Jul. 3, 2008
BirthVerse
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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Someone sent me a link to this really cool site, where you enter your birthday (day and month only). And it tells you what your BirthVerse is. Check it out! My BirthVerse Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jul. 2, 2008
How B.U.S.Y. Are You?
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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A friend read this to me this morning, as we talked on the phone. She was going to give me a copy of it, but I had to have it now, to share, so I searched for it, online, and found it. It was just too precious not to share. It made me really stop and think. I hope it does you as well. Blessings, MaggieRaye WORLDWIDE SATANIC MEETING AGAINGST CHRISTIANS
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said; "We cannot keep Christians from going to Church". We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth". "We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their Saviour". "Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken". "So let them go to their Churches; let them have their communion services, but steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a personal relationship with Jesus". "This is what I want you to do," said the devil: "Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this ?", his demons shouted. "Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, and borrow". "Persuade their wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles". "Keep them from spending time with their children". "As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!" "Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice". "Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive. To keep the TV, VCR, CD's and their PC's going constantly in their homes and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly". "This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ". "Fill the coffee tables with sexy magazines and worldly newspapers". "Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards; Flood their mailboxes with junk mails, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes..." "Skip skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they will become dissatisfied with their wives". "Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. give them headaches too"! "If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families quickly". "Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas. Give them Easter bunny so they won't talk about His resurrection and power over sin and death." "Even in their recreation, let them de excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted". Keep them too busy - (Being Under Satan's Yoke) to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays concerts, and movies instead". "Keep them busy, busy, and busy"! "And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences. Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus". "Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause. It will work! " It's quite an effective plan". The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there. Having little time for their families. Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives. I guess the question is, has Satan been successful in his schemes? Over to you, dear Christian, be the judge! |
Jun. 23, 2008
What About Church - More
Posted in Book Review
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I just wanted to let you know that as I continue to read "What About Church?" I'm totally convinced that anyone who is in church, has left church, is thinking about leaving church, or starting a church or attending a house church or having any affiliation with church should read this. Jeff Barth, the author of this wonderful little gem, hits the nail on the head page after page. I believe if pastors, elders, deacons, husbands, etc. would read this book, and take to heart this man's message, we'd see a revival unlike any other. He takes you back to the early church and shows how far away from it we've drifted. He shows how the institution of the church has become, much like the institution of the public education system. It's sad and scary. I'm almost half way through the book and already the list of those wanting to borrow it is growing -- as is the list of those I'd like to share it with. May I suggest, that for it's nominal price, it is well worth the investment. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 23, 2008
God's Perfect Provision
Posted in Just Ramblin
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This morning was one of those humbling times when the Lord clearly showed me, that He is indeed in control of our lives, and that He is so very good to us. Sometime I'll tell you about the predicament of having a 28 gallon pop-up-aquarium fountain in my living room, but for now, let it suffice to say, that in the midst of this "situation" I decided that I'd made a mistake and to remedy it I was going to look for a 10 gal fish tank at yard sales or go to WalMart and buy one the first of the month. I forgot to take this seemingly trivial situation to the Lord. This weekend, He literally plunked into my lap a 29 gallon fish tank with all the fixens. And the cost? Dinner with friends, tough to take, huh?? Yup! Someday, I"ll learn to ask instead of trying to take care of it all myself. On another note, I've been really struggling over why I believe what I do and where I fit in things. What I know is that I've been feeling very unsettled about many things for awhile. I knew what I was looking for in a church and I knew no such church existed near me. I just "knew" it. The Lord has, once again, however, shown me that I don't know nearly as much as I think I do. I met a young homeschooling mom last year at a one day conference in our area. She followed up the meeting, by asking about LizBeth being able to help her occasionally with her children (5,3, & 6mo). We were thrilled at this opportunity. Over the year we've spent time together, talked, helped