Hi from a Busy Mom

Since starting homeschool this month, I have had very little time to do anything other than the basics. That is beginning to change as we have established more of a routine. My three oldest kids are in Kindergarten, Second, and Fourth Grade this year. I am teaching them at home three days a week, and they attend a Christian homeschool co-op that meets at Adams School twice a week. The School of Choice has been a great time for them to be in a classroom and interact with other children and teachers. They enjoy the hands-on, creative environment, and we are very thankful for this gift to our family.

Lizzy is really taking off with kindergarten! She is really learning her numbers and reading, so I am thrilled. I think she enjoys the other kids, and drawing too. The other kids are getting adjusted to this new experience. It is very hard some days, and at least every day we have our very difficult moments, but I am reminded of God's strength and help as I come to Him in faith. He gives grace every day. My two-and-a-half year old child, Amy, is taking this really well. She is so good at entertaining herself (hours of mom busy gardening, canning, and cleaning this summer put her in that position pretty easily) so she is taking my involvement with the other kids during homeschool very well. Plus, I get to spend some one-on-one time with her every Tuesday and Thursday when the other kids are in School. I just signed her up for the library story hour on Thursday mornings, so that will be fun for her.

Ethan is back at seminary for this year. He is a "senior" this year, meaning that if he completes the right number of credits, he will be able to graduate with a Master's in Theological Studies this upcoming spring. This is both thrilling and terrifying as we continue to seek an answer for a job for Ethan. This would be even more terrifying if we didn't have Jesus Christ in our lives. He has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." He has also said that "He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young." (Isaiah 40:11) We are held by a big God who will guide us into this next step. Until then, we have a LOT of work ahead of us this year. Meanwhile, the kids and I are studying Russian using Rosetta Stone and putting forth a language effort while we study many other things! It has been thrilling to study Early American History this year as well. We are enjoying studying Life Science with an emphasis on plants, as well as improving our skills in reading and math. My kids never cease to amaze me in their artistic, creative abilities, so they are continually pouring forth art projects. It has been fun in that way this year.

This weekend we are excited to renew friendships with Danny Foote, Olya Velichko, Jake and Anya Knotts. My children are staying with my parents, and Ethan and I will be meeting our missionary friends at the Desiring God conference in Minneapolis, MN. These missionaries from Ukraine will be hosting a booth for In Lumine, their Ukrainian publishing company. Ethan will also be helping out with the Training Leaders International booth at the conference. Please pray for these ministries as they are impacting the world for Christ. I pray that they will make great connections with people and increase their financial support through this conference. May God's great name be proclaimed and His fame go throughout the earth.

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! The name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
‘Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.

He speaks, and, listening to his voice,
New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
The humble poor believe.

Hear Him, ye deaf, His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

Look unto Him, ye nations, own
Your God, ye fallen race;
Look, and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

See all your sins on Jesus laid:
The Lamb of God was slain,
His soul was once an offering made
For every soul of man.

(Charles Wesley)