Hey! I was raised in the south most of my life and have been living up here in Northern Virginia for the last 18 years or so. I am blessed with three wonderful Christian children, affectionately known as Boozo (age 24), Sissy (age 21), and Sweet Pea (age 11). I'm a single parent with my youngest still at home. We share our home with 3 dogs, 1 cat, 2 birds and 1 fish right now. Please stop by often so we can get to know each other and share some of the wonderful things God has done and still IS doing in each of our lives today! I look forward to hearing from you! In His love.... Deb!
My friend Laura, made me this recipe last year and I was HOOKED!! She just posted it on her blog so I just had to share it with all of you.
For this recipe, you will need:
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 can evaporated milk
4 eggs
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ginger
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. sugar
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 lb. melted butter
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
Mix first 8 ingredients together and pour into greased 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle 1 box yellow cake mix over pumpkin mixture, then 1 cup chopped walnuts over cake mix. Then drizzle 2 sticks (1/2 pound) melted butter evenly over nuts and cake mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes. Serve as is with pumpkin on bottom and cake on top.
I am so excited that I found a blog called Joyous Notions. Each month, they will be giving away TWO full subscriptions to their magazine, Seasons At Home! How AWESOME is that? I just LOVE giveaways......don't you?
Seasons At Home magazine is a full-color, print publication created to encourage families and better prepare themselves through the passing on of life skills needed in the home. Seasons is filled with articles and projects that revolve around homeschooling, sewing, cooking and baking, gardening, Titus 2 encouragement, themed teas for mothers and daughters, father/son projects, and daughters at home.
You have many opportunities to be entered into the drawing. You will get one entry for each of the following:
1. One entry just for leaving your name (First name and last name initial or full name)
2. One entry for tweeting the giveaway on your Twitter page (you must leave a link in the comment to your Twitter page for us verify)
3. One entry for blogging about the giveaway (again leave a link in the comment to your blog for us to verify)
4. You may grab one of the graphics below to link to us from your sidebar. (Again, leave a link in the comment for us to verify!)
Will you pray with me today for Mark Ruffner, a young man in our community, his wife and 3 small children. A few days ago he fell 38 feet, almost 4 stories, off the roof of a building in town. He had surgery this morning, which went well, but he still remains in critical condition. Please pray that God will heal him in a miraculous way and give his family the courage, strength, and peace they need during this difficult time.
Thank you so much, my friends, for all your prayers lifted up in the name of Mark. They are greatly appreciated!
A little while back, my mom and I started making these Versa (versatile) Bags just for fun. Never did I imagine, although I did hope, that these bags would take off. My mom and I have recently opened an on-line store so if you would like to see what else we have available, please click here! They can be used for so many things. Each tote has padded pockets inside AND out, which help to insulate cold water bottles, cokes, baby bottles, whatever! Some smaller pockets can be used to keep your car keys handy, hold sunglasses.... the uses are endless!
My friend WaWa loves this one because it has a country/shabby chic feel to it.
You could use it for a diaper bag (boy)
(girl)
I have made this Nautical tote for those who love the water.......
and for all those NASCAR fans out there!
For all ordered, YOU choose a fabric print that represents YOUR personality, favorite sport,
college, hobby, or anything! Then, have me monogram or embroider their name, a phrase, a verse, or a picture of something to further personalize their tote! They make great graduation gifts, wedding gifts, birthday gifts, shower gifts, any kind of gift! Give it as-is or fill it full of surprises!
MORE totes are being made each day: Beach totes, musical totes, overnight or weekend totes, dog/cat
carry-alls, even totes for school, college, portfolios, real estate, again.... ANYTHING!
My daughter, Barlow Girl girl, is making these ADORABLE "Kitty" pin cushions to sell so she can pay for her own horseback riding lessons. I am so PROUD of you, Sweet Pea!
Memory Verse: Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee; He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Assignment: This would be a good week to tell about your worst struggles with a lifestyle of homeschooling. Tell about something you’ve struggled with and how God’s mercies gave us the strength to get past it. Also, share any curriculum/homeschool methods that have been a relief to you, i.e., a particular Teacher’s Manual or Homeschooling method that’s been easier for your family. Talk about how you felt when the burden was lifted and Oh, What a Relief it is!
