Why Patchwork Cottage
Sep. 30, 2008
Sep. 30, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
WELCOME TO PATCHWORK COTTAGE
I will be leaving this post at the top for awhile, so be sure to scroll down to check for more recent posts If you've been here before, you'll notice a great change. At least I hope you will. I also hope that it will not just be a surface change, but a change of over all substance. So why Patchwork Cottage you may ask? For those of you who know me, you'll know that I love doing patchworking. So, I looked up the word, the parts of the word, and decided that it fit what I do perfectly, not just with my quilts but with my life. Here is what I found, and why it fits us. Why Patchwork Cottage When I left "the world" to come home in 2001 and be the mother of my children, it was a HUGE leap of faith. I'm sure that many thought I was being foolish. I believed then, and still do that my calling is to be a Keeper-at-Home, (Titus 2:3-5). In 2003, I was inspired to begin doing patchwork quilts the way my grandmother had, as a means of supporting my family. It took me a long time to find the faith and courage to let the inspiration become a reality. This summer, I've sold 4 quilts that I made "on spec." and I have had a very promising custom order (which I hope to share pictures of with you soon). The word PATCH means to make of fragments or to produce crudely or hurriedly. That describes my quilts. They are no fuss, no muss. Okay, maybe that is not entirely true, but it is the concept behind them. The work PATCHWORK means something made of pieces of different materials or needlework, as a quilt, made with odd patches of cloth. That is definitely my quilts. But it is also our approach to homeschooling. I think from now on instead of saying we do a "hodge podge", I'm going to say we do a "patchwork" approach to choosing our curriculum. It sounds so much more . . . well, us. A QUILT is defined as a badded bed coverlet, and a COTTAGE as a small house or a house used for vacations (and this is certainly what we strive toward attaining in our home, a restful, get away atmosphere). INDUSTRY is an earnest, steady effort or any branch of productive manufacturing enterprise. That is definitely what I do, when making quilts. I have my own little Cottage Industry. Each of these words is exactly definitive of Patchwork Cottage and what we do. In addition to quilts, I've also been making cloth blocks for babies, bandanna shorts, pillowcase dresses, skirts and shirts (all intended to eventually benefit orphans in Haiti) which I will be sharing photos of just as soon as I can figure out the whole HTML and Photobucket thing. I will also be sharing with you quilts that are currently available for sale. This take time as I need to co-ordinate with the WAHM Co-op that I belong to, so that we can get the items out of the store and onto their website, for direct purchase. So, while I will still continue to share support and encouragement with those of you single moms who are homeschooling and striving to be keepers at home, I will also be sharing some of my other efforts with you as well. As Always, May the Lord Bless you richly, MaggieRaye |
Update on Quilts and etc.
Sep. 18, 2008
Sep. 18, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
I'm online tonight, uploading some more pix into Photobucket. You may want to stop by later and check out the new albums I'm adding. One is of past quilts. The other is of lap robes I've done this past year for our church's Ladies Aid group. These quilts are used in the state chaplaincy ministry, so they go to nursing homes and hospitals. Our move progresses forward and I'm way calmer and less tweaked than when I last posted. God's hand seems so clearly to be guiding this move, in such amazing ways that I can not even begin to share here. Quilts, yes, I know some of you have been waiting for the official word of what is available for sale. For now we've hit a small bump in the road with our co-op and since it's most important that we take care of our members, website stuff needs to wait. They will be available through Blessed Baby Boutique. However, if you just can't wait that long, please let me know. We can work something out privately, and the co-op can still benefit. The quilts for sale are the ones in the first album on photobucket - except for the one with baby LizBeth on it - that's now officially a family heirloom. I'm going to try to put those photos into a specific album marked so that you'll know they are the quilts for sale. However, as always, I'm running out of time, but not things to do, so I don't know how far I'll get tonight. One final note, the Lord's hand clearly seems to be working in the area of quilts also - through Blessed Baby, He has brought another WAHM into my life, who does clothing consignment as a fundraiser for local schools in her area, the clothes that she can't sell are very likely going to end up in -- yes, quilts. I will try to get her information up here tomorrow so you can all go by and check out her awesome website, maybe do some early Christmas shopping, you know it's never too early to start. Praying for the Lord's blessings on your day, MaggieRaye |
Responsibility - Part III
Sep. 3, 2008
Sep. 3, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
