So, you’re thinking about homeschooling for High School ….  You said at the beginning you were just going to take it a year at a time, but here you are 6, 7, 8 years later and you’re still homeschooling your children!  Now you’re faced with an even bigger decision: “Can I homeschool for High School?”

If your child is in 6^th, 7^th, or 8^th grade, now is a good time to start thinking about your options, and homeschooling for high school is a great one!

This past summer, PA homeschoolers had their 16^th annual “High School At Home Conference” in Carlisle, Pennsylvania  for  families with junior high or high school level students.  The conference focused on various aspects of homeschooling for High School, including: PA homeschooler’s diploma program, teaching foreign languages at home, career preparation, positioning students for scholarships, public speaking opportunities for High school students, online classes for High school students, CLEP exams, AP classes, preparing for college, and much more!

My friend and fellow homeschooler, Laura, from Philadelphia, PA attended the conference.  I asked her what her impression was of the session and what her thoughts were on homeschooling her children through high school.  Here is her response:

“I really enjoyed the conference.  The seminars were very practical and informative.   PA Homeschoolers chose a wonderful variety of speakers.   I especially enjoyed listening to Jeannette Webb’s seminar : “10 Mistakes Homeschoolers Make When Preparing for College, and How You Can Avoid Them All”, and Debra Bell’s seminar: “Merit Scholarships for College: Positioning Yourself to Succeed.”  Some of the speakers gave information on helpful websites for homeschoolers of high school students.  PA Homeschoolers also had great basic resources for sale such as: The Guide for PA Homeschool Diploma and The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling Teens.   Information was presented on various classes available to teens to make homeschooling easier for the parent.  Several colleges had tables with information for parents.  There were vendors there as well.  Also, snacks and a buffet lunch were provided.”

“Coming to the conference, I expected to feel very overwhelmed by the idea of homeschooling for high school.  Instead, I left feeling that not only could homeschooling high school be done, but it could be done well.  I came out of the seminars with great ideas to help me make sure my daughter learns a lot; I also learned ways to help my daughter look like a good applicant for many colleges and qualify for scholarships.  I realized that what we are currently doing at home has already been great preparation for the high school years.  Having just completed teaching my daughter’s 7^th grade, I was glad I went to the conference when I did.   There is a lot of preparation that can be done in a student’s 8^th grade year.  I would definitely recommend the conference to parents considering homeschooling their children for high school, even if their child is currently in the 6^th grade.  It was very helpful.”

It’s nice to know that there are conferences such as this one to help support parents considering homeschooling for the High school years.  Also, for parents considering this route in their child’s education, the conference provided a great way for families in similar walks of life to connect and share ideas.

If homeschooling for high school is an option you are considering, a conference such as this one may be beneficial to you as well.  PA Homeschoolers has planned another High School at Home Conference, set for July 13, 2012, at the same location in Carlisle, PA.  Early-bird registration will be $29.95.  The information will be up on their website by early March.  The PA Homeschooler’s web address is:   www.pahomeschoolers.com.

Copyright  February 21, 2012 by Gwen Fredette

Philadelphia Biblical University Homeschool Physical Education Program

“KIDSPORT”

SPRING 2012 CLASS SCHEDULE

When:  Tuesdays - March 20th, 27th  and April 3rd, 10th, 17th, & 24th

Time:  1:30 – 3:00pm

Ages: 6 – 17   Grades K – 12

Register by … March 15th

Cost:  $25.00 per student;  $60.00 max per family

Where: PBU,  200 Manor Ave., Langhorne, PA 19047

Kidsport Ages 6 – 7:  Moving and Exploring how and where the body moves … manipulative  activities using bats & balls, jump ropes & jump boxes, hoops & scooters, gator balls & parachutes, games galore and much … much more!

Kidsport Ages  8 -17:  Learning to lead healthy, active lives… fantastic fitness activities, team-building & challenge activities, tennis, volleyball, flag football, soccer, ultimate games, rapid relays, tag games, speedsticks, juggling, softball, capture the flag, gymnastics, & Aerobics.

