Is He Hiding?

Melanie —  November 7, 2014

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I am loving the stage Kaylah is at right now (she 3 mos. away from being 3 yrs old).  In the past month, she has started to talk – A LOT!  She chatters away about everything under the sun.  At times, we hear her quoting bits from her story books (from memory) at random moments and talking about people she loves. The other day she and I were driving somewhere together in the van.  I don’t know how we got onto the topic but she started asking me about God and where He was.  I said, “Well, even though we can’t see Him, He’s everywhere and He’s always with us.”  There was a long pause and then she asked, “Is He hiding?”  Big smile from the mum in the driver’s seat.  How to explain this one?  I said something along the lines of that God the Father was a spirit but that Jesus had a body and when He was on earth people saw Him.  And someday He is going to come back and we’ll see Him too.  Another long pause, “Is He back yet?”  Another big smile from me.  “Not yet, but someday when we see Him it will be amazing!”  Like Kaylah, I think we all struggle sometimes with not being able to see God.  It reminds me that our life is a walk of faith . . . but not forever!  Can’t wait to see Him face to face.  There is something about the simplicity of little people that is so precious and refreshing.  Tonight, as I was getting Kaylah out of the bath, she licked my face.  I laughed and said, “Kaylah don’t lick me!”  She said, “Mummy, you are my favourite food.”  Ha!  Gives a new meaning to the “yummy mummy concept.” 🙂

I am thanking God that it’s been an encouraging week.  The kids and I have been working hard on schoolwork and we’ve been enjoying having people in our home.  Last week I was struggling with migraines, bad sleep and a virus and also feeling pretty discouraged.  The last few months have been tough in lots of ways. Life has felt heavy and I have been battling discouragement.  I have been praying and asking God to make my heart thankful and joyful no matter the circumstances.  And I am grateful He has been answering that this week.  I truly desire to be able to praise and thank Him, even when I am NOT having a good week.  Peter has been busy preparing for teaching next week as well as speaking at two Christian Unions in the last week, preaching and church and teaching a few days at a seminary in Wales.  Please pray for his stamina and for eternal fruit from these opportunities.

I had a special treat on Tuesday as I was able to go to Oxford and hear Sally Clarkson speak. There were only 20 spaces at this last-minute meeting and somehow I got a place!  I took it as a hug from God.  I have appreciated Sally’s books so much and it was such an inspiration to hear her speak. She is a godly, experienced mum who writes about motherhood and has been a leader in the homeschooling movement.  Check out her website here.  I came away from the meeting refreshed and eager to read her blog and more of her books!  The most recent one I have read is: Desperate – Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe.  It is excellent and so encouraging.  I think every mum/mom would be so blessed by it. This book, and the others I have read are very suitable for all mothers, whether or not they homeschool.  I love her emphasis on reaching the heart of your child and cultivating relationships.

We’d appreciate prayer as we head into next week.  It’s the the start of a new “Level Two” Cor Deo programme.  We are excited about the opportunity for about 10 people who have already done Cor Deo in some form, to take their learning and growth to the next level. Next week will be the first instalment of teaching.  We will be hosting our Italian friend Andrea and his 9 year old son, Matteo.  Andrea will be doing the Cor Deo course and Matteo will be doing his homeschooling alongside our children.  Hopefully some Italian and English will be learned on both sides too!

Here are a few photos from last month . . . this month’s still to be uploaded!  Thank you for your prayers for our family.

Mairah in her onesie pajamas.  Love her smile!

Mairah in her onesie pajamas. Love her smile!

Now it's Kaylah's turn to try it on!

Now it’s Kaylah’s turn to try it on!  It’s a little big.

The Meadlings at STEAM (train museum).  We went with my parents when they were here as my dad is a train fan.  Their visit was wonderful but went all too fast!

The Meadlings at STEAM (train museum). We went with my parents when they were here as my dad is a train fan. Their visit was wonderful but went all too fast!

Are they ever this quiet at home?!  Nope. :-)

Are they ever this quiet at home?! Nope. 🙂