Have you counted the cost?

Our small group study last night was on the cost of following Christ.  It was amazing how God speaks to you when you allow yourself to get quite and listen. It has been a trying week in some of my relationships and areas where God has called me to be bold- to stand my ground and to realize that at times what he calls us to do is not popular.  It amazing through these times God gives us ways to use these hards times to teach our children- to teach them what it means to be a follower of Christ.  The ages our children are at is the beginning to all of these teaching moments.  Up until this time our children have been so much under our wings to speak- we are now beginning to glimpse the different ways in which they will be tried- the ways in which we need to prepare them to be strong.  I have also realized in order to defend their faith in later situations it is so important to lay a strong foundation.  I am looking forward to the time ahead of homeschooling and the time it will allow for teaching and just the everyday talking and conversations that will happen. I have been blessed with several amazing friendships that have offered so much encouragement this week when i have been frustrated and have continually pointed me back to the scriptures.  I look forward to the Christmas season that is ahead of us and studying the way that God had a plan- that it is perfect and what a blessing to be saved from our sinful state!