For a registration form click here:  (Please note that it is 2 pages, with the registration on the second page.)  kidsport flyer

For more information, please contact Paula Beach at pbeach@pbu.edu

Great opportunity for you and your kids to connect with other homeschoolers!

I got all of this information directly from Paula Beach at PBU.  Thank you Paula and PBU for allowing me to highlight your information on my blog!

(If you have any trouble downloading the form, you may email me at gwen.silverliningpress@juno.com.  I will send it directly to you via email.)

Standardized Testing is required for all Pennsylvania homeschoolers in grades 3, 5, & 8.  Even though standardized testing is not required by law for grade 7, I would highly recommend that you sign your child up for testing if you are considering enrolling him/her in a magnet or private school for highschool.  Most highschools want to see 7th grade test scores.  Some magnet high schools want to see standardized test scores from 6th grade as well.

Of course, homeschoolers in Philadelphia always have the option to take PSSA’s at their local school, but for various reasons, many homeschool moms would prefer to send their children elsewhere.  You may be thinking “That’s us!  Where do Philadelphia homeschoolers go?”  Here’s a list of places I’ve compiled that may be an option for you:

WHERE TO TAKE STANDARDIZED TESTS?

1.  Where: Calvary Christian Academy, 13500 Philmont Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19116

What Test:  Stanford Achievement Test

When is the testing:  Monday, March 26th through Friday, March 30th

Times:  approximately 9am to 12pm each day

Cost:  $50 per child

Forms due by:  Feb 29, 2011.

Please contact:  Deb Jaconski ASAP at the elementary school office if interested.  215-969-1579 Ext 254 (She can mail an enrollment form to you).

2.  Where:  Westminster Theological Seminary,  2960 West Church Road, Glenside, PA in Van Til Hall, Rooms 1&2.

What Test: Iowa Basic Skills Test

When is the testing: Monday, April 2nd AND Tuesday, April 3rd

Times: 9am to 12:45pm

Cost: $50 per child

Contact Laura Goldman by: March 15th

Please contact:  Laura Goldman if interested with the following information: Your name, address, phone #, cell #, email address, student(s) name(s), grade(s).  Her email is laurag0099@yahoo.com .  For more information you can download Laura’s flyer:  2012 testing info-3 and her testing schedule: Testing Schedule 2012-3

3.  Where: Proclamation Presbyterian Church, 278 S Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

What Test: Stanford  10 Achievement Test

When is the testing: March 14 & 16th.

Times:  8:30 am to 1:30 pm

Cost: $50 per child

Register by: March 1st

Contact:  Dione Mitchell if interested: dmclassicalconversations@gmail.com.  More information can be found on this site: http://www.cctestingservices.com/component/events/?task=view_detail&agid=168&year=2012&month=03&day=14  (You do not have to attend their co-op to take tests with them.)

4.  Where: Audrey Johnson’s home in Northwest Philadelphia.

What Test: CAT California Achievement Test

Times:  Please contact Audrey Johnson to set a time

Cost:  $25 for each test; additional $25 fee paid to Audrey to proctor the test

Contact: Audrey Johnson if interested:  wisdomsway@hotmail.com.  She will have you order your test through this site: http://www.setontesting.com/.

5.  Where: Immanuel Leidy’s Church, 276 W. Cherry Lane, Souderton, PA 18964

What Test: Standford 10 Achievement Test

When is the testing: March 29th & March 30th

Times: 8:30am to 1:30pm

Cost: $50 per child

Register by: March 4th

Contact: Dione Mitchell if interested: dmclassicalconversations@gmail.com.  More information can be found on this site: http://www.cctestingservices.com/component/events/?task=view_detail&agid=231&year=2012&month=03&day=29  (You do not have to attend their co-op to take tests with them.)

6.  You can also pay for your own test, but you will have to have someone else administer the test to your children.  For more information on Standardized Tests, Pennsylvania requirements, or where to purchase tests, please check out this website: http://home.comcast.net/~askpauline/hs/homeschooltesting.html.

Hope this information was helpful to you!  Please note that most of these options require you to sign up with them by End of February or Early March!

