Urgent and On Going Prayers Needed
Feb. 1, 2010
Feb. 1, 2010
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
|
For those who are regular readers, I'm continuing to add posts below this one. Scroll down to see what is new.
Original Post:edit - Dec. 29 - Please continue to uphold Scott and his family in prayer. While he is making progress in baby steps, it is difficult for those around him on a daily basis to see, sometimes. Please be sure to go by the website for updates on Scott's progress, and so you know exactly how to pray. Pray for Scott
This request is not for me or my immediate family. It is however for a dear sister in Christ, and friends since childhood. I should have posted it sooner, but was concerned about the families feelings. I have asked their permission to share this with you. Last Friday (Nov. 27) my friend dear friend Connie's son was in a serious car accident. Scott is 23 and a homeschool graduate. The family is asking for prayers, and they are getting them, literally from around the world. Please, pray and pass this along. Here is a link created for those praying to keep them updated on how the Lord is working in all their lives. Pray for Scott Blessings, MaggieRaye |
God IS in Control
Jan. 31, 2010
Jan. 31, 2010
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
This fall we had a family situation, which I came away from, accepting the blame. It was all my fault because of the choices I've made for my family. While I can accept the fact that these are the choices I've made...it would be arrogant to assume that God had no control in the situation, on my part and the part of my accusers. I shared with a pastor's wife our situation and she shared this wisdom, "Perhaps this is God's will for this season and this situation." That was several months ago. This morning I was praying and I realized this. Even if I had not made these choices, even if we had not made the changes we have in our family life during the last two years...many of these events would have still unfolded. We would have simply had to deal with them from a different geographic location. We could not have changed the courses and decisions in the lives of those around us. Not at this level. We would still have had our family situation to deal with. What a huge burden was lifted this morning as I sat being still realizing that I am not ruining my family by following the Lord's leading. As I take a deep breath and contemplate this, it gives me a little bit of courage to reclaim my life walking by faith in Christ not man. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
A Must Read - Titus 2 Posting
Jan. 28, 2010
Jan. 28, 2010
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
Another single mom friend shared this link with me. It's an excellent Titus 2 article. I was very encouraged. http://homeliving.blogspot.com/2010/01/titus-21-8.html |
An Answer ... After 40 Days of Prayer
Jan. 22, 2010
Jan. 22, 2010
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
I some times ask questions of the Lord, that if I really thought about it, I wouldn't need to. I already know the answer, I'm just hoping that it is different than what I know. The last forty days have been one of those times of struggle. A dear sister in Christ asked me awhile back, what I thought I would do when MattMann is done homeschooling. The irony is that LizBeth is nearly done and that there are 7 - 9 more years for MattMann ahead of me. So I began to think (bad idea, in this case). Her basic challenge was this, are you going to continue to walk in the spirit of Titus 2 and be a keeper at home or are you going back into the professional work force? Okay, Lord, what can I do for you that will keep me in line w/Titus 2 and still let me be "doing" something so that my friends and family will leave me alone? Oh, I know, midwifery...that's what I'll do... so I spent 40 days praying, studying, searching, I found all the answers easily. I know a midwife to apprentice with, there is an online course that is not inexpensive, but set up so that it would be affordable even for me. This MUST be what I can do for the Lord. Oh, when will I learn? My peace, my contentment comes from my home, from patchworking, from teaching patchworking, from healing my family and helping others learn to heal theirs, naturally, Scripturally. When it all started, my very first thought, prayer was Lord, would you provide the means for me to take the Shonda Parker Community Herbalist course of study, when I finish w/my state teaching certificate. Somehow, this spun way out of control...after all, if the Lord isn't going to give me a husband, I'll need to have a career to take care of myself. Oh, me...He has taken such good care of us up 'til now, why do I have these thoughts? So where did it all come out at the end of the 40 days? When the time was almost over I started reading a book called The Ministry of Healing. It fell in perfect line with principles I've been applying to my own life for the last two or three years. It fits with the idea of the Shonda Parker course. And then another mom reminded me, my first calling, my first ministry, for at least the next few years is to continue in the path the Lord has me on, to keep my home, to train up my son, to minister to other homeschoolers and encourage them. So, what am I going to do different? Not much. Mostly try not to listen to the world, and other well meaning individual's who don't understand. Maybe if the Lord provides the means when I finish my teaching certificate, I'll take the Shonda Parker course - not for a career, but for my family, for ministry to other homeschoolers, to other Christians, as the Lord leads. Mostly, I'll be working to spend more time with the Lord, remembering how much He loves me and how well He has taken care of the children and I during the last 9 years. What about you, where are you headed in 2010? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Oh For A Husband....
