Blessings in the big sky

Last week was exciting for me. I attended my first ever Homeschool Conference. I was astounded by the number of people. Astounded by the fervor for which they pursue the discipleship of their children. And humbled by the fact that many of the issues that have frustrated my children in their learning experiences (both in school and by ME) could have been lessened (if not completely avoided) by my earlier recognition of their learning styles.

But as my dear friend has advised me...now is not a time to look backward, only forward! So I am eagerly anticipating a school year where we learn from the past -- without dwelling on it -- and try some new (to us) and exciting things! I can not wait!!

Now, you should know that I go to the gym very early in the mornings. And while it is a crazy-early hour, it is absolutely vital to my state of mind. I put in my Ipod full of praise music and pound out stress, frustration and anxiety on that treadmill while pouring out my heart to God.

Now, we are sailing right into July 31, folks. And so, you probably can imagine the focus of so many of my prayers right now -- Benjamin, Benjamin's surgeon, my other kids while I'm away at the hospital, Benjamin, Benjamin's surgical team, you know. And so as I left the gym this morning, I was still mid-prayer. But the sun had come up and the cloud cover -- so unusual in our part of the country -- was making the light shimmer as I got in my van. I backed the car out and looked up at the sky to see...

A huge FULL rainbow! Full! Complete. So vivid that I could totally make out the red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple! It was glorious. And I felt the complete assurance that God intended with the first rainbow:

"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." Genesis 9:16

Oh, thank you, Lord. Thank you for the peace that only you can give!

Rest assured, my friends, that perfect peace is a blessing indeed.

This is all that was left of my beautiful rainbow by the time I reached home...can you see it? Trust me, it was majestic!