The Goodness of God in This Pandemic

It has been awhile! My typical time of writing has been on Sunday evenings when my big guys are at youth group and my little dude is having daddy time. Due to this unique time, my guys haven’t been attending youth group, so this lady has not been writing.  

For everything there is a season. 

If I were sitting across from you right now, I would begin by telling you a funny story.  (I seem to not be able to chat with people without usually slipping something humorous into the conversation!)  I would share about the amusing side of pandemic living - adventures of an introverted wife living with a SUPER extroverted husband, loving 3 boys through not-much friend time, schooling a son who has ants in his pants - the list could go on and on.  

Then, I would share about how this has been one of my most intense seasons.  

The pandemic came on the coattails of an intense season of my husband’s ordination studying, testing, and church planting, among others events.  I was trying to get my head on straight and then came COVID-19.  Since we are a family who homeschools, I am part of various homeschooling online groups.  I saw people post that the pandemic hasn’t bothered them much; therefore, their homeschool has not been affected.  This was FAR from the truth in our home.  

During the pandemic, our family has experienced highs and lows.  

Church planting in the midst of unprecedented times. Family experiencing trials & health situations (no COVID gratefully!) Busy business for mama. Unexpected trip during riots. Beginning of mentoring curriculum. Numerous friends going through struggles. Cancellations of MANY events/trips/classes/co-op/lessons. Times of anxiety & depression. Moments of glorious hope. Tons of time in the kitchen. 

But as I look back, I can confidently say that I have seen the goodness of God.  It is SO easy to lose sight of God’s beautiful truth when we walk through the fire. Seeing the goodness of God means discerning or looking upon the beauty or good things of God.  I can see the “why’s” of some of our circumstances.  The why is not promised from the Lord, but when you are able to see that, what a favor it is! 

Our family needed a refresh button to pressed.  And as heartbreaking as this has been for many families, it has caused us to stop and look even more intently at our life.  I do not want to go back to the “old normal.”  I want our lives to have more margin in order to have a healthy rhythm of rest and work, but also, to be available to love our neighbors and simply be still before the Lord.  Fancy that!  

This pandemic time has also freed us to begin our Sonship Mentoring with a humble, God-fearing couple.  God is showing me how the gospel actually impacts ALL of life.  Our Redeemer cares about our speech and wants the truth of what Jesus did to flood our speech.  Also, the way I interact with others points me to the truth that I so desperately need a Savior to show me my worth and identity.  

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of LORD in the land of the living!”

Psalms 27.13

Thank the Lord that HE is graciously showing me His goodness.  Each moment of seeing His goodness is a gift of grace.  Friend, may our Lord show you His goodness as you are walking this 2020 journey.

Right after verse 13, David tells us to, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”

Friend, if you are walking through challenging OR peaceful times, may these verses encourage you.  May we wait for our Lord, be strong in Him, and take courage.  The goodness of the Lord might not be seen right away.  But may we live with the hope that we shall see the goodness of our Lord and ultimately, see HIm face to face.  

The song Behold the Throne of God Above is such a gift to us through this time.  The lyrics remind us that, “My name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His heart, I know that while in Heaven He stands, no tongue can bid me thence depart.”  Ya’ll, we have a Savior that knows us, cares for us, and loves us with a love that we can only comprehend by His strength.  These times have NOT caught our God by surprise.  We can trust Him - our good God - that He will hold us together, keep us safely in His arms, and lavish us with much grace.  

Have a wonderful week, friends. May these amazing truths encourage your heart!

By His Grace ~ leigh anne

Tips for Choosing Homeschool Curriculum

Choosing curriculum is a massive endeavor for homeschool families! Our family has been homeschooling our 3 boys since the beginning of their education; our oldest is now 15!  For the past 11 years, we have tried a variety of curriculum’s. May any insights I give be a blessing and helpful to you, dear mama❤️  Please take what you can and leave the rest!

2 key thoughts before we begin!

~ There is NO perfect curriculum - only a perfect God over all.  Our God is sovereign, unstoppable, and powerful. Your choice of curriculum cannot change our loving Savior’s heart for your homeschool.  I hope and trust that gives you a deep sense of hope.  

~ There is NO perfect homeschool parent - only a perfect God over all.   Any error you might make is covered in grace. Please, sweet mama, don’t forget this truth! 

With many options to choose from, may these tips benefit your curriculum search!

1. End goals ~ Homeschool with the end goal in view.  Let your curriculum choices be decided by the goals you have prayerfully made for each child.  Ask yourself if this curriculum will aid or impede these goals.

2. Worldview emphasis ~ What is the focus of the curriculum?  Does it meet the academic, spiritual, and emotional objectives that you have for your child?  Peruse table of contents, a few lessons AND read reviews from reputable reviewers.  

3. Cost ~  Financial tends to be a major decision factor in our curriculum choices.  If you find one that is beyond your budget, is there another one similar that would complement your budget better?  Can you purchase it used? Is there a family that might be able to lend it to you? Can you get part of it at the library? The library has been a HUGE blessing to our family in regards to cutting costs!

4. Homeschool Style ~  There are a variety of homeschooling styles - Charlotte Mason, Unschooling, Waldorf, Classical, Eclectic, Unit-Study based, or Roadschooling - to name a few.  What style best fits you and your children? Look for curriculum that matches your specific style before you look anywhere else! Try googling “Homeschool Styles Quiz” and get an idea of what you are.

