience is a reminder that we need to be praying for the Full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) each and every day as it is clear that Satan is using those around us (even those near and dear to us) to attack us with flaming arrows. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against Satan, and Satan is not happy with God's work in our lives.

While these attacks are painful and may damage relationships, we must consider them a blessing as clearly outlined in Matthew 5:10-12:

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heavens. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The persecution will continue for we are not of this world but outcasts who have been transformed and desire nothing more than to glorify Him with all that we do. We are His.

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

Is it Possible?

Hop on over to The Focused Homemaker to read my most recent post where 

I share how we have managed to make it on one small salary.

Exciting News

Before I share some exciting news, I thought you might want to pop over to The Focused Homemaker by clicking here to read my most recent article. During these past two years, we have made drastic changes in our lives looking to His word as our compass and relying on Romans 12:2 to keep our focus. I am in awe of what God is doing and how He has completely removed the scales--it is so clear that we were serving the world and its ways rather than trusting completely in God's word and His ways. Oh the freedom in letting go and completely trusting in Him--our loving Creator. His plans are clear.

For some time now, my husband has had seminary on his heart. After months of praying and receiving counsel from our pastor and other godly men, Ed decided to apply. Today he found out that he was accepted...doing the happy dance!! What is just as exciting is that it looks like the cost of tuition will be covered by a few sources making it possible for us. Remember, Ed decided to close the door to law school because of the costs, and since we are determined to live on one small income and be debt-free, we knew the only way that seminary could happen was if God provided the finances. Well, it looks like He has. We are still not sure about all of the details, but we know that God is taking care of everything.

Praising God each and every day!!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Keira