February 2014
Vol.1, Issue 7
For This Day
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7
Allyson Holland shares her wisdom gained through the years in the education of her children. The many verses she calls upon gives her the peace that her path is well planned out by her Lord and Savior. Learning, like most things, is a life long process. As parents God has given us the arduous task of teaching and training our children in the way they should go. This often times is a tiresome and discouraging experience. Our educational journey began over 25 years ago when God gave us a deep desire to be the primary influence in the lives of our children. In the 1970’s I was exposed to a family that was home schooling their children. A seed was planted and
over time that seed took root and grew until it became clear that God was leading us to educate our children at home. Although I loved teaching our children it had it’s challenges and was not always easy. I was often encouraged by the words of the Apostle Paul… “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, ESV) As our family grew and spanned several grade levels it became obvious that I had limitations and needed help. So we began praying and assessing our options. One of our favorite verses at this time was Psalm 32:8… “I will instruct you and teach in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” (NASB) God providentially allowed our paths to cross with families who had a vision to start a Classical Christian School based on a university model class schedule. God opened this door, we stepped
through it in faith, and we enrolled our oldest child. The academics were rigorous and the challenges were many. I was often reminded of the passage in Hebrews that says… “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus…” (12:1-2, NLT) It is easy to get off course and forget what God has called us to do when we are weary. Other pastures often look greener, but the grass is not always as sweet as the pasture God has led us to in order to nourish and nurture our children to thrive and grow spiritually and academically. When we have confidence that we are where God wants us to be then we can stay the course and finish well the task He has set before us in providing our children with a solid biblical, Christian based education. Fourteen years later, despite many changes and transitions, I am happy to say that Coram Deo Academy is still the best fit for our family. Our oldest three children have graduated from CDA well prepared for college and life. Our youngest two children, God-willing, will also graduate from CDA. God is faithful. We have stayed the course and He has honored the desire of our hearts to be the primary influence in the lives of our children. We have no regrets over the amount of time we have had with them in our home. King David, in Psalm 37:4-5 says this… “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you.” (NLT)
Moms in Prayer Where: Chapel at Harte House Contact individuals below for information M/W contact: Leah Clark T/Th contact: Tessa Nownes Coram Deo Café “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thess. 5:11) Where: Fireside Room, Grammar Building When: 8:30-9:30am March 30 & April 1. Contact information: M/W contact: Jacque Younger T/Th contact: Donna Rector Morning Prayer, Scripture Reading & Bible Studies Scripture Reading and Prayer Contact: Jon Jordan Where: Room 113, grammar school building When: Monday and Tuesday, 7:40-7:50am Who: Parents, students, and faculty are all welcome. 6th & 7th grade Girls Bible Study of James Who: CDA students, 6th and 7th grade girls and friends Where: Jeff and Alicia Roy’s home Contact: Alicia Roy Logic School Boys Bible Study When : Every Other Monday 7:00-8:00pm Where: Jeff and Shelley Vosburg’s home Contact: Rodney Ashby Book Club Feb. 11, March 18, April 8 7:00pm Contact: Janelle Oppenheimer Location: Crossroads Bible Church
photograph on cover courtesy of flickr user Montgomery County Planning Commission