I warned you! This is my soap box, and it's been a long time since I've stood on it -- well unti recently. However, with all the commotion of packing, having not found exactly where I want to pack this, I keep tripping over it, and taking the opportunity to stand upon it. This mornings little vent is about a dual responsibility, shared by us (single homeschooling moms) and the church. Matthew 6:24 says, "No man can serve to masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and espise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." While I know this largely speaks to serving the world and God or money and God, I believe the principle can also be applied to the welfare system. Once we've been pushed into it, and become dependent upon it, there is little room to serve God, while jumping through the bureaucratic hoops that are required of us. So where is our responsibility, to stand firm, for the Lord and to resist being forced into this ungodly alliance with the worlds government. To resist being taken out of our homes and away from our children -- because this is the first thing the welfare system does, as soon as it can possibly get away with it. Our responsibility is, and though this sounds easy, it is not, to live and walk by faith and not by sight. (That was for me more than all of you, this morning.) I'm reaching another crossroad in life, not just with our impending move, but also with my faith. I've walked and lived by faith before, sometimes boldly. Right now, I'm not sure I have enough faith to step out the way I need to and live it. For so long we've been referred back to the welfare system, over and over. We've continually been encouraged to go to the State first, and that the church would fill in any gaps still left. I know in my heart this is wrong, but I've been too sick to fight back. I've been too tired to fight back. Now, I'm feeling as if the Lord would really have me take the stand again, for Him and Him alone, trusting in His provision, totally and completely. As you think of me, keep this in prayer. Also, ask the Lord if you are where He would have you to be. Now, I said there was dual responsibility here, so what is the church's responsibility in this? I believe their responsibility is to step up to the plate, and be the first to help all in need (whether single mom's or others). Not last as a gap filler, but first. The cry for help should be answered by God's people not the world. Needs should be met from within the body not from without. Throughout the scripture God clearly shows that those who oppress the poor, the needy, the widow and the fatherless will be judged, scourged, that the Lord will not let them go unpunished. For my own part, this makes me sad. I would not wish this on anyone, even those who've hindered me. So that's it for now. Maybe today I'll find a place to pack this soap box away, until after we move. Or maybe the Lord will speak to my heart again, and I will need to step upon it. Blessings as Always, MaggieRaye |
Responsibility - Part II
Aug. 31, 2008
Aug. 31, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
I recently posted on Responsibility - my favorite soapbox. Shortly afterwards I read the following devotional and realized this needed to be a part of this soapbox. No matter how little we have, there will always be someone who has less. You may encounter someone today who has no smile, certainly you will have one to share. So single moms, when you feel that the church is not keeping up with their responsibility, do a personal self-check and make sure you're keeping up with yours. In addition to gleaning, I believe we are responsible to give, as we are able. Here is the devotional: God's Calling Journal, August 30, p. 253 "Give abundantly. Feel that you are rich. Have no mean thought in your heart. Of Love, of thought, of all you have, give, give, give. You are followers of the World's Greatest Giver. Give of time, of personal ease and comfort, of rest, of fame, of healing, of power, of sympathy, of all these and many more. Learn this lesson, and you will become a great power to help others and to do mighty things." Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bossom." So, are you gleaning? Are you giving? I figured if I believed strictly in giving 10% of my money for tithe, I would have little to give. But if I give 10% of my time and talent, too, well, then there is something to share. I'm hoping this week (yah! I know, I'm overly optimistic at this point) to put on Photobucket some of the quilts I've done for our Chaplaincy Ministry. I figured out this morning 10% of my day is 2.4 hours, that is the minimum I need to give back to the Lord. 10% of my work week is 3 - 4 hours, that is the minimum I need to work for the Lord or for my work to count for the Lord. Then there is 10% of my income, which is not much, but that also is the minimum that I need to give back. Let me just put a side note here, in light of recent life experiences, I do NOT believe that the 10% you give back to the Lord MUST be done through your church. The Lord may lead you and your family to tithe of your time, talent and treasure in some other way. Supporting your local church is as important as them supporting you. However, when the church is not supporting those with needs, because they are busy building buildings or adding programs, I feel a personal direction to give to those where I know there is a real life sustaining need first. So are you gleaning? Are you giving? Are you upholding your end of the responsibility? I am trying to. May the Lord bless your Lord's day, MaggieRaye |