5. Child’s learning style ~  The words auditory, kinesthetic, and visual learner are thrown around in the education world.  There is some real goodness in learning your child’s style. If they are a kinesthetic learner, then doing ALL worksheets might be challenging.  Although, there are ways you can do the worksheets that can make it into a kinesthetic-learning situation. In the past, we have a used a spelling curriculum that uses ALL 3 modalities together - what a brilliant idea! There are MANY ways to work with your child’s learning style.  

6. Practicality~  Look at your family’s lifestyle.  Are you a single mama homeschooling?  Are you a ministry family? Do you work from home?  Does your husband work out of town, so you have more on your plate?  Do you have long commutes to your extra-curriculars? Please take this into account when choosing curriculum.  If you are in the car quite a bit during the week, choosing audio readings of books or workbooks (if you don’t have a sweet car-sick child) would be convenient.  Ministry Mama, do you need to delegate some learning to an online course because you have counseling/ministry appointments? Super! Ask the Lord to help you make creative decisions for your family’s education that BEST suit your family’s lifestyle.  This is part of the beauty of the homeschooling journey.

7. Wise counsel ~  Proverbs 20.18 says “plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.” Please seek out women who have journeyed this road before you. What a blessing to have the wisdom and knowledge of those who have been walking this homeschooling road longer than us!  Such a gift!

8. Resources ~  Order catalogs (if you like to touch it and not just look online) from the companies that interest you most.  I keep them for the entire year, so I can reference them as needed. Find a couple online reviewers and bookmark their sites!  

9. Trusting God ~  Once you have made the best choice, trust our Savior!  God is good and can be trusted that He loves our children even more than we do!  Rest in His sovereignty, and go forth in Christ’s joy. Every year, I reevaluate our choices (sometimes in the middle of the year, if necessary) to see if we are on the right track or if we need to look into a better fit for a child.  No need to fret!

10. Prayer ~ Pray without ceasing! Ask God to guide and direct your search. God cares about the details of our lives, so offer up prayers regarding this exploration.

Homeschooling Mama, the Lord has called you to this job.  He placed your children in your family for His amazing purposes.  Be encouraged! Have a remarkable time choosing your curriculum for next year!

In His Grace ~ leigh anne

Contemplating Anxiety

Anxiety - what a word.  I am sure this word causes a different reaction for everyone.  Most of us either have our own story of anxiety or we know someone who does!  Clearly, we live in a culture that is familiar with its causes, effects, challenges, and lessons learned.  In my own life, anxiety has caused my family and me a great deal of pain and disruption throughout the years.  Yes, years, because my battle began in 4th grade. And after 30 years, I can honestly say that even through anguish, melancholy, & struggle, that God has sovereignly guided me every step along the way.  He has never forsaken me; He deserves all the praise for how He has carried me through it all and continues to carry me still! I know that He can take this struggle from me, but until/if He does, by His grace, I will continue to take one moment at a time by His kind and amazing grace.

Why on earth would I write a post on this subject?  The desire is for any friend who is walking this same road to be encouraged.  You are not alone. And, if anything that has encouraged me throughout this journey, can encourage you, then praise God!  

Here are some specifics on how I have walked this journey. 

1. Biblical Counseling ~ Words cannot begin to describe the depths of healing that have come through my precious counselor’s repeated speaking of the truth of Scripture into my life.  She helped me understand situations from God’s perspective, and at times, simply confirmed what I was thinking. Discipleship Ministry is what my counselor calls her line of work, and that, it TRULY is!  In fact, her phone number is one of the only numbers that I have memorized :)

2. Exercise ~ It gets my body moving and helps me get out of my head! I prefer outdoors, so I can deeply breath in the fresh air.  I take this time to walk in silence, sing, listen to podcasts, or chat with friends and family. This has been so helpful that I put my walks in the calendar to ensure that they happen!  Taking the time to focus on our own spiritual, mental, emotional, & physical health not only benefits us, but strengthens us to care for those around us well! So, please do not underestimate what 5 minutes of exercise can do for the body to release your anxiety and prepare you to love others well. (adaa.org)

3. Sharing with understanding friends & family ~ This is a HUGE one!  Opening up to select friends and/or family is freeing and helps them understand you.  It also might encourage those who struggle to open up, too, and it is always exciting to see God work in those moments to bring them freedom and encouragement.  They also remind me that I am not walking this road alone. We can encourage one another, and I can bounce thoughts off of them! I am EXTREMELY grateful for these dear friends.  

4. Medication/Supplemental options ~ This subject might be a bit controversial, so please hear my heart.  There is a time and place for anti-anxiety medication. I have needed anti-anxiety meds twice in my life, and I am grateful for this option.  What a gift that we have doctors who have studied the brain and understand how it works. On the other hand, I also take various whole-food based nutritional capsules, Omega’s, and a probiotic.  As I have researched, I have seen more and more that we must care for our bodies through good nutrition. It is simply unbelievable how what we place in our mouth affects the functioning of our body. By God’s grace, I do as much as I can nutritionally & medically, and trust the Lord to give grace through it all!

5. The Gospel ~ How does the gospel of Jesus refresh me?  When I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me. There was NOTHING I could do to earn the good news of salvation by faith in Christ alone by grace.  Nothing! Even though my earthly struggle of anxiety continues on, my Savior saved me, continues to love me, AND extend his marvelous grace to me every day.  I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t earn it. But He chose to give me this amazing grace. I have much hope and extreme thankfulness through life due to this spiritual gift!  

6. Scripture ~ The Word is FULL of scriptures to encourage us through this journey.  Here are some truth treasures from the Word!

• 2 Corinthians 4:15 says, “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.”