This list is by no means exhaustive!  If your homeschool group allows homeschoolers to test with you, and you’d like to add it to this site, please email me at : gwen.silverliningpress@juno.com.  Thanks!

Posted by Gwen Fredette on Feb 8, 2011

It’s been a rough day.  That billboard he passes on his way to work is always a bit distracting.  It makes him think of one thing: sex.  How many days has it been?  His boss has been demanding that they get their project done by today, and he knows it’s going to be late.  His co-worker has been driving him crazy all day – he’s such a bear to work with.  Meanwhile, people have been calling, wanting his help with the most ridiculous, petty situations.  It’s 3:00 and he can’t help but think:  “I can’t wait to get home, have a little peace, have a nice big dinner, and have some intimacy with my wife.”

Two difficult worlds.  Two different people.  Two different sets of expectations.  No wonder things don’t go smoothly when he gets home!

So…… Whose plan for the evening should take priority?

His.

Why?  Because God created us to be his help-mate.  He did not create him to be ours. (1 Corinthians 11:8-9 “For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.”)

As Christians, God often asks us to do things that don’t make logical sense: tithing, loving our enemies, fasting, etc.  The needs of our husbands certainly don’t seem to be as pressing or as important as our children’s or our own.  (Especially when he turns on the TV as soon as he walks in the house!)  And yet, because God has called us to be helpmates for our husbands, when we put his needs first, we are not only serving him, but serving Christ.

So….. Is it wrong to ask for his help?  No.  But asking him for his help should come after we’ve done what we can to help him - to make his evening all he hopes it will be.  Here are some other parameters I’ve found to be helpful:

Pray:  Ask God to help you speak to your husband - to give you wisdom on what to say, and how and when to say it.  (Nehemiah 1:11 “O Lord …. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”)

Be Respectful & Kind:  Don’t tell him you NEED his help NOW.  (When we do that, we’re being bossy.)  Tell him you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, etc., and ask him if he’d be willing to help you?  (Philippians 2:3-4  “… in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”)

Be Specific:  Don’t walk into the room with 3 crying kids and ask him for help.  It’s obvious to us as women what type of help we need.  For a man, it’s not so obvious.  Ask him if he’d be willing to read junior a story, or help your daughter with her math, or play a game with your toddler.  When we make specific requests, our husbands will be able to see which needs are the greatest.  (1 Peter 3:3-4 “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment ….. Instead, it should be the that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”)

Give Him a Choice:  Many homeschool moms would like their husbands’ help with the actual homeschooling.  (I know I do!)  Don’t tell him he NEEDS to do math with the kids because it’s too hard for you.  Let him know that you would love his help with homeschooling, and ask him if he’d be able to help with the math, or the science, or take the kids out for field trips, etc.  Your husband will take greater ownership of the subject or activity he’s leading if he enjoys it himself.  He will also be far more likely to follow through with his commitment.  (Ecclesiastes 5:19b  ”… to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift of God.”)  Once he chooses, accept his choice.  That may mean that you will still have the responsibility to teach a subject that’s difficult for you!  (See Next Paragraph.)

Graciously Accept a “No”:  Your husband may feel, for whatever reason(s), he is not able to help you.  If he tells you that, accept and trust that God will provide for you in your weakness.  Arguing, complaining, and demanding will only bring about bad feelings, and be a poor example to our children.  (Philippians 2:14-15 “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe ….”)

Being a helpmate to my husband can be so challenging sometimes!  God works in wonderful ways though.  When I follow the Lord’s commands, and put my husband’s needs first, when he feels he’s being treated with respect, I’ve found he’s much more willing to be a help to me in return.  He also gives me the loving attention I long for from him.   I may not get the break I want.  My plans for the evening may not turn out the way I hoped, but the long-term blessing of a happy home and marriage is accomplished.

Genesis 2:18 “The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Copyright January 31, 2012 by Gwen Fredette

All Scripture taken from NIV (New International Version)

I’ve been to this sale the last few years and have been able to find some great curriculum at fantastic prices!

