Our Educational Experience

           When my son was in 1^st grade at a brick and mortar school, he had a terrifying experience that would shape the way he felt about learning. He came home with bruises on his stomach after a group of five 2^nd graders knocked him down on the playground and took turns kicking him.  The school did nothing to the students responsible but made my son feel badly about what had happened. After that day, my son hated school and I worried about my son’s safety. To me, that is not how a child’s learning experience should go. 

          

           Two years ago, as we considered various educational opportunities, we came across Commonwealth Connections Academy (CCA) while researching online public schools on the internet. We were impressed by the various clubs and activities, numerous field trips, and wide array of elective courses. Not once, have I regretted our decision to enroll with Connections Academy. They have truly been a blessing in our lives. My timid son has come out of his shell and looks forward to visiting friends during field trips.

           The staff, from enrollment to teachers and learning support to computer technicians, is knowledgeable and friendly. When I requested testing for learning disabilities, my request was dealt with quickly and efficiently. Throughout the entire process, I knew they had my son’s best interests at heart! I have also found the teachers to be accessible and quick to respond to questions. They allow my son the extra time he needs to complete assignments and have worked together with me to find ways for him to express his thoughts in ways in which he excels.

           The flexible schedule is another invaluable part of the Connections Academy learning experience. It allows us to take a break when my son gets frustrated with a lesson or to switch to another subject for awhile. As someone who has pain on a daily basis from fibromyalgia, it allows me to be a part of my son’s learning experience without having the stress of lesson planning and documentation for the state that would be necessary for homeschooling. I also have a very active voice in my son's education, which is extremely important to me.

           It is the professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to their students and ensuring that the students have the tools they need to learn and grow that continues to keep us with CCA. Thank you, CCA for your dedication to quality education that allows children to soar! We look forward to the years ahead as we continue to be a part of the CCA family!

Self-pity or Peace and Joy

The rash is back on my face now that the prednisone treatment is completed. My low grade fevers are back as well. My pain levels have been more intense lately. I could wallow in self-pity. Yet, God has given me such amazing peace and abundant joy. I could allow life to pass me by and miss out on precious moments with my son. Instead, I am choosing to look at all of the blessings in my life each day rather than focusing on all of the problems in my life. When I lay my burdens at God's feet, I am freed to enjoy cherished times with my son and my heart soars. Your heart can soar as well. You can experience God's amazing peace and abundant joy, too! Ask Him to carry your burdens and then leave them there. Focus on the simple everyday blessings He is already bestowing upon you. See if changing your perspective doesn't change your life for the better.

"The Lord himself will fight for you; you need only to be still [just stay calm]." - Exodus 14:14

Hurtful Words or Healing Words

We all, myself included, need to be very cautious about the words that come from our mouths. The Bible says: "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18 When we become frustrated, angry, or hurt, we do not always take the time to think with our minds but merely hurl words that tumble from our wounded hearts up through our mouths. The scripture verse says that each word we utter, has the potential to hurt or to bring healing. Words do indeed cause pain deep within a person's soul. Words leave wounds on our hearts that no one can see. But, those wounds are real and can take a lifetime to heal. Yet, words also have the power to heal. Words can encourage, infuse hope, reflect joy, bring blessings, restore beauty, and demonstrate sincere love. These are the words God desires to hear pass through our lips. These are the words our children long to hear from us. These are the words our loved ones and friends look forward to sharing with us. These are the words that can help a lost soul find the way home and God's immense love. Let us be cautious when we speak! May we choose words that bring healing, hope and love!

Parenting by Example

As parents, we are entrusted with the most precious treasures...our children. For them, we need to set the best examples. Not examples of how to keep the cleanest house, be involved in the most activities, or working hour after hour to make the big money. Rather, let us be examples in how to commune with God in prayer and through His word and how to live boldly for Him by being examples of His love and choosing to do the right thing even when no one else is. It is a tremendous responsibility but an unmeasurable joy and blessing as well. Thank you, Father God, for this precious gift!

"Parents, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

My Thoughts on Sunday's Mother's Day Sermon

Society says that it is okay to take tiny steps into sin. But God has called us to be set apart. For in His infinite wisdom, God knows that in our weak sinful natures once we start allowing little slivers of sin to enter our lives, we give the Devil a foothold and start on a dangerous slippery slope that will draw us deeper into sin and farther from God and His perfect will for each of us! This is why we must make every effort to be in His word and commune with Him in prayer daily! It is essential to our spiritual health and survival. 


"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1: 13-16


My insight from Sunday's sermon, "Living Before God Our Father, Set Apart for Him", by Wendy Mbakop.


Audio link to the sermon

Amazing New Romanic Suspense Novel from Robin Caroll

Robin Caroll has once again weaved together a marvelous story filled with heart-stopping suspense and a charming love story in her latest release Injustice for All. God’s immense love for His children is vividly displayed as He guides the story’s beautiful, feisty heroine, former FBI consultant Remington Wyatt, as she tenaciously attempts to stay one step ahead of an unlikely enemy after witnessing the death of her godfather. She knows how to cover her tracks and has managed to stay hidden for three years until a nosy FBI agent arrives in town asking questions about her godfather’s death. God places two men of integrity in her path to protect her and help her regain control of her life. One is Police Commissioner, Hayden Simpson, who has become her dearest friend with whom she shares a deep sibling type of love. The ruggedly handsome hero is FBI agent, Rafe Baxter, who is following the leads of a cold case file and must work diligently to uncover the truth after being reassigned to a new office and feeling like the odd man out. He took the transfer out of a deep sense of loyalty and guilt so that his partner and closest friend can stay and continue to get his young daughter the medical assistance she needs to survive. Both Remington, who is angry at God and thinks He has forsaken her, and Rafe, who has allowed guilt to prevent him from truly living his life, need to work through their pasts and wounded hearts. Once God begins the healing process in both Remington and Rafe, a tender love begins to blossom between them. Who can Remington trust? Will they be able to gather enough evidence to uncover the truth and give Remington her freedom back? Will they catch the murderers before they can silence Remington? Will Remington and Rafe be able to embrace the future God is leading them towards? To find out, pick up a copy of Robin Caroll’s Injustice for All. Robin Caroll is phenomenal when it comes to writing romantic suspense!