Enough!!!

       It has been over a week since I have been able to get on and write. All three of my children got sick right before I was suppose to leave for the Virginia Homeschool Convention this past weekend. I wasn't just leaving, I was leaving alone (no kids) for the first time since my oldest was born. The only other time I have been away overnight is when I went to the hospital to deliver a child. = )  It was not easy to leave last Thursday with my youngest still very sick. Thankfully, my husband kept pushing me out the door!

       I truly believe that God gave my husband both extra patience and peace, as well as persistence to make sure that I didn't stay home. I was meant to be at this convention this past weekend. God had some very important things to teach me.  I have so much I want to write and share with you, but I am going to start with the first major thing that God showed me. I hope it encourages and frees your spirit as it did mine!

       Lately, I have found myself defending the "topic" of our fourth baby. I usually find myself defending against the stereotypes of large families, or the criticism of having more than two children. However, as I began this weekend at the convention, I found myself defending our decision for this little one to be our last. As I was walking between workshops Friday morning God brought all this to my attention.  It seems like, regardless of the audience, I am constantly feeling the need to defend our choice to either have another baby or not to. And in that moment I felt God say, "Enough! Quit being so defensive!"

       I am the type of person who feels she must always explain herself. I cannot simply say no, I have to explain why I cannot say yes. I feel like I need to excuse, or defend the condition of my home. I feel I must have an explainable reason for everything I say and do.  Over and over this weekend I felt the Lord telling me,"Enough. No more. Quit living life, in such a way, just so you can give an acceptable answer to others. Enough. No more defending yourself for your choices. Your choices are between Me and you. Enough... If there is peace as you sit before Me and listen to My voice... then enough. You are enough!"

       What freedom! Why are we having a fourth baby but not a fifth? Because we (my husband and I ) feel that is what the Lord desires for us. End of discussion! Why do I choose to homeschool my child? Because that is what we feel the Lord has led us to do for our children. End of story. Why do I choose to let the house be second priority (or third or fourth...) compared to my children's needs or my husband? Because as I walk day by day, moment by moment with God, I am allowing Him to show me what is most important in that moment of that day for me and my family. Enough!

       Don't you think that it's time that we quit defending our choices, and start living the life that God has for each of us?  They are not going to look the same. What is best for you and your family may not be what is best for mine, AND that is okay!!!  Let's give each other the freedom to follow God's leading without feeling the need to defend ourselves. How much energy and time have we wasted defending our choices instead of living them out? 

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)- "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."  

       Enough! Do not burden yourselves any longer. Enough! Rejoice in the freedom, God has given you through Christ, to live as He calls you to!!!

Ginger