Insomnia Leads to a Very Long Post

For about two weeks my husband has been dealing with insomnia, and tonight he has had the first night of good sleep. Praise God! However, here I am unable to sleep. Strange, but it gave me some time to read a favorite author of mine.

Elizabeth George was one of the first authors God used to speak clearly to my heart about my role as a wife and mother. I was able to do A Woman After God's Own Heart with my dear friend/mentor Liana many years ago, but the words and examples have stayed with me over the years. Skip and I celebrated our 16th anniversary earlier this summer, and I know that Elizabeth George's books made a huge impact on my actions and responses in my marriage.

Earlier tonight I was thinking about the fact that our family has a huge transition coming up soon. My kids will be entering back into private schools. We have had a year off home schooling, and I don't think any of us truly realize how much the freedoms we have experienced are about to change. I grabbed the book A Mom After God's Own Heart to look for some reassurance that whatever occurs this year, God needs to be my source of strength and my guide. I turned to Ch. 9 when I saw the title, "Try Your Best." It is filled with lots of practical advice on following God's instructions on being the best mom you can be.

I can't tell you how many people have told me that they would never put their child in school A where Ashley will be going. Their reasons are that it is just too hard, too structured, and too rigid. Ashley is a first born, she is smart, and if anyone in this family has natural academic ability it would be her. As much as I tend to worry and fret when people make comments like those above, I keep hearing God whisper, "Do you believe man or me? Do you believe I am going to be with her every step of the way? Have I ever turned my back on you or your family?" Of course when I pray and reflect on God's provision, I know that she will be fine. It's going to be hard and a huge adjustment, but with great prayer and perseverence, we can do it!

There was a lot of personal plans I had made this summer when thinking about all three children being back in school. Leading a bible study, volunteering weekly at the church, writing every day, lunches and coffee dates with friends and finally sending off some of those stories and articles to publishers. I could still do some of those things, but since private school is pretty pricey (very pricey), I will be doing some part time work to make ends meet which will totally cramp my personal time. Feeling a little pity party coming on tonight, I just so happened to read something in Chapter 9 (mentioned above) that brought me back to my main purposes that God has for me. After loving God with all my heart, soul and mind, I am to be supportive and encouraging to my husband and children. I need to focus on them before my friends, before my church and before my plans. God can still bring about my hopes and dreams, but I need to make sure my obedience is following his commands first and foremost.


With so many children beginning school soon, I would love for you to join me in prayer for our families. If you have children, grandchildren, friends with children, or just care about children in general, let's ask for special favor from the Lord on this school year. May we keep Christ involved in every detail of the school year, the time at home, the studying, and in the friendships. I also pray especially for you moms who tend to get the brunt of the responsibilities of school homework and activities. May God give you extra patience and ability to give it your best. I'm praying a lot for myself in this area, but know that I am also praying for you! Lastly, I pray for the teachers. What a job teachers have to shape and influence these young minds! May God give our children christian teachers who will love and encourage them in our place when we away.

Happy Monday! I'm off to bed hopefully...