Responsibility
Aug. 29, 2008
Aug. 29, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
If you've been here before you know I have a soap box (or three) that I get on from time to time. I've been thinking again about the church and their responsibility to single parents who choose to home educate for the glory of God. I'm again convicted that they are falling short of their responsibilities. Last night I was reading a booklet called Trail of Blood which is about the history of the Christian church from a Baptist perspective. It was written prior to 1940, though the copy I was reading was republished in 2000. Interestingly the writer talked a lot about keeping the church separate from the government. Hello? Did anyone else just read that? Keeping the church separate from the government., now there in a novel thought - NOT! It wasn't until he quoted Christ in scripture where He says to render unto Caesar (the government) that which is Caesar's and to render unto God that which is God's. I don't know if anyone else has given this any thought, but I think that just about sums up where I stand on Christians (whether single mother or others in need) being pushed from the care of the church into the hands of the government welfare programs for support. I once again feel assurance in my stand upon my soap box. On a slightly different note, I've also been praying about what responsibility we have as single mothers, or others that qualify as "poor and needy". We should definitely have our priorities in order and should be training up our children FIRST, then ministering within the church, where we can, according to our resources. We should also be practicing gleaning, where and when possible. I'd like to write a longer post on this idea alone, when I'm not packing or working on quilts or trying to start our homeschool year. Yes, the big yellow buses are rolling through our neighborhood, and while other children don back packs and lunch boxes, my son is running around barefooted in his cowboy hat, shooting the enemy with his cap gun in my front yard. It's a good thing we've been here for years and our neighbor's know us. Well, that is it from my brain this morning. I picked up some clothes yesterday at the fill a bag for a dollar rack at the local thrift shop, so I need to go start tearing them apart and preparing them to be quilt fodder, amidst packing, and trying to have a yard sale in less than perfect weather. As always, May the Lord bless your day, MaggieRaye |
His Provision - It Is Amazing - Why Am I Always So Skeptical?????
Aug. 13, 2008
Aug. 13, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
The other day, I realized that in paying the bills this month I goofed and neglected to deposit money into my business account to cover our internet bill. Ugh! It's an automatic withdrawal and I can't tell you how many times I've paid late fees and etc. because I forgot to deposit the money for this. So I'm praying furiously, Lord, please, I know it is my fault, and I'm being irresponsible, but right now I can't afford to pay the bill never mind the late fees, please can you provide for this. Oh me of little faith. It was such a small amount, and My Heavenly Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills -- the next day, I did something for a friend, the cash value of which turned out to be exactly the amount I needed to cover the internet bill. None of it was planned, there was no way it could be. As far as I could see in my finite humanness, I was going to end up paying late fees, again. He took care of it, and I almost didn't notice it, almost. But when I did, I not only thanked him, but shared it with my friend, and now am sharing it with all of you. The praise is all His! I oopsed, again, and again, He has provided to help me set things right. But there is more. Today, our neighbors are having this HUGE yard sale. I'm a yard sale junkie. But I had no cash on hand. Remember the internet bill. All I had went into the account to cover it. So I was standing in front of the window working on a quilt, watching them set up and praying. Lord, help me to avoid temptation, I won't go over, because we don't have any money, when my almost 17 year old enters and says, "What, you're not over there checking stuff out???" I explain, that I have no money, and there is probably NOTHING we reallyy NEED there anyway. When my son announces from upstairs, Mom, I have $2.50 left from bottle money last week, can we go, P L E A S E ! How do you answer that? And how does he manage to save the money when no one else in the house can? So off we go to see if we NEED what the neighbors are getting rid of. Low and behold -- there was one thing we did "need" sort of, which ds bought for us, as well as a "treat" each for his sister and I, and two for himself. We have been needing a toaster, ours died recently. I've been to WalMart twice since it happened and both times I forgot to look at toasters. So, again, a seemingly little thing, but truly, why did my son have money, and why did they just happen to have a toaster just when we needed one? I think it is another one of those little things to stir me to a greater faith in His provision, so that I will stop trying so hard and just trust Him. What about you? Has the Lord been providing for you in little or maybe not so little ways that only He could do? Blessings as Always, MaggieRaye |