each other in crazy ways. She knew my struggle and my leanings with church and she told me about her church, but it is too far from my house, and I couldn't travel with her, because of her vehicle and the numbers of our children. . . and then the Lord blessed her family with a much needed larger vehicle, which, by the way, just happens to have enough room for my children and I to now attend church with her. LizBeth always says, "Mom, if you want to see God laugh, just tell him your plans" There is no disrespect meant in it - and she is generally right. "Lord, I really would like to be able to attend this church, but it is too far away (45 minutes) and there is no way for us to get there and, and, and. . . " Well, this past Sunday we visited the church - it is tiny - the pastor is elderly - the congregation is small - but we LOVED it! I'm counting down the days til Sunday so I can go back. The coolest thing for me, and perhaps because of his age, the pastor only preached from The Word. There were no illustrations, no secular references, nothing but the Word of God alone. And so much of what he preached, about keeping our eyes on the Lord (remember what happened to Peter when he took his eyes of the Lord?) and how the Lord lets us sink, so we'll get our focus off the world around us and back onto Him -- it was all so pertinent to where I'm at today. If you are out of church, between churches, seeking a church, let me encourage you to hang in there. Many prayers of friends and family have led us from our church at home, into a small fellowship of like-minded believers and I'm so excited about this! Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 19, 2008
Persecution
Posted in Just Ramblin
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I've had several months now of having withdrawn from normal social interaction, it was working so well for my children, that I decided a lack of socialization might do me some good. In that time, I've found that I had extra time to study God's word. Do you want to know something I learned? If not, stop reading now. If you're still reading, here is what I discovered. I always believed that Christians who were godly, righteous, humble, etc. were the ones who were persecuted. Only those who were really walking with the Lord. However as I've just finished reading through 2Kings (from Genesis) I'm discovering that this is not the case. God's children historically, and consistently came under the persecution of enemy rulers, when they drifted away from the Lord's teachings, commands, directions, etc. He used the persecution to bring His own back into fellowship with Himself. You have no idea what a revelation this has been to me. I really believed that I needed to fear persecution if I walked closely with the Lord. What I discovered is that indeed if I am being persecuted I need to stop and ask the Lord to show me where and how I have strayed from Him, to repent and to let him cleanse and restore me to fellowship with him. It was not the kings who walked with the Lord that were persecuted or taken captive, but those who fell away, those who were more worried about what others would think, say and do, than about what the Lord had already said and commanded to be done. Ouch! So, my challenge to you is this, do you feel you're being persecuted for your faith? If so take a close look around you, inside you, ask the Lord to reveal to you what you need to do to walk more closely with Him, and when He reveals it, do it. You won't be alone! Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 16, 2008
Cynicism
Posted in Just Ramblin
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I started to post about all the things I'm trying not to be cynical about, but it was such a long, depressing, rambling post that I just hit the backspace key and wiped it out. I wish sometimes my mouth had a backspace key. (I saw that on a sign recently, and it so fits!) Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 10, 2008
What About Church? Chapter 1
Posted in Book Review
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A friend recommended a book she'd heard about, but never read, What About Church? by Jeff Barth. Well, given all my recent struggles and dilemma's I thought, why not? I'll even pay full price for it and I did. I ordered it. It arrived the other day, but today is the first chance I've really had to look it over. I read the first chapter, underlined, made mental notes and can't wait to have time to read more. In the first chapter alone, this man has answered so many questions and struggles I have had. The biggest is this, that like minded homeschooling families can come together to worship, in spite of theological and doctrinal differences. If you're struggling with church, finding it too much like the world, or that there isn't a good solid church close enough for you to be involved in or perhaps folks at your church just don't get homeschooling -- if what I've read so far is any indication, this book is for you. If you've read it and gleaned from it, please leave a comment and share with me. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 8, 2008
God's "Little" Blessings
Posted in Home Education
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I wasn't going to do it, I just couldn't afford it. It wasn't just money, it was the time involved. For health reasons it was not a wise way to spend several hours with my back still bothering me -- though, praise God, much better than it was over the winter. I went to our states homeschool used curriculum sale. I did. I think I must be crazy. The amount of money I had was less than many of us pay for one brand new book for homeschooling, often times. I prayed. I made a list. I prayed some more. I prayed before I went to sleep the night before the sale. I prayed the morning of the sale. I prayed on my way into the sale. I prayed as I walked around the sale. "Lord you know what I don't have. I know you can stretch it in amazing ways. You know what we need most Lord. I'm trusting you for this" While I did buy a couple of small (less than $1) books, that were on