Already Gone

How would you feel if you found out that in a class of 30, only 3 kids were passing? You would be pretty disgusted, right?! How about if you discovered that our Christian churches and families have a 90% failure rate? Scary, right? I mean, as Christian parents, our worst fear is to have our children walk away from their faith and know that they will spend eternity in Hell. Eternity! I know that is certainly mine and because of that, every parenting decision we now make is based on a biblical and eternal focus.  Our eternal home is in Heaven. And, in Romans 12:2, we are called to not be conformed to this world. Yet, what is happening to our youth?

I have been reading Already Gone by Ken Ham and Britt Beemer. As a Christian parent, I truly encourage you to read this book that looks at why, according to their study, 90% of our children today are leaving the church (first in their heart and then physically)--40% of them by middle school, another 40% in high school, and finally the last 10% by college. Those statistics are scary!

Guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge"--which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you. 1 Timothy 6:20-21

In addition to schools teaching history and science that defies the Word of God, most churches today are teaching diluted and compromised doctrine--one that is simply filled with stories on how to live a good life. If our children see the Bible as a book other than the infallible Word of God--accurate in every account even from the very first verse in Genesis, they will surely be gone. I am reminded of how narrow the path is when I think about Noah and his family. Only four couples took the way into the ark--the rest experienced God's wrath through His world-wide flood and perished for lack of belief and faith.

"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." Matthew 7:13-14

Our children today are up against so much--through media, false teachings, political correctness, peer pressure, etc. The enemy is very clever in his attack! Ed and I are not willing to sit back and let our children become one of the 90% who will suffer eternity in Hell…we are intentionally, as God's Word instructs in Proverbs 22:6, training up our children the way they should go so that even when they are old (or in middle school, or high school, or college), they will not depart from it.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Keira

Being REAL!

Howdy!! Isn't the end of the school year always so busy!?! Even as homeschoolers we found it to be a busy time. But, summer has come--YiPpEe!! William and Evan finished their lessons yesterday and are so excited to be on "summer break." It's kind of funny though--since we homeschool, we will still carry on doing much of the same day-to-day stuff. I love that--it really is so pleasant to have settled into such a simple life.

William tends to his bunny and our dog, Sam, and helps with making meals, doing laundry, and other chores. Evan takes care of his garden--lots of melons in the works--and helps do laundry, make meals and dry dishes.

Collier is still working on math and his history--he will be done with his school year by the end of the month. In addition to that, he is tending to his garden, which is amazing!! I am beginning to think that organic (and non-GMO) gardening is a future business for him (and maybe our whole family). Already, in the past few weeks, he has earned $39 on just 5 orders (he is saving up for a bass guitar)!! Go, Collier!!

With summer comes a new bible study through our church. This summer we are using Todd Wilson's Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe--the book could easily be renamed Lies Moms Believe though. Most of the lies homeschooling moms believe are ones any mom believes. One of the sections talks about being REAL--real--as in vulnerable, authentic, true--not superficial or hiding behind facades. REAL!!

Now I have always considered myself pretty REAL and transparent, but since I have consistently received remarks about how I seem to have a perfect life and marriage, or that I have it all together all the time, I realize that people, even those close, don't really see the REAL me…this is what I struggle with...

• I am tired! But, God renews my energy every day!

• I am so frustrated of being poor and depleting our savings! But, God seems to work miracles to provide. We depend on Him to meet our needs e.v.e.r.y  s.i.n.g.l.e  w.e.e.k!

• I am disturbed with feeling like I am walking into a land mine every time I go grocery shopping. I am simply appalled what is called "food" these days--our future is eating that, and we wonder why our nation has so many allergies, is obese, and is so sick. But, God has opened my eyes to the beautiful food He has created for us--we have made incredible changes in this past year and are healthier because of it.

• I am constantly "on" training my boys. They are sweet amazing kids, but they sure are not always nice to each other. In fact, some days I feel like a referee. Earlier this week one of them spent two days in his room--refusing to do something we asked him to do--stubborn child! That was fun! But, God does not command us to do anything without providing us the support and strength. I repose on Him each and every day!

• I am disappointed that my boys are constantly exposed to underdressed girls and women--God help us this swim season! Hello! Modesty is a biblical mandate and yet, even at church, girls are wearing "jeanderwear"--jeans shorts that really should be considered underwear--yes, they are that tight, that short and up the crack. Why is this acceptable? Style is one thing, but, again, modesty is a biblical mandate. Our, or our daughter's, clothing should never cause our boys or men to be tempted to think impure thoughts. Is it really a wonder that men struggle so badly with porn these days or that human trafficking is growing? We, women, have the power to honor God, our bodies, and men by being modest. Ok, off my soap box. But, God is so good--He has equipped Ed and me (through a recent Bible study) with His Word and the tools to teach our boys the beauty of purity and modesty. 

