Do Not Be Anxious.....

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Phil 4:6-8)

January 20, 2011

Dear Sisters,

Welcome back, dear moms, to a new year! I hope this letter finds you refreshed and recharged after having a lovely Christmas season break. I hope you enjoyed a beautiful holiday with family and friends and will be blessed abundantly throughout this new year. Some of the highlights of our holiday season were spending the evening listening to the Checcs Christmas Choir Concert (and how beautiful it was!) and getting together with friends and family and our church community throughout the weeks; enjoying the company of our college aged son who happily had some time off to connect and rest up a bit….along with a lot of baking and eating ... Praising God all the while for His abundant blessings.

Perhaps it is at this time in the beginning of a new year you take inventory once again noting where you are in your courses and look to adjust and continue along the path that will lead you to satisfaction in completing the school year in the months ahead. Maybe you have very young children and the school year ends for you earlier in the spring (be grateful!); perhaps you have a large variety of ages you are working with but know the end will be in sight as it is every year bringing satisfaction, relief and reward (be grateful!). Maybe you have welcomed a new child into your home and things are a little topsy-turvy…(be grateful!)…or maybe you have some challenges, children who need more care and attention, perhaps they have some learning challenges or difficulty of some kind that makes it a little harder to complete a smooth year (nonetheless a smooth day)…be even more grateful! Maybe you and I are more alike than you think…While the responsibilities of home and family and education can make us somewhat “anxious”, above all, give thanks to Our Lord in all things, and “do not be anxious about anything…..” What sweet words to reflect upon.

~ ~ ~

…but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…

As I return our home and studies to “normal”...I attempt to focus on how much we have accomplished so far – not: how much still needs to be done, although I know that is a reality, especially with a senior preparing to graduate. I ease back into our daily courses until we are once again moving full steam ahead. More deeply, I focus on how far we have come through the years, (the big picture!) and how the dynamics of my home have changed over those years and how once again the next school season will bring further changes. There are some years I wish I could have held onto forever….and some years I definitely wanted to pass quickly. I’m sure I’m not alone!

And so often I find that “anxious” feeling creeping in and sneaking up on me. It seems reasonable that home schoolers should sometimes feel anxious as we are doing “something different” than society dictates. And so this letter opens with the bible passage that speaks clearly about being anxious. Read the passage carefully! “DO NOT be anxious…about anything”, those are words for weary hearts. At times it may also seem like a tall order… However, I find great peace and strength in this scripture and I want you to also. No matter your place in life, no matter how joyful or desperate, alone or surrounded by people you may be….read this passage and allow it to enter your heart and live there.

While overall, home schooling is a joyful choice yielding many rewards, it can be at the same time a challenging and exhausting endeavor. We can become anxious in every sense of the word. Still, the benefits of home schooling are great. I hope and pray for you as this new year unfolds “peace” above all things. Peace in your hearts and homes and home schools. I am ever so grateful God led our family down the path of home education and to like-minded families; all of you mothers that strive to do the Will of God in your lives, pouring over into the lives of your families building in your children a Christian value system, one that focuses on the second part of the bible passage….: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Know that even with challenges that arise, He is always with you. He will continue to guide and lead you. He that is full of love and integrity and trust….He who is worthy of all thanksgiving and praise!

If you make any resolutions this year, make it part of your resolution to tell yourself daily: …do not be anxious…make Philippians 4: 6-8 part of a great year ahead.

Blessings to you and your families!
Your Sister in Christ,
Denise Laubacher


…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…