• 2 Corinthians 4.17 tells us that, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”  

• Proverbs 12:25 shares that, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

• John 1:16 encourages us - “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

• Isaiah 26:3 declares that, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

If anxiety is part of your story, may you walk in hope that it isn’t the end of your story.  God has allowed it for a purpose. Trust Him, and rest in the knowledge that God’s grace is certainly enough for you. 

In His Grace ~ leigh anne

*The Gospel Coalition posted an article entitled “Is Anxiety a Sin?” This article is helpful in understanding anxiety in general.*

***Please know these are ONLY my own experiences. I encourage you to seek medical help, pastoral counseling, etc… if needed!***

Tips for Homeschooling Boys

As parents, our calling is to train up our children in the way he/she should go.  At times, this can seem like an insurmountable task, but by God’s grace, He will enable us to do challenging things for His glory and our good.  Homeschooling our boys is rewarding and a gift beyond measure, although in all honesty, it can be quite a precarious journey!  

As you read through the following tips, please know that they are coming from a mama of three boys who is desperate for God’s grace every day and has learned through mentors, friends, conferences, & simply, the fire.  I continue to be a student of my boys - watching and learning what helps them learn. Honestly, it even changes moment by moment each day. Trials & errors are gifts.

1. This is a generalization, but many boys need to move!  Boys were created for things and often, it seems, they need to move their bodies and/or hands to figure out how things work.  Yes, this is kinesthetic learning. Let your boys touch & manipulate anything that is appropriate!  

2. While reading, allow your boys to do something that doesn’t take much extra “thinking,” since they will be listening to your content.  Let them build Lego’s or blocks. Have them play with clay or Play Dough. Allow them to draw or even hang upside down while playing with a fidget cube or spinner.  Typically, my boys are listening! They know I will need to take away whatever they are doing if they cannot answer my questions. This helps to keep them engaged and on point.  Each one of my boys have their own clay in their cubby, along with fidget cubes & spinners, for when they are needed. 

3. Use a large body ball as their chair!  This is ideal in getting out the wiggles, while learning!  They can slowly (hopefully!) bounce, while figuring out math problems, learning Spanish, or reading their literature for the day.  This is NOT a good idea for penmanship-time, though :) Also, let them stand, kneel, or lay down whenever it is feasible. This helps them to get out their squirmies AND cuts down on the constant reminders to sit down.  Please know, I DO agree there are times where it is vitally important to sit still and listen. But one amazing reason for homeschooling is getting to let our boys burn their energy throughout the day. (Although, I know some schools are moving to this idea.)

4. Use ANYTHING besides “typical” paper when possible!  Our home has numerous dry erase boards - a huge one on the hallway wall, a medium size one, and small ones for the table.  This gives them variety and keeps them on their toes. Chalkboards are helpful, also. Various other types of paper like graphing, tracing, special lined paper, etc… are convenient for struggling writers.  I place lined-paper lines on our large dry-erase board. This has been invaluable for one of our struggling writers. 

5. Make the learning process FUN with new & interesting school supplies.  Sweet Nelly, I have bought NUMEROUS types of pencils & erasers, silly folders, and special containers,  Special supplies for each individual child has been a blessing in the midst of the challenge of focusing on school.

6. Recess and/or physical activity/education IS SO IMPORTANT!  Granted, it is important for ladies, too :) Having them burn off steam gets out the pent up energy from needing to focus all morning/afternoon.  It is amazing how wonderfully they can focus after getting in a quick bike ride.  

7. My friend, Laura, shared about boards she made for her children.  These boards help to separate space between children and serve as a learning tool.  They have been incredibly helpful for our boys in helping them not be distracted with their brother’s sounds/work/antics!  (Please see pictures below.)

8. Teach manners!  Overall, my boys have been naturally spontaneous, focused on bodily functions, energetic, and talkative.  Some are more quiet than others, but generally, they have much to say. Manners are a way of loving others and showing care to those around us.  How vital to teach our boys these matters from early on.

9. Make time for the memorable moments on a day-to-day/weekly basis.  For instance, make healthy hot chocolate during science or history reading.  Have tea time while doing silent reading. Do school at a local coffee shop OR the library to mix it up a bit.  Take those sweet boys (almost) everywhere. Let them experience life while under your loving care and teaching. Teach them appropriate behaviors at various places.  Train them to see the beauty, truth, and goodness in life! Life is a gift from the hand of God; share this truth with them!

10. Last, but certainly not least, Homeschooling Mom & Dad, you need the enormous grace of our Savior!  This grace is unmerited, but a gift. We are clay in the potters hand, just like our children. We MUST remember this as we care and school our boys.  Our entire family is in need of the grace that only our perfect Savior can give. Realizing that the Lord is not finished with any of us helps to give encouragement to keep on persevering through the exhausting times.  

This is not an extensive list, but may the ideas benefit you as you school your treasured boys at home!

Please feel free to add any other tips in the comment section! 

All By His Grace ~ leigh anne

Hope After Christmas

The after Christmas exhale.  The start up of new year’s resolutions.  That feeling of missing the beauty and excitement of the holiday festivities.  Does this sound familiar?  

The awaiting of our Savior’s birth celebrations is delightful.  What happiness it brings. Yet after the holidays, it is easy to forget the hope that is OURS as Christians the whole year long.  

Our Savior’s birth is ALL about the abounding and joyful hope He brings for all Christ-followers. As Christ-followers, our hope is exceedingly extensive. Hope is defined as the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.  

The hope of Heaven is a reality.  Colossians 1:5 says that “because of the hope laid up for you in Heaven.”  This world is not our eternal home. This truth has been made even more evident as we have walked through challenging circumstances.  The hope of Heaven is real AND a gift!  

