Psalm 46

It has been a sad, contemplative week. Tragedy struck our homeschooling community last Sunday, when a 17-year-old girl drowned in Lake Ontario. Although we do not know the family personally, we have participated in activities together and we have a number of mutual friends who have been deeply effected by this tragedy.

My heart grieves for this life that was taken. Yet, this is a glorious testimony of a believing family who have the confidence that their daughter is resting in the arms of her Saviour. What blessed hope! The family's testimony of grace can be read on their church website. (http://www.syracuserpc.org/.)

Anna Wright would no doubt have graduated next year with my own daughter, Carissa. This fact has caused my husband and me to have several tearful conversations. God can use these sad times to bring our lives back into focus.

I have been working on homeschool reports that must be sent to our school district in the next few weeks. These particular reports always put me into a "mini panic." (Mini, but a panic none-the-less) It shows me what needs to be juggled in the upcoming year- French, biology, a new writing curriculum, 3rd grade math, algebra, geometry...... the list goes on. Then tragedy strikes. A life is taken and in the twinkling of an eye, all that really matters is that our Savior says, "Well done good and faithful servant..... Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matt. 25:21)

Praise God, he has used this week to be one of soul searching and a renewing of the heart. We pray it does the same in the hearts of homeschoolers across our state.

Psalm 46

1God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.

2Therefore, we will not fear,

Even though the earth be removed,

And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea:

3Though its waters roar and be troubled,

Though the mountains shake with its swelling

4There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,

The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;

God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.

6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;

He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our refuge.

10 Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!