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Walking in Sonshine
Feb. 4, 2009
BFS #119 -- Be All That You Can Be (US Army)
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BFS #119 -- Be All That You Can Be (US Army)
Memory Verse: 1 John 4:16 (NIV)
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoeverlives in love lives in God, and God in him.
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Intro: Sometime "being all you can be" is a challenge. We are
trying to balance being a godly wife, mother, teacher, keeper of the
home, and much more. None of us are perfect and we all struggle in ourown ways with being able to achieve what we feel needs to get done.
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Assignment: This week I thought we could share what great ways we havefound to help with all we have to do. Besides the obvious getting facedown in front of God, what have you found that works? Have you done agreat bible study that deals with this area? Do you have a certain"thing" that really helps you like a planner or gadget? Do you
have a certain bible verse that just speaks to you and you have it
posted so you see it all the time? Is there a website that is really
valuable to you in this area? What do you do that if someone else
found out about it, they could benefit from it?
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The slogans Be All That You Can Be & You Make Them Strong, We Make Them Army Strong, have a new meaning to me now. My second child just returned in December from Iraq. He is in the Arkansas National Guard. I used to joke with my older 2 children, telling them that the best thing they could do was to join the Army, as they only way I could get them up was to walk in their room and yell as loud as possible “GET UP!!!”. If I had had a bugle at that time I probably would have played it for them. In fact when my son Mark would leave for church camp or cub scout outings I would put in special instructions, "Yell loudly to wake child up". The leader would laugh and say surely not, then upon their return would say by day three they were following my instructions......
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But I digress, I have done several bible studies, watched shows, bought books, you name it I have tried it. Some of it has sunk in, some has fallen by the way side. I am delighted to say that as far as my house keeping goes, I am finally in the “maintain” stage of my life. I have overhauled, flung, cleaned, and cleared until I am finally able to just maintain my house. It is a blessing, and it was also a challenge getting there, but at times I get lazy and like when we get lazy about taking care of our physical body and spiritual self, you start to see things piling up (just like my hips and thighs are doing right now). I just finally started working on me as I worked on the house. There is nothing better to clear the mind or spirit than a good spring cleaning. You can feel that body clutter and spiritual gunk leaving as you clear the cobwebs from the ceiling, and get those corners cleaned out.
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But in all honesty the one thing that keeps me going, doing what I need to do, like keeping up with the cleaning and the laundry, is the fear of the electricity going out. We live in a rural area, and you never know when someone will decide to finally cut down that half dead tree in their yard and knock out everyone’s power for miles for 2-3 days. Now, if you have more than 3 loads waiting on the day the power goes out, you are in trouble. I mean BIG trouble. Let’s not even mention the dishes. Well ok, let’s do mention the dishes, Joyce Meyer once said, “If you can’t even tackle a sink of dishes, how can you expect God to let you tackle something bigger”. Man, that one line spoke to me. I do have bible verses up, some about washing by the washer, some more from Pr 31 to go up in the kitchen soon, but again, the one thing that keeps me going is the fear of no electricity, we are on a well, so no electricity, no water. Speaking of which, they are cutting down a tree in my front yard that the water company killed 3 years ago when they went through, so I better get the breakfast dishes done.
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My picture for today is of my little soldier……
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Dec. 1, 2008
BFS #112 - Americas Favorite Dessert - J-E-L-L-O
Memory Verse: Romans 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
Intro: America’s Favorite Dessert J-E-L-L-O - What we read affects what we believe. When we feed the Scriptures in our spirit, faith comes alive and becomes a living force within you.
Assignment: Write about your favorite ‘faith food’. Tell about the books of the Bible that you read that help to build your faith. Nurture the seeds of faith inside you. ex: Acorns become Oak trees.
I must admit Psalms are my favortite. They have got me through some very tough times, especially Psalm 40. Having been in a very deep pit of dispair and depression, knowing that David had been there too and had been able to come through made a big difference in my outlook on life.
Ps 40:1-14
40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.
14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.
KJV
15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God
KJV
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Nov. 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Blessings to you, all our friends.
Because this is Thanksgiving week, we don’t want to take you away from your family and preparations. Instead, we offer you, like the Lord offered us, a blessing.