As Christians, there is hope of grace upon grace given by our Savior.  “For from his fullness, we have all received grace upon grace.” John 1.16.  God’s grace is life-changing. Because Christ came, we have grace - unmerited favor - for all of life.  There is freedom! Not freedom to sin, but freedom to live by God’s grace & strength even when we have sinned.  

Knowing God knows all things gives much hope.  Christ knows our heart. He understands the inner-workings of how we work better than we understand ourselves!  Hebrews 4.15 says that we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  As we walk through difficulties & challenges, our hope is Christ. Only Christ fully understands us in all aspects. This is true comfort!  

As you begin 2020, may your year continue to be hope-filled. May our hearts and minds be continually renewed in the Word of Truth that points us to the Giver of all hope! 

To God be the Glory! Great Things He has done, is doing, and will do!  leigh anne

Church Planting Mercies

*Before we moved away from Happy Valley, a lady from our church wanted to know if I would blog about church planting, especially to keep people informed about the church plant.  Thanks to that dear lady, here is my first post about church planting!*

These first 7 months of the Terre Haute Church Plant have been a sweet whirlwind!  Our family has traveled all over to see family & attend conferences. Various family & friends have visited our new locale.  And… the church plant has begun!

First of all, words cannot begin to describe how grateful we are to the Lord for having the precious opportunity to church plant again.  Church planting is rigorous & challenging, yet full of unexpected graces & gifts.  

Secondly, our dear denomination has poured prayer, love, & training into our lives.  Again, thankfulness seems like such a small word for the great kindness they have bestowed on us.  Our cups are overflowing with all we are learning and all the Lord is teaching us about Himself, His people, and this world.  Personally, I attended a Parakaleo (ministry to church planting spouses) women’s event in Nashville. The goal was to equip each woman with gospel tools to encourage herself and others.  Wow! My heart was full with the reminders of how the gospel of Jesus Christ heals & restores us. 

So far, what have I been learning and reminded of on this journey?

1. God has created us for relationships - with Him & others.  Be a student of those around me. Ask questions; listen attentively.  Care more about hearing than being heard.  

2. Everyone has a story.  Be careful of pre-judging others actions & words.  I never know what they might have walked through. Live in compassion & kindness.

3. My home needs to be a haven of hospitality for the community - local & those further away.  The Gospel Comes with a Housekey by Rosaria Butterfield has been instrumental in this perspective.  Is my home full of grace & truth for the world? Living a grace-filled missional life is imperative as believers in Christ, but always with wise & life-giving boundaries.  I have found that this might look like people walking into a MESSY home or to me brushing my teeth :) Either way, hospitality must be part of the rhythm of my life.  

4. Live life on mission.  Boy oh boy, this has been tested these past 7 months.  With all the changes with the move, a son being diagnosed with food allergies, a car accident, sick parents, traveling, and numerous visits from friends and family have caused me to feel “done.”  When I have felt stretched super thin, I wonder how can I live on mission. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Walking through all of the above is part of my mission. The journey is just as important as the destination. My overall mission is to glorify God in ALL I say & do.  And, as a side note, it is just as important to live missional in my personal life as it is my non-personal life. This is a calling that only a gracious God can enable me to live out.

5. Community is key.  If I didn’t realize it before now, I do now!  I look forward to our monthly worship services, and Lord willing, weekly services soon (hmm… part of that may be that I have a huge crush on the preacher 😍)  Truly, there is nothing like being connected with others who are walking on mission alongside of you!  

6. God is full of grace upon grace.  I have been in absolute awe of how God has graciously provided care for our family through various means.  Why do I doubt God’s goodness? Why do I question His care? I am hopeful that these rocks of remembrance are seared into my heart & mind - that I don’t ever forget His concern & tenderness towards me. 

7. Finally, for now, our family is right where the Lord wants us.  Time and time again, the Lord has affirmed His calling to be in the Midwest.  I would be fibbing if I said the transition from east-coast to the Midwest has been easy.  God has never called His people to what is always easy, but to obey & trust His good heart.  May I be able to say that through His strength, His grace is enough for me.

Friends, thank you for your prayers for our family as we have joined the dear people of Terre Haute to share the living hope of Jesus with the city.  Please continue to pray for protection, grace to spew from our lives, & the hope of the gospel to transform lives.  

Living Hope Church’s mission statement is as follows:

“By God’s grace, we are living life as mission for His glory and the good of our city through proclaiming His word, building up one another, and engaging all people with the unshakeable hope of the gospel.”

In His Grace ~ leigh anne

Dearest Pastor Wife

Precious pastor wife, you are loved.  You are seen. You are redeemed. 

I know that you may carry many burdens & responsibilities.  You may have a plate running over in which you don’t see how you can possibly minister and take care of it all.  You might wonder how to support your husband in his role. And, you might feel that you are in your “sweet spot” of ministry.  You might also wonder where exactly is your place in the church. Throughout all of these cares, it is easy to forget these incredibly important truths.

No matter where you are today, may you be encouraged today.

You are loved with the marvelous love of Christ. In John 17.23, Jesus prays that “...I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”  God the Father loves us just as He loved Jesus. God even chose us before the foundation of the world. This is how much He loves us, ladies. Christ died to pay the price that we could never pay because of His great love. Christ died for you.  You were valued enough that God gave His son - wonderful grace! Oh precious one, may we preach this truth to ourselves daily, actually moment by moment, that we may find our love from the one who created us in His image.

