My husband and I have petitioned the court for the right to homeschool my 13yodd from my previous marriage. Her father is dead-set against homeschooling and has filed for custody in response (we have joint right now). We have mediation July 9th. He is pulling no punches in smearing our names. He is not a believer. My 13yodd is a strong believer and desires very badly to live with us and be homeschooled with her half-siblings. We covet your prayers. Thank you.

In Christ,
Christine
ds 17, dd 13, dd 5, dd 4, dd 2, dd 5 months

Dear Christine,

I have prayed that God will allow you to continue to have custody of your daughter, to homeschool her and for your family to have peace and strength through this time. I'll continue to lift you in prayer whenever God brings you to my mind.

I have prayed for you and your daughter. Remember God is sovereign and ALL things work together for the good of those who are called.

I am praying for you right now. Please keep us updated!!!!

Update:

We have mediation on Wednesday, July 9th. We received notice today that he has also filed for the court to order counseling for my daughter (we previously refused to allow it) because she wants to be with us and is anxious when she is at his house (misses us). He says that her anxiety is abnormal. We say it is normal if you are kept from your mother for half the week and you are a 13 yo girl! Her anxiety is no longer a problem, but he also says that she has problems with hygeine (she is 13! She's lazy, not crazy!). Anyone else have 13yog that doesn't take enough showers/brush hair and wants to be with mom? She is a late bloomer, too.

Chosen in Christ,
Christine
Mom to ds 17, dd 13, dd 5, dd 4, dd 2, dd 5 mos

I think its typical for early teenage girls to not want to keep up on taking care of themselves. We are struggling with that in our family with our 11 year old. We have to constantly remind to take showers, wear deodorant, etc. I don't know if this helps but I will be praying for you.

I have no idea about whether her dad is right about what she's doing being abnormal. But one way or another, I want to put in a word for counseling. If you find a great counselor (that's the hard part), that can be one of the best moves you ever make in your life. I speak from experience.

I don't have experience with this, but it's probably a good idea to allow her to receive counseling anyway. This is such a trying ordeal she is going through right now, and just having someone to talk to about it that is not part of it could be extremely beneficial. I can't imagine her feelings and emotions through all of this. You all are definitely in my prayers. I pray that God will touch her father's heart with understanding, and that he would remember the best interests of his daughter.

With love,
Diana

My now almost 20yo dd is the victim of divorce as well. Thankfully, her father, while not keen on homeschooling, never pushed the issue. I just wanted to encourage you to stick to what you believe the Lord wants you to do. He loves your daughter much more than you ever could. As to the hygiene, my dd at that age was horrible! They are so confused anyway - not a little kid, not a grown up yet, so it's hit and miss for a couple of years. Any ethical counselor would see that. As to counseling, you mentioned that her father wants counseling mandated by the court. I hope that doesn't mean court-appt. counseling, for your sakes. Is your family receiving pastoral counseling? Your daughter counseling separately w/a pastor as well? You don't have to answer these - none of my business. Just throwing some thoughts out there. One last thought - don't overlook grief counseling for her. This is a loss - loss of relationship, loss of a family unit. Oftentimes we're concentrated on coping w/ the situation of the moment and forget the bigger picture. I'd like to encourage you w/ Ps. 139. He has hedged us all around, and has fashioned our days before we were created.

Christine,
Have been praying! How was the mediation on July 9th?
Blessings,
~Evelyn Mae

I hope all is going well. Will continue to pray!