Here’s the basic information:

When:  Monday, March 26th, 2012

Time:  6:30 p.m to 9pm

Where:  Church of the Saviour; 651 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA 19087      (Building F)

What:

• Mounds of Used Curriculum (like SEARCH, but without the admission fee)
• Open to all parents
• Used school-related children’s books & novels
• Puzzles & games
• Math manipulatives
• Posters & maps
• Educational DVDs & videos
• Charts
• Flash cards
• Science kits
• Educational materials for all ages

Bring small bills to pay for items & bags to carry your purchases.

For More Information:  Please contact lsquared008@yahoo.com

To download their flyer please click here: book sale flyer

Posted by Gwen Fredette on January 25, 2012

Philadelphia Homeschoolers can participate!

Here’s the Basic information:

ART CONTEST:

Who Can Enter:  Any child in grades K-12 within the city of Philadelphia (including Homeschoolers!)

Categories: 3 Winning Drawings are selected from each of the following grade categories:  K – 2, 3 – 5, 4 – 6, & 9 – 12

Rules:  Draw a picture on a horizontal 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper showing how Philadelphia can be a greener city with cleaner waters.  No words can be used in your art work.

Entry form:  Must be filled out and submitted with art work.  Here’s the link:  http://www.delawareestuary.org/pdf/art_contest_rules.pdf

Sent to:  Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, 110 S. Poplar St, Suite 202, Wilmington, DE, 19801

Due Date:  Must be received by the Delaware Estuary by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24th, 2012

Cost to Participate:  Free!  All students who participate will receive a calendar with the winning pictures on it.

Prizes:  1st prize:  $100 gift card, 2nd prize:  $75 gift card, 3rd prize:  $50 gift card

VIDEO CONTEST:

Who Can Enter:  Any child in Philadelphia in grades  6 – 12

Rules:  Create a video showing how Philadelphians can prevent pollution and keep the city’s creeks and rivers clean. Students can create the video individually or as a group. Videos must be no longer than 30 seconds in length.  For more specifications, please read the entry form.  See below:

Entry form:  Must be filled out and submitted with video.  Here’s the link:  http://www.delawareestuary.org/pdf/art_contest_rules.pdf

Sent to:  Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, 110 S. Poplar St, Suite 202, Wilmington, DE, 19801

Due Date:  Must be received by the Delaware Estuary by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24th, 2012

Cost to Participate:  Free!  All students who participate will receive a calendar with the winning pictures on it.

Prizes:  1st prize:  $100 gift card, 2nd prize:  $75 gift card, 3rd prize:  $50 gift card

For more information regarding either contest or to see last year’s winning videos:  Please see this website: http://www.delawareestuary.org/acivities_teachers_art_contests.asp                You may also call this number for more information: 1-800-445-4935 Ext 112

Posted by Gwen Fredette on January 17, 2012

When life is this busy; when life is so full of interruptions, where and when can a homeschool mom find a quiet time with the Lord?

Here are a few suggestions of times and places I’ve found over the years:

1.  Nap Time:  If your kids are young, try having devotions when they are napping.  Resist the temptation to clean, make some phone calls, or check your email.  Your King desires an audience with you; and the meeting starts as soon as the kids are asleep.  Run to Him, don’t walk, don’t delay, as soon as the opportunity arises!  Ephesians 5:15 “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.”

2.  Closet Time:  God knows us well.  He knows how easily we get distracted, and how hard life can be.  Find a closet with a good light and some comfy pillows and pour out your heart to your Lord there.  Even if it’s only 10 minutes, it can be a rich time.  Matthew 6:6 “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

3.  Bathroom Time:  Keep your Bible in the bathroom.  The Bible doesn’t say you can’t read while you’re sitting on the pot!  Take every opportunity you can to listen to the Lord through his Word.  The times you spend in the bathroom could be your holiest times of the day!  Psalm 119:15-16  “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees;  I will not neglect your word.”