Good mornin, Homeschool Moms! (to the tune of "Good Mornin, Vietnam!")
Hey everyone! Well? I've rolled up my sleeves and pant legs and am all ready to "jump" into this assignment! Here is a typical morning for this early in the homeschool season:
7:00am - alarm wakes me up and I hit snooze
7:20am - snooze gets me outta bed and I head for the bathroom through squinted vision (I wear my contact lenses to bed and my eyes are in desperate need of MOISTURE right now!)
7:30am - I attempt to wake up my 11-1/2 year old zombie baby then go downstairs for my IV of caffeine!
8:00am - I resort to tickling my daughter to get her outta bed. (Now at this point, I don't know if she will wake up in a good or bad mood!)
8:05am - Good or bad mood, we go downstairs for prayer, devotions (sets the tone for the rest of the day), and she fixes her own breakfast most the time.
8:30am - I've already prepared her schoolwork assignments the week before and she has her books lined up and ready to begin as I go into the next room for my personal Beth Moore Bible Study. I turn the computer on to play my downloaded music selections of Integrity music, Selah, Mercy Me... then gradually increase the tempos to Kutless, Barlow Girl, and Jeremy Camp. Next, (hopefully) we're REALLY making way through the school work and jump the beat up to Super Chick and more Barlow Girl (bgwannabe... get it?)
10am - If I want to keep things running smoothly, I fix her a little snack to keep up the energy and keep her from rummaging through the kitchen, wasting precious time.
12:00pm - lunch! Usually, she's not very far behind on finishing up and we eat together. I take this time to go over any difficulties she's having, sometimes grading her day's work right then and there... but NO TV!!!
12:30-1:00pm - after the "feeding of my beast" (spoken with love now!)... the rest of the day's work flies by much easier which also gives me an atmosphere of peace to grade all that day's work and prepare for the next day.
I've always been very honest and upfront with my children and as far as homeschooling goes, I've explained that this will NOT be a walk in the park, sleep all day, play the rest of the day... this is work. I live by the "work before play" motto and teach her the values I grew up with from my mother. She's old enough now to understand that there will be either consequences or rewards for the choices she makes in her zealous work getting done, laziness in work NOT getting done, and ALWAYS a great attitude and organization bringing forth great grades!
Being an unemployed, single stay at home mother of a home schooled daughter, brings many challenges not only to the education I am held accountable for in teaching her, but the patience fluctuation levels that she sees me example to her from my own personal Christian walk and life with Christ. It's not so much what we "tell" our children, as it is what we "show" our children. I want to be pleasing to God and to have my children call me blessed one day.
When my daughter checks in on me and asks me to sit out on the porch swing with her while she reads.... this is the time my heart sings "oh what a relief the school work is done"! She is currently reading the "Lily Series" of books and then we will begin the "Left Behind" series for children.
Once school work is done, then housework... I've added "life skills" to her agenda which simply means she and I play in the kitchen, the sewing room, the craft room, and the garden! Thus, ending each day on a good note, enjoying each other's company, and the sense of accomplishment on work well done!
Picture ideas: That never ending, hard to keep clean closet (shelves), the children doing school work you didn’t know if they would ever get a grasp on, your schedule or organizer with plans for the day
Share your favorite scripture and don’t forget the Memory Verse above.
You may use this graphic for all your Assignments.
In "Oklahoma", you've heard the song "Oh, What a Beautiful Feeling...." well? Coming from MY entry, you'll hear this song today! Beautiful feelings, great memories, and many sentimental feelings when I remember back to when I "HAD" to get my education! I am the oldest of three and we were raised so far back in the woods of Jacksonville, FL SOOOOOOO many moons ago, that we burned our own property off for a college duplex dorn (our home) to be set in the middle of this remote setting! We three had to walk 3/4 mile JUST TO THE BUS STOP, ride for 35 extremely B U M P Y minutes down the longest dirt rut road that was ever carved in the U.S., and then spend the rest of the day in school. Now, back in the "old school", we had laws that just do not exist in public schools (where I am living presently, anyway!). Laws such as respect, obedience, speaking WHEN spoken to, safety patrol boys/girls, work before play, and... oh yes! DISCIPLINE at the Principal's office! Our principal hung this tree-carved paddle with holes drilled throughout it on his door, meant to scare the padoodles out of you if you EVEN walked into his dark and dreaded chambers!!!