Grant Resource for those in Need
Aug. 13, 2008
Aug. 13, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
I'll be posting this over at Jehovah-Jireh Mission, too, but thought it was worth sharing here, also. A single mom recently commented about finding my website, while she was looking for grants to help her family. She did not meet the qualifications for the Homeschool Foundations grant programs, but shared this one with me. http://www.modestneeds.org/ Go by and check it out, share it with others. I really know nothing about it, but it looks like it might be helpful to those with short term, needs. If you have experience with this organization, please feel free to leave a comment. Blessings, Maggie Raye |
Changes Coming
Jul. 21, 2008
Jul. 21, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
Most of you know I've been struggling for awhile over what to do about my blog. I can't seem to share without offending. I was going to set up a whole new blog that focused only on my quilting, as a way to share, teach and sell. Prayerfully, I've come up with a way to keep this blog up and going, without (hopefully) offending. I will also be able to share the quilts here. You'll be seeing some changes in the decor around here as well. Janet, at Pineblossoms has agreed to help me give this place a pick me up that will be more in line with what I'm hoping to share. I will still share an occasional thought of encouragement for single mothers who are homeschooling. I would leave you with this thought - scripture tells us that those who love the law, NOTHING shall offend them. So if you're here and you're reading and something offends you, I'd challenge you to check your own heart first. I have found that when I'm offended, it's usually my heart attitude and not the "offender" that needs adjusting. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Single Mom's - The Church - Welfare
Jul. 21, 2008
Jul. 21, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
This is a HOT topic, and so I'm really going to limit what I have to say here, this time. It was recently pointed out to me, that because of the sin in my life (in the past, and long repented of) that I "deserve" to be where I am, going through the things I do. There are actually people who do not want my family as a part of their regular fellowshipping/church. (If this offends you, read the previous post, please.) I'm so grateful that Christ didn't look at us, and go, "Father, the "deserve" to suffer, they are nothing but a bunch of worthless sinners." We all have sin in our lives -- mine just happens to be more obvious than some, because the results are walking talking reminders. Over the years, I've searched scripture and believe the things I do, based on scriptural principles, commands, and teachings. I've come to peace with much of this, and am sharing it with you moms, because I know many of you have experienced the same thing. Whether your husband has abandoned you, abused you or maybe you've never had a husband, many of you have experienced a great lack of empathy from fellow believers. The other day when I was doing my Bible reading (I'm doing the John MacArthur Bible in a Year) I read a Psalm that though I'm sure I've read before, I never thought of enlight of single moms, the church and welfare. I have debated whether to share it with you or not. Recently the Lord has spoken clearly to me about not fearing what man may so or do, as long as my stand is for Him. And so, while I'm not out to offend, I'm certain there are some who will be offended. I am sorry. I'll just say it now. I am sorry to offend, for that is not my intent. However, I can not remain silent, out of fear. Psalm 82:3-4 "Defend the poor and the fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and the needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked." I don't believe there is anything more wicked and corrupt than our government system. It bothers me that churches say, "we pay tax dollars into the system there is no reason Christians shouldn't take advantage of it" One pastor even told me once, that if the church had the funds that all it's members paid in taxes it might be different, they'd be able to do more. Have we forgotten that the heavenly Father's treasury is limitless, when it is for His purpose? I believe that the church is making the government father of the fatherless, and I believe that this is unscriptural. Now, ladies, if this is where you are, where many of us are, take heart. The Lord blesses anyway. My advice to you, is pray, remembering we are in the days when churches are lukewarm. Claim Hebrews 13:5 & 6, " Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." For isn't it better to say the Lord is our helper than to depend on man (the church or the government) though the Lord