You are redeemed.  Isaiah 43.1 says, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”  There are times when you miss the mark - you say the wrong thing, make a wrong decision, etc… But, do you hear this verse?  You are still Christ’s! He has redeemed you and will continue His good work until the day of completion. Sweet one, the Lord isn’t finished with you, yet.  Please seek God to give you faith to not lose hope in the one who created you in the inmost being for His glory.  

You are seen.  Isaiah 43, verse 2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”  God sees what you are going through and He ALREADY has it under control! He walks with you; you will not be overwhelmed, burned, or consumed. God ALSO hears us. James 5.16 is such a breath of fresh air - “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”   He is as close as the mention of His name. You can know that He hears your cries of pardon, comfort, & guidance.  

Please remember, dear one, that your identity is in Christ.  You are enough BECAUSE Christ has covered your sin & shame. You can rest in the finished work of Jesus on your behalf.  

• Simply, be still and know He is God. 

• Abide in your Savior.

• Live the truths in the Word by His treasured grace.  

There is no need to lose hope; the Savior whom you serve is the God of all hope!  His plan is for your good and His glory! Praise Him!

Grace.  Marvelous Grace.  Amazing Grace.

Much love from one pastor wife to another ~ leigh anne

***The book The Pastor’s Wife by Gloria Furman has been instrumental to me in my journey as a pastor’s wife.  I highly recommend this book! ***

Why Be Thankful?

Tonight, I am writing at our local, new coffee shop.  Yahoo! The taste of coffee, the sound of music, the beautiful scenery outdoors, and modern decor is utterly enjoyable to me.  For those who know me personally, you know that this is one of my most favorite places to be ❤️
But... life does not always look like our favorite place with our favorite sounds and smells.  There are times when situations are challenging, difficult, and down-right tough to handle.  

In 2005, I was in a scary high-speed car accident on a major interstate.  Thank the Lord for sparing my life & all the others involved! My husband was close to losing his life through multiple pulmonary embolisms after a knee surgery.  Again, thank the Lord for preserving his life! Recently, I was in another awful car accident in our new town. Yet again, the Lord was gracious & kind in protecting my life and the other lady involved.

Throughout difficult circumstances such as these, God has reminded me to be thankful. 

In His grace & strength, thankfulness CAN be the response. Is it always my initial response?  NO! I wish it was, but alas, it is not. Oftentimes, panic and nervousness are my responses. Although, I am coming to see that even though hard things happen in my life, it doesn’t mean I need to despair.  Since I am super good at focusing on myself, my dad kindly reminded me that, “Leigh Anne, life is not all about you.” He meant that there is most likely a greater purpose in the pain and that my life just might be a conduit to show the love of Christ.  

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  It DOES NOT say to give thanks for the circumstance, but IN all circumstances. As believers, each moment of our life can lead us closer to the Savior who created us, sustains us, & loves us.  Simply amazing…. No matter what type of situation, it can still be used for the glory of God & our ultimate good!  

So what am I thankful for?  

• Thankful that I have another moment to love those around me.  

• Thankful that I have another day to share the goodness of my God with the world.  

• Thankful that God has purposes in the midst of all the pain & the good times.  

• Thankful for lessons learned in the heartache, uncertainty, and anxiety.  

• Thankful that God is the SAME no matter the situation.

Friend, is there a situation that has occurred in which you are struggling to give thanks? Can you be thankful for any of the above today?  By God’s grace & kindness, may you be encouraged that there is still MUCH to be thankful for even in the pain ❤️

In His Grace ~ leigh anne

Raising a Son with a Disability

The start of another school year is upon us!  And for this homeschooling mama, that brings a mix of excitement, fear, and paralyzation.  As a homeschooling mom, I know it is an honor to be able to stay at home & school our boys, but the day-to-day grind can be mind-boggling, to say the least. Throwing in all the special needs is enough to make me want to whimper, go running, or get to work - depending on the moment. I share all of these feelings to be honest & authentic, yet hopeful.  Because there is SO much hope!

One of our sons has a diagnosis of high-functioning autism, auditory processing disorder, ADHD, and a learning disability all while undergoing healing from 6 concussions and post-concussive syndrome.  He has walked through MANY types of therapies throughout the years, which made me want to have a personal secretary with all the planning of schedules. I am SO grateful for my Happy Planner!  

Honestly, I am not sure how it all gets done.  But what is clear to me is that God has given grace on a moment by moment basis.  Christ, and Christ alone, has given our family MUCH kindness, mercy & strength to breathe when it seems unbearable. And, did I mention humor?  I like to laugh, and that has helped walk through the intense moments of life!

Isaiah 40:11 says “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” 

At times, the outbursts seem unending - from both of us. When I feel that I cannot possibly read one more paragraph, explain a math problem again, reason about an issue yet again, the Lord is kindly leading and guiding me.  He GENTLY leads me. I can rest in this.   

In verse 31 of the same chapter, Isaiah says “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” 

Renew, mount up, run & not be weary, walk & not faint! This has been an accurate picture of my life. When I cannot bear the weight anymore, the Lord renews my soul, gives my physical body strength, and allows me to take the step for whatever is next.  

Being still. This is incredibly difficult in our day & age.  This has been LIFE-GIVING beyond measure. In the quiet is where I can pray, worship, process, and simply give my mind a rest.  The mind needs a rest, just as much as our bodies.  

Read God’s Word, PRAY & surround yourself with wise friends.  All I can say is - these are all crucial, significant, & vital.  These 3 have been a MAJOR part of how God has reminded me of hope through the challenging realities of life with our precious boy (and other boys, too!) 

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I thank the Lord for incredible therapists, counselors, doctors, physician assistants, and nurses.  God has given us such gifts with the experienced, researched, and cutting-edge help of these talented people.  Thank the Lord for friends who are extremely knowledgeable about homeopathic remedies & all-natural solutions. These remedies continue to bless us all, our son included!  