Ok, sorry... back to my entry: my childhood school years were great! I was teacher's pet for all of my elementary years as well as the tallest human being God ever created to attend school! The "pet years" faded in middle and high school, but the height kept on! I definitely stood out! The problem? I didn't WANT to be noticed! I was the kid who sat in the BACK of every class, cause I witnessed just how cruel and mean other kids can be behind your back! So, by sitting in the very back, against the wall, no one could mess with me without my knowing. The next problem? I soon realized "bad" kids sat in the back as well! I learned to adjust by being quiet in school and then come to my freedom haven, called home, and be "me".
Having said all of that, this laid part of the foundation in my desire to homeschool my own children. Now, mix that with the blessing of being around your children ALL day long, being responsible for ALL of their education, habits (good and bad), personality development, interests, hobbies, etc? OH YEAH! My mom always told me since I understood the formation of sounds into words... that I'd be a good mother and wife one day. So I can tell you that since my now 25 year old son was born, I've wanted to homeschool! However, up until 2 years ago, I've never had that blessed opportunity. Being a single mom most all of my children's lives, I've had to work!
I became unemployed 2-1/2 years ago and worried myself to pieces. God used that time to grow me in ways I honestly didn't think He'd want to invest in me! The voids in my life were soon filled with prayer, my best bud (Wawa), prayer, Bible Studies, prayer, church, more Bible Studies! I still didn't find employment that was permanent, but last year I figured I'd give the homeschooling a shot. I talked it over with my then 10 year old daughter, telling her what to expect and not expect, and that until I got a job, we'd commit to it. Ladies... it was one of the best top-10 decisions I feel I ever made! I had a HUGE diamond in the rough... but even through those tough times, it felt like I was doing the right thing. It completed me!
Here we are THIS year... still with no permanent job, but you know what? I've seen that God isn't so good after all... HE IS GREAT!!!!!!! He has blessed me in unexpected and surprising ways to maintain my bills getting paid! My daughter actually LOOKED FORWARD to homeschool again this year! God blessed me with a friend who has 8 children... and MY DAUGHTER fell in between the ones in the end of her child bearing years so that I could borrow her books for FREE!!!! (If you learn anything about me at all, you'll see I go crazy over frugal living!) That, and many other signs, were confirmation for me to continue homeschooling. The income I am trying and praying over is my sewing and wood-working. I'm not even making enough to go to the movies once a month with my daughter, but I "AM" surviving! I may have it tough here... but I read how tough Paul had it in the Bible... and I shut my mouth! GOD IS GREAT!!!!!!!
So my goals for my daughter? To continue bringing her up in the constant daily life of how I feel and believe God wants all of our children to be brought up according to His Word, in this very cruel, mean, and hateful world. She doesn't have to hear how fat or ugly she is by mean peers, or have someone ridicule her at PE because she's not as good as they think she should be! No sir, not at all! She is told by me, her teacher, her principal, her mother... that she is one of the five most beautiful things God has EVER created (one is my mom, my two other children, and my closest friend Wawa). Not only is she beautiful, she is intelligent, creative, funny, and godly. Her physical abilities? She's not the "atheletic" type as we know it, but she is coached by me to "keep going", "great job", "that a girl", "you're getting there now"...! Which brings me to my favorite Bible verse since I was like 12 years old: "I count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and pressing toward the prize of the high calling of God, which is in Christ Jesus" Philippians 3:13, 14.
Thank you for reading my entry (those of you who made it all the way through, anyway). It has helped to regenerate a few of those good childhood feelings to share with my daughter tonight! God bless, and please hold us in your prayers for the obvious spiritual warfare we are all in, and for the financial challenges God is refining me for!
So much news has accumulated over the summer that I haven't had the joy to share with any of you! The most of our summer was consumed with our minor league baseball team! It was by far the absolute BEST team in talent that we have ever had! We ended up not only sweeping the Northern Division in our area, but the full championship as well! To top even that.... about 7 or 8 of our previous guys from the last 3 years have actually been drafted into the major leagues! Yep! If you're a baseball nut like I tend to be in the summer, you will appreciate knowing that we even have a guy that is playing left field for the Mets! I'm missing our guys already... they became sorta family while they spent their entire summer here in our little town!
