Who Am I?

Who Am I?

That I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-- The righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."-- Phil 3:8b-9 


As I am away this week praying, preparing, renewing, reviewing, seeking and searching, I am asking the Lord to show me how to transition into our new school year.  

It's the official beginning of a new season. 

One without the responsibilities I have held the last several years.  (though there are new and different ones, there are less)  I am moving from unit studies to figuring out what Classical education looks like on me.  It will not look like it does on others, but my goal is to figure out how to make it exactly what Jesus wants it to look like in my home.  I'm sure it will be a more relaxed version. 

My weekend started by taking a stroll down memory lane with the Lord.  In 23 years of marriage, and 13 completed (Whew!) years of homeschooling, I've learned a lot through trial and error. 
(And error and error and error and error!)

 I have watched my amazing husband grow into a man that I would not have even know was possible when we began dating 25 years ago.  My 17 year old heart could have never contemplated how much it was able to love this man.  But here, all these years later I would choose exactly the same life God has given me.  I feel so grateful to have been loved by one who is loyal, loving, steady and strong!  His love has made me a better  mother, a better friend, a better person! 

 We graduated our first little homeschooler!  Brandon loves Jesus.  He loves his family.  He loves others.  I am thrilled to watch him launch into his life.  He still has no idea what he wants to do but he continues to work on his educational goals through our local college, while serving others in our community when there's a need.

 Colton has grown into a wonderfully responsible young man who is now 15 years old.  He is our detailed, organized thinker and has shown a strong interest in web design.  (Any thoughts to encourage that are welcome)  I love watching him work.  He is very determined and has a strong tenacity to follow through and complete any task given.

 My 7 & 9 year olds are now 9 & 11 year olds!

Seth, loves to think, ponder and figure puzzles out.  He reminds me very much of his daddy.  I can't wait for him to get old enough to take his strengths test.  I am sure strategic and deliberative are in there.  Just the other night I watched him sit for hours to figure out how to put together his own circuit panel.  This child amazes me!


Jacob, is our comic relief.  He loves to perform and get attention for being cute and funny.  He reminds me very much of Brandon, except he is not as easily influenced by others.  (He doesn't struggle with being the people pleaser that his older brother and mother seem to.) 

The Arnold's established in 1988

I look back and see God's hand of mercy and grace through every single step.  He was there through the season of diapers and dishes when I felt completely overwhelmed and forgotten.  He sent amazing women to remind me:

The days are long but the years are short.  

Then the next season came where the Lord moved me to serve in places that filled my cup and energized my soul, while at the same time stretched me to know that HIS strength is complete and perfect in my weakness.  

But, no matter the season; there are three things that have stood true through every second of every moment:

Nothing energizes me more than being a Jesus follower, a wife and a mother!

Who am I?

Her citizenship is heaven.  She eagerly awaits her Savior the Lord Jesus Christ.  Who by the power that enables Him to bring everything under control  He (Jesus) will transform her. -- Phil 3:20-21a

I am still a work in progress!