4.  If you can’t beat ‘em; invite them to join you: Unfortunately, I am guilty more than once of yelling at my kids, “I’m TRYING to have my quiet time!!!”  My attitude was all wrong.  My God doesn’t send the children away; He calls them to Himself.  I began to realize if I was praying and a child came in, interrupting, all I needed to do was say, shhh …. I’m praying right now.  Come, pray with me!  Then I would begin praying out loud.  Or shhh…. I’m reading my Bible.  Come, listen!  Then I would begin reading out loud to them.  When children grow up hearing the Word of God and seeing devotional time modeled for them, they are more likely to follow the pattern themselves.  Luke 18:16 “But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

5.  Early in the Morning:  Now that my kids are older, I am able to spend time reading my Bible and praying just after I wake up in the morning.  Things are relatively quiet, and the kids don’t need me yet.  Still, I’m always facing new kinds of interruptions to my time with my King (see next paragraph).  Psalm 5:3 “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

Take Every Thought Captive: As I sit here writing this in my room, the house is quiet.  My children, ages 14 to 9 are busy downstairs.  It is a bright, beautiful morning, and my children have only interrupted my devotional time with the Lord of the universe once.  Sounds serene, doesn’t it?  And yet, my devotions in reality, weren’t only interrupted once.  They were interrupted dozens of times – by my own thoughts.  (What am I doing today?  What errands do I need to run?  What is that roadwork they’re doing outside?  Is that a mockingbird singing, here in Philly of all places?  Why is it so quiet downstairs?  What are the kids up to?  When will Mr. M. be done with that weedwacker?)  My own mind interrupts me!  And the Lord reminds me to take my thoughts captive, so I’m not distracted by them.       2 Corinthians 10:5b “… and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

There will always be interruptions, but our God desires us to walk with Him each day.  Life as a homeschool mom is busy.  Too busy!  And yet, to go through such busy days without seeking Him, without His strength and wisdom to guide us, is foolishness.  When we make the most of every opportunity He gives us to spend time with Him, we will truly be able to give Him glory in all we do as we teach the Treasures He’s entrusted to us.

Copyright, January 12th, 2012 by Gwen Fredette

All Scripture taken from NIV (New International Version)

1.)  Musical:  WIZARD OF OZ

Audition Date:  Thursday, January 5th  (That’s Tonight!)

Audition Time: 6 – 9:30pm

Ages: 6 – 18

Cost: $85 per person (This includes DVD & T-shirt)

Where: Fox Chase Elementary School (Rhawn & Ridgeway Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19111

Show Dates: Friday, March 23, 2012; Saturday, March 24, 2012; Friday, March 30, 2012; Saturday, March 31, 2012

For More Information: Click on this website: http://theactorsgroup.org/auditions.html

2.) Drama:  DRAMA 101 (12 week class)

Sign-up Dates:  Saturday, January 7, 2012 – 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM  & Monday, January 9, 2012 – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Class Dates:  Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM or Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM; First Class: Saturday, January 14, 2012

Ages: 8 – 18

Cost: $60 per person (Includes T-shirt)

Where: Fox Chase Elementary School (Rhawn & Ridgeway Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19111

For More Information: Click on this website: http://theactorsgroup.org/auditions.html

3.)  Drama:  COMPANY B – SENIOR GROUP 

What:  Performing musical numbers from a variety of shows including “Sister Act”

Audition Date:  Saturday, January 14th

Audition Time: 1 pm

Rehearsals: Saturdays from 12:45-2:45 and Tuesday evenings from 7-9

Ages: 13 – 18

Cost: Approximately $30 per person (This includes DVD)

Where: Bridesburg Recreation Center (4625 Richmond Street)

Show Dates: May 31, June 1 & 2 (7:00) June 3 (2:00 matinée)

For More Information: contact Miss Chris  Email: MissChrisCB@aol.com; Recreation phone: 215-685-1247; Home phone: 215-535-4629 or click to download their flyer: Company B Auditions

4.)  Drama:  COMPANY B - JUNIOR GROUP

What:  Performing musical numbers from a variety of shows possibly including “Annie”, “Sound of Music”, or “Little Mermaid”

Audition Date:  Saturday, January 14th

Audition Time: 11:30 am

Rehearsals: Saturday mornings from 11 am-12:30pm

Ages: 8-12

Cost: Approximately $30 per person (This includes DVD)

