I know I am rather tardy in sharing this news, but February is always blazin' crazy for my family! The Homeschool Moms Winter Summit I attended a few weeks ago was beyond amazing - the classes, the table talk time, the intimate fellowship, the skits, the speakers and oh, the worship! The worship was divinely spiritual and somehow reached into the depths of my hurting heart and brought me to tears within the first ten minutes of being there.
I am always in awe of the wisdom and experience that so many ladies have AND that are willing to freely share to the rest of us who may possibly be struggling in similar areas. I was reminded, encouraged, strengthened, relieved and convicted .... so many emotions to deal with in two short days yet perfectly timed by the Holy Spirit. I attended the Summit last year but often wonder why my arrogant pride kept me from attending the prior two years thinking that I didn't "need" what they had to offer. I can attest to the validity of this weekend and shout loud and strong that your sanity may depend on this short, little getaway! It truly is one of the best things I do for myself, which in turn, benefits my family.
At the end of the Summit, all the moms that had graduated at least one child was called to the front where they received a standing ovation from the hundred's of moms still making the journey. I felt very honored and humbled to be a part of this receiving line but was even more honored when this command was given: "We want each of you to pass the baton onto these ladies by giving them this "scroll" that must accompany a hug and the words, "I believe in you and I know you can do it!" With a handful of these beautiful paper scrolls, we launched into the crowd grabbing the necks of these ladies that so desperately needed to be told that someone believed in them and whispered an encouraging word in their ears. Here are the life-changing words that caused my eyes to flood:
I BELIEVE....
...that homeschooling has led me to the foot of the cross - which is the very best place for me to be.
...that since He called me, He will equip me. It will not be by my own strength or power, but by His Holy Spirit.
...that homeschooling has done and is doing a work of sanctification in my life. God wants me to intimately need Him more and more every day.
...that despite my weaknesses, I serve a God who supernaturally will bring to fruition all the He has purposed for my children.
...that a remnant is being called to radiate God's truth and the love of Jesus to the world.
...that Homeschooling is the most difficult thing that I have ever loved to do!
...that God hears the quiet yet desperate cries of homeschool moms as they "call out" for His strength and guidance.
...that homeschooling has taught me more about MYSELF than any subject I have ever taught.
Even if you don't home school, I hope you can substitute a different word for homeschooling (like parenting!) and still gleam some golden nuggets from this list.
Very thankful, I am, to the ladies who gave almost an entire year planning for an event that I'm positive was meant just for me!
(I say this out of all of the love and respect I posses and I hope you take it as such.) You are the first homeschooling parent that I know that puts this much effort and work into not just what you teach your children but how you teach them. I have known MANY homeschooling families and usually their children are...not quiet adapted to social skills, not given a very hands on approch to schooling and very reliant on others. You have made me reconsider all of that. Your children are very bright, funny, a joy to be around and very social individuals. And yes they are also individuals. To add to this amazment two of them are deaf and I see them around the church by themselves all of the time and I am reminded that you, in a large way, are to be thankful that you have raised such wonderful children. I think you should take great pride in graduating one and I look forward to seeing you graduate two more. You are an inspiration and I am proud to call you a friend.
ReplyDeleteI cannot begin to tell you how much these words mean to me, Cammi. I actually posted this when my day was far from joyful or fulfilling. thank you for your encouragement and reminding me again why I do what I do!
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