Luke 24:50-52
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
Numbers 6:23-27, ESV
Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,
“The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them. |
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Nov. 24, 2008
BFS #110 - Computers Help People, Help People (IBM)
Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only whatis helpful for building others up according to their needs, that itmay benefit those who listen.
Please try to learn our memory verse this week. We will be sharing a
new verse every week and hope that you will store them in your hearts
and find a special joy in His words.
Intro: Computers Help People Help People(Marketing credit: IBM)
There are many ways computers help us. It is a wonderful way to stay
in touch with family far away, "meet" other christian women around the
globe, and it can be such a blessing with homeschooling.
Assignment:
Share some of your favorite homeschooling sites. The only "rule" for
this assignment is that you have to list at least one "free" site.
Many homeschooling families have made the choice to live on very
little income to do what they believe is best for their children and I
want everyone to be able to benefit from this assignment. If you have
other sites that are "paid" sites, feel free to include these also as
it might be something someone would really appreciate. If you feel
led, share your curriculum choices with us. I always love to learn
what is out there that I don't already know about. Please make sure
to include links to the sites you share.
Most of the sites I visit have Ideas, freebies, and for sale items. We used to use a curriculum that came in a complete set. It was a great curriculum, not having to look for anything and having the lessons planned out was great. Finances changed this year however, and we had to get creative. So we are using what we have; books, text books, internet, and a set of encyclopedias that I bought 12 years ago. We notebook and have started lapbooking and folder learning. I plan to incorperate all 3 into our learning. A few of my favorites are,
www.notebookingpages.com
www.holdthatthought.com
www.liveandlearnpress.com
www.historyscribe.com
http://oldfashionededucation.com/
http://www.mainlesson.com/main/displayarticle.php?article=mission
www.spellingcity.com
Each of these have freebies, links, and for sale items (or links to for sale items).
Picture ideas: You could share a picture of your curriculum, favorite
workbook, lapbook, etc. with us.
 A productive learning area.
Share your favorite scripture in your post.Deut 6:6-7
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
KJV
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Nov. 13, 2008
BFS Assignment #109 We Bring Good Things To Life (GE)
Memory Verse: Philippians 4:8
In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy.
Please try to learn our memory verse this week. We will be sharing a new verse every week and hope that you will store them in your hearts and find a special joy in His words.
Intro: We Bring Good Things To Life. (Marketing credit: GE)
The passion to sing, the passion to draw, the passion to build, the passion to ride, the passion for reading, the passion for nature… the list is endless. Some children exhibit their passion from day one, others need an experience to spark that passion
Assignment: Share a field trip/lifestyle learning experience where you really felt you were bringing good things to life for your children, where something came alive for them, or ignited a passion.
We really don't have the opportunity to do many field trips, and with our schedules right now we are just doing the basics and anticipating the safe arival home from Iraq of our second son.
Our local homeschool group does do several things though and we have in the past been able to join in. One of the things we like to do is get all gussied up and head on over to the Perot. A theatre in town that opened as a movie theater, but now is a live stage. We have seen several plays there, and I even drug my husband to see Fiddler On The Roof (my fav) and he loved it too. My daughter loves everything about going to the Perot, but my son is a little reluctant. Every now and then we catch one he likes, but for the most part he is along for the ride. His 2 favorites were Island of the Blue Dolphin and Tom Sawyer (of course). However, I know I have reached him with the "you need a little dose of culture" because when I mention we are going to the Perot, he checks his wardrobe the night before, asks for a shirt to be run through the dryer or ironed if it is too bad, and when dressing for the show, he dresses in his church clothes. All this without being asked, I hope some young lady appreciates this one day. My daughter, well she is 10 and if she had a formal and a faux fur (fake fur) that is what she would be wearing, tiarra included. Just something we do, to get gussied up and "get some culture".
Valerie
I am sorry, I do not have a picture to share this week, my scanner is not compatable with my computer, even though they are the same brand, and our only camera is on my laptop, so we have no current gussied up pics.
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Nov. 5, 2008
BFS #108 - Quality is Job #1
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Blogger Friend Shcool
Memory Verse: I Timothy 4:12-13 - Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Intro: Quality is Job #1 (Ford)
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Assignment: My family and I rarely do anything apart from each other. We don’t really have quality time together because all our time is together. We feel like the more special moments are when we have dinner together or when we worship God together. For this assignment, tell how you and your family spend QUALITY time together
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My husband’s schedule is so crazy that time as a family is rare. We gather together for a movie, work in the garden, or our favorite is camping. We are simple, and would not spend a lot of money if we had it to spend.
