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Servant2theKing
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| Posted: Feb 03 2007 at 12:13pm | IP Logged
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After reading Kim's blog post "Truth and Consequences" on her BLOG, Starry Sky Ranch, I feel compelled to share...with age often comes times of trial, if not in our own families, at least amongst our peers. Many times those trials come in the form of "prodigal times" and in today's world very few families are not effected in some way or another. I share this because we have had our own share of "prodigal times", and have witnessed dismayed, uncomfortable responses from fellow homeschoolers, who oft-times have the mistaken notion that insulating our children from the world in some ways protects them, and us, from experiencing the pain of children falling into sin or going astray. The gift of free will presupposes that some will fall, some farther than others, and that every one of us, to some degree, will displease or fail the Lord and those who love us, at some time along the way. As homeschoolers we have the incredible privilege of "walking the walk" and truly enbracing Divine Mercy when we deal with prodigal situations in our midst. As Elizabeth posted so beautfully on her BLOG, when she shared about the precious little girl they care for while her single mother attends school, we can make a difference in the life of someone who has strayed when they are trying to rebuild their lives. Rather than judging one another, and adding to the shame and difficulties others may face, we can serve as channels of grace to one another when any of us are faced with helping a prodigal return to the Lord. For those whose children are still young, continue to give them all that you can of the wondrous truths of our Faith, and IF they ever stray or temporarily lose their way, do not despair, there are others who have trod that path ahead of you who are waiting to help you and your precious ones share in our Lord's Divine Mercy. If you ever face prodigal times in your own family, seek out those who have travelled that path before you and trust that God can use such times in any family for His Honor and Glory, if we allow Him to! Be not afraid, and trust in Divine Mercy as you train up your children in the way that they should go.
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All for Christ, our Saviour and King, servant
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Tami
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This was so beautifully put, Servant.
I had just printed off Kim's blog about this, the one she linked to, and another email sent by a friend who follows things in the evangelical stream (it was a prophetic vision/message about prodigals)- then came here.
Oh, the Lord in His timing...
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Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
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Paula in MN
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Servant2theKing wrote:
| ...we have had our own share of "prodigal times", and have witnessed dismayed, uncomfortable responses from fellow homeschoolers, who oft-times have the mistaken notion that insulating our children from the world in some ways protects them, and us, from experiencing the pain of children falling into sin or going astray |
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Oh yes, you are so right. What a lovely post.
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 Paula
A Catholic Harvest
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Tami
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OH, and when I sent the link to Kim's blog, I told my friend (who doesn't homeschool) that all she had to do was substitute "Christians" when she read the word "homeschoolers."
I see many a Christian family/group go through the same thing.... 
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God bless,
Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
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lapazfarm
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Oh, boy.Let me tell you, we are going through those times right now. Not sure where it will end with this one dd of ours. It does help to know we are not the only ones.
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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Paula in MN
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lapazfarm wrote:
| It does help to know we are not the only ones. |
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Not by a long shot.
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Paula
A Catholic Harvest
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jackiemomof7
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This has also been an issue with us. The one thing that my dh and I have come to agree on is that we can love them, train them, and show them the gifts of the our faith. But they have free will and it is up to them in the end. We have had rough roads and there are probably many more rough roads ahead but we know through experience that love will carry as all through. It will be hard but the love we have for each other, our children and our mostly our wonderful faith will get us through.
It is very hard when you have grown children and they hit a rough patch and you wonder how will every one react to this? What will other homeschoolers think? But it is another gift God has given to us to keep us humble to remind us that we are all weak that we have a fallen nature and all of us stumble along the way How we react to anothers fall ( mostly our own children) is an important thing. From our own experience seperating the sin from the sinner is a big key. Letting them know we love you but not the sin. And by this loving example another prodigal story has happen in our family. (ok green scapulars are a big help and lots of prayers on knees) But without this experience I don't think we would have grown as family as much as we have these last few years. From the youngest to the oldest we have all truly grown in graces. Thanks be to God!!
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Jackie wife to Jim for 27!! years, proud army mom of Chris(25),Chef Matthew(24) and Sister Grace of Benedectines (21),Joshua(19),Nicholas(17),Jaymee(15), Elizabeth(13) and 2 in Heaven.Grandma to 3!
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hylabrook1
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It is so true that when our children (and we, as well) use our free will, prodigal times can result. The trick is to love and forgive and hold out hope. It is very hard to deal with the comments, looks, etc. that sometimes come from people whose children are all younger (and so make *smaller* mistakes and misjudgements) or who have been fortunate enough not to have had problems arise (maybe not arise *yet* is more accurate). Not that I wish rough patches on anyone, but it is a real spiritual trial when others are *so certain* that your child made mistakes due to your poor parenting. Being on the receiving end of these kinds of judgements has helped me to be more gentle with others for whom all is not smooth going, although I know I have a long way to go before I even approach being non-judgemental. Sometimes I think God has allowed things with some of my children to help me learn to put aside the whole judging thing. Like Theresa, I have to say that it eases the pain somewhat to know that others have similar struggles. This becomes a safe place, where we can come to gain support without fearing being rejected for having raised less than perfect children.
Peace,
Nancy
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Paula in MN
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This entire topic reminds me of a quote I have heard my mother say about all of us kids at one time or another:
They march to the beat of a different drummer....
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esperanza
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hylabrook1 wrote:
| The trick is to love and forgive and hold out hope. |
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So true...It is challenging when our mother's heart is aching for our dc ...to step back and remember that God, who loves our dc more than we do, has allowed this...
 ..hence my username "esperanza" ..my dd helped me learn how to "hope" and pray and feel the Lord's hand steady my day...and to allow the Blessed Mother to help me mother them.
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Tammy Gonzalez in VA
dh-Johnny
mom to Tara-'85, Noelle-'88, Jeremy-'91, Elizabeth-'93, Emma-'96, Dominic-'99, Gabriel-'01, Elijah-03
and Jacinta-06
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hylabrook1
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Tammy -
Thank you for sharing that we can allow the Blessed Mother to mother our children for us. That is a beautiful and consoling thought.
Peace,
Nancy
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from people whose children are all younger (and so make <<*smaller* mistakes and misjudgements) >>
I remember when my oldest was a baby. A lady was bouncing him on her lap and said rather wistfully, "When they are little, they step on our toes. When they are bigger they step on our hearts." I remember thinking that was a rather rotten thing to tell a young mother! But she was right. That truth is is right up there with "Little people, little problems. Bigger people, bigger problems."
Kim
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4Real Forums : St. Anne's Tearoom: Growing in Wisdom over 40
Topic: With age comes....