Ok, next? My son is making me a first time grandma! YIPPEEEEE! "Our" baby should be held in our arms around October 13th! The sonogram declares it a boy... but really only God knows! Please whisper a quick prayer for us that he/she will be healthy and will be born to love and serve God at a very early age! I also ask that the mommie deliver easy and most importantly, please pray with me that she come to know our Lord! I'm not sure that she's NOT saved.... but the evidence has not convinced me. I believe with my heart that my son IS saved... but his life is not evidencing the truths that it should! I pray that this child of his coming into the world will open his eyes to a better understanding of how a Father/child relationship is filled with love and such, as God has exampled for us all.
Hmmm... what else? Oh my!!! LOTS... just don't know how much to share at one time! I'm adding scroll-sawed portraits to my repertoire of sewing, alterations, monogramming, etc. It's really a time-consuming ordeal, but oh so beautiful! I'm asking God to bless my talents for financial opportunities of income, since I am unemployed. One simply mails me a picture of a loved one and without touching their original, I cut this out in oak or poplar for a very beautiful matted/framed picture that will last! I will place a few pictures of some of my work on a blog shortly. If you see them, please comment and critique me with your opinions and thoughts! I'd love to hear from you!
I've joined a Blogger Friend School and they give weekly assignments that you can join in doing if you choose to. For more information, click here. I'm also attempting to stay busy meeting other Christians by having joined The Homeschool Lounge. This one is also really cool. My best bud showed me a tea swap she participated in, where she made some things from home to send to another and likewise received some things made by another lady. Sound confusing? Well... that's because "I" am trying to explain it without having DONE it yet... go to that site and read (more intelligently) for yourself and maybe you and I will be paired up for a tea swap! It'll be fun!
Well? My bestest bud and I just got back from a Beth Moore "Fruits of the Spirit" Bible study and it's getting late so I will hope to hear from you and develop a relationship of friendship with many of you this year! God bless your families and keep us in your prayers as well!
My daughter, BarlowGirlGirl and I, and WaWa and her son, Kiddo, went for a drive up on the mountain. We had such a wonderful time, I wanted to share it with ya'll!
God Bless~
Deb
Our first stop........McDonald's! That' me and Sweat Pea!
Here I am with my best bud, WaWa!
A picture of me taking a picture of my little angel! Isn't she sweet?
WOW.........What a view!!!
Sweet Pea and Kiddo, just hangin' and havin' some fun!
God has really been doing some amazing things in my life! I'd love to share some of the things that have been happening as I'm growing deeper in a closer relationship with Christ! I'm writing as a hope that you'll sponsor me for something I have a chance to be a part of and I'm really excited about!
I have a challenging ministry opportunity to go to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for a mission trip with my church, Rileyville Baptist Church, on April 23-29, 2008. Buenos Aires is in great need of the gospel of Christ, as most of the 14 million residents there have never heard how they can be forgiven and have eternal life through Jesus Christ. I believe it is in the Lord's Will that I go. Believing this, I know the Lord will also help me raise the money that is needed to go. I am a single-parent and do not have the funds to produce myself and am trusting God to speak through others financially, in this time of need.
Our strategy:
* First, we will be canvassing the streets of a neighborhood called Coghlan, prayer walking block-by-block. We will be praying as we walk, that God may open their eyes and hearts to the message of Jesus.
* Second, we will be distributing gospel materials at the train station and in the streets, as well as linking them to a website for those with spiritual questions, that we can guide them to more detailed answers.
* Third, we will be conducting an evangelistic event within the neighborhood, making connections with residents, gathering information for International Mission Board missionaries in Buenos Aires, talking with residents about Christ, and distributing more evangelistic materials.
The trip costs about $1,500. My church is helping me with a small portion of the cost. Should God lay it on your heart to help me, I would be so grateful. I want to be a part of taking Jesus to Buenos Aires! I am looking for the ones that God has laid on my heart, to sponsor me for $100 or more. Our biggest need, however, is not money, but prayer support. Please be one of my prayer partners and lift this mission up to Christ to help our team make that foundational difference to those who have never heard of Christ. Pray for me as I prepare for this trip and while we are there. Pray that people will see the love of Jesus through us and will be touched in some way.
