Saturday, November 11, 2006 - Assignment 6

I have been contemplating and mulling over what to write about for this assignment.  I finally decided to talk about my tendency to be like the Pharisees.

Almost 8 years ago, the Lord led me to start wearing skirts and dresses only.  It is a long story that I won't get into for this post.  I may post about it at a later date. I really felt the Holy Spirit leading in this area of modesty, not only for me but also for my family.

But soon, my wicked heart started turning my nose up at other Christians, mostly in my church, who didn't wear skirts all the time.  My wicked heart would proudly pat me on the back at how "spiritual" I was. I felt I was a better Christian than just about everyone. 

What a joke!

The Lord really convicted my about my heart attitude. He pricked my conscious on how I was being like a Pharisee, thinking I was better than everyone because of my works.  Instead of serving Him out of a heart of love and devotion I was doing it to pump myself up.  Oh how the mighty fall.

I don't struggle with the skirt issue now, although I am delighted to find others who have the same standard as I.  Now I tend to look at their face.  Is there the joy of the Lord on it?  Are they serving God with a heart full of love?

There are times when I struggle with becoming a Pharisee in other ways.  I think it boils down to my pride.  My heart longs to puff itself up with how much better I am than so-and-so.  Much to my shame.  But when I compare myself to the goodness of God, there is no comparison.  I fall painfully short each and every time.  It is only through Him that I am able to accomplish anything. 

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Thursday, November 2, 2006 - Christmas Preparation

It is funny, but Christmas is not my favorite time of the year.  In fact, I am sometimes affectionately called the Grinch.  Hey, my favorite color is green.  My secret is out.  I guess I hate all the hoopla and plethora of activities and social engagements that come with this season.  Actually the only holiday that I really like is my Birthday.  Saying that makes me feel silly and selfish.  I think it has something to do with my life situation and holidays just bring out that fact that I am missing out.

#1 Share your family traditions for Christmas and/or Advent:

I did start a new tradition two years ago.  Christmas night, Cameron and I take a walk around our neighborhood. It is so peaceful and quiet and the lights are so pretty.  It is a wonderfully private time for the two of us.  Then we come home and get toasty with warm drinks, leftovers and a blanket.

I started something else new in the past few years. Cameron only receives three gifts from me.  We link it to the three gifts of the wise men.

Gold is highly valuable.  It is much to be desired.  This would be a gift that is for fun or something that he really likes.  It is the one big gift and my big gifts are not very big.  Last year it was a truck Gold is given to kings

Frankincense is an incense.  The priests in the temple used incense.  The frankincense gift would be something to do with his spiritual walk with God.  Last year it was a Bible devotional book. 

Myrrh is associated with prophets.  It was also used for embalming and anointing the body.  The myrrh gift could be something to prepare him for the future or something for the body.  This is a practical gift.  Last year he got a sweat suit.

My goal this year is correspond verses to Jesus being Prophet, Priest and King

I also do a Christmas stocking.  But as we don't decorate for Christmas (I can hear the gasps of surprise) we hang it up on his bedroom door.  I put some small things in there.  I think this year it will be a new toothbrush with some candy...notice the humor.

And on Christmas morning, before we do anything else.  We read the Christmas story from the Bible.  I have an old, old plastic nativity set that we use to "act out" the Christmas story.

#2 List 10 ways that you can prepare for the season.

1. Lots of prayer for a proper attitude and spirit.
2. Start focusing on the positives of the season rather than what I don't like.
3. Practice my music for the children’s Christmas play.  I’m the pianist this year.  YIKES!
4. Try limiting my activities to help this frame of mind.
5. Try not to stress over all the small things that can bring me down.
6. Practice my music for the children’s Christmas play.  I’m the pianist this year.  YIKES!
7. Do any and all shopping EARLY.  Stop waiting until the week of or the day before.  (I'm a procrastinator)
8. Do any and all wrapping early instead of the night before.
9. Play Christmas music.  That is my ultimate FAVORITE part of the season.  All the Christmas Hymns!!  In fact, we had a favorites hymn request in Church once.  I requested "Joy to the World!"  It was in July. 
10. Practice my music for the children’s Christmas play.  I’m the pianist this year.  YIKES!

#3 Post a scripture that will help "Get you into the Spirit"

Luke 2:1a “And it came to pass…”  (Praise God it didn’t come to stay)

Seriously, the one that does get me focusing on the greatness of Christ’s birth is

Isaiah 9:6, 7a “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  (7) Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.  (!!!)

I think this might get me in the spirit because it is also linked with a Christmas song.  In fact, I couldn't read it without singing in my head.  And just those lists of names/attributes of Jesus!  Wow.

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Thursday, October 26, 2006 - Pumpkin Assignment

I was a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for a number of years so I have quite the collection of stamps, ink pads and paper.  I put together a very simple, pumpkin based card this evening.

I used Pumpkin Pie paper and ink pad and the pumpkin stamp from Window on the World stamp set.

I stamped the pumpkin pie ink on to the same colored papered to give it a subtle background look. Then I stamped the pumpkin on white cardstock and used a blender pen to "water color" in the pumpkin a bit and added Garden Green to the leaves.  The card says "Warmest Wishes". 

