Greetings!

For those of you wondering what’s happened to our newsletters, we’re still here! I just had a busy spring, followed by a bad concussion that has had me resting since the end of May. Definitely an unexpected event, but one which I can already see the Lord’s hand at work through. Now that I’m able to do some computer work and writing again, here’s a newsletter with some thoughts.

May you rest in His hands of love, knowing He’s loving working through everything that happens in your life.

In Him,

Katherine

P.S. We hope you enjoy this free newsletter. As always, please feel free to share it with others. May the Lord richly bless you.

Thought: Thoughts from a Concussion – Not Made to Worry

What has God given me energy to do?

That’s the question I’ve been asking myself over and over again each day. These last few weeks have been an eye-opening gift wrapped in the form of a bad concussion. My brain right now only has so much energy, and when I run low, it starts shutting down, demanding rest.

I’m discovering that different tasks require different amounts of energy. Any guesses what requires the most? Worry and stress. Yep. I gave an inward smile when the doctor told me that. As he described how I had to live as I recover, I thought to myself that the Bible already had the prescription for our brains written out.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6

This concussion has made me aware in a new way of how we only have so much energy—and thinking a lot about how each bit is a gift to be used wisely. Even when well, our energy is limited. And one thing is clear: none of it was given to us for worry. Next time you find yourself wondering what someone else will think, fearful of what might happen, stressed over how to get everything done, etc., remember to stop and cast those cares. We weren’t made to carry them.

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Story: Casting Cares

I need to get someone else to walk the neighbor’s dog.

The thought came to Chloe as she lay on her bed, unable to move or think much due to an accident the day before. She knew she was helpless to do anything about her commitment to walk the neighbor’s dog. Why, she could hardly even open her eyes, and it seemed to take every ounce of her energy to merely whisper a yes or no to simple questions.

She tried to figure out a plan of who could walk the dog, but she quickly realized she couldn’t even do that. The mere attempt was making her feverish. “Papa,” she whispered.

“I’m right here, Dear,” came the sweet, always gentle reply.

“Rojo…needs…walked.” The words were punctuated with great gasps for breath.

“I’ll see it’s taken care of,” came the immediate reply.

“But how…?”

Chloe’s father laid a gentle hand on his daughter’s forehead. “Never you mind how. I’ll take care of it. Just trust me.”

“Do you know where the leash is kept…and—” but Chloe’s father put his finger on Chloe’s lips.

“Stop worrying about it, Chloe. If I need you to tell me anything or do anything on it, I will tell you. Let it go. I’ve got it.”

Chloe relaxed. Her father would tell her if there was anything else she needed to tell him. He had it in his hands.

“When am I supposed to take my medicine?” came the next troubled question. Chloe was so afraid she’d forget something important—her brain felt like mush.

“Not till later. Stop thinking about it. I’ll tell you when it’s time and help you take it. Chloe, Sweetheart, there’s something you need to understand.”

“Yes, Papa?”

“Your job right now is to rest. When worries come into your mind, just tell them to me and let them go. I promise that I will take care of them, and that if there’s something you need to do about them, I will tell you and help you do them. But you can’t bear them.”

A faint smile stole across Chloe’s face. That was certainly true. Why, she could hardly even open her eyes. It was shear foolishness to think that, knowing as little as she did right now of life outside the four walls of her room, she could even make an intelligent decision on her own. Chloe finally relaxed. She could trust her father to handle every care.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Tidbits on Math--From a Christian Perspective

Here are the most recent posts from the Math from a Christian Perspective Blog.

Homeschool Tip: New Thoughts

My tip this month is to daily keep in God’s Word, seeking His thoughts on the different challenges and joys of parenting. It’s all-too-easy to carry our old, sinful thinking into the new settings we find ourselves in as Christians—and into our parenting.

God wants to give us His thoughts—to change, not just our outside activities, but our whole mentality. And as we change, our homeschools will change too.

So ask God to show you the areas that need to be changed…and then to help you walk forward in the victory Christ already won for you. Have a great summer!

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

Hymn/Poem: Hush! My Wandering Thoughts

Sights, noises, people,
Words, signs, and tasks—
We’re surrounded on every side,
Hedged in by a never-ending list.

Our brains become a bustle
Of planning, worry, and busyness.
Have we forgotten God has it all
Already safe in His hands?

We were designed to cast every care
On the One who never fails,
To rejoice and embrace what He unfolds,
Listening always to His still small voice.

He’s built us for good works, you see.
Works He Himself ordained.
He gives us all we need
To live each day in victory.

But we’re not built for worry
Or fear or writing our own story.
When we do, we ourselves deplete
Of the gifts God gave for His own purpose.

So Hush! My wandering thoughts
Be gone fear and worry.
My God is writing my story;
I’ll enjoy it—one page at a time.