my master list at home, that we don't have, I pretty much stuck to my list. And the one thing that I thought I would surely not find or if I did it would be much to expensive to purchase with my minimal cash on hand -- was not only there, complete and available, but well within my budget. The Lord is so good. I wanted to do Miquon Math with my son, because I already had part of the set. I just needed the student books (6 @ $6.95 ea. new, never mind shipping). I got all six, plus both teachers books for a grand total of $10. Yes, I am praising the Lord. But more so, I'm praising Him because upon bringing it home my son said, "Mom, it looks really fun, can I start it now?" Seriously, today we did our first math page in it. I also got Bronze Bow; Hittey, Her First Hundred Years; Lentil; several Magic Tree House books; and a couple other paper back classics that we were missing -- exactly which ones escape me now. My prayer is that all of you single mom's will be as blessed (and truly feel and appreciate it) as much as I have been as I prepare for the coming academic year. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 8, 2008
Winter Promise
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I went to a year end homeschool presentation recently and talking with a mom there learned about a curriculum called Winter Promise. I checked out their website and ordered their catalog. Just wondering if anyone else has heard of it or is using it? I love new discoveries like this. It's that time of year again, if you haven't already planned next year, I'm sure you're thinking about what you're going to need. You might want to go by and check it out. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 1, 2008
One of those "Wow!" Devotional Moments
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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It isn't so much that the devotional itself was a "Wow!" but more my thoughts on it ten years ago and then today. GOD'S CALLING JOURNAL
p. 163 "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine." Song of Solomon 6:3 "The way of the soul's transformation is the Way of Divine Companionship. Not so much the asking Me to make you this or that but the living with Me, thinking of Me, talking to Me -- thus you grow like me. Love me. Rest in Me. Joy in Me." My journal entry from Monday, June 1, 1998:
"I often forget that for my family I can claim the Lord's promised companionship -the promise to be a husband (provider) and a father to the fatherless. I need to claim this perfect companionship as I struggle to raise my daughter. I am a single parent, but I'm not alone, if I claim this." Wow! This was before homeschooling, before I believed I could be a keeper-at-home, before I had ever heard of Doug Phillips or listened to Defending the Fatherless (click on this in the Link section of my side bar for more information). Ten years ago, the Lord was already laying the foundation, that would be built upon through my life. How quickly I forget what the Lord has already taught me. How many lessons He must teach me over and over. I'm so glad for His long-sufferings with me. How about you? Are there lessons that you find the Lord is teaching you again, and again, and again? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 1, 2008
Update on THE House
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As perfect as it seemed, apparently this house was not THE house after all. We got the call today that it was a no go. Sigh! MaggieRaye |
May. 30, 2008
Discontentment
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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Even in the midst of so much to be thankful for, I find that discontentment can subtly sneak in. For anyone who says what we watch doesn't impact us I would beg to differ. Recently I sat and watched every single episode of the Christy series -- including 2 or the 3 that PAX put out so we'd all now how the story ended. I find myself wondering why I can't be a back woods school teacher or have some other equally "romantic" ministry for the Lord. Never mind He's blessed my life with the highest calling there is . . . But, I want . . . And then there is the whole preacher, doctor thing. . . yeh, I know I know, I have the perfect provider in my Heavenly Father. But, I want . . . It's not only where we go and who we hang out with that can cause discontentment, if we do not guard our hearts, some of us foolishly even pipe it into our homes and inflict it upon ourselves. So, the Lord being gracious and perfect put Hebrews 13:5 in my devotional reading the other morning, and I find myself claiming it over and over again recently, Roughly paraphrased it says to be content with what we have for the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us. OUCH! Single mom's be cautious -- idle amusements, something as simple as watching a "good" movie with your children, has the potential to stir up our sin natures. I long for the day when I have learned to bask in the Lord's trustworthiness and not want anything more. How about you? Have you searched out the reasons for your discontentment so that you can pull those weeds from your garden? If you don't, they'll only grow . . . Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 29, 2008
Searching for Additional Orphanages to Help
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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For about a year now I've been blessed to work helping Homebound Missions minister to two orphanages in Haiti. I'd like to expand our efforts as a family and start adding orphanages from other countries to our efforts. So, if you know of a Bible believing ministry that serves orphanages (we don't care what countries) please email me the contact information for the program. Thanking all of you in advance, MaggieRaye |
May. 27, 2008
I Am What I Am
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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Today's thought for the day: I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am. - John Newton |
May. 25, 2008
Making Do . . .
