For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV)
We all know that learning is more than just checking a box. This perplexing and humbling experience of home-centered education is a chance to discover more about God and his creation. This mission – fostering a personal relationship with God and making Him known to the world around us – is the only thing that matters for eternity.
If I can just keep that in the forefront of my mind – if I’d just seek first the kingdom of God, the rest would be added unto us.
How often I forget that.
In the fall, our family had the great opportunity to support the Seeds Lullaby Album Kickstarter Campaign, and in return we were given a song writing day with Philip and Jessica Morlan of Seeds Family Worship at PlethoraTone Studio in Nashville. We – the tone-deaf Ferrell family – worked on a real song and recorded it professionally with Seeds Family Worship.
We chose Colossians 1:16-17 because it is the focus of our educational pursuits. I needed the reminder that ALL things – history, math, language, science, geography – are made by Him, for Him, and through Him. But that’s not all. What I didn’t realize is how much more meaning this verse would hold for us.
You see, my husband left the drillship in Brazil back in February with the intent of transferring to a rig in Angola. The Monday after he arrived home, his company lost the contract on the rig he would be transferred to. The next day, he was without work.
Although it was unexpected and most certainly not in our plans, God “is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” While it was a surprise to us, it was not a surprise to God. In all of this – the emotions and the concern and the confusion and the relief – I’ve come to realize that we don’t always have to have solutions. We don’t have to have answers because, ultimately, He cares for us. He won’t abandon us. He is The Good and Gracious God who gives the greatest gifts to his children.
I look back and see how He set things in place before it happened. I see what we needed and how he filled those needs even through this setback.
First and foremost, He has granted us the one thing which we have not had: time. The pace of a lifestyle like the one we have lived for the past several years grows wearisome. We have needed a break from the rush-rush-rush as we cram over eight weeks into less than four over and over again. God has given us a break from the heart-break I’ve felt as I’ve watched Isaac cling to his daddy not understanding why he’s abandoning him again, or the tears that roll down the faces of our boys as we drive away from the airport without him each month, or our 12-year-old trying to fill the shoes of Daddy as best he can and be a man even though he’s still a 12-year-old boy. To have a break from all of this is a gift, even if it is not part of our plan.
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it’s the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
We were in the midst of implementing a plan for Gary to semi-retire in two years. Many of you know about my dream to have him home. Although it was cut short by a year and a half, we were in a mode of preparation. And while we don’t trust in a storehouse, we know that the Lord has provided for us in this time of need.
Not only that, but He has provided this blog, through which kind and generous folks have supported our family (and the ministries we support) simply by using affiliate links. Even with this unexpected change of events, I didn’t realize we would ever sell anything I’ve made. First, I wasn’t sure my creations were good enough to sell, and second, it has absolutely delighted me to give my work to others. I love hearing from folks when something I’ve written or created has blessed them in some small way. It’s absolutely amazing that God can work through what meager gifts I have to offer. If you have found anything useful about this website, to God be the glory!
I cannot express how much I truly appreciate any of you who have used the affiliate links on this website. If you have ever clicked on a link within one of my blog posts before making a purchase at one of those companies, or if you have shopped our store for homeschool resources, Script-n-Scribe Cursive, or missons-based curriculum, or if you have clicked on any Amazon link on our website before making a purchase at Amazon – all of those things have gone into helping with the maintenance of this blog, with our support of ministries around the world, and (now) with a livelihood as we seek the Lord’s direction and guidance in a time when the oilfield is in a much-depressed state. It is our family’s desire to continue operating this website, and by supporting us in this way, you make it possible for Half-a-Hundred Acre Wood to continue.
The more we listen to the song we created with Seeds, the more we realize that God is in control. And so, as a thanks to all of you, and as a reminder for us all, we offer a download of this song to you. It’s a song we own – the Morlans gave it to us as a gift for supporting their ministry. And now we give it to you, the readers of Half-a-Hundred Acre Wood, because without you, it would not even exist.
Click here to download Free Scripture Song: He Is… Colossians 1:16-17
Will you join us in memorizing this scripture? If so, please leave a comment or email me. We would love to hear from you!
With many heartfelt thanks,
Brandy
P.S. This was one of the most precious memories we have ever made as a family. When I browse through the photos and video clips, I’m overcome with gratitude that we were given this opportunity. Mark Lange of PlethoraTone provided an incredible educational tour of the recording studio along with a chance to play some of his unique and vintage instruments, saying, “Why don’t you try to play it? I’ve learned that this is not really mine. It all belongs to God…” Philip Morlan of Seeds is an inspiring, gifted musician who simply shines with the love of Christ. He and his wife made the songwriting experience so wonderful. To be completely honest, with the unexpected change of plans with my husband’s job, my emotions have been a bit all over the place (happy but sad yet overjoyed but concerned and just prayerfully seeking the Lord’s will through this transition). In God’s sovereignty, He led us to bless the ministry of Seeds Family Worship a few months ago, and in return we were blessed with unspeakable joy through this special memory during an uncertain time in our lives. I have much to say about the experience, but that is entirely a different post I hope to share in the future. In short, during this time of uncertainty, it was a most beautiful blessing for our family. Thank you for being a part of it!
