Jun. 25, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Good Morning Those of you that have been around awhile know that at one time I was "on fire" where living by faith and homeschooling as a single mom. Sin quenched that fire, and it's been a long road back. I, once again, for the first time in a long time, realized that I have not been trusting God. I've been looking to the church to help and I certainly trust the government from month to month, but I haven't been trusting God much at all. Please pray for us, we'll be moving again in a few weeks. We're praying that the neighborhood will be a better one (I won't even begin to tell you the things we've witnessed in the one we've been in the last 7 months). I'm also praying that the Lord is answering an ongoing prayer for something that I can do from home that will sustain us financially so that we can rely on the Lord rather than the government for our financial provision. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 23, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Good Morning All, HSLDA is doing a survey on single parent homeschooling. Please help me to get the word out. Post this on your blog, pass it on in emails, etc. I think this could be just the beginning to making a huge difference in how folks view and possibly even begin to help single parents who are trying to bring their kiddos home and train them up for God's glory. HSLDA Single Parent Homeschooling Survey in the event that the link doesn't work for you here is the url http://www.hslda.org/survey/singleparent Let's pray that the Lord will use this in a mighty way. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 20, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Well ladies, it's been awhile since I've had something like this to share. Wednesday I discovered that I had forgotten to write in one of those Debit Card purchases, and thus thought I had more money than I did and of course made a HUGE mess of the check book and the finances for next month. I sat here at my computer because it's near the phone, as I got off the phone with the bank and just said, "Lord, I don't have it, I'm not going to have it until....and by then it's going to cost this much more...." "Lord I need you to do this, because I can't." Then yesterday I called the property manager of the place we're hoping to move to in mid-July (yes, we're moving again) and explained the situation, because the money to fix my oops was going to have to come out of what I'd set aside to put toward the security deposit. Yucky! I also had to explain to this young man that because of my religious convictions, I was not going to ask the town or any other angencies to help us with the deposit. I figured for sure that he would call back to say that we wouldn't be able to take the place. But, he didn't. They are willing to work with us. That in itself is a blessing. But there is a bigger one. A dear sister in Christ felt led to send us a check on Thursday morning - not knowing about the financial oops I'd made. It will clean up the oops and there will be a little left over to help with whatever.... Praise God for His provision for our need and to help us when we make a mess of things. How has God provided for you in an unlikely way, recently? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 14, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Well, it's come down to this . . . I NEED to find something that will generate a sustainable income from home that does NOT involve caring for other peoples children. I can not do it, for a multitude of reasons. I thought I could, but I can't. So, what are my options? Well, I have the quilt website up, but these things take time, and some of you who've visited may discover we have some bugs to work out -- not a comfort in this technologically challenged home. So AVON? It is the least expensive start your own direct selling business there is to get into -- so that is a possibility. eBay? That's why I'm really here -- if you're a homeschooler and you sell on eBay, I'd welcome insight, advice and wisdom -- please email me directly. Other suggestions -- does anyone have an suggestions for other legitimate, inexpensive, do it from home (not direct sales preferrably) business ideas? I am off to do some serious praying for inspiration, wisdom and direction in this one. What about you? Do you work from home? If so what are you doing to make ends meet? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 13, 2009
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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About a year ago, I had a baby shower for a nurse ministers to the people of Haiti. Items were collected for New Mom Bundles and to help the clinics. New Mom Bundles consisted of a flannel receiving blanket, three cloth diapers, a set of diaper pins, a pair of vinyl pants and a onsie. The clinics would like more of these items, and now I'm heading off to start collecting and assembling these items. If you'd like to help, you can email me for where to send the items. I'm currently collecting: flannel receiving blankets new born disposable diapers cloth diapers diaper pins new born vinyl pants onsies cotton bonnets There may be other items as time progresses. If you'd like to more about the ministry you can visit www.mainehaitianministries.org Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 10, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Good Afternoon All, It is a typical coastal June afternoon here in New England - cold, damp, gray and even rainy at times. Yup! It's perfect weather to curl up under a quilt with a good book. Speaking of quilts, my daughter has added some of her items to our website. I also wanted to give you an update and let you know that I've sold two quilts since the website went up. We're going to have to do more than that, if it's ever going to sustain us, but it is certainly an encouraging start. Go by and check it out. I'm working on a new quilt right now too. Ladybugs -- their spots are buttons, just to get you interested. Only about 30 more of those little ladies to finish before I can start putting a quilt top together. Be sure to go by and see what is new at Patchwork Cottage Shoppe. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Jun. 3, 2009
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Well, it turns out if you google me right you can - or could - find me here at HSB. I just went into my profile and made a change to fix that little problem. Thanks to Lizzie at A Dusty Frame -- her link is in the side bar if you 'd like to check out her blog. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 29, 2009
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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This is a personal and less than pleasant post to share, but I think it needs to be done. Recently, while struggling to stay at home and keep our head above water, I defaulted on my student loans. Well, the collection company found us. This is not what unsettles me most. The girl handling my account, knew about my blog. How does that happen, since you all know I don't use my real name, or much connected with my physical location here. Once again, I find myself pondering, while I've been an encouragement to many, how much of my life do I want "out there"? I'm actually going to try to explore this a little further today. I've googled myself and can't find any connection between me and my blog. Anyone have any suggestions? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 25, 2009
Posted in Just Ramblin
