Yes, read it now!

Sara, who writes at , is one of the most amazing writers I have ever read (btw, I think she is also a songwriter and I'm sure I would love to hear her music someday!).

 PLEASE skip over to her blog today and read "When Love Cries Out."

One small morsel that I will be adding to my favorite quotes list:

"Our God is not a passive lover 

and the love He calls forth from us cannot be passive 

if it is going to trump fear."

Choosing to say "YES!" to what Sara calls the "awkward, unnatural love" of adoption is what changed our lives completely. . . wrecked our lives (for good), trumped our fears, and has taught us more about the Father's love, grace, and our complete need to depend on Him and abide in Him in all things.   

Thinking About A True Education?

It's that time again. That time of year when so many homeschooling moms are evaluating this past year and making plans for their child's education next year.

Although we tend to learn year round and not follow the school year calendar too closely, I do find myself reading, thinking, praying and planning.

I am loving the freedom and joy that our family is experiencing as we move toward a whole-hearted, love of learning, tidal, free-range, T.J., C.M. education.

No idea what I'm talking about? Try these resources just to get started:

These aren't just your typical "here's a great way to homeschool" resources. . .

these are PARADIGM SHIFTING,

"change the way you think about education" resources.

No matter if your children are 3, 9, or 15, homeschooled or public-schooled, these are worth your time.

I challenge you to read this book (available on Kindle) and watch this video to educate yourself on what education actually is!

What is TJEd? from Thomas Jefferson Education on Vimeo.

Fear, Anxiety, Worry and the Truth (and a link)

Truth.

There is such a thing, you know.

BUT. . .

often, we don't "like" it and so we rationalize it away.

Think about it.

Have you ever said:

"but I just feel like. . . "

"well, I think that. . . "

"they're being so judgmental, it's my decision. . . "

"well, I tried that but it didn't work so. . . "

"well, the experts say that. . . "

"it's just how I am. . . "

or in regards to our children, "it's just how they are. . . "

There are many more ways that we love to rationalize away the Truth and replace it with LIES.

This is sort of funny, since, of course, then we aren't actually BEING RATIONAL!?!?!?

(am I the only one who sees the irony here?)

But I digress.

One area that women, in particular, seem to struggle with believing Truth is in the area of Fear, Worry, and Anxiety.

"Oh, but that's just how I am. It's how God made me. I can't do anything about it. You just don't understand. . . "

REALLY? I don't think so.

Are we going to accept those same lame excuses from an alcoholic or a liar or a rapist?

um, NO. . .

why?

Because those things are SIN (as defined by the Word of God) and as such we still generally won't accept the "oh, poor me" victim-mentality heart-snot* as a good REASON to act that way.

and here's the deal:

Fear, Anxiety, and Worry are sin too.

Don't believe me? Have you read your Bible lately?

"Be anxious for nothing." "Do not fear." "Do not worry about tomorrow."

Yep. I'm pretty sure those are commands.

from God.

which would make breaking them - sin.

Like I said,

we don't really like these "hard Truths."

But, it is the Truth.

Check out Tamara's thoughts on this too.

*and, yes, I said "heart-snot" which I think I just made up because it is exactly what it makes me think of: nasty, green snot coming out of whining, self-absorbed heart.

and, next time I sound fearful, anxious, or worried, please gently remind me to

"Fear Not, for the Lord your God is with you!"