may certainly use man as His vessel from which to pour blessings on us. The Lord has so blessed my life amidst trials, during the last few years. Yes there has been sin in my life, but there is sin in all of our lives, whether we neglect the poor, lust, covet, gossip, have a rebellious spirit there is sin in all of our lives and we should esteem others better than ourselves, coming along side them to encourage and edify them, when they will allow us to. I'm sadly certain that there are those who will read this and be offended, again, I am sorry that you are offended. But I have been keeping silent out of fear, and it is time to speak out and take a stand again for what the Lord has laid upon my heart, not for myself, but for others. May the Lord stir your heart toward Him, Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Throwing Open the Windows
Jul. 15, 2008
Jul. 15, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
One of my favorite lines from The Sounds of Music is something to the effect (I'm bad at exact quotes) of, When the Lord closes the door, somewhere He opens a window. I feel as if He has been throwing open windows of opportunity around me lately. I made one decision recently, just one, and it seemed rather small, (read door closed) and as a result many opportunities for serving Him, from my home, with my children, have presented themselves(read open windows). I will be joining Homebound Missions as a full time volunteer beginning September 1st. I'll share more details about that another time. We are going to be able to begin sponsoring a child through His Hands for Haiti's orphanage His House, immediately -- it's not adoption, but it's as close as we could come. It is amazing how the Lord will use us, if we will but obediently get out of His way and stop trying to serve Him in our way. I still don't know if I'll ever get to set foot on Haitian soil, but He can use me there, even from here. This weekend, the long coveted corner station for my computer "appeared" at a yard sale for FREE. What a blessing it is to have everything so neat and tidy. I've been given two sewing machines (that work) in addition to the two I already had, guess we'll definitely be going ahead with doing sewing lessons. The irony in this is that with the exception of making quilts, I really hate sewing, especially clothing. One of my biggest classes is going to be making medieval costumes -- this should be interesting. And today I was paid two compliments - thus feeding my nearly starved vanity. The new short sort of whimsical hair cut looks really good on me, according to one friend. The other told me that my face really looks healthy and that the dark circles that are normally under my eyes seem to be much faded. Wow! I must have looked way worse than I thought!!! We've cut so much of the refined, processed, prepackaged food out of our diet in the last year that I hope my body is beginning to gain some health value from it. It is just not fun having to walk by the Little Debbies Swiss Cake Rolls knowing that I can't buy them, because I can't eat just one.... As if in reward, I received fresh lettuce, swiss chard, and black rasberries (not to be confused with black berries) today from my neighbor. Yum!!! Well, I don't know what the Lord is doing in your life, but if He's closing doors or opening window, and you'd like to share, please leave a comment or send me an email. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Following up on BUSY and Amazing Message Posts
Jul. 7, 2008
Jul. 7, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
I just spent 1/2 hour typing a long reply to the anonymous commenter who asked: A little confused. BUSY would be the mondane things not need in our lives. How does sowing the seeds with other Christians fall in to BUSY.? The thing is I can't really answer it without getting into a whole lot of other stuff. And I can't do that because I will certainly offend people, albeit unintentional. Suffice to say, that I think as Christians we often loose sight of the best things because we become distracted and BUSY (Brought Under Satan's Yoke) with the things that are merely good. I have been a very BUSY Christian for years doing church 3x a week, being involved in a multitude of ministries. My kids were a mess, I was a mess. It wasn't until this past winter when our lives went through some radical changes that I began to look at church from a very different perspective. It is a blessing to see the changes in my children, and my attitude toward them. This does not mean we've forsaken church or assembling with other believers. It does mean it's changed how we do it and more importantly why we do it. Even this is probably more than I should have said. Let me however close with this. Sowing seed is important, but not at the expense of our own children. Not at the expense of our own personal walk with the Lord. We don't have to look for opportunities to sow seeds. The Lord truly presents them to us where we are, I've seen this in the last few months. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
One of those "Wow!" Devotional Moments
Jun. 1, 2008
Jun. 1, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
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 |
Making Do . . .