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Thursday, October 19, 2006 - Assignment #3

~A website that I visit nearly every day: I have two

Audio Bible, for those days that I need a little hlep or motivation reading my Bible. (Especially wading through some of those OT names) 

Webster 1828 Dictionary is the dicitionary I use in conjunction with my Bible reading.  The 1828 dictionary still has the orginal meanings of words rather what they have morphed into today.

~The first place I look to for a book to buy:

I don't buy any books unless they are from local book sales.  I'm very, very cheap. 

~My favorite homeschool support area

I have several good friends on private boards that I am able to talk homeschool with.  I also have several IRL friends that I frequently gab with and some vetern homeschool moms at my church.

~Homeschool site full of information that I use regulary:

I love ABC I Believe.  I get some ideas from there

~Site to buy new curriculum:

I haven't bought any new curriculum but I do frequently download the weekly freebie from Homeschool eStore

~Site that offers frugal tips to save money:

I sent Hill Billy Housewifeto a friend who LOVES it.  I keep meaning to check it out again.

~Site that provides good wholesome recipes

I don't know that they are wholesome but I use 7 Day Menu Planner to help me put together a meal plan.  (Which I really need to get back into!)

~An informational site that shows you "how to"

How to have a great relationship with your Lord, husband, and Children.  No Greater Joy

I also use Google to find sites to help me know how to do this or that.

~Homeschool family website that I purchase from to support them:

My friend's eBay Store.

~Charity website that I support:

I don't really support any charities.  I do, however give to my local church my tithe, offering and a Faith Promise.  We support over 40 missionaries.  Two are from Rock of Ages Prison Ministry

~Favorite graphic site to get graphics for your blog:

No graphics for me.  (Aren't I boring...but I've been called worse)

~Site that offers educational calendar listings important historical events and also to keep me informed of upcoming events :

I like the This Day in History that is listed on my blog.  They have some other options other than History

Ref Desk is just a great compilation of, well, everything you might need for reference.

~Site that offers homeschool freebies:

I don't think it is to just homeschoolers but it is homeschool related.  Freeload Press offers free books to students and teachers.

~Site that offers any kind of freebies:

I love my local Freecycle.  I have given many things away to a good home and also have gotten my FIL a dishwasher and piano and for myself a swingset, outdoor glider, and two guinea pigs and their things

~Blog I read that's full of humor:

I find myself chuckling almost everytime I read Marsha's Blog

~Blog that is full of useful info:

I love Jeannie Fulbright's blog.

And I think that my good friend Babymakers is very informative.  (I get the added blessing of calling her when I need some extra information)

~Blog I read because eye appealing and easy to read:

I didn't really pick one for this.  I will say that the more things a blog has on it the less I like it.  I think is a personal thing for me.  I don't adorn myself with fancy clothes, jewlery or makeup.  That's just who I am. 

~Site that I would allow my child to visit:

There are many places I would allow my son to visit, but right now he is not on the Internet. 

I love learning games Sheppards Software has a bunch of geography games, puzzles and maps!

I Know That is a wonderful, wonderful educational learning, but fun site that, hey, forget the kids, I LOVE playing around with!

Your child can read books, take quizzes, and earn points that can be redeemed for prizes at Book Adventure

~Other sites that have provided me with a wealth of information:

I go to Mom of 9's Place for lots of devotional/doctrional articles and insights.

And you can check out where to get the best deal on gas prices by just punching in your zip code.

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Thursday, October 12, 2006 - Assignment #2

Auburn (hair)

Brown (eyes)

Cameron

Dutiful

Educator

Friendly

Gullible

Harmony

Instruments

Joker

KJV

Laughing

Mama

Night

Owl  (hehehe)

Piano

Quietness

Redeemed

Shutterbug

Trusting

Unruffled

Validate

Witty

XL

Yodel

Zing

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Wednesday, October 11, 2006 - Assignment # 1

Introductions: My name is Danielle.  I am a SAHM to my 5-year-old son, Cameron.  I have a unique circumstance in that I live with my father.  My husband of 8 years is serving time in prison for crimes that he committed.  The Lord has really blessed me even in these tough circumstances.  I know that I am in the will of God and can feel His hand on my life.  I am so thankful for my father who has opened his home to Cameron and me.  I do a few things to try and bring some income into the house and not be totally dependent on Dad.  Cameron and I clean house, which has been a great blessing.

What led me to blogging: I didn't think that I would like blogging but a friend of mine suggested it after my constant talking about it. I thought I would give it a try.  I was hooked.  I love blogging.  It is a great way to keep friends and family members updated on our life and what's going on with us day to day.

My dream house:  I don't know that I really have a dream house.  I am so thankful for shelter period.  But I would love a wrap-around porch and windows.

I imagine wicker furniture and most importantly...a porch swing in a secluded area of the porch, with maybe a creeping vine for added shade.  I also wouldn't need a large home...I would have to clean it LOL.  But my dream kitchen would be an island and open to the rest of the house.  One of the reasons I dislike my kitchen is it is off on its own and you feel like you are being banished. 

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