Saturday, March 10, 2012

Homeschooling moments...

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I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to homeschool two adorable little girls about one day a week. Hannah, the oldest at 7 years old, is the thoughtful, responsible one. She has no trouble taking charge, and, to her sister's frustration, is usually right. Lilly, age 5, has perfected the puppy-dog look, and can go from irrepressible exuberance one minute to miniature drama queen the next.  I love listening to their prayers as we start the school day...

"God please help us share and listen good and learn lots about you..."

"Please help Hannah not be scared at night..."

And some more amusing than sweet, like, "Help Lilly be nice and not mean and help her share the toys with me, especially the cash register that she wasn't sharing yesterday..." And the little indignant sounds that result from such pointed prayers, coming from across the table.... ;)

Teaching is such a rewarding task. I just love watching those light bulb moments - when it finally clicks - and the huge smiles when they get the right answer to a tough question. There is nothing like watching the frustration and tears of trying to sound out a new word melting into the exhilaration of achievement.

All cuddled up on the sofa last Tuesday, one girl glued to each side with a book in the middle, we read the story of Jonah. Hannah listens quietly as the story progresses and the consequence of Jonah's disobedience to God becomes apparent. As the curriculum text finishes talking about the importance of obeying God and our parents right away, Hannah pauses and then thoughtfully says, "That was a good story for Lilly and I to hear. I think we really needed to hear that today."

I honestly think this is the best job in the world. ;)

Friday, March 2, 2012

Catching up...

Just thought I'd share a bit of what's going on in my everyday life lately... point form! :) Hopefully there will be some new posts up in the next week.

  • I got my hair cut on Wednesday! Crazy how much difference that makes... I got about a foot off, making it fall just above my shoulders, and it feels so much different. I loved that I was able to donate it!

  • I'm taking a first aid course this weekend. Okay, that was random....

    • The job search is on. Newness can be uncomfortable, and I'm a little nervous about these new experiences that are opening up just beyond where I can see, but I'm praying for the right opportunity. I've handed in a few resumes with no results so far, but there are some possibilities on the horizon, so I'll just wait and see what the Lord has in store.

    • I've been accepted to university! Still praying about this one - it's a big step, but I feel like it's the right path for now, and I'm trusting that God will continue to guide.

      • I'm nearing the end of Bonhoeffer's biography at last... a truly fascinating account, set in a society so similar to our own. Bonhoeffer's writing contains so much wisdom, and much that applies to me and the world we live in today. I'll share some quotes soon. :)

      • In a way, I feel like I'm relearning old lessons, as I've been going through some rough times lately. But isn't that the way life is? We are sanctified by learning obedience not only once, but continually, learning to respond with faith in the midst of every trial. A new turbulence comes from an unexpected angle to combat the peace of my soul, and I so easily fall prey to fear. But how beautiful it is to learn that God is still faithful.