Jan. 22, 2010
Jan. 22, 2010
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
Those of you who've followed my blog for any time will appreciate this mornings post. I was sitting here at the computer working, the kiddos were at various stages of breakfast and school work, the sun is shining...this is going to be a good day... then what is THAT noise from the basement??? My washer? No NOT my washer...it MUST be something outside...*deep sigh* no it is the washer... I don't know what's wrong...it kinda smells hot, it's making a funny squeak...NO it can NOT be breaking down...it just CAN'T. As I stood at the washer, which isn't broken yet, I found myself talking to the Lord, "Lord, if I had a husband I wouldn't have to deal with this! I wouldn't have to deal w/who to call for help and what will they have to say, and...." And He gently rebuked me...if I had a husband, I would call my husband, but we would still have to pray about what to do -- I can do that. We'd still have to pray about how to fix it (it isn't quite broken YET), I can do that. And shoot, the Lord has far more resources available at His disposal than an earthly husband... Okay, Lord, I'm getting it...sort of...slowly...very slowly. Until I learn to trust you, I will not trust an earthly husband and until I can do that I will be a vexation rather than a blessing to him... So, I'm just praying ... it's nothing serious ... and if it is, the Lord already knows and has taken care of it ... I just have to wait on His timing and trust His provision ... Here is a series of verses I came to recently in this whole struggle w/singleness as a mom: "Be still, and know..." (Psalm 46:10) "the plans I have for you...to prosper...not to harm...to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11) "with God all things are possible" (Matt. 19:26) "I have loved you with an everlasting love." (Jer. 31:3) "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5) So, for 2010, as I find myself having "those" days, I will reflect on this letter of love from the Lord, remember that He has taken such good care of us up to this point ... oh me of little faith! How about you, where are you at with this, Ladies? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
A Good Long Ramble
Jan. 16, 2010
Jan. 16, 2010
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
Since discovering Facebook, and having many of my fellow Christian, single homeschooling mom friends there, I confess and ask you to forgive me for being so neglectful of my blog and followers here. It's time to sit down and catch up with old friends, time to take a long ramble along the country lane and catch up. It's unseasonable warm in New England today. They days are starting to get a little longer. It was nearly 5 tonight before MattMann had to come in. I'm hopeful for spring and thankful for the sunshine we've been having. I had a birthday last week. My birthday is too close to New Years and I'm too reflective...well, I think it is anyway, the Lord's timing is perfect and He knew both my frame and the date of my birth long before I was born. This year for some reason I found myself extremely reflective, knowing that I'm not really "old" but feeling like an entire life time or two are behind me, wondering what lies ahead. It's been a long difficult year. The hardest thing was the discovery that I wasn't sure why I believed what I believe or if it was even Scriptural. Sadly, I discovered some of the things I've always believed weren't really Scriptural. I've taken the last few months off from church, while I was busy studying for my teaching certificate. I've been more diligent about my personal devotions and family devotions. More diligent about surrounding myself with like minded friends from a variety of denominations while I puzzle through this. I'm spending lots of time asking questions and measuring the answers against God's word. Praying that the Lord will show me where He wants us to fellowship. It's been a bittersweet year. Suddenly our life is so very different than it has been for years. MattMann still cries if anyone talks about our old hometown...but he's growing and has said he no longer wants to move back...he wants to live closer to his grandfather now. This just blesses my heart, in ways you can't possibly know, unless you've known me personally for years. A dear, sweet friend went home to be with the Lord this past year. There was a bittersweetness in this as well. I was surprised by the emotions this stirred within me. Anger and peace, sadness and joy...most of all a sense of freedom. That sounds strange and I expect there are very few who could truly understand it. But what now? What next? I started thinking that I needed to "do" something for the Lord - uh oh! Those of you who've been here awhile know what this means...I got my eyes off the Lord. See I'm exactly where the Lord wants me to be, doing exactly what He wants me to be doing, for this moment. My 40 days of prayer are almost up on that whole what am I going to "do" next subject. I think I know the answer...exactly what I have been doing. Being a stay at home Momma, homeschooling, working on my teaching certificate, serving homeschoolers in my state in various capacities. Why is it that I feel this isn't enough that somehow to be serving I must "do" something more? I've had several conversations w/folks that have contained this statement (single momma's I suspect you can all identify with this), All I ever really wanted was to really KNOW