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

So Thankful!

I am thankful!

I am thankful for:

• the wonderful 2 week getaway we enjoyed at my mother-in-law's cabin this summer. Her hospitality and generosity were a blessing!
• being at home with my children where I can guide them and train them in the way of our Lord 24/7.
• homeschooling which has turned into an amazing blessing for our entire family. We are closer than ever and my children are thriving and learning at their own rate--without confinement, interruption, bullies, or character and purity compromising influences (I guess what some coin as "socialization"...).
• our little rental home--what a blessing this house has been. Once upon a time I thought I needed a bigger home, but now I realize that that was yet another way to divide and distance our family.
• the unexpected $400 that was deposited into our checking account 2 days ago (for some work my husband did last semester)...we honestly had no idea how we were going to pay for some upcoming bills! Praise God for meeting our needs!
• handing it all over to God and trusting in Him for EVERYTHING (yes, even our finances)!
• my husband--he is so supportive and loving!
• our church--where the infallible Word of God is not compromised nor reinterpreted.
• my children--I love what God is doing in their lives!
• God closing the door on law school--my husband scored high enough to get in but not to receive scholarships, and we will not go $200,000 into debt.
• the opportunity my husband has to lead families at our church in a new Bible Study.
• a new vision and plan for our family...more on that as God leads the way. I am excited.

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 136:1

Soli Deo Gloria,

Keira

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

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