I am writing about it and bringing it over here to you.
And because I think it is so very important,
I even made a pin for you . . .
I actually printed this little ‘mantra’ out and pasted it in my kitchen . . .
This weekend, at the home of a new friend that my youngest has talked about non-stop for weeks on end, I stood in the kitchen chatting with her mom. We talked about how they had decided to homeschool and what they were teaching. She told me about her daughter’s love for piano and also for French. Since language has been a bit up in the air in my house, I asked how she picked French.
‘I prayed about it. I asked God to show me what would best serve us.’
A few minutes later, she told me the same thing about another aspect of their schooling.
‘I prayed about it and asked God what would be the right way for us.’
Not that the idea of praying was a revelation, because I pray.
I do.
Sure the usual stuff. A prayer before a meal. Prayers with my kids before bed. Little prayers for friends when prayer requests have been given and a quick prayer on the road when thinking of my husband on his travels somewhere. I have talked with God, had a chat about how life is, thanked Him for our blessings. I remind my children that it is important to thank God for all of our blessings and not only turn to Him when we want something.
When it comes to making decisions about schooling, classes, curriculum, activities – I have never really asked God to help me with a choice. I’ve never laid it at His feet and asked, ‘What would be the right thing here, Lord?’ I will surely discuss it with a friend, talk it over on the phone, agonize over my choices . . . but sit down and give it up to God and say – ‘Show me Lord, guide me to the right decision.’ I don’t believe that I have.
So the whole ‘less talk, more action’ . . . will be more of a ‘less talk, more prayer.’
God has a plan for my life. It would be good to stop and ask Him for directions once in a while.
Do you involve God in your decision-making? Would love to hear your stories.
And as always
Nicole, was born in England, raised in South Africa, and recently became an American that talks funny. A Liberal Christian Mom, currently living in sunny Florida, married to the man affectionately referred to as MR 51% in her blog. Has homeschooled her two cherubs since early 2008 and embraces the ‘World is our Classroom’ by traveling as often as they can. When she is home you can catch up with them in their outfit of choice – jammies, most days, exploring the beach in flip flops and devouring books. She loves Jesus. She says, What would Jesus do? A. Lot. Nicole fills her blog with stories on life, travel, homeschooling, infertility and adoption. She does not write about dieting or exercise. Some days – you should bring wine. You can find Nicole blogging at By Word of Mouth Musings.
I really got the idea that has a specific plan for my life. really got it from a book. I was reading because our youngest was heading to first grade and i was wondering what I would do with my extra time. I was literally asking god what should I do very specifically. He told me my husband and I should adopt a sibling group of 7 from our area (our area being dallas…I found them on the web.) This was not my plan…I planned to enter a retirement community with my husband the second my daughter graduated. We had 4 adopted children and Tina was as close to an “oops” baby as an adopted child could be. But he said adopt and 2 1/5 years later here we are. So my youngest is entering school and I am not asking. Course you may wonder why I am on a homeschool site…
Oh Holly, what a blessing that God spoke, and you listened.
And remember that whole thing about our plan, you know that one where we plan while God laughs … He indeed had many a chuckle where you were concerned. You truly are a wonderful daughter of our Lord and a guiding light to show the way to others for the path He wants us to travel.
Oh, my friend, you always say the right things at the right time, don’t you? I have been thinking a lot lately about going back to my nightly prayer journal to write down the things for which I’m thankful and those things that I need to lay at His feet and let go of for the day… But that’s not the same as asking. Thanks for this. xo
For some reason, we feel as tho we ask too much, when really all we need to do is ask, to receive. We are taught this as little children and yet we forget as we get older. God is always there waiting for us to speak to Him …. and so we should!
Oh I love that you wrote about this! I’ve been explaining to Savannah why we homeschool her… instead of sending her to the school that is literally on the next block. She is slowly gaining an understanding that we pray about things before we do them. Not only in the home, but in business as well. She sees me pray over her daddy’s jobs, interviews… my trips and ventures. It really gives that peace about stepping into something a bit scary or unknown.
Love that you use these words … it really gives that peace …
Peace on earth, ask and you shall receive, God dwells in us and His love is perfected in us …
all such beautiful words.
We are all so blessed, and sharing the love with our children is a gift … the greatest gift we can give them.
I really love this. I do pray over every little thing, that may be big, or just feels big to me. I ask for His guidance, for wisdom, and to show us His will for us, etc.
What I struggle with, is knowing , hearing, seeing or recognizing His answers! I am sometimes not sure which or where they are, to be sure it is His answer for us, or if He hasn’t given it to us yet. When it is a time sensitive decision, I struggle with it all the more. I truly want our family to be led by Him, so it can be frustrating. I know He is there, and I know He answers. Do I act on a feeling, or wait for something more obviously His work to happen or come to me. I am sure it is more a matter of me over thinking things, and getting in the way of recognizing His will sometimes.
So very true, we sometimes have these ideas in our heads and our hearts as to how we believe things should be or how they should turn out … and yet when we allow ourselves to listen to that small voice inside … that whisper, that encouragement that comes from our Father … then we can be free – He knows our journey, we need to allow Him to show us the road.
Thanks for an important reminder!
and trust me, I need to remind myself daily!
So many little things that we need to be reminded of … and then they lead to big things.
And God wishes so many big things for us if only we allow Him to show us the way.
such a timely reminder
so often i fret for days
over which math to use
or what co-op class to suggest
when really
the Holy Spirit longs
for me to bring Him each and every
concern or decision that i have on my heart
thank you
thank you
for reminding me
to get down on my knees
and pray for wisdom and discernment
alison
Oh Alison, I just want to print out YOUR words and keep them.
Love how you put it together that way xxx
Dear Nicole,
Yes! We pray about homeschooling. But our prayers have been focused more on the big picture. Should we continue homeschooling this year? Should we take the day off? How do we handle our daughter’s dyslexia (figured that one out). Our prayers haven’t been as specific as you mentioned. Interesting. I suppose it would be wise to ask Him about our curriculum choices, too. Thus far, when I feel a peace about a certain method of teaching or a particular program we’re using, then I go with it – as long as the kids like it, too. I always associate His peace with a right decision.
Thank you for posting about this. I don’t think we can ever go to Him too much.
Love,
Laura
Even today I find myself all about the thanks for what we have, but not really opening the line of communication.
I need to focus on listening …
I’ve got most of my curriculum ready for my eldest next year except that I can’t decide about language arts. I’ve been researching, asking friends, etc…………..except I haven’t prayed about it!!! Thanks for the reminder!!
We are trying to figure out which way to go with drama and dance … and need much guidance