that I was loved. My parents loved me, I don't doubt it, but some how, somewhere I felt unloved and that feeling took on a life of its own. I started to look for that "love" and it led down one rough road after another over the years. I use to think, "I'd like to be able to sing the children's song "Jesus Loves Me" and really feel like it was true. Lately, the Lord and I have had several conversations, discussions...you know the kind, where He listens patiently, while you kick, scream, whine and complain...forgive me, Lord.... And over the last few days, there is a growing sense of peace, coming after verses, old familiar verses that I somewhere along the line forgot, or didn't bother to really claim for myself...Verses like these: Psalm 118:8, "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Hebrews 13:5, "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 faorsake thee.'" Jeremiah 31:3, "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." and so finally, after many years of watching all of you claim Isaiah 54:5, and rebelling against it, because I wanted an earthly husband more . . . I am beginning to feel like I may claim it also, "For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is His name;" because "I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. So as I enter 2010 - my 42nd year - I'm praying that I will learn to embrace the contentment the Lord offers me in His love, and His provision for our family. What is He doing in your life? Where are you headed in the New Year? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Pray for Haiti
Jan. 13, 2010
Jan. 13, 2010
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
|
Most of you that have followed my blog for any amount of time know that over the last few years, we've had a variety of connections with the country of Haiti. I got news on Facebook this morning that there was a bad earthquake that struck in the area of Port au Prince. Pray for God to use this horrible tragedy that He not we be glorified. |
An Amazing Post To Encourage You In The New Year!
Jan. 3, 2010
Jan. 3, 2010
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
This is a phenomenal post to encourage you in your role as the keeper of your home for the coming year! Home Living - New Year At Home Post Praise God for women who will take a stand and encourage others to do likewise, that the Lord be glorified in our homes! Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Prayer Request Update
Dec. 29, 2009
Dec. 29, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
On December 17 I asked for you to consider praying with me, as I consider doing something other than teaching/tutoring/quilting, as MattMann get's closer and closer to independence -- I know, he's only 9, but you have no idea how fast the last 9 years have passed. Until last night, I was relatively certain exactly what the Lord would have me do. I'm actually, still relatively certain. However, last night when I looked at some financial aspects of this I choked. I decided that this was just not as feasible as I had thought. I wonder when "I" will learn that it's not about me, but about being obedient and following as the Lord leads? See, what I realized shortly after this, was that if in fact this is what the Lord would have me do, He already knew the cost, and has provided for it. He just hasn't shared all the details with me, yet. So, continue to pray. I continue to pray and research through January 20th. After that, if I still feel this is where the Lord is leading, I'll be able to share it with all of you. In the mean time, wishing you and yours a very blessed New Year! MaggieRaye |
God's Way
Dec. 22, 2009
Dec. 22, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
Recently, I had a conversation with a sister in Christ in which we literally laughed ourselves to tears. She had a very real need. I appreciated the need, because I've "been there" sort of. I began to pray. I'm a single mom, Lord, but I believe you'd have me meet this need. I prayed for a couple of days. Then I picked up my checkbook. I did the things I needed to do for my family and there was still money left. It's Christmas and of course I could use the money. But this need, now left me more in tears than laughter. I wrote out a check and sent it to my sister, and told her it was to meet this specific need and nothing else. About a week later, from someone else -- who knew nothing of the situation, I received a Christmas card with cash and the message that I was suppose to use the cash (more than double what I'd given) for a specific need I had, that I had put aside, because it seemed so much less of a need than my sisters. Why am I so constantly amazed by the Lord's goodness and provision? How has He blessed you and your family in His abundant provision during this season? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Bittersweet Week
Dec. 19, 2009
Dec. 19, 2009
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
|