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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I've thought a lot recently about the concept of "making do". It was one that my maternal grandparents were quite familiar with. I've been thinking more and more about applying it to my own life. Some how, it seems drab and poverty ridden, if thought of in the wrong light. But it is also resourceful and creative. Here is my most recent example. Usually when I plant a garden, my mother comes for the weekend, we go shopping, I buy the seeds and seedling and we plant them. There are certain things I choose, every year to plant, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, basil and pumpkins. This year a friend has promised me seeds, from an abundance she was blessed with. Yet the Lord continues to providentially hinder her from bringing them to me. While I had a little money this weekend during my mothers visit, it was not what I would usually spend on putting in my garden, not even close. So, I decided to "make do" and see what God will do with it. I bought seeds in bulk from the local farmers union - rather in the little packets from WalMart (another opportunity to avoid WalMart basked in). I bought lettuce (due to my recent efforts to eat more raw), pole beans (take up less room) and summer squash. I had some "mixed" bean seeds at home in my seed box, along with arugala, dill, thyme, oregano and sweet marjoram. I also had both regular and giant pumpkin seeds we'd harvested in past years. Oh, and I almost forgot, the partial bag of potatoes that had gone to seed, we cut those up and planted them, too. So this afternoon, after my mother had headed home, we set to planting. ***Here let me interject a HUGE T H A N K Y O U ! ! ! to Mr. C. for tilling my garden for me, again this year. With the back problems I've had this year, there is no way I could do it by hand. What a a blessing. *** I still plan to buy several tomato plants and basil if the Lord provides the funds and we're still hunting for cucumber seeds -- that lady at the Farmer's Union said they are scarcer than hen's teeth this year. I can freeze pumpkin, beans, and tomatoes. I can dry store herbs and potatoes. The lettuce and summer squash are the only really seasonal things we'll be growing. This is the fifth year we've been in this house. It's also the fifth year we've had a garden. Every year it's a little different. We seriously grow as the Lord provides. We share the abundance. We are so blessed. While it may not necessarily make sense, I've learned that the Lord's reasons often elude our finite human minds. May the Lord show you and inspire you to begin finding ways to be a better steward by "making do" with what He gives you, even if it doesn't make sense to you. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 25, 2008
About Blogging
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Some time back I posted about how hard I was trying to keep my mouth shut and my fingers still. I was challenged to think about each post in terms of standing on my front step with an amplifier and saying what I wrote to anyone and everyone who walked by or writing it in a journal and leaving it on the counter in the ladies room at WalMart for all to read. Would I do that? If not, then why would I put it out there for the whole world to read . . . because truly we never really know who is reading our blogs. I've tried to keep my posts as of late to the topic of homeschooling and single parenting and stuff not so personal. Tonight I find myself not willing to purse my lips shut and sit on my hands, but I need to. As always, what I want to share, would certainly be taken wrong by some and cause offense. I can not be a stumbling block. I'd just like to thank the ladies who've contacted me recently to say that they are encouraged by my blog. I'm praying for a time to come when I can feel free to blog without having to worry about causing offense. To those of you who are single moms, grandmom's or even dad's who are or would like to home educate, I'm here to encourage you. By God's grace and for His glory you can do the impossible. Don't listen to people who will tell you that you can't or shouldn't. Avoid too much contact with those who are not supportive. Most of all, hang in there, lean on the Lord and trust in His promises to provide for your every need. He is faithful, even when we are not. I know. I just finished out my 7th year as a single parent home educator. If God can do it through me, He can do it through you! Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 19, 2008
A New/Old Love In My Life
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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I was planning on no longer sharing real personal stuff here - but for those of you who are single mom's I think that this may encourage you. I'm not sure what prompted this thought process -- and at the same time, I do know. I have found I can't watch those movies that have the happily ever after love story themes. I grow discontent in the life the Lord has blessed me with. I recently was able to purchase the complete Christy series -- one of my favorites. I spent my vacation working my way through watching every episode. I started feeling that restless discontentment growing, wondering why I have to do this alone. These words are the thoughts I had after praying and repenting of my ungrateful attitude. The Lord has so blessed my situation, that I have no room to be ungrateful. He chose me. Not because of who I am. He loves me in spite of that, because of who He is. He is a husband to me and a father to my children. I am His princess, daughter of the King. He knows my every weakness, my every betrayal, my every short coming, my every failure and still He loves me, anyway. It is what I always desired, what I sought desperately, in places it could never be found, never realizing I had it all along, the love of the Master. He is my rock, I can lean on. He protects me and shelters me, He listens. He comforts my sorrows. He provides for me. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He desired His very best for me. What right have I to want more than this? I pray the Lord will bless you through these thoughts. MaggieRaye |
