I have been homeschooling for 19 years.
19 years.
(dramatic pause for affect!)
It’s something I committed to and have thoroughly enjoyed.
Earlier this year, after MUCH prayer and asking God for direction, Eddie and I made the decision to put our youngest child, Olivia, in school for the 20-21 school year.
I’m telling you, I tracked God in this decision as we kept taking the very next step.
Fast forward to now…
I’m pretty sure we are the ONLY family in the whole USA sending our kid FROM homeschooling TO school.
Go figure!
Because I made the intentional choice to look for glimpses of God as the year unfolded, (aka tracking God) I can still say, with confidence, that this is God’s plan for Olivia as she begins high school. … even though, she will begin AT HOME with distance learning.
Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up!
As school begins this week for Olivia, I find myself praying Ephesians 3:20-21 over her AND over this upcoming-crazy-start of a school year.
I want to share with you a template I use based on Priscilla Shirer’s book God is Able. The words in ‘bold’ are the actual words from the verse, followed by annotations in italics that I use to remind myself of how to stay focused on God during this time.
NOW– our current reality AND God’s present ability
To Him– eyes on Jesus
Who is able to do- for you! Or for _____________ (fill in the blank)
Exceedingly, abundantly, BEYOND– Lord, please do this or do something better!
ALL that we ask or think– He’s got it totally covered
According to the power that works within us- FLIP the switch, DEPEND heavily and consistently on the Spirit of God… make room for HIS ability
To HIM be the glory– His glory is meant to be shown
In the church– every single example of his grace and mercy and kindness and endurance is worthy of acclaim
And in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and EVER-
Amen
You will see these phrases written all over my journal. My favorite one is, “Lord, please do this or do something better!”
Exceedingly, abundantly, BEYOND.
My prayer for you:
May you SEE God (your current reality and God’s present ability)
as you keep your eyes focused on Him.
May He bless you BEYOND all that you ask or think as you depend heavily upon Him,
praising Him for His mercy and kindness toward you and yours!
Amen!
2020-2021 school year… Let’s do this!
Amen! Good words as always! Also my life’s verse.
Patti,
Have you read Priscilla’s book God is Able? The whole book is based on Ephesians 3:20-21. It’s SO GOOD!
This is one of my favorite verses as well. I’m always forgetting the power He provides in our lives. I tend to face my situations with a hand saw instead of the power saw God has allowed me access to.
Jan,
Have you read God is Able by Priscilla Shirer? I think you would really love it!
What a great prayer! Yes God, please do something even BETTER. Thank you for the encouragement you always bring. It’s helps me each time!
Yes! … I absolutely love that line! And thank you for YOUR encouragement to me, always!
Great prayer
I find myself praying that line, “Lord, please do this or do something better,” over all my kids. He’s so faithful!
Great Blog! Love the Template!! Im gonna use it!!
And I know Olivia is gonna be ON CAMPUS SOMEDAY SOON!!!! 🙂
Yay!! I’m glad you are going to use it! And… yes… someday SOON!
I copied your prayer as well…hope you’ll pray it for me too! =) What a great encouragement and I need to expect the better and beyond! =) For you as well!!
xoxoxo
Janet! I am consistently praying for you and the GV staff! What a challenging time you are walking through!