I have been thinking for quite some time about either closing up this little blog or changing the focus. I still love all of the things I've ever loved however; I am finding that the purpose for the next phase of my life is different from what I have been doing.
My youngest will be in all-day kindergarten next year. I feel bittersweet about it. I have been mothering full-time for nearly 8 years. All of a sudden, I will be mothering part-time. From 8-3 they will be gone at school. This frees up my schedule quite a bit. I could take the Iowa bar exam and practice law, I could find a job in another field, I could do nothing, I could volunteer, etc.
But after praying about it for 6 months, I feel confident that I will probably spend my free time teaching women's Bible studies. I know some of you are rolling your eyes. I rolled my eyes when I first thought about it. I am not perfect. I have not always cared about what God wanted for my life. If you and I were friends in college and law school, you would attest to this. But that is part of what I love about my faith. I don't need to be perfect, just willing. My life is real and I want to share it.
I have found that my legal education helps as I study the Bible. I love researching and chewing on scripture until I feel content that I understand what it says. Applying those concepts is not always easy but I love the challenge. If life were easy, we would all be bored.
I get lost in time when I study. I could read all day, every day, if only the kids didn't need a chauffer, laundry didn't need to be done, meals didn't need to be made and the house cleaned itself.
Teaching is new to me. Greg encouraged me to try it because he thought I had the personality for it. He is a wonderful, popular teacher, so I trust him. I taught my first Bible study last summer. I found it to be exhilarating. I felt like I was "home," if that makes any sense. It came naturally to me, the ladies devoured it and I realized I could do it full-time for the rest of my life and be totally fulfilled. I get to pray earnestly, research intently, think deeply and then communicate honestly.
Of course, it doesn't pay, LOL. I will be driving a Honda for the rest of my life. And I am okay with that.
So, I am contemplating the purpose of this blog. I've read many books lately that I would love to share with you. I've studied the Bible a lot; I would love to share that too. The blog will always have a personal element because I love sharing my life with you. But I will be transitioning my focus. I hope that you will find it interesting and honest.
Thank you for reading, friends,
Love, Maria
PS I have now lost nearly 25 pounds! I need to take a photo of myself but I can't find my camera. It's around the house somewhere. Anyone else ever lose things?
Oh, Maria! I'm SO excited for you! Yay! As a lawyer myself, I can understand that your passion might lie elsewhere... And seriously, I think it is fantastic that you are going to be leading Bible studies. I love how you said that you feel at home doing it. That says a lot right there. I'm thrilled for you!
Posted by: Heather | February 21, 2013 at 04:53 PM
Heather, you are so sweet. Thank you so much for the encouragement! ~ Maria
Posted by: Maria | February 21, 2013 at 05:15 PM
maria!!! YAY YOU!!! 25!!! that's incredible. i'm so excited for you ( i NEED to drop 25 too) i'm so inspired!!
and surely no one rolled their eyes ;) i can see you being an excellent teacher!!
excited for all your changes
xoxo
Posted by: paige | February 21, 2013 at 07:44 PM
You need to go where your heart and soul are telling you. However, since I just found your blog, a part of me wants to be selfish and tell you to keep this up, too.
Posted by: Terri S | February 21, 2013 at 08:32 PM
Yea! Do it!!! I will keep reading. :)
Posted by: Joannah | February 21, 2013 at 09:28 PM
P.S. One of my favorite Bible study teachers is Wendy Blight. I believe she has a law degree, too. :)
Posted by: Joannah | February 21, 2013 at 09:30 PM
1) I can relate to many of your feelings about this transitional time in life.
2) I would love to learn about the Bible from you.
3) I can't wait to see a photo!
4) Lose stuff? Um, that's a huge yes.
Enjoy your weekend, Maria.
Posted by: Jeannine | February 22, 2013 at 05:07 PM
Paige, Terri, Joannah, Jeannine, you all are so sweet. I love hearing from you. You are such an encouragement. Sending love to you! Happy Weekend.
Posted by: Maria | February 22, 2013 at 05:36 PM
Please add me to those who would certainly continue to read your blog if you transitioned its focus as you've described. I love the idea of being taught the Bible from an analytical perspective, which I believe you (as a trained lawyer) would have. Lodi
Posted by: Lodi2k6 | February 22, 2013 at 06:19 PM
I'm not rolling my eyes. I think it's a lovely thing to do, and if it makes you happy and fulfilled, then it's perfect.
Being a mum is a tough job, and one that is all consuming. Not much time to be 'just you', when you are on call 24 hours a day!
I know so well how you feel. In England, children start full time education early. 4 & 1/2 .That was the age my little girl started school. She's six now, and has been in school for just about two years (feels so wrong). I felt lost at first, but then fell into my own schedule and doing my own thing. I miss her, but I also enjoy my time during the day. I can't lie though, I watch the clock in the afternoon, waiting for the minute I can leave the house and rush down to the school to bring her home!
I hope you do continue with your blog. I enjoy visiting here. There is a peace and elegance that radiates, and I love that.
Fantastic going on the weight loss!
Posted by: sadie | February 24, 2013 at 03:49 PM
I'd love to hear about your research and bible studies! :)
Way to go on finding your next thing! Cool that its something that will bless so many! Amazing that your husband encouraged you and noticed you would be great at it and encouraged you to try it!
Way to go on the weight loss! That's such fun news!
If you have time will you post more details on how you accomplished the weight loss!?!
~ Ali
Posted by: Ali | February 27, 2013 at 06:16 PM
This is so awesome, Maria! I am definitely going to look forward to reading even more from you. It is so wonderful that you are taking this leap of faith. God will use you tremendously for His Glory. I'm eager to read more! Congratulations on the weight loss!!
Posted by: Cathy Y. | March 03, 2013 at 04:36 PM
Maria, I just nominated you for a blog award called the Liebster. If you would like to participate, I have included the details in my most recent post. I hope you do!
Posted by: Jeannine | March 06, 2013 at 07:47 PM
Can't wait to read more from your blog!
Posted by: Kristin Saleeby | March 15, 2013 at 04:15 PM