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I am including a picture of a fountain I want to put in my garden. Right now it is just a pile of rocks, but when my son returns from Iraq we are going to work on it together.
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Oct. 29, 2008
BFS Assignment #107-
My Blogger Friend School
When There’s No Tomorrow (Mercury)
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Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 1:13-14
I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
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Assignment:* We only have today. Should God take you today, have you accomplished everything that you wanted to, needed to. Have you said all the things that needed to be said? Let’s have no regrets, let’s make sure we get to those things, so that when we’re standing before the Lord, the only thing we need to do is to worship him.. and not regret not getting to that thing on our to do list. Stop - go take care of that thing…. then, come tell us what you choose to share. Don’t embarrass yourself or any of your loved ones
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Honestly, I try to always live like there is no tomorrow. Of course I also strive to live like there will be no electricity tomorrow which inspires me to keep up with the dishes and laundry. A few years ago I read the words:Sing like no one is listening, dance like no is watching, love like you've never been hurt, and live like there's no tomorrow. For me the first 2 are easy, I will crank up the volume and dance with my broom or vaccum, which ever is handy, the second 2 I sometimes have trouble with. Loving like I have never been hurt is hard for me, but I remember what my Lord did for me. What He did for me on that cross is amazing, He loved like He had never been hurt. Live like there is no tomorrow, I tend to get so caught up in the day to day things that I almost wish there was no tomorrow, and lately with all the politicking going on I find myself praying, how Long Lord, how long will you tarry. Jesus was the prime example of singing like no one is listening, dancing like no on is watching, loving like no on has hurt you and live like there is no tomorrow, but more than that He is the perfect example of "pray like God is listening". When he went off and prayed ,He laid all His cards on the table and believed that our heavenly Father heard him. He was open, and honest, and so trusting, that is what I want. I want so very badly to trust my heavenly Father again, trust Him like a little child. I believe that trusting Him with everything I have and following the little motto above I will have no regrets when I go to meet Him.
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And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt].
Matthew 26:39
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Oct. 27, 2008
BFS #106 Have It Your Way!
Blogger Friend School Assignment
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Memory Verse: Isaiah 40: 1- Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
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Intro: “Have It Your Way” (Burger King) - As cooler weather approaches and the winter eases into our doors I like to lounge by the fire after a hot shower. I love to make soups that are brimming with a rich and full flavor. In our home there’s nothing better than a hot bowl of soup or and a hot cup of coffee or cocoa on a cold winter night.
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Assignment:
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My favorite drink this time of year is the old standby hot chocolate. Made with milk and extra creamer. Curled up with a good book or THE good book. I like soft piano music in the back ground playing softly. I like to sit near my fish tank, fish are so cool, they don’t mess my place up and they don’t make any noise. In fact, in a study they noticed that having a fish tank can help lower your blood pressure. Also Jesus liked fish, in fact He had a fish fry with the guys, see my scripture below.
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I am not able to take many pictures right now, I will soon though so no picture of my tank yet, it needs to be cleaned anyway.
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Share your favorite scripture and don’t forget the Memory Verse above.
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As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
Jn 21:9&10
Tell us all about how your have “your” relaxing time, more especially how during the cooler months you take time to curl up with your favorite movie, book, Bible study, and what your favorite warm drink would be. |
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Oct. 14, 2008
BFS Assignment #105 - Mm Mm Good
http://www.bloggerfriendschool.com/
October 12th, 2008
Memory Verse:
Psalms 13:6 NIV
I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.
Please try to learn our memory verse this week. We will be sharing a new verse every week and hope that you will store them in your hearts and find a special joy in His words.
Intro: M’m M’m Good (Campbell’s Soup)
The fall is such a wonderful time of year. The beautiful foliage and cool, crisp morning air is such a wonderful change from the hot summer. I also love the M’m M’m good smell of fall cooking and baking. The wonderful fall veggies, fruits and Thanksgiving foods.
Assignment: Post your favorite fall recipe/recipes to share. I love trying new recipes, do you? It can be baking, main dishes, veggies, dessert or anything else you can think of. There are no limits. Mmmmmm..I can’t wait to take a look at some of those recipes.
