ep 28 “off to college we go: the girls” with shelby miller and emma grace stewart

This series developed out of a welling up of many different thoughts, emotions, and at times tears in thinking about our oldest children heading off to college.  Please don't hear me say that there is not much excitement and what the Lord has in store for them, but not being around for the day-to-day will be a change.  As I would chat with other mamas about this, there seems to be a common thread of this being both good and also hard, especially initially.  There did not seem to be many resources out there for those of us entering this season.  This birthed the idea of chatting about our thoughts and feelings, as well as how the Lord is teaching us to bring these many emotions to Him.  

In this first episode, I am sitting down with my oldest child, Emma Grace Stewart, and her close friend and upcoming roommate, Shelby Miller, and hearing their perspective on heading off to college.  It was interesting to hear the many thoughts and varying emotions, as well as the excitement that surrounds them.

As you reflect on the past 18 years, what practices have deepened or cultivated your relationship with Jesus?  How do you keep your eyes and hearts fixed on Christ in a world filled with noise, distractions, and spiritual warfare?  What do you think it will look like to take all the tools you have learned over the years and apply them to “go and make disciples?"  What encouragement would you have for the listener parenting a younger child who cannot see much/any fruit from the gospel seeds they are intentionally sowing? 

I hope this mini-series will have us conversing and contemplating what the Lord might have for us and how we can press into Him even more deeply.  If anyone comes to mind who is also entering this season of sending children off to college (or kindergarten :), please pass these episodes on to them.  We are praying for you and standing firmly on God's promises, and that He never changes amid our changing seasons.  Praise Him for this!

I hope this conversation brings great encouragement!