Once again I would like to say a big thank you to my sponsors for helping me get to the amazing 2:1 Conference in April! (That's said "2 to 1 Conference.") It was so worth the hard work and time it took to get there. I could never have done it without my sponsors! Would you please go check them out? IQ Locker, T-Tapp, The Ultimate Homeschool Expo, Turning Heads Boutique, and Eternal Encouragement Magazine…

 

On the second day of The 2:1 Conference, one of our earliest sessions was a sponsor session. We could choose between two different companies and go hear what they are about and what they can offer us homeschoolers. One of the companies was Apologia. I know a bit about Apologia, but the other company just didn't fit my style of home educating at all, so I chose to go hear some more about Apologia.

 

We heard from the amazing Liz (Real Refreshment Retreats) and Michelle (ApologiaWorld).These two are such sweethearts. I loved that these ladies didn't seem like they were at the conference to sell one thing. They were just there making friends, supporting, and networking. During the sponsor session we also heard from the sweet and hysterical Rachael Carman. (She and her husband own Apologia.) I don't think I know anyone else who could make a room full of women start reaching for the tissues during a sponsor session! Yep. Tissues and sniffling. Over books.

 

After that moving sponsor session, I knew we were in for something wonderful when Rachael spoke at the final keynote session. The topic was joy.

 

Her words to us were too good not to share with you. They are certainly applicable to every mom. This time I thought I would share with you in the form of poignant quotes and points from the session. I hope they bless you as much as they did those of us sitting in the room together.

 

 

When did your joy go missing?

• Why does it matter?
• It matters because it effects more than just you— It effects your children, your church, your community.
• It matters because we are changing the world.
• We are growing world changers!

What is the basis for joy?

• It's NOT circumstances
• or situation
• or curriculum
• or statistics
• or opportunities
• or …

Look at the Biblical examples of having joy despite circumstances:

• Job 1:20-21
• David- Psalm 27:4
• Esther 4:16
• Nehemiah 8:10
• Paul- Philip.3:8

Jesus"Examples:

• God's plan – Genesis to Revelation- It was NOT Plan B for Jesus to come! It was His plan all along!
• Gospel message – sinners in need of Savior – Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8– This was God's response. He didn't even wait for us to realize that we needed Him!
• Christ's example – Philippians 2:5-11
• Christ's focus – Hebrew 12:1-3

Outplay of Joy

• Service- washing the disciples' feet
• Worship- dying on the cross

 

The comon denominator was humility! Our attitude matters! [Did you hear that, Momma?]

I can serve all day long, but if I do it with a bad attitude…

I have negated it all.

 

The Bottom Line? Joy is a choice!

Choosing joy is:

• sustaining to us.
• contagious to other Believers.
• intriguing to unbelievers.
• our testimony to our enemies.
• glorifying to our Heavenly Father!

 

How do we choose it?

We must resolve to:

• serve each other.
• work together.
• stand shoulder to shoulder against the enemy.
• point others to Christ.
• celebrate His Glory.

 

We need to celegrate that He is able!

Now go be joyful!! Teach your children to choose joy!

 

We walked out of that place encouraged to intentionally choose joy in the midst of caring for and home educating our children. It's easy to forget in the midst of life.

 

Will you be mindful with me?

Will you make it a priority, along with me, to choose joy as you walk with your children each day?

 

 

 

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