In the midst of the difficult, there has been hope.  There is SO much to be thankful for!  

Oftentimes, I am reminded that God chose me to be the mama of this sweet boy.  Through the incredible struggle, God knew. God chose. And God redeems. THIS is the hope of this mama of a special needs son.  Faith is bigger than me, and I MUST have something greater because this mama cannot do it without the enabling of the Creator of the Universe.  

Lord, thank you for choosing me to mother our son & giving me grace without measure!  

To all the moms out there, by God’s grace, you’ve got this!  Keep pressing on in the strength of the God of this Universe. There will (most likely) continue to be challenges, but God is faithful to give you strength to raise and love your child who is simply another image bearer just like you.

In His Grace ~ leigh anne

A Cheerleader & A Pastor's Wife

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This is me! ❤️

Seems like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? 

Back in the day, I practically lived & breathed cheerleading.  I will spare my non-cheerleading friends all the details!  

Why would I write about this? 

These 2 titles placed together have made me feel like an outsider at times.  God has used this to remind me of my true identity, while reminding me of MANY truths.  Before the world was created, God knew this would be my story. The Creator of this Universe knew the purposes He had for me.  

The same for you, friend.  YOU were created for a purpose that only you can fulfill by God’s amazing grace!

I have learned that…

~ God uses me in His perfect way.  His ways are higher than mine. Do not pretend to be someone that I am not.  God made me - not me to imitate someone else’s personality and likes/dislikes.  

~ I am made in the image of the Holy God - “Imago Dei.”  I should not malign His creation.

~ It doesn’t matter what picture of “Pastor’s Wife” is out there.  I do not need to meet an expectation that is not one that the Lord has for me.  I must listen & obey His still small voice in my life. Essentially - live for an audience of One.

~ Even though I might not be everyone’s cup of tea, that is truly okay.  It is completely fine to not be best friends with everyone. See each person as precious people made in the image of the Lord, and love them well.  

~ It is okay to laugh and be energetic when appropriate.  Dictionary.com says that a cheerleader is an enthusiastic and vocal supporter of someone or something! In Ecclesiastes 8:15 Solomon commends, “joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.” Sometimes ALL OF US need to stop and truly find joy in the life God has given us.  Every moment is truly a gift, and there are MANY reasons to give thanks!

And as a side note, for those who are involved in a church, every pastor could use a cheerleader - someone (whether you are a pastor’s wife or a member of the congregation) who cheers them on & encourages them to seek godliness & to live on mission.  

As you continue to live out the mission that the Lord has created you to fulfill, may you be encouraged to live all your life fully for His glory, while knowing the He does not make mistakes. You are fearfully & wonderfully made! 

In His Grace ~ leigh anne

Living with a Gospel Lens

Dictionary.com says that a lens is a piece of transparent substance - used in correcting defects of vision.  Being that I can barely see without my glasses and contacts, this is incredibly true in my life! Applied to our faith, we can literally be transformed by asking God to change the lens in which we look at life!  Simply amazing…

The past few years in particular have been especially life-changing; I have experienced the power of Christ’s gospel in a highly personal way and learned to use it as a lens to look at ALL of life - how I view myself, my hurts, emotions, motherhood, marriage, friendship, education, and more!  

You might be asking, what is the definition of the gospel?  Simply stated, the gospel is “good news or glad tidings.” More specifically, the gospel is good news and glad tidings of the grace of God for the forgiveness of sins to everyone who believes in Jesus!

Lovely cross at Christ’s Church in Midtown Atlanta, GA ~ what a beautiful picture of the gospel!

Why live with a gospel lens?

First of all, if we have faith in Christ, we have been redeemed by the Creator of the Universe.  Jesus’s decision to leave the comforts of heaven to die in our place is abundant proof that we are precious to Him and of eternal value. Living life with this lens frees us from everything like holding onto shame, living with bitterness, pleasing people, and much more. How BEYOND exciting!

Second, as believers in Christ, we are called to keep growing in the grace & knowledge of our Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3.18a). All of Scripture points to Christ, so the journey of faith is a lifelong process of God giving us eyes to see Jesus on every page of the Bible AND how to apply it to all of life. Furthermore, as we grow in His grace, we gain greater strength to bring Him glory and to truly live for the good of others.

Third, Christ is enough to heal all my shame, take away my sin, & redeem my broken places.  In Christ, this becomes your story as well as mine. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that we are a new creation in Christ - the old has gone & the new has come. Our gospel lenses remind us of theses amazing truths!

How on earth do I live this way?

Undoubtedly, there is not a strict plan for this, but I will share some thoughts I have learned along the way.

1. At our recent church planting assessment, one of the assessors asked my husband and me, “In your opinion, if there was an emoji for how God looked at you, what would it be?”  To say that was an eye-opening question is an understatement. I realized that God doesn’t look at me with a frown, smugness, or frustration like I often feel. Instead, He looks at me lovingly and graciously, and declares me as righteous in His sight because Christ has taken away all my sin.  Simply said, even though we sin, we must remember Christ smiles over us because of the cross. What spectacular freedom and deep soul rest this boundless love brings! 

2. Jerry Bridges shared a beautiful picture of the cross.  Essentially, as we grow in our faith, we come to know more fully the massive holiness of God and the vast depth of our sin.  As our understanding of both expands, we will be tempted to doubt and despair. However, the cross of Christ is larger than life and can bridge this gap for us, no matter how wide and deep! We can rest secure knowing that all of our sin & shame is taken away by our gracious Savior. 