It's the week before Christmas and it has been bittersweet. I started last week, with receiving, via email, the news that a very, very dear friend of our family had gone home to be with the Lord. I am still not sure I've processed it. In the process, the Lord showed me how He has had His protective hand on my for the last four or five years. I don't necessarily like it, but I know it has been for my best, for the best of my children. The Lord has be right now, practicing, "be still and know that I am God". This is where I meditate daily - sometimes hourly. At the same time, the Lord has brought a new friend into our lives. He's also allowed for the renewal of an old and dear friendship. Bitter and Sweet. And on top of it, me - she who does not like change - is having a very different sort of Christmas this year. Absolutely no church stuff - no programs, no services, nothing outside of our home. My family dynamics have changed this year and for the first time in many years, it will be just my father with us. My mother will be spending Christmas with my brother and his girlfriend at their house. The funny thing is, I'm really okay with it. It's just different. We've been doing Advent focused devotions every evening and on Sunday's we've been doing a special Advent devotional with our advent wreath. It's the first year we've use that since -- well, since before MattMann joined our family. What is going on in your family this holiday season? Merry Christmas Wishes to you and yours, MaggieRaye |
Prayer Request
Dec. 17, 2009
Dec. 17, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
We're counting down the days to Christmas around our house -- how about you? It'll be different this year. I don't usually like change, but I'm looking forward to it. I'm posting today, because several days ago I started a 40 days of prayer about making a BIG career change. No I'm not giving up being a full time mom, nor am I giving up homeschooling. The reality is that MattMann is 9 and each year he needs a little less of my direct involvement. He's the baby. Someone challenged me, "What are you going to do when he turns 18 and graduates?" Did I already share this? Well, anyway, it is worthy of repeating. The challenge was really, are you going to continue to be a Titus 2 woman and mentor us younger homeschooling mom's or are you going to forsake us, like most of the other older Christian women have and go back to the world and a career? I'm not going to share details, but over the course of the last several weeks, the Lord has given me a peek into the direction I believe He would have me to go. If I start now, by the time MattMann is headed out on his own, I will be set in a new ministry that will keep me busy, and keep me a Titus 2 woman. If you're praying with me, leave a comment. If you know me personally, and I've shared with you, where I think the Lord is leading -- don't tell, not yet. I'm very excited to see where the Lord is leading and how He is going to do this. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
What Is Up With Hackers and Good Websites Lately????
Dec. 5, 2009
Dec. 5, 2009
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
|
The following information is from a website that was hacked this week. It makes me crazy, because I know of another homeschooling family that had all their website/blogs etc hacked this past week. What is up with this?? MaggieRaye 
Amelias Aprons | ||
"In Our Culture"
Dec. 3, 2009
Dec. 3, 2009
|
I swear if I hear one more main stream American Christian refute God's word with a statement that includes the words "in our culture" as an excuse for their disregard for God's word, I may just scream! I hear it all the time. That's a nice idea, but it won't work in our culture. That was for a different culture, not ours. Is God's word His word or isn't it? It reminds me of my children saying, "I can't do that." and my answer is, "you are absolutely right, with that attitude, you can't." Philippians tells us that we can do all things through Christ, even those that are counter cultural. My God is a God of the impossible. The bottom line is that we are comfortable as Christians in this country. We don't want to get dirty. We don't want to be inconvenienced. We don't want to be counter cultural. I thought this morning of the women that God used throughout Scripture: Rahab, the harlot; Ruth, the Moabite; Esther; Mary Magdalene; the woman at the well. These women give me so much hope, that God can use my sorry, broken, messed up life to further His kingdom. He can use me to change the world, or at least my little corner of it -- beginning in my home with my children. He can do this and He will, but only IF I am willing to take a stand, to do things that just don't "work" in our culture. If I am willing to be counter cultural, if I am willing to be inconvenienced, if I'm willing to put self aside, then He can do amazing things through me. What about you? Are you willing to be counter cultural? Do your children, home, family come first after your relationship with Christ? Are you willing to set aside our culture and all it deems important, status, education, career to change the world, one soul at a time starting with the precious ones God has entrusted to you? My Christmas challenge, the best gift you can give your children is to come home and to be the mother God has called you to be. If you're there, check your priorities, just because you're physically home, doesn't mean you are "there" for your children [this is an area where I constantly have to check myself]. If not, re-align your priorities, it's the very best gift you can give. God loved us so much that He gave His only son (John 3:16) what are you willing to sacrifice for your family? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Roll Call Time - Single Homeschooling Mom's Please Sign In
Dec. 1, 2009
Dec. 1, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