If you are able to help me raise support, please mail your check to: Rileyville Baptist Church, 7044 US Hwy. 340 North, Rileyville, VA 22650. Make your check out to "Rileyville Baptist Church" and affix a post-it note with my name on it (Debbi Deal). Do not write "my name" on the check memo, as it would then no longer be a tax deduction for you to claim.
Thank you so much in advance for your prayers and any support you can give!
How old is your Bible? I'm not sure, but I do remember I bought it when I misplaced my favorite leather bound Bible. Probably some 7 years ago. It is a paperback NIV, so I keep a zippered cover to protect it from all mishaps.
Why did you chose this Bible? I prefer NIV to KJV expecially when I explain things to my daughter in a much more "understandable" language.
Do you highlight/mark passages in your Bible? Constantly!! I mark all that I read in hopes that one day my Bible will be underlined/highlighted from cover to cover. In fact, I choose to underline in only one color, so that when my Bible is passed down to my children, they will underline likewise, but in a different color, and so on, until the whole Bible is underflined entirely!
If so, what is your system for marking passages? I guess I should have read all the questions first - but I mark as I read and study.
Do you have notebooks to record things? I write in steno pads, all dated with my prayer concerns, and keep Bible Study workbooks nearby.
Where is your favourite spot to read your Bible? In the cooler months, I read in the living room (ironic?) close by my daughter as she does her homeschooling. Then in the summer, I enjoy taking my studies to a hillside or mountain view to read and study surrounded by nature sounds.
Are there any special thoughts about your Bible you want to share? It was during the "usage" of this Bible that my life was completely redirected and truly centered on God and all the He chooses for me, that makes it so special.
Today is my best buddy's birthday! PLEASE go see her at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/profiles/ilovemy3angelbabies/ and wish her a great day with your favorite Bible Verse!
She's a wonderful friend, very loving, kind, giving, Christian, a great mother, sister, daughter, wife, friend..... She's never appreciated equally for as much as she's given to others! Nice people like this are often taken for granted and taken advantage of by those closest to them.... I pray I NEVER take her in ANY way but as answered prayer! She'll do ANYTHING for almost ANYONE... and if not told thank you? She'll do something ELSE for you! She's a rare and precious gift to anyone who knows her!
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WAWA! Love you much! See ya later today!
Born on a Monday, you even knew when...
8 pounds of purpose, about to begin.
A very small babe, I knew nothing to say...
Yet you knew what I needed, each evening and day.
My hero you were, as no other could be,
I trust without knowing, your full ability!
I next learned to speak, a few sounds, made a word!
No one else understood me, yet great pride had you stirred!
Then came the walking, baby-steps (I might add)...
Leading the way for me, you gave all you had.
My hero you were, as no other would be,
I trusted without knowing, your capability.
Many years passed by quickly, venturing out on my own...
Away from the safety, that I once called 'my home'.
Thinking I didn't need you, I knew enough to get by...
Was a trick from ole Satan, and I gave in to his lie!
But you taught me to trust you at the beginning of life,
Still there for me now, even through all this strife.
My hero you are, as no other shall be!
I trust you fully knowing, your love is for me!
God's shown me His love, beginning with Christ,
Who died for my sins, that I might have life.
He then gave me someone, a gift like no other,
To see, touch and feel Him... I call her my Mother.
A hero for all, no one can compare.
He'll bring to you someone... He'll always be there!
The game is called Scattergories. Use the first letter of your name and find words with that letter. The number of letters in your name determines how many people you can tag.
What is your name? Debbi The Deer Slayer
4 letter word: deer
Vehicle: Dodge Ram (blaaahh!)
City: Denver
Boy's name: David the Shepherd Boy
Girl's name: Delilah
Movie: Darby O'Gill and the Little People
Occupation: Doctor
Something you wear: darned socks
Celebrity: Dennis Quaid
Food: delicious calorie-free fudge
Something found in a kitchen: dangerous knives
Something found in a bathroom: deodorant
Reason for being late: da pig got outta da pen.....ate sausage early that day
Cartoon character: Daffy Duck
Something you shout:DAGGUM!!!!!