3. Extend the same grace to others that Christ extended to me! I am certainly not perfect in this, but a work in progress! Of course, there is a time to rebuke a friend in truth, but living with the gospel at the forefront can bring much peace to relationships. I can forgive others like Christ has forgiven me through the gospel.

There is so much more to share, but may you be encouraged today! “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.” (1 Peter 3.12). Friends, please pray that you and I never forget that our righteousness is in Christ alone.  And pray that He would give us gospel lenses - eyes to see how His life, death, resurrection, and ascension apply to everything. May He truly shine His face upon each one of us so that our gospel lenses truly correct any deficit in our vision of all of life!

In His Grace ~ leigh anne

Planning for a New Homeschool Year

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”  Isaiah 26.3

Whew! It’s that time again!  

The ending one school year and the beginning of another year.  

Reflections on the previous year and the creation of new & exciting goals.

Laser-focus on organization, vision, & plans.

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As busy homeschooling parent’s, all of this can feel overwhelming in an enormous way!  

How do I fit this planning into my already full schedule?  

How do I begin to think about the previous year in regards to what went well & what needs to change?

How can I create a plan that focuses on what is most important?

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May I begin by stating… I am not an expert!

In the past, I have had some other homeschooling mama’s ask me what I do to prepare for my upcoming year, so I thought this might be helpful for other parents who are planning!

Simply put, these are ideas from one homeschooling parent to another.

Ideas from one mama who needs the Lord’s grace as much as any other. 

From another parent on the journey.

Please take what you can & leave the rest!  May you leave encouraged to live a thankful & grace-full life as you educate your loves at home!

Back in the days when I was teaching, planning for the upcoming year was imperative!  You need to match standards, goals, & curriculum all while meeting the needs of each child.  It was quite the undertaking. Due to my background, I have tailored some of what I did back then for our homeschool.

Kristy & I in DC at one of our planning times!

Each year, my sweet friend, Kristy, and I take a 3-day getaway, & we plan!  And… we shop & eat :) I know some of you are not able to do that, but may I encourage you to find time to get away & have quiet & stillness to focus, pray, & plan?  We typically do it in SUPER inexpensive (or free) ways!

For you, it might look like a 4-hour block at the local coffee shop or bookstore. It might mean an overnight at your parents because they can care for the kiddos while you plan on the back porch.  It also might look like 1-hour a day for a couple weeks while the kiddos are watching a show! I am not sure what your situation is, but pray that the Lord would show you how to get time to pray & plan!

Here is my typical plan at my homeschool planning times!

1. Spend time in God’s Word & pray. “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim. 3.16-17. What an absolute honor & gift that the God of ALL creation speaks to us through His Word.  HE will guide & direct us with much wisdom & grace. His Word gives us the most important goals for our children.  Pray throughout your entire time for wisdom to know what is best for your children. “Train up a child in the way HE should go...” (Proverbs 22.6b)  Praise Him!

2. Read, read, read.  During this time, I read parts of books, education magazines, websites, & blog posts that I haven’t been able to get to.  I try to use it as a “Mama University” time. Many people have done amazing research in the education field; with discernment, enjoy, learn, & grow!

3. Did you realize there are 168 hours in one week?  I write down everything that I need to accomplish in a typical week.  (In all honesty, we rarely have a typical week due to ministry, school, activities, my business, family, etc…)  I assign an amount of hours to each task. Remember tasks like showering/getting ready for day, exercise, grocery/meal prep, quiet time, errands, homeschooling, marriage, & friendship-time. Then I ask myself, how many hours do I have left, if any?  Do I have margin in my life? If I have over 168 hours of work, what must go in order to live a healthy life? Am I being realistic? Is the Lord being honored in my schedule? Does my schedule reflect the priorities God has given me? 

4. I take an honest look at each individual boy.  Emotionally, spiritually, mentally, academically, what are they doing well?  What do I need to focus on with them in the upcoming year? I write down these goals in my “homeschooling notebook” & try to implement them throughout the year. As parents given these children to steward, we must pray for our babies!  Pray that the Lord, in His amazing grace, would mold our children into people who love & follow HIm with all their heart, soul, mind, & strength. This has seemed to be a helpful way to individualize their home education.  

5. I print off the 12-month calendar on one page.  I map out vacations & days off. I have a general idea when we will start & end.  I add up each month and confirm we have all 180 days. Throughout the year, I try to keep up on this, changing things as needed.  Due to our move this year, we are ending a bit later than expected.  

6. On this same calendar, I look at the “extra” subjects/topics that I need/want to cover.  Topics like fire safety, safety, civics, specialized history, or physiology each get a specific month.  I like to take this with me to the library (when I remember:).) It reminds me what books need to be checked out in order to meet these goals with the kiddos, especially if we do not own them.  Also, if we have an upcoming trip, I will try to get books based upon that specific place to add to the richness of the trip.  

7. Then comes my intense research of specific subjects that might need changed for the upcoming year & study of each upcoming grade.  I open numerous browsers & catalogs and begin to read reviews, summaries, & snippets of the books/textbooks.  Another favorite is The Well Trained Mind by Jessie Wise & Susan Wise Bauer; this book simply explains what each child should be learning in each grade. I start a section in my “homeschool notebook” for each child & my curriculum/title for each subject. I start a list of what we need & begin to try to find the most inexpensive route for each.  This searching tends to continue for about 2 months due to me trying to find the best deal!

8.  I put together a preliminary schedule for our homeschool & each boy individually.  This will include their individual Bible time, silent reading, exercise time, and possibly chores.  I do not usually keep to this schedule for the entire year, but it gives us a good springboard!

