Cure for a bad mood

Not sure what it was this morning...even late last night. But I was in a funk. Most people around me wouldn't have known it, except maybe my husband...who did ask me several times last night, "Are you ok?" Course I gave him the answer he always gives me..."I'm fine." Which I by the way hate when he does that to me...sorry babe. :) Honestly though, I don't really know what was wrong. Just one of those funks.

On my to-do list today was prepping for the College and Life Success class I'm starting next week for the highschoolers in one of our homeschool co-ops. So, regardless of my attitude, with a pout on my face, I started. The first lesson is supposed to be motivational...propelling the students to really dive right in and throw off those things that are hindering them from reaching their potential. The class is based in biblical ideas of discipline and self-leadership. So guess what I had to do...dive into my Bible and do a little research. Then I pulled out my notes from my pastor on talks he's given on leadership and discipline, and next to some John Maxwell and other great leaders' books and my own notes on them. While I was working, I was able to offer some encouraging words via text and email to a friend who is going through a tough time. During a break from my lesson plan writing, I was able to spend some time on the phone talking to a great friend and leader with whom I can be honest with and I know she will be honest in return, telling me what I need to hear, even if it's not what my flesh wants to hear.

Wow. It's been a couple hours and the pout and sour attitude are history. They've been replaced with an amazing feeling of gratitude and peace that only my Heavenly Father could provide. Circumstances haven't changed, but I know my God is in control and He is faithful!

So, the cure for my bad mood? God's word, the words of the leaders in your life that know God's truths, sharing that truth with others, and a chat with a good friend :) Plus, in a few hours I get to go hear some even more wisdom and encouraging words and take part in some amazing worship at church. Doesn't get any better!

So, what helps you refocus and get back on track?

First day of school

Today's the first day of school here in Miami. This is an interesting day for us, as we have one child in the public school system and two that we homeschool. This can be a tricky fence to stradle. While in our homeschool groups I'll often hear comments about "those immoral public school kids and parents" and at our oldest son's school events and among those friends, I'll hear talk of those "uber-conservative, rigidly-religious, self-righteous homeschoolers."

The interesting thing is that, like most stereotypes, these thoughts and ideas are so inaccurate. All homeschoolers are not ultra-conservative, culturally irrelevant, socially inept people who want to control their kids' lives. AND all public school families are not immoral, unintelligent, conformists who don't care about their kids. OK, so not all homeschoolers or public school parents/teachers feel this extreme about the opposite. I've been extreme to make a point, but seriously, there's probably more in common than not. Trust me, I live in both circles. For the most part, we all have the same goal and purpose...to raise up the next generation to be the best they can be.

The cool thing about living in the U.S.A. is that as a parent, YOU get to decide what's best for your children. And believe it or not, that might be different for each child in the same family. And it might even be different for the same child at different times in their life. Instead of judging each other, we should be working together. Can't we all just get along?

Where does your hope come from?

I just finished an interview with someone asking my husband and I about the story of Kaylee, our daughter. Before I went, I thought I was mentally prepared...thought about what I would say, talked to my husband about it, even jotted a few notes down. But of course, when the spotlight was on, some of it just flew out the window. I hate that. I want to be more intentional about being able to tell my story and explain to others what God has truly done in my life. The Bible tells us we are always to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have. I had an answer, but it could have been better. More meaningful...less cliche. I need to be better prepared for that. I want to be better prepared. Are you prepared? What would you say to someone who asked you where your hope comes from?