Memory Lane - How in the world did I get here?

A long time ago, in a land far, far away, there lived a woman who actually had a memory. She could remember anything and everything - without writing it down or telling her children to remind of her of it. Sadly, that woman has since morphed into someone who must write down EVERYTHING or totally rely on the memory of her kids!Well, sitting here I was trying to think about something to write. Should I write about choosing our curriculum and the many, and I do mean MANY, conversations with friends about the many, and boy, do I mean MANY, choices out there. Or maybe I should talk about the enthusiasm my entire family has shown regarding our decision. Or maybe I should talk about choosing a year round versus traditional schedule. Then it hit me. What do most folks usually talk about FIRST before going into the details? They talk about how they got to where they are and why it matters. So while the memory is semi-ok let’s take a trip back in time. I was not raised in a traditional "church going" family. My mom took us when she and daddy were having marital issues or if it was a special holiday (Easter, normally). She also made sure we went to VBS every year at the multitude of small community churches around our small town. I was not raised reading the bible or looking to the bible for life's directions. After being invited to start attending my friend’s church at age 15, I accepted Christ as my savior when I was 16. I thought that was enough for the longest time. I never truly realized that it was now my responsibility to learn about Christ and to start following HIS path, not my own. I never realized this UNTIL I had kids of my own and then all of a sudden, it all became crystal clear! My path was turned in the wrong direction while His path for me was headed in the right direction. When my mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2001, my faith in His path being the right path was strengthened. Since her passing in 2005, I have continued my journey towards a more Christ centered life. One way I like to think about my journey is to compare it to a cross country road trip. Twists and turns, surprises around every corner, and you just can’t wait to reach your destination. Then when you get there, you can’t wait to get home? Well, “home” is our heavenly home and our destinations are the seasons of life we go through: baby, child, youth, young adult, marriage, kids, empty nester, etc. Well, it is my belief that God wants us to take this road trip with Him as our road map, which is probably why He gave us the Bible (sarcasm, again).My goal as a parent is to raise my children up in His house and to instill in them the righteousness of His word. So, one of our “destinations” is homeschooling our children. After praying and thinking, thinking and praying, not to mention the many pros-cons lists I compiled, we truly felt this is a God given directive and we will do our best, our very best, to fulfill His goals as the guardians of His children. Dear God, thank You for Your love and grace. Without You and Your word, our lives would be dark and hopeless. But You are alive, the true living God and You did give us Your word. Our lives are full of light and hope and it is all because of Your love and grace. Thank You. Amen. Okee, dokee folks – till next time.