As summer turns into still summer (we live in NE Texas, the 4 seasons here are; Almost Summer, Summer, Stil Summer, and Christmas), I begin to think of Chili, Taco or Enchillada Soup, or even Cowboy Stew. Since most of you probably have your favorite recipe for the first three, I will share the last one with you.
Cowboy Stew
Ground meat (amount depends on size of batch) brown with grn peppers & onions
Ranch Style Beans (I use a restaraunt size can, you can use 2 16 oz cans)
1 bag frzn Crikle Cut Carrots (if using my roaster oven I use 2)
Diced Tomatoes-again depends on size of batch (I use 2-3 lg cans pettite diced)
Those are the ingredients, now I know some of you are saying "what about seasoning", yes I do season, but it depends on my mood and what I have on hand, so you can use your favorite and even dump a bottle of BBQ sauce in it. You can even use chopped beef or brisket (great idea for leftover roast). I serve this over rice and with cornbread (with butter & honey of course). This is a great "stick to your ribs" meal. Fit for any cowboy (or cowgirl).
When I make soups and stews this time of year I use my Roaster Oven (table top oven or turkey roaster, all the same) and just add these ingredients till I cannot add more. I pull out enough for that nights dinner, and freeze the rest, I used to have many 'butter tubs' (the large Country Crock one at Sam's is perfect crock-pot size) but they have grown legs and walked off. Now I use Ziploc baggies, and discovered I have more room in the freezer (DUH) so I can make a bigger variety. I use different sizes of baggies too, gallon for dinner, and quart for lunch, it is just me and 2 kiddos for lunch.
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. 2 KI 4:7
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Oct. 13, 2008
My Blogger Friend School Assignment
http://www.bloggerfriendschool.com/
Don’t Leave Home Without It! (Marketing Credit: American Express)
Memory Verse: Matthew 28: 20 - Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.
Intro:Never Leave Home Without It (Marketing Credit: American Express) Diapers, bottles, wipes, bibs, pacifiers, extra clothing, cell phone, PDA, ipod, iphone, credit or debit cards … what would you never leave home without?
Assignment: In the memory verse Jesus tells us that He will never leave us, not even at the end of the world. He assures us in this verse that He will be with us and that means through everything we go through in life. I thought it would be interesting to write about the things we would never leave home without. For some it might be baby needs, others it might be a gym bag and bottle of water, and for some it might be your Bible and a notepad or small journal, maybe even your son or daughters favorite blankie! I’d like for you to write about something that you would never leave home without.
I am at a stage in my life where I am kind of in transition. I have 2 older boys (22 & 20) one has a 3yo son (love that word gimaw) and the other is in Iraq. My younger 2 are 12 (boy) and 10 (my daughter) and I don’t have to carry anyone else’s stuff anymore, not even hubby‘s, I started carrying a smaller purse so I had no room too. Yes, I can still pack a diaper bag in 5 min flat to this day, but I taught my son’s well, they don’t have to be asked to change a diaper, and neither do they ask to have it changed, they do it themselves. So I don’t have to pack my grandbaby a diaper bag, just grab and go. I do usually grab my purse, not always sometimes it is freeing not to. I was one of those who panicked at the thought of leaving my phone, until I heard a comedian point out that we did just fine without it for years and now we will turn around and drive 30 miles to get the little bugger. I do take my phone when traveling alone though, safety sake. In my purse is my address book, it has a planner but I never use it, just use the written phone number part, I got tired of my phone crashing and losing all those numbers I never took the time to memorize, it also contains my coupons and some notepaper. I also have a small wallet for change, drivers license, Sam’s card, discount cards etc, this is handy for just running in the store with out purse. I have some “personal” items and lip-gloss. Tylenol, Aspirin, vitamins all in a very small container, and boo-boo stickers. I also have a small purse size Bible, that way I have it with me and I have something to read.
My kids are older so it is sometimes a blessing to leave home with out them. Since I always seem to forget my sunglasses they are not something I stress over. As you can see it is not a life or death matter to me to have my purse, I no longer need a diaper bag, and my car is not working so my hubby is usually driving, so I guess the only things I never leave home without are Jesus and my chauffeur, unless it is May-Sept, then I grab a water bottle from the freezer.....
But there are some things we do need to forsake….
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. Ps 37:8
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