Animal: Deaf Leopard (ha ha ha ha ha)
Body part: duh......hair (Beth Moore answer) If you know Beth Moore, it's always about da hair
Upon finishing up another lesson in my Bible Study workbook, I reflected on my past a bit. There have been so many ups and downs in my life... that I believe I've been at a point in my life for a little while now, that I'm "ok" with all the ups and downs. I mean, I've learned (actually there was no choice...) to accept the ups and downs, but always under resistance. I gave up any hopes of that type of control several months ago (perhaps maybe a year or better now) and am STILL learning to "go with the flow"... the flow of turbulence, that is. I've learned that THIS is the exact time that God's humor is in full force with my life and HE is determined to wait me out and teach me what He so badly wants me to learn! Once I "rest", understanding that yes, I AM indeed headed for a waterfall, and no, I don't like water up my nose, and yes, I "can" swim... then I know that yes, God is with me and will stay right there with me till I've landed somewhere. So.... I'm learning! STILL LEARNING!!!!
This missions trip that I'm so looking forward to, I believe is gonna make a major impact in my life, too! I'm very excited about it, still in need of those finances being met, but at the same time.... odd.... I'm not really "worried", cause I'm so totally psyched that this is where God wants me to go! So, it's gonna be SO COOL to be able to share on this blog, in my church, with my friends, etc..... that when my trip is fully sponsored by the love of those who are obedient to wanting to see God's Will being fulfilled..... what a testimony! This poor, single mom who had nothing in the way of finances.... allowed God to do the impossible in her life.... and He DID! Just watch! I know that I WILL be able to share that on this blog sometime either before or after the trip! How cool is God?
Well... I hope if you stopped by to read this L O N G entry, that you'll make a comment of some sort... but moreso, that God will bless your life in some really awesome way today!
Arghghghghg! I woke up this morning praying for every single person and need that crossed my mind... my feet hit the floor as I rubbed my eyes and made it to my cup of coffee...... ahhhhhhh! Caffeine bliss! THEN... I looked outside and saw the wind blowing. That can only mean one thing this time of year..... FRIGID TEMPERATURES!!!!! The forecast spoke of a very cold wintry mix today with possible snow (only up to an inch at most), freezing pipes, and more wind! And... God is STILL good to me! My 10 year old daughter took the dog outside, fed all the critters with food and water, came back in and gives me a hug! How much more can a homeschool mom ask for? Ok, ok, ok.... maybe warmed up hands BEFORE the hug... but I took it anyway!
I have a few needs to ask in prayer about. Actually, anyone who comes across my blog I would appreciate a prayer or two on these matters! My older daughter has a close friend that will be having a breast lump removed next week. This girl is only 20-21, graduated with my own daughter, a sweet Christian girl, and I don't know much more of the details other than it is a lump and she IS scheduled next week for this surgery. Pray with me that it is not cancerous and that God gives her a divine peace through this ordeal. I'll keep you guys updated on anymore news I hear!
Secondly, my son is undergoing alot of spiritual warfare in his life. As his mother, you'd think I know exactly what to ask God for... but I don't. I don't know what all the right turns would be to suggest in his life, other than God, God, God! He's a strong leader-type figure, but needs to be COMPLETELY sold out for Christ! I personally, don't know that he is. I would value you and your prayers for my son! Asking God to redirect his life into God's Hands and not allowing Satan to have ANY footholds in his life to mislead his thinking right now.
I need to sign off now but will be back for my third request shortly!
Even though NO ONE is leaving me any comments, I'm trusting that SOMEONE is reading my blog?
Well... yesterday my daughter, barlowgirlgirl, and I went to a ladies breakfast social and had a great time! Later, we drove out to visit my other daughter for the afternoon and had lunch with her. My son called last night to check in with me.... so all in all? I feel so blessed! I love to hear from all my kids knowing they're all ok! Today, after church, I'll be attending a missions meeting. If anyone "is" reading this, please pray that God will make it clear to me what His path is for me to take! I feel an urge to go on this short missions trip, but have never left the USA before. I am praying that if it's God's Will... He will not only provide the finances to go, but the encouragement and peace of mind as well!