Where: Bridesburg Recreation Center (4625 Richmond Street)

Show Dates: May 31, June 1 & 2 (7:00) June 3 (2:00 matinée)

For More Information: contact Miss Chris  Email: MissChrisCB@aol.com; Recreation phone: 215-685-1247; Home phone: 215-535-4629 or click to download their flyer: Company B Auditions

5.)  Musical:  LES MISERABLES (School Edition)

Audition Date:  Tuesday, February 14th & Thursday, February 16th

Audition Time: 6pm to 9pm

Rehearsals: Tuesday & Thursday Evenings, & Some Saturday Afternoons

Ages: 12- 19

Cost: $100 (includes T-shirt & costumes for production)

Where: St. David’s Lutheran Church 9169 Academy  Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19114

Show Dates: Mid to Late May 2012

For More Information: email Centerstageshows@gmail.com or click to download this flyer: Les Miserables Audition Flyer

Posted by Gwen Fredette on January 5th, 2012

]]> http://phillyhomeschool.wordpress.com/2012/01/05/auditions-for-wizard-of-oz-sister-act-les-mis/feed/ 0 gwenfredette http://phillyhomeschool.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/philadelphia-homeschool-science-fair/ http://phillyhomeschool.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/philadelphia-homeschool-science-fair/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:07:08 +0000 gwenfredette http://phillyhomeschool.wordpress.com/?p=590 ]]> Homeschoolers have the opportunity to be part of the Greater Philadelphia Homeschool Science Fair!

Why enter a Homeschool Science Fair? A science fair gives homeschool students the opportunity to experiment using the scientific method, to practice their writing and oral presentation skills, to observe other students’ experiments and to compete* with other students in the area of science.  Plus, it’s fun!

When:  Saturday, February 11, 2012

Where:  Mendel Hall, Villanova University, Villanova, PA

For Whom:  Homeschoolers and Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School Students in grades K -12

Cost:  $6 per student

Registration Deadline:  WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012

To download a registration form, click here: http://www.fair.science-resources.org/regisform.pdf

For More Information:  Check out the Greater Philadelphia Homeschool Science Fair website http://www.fair.science-resources.org/index.htm

Homeschoolers can attend the fair even if they are not participating in it, so if your child(ren) cannot participate this year, your family may enjoy going to see other students’ work.  There is no entrance fee if your family just goes to see the projects.  This program would make an excellent field trip!

* Students can choose not to compete, if they so desire.

Posted by Gwen Fredette on December 28, 2011

“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’  Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

I find that every Christmas season my thoughts are often filled with all that I need to do:  the presents I still need to buy, the Christmas cards I haven’t sent yet, the food I need to prepare, the laundry I need to do, the house I need to clean, the things I need to pack, the people I need to call, etc., etc., etc.  Even though as a Christian I know this is not what Christmas is all about, it is easy for me to get caught up in this “Preparation Mode”.

When I am in “Preparation Mode”, my life is a flurry of activity, hustle, and bustle.  Everything about me seems rushed, loud, and just plain busy.

The selection above about Elijah is one of my favorites.  The Lord reminds me through this passage of how He often speaks to us in a gentle whisper.  And, I know in my heart that I can only hear His gentle whisper when I am still, and quiet, and contemplate all that He is and all that He’s done for me.

When I am still and quiet and I reflect on this past year, He shows me glimpses of answered prayer - of joy in our home, of difficult times, of loved ones we’ve lost, of growth in our children, the sicknesses we’ve experienced, and the health we’ve enjoyed, of beautiful continuity, of changing experiences – and through it all I can see clearly how He has orchestrated our lives and permeated our home with His Goodness.  When I contemplate the life He has given me and where He has taken me from, and the years He has graciously given me to walk beside Him, I can revel in the amazing gift of salvation through His Son.

“Preparation” gets us ready for all that we want to enjoy in this world.

“Contemplation” over all that God is and does prepares our souls for the next.

Of the two, I much prefer the latter.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Copyright December 22, 2011 by Gwen Fredette

All Scripture taken from NIV (New International Version)