Our kids had been going to a small Christian school for a few years, when I got cancer.  It had always been an act of faith to have them there, as my self-employed, roofing contractor, husband was the sole breadwinner for our family of seven.  We didn’t have health insurance and the medical bills were impossible, even with financial aid. After praying, we threw out a fleece saying, “If we can have last year’s tuition fully paid up by September, we will know we can go ahead.” We didn’t have a real peace about it though. By mid-summer it looked like we wouldn’t be able to have the kids there, so I had to make the heartbreaking phone call to the school.   However, the Lord had a plan. Because He worked through the hearts of the school principal and board, they graciously offered me a position as the day care supervisor, in lieu of tuition for our three kids who were still attending.  It was a miraculous answer to prayer!  I had no idea He would use it to get me into teaching professionally in public school.

From the journal . . . . November 1989

You Awesome Lord!  You lift my mood. You can change an attitude.  What an awesome thing!  Again, I recognize that the biggest miracle is how You can change me.  Such an easy thing for You! Oh Lord, I want to keep my eyes on You.  It’s easier when I’m alone. Yet, I want to do it more while I’m with people in an everyday setting.  Lord, when I’m at Day care today, how can I take the opportunity to draw the kids closer to You?

And I Believe God Said:

You are seeing more and more why I have you there.  Yes, even for the older children.  Yes – even for the adults.  Do whatever your hand finds to do.*

Ecc 9:10a Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might;

When you see how it relates to Me, then feel free to relay that to the children.  Don’t worry about their ability to understand.  I can handle that.  Explain it to them as best you can.  Anytime you want Me, I am there.  Look to Me.  Remember to look to Me.  You have to open your eyes and ears to Me, your mind and your heart.

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your Law.  Matt 11:15 The one who has ears to hear, let him hear. Col 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. NIV.
 Eph 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people,

 I am always there, but often you miss Me.  Be diligent to look to Me.

Lord, when You’re talking to me and it’s quiet, that’s no problem.  I find myself continually looking to You throughout the day, but while I’m in the thick of it, I find myself merely surviving.

Be honest about your feelings while with the kids.  That’s important.  Don’t try to be someone you aren’t. Be you. I put you there for a divine purpose.  

Ps 138:8a The Lord will work out His plans for my life—
    for Your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Jer. 29:11 I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope.