Tidbits, Trusting–our world this past couple of weeks

I looked at the date of my last post–December 12^th.    Where on God’s earth did the time go?   That’s been the kind of week , er, week-and-a-half, that we’ve had.   Days have flown by, but I’d have a hard time articulating what we did in a way that would justify the time.   Well, I’ll give it a try:

The Christmas program at our church was a tremendous, just-in-time blessing.   Each of the groups that performed ministered in his/her own way, from the sign language ministry to the drama team to each of the choirs.   I loved the “old school” praise and worship, but I couldn’t help but marvel at the younger generation and their rendition of song great Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas.”   Though it’s not a gospel tune, it’s still a romantic holiday classic, and isn’t it wonderful to snuggle with your honey in God’s house?   It occurs to me as I encounter more and more ways to praise the Lord that this is what Heaven will be like–everyone worshipping together, but in our own way, and all of us making His praise glorious.

We also wrapped up our last week for this semester.   I think it was the combination of the cloudy weather and having Dad home, as it felt like we were already on vacation.   Isn’t it amazing how one simple change in your environment can so impact the day?   All the kids wanted was to stop work and find out what Dad was talking about, what he was doing, and where he might go such that they could tag along.    Consequently, two subjects—science and history—took hours longer than they should.   I’m not complaining; more and more I realize that, when you homeschool, school is really the vehicle in which home—with all its love, affection and support—manifests itself, with books, maps, timelines, etc., working as stimulator to help school blossom.    I wrote those words to remind myself of this the next time I’m fretting about something that didn’t happen according to my plan. 

I started teaching three new classes to my adult learners within the last two weeks, and I welcome the extra income.    This time of year gets pretty busy as many adults make that New Year’s resolution to return to school, and I am happy to be on the other side of that blessing.   It is a bit anti-climatic, though: the students are in place for 1-2 weeks, and then on break for two, so you have to gear up twice to be ready for them in December 2008 and then January 2009.

Most of all, we are in a place where we would be very nervous and anxious, except that God’s peace has been incredible.   Saints, isn’t it awesome to feel God’s word coming alive in your life?    We have stood on Philippians 4:8-10 for the last few weeks, and we have embraced unexplainable peace.   Not only have we weathered our own storm, but have been able to minister to others with conviction and clarity when helping them deal with losses.   When the Lord releases me to do so, I’ll try to put everything that’s transpired into words, but in the meantime, I thought I’d share a few words from a favorite old hymnal to encourage and to remind:

‘Tis so sweet just to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word,

Just to rest on the Savior’s promise,

Just to know, ’Thus saith the Lord.’

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust You,

How I prove you o’er and o’er,

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus,

Oh, for grace to trust You more.