#8 Learning about different kinds of Lemons!

As I drove down the country road, my thoughts were reflecting on the last year and a half of my life.  So many ups and downs have occured that the road never seemed truly peaceful, like the road I drove on tonight.  I thought about the Spring of 2012 when my body was in pain, and I had to see a physical therapist 2 times a week, and a massage therapist every 2-3 weeks.  Why did I have the pain and why couldn't any doctor truly help me, I thought.  My mind then drifted to the tough decisions to leave my small groups that I had truly grown to love, in order to be able to focus on healing.  That change then allowed me to take the summer of 2012 to truly slow down and enjoy the children, and listen to God speak to me.  That is when I heard Him call me to leadership of my family, at home for school with Connections Academy. So on a trip to Duluth in the fall of 2012, we talked through the decision to join Connections Academy, all four kids and I, at home.  Knowing in my head that the cards were stacked against me, I prayed all the time for God to guide me, and to give me peace in this crazy change.  This last year, I needed His resolve inside of me because most days were full of emotions, expressions, corrections, and counter arguments.  I was totally outnumbered, but somehow God has sustained us, and as I reflect on the last year and 2 months that we have been schooling at home, I know that it truly was in His perfect will.  I have learned to grow more humble through my very strong willed children who I cannot control.  We also lost my mother in law in December, right before Christmas.  I remember the kids saying, "this is the worst Christmas ever!".  I agreed, it was, but was struggling through so much emotion that I couldn't even be strong for them.  I loved my mother in law so much!  I still get a little teary eyed when I think of the profound effect her quiet spirit had on me.  She was our Granny nanny!  For 10 yers I had the pleasure of seeing her at least once a week as she came to tmy house to babysit and fold laundry as I went to work.  When she died, I lost a very great friend.  I am glad we all were able to be at home for school during her loss.  I feel so glad that God gave us this time to unite, but now that time has come to an end, and another time of change has come.  I do not know exactly what the plans are for myself other than a drive to organize my writings and possibly begin writing more, as for the kids however, they are being deployed to ISD 192!  Carley will be a freshman at FHS, and is excited for Choir, and Ceramics!  Lauren will be heading back to DMS as the head of the class in 8th grade, and is happy to have her teachers face to face, and not having to email them if she has questions.  Jacob, well he still wants to stay home for school, and that doesn't surprise me a bit because he loves to hang out with his momma!  He will however be heading to ARES in 4th grade with Chloe who is excited to be in her friend Ella's class in 3rd grade.  After returning from my first Mission Trip in August, I feel like God is creating a new side of me.  I am nervous to make this change, but I have the faith that it is His will, and will move as I am prompted.  We have been praying about this for a long time, and God has given dreams to myself, Carley and Lauren as a confirmation that the decision to go back to school is the plan!  Lemons, we have been through many this year, but now, we are serving up Lemonade!  2013-2014 will bring new fruit too, but with God as the master chef, there will always be more Lemonade.  Until next time, Cheers!