Encouragement

Christian Perspective

"Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore." Psalm 105:4

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April Greetings

Spring is here...and with it convention season! Below are the conventions we'll be at this spring--if you're there, please stop by and say hello! We would also greatly appreciate your prayers for us as we prepare for and attend the conventions.

MassHOPE - Massachusetts - April 29 and 30
NCHE - North Carolina - May 26-28
TCHEN - California - July 8 and 9

May each one of you have a blessed celebration of Jesus' resurrection next week--and every day this spring.

In His hands,

Katherine

Easter Devotional Starts Tomorrow!

If you plan to use Jesus--the Life Giver this year, don't forget to pull it out and begin it tomorrow (Palm Sunday)!

For those still looking for a fun and meaningful way to reflect on Christ's death and resurrection this Easter season, Jesus--the Life Giver is a downloadable devotional that prepares for Easter by exploring why Jesus came--and what His life, death, and resurrection mean for us today. Children make their own flower gardens while they listen. If you would like a copy, they're available for puchase ($7.99) and download here.

Below is some feedback we've received.

Katherine Loop designed a pre-Easter study, Jesus: The Life Giver, that is absolutely wonderful! What I loved most is that it wasn't a study of Passion Week, but a look at the heart of the One who is passionate for our hearts.
- Deborah Lembach. Read more on the As We Walk blog.

This is a wonderful product! It can be used for simple or in-depth conversations, depending upon the length of time you may have and the ages of your children. Our kids, ages 4 - 12, enjoyed it very much; my husband and I did too. Also, our boys liked designing their own flowers just as much as our girls. Each day we had great discussions, and we saved the flowers for a month or more! This was our best Easter week ever thanks to The Life-Giver.
- Stephanie Wooley

Learn more.

Thought: Reflections on Praise and Trust

I could feel the worry and care settling over my heart. I had been so content in the Lord earlier, but now that the pressures were mounting, I was getting concerned.

In the midst of the struggle, this Psalm spoke to my heart:

"Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;" Psalm 149:6-9

Wow. Just to think--praise is powerful enough to bind kings with chains! That's pretty powerful! And this praise is not reserved for an elect few--it is the honor of all God's saints.

There I had my answer: rather than worrying or allowing a hopeless dread to creep into my heart, I needed to refocus and praise. My Daddy had everything under control. I could rest in Him--trust Him--and entrust to Him every care. Peace once again reigned in my heart as I began praising instead of trying to carry the burden myself.

This month, when you find yourself caught up in life or waking up with a groan as you think of the tasks before you, remember to refocus your mind and heart continually on Jesus and to live resting in His loving care. He is worthy of our complete confidence!

Story: Ignoring the Manual

Jeremy wrestled with the machine before him. He would figure out how to make this engine work if it was the last thing he did! (Which, based on his progress so far, looked very likely.) How could something so simple be so complicated?

"Still puzzled over it?" The voice came from his older brother Andy.

Jeremy nodded. "Puzzled as ever. This is just such a difficult mess. I do wish someone would write about the particular problem I'm facing here. It seems everything I can find deals with other aspects of engines."

Andy pulled a book off the worktable and blue the dust off it. "What's this?" he asked.

"That's the instruction manual Dad wrote," Jeremy replied.

"Are you reading it?"

Jeremy cringed. Truth to tell, he had been reading it, but he'd basically read it out of duty rather than really expecting it to help. "Sort of," he replied.

"Didn't Dad design the engine...and write the manual for those working it?" Andy asked.

"Ummm...yes," Jeremy replied sheepishly. Why did Andy have to ask such tough questions?

"I see," Andy commented. "Well, maybe it would have some answers." With that word of advice, Andy left the room.

Jeremy pulled back out his manual. Here he'd been complaining rather than seeing what his dad had to say. Although his particular problem didn't seem to be addressed in the index, Jeremy remembered his dad telling him that the manual contained all he would need to know--and all would include guidance for this glitch.

Over the next several days, Jeremy poured over the manual. In doing so, he learned much about his father's heart and plan for the engine. He began to see the problem he faced in a whole new perspective. As he gazed upon his father's incredible design and the care with which he did everything, he began to change. And slowly but surely, he began to understand clearly what steps to take. What a precious gift his father had given him in that manual!

"O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation." Psalm 119:97-99

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Homeschool Tip: Thank the Lord for Your Family

- Cris Loop

Praising God for our families comes easily most of the time, but there are times when it is downright difficult. Family members seem to know just how to get under our skin. Add to that the demands of homeschooling, and praising God for each member of our families can easily get lost. While we praise the Lord for others, our families--like the cobbler's children who go without shoes--often get overlooked.

Years ago, the Lord gave me an idea to help me be more thankful for my family on those more trying days and on a more regular basis. I created a list of thirty character traits I love about my husband. Later, I did similar lists for my children. At the top, I put "Qualities I love about ________." As I made out the lists, God showed me how some of the very things that were causing strife and frustrating me were actually strengths God had given. Since then, the lists have helped me refocus and praise during the challenges that inevitably arise as we work together as a family.

This month, I'd encourage you to make a conscious effort to praise the Lord for each member of your family. You'll be amazed at the difference it can make in both your homeschool day and your marriage.

Tidbits on Math--From a Christian Perspective

Here are the most recent posts from the Math from a Christian Perspective Blog. If you like, you can sign up to receive an e-mail of the posts as they come out here.