It's been awhile, but I'd like to ask all of my readers, if you're a single, homeschooling mom who blogs, or if you know one who does, would you please leave a link to that blog in the comments. As I begin writing for Gleaning the Harvest, I'm going to be needing a place to point a new group of homeschooling single moms - another "generation" if you will. Ladies, what we do is so important, and supporting others is equally as important. Thank you for all you do. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Giving Thanks
Nov. 27, 2009
Nov. 27, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
We have so much to be thankful for this year. I could write pages and pages, but it would take forever because the conviction it would bring about my ungrateful attitude, would make me cry, the pages would be soaked and I'd have to start over. One of the biggest blessings this year -- after getting to spend Thanksgiving with my Dad, for the second year in a row, after many, many years without -- is the ministry of the Dixon Family through Gleaning the Harvest and those who "get it" when it comes to the importance of Christian mom's remaining at home and training their children. Because we receive welfare, and I've come to a point of being settled that for this season it is the Lord's provision, we do not ask the supporters of Gleaning the Harvest to help support us on a month to month basis. However, LizBeth turned 18 and she has a heart to be a keeper at home, in spite of the push for her to go out and get a job or go to school or do something with her life. We've spent much time in prayer and asked the Lord to reveal ways that she can earn her keep from home. When LizBeth was 9 she was determined to learn to play the piano. Lessons were not an option. She taught herself. Later she was told that a piece she wanted to learn was too difficult. She learned it to prove she could. When people heard her play it they were amazed and wanted to know where she'd been trained. She hasn't been, it's a gift. It's a gift we'd like to share with others. LizBeth desires to continue to learn piano but also to teach homeschooled families who may not be able to afford lessons, asking them to consider making donations. To do this she needs a piano. We had to sell our free beast when we moved. Knowing that we will be moving again in about six months, most likely to a smaller home, makes getting another free beast impractical. We researched it, sought advise and decided on a small, portable digital piano. When she gets her license (hopefully in the spring) she would also be able to travel to homeschooling families or groups, as well as working from home. Several dear brothers and sisters in Christ have chosen to help us by making donations toward the piano through Gleaning the Harvest We now have enough for a down payment on the piano. The hitch is that once we do that we only have 8 weeks to pay off the balance. If you would like to help you can visit Gleaning the Harvestor using the donation button in my side bar. Sometimes I forget what it really means to be a daughter of the King. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Happy Thanksgiving
Nov. 25, 2009
Nov. 25, 2009
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
|
Just wanted to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving!
Take time to count your blessings during this holiday weekend. The Lord has been convicting me lately about how blessed I really am -- and how ungrateful I can be. Leave a blessing in the comments for me, so I can share with you! Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Doing Some Research -- Can You Help?
Nov. 21, 2009
Nov. 21, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
|
I'm doing some research and I could use your help. If you are a single, homeschooling parent and you are a part of a church that is supporting you in this, would you share how they do it? What does the local body of believers around you do to help you remain at home training up your children? If you are a church leader (pastor, elder, deacon) and your church is actively supporting one or more single moms to homeschool their children how do you do it? What are you doing to help them? How does it work? Several years ago, I shared Defending the Fatherless with our pastor at the time, and one of the things that stood out in my mind was that he thought it was a good idea, but didn't know how it would work and was there some example to follow. I wonder if more churches aren't doing more to help single moms be keepers at home, because they simply don't know how to and they'd like to have ideas of how it works in churches where it is being done. Please share here or email me directly. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Unbelievable!
Nov. 19, 2009
Nov. 19, 2009
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
|
Someone just forwarded me this article about hanging your laundry out -- or not being allowed to -- depending on where you live. What is this country coming to? I'd rather see laundry on a line than . . . http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091118/us_nm/us_usa_laundry Do you hang your laundry out to dry? MaggieRaye |
Holiday Sale at Patchwork Cottage Shoppe
Nov. 18, 2009
Nov. 18, 2009
Posted in Current Quilts for Sale
|
Just wanted to let everyone know that everything at Patchwork Cottage Shoppe is at least 10% off for the holidays. Remember there is an etsy mini in my side bar if you want to check it out. Some items only have a few days left in the shop -- so now is the time to buy. Happy Holidays, MaggieRaye |