• I am not happy about my flabby stomach--yes, I know, those of you who know me are probably rolling your eyes. It is still flabby to me…grrr. But, God loves me and made me just the way I am. And, my hubby loves me just the way I am--I am so grateful for that!

• I feel for my husband who is so frustrated with his low pay, the state of education and his work situation. But, God is using Ed in amazing ways--and that is what it is all about! Soli Deo Gloria!

Ok, I best stop for now. That's me though--REAL--not perfect!

According to the book, there are two sides to being REAL, though--the "Teller and the Listener." It is one thing to tell, but the other part is listening to others and allowing them to be REAL. Doing both opens the door to authentic, deep relationships. I have to admit--being REAL here--I have been and need to work on the listening part (without offering a solution or advice). So, here's to being REAL and having a great summer!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Keira

Praising in Time of Adversity

This week we experienced another disappointment--my husband did not get a job he was hoping for. While that job appeared to be his, clearly our LORD has other plans. To say the least, my husband was crushed for many reasons… But, we both are faithful and, despite how bleak our financial future may appear, we know that He has plans for our welfare and will provide a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

Just this morning William (my middle boy who always wakes up early with a smile and the most positive attitude--love him!) and I were reading Job. When we came upon Job 2:9-10, we stopped and related this to life.

Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

We talked about how easy it is to praise God when all is going well, but then to curse Him (be upset and angry) when things are not going well.

We will continue to praise God during this time of uncertainty…

• Praise God my husband did not get that job! Clearly our LORD did not want him to have it--He has other plans! 
• Praise God that He brought me home to focus on my greatest mission--supporting my incredible husband, training and nurturing our boys, and creating a home of peace and joy!
• Praise God for homeschooling and changing our perspective--renewing our minds to this beautiful way of life! 
• Praise God we sold (through a short sale) our house and have endured this year of hardship--it has certainly made us realize what is important and what our priorities are!
• Praise God for the savings and the help we have received to provide for our needs (we are still determining the difference between needs and wants)! 
• Praise God for this little rental house and Collier's flourishing garden--the simplicity of a small house and growing our own food is beautiful. 

We will continue to praise Him in everything--He is molding us and preparing us for something even greater!

It is more clear today how truly blinded and worldly we were. God was certainly not the center of our life or our decision making…and without these events we would never have experienced the faith and eternal vision we now have. Praise God!

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

Still Here…Update!

Boy, it sure has been a while since my last post… I did post a few over at The Focused Homemaker--if you missed them, click here and then here. I am feeling like it has become a series of the Titus 2 mandates, so I will continue with that--focusing specifically on how I, personally, have grown in each virtue. So, more coming on that front over at The Focused Homemaker!

Until then, perhaps a little update from the Moody family…

• We got our foster/adopt paperwork!! Yippee, but we have done nothing with it…waiting for God's lead right now. In the past, I feel that I have tried to rush things and make them happen--God was working too slow for me, you know… I always think back to Sarah and Abraham--when God's plan for a baby was not happening fast enough for Sarah, she told her husband to sleep with her maidservant to get God's promise going. Ugh! I have been Sarah in the past--NO, no, I never did that, but I certainly persuaded my husband to hurry up and do/buy things that we did not consult God about first. Not doing that again! So, in the meantime, we are praying, talking, and waiting.
• Our first year of homeschooling is coming to an end…hmm, not sure it is ending though…learning will continue all year round. The kids, through the experience of this year, are realizing that "school" (ie. learning) happens all day and all the time. Life = learning! It truly has been life-changing for our family and we are closer than ever…oh, I have so much to say on this one, but that will have to be for another post. <3
• Ed interviewed for two more jobs, but clearly God did not want him in either of those positions. Not sure what God has in store for Ed, but I am not worried. I know that God has great plans…we just need to be patient and rest in His promise to provide for our needs. He certainly has this year…still in awe of that! More than ever, I feel that God really wants to keep us right here in Arizona…he is already using us in amazing ways at our church!
• Ed and I have been asked to join the leadership team for a new homeschool co-op ministry at our church. We are both excited and overwhelmed by this new ministry!
• Collier's garden rocks! He has expanded it from 10x10 to 10x25…already enjoying spinach, arugula, and tomatoes. Just the other day, he was giving some friends individual tours…and listening to him was amazing. He has learned so much about gardening and how to produce/provide vegetables for his family. I am so proud of him!
• William is loving his bunny and is now obsessed with the idea of breeding bunnies! Yesterday he read ALL about it…listening to him explain, step by step, the process was hilarious (of course he could not quite understand why I was giggling). Apparently you know when they are finished, according to William paraphrasing the book and adding his thoughts on why, "When they are done, the buck makes a squealing sound! I guess it is because he is excited that he is going to have babies in 28-35 days!"
• Evan has been on his medication and supplements to get rid of his yeast overgrowth for just over two months now. Yeast is very hard to get rid of in the gut and intestinal tract, so we still have months to go, but we have seen amazing changes in his behavior! Praise God!!

