And Then They Went......

I have been tending to my family and homeschooling needs that had to be done.  It is so much fun to pull everything together and see all that God has accomplished in our homeschooling year. Our life.

Learning is fun! Such a gift that God has given, to be able to soak up so much of His creation.  To see the mind absorb what is being taught, and some things that are just caught, is incredible.  When I think of how much learning takes place in a child's life just in the first few years I am blown away.  Isn't it just awesome that God gave us a brain that does all this?  All, I can say is, Wow!

After homeschooling for what sometimes seems like a VERY long time, this year has been a year that God has taught me so many things.  God has been so gracious to not let me flail around in my needs, but has given the wisdom I have lacked, just as He promised he would do.  He has shown me what I need to continue in what He has called our family to be a part of, and what my last little guy needs to be able to accomplish some goals that God has laid on our hearts.

Oh, how I need His strength every day.  I am so thankful I can rest all things in the ONE that cares so deeply for me, and is working all things for good, for His purpose.  I have needed that assurance this year.  It was a year of feeling tired and wondering if I could continue, yet each day God met me and poured His strength into me.  The amazing thing, to me, is that He has restored that joy of learning in my heart, with my little one, and He has given guidance as to where to go and what to do.  God has settled me.  I am thankful.

Oh, how rich God's word is.  This verse has been encouraging my heart over the past few days. May it be an encouragement to you also.


Deuteronomy 31:7-8
7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.
8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

I was reminded by these passages of Joshua, and what he must have been thinking and feeling.  This was a HUGE undertaking, guiding Israel into the promise land. This was something that he had wanted to go for, 40 years earlier, but because of others unbelief, he could not.  This was something that Moses, his leader for all this time, was not going to be able to do, this was what God had for Him.

And then.....these great words of encouragement from God through Moses, in front of all of Israel.  The transition was taking place and God wanted all the people to know it and He wanted to encourage Joshua in the task.....and this is how God encouraged Joshua to lead,

Be strong and of good courage for thou must go with this people....

Don't fear...

Don't be dismayed.....

How? .... it was God that was going before Him. And.....God would do these things....

God goes before thee...
God WILL be with thee...
God will not FAIL thee....
God will not forsake thee.....


And then they went........what has God called you to do?  These promises are for you, for me, also! Whatever, it is.....loving our families, encouraging one another, sharing the love of Christ, God is doing all these things for you and I.  Oh, I just want to follow.

Learning in the journey,
Carrie