9.  I begin to create documents that I will need during the year, such as individual assignment notebook planner pages, reading strategy bookmarks, etc…

10.  Throughout this entire process, I keep an ongoing to-do list of what questions I need to ask people, what I still need to do, and what still needs researched.

Truth be told, I NEVER thought that I would be a homeschooling mama. Through the years, God has truly changed my heart. God often reminds me of the absolute gift it is to educate our children at home! 

As you plan, please remember there is much grace. You are not perfect, but you can point your child to the One who is!  Blessings to each of you as you plan & process for the glory of God!

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“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”  Proverbs 9.10

~In His Grace ~ leigh anne

Thoughts on the Christian Faith & Healthy Living

For those who know me well, they know how passionate I am about healthy living!  My interest in nutrition & exercise began in middle school/high school as a cheerleader & gymnast. I had a fantastic cheer coach who positively encouraged us in our healthy living pursuits.  It continued into college as a cheerleader & dancer & a lover of many health-focused things. I enjoyed running trails in the Mohican State Forest, running road races with friends, & working out whenever possible. When I got married, I began to learn more about the specifics of food & what we were actually consuming. YIKES! Some of it was super good for you, while other items were NO GOOD! I started learning about nitrates, hydrogenated oils, etc…  And as our marriage has continued, I have learned more about the food & health connection. Essentially, how we fuel our bodies and the type of fuel we place in our bodies can hurt or help it!

But with all of this being said, there is SO much more to health & wellness than food & exercise.  Drinking water, managing stress, and getting good sleep daily is vital for living a healthy life.

Everyone knows that as human beings, we cannot ever get it all right. Something is bound to lack simply due to the fact that we cannot do it all as humans. Even though this might sound discouraging, there is SO MUCH good news!

Our journey to healthy living must begin in the soul/heart.  We can have each one of the above in working order, but not have our heart right with God.  If this is the case, we are living a healthy lifestyle ALL in vain. There is no purpose, no ultimate goal for what we are pursuing.  I would encourage people who want to seek a healthy living lifestyle to first look at their soul.

Do I know the God who created me?

Am I right with Him?  

Am I living for His glory?

The Creator is the one who knows us better than we know ourselves. He can heal any pain, redeem broken places, & give joy & hope to our days.  But most importantly, He saves us from our own muck & mire! We can seek healthy things, but we cannot make our soul right with God. We need a perfect Savior who can do this!  This is the beginning of a healthy life - trusting in our Savior to wipe away our sin & live a life for Him!

In 1 Timothy 4:8, we see that ”for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”  

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How do we see faith and healthy living meshing together?

1. In Daniel, we see him asking to not eat the King’s food & wine, but eat vegetables.  After 10 days, he was healthier & better fed than those who ate the King’s food. Wow!  There is something to be said about eating the whole foods that come from the ground that God created. There is plenty of research on the power of fruits & vegetables on the human body. What a blessing that God knew exactly what He was doing when He created them!  Eat more plants!

2. Romans 14.20 says, “Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God.  Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.”  This verse MUST be paired with the rest of scripture. God has declared all clean. Therefore, it is okay to occasionally eat potato chips and drink a Coca Cola.  For many people, the idea of “all in moderation” when it comes to food is a healthy principle. A friend shared that she likes to live by the 80/20 Rule - 80% of food being healthy, while the other 20% is considered unhealthy.  May I encourage you to live in grace and liberty when it comes to food? By God’s grace, enjoy the food the Lord has given you, but guard against all foods being clean as a justification to overindulge in unhealthy food!

3. In 1 Corinthians 6, we read, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Specifically, Paul was explaining holy sexual relationships here.  Although, we can see the importance of caring for our bodies - in all ways! Our body is a gift from the Lord; we are to be good stewards of it. We must glorify God in our body!  As a side note, we never want to make anything an idol in our life - health things included. What a gift that the Lord has said to glorify Him. This helps us to stay focused and not let the idol of health take over.

4. God has given us brilliant doctors & scientists who study the human body.  Since God is a God of order and not chaos, He has created our bodies to work in an organized and working fashion.  Due to sin & the human condition, our bodies will naturally go south. Thank the Lord we have people who have much knowledge due to their study of the amazing processes in which the body works and can give options to help heal our bodies.  It is good to read & read some more, trust God with making a decision, then go for it! Ultimately, our health is in our dear Creator’s hands. We can do the best we can and trust Him with the rest. What freedom this brings!

5. Lastly, food is fuel!  I have often looked at food as a way to enable my body to be fueled to do what God has purposed for me!  When I eat yucko food, I feel yucko :) I don’t have the energy or strength to do what is in front of me.  It is even hard to take care of the kiddos! What a gift God has given us with a variety of healthy, wholesome options from the land! Exciting!

One last thought… may I encourage you to not live a legalistic life in regards to your health & wellness journey.  Our lives are created for relationships - with God & others.

As much as we do need to do our best to stay healthy, we must not do so out of a selfish/self-seeking spirit or a spirit that does not value relationships.

Legalism & idolatry must not get in the way! Pray for the Lord to keep your health journey in the correct place. Our first aim in life as believers is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. How amazing that is!

I know there are MANY who have food allergies, sensitivities, or a history of abuse with food.  May the Lord give you much grace, hope, & strength as you walk your health journey & see the Savior walking with you through it all. Our family has a variety of food challenges, so I dearly understand.

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Today as you take your jog or drink another quart of water, please remember that your goal is to be right with the Savior who created you. Then with God’s strength, care for your body and love people!

In His Grace - leigh anne