More prayer requests: I have a friend who is undergoing ALOT of temptations right now! She needs our prayers for strength, encouragement and for Satan to KEEP A FAR DISTANCE!!!! I feel God laying her needs on my heart so many times during the day, and pray that she won't stumble, but will keep her mind on Christ and not the temptations of this world (which only result in temporary and unfulfilling false satisfactions!) Please pray that until she is better-grounded, that these temptations not be allowed to make contact with her life! That's all I'm privy to disclose right now. God knows the rest and will hear your prayers!
I must get ready for church now. Have a great day and remember to live your day today as if it were your last on earth... for some of us, it could be!
Good mid-morning, ya'll!
I just started moving around, look outside, and here comes the snow! Reminds me to appreciate where I've come from and where I am today, ya know? Kinda symbolic to our walk with Christ, too! I was raised in Florida and ALL I ever knew was hot, flat, sandy, and more hot! My step dad was transferred once in 20 years from the military to the Pentagon when I was like 15 years old, and when I saw that the ground can actually form into hills and mountains? Oh my gosh! BEAUTIFUL!!!! In fact, if you happened to be driving along the interstate back in 1975 or so and saw some idiots stopped during a FLURRY now.... trying desperately to form snowballs out of it? Yeah... that was me and my family! NEVER seen snow in our lives! And now? Wow! Takes me back to see where I was and where I am today!
Thankfully, I can also say the same about my walk with Christ! We won't EVEN go where "I was".... but where I am today? I LOVE to tell all who would listen! God is so awesome and so good to not just me... but His mercies to us all is just unbelievably unkind and undeserving! Sure, some of you who know me, know that I've been going through some extremely rough financial times right now (called NO INCOME AT ALL as a single parent).... but it's so cool to know that my God can and WILL see me through! Trusting in Him, ESPECIALLY when times are bleak and you can't see ahead of your own feet... is called faith, right? It's awesome, even through some tears to know He is right there!
Write me some of your comments on the weather where YOU are at and how that might even be an analogy to your own walk with Him!
Have a wonderful and beautiful day! Hug your kids, kiss them, cherish them, but most of all.... pray for them!
Yikes! Are there any moms out there who can help encourage me on the testing for my daughter for this year? She is 5th grade and is doing alot of 5/6 work very well.... but I tend to freak over the tests that will be mailed in as CAT. I "know" she's learning... we are pretty routined on the work to be done each day... but what if she hasn't learned as much as I think she's learned? What if some of the questions on this CAT are not material we've covered? Obviously, this is my first year homeschooling and I'm very concerned! Please send your comments, good and bad, as to what I can prepare myself for! Thanks for reading! Pray for her.... (and me?)
In His love,
BGWannaBe
Hey! I was raised in the south most of my life and have been living up here in Northern Virginia for the last 18 years or so. I am blessed with three wonderful Christian children, affectionately known as Boozo (age 24), Sissy (age 21), and Sweet Pea (age 11). I'm a single parent with my youngest still at home. We share our home with 3 dogs, 1 cat, 2 birds and 1 fish right now. Please stop by often so we can get to know each other and share some of the wonderful things God has done and still IS doing in each of our lives today! I look forward to hearing from you! In His love.... Deb!
Today is my best buddy's birthday! PLEASE go see her at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/profiles/ilovemy3angelbabies/ and wish her a great day with your favorite Bible Verse! 
Arghghghghg! I woke up this morning praying for every single person and need that crossed my mind... my feet hit the floor as I rubbed my eyes and made it to my cup of coffee...... ahhhhhhh! Caffeine bliss! THEN... I looked outside and saw the wind blowing. That can only mean one thing this time of year..... FRIGID TEMPERATURES!!!!! The forecast spoke of a very cold wintry mix today with possible snow (only up to an inch at most), freezing pipes, and more wind! And... God is STILL good to me! My 10 year old daughter took the dog outside, fed all the critters with food and water, came back in and gives me a hug! How much more can a homeschool mom ask for? Ok, ok, ok.... maybe warmed up hands BEFORE the hug... but I took it anyway! 