May. 19, 2008
It's Unofficially Official
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Well, we've been away for a week. We went to visit family. In the process we literally fell upon THE house. Lord willing we will be moving by September 1. It's a fantastic old New England farm house, with a beautiful view of the river. It's not the ocean but it's so very close. This is our last "official" week of school for this academic year. I'm glad to be finishing up. I'm ready to start seriously cleaning up around here. We'll keep you all posted. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 2, 2008
Things I am Willing to Pay For
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Okay, I've been thinking about the whole thing about loving and homeschooling for FREE whenever possible. I love FREE there is no doubt about it. It just makes it easier to use our limited cash money for the things that must be purchased. I've also been thinking that there are some things that are worth paying for, brand new. Not many but a few. One of those things is Home School Legal Defense Membership. If I couldn't buy anything else for homeschooling, this would be a must have. Fortunately, the Lord has graciously provided this, often at a reduced cost to my family. I have had a membership almost the entire time I've homeschooled. I would go without other supplies before I would go without this. Another thing that I would pay for - now that I've been blessed with a gift subscription to it - is a subscription to the website MathWorksheetSite. Limitless math work pages to reinforce concepts. I have recommended their free section to many, many people. And I tend not to recommend things that I don't use myself. We use this one ALOT! Having only briefly experienced the value of their subscription page -- I'm telling you it is worth the $25 a year. I will be working this into our future homeschooling budget as well. Right now, I can't think of much else I would pay for or feel that we must have to homeschool -- maybe internet service, but I get mine for a ridiculously low price ($4.95/mo) so I'm not sure that really counts. That is one of those "nearly" free things anyway. Everything else, I definitely get for free or for as little as I can possibly spend. I love to barter, trade, borrow -- but also to share. This past year I had the opportunity to bless several homeschooling families by sharing volumes of my Saxon that we weren't using as well as other books. It just reminded me that no matter how little we have - if we let the Lord, He can use what we do have for His glory to be a blessing to others. How has the Lord used you to bless others? Have you hindered Him from allowing you to be a blessing, by blocking the channel through which His blessings flow? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 1, 2008
Best Blessing of All
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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If you've been reading my posts lately you know that my family is just bubbling over in rejoicing the Lord's blessings. The blessing I'm about to share is going to seem small in comparison to all that has been going on, but it was "the hugest" to me. A couple years ago, a dear friend gave me a beautiful, brand new sewing machine to have to do my quilting with. The machine has sewed many miles since then, not just on quilts but also making diapers and frock for Haitian orphanages. It has also taught a couple of young ladies to sew. About six months ago, after a cleaning, the sewing machine started breaking needles, and I figured I'd just worn it out. I knew that getting it serviced would cost almost as much as a new sewing machine at WalMart. I struggled and prayed for months over whether to have it serviced or just to buy a new machine, maybe not quite as fancy, but still functional. In the mean time, I dug out my dependable old (1966) Brothers beast that weighs a 1/2 ton. This was a bit of a shock to the system, after using my light weight new one. Needless to say, taking projects with me when I traveled became out of the question. I went to WalMart a week ago, I'd made a decision, I was going to buy a new sewing machine. I got there and the one I could afford was not one, but two steps below the level I currently have, and it just didn't have what I really wanted/needed for stitch options. The one that was equivalent to my machine in price and stitch options was computerized and to me that just seems like something that should NOT be. It's a machine not a computer. It's suppose to run on gears and motors and things I can take apart and figure out. So, very muddled, preplexed and confused, I left WalMart with no sewing machine. Figuring, if I really, really needed it, I could go back and buy the computerized one -- even thought it was more than what I wanted or needed to deal with. We won't even discuss the serger that I looked at briefly, and decided against. I came home, took out my machine, and decided to give it one last chance. I prayed. I prayed a lot. I tinkered here, and adjusted there. I checked everything one checks. I tried hard not to be frustrated as I broke 4 more sewing needles, in less than a 1/2 hour. Finally, when I was about to give up, "Lord, I just don't know what to do. If I had a husband, he could tell me what I should do, here. Lord, I need to know what to do!!!" Then I noticed that the shaft where the needle goes wiggled back and forth, hence the broken needles -- because they kept hitting the metal plate. Hhhmmmm . . . that isn't suppose to wiggle like that, so I turned the machine around, and sure enough there was a very loose screw in the back. A loose screw -- of all the simple, mundane, frustrating, things. For six months I had not been able to do any serious sewing because of a loose screw!!!!! So, I did the only reasonable thing I could do -- Thank the Lord!!!!! Oh, and of course, tighten the screw. And Voila! Screw tightened -- sewing machine fixed -- no money spent!!!! Having my sewing machine back and working has been the biggest blessing of all. How has the Lord been blessing your life? MaggieRaye |