May. 25, 2008
May. 25, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
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 |
About Blogging
May. 25, 2008
May. 25, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
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 |
A New/Old Love In My Life
May. 19, 2008
May. 19, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
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 |
Things I am Willing to Pay For
May. 2, 2008
May. 2, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
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 |
Best Blessing of All
May. 1, 2008
May. 1, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
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 |
Discontentment
Apr. 26, 2008
Apr. 26, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
Does anyone else grow discontent this time of year? Do the mass of homeschool catalogs that are beginning to arrive, cause you to desire that which you can not afford? Do you begin to doubt if your hodge podge of "stuff" will actually educate your child sufficiently? I didn't realize that I was discontent until recently. Probably when I began to clean out all those extraneous books I just had to have, but when faced with the idea of moving them, decided really weren't so important. I think it is easy (or at least a "good" excuse) for single moms to become discontent. So and so is using this or that very new curriculum and there is just no way we can afford it on a limited (read non-existant) homeschooling budget. This group is going a a field trip here (or there) but the cost for us is prohibitive. When I look outside my home, at everyone else, it is too easy to become ungrateful, disconent, and just generally thankless of the Lord's abundant provision for my children and I, so -- I'm currently avoiding the following things: homeschool group meetings discussing portfolio's (I even find that I'm discontent that I didn't do what someone else did this year), homeschool group meetings discussing curriculum, curriculum catalogs (I already know what I think I need for next year and know where I can get it for the least amount of money, no point in looking any further only to discover something I don't really need but would like.), used book sales, used curriculum sales, conferences or conventions where curriculum (new or used) will be available to peruse or purchase. I have everything I need and so much more abundantly. We are so blessed. I need to start really being grateful for the abundance the Lord has bestowed on me, and not try to "do it myself". He does a much better job. And if I'd just trust Him and not work so hard to "collect" stuff for too far into the future , well, I probably wouldn't have so many boxes of books to get rid of, in order to avoid moving them. Is the Lord refining you? Leave me a comment if you're willing to share. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
God's Precious Perfect Provision
Apr. 22, 2008
Apr. 22, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
Awhile back, probably in January, I had put up a post (which I have since removed) that I was considering applying for funds from Homeschool Foundation's (http://www.homeschoolfoundation.org) Children of Single Parents Fund (http://www.homeschoolfoundation.org/funds/SingleParent.asp) to help out with some financial burdens I'm carrying, right now, from poor financial decisions made in my youth (before I had children or even knew homeschooling was an option for those who did). It took me awhile to bring myself to actually put the application in. I just kept thinking -- I'll make it somehow. There's my sin nature - pride - rearing it's ugly head. I recently submitted my part of the application process, knowing that my references had long since been received by HSF. I also knew the ball park that I could expect to receive. When I checked the mail the other day, there was a check, from HSF. My request had been approved. And for a higher amount than I originally anticipated. While I basically know where this money is going. I'm taking the next three days to pray for the Lord to show me specifically how I can best use it for His glory in our homeschooling endeavors. The grant is a one time thing, so this is it. I need to be the absolute best steward of this blessing that I can! This isn't the only way the Lord perfectly provides for my family and I, but it's the most recent way, and I need to give Him, all the praise, honor and glory for this. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
What to Do With This Blog?
Apr. 22, 2008
Apr. 22, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
A dear online friend and long time reader, recently asked me if I'd decided what I was going to do with my blog. I have not, not really. I can't let it go, and yet, I can't post quite the way I have in the past. While I want to encourage single mothers that their situations are not unique, I often find myself in hot water for posting things that are too personal for my local reading audience. So, for now, I'm going to continue to resist the urge to "share" with you all that is going on around me. At the same time, I'm praying for wisdom and the Lord's words to continue to encourage single parents who are or would like to homeschool. I truly believe, as I have for many years, that the Lord does and will bless the single parent who steps out on faith to train up their children for His glory, in spite of difficult circumstances. My life has been an ongoing testimony to this fact. So, for those of you who were wondering, I guess I won't be taking the blog down, unless the Lord clearly shows me that I must. At the same time, He is definitely refining me in the area of keeping silent on some things that I use to share more openly about my family. My prayer is that it will continue to be a blessing to those it is meant to minister to and to anyone else who happens by. Blessing, MaggieRaye |
