Memorial Box Monday: Getting ready!

Hey my bloggy friends,
It's time for Memorial Box Monday... the day I give God the glory for his care and love! When I started Memorial Box Monday posts, I had no idea how much they would minister -- not just to my friends but to me! It's true! We need to remember God's miracles. They fill us with strength, courage and hope when new battles arise.

Today I'm sharing a miracle in the making! I've home-schooled my kids for the past nine years. Nathan, our oldest, was home from third grade through eighth grade. Now he's a junior in high school getting ready for college. Ben, our 13 year old, has never set foot in a traditional classroom -- home-schooled his whole life! So far, at least.

Ellie, our adorable, inquisitive, spunky six year old, starts kindergarten this year. We're not home-schooling her. It wasn't an easy decision. We wondered if she'd get "less" (of us) by attending public school? The doubts have nagged at me. We sought Godly counsel from home schooling friends and from friends in the public school arena, including teachers. We prayed over our decision. After all, we want the very best for our daughter, whatever that might be.

We are confident that public school is the right decision for Ellie, at least in this season of life. She will love being with kids her own age. She'll enjoy story time, art, music, and centers too. She'll love a predictable schedule! I try, but there's no way I can be that structured! She's wired for the school environment! Besides, we're seriously lacking in six year old playmates in our family. She's the little girl in a swarm of adults.

But God knows me!

He knows I doubt myself. He knows I second guess my decisions. He knows I worry -- AND want the best for my kids. After all, I'm a mommy!

For some reason, which I may never fully understand, we got Ellie's kindergarten class assignment in June, just a couple weeks after school ended. Her teacher? She happens to be a member of our church AND she lives in our neighborhood! We know her. We know her heart and her passion for kids. We know she loves Jesus!!!

Ellie's kindergarten-bound buddies just found out their teachers these past couple weeks... at the end of summer. God knows that Ellie does better with time to adjust to new situations. He provided the teacher we prayed for, one Ellie could respond to quickly. How awesome that Ellie knows her teacher by sight and by name. She prays for Mrs. Owen by name -- and her classmates, too. She talks about what she will do "in Mrs. Owen's class." She's been given the incredible gift of time to adjust to a huge change -- at her own pace.

Only God, who knows the deepest places in my heart, could orchestrate such a gift. Ellie is going to public school this year. She is ready! I am not worried. She is ready!

I'll put Mrs. Owen's sweet letter in our Memorial Box to remember God's provision for Ellie. We are truly awed by all He has done for us.

f you don't know what Memorial Box Monday is, it all started at Linny's blog: "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7). Please pray for Linny. She's facing a huge health battle. Head-on she fights, knowing HER GOD is big enough to see her family through. Thanks!