Well, that is it for now--God is doing amazing things in our lives. This past year has been amazing evidence of that!

For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Soli Deo Gloria,
Keira

James 1:27

I am not sure how to even begin... I certainly have been thinking about how to write this post for some time now. Well, I guess it's been since I wrote this post back in February when I realized, by opening our minds (to God's Word), we have finally let go of our worldly ways and views. In the past year, we have been in the process of reforming our family. And, as we reform our family, we are continuously looking to His Word for His Will. In the past, as cultural Christians, we would look to the people around us…and follow the herd. Goodness, it certainly is easier to simply fit in and do what everyone else is doing. But, aren't we called to stand out and not to conform to this world?

Therefore do not be partakers with them: for you were formerly darkness, but you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light Ephesians 5:7-8

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 

One of the "follow the herd" choices we made, back in 2004, was to not have any more children by having my husband go through a vasectomy procedure. And, even as recent as June of last year, I went through a procedure which permanently closed my womb--an endometrial ablation which destroys the lining of the uterus. Since that time I have been "tormented" (a bit of a strong word) by the fact that we had made a decision that we believe was in fact not ours to make (certainly not what the world wants us to think). We had not left the size of our family up to the Lord; instead, we followed the herd. And, we certainly, according to the world's standards, had exceeded our family size limit by already having three kids. Yet, in fact, Psalm 127: 3-5 says,

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

The bible clearly illustrates that God opens and closes the womb, and yet, we felt that was our decision to make…

Alas, God still uses our sin for His purpose.

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. Romans 8:28

And what happened was God clearly planted the seed for fostering last June--within a week of my procedure. Since then, fostering/adopting has been heavy on my heart and many encouragements have come up over the months, but with our move and a possible job/career change for my husband, I did not understand how it could possibly work…and still don't--especially financially. But, then again, that has been this whole past year…we are walking in faith and God has faithfully provided. If He truly wants to keep us here and to foster and adopt through this agency, I know He will lead us on that path and light the way.

Your word is a lamp to my feet  And a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

 In the meantime, we are excited (and nervous) about the prospect of providing a loving home for orphans. Monday, I made the call in order to start the l.o.n.g. process. But we are motivated by our calling in James 1:27:

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

3-19-93

20 years ago today Ed and I became engaged to be married! When I think back on that time, I am both joyful but also haunted by it. Let me explain.

Just before my 18th birthday in 1989, Ed and I started dating. It immediately became serious…at least for Ed. It was not long after that he asked me to marry him…and I responded by telling him that I was not ready and was too young (we were both so young). I thought that you had to finish college and accomplish goals before you could ever get married. And, you certainly did not want to settle before "trying things out" and making sure this was the right one (now I look back and wonder on what criteria). Where did this thinking come from? Well, I think it was a combination of upbringing (being raised agnostic with splashes of cultural Christianity) and having lived in a culture that simply does not value marriage (Sweden)--generally getting pregnant or having kids comes before marriage.

So, what did we do instead? About 10 months into our relationship, we moved in together! Yep, I would not marry Ed, but I was sure okay with setting up household with him (to see if it would "work out"). And, I was calling the shots…I am woman, hear me roar, right? No, yuck! As a sophomore in college, and Ed a high school senior, we were young, lost, and certainly not believers, living as a married couple! It took several more years before I accepted his proposal. Looking back now, that time truly makes me shudder…and I don't want that for our children.

Some may say, "Well, but look, you guys turned out all right." Yes, but, our dishonoring God's plan for relationship and marriage from the get go provided a lot of baggage that we brought with us into our marriage. We have worked through so much and grown up together and are both born again--Praise God! But, we did it the hard way!

So, in order to honor God, and His clear creation of marriage, we are intentionally teaching and training our boys His plan--mentoring we never received. We pray for their future wives. We share God's word about remaining pure. And, we are raising them to be godly men who will be providers and strong leaders of their own marriage and family.

I praise God for my marriage--I am so blessed to be married to such a strong, honorable, and convicted man. He supports me each and every day and allows me to be the woman God created me to be!

Soli Deo Gloria,
Keira