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Well, my apologies first, my last post was less than inspiring. I was just on FaceBook reading through all the how greatfuls folks are for our armed services - and I whole heartedly agree with them. I went to post my status, and thought about how "poor me" it sounded. I HAD to post something a little more uplifting. Upon re-reading it I realized I should share it here. Yesterday we went to our family camp and I had the privilege of watching my son learn to cast a fishing line with my father. That was one of the reasons we moved, well maybe not specifically, but so that we could do things with my family. I have been in such a rut today that I forgot all about that -- or the fact that MattMann can now identify the pheobe by it's call, again thanks to my dad. What I really need to do is go make a list of all the things I have to be thankful for. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 25, 2009
Posted in Just Ramblin
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We've been on the coast for seven months now. My son is very unhappy being cooped up in an apartment after having lived his whole life with a big back yard to run around in. I found myself sitting here today thinking, "If we were at home, today...." Okay, so some of his problem is my thinking, I'm sure. The fact is this, if we were back in our old house today, we'd have done the following things - I know because this is what we've done every year for the last half dozen. We'd have walked down to the end of our street to see the small but very patriotic Memorial Day parade. We'd have cooked-out. We'd have had Grammie or my mum come for the day/weekend. Our favorite friends who always park in our yard would have, so that they could pick up their car at the end of the parade, rather than having to walk back the entire parade route. But we're not "home" today. Here we are in our apartment, praying that the house we're calling about tomorrow is THE house so that we can again have a yard, cook-out, and invite folks over. Where MattMann can go out and dig in the dirt and be a boy. I know that we're in mourning and that this too shall pass, but good golly how long is it going to take us? We have seen my dad several times in the last few months, which is as many times as we use to see him in the average year, when we lived away. This was a big part of the reason we relocated, so that the kiddos would know their extended family. Guess it's just a case of the holiday blues. Hoping your Memorial Day was a happy one. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 20, 2009
Posted in Inspiration and Meditation
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One of the things I read yesterday was Jeremiah 9:23,24, "Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mightyman glory in his might nor let the rich man glory in his riches but let him who glories, glory in this that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgement and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD." The reading went on to explain that "to glory" means to boast. So I need this morning to boast in the Lord. Yesterday while cleaning I discovered several items that were dangerously low in our house. For some reason when I did the beginning of the month shopping I didn't pick these items up. Money is scarce this month (more so than usual - with doctors appointment, year end evaluations, etc.) and there is seemingly no extra blessings coming from any quarter, without my having to ask for help. I started to fret, but decided that it was pointless, and said, Lord, I'm just not going to worry about it, and I didn't. This in and of itself is a HUGE victory, because I am by nature a worrier (I've covered all the what if's that will never come to pass, thoroughly). We got the website up with a few quilts on it and I sent out emails to friends and family, posted it here and on FB. Within an hour someone had bought a quilt. The money we need, before we even need it, was there by the end of the day. It has been a very long time since I've seen the Lord working this way in my life. It was an encouragement, because I have been quite discouraged for some time now. I pray that this will encourage you today. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 19, 2009
Posted in Current Quilts for Sale
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Well, between the help we've received from Janet (visit her by following her link in my side bar to Janet's Journal) and LizBeth's own best efforts our online shop is up and running. I'd like to invite you to go by and check it out. Just remember we're still in the early stages, this is a work in progress and we are learning as we go. www.patchworkcottageshoppe.com Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 18, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Because I long to have a teachable spirit, I'm reposting this with an editorial note of thanks to my friend who left the comment below. There was a bit of frustration in that last paragraph about restraining myself from thumbing my nose. The fact is that frustration is just selfishness in disguise. Lately things have just not been going MY way and so like the two year old I stamp my foot. Very unattractive when you reach my age, I know. In fact, if my children do end up sold out for the Lord and serving him, what I really MUST do is praise and thank Him! It's too easy to get caught up in the "all about me" attitude that is so prevelant in our world today. Blessings, MaggieRaye I had an email today from a friend who has several little ones and is expecting another. I miss her. She told me she's been reading the book So Much More and it made her think of LizBeth. LizBeth read it several years ago, actually. We've done a lot of the Vision Forum stuff. The thing is we both get exceedingly frustrated. There is a certain segment of the Christian community that they totally neglect in their wonderful efforts. The single mother and her children. Especially daughters being raised by single mothers. So my brilliant idea? Well, I think we (LizBeth, MattMann & I) should write a book, about how single mothers can train up godly daughters and sons. Of course, it might take years - since MattMann is only 8 and we just don't know where the Lord will lead him. Of course, if their "callings" at this point, lead them in the direction the Lord has for their lives, LizBeth will be a wife and mother training up children for the Lord in only a few more years, and MattMann will be a missionary to the Jewish people. What mother could want more? If this is in fact where they end up, sold out and living for Jesus as adults, I will certainly have to work very hard not to thumb my nose at all of those folks who just couldn't get why it was so important for me to stay home and train up my children, in spite of my circumstances. I will strive to have a Christ like attitude -- but some days, I'm oh, so flawed and human.... Or maybe I should just sit down before I hurt myself - that's usually what happens when I get a brilliant idea. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 16, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Please pray with us this week. Our website is ready, we've got the instructions on how to load pix onto it and now all we have to do - for quilts to be available to the public for sale is to get those pictures up and start promoting the website. Please pray! This has been a long journey and I believe we need for it to succeed if I'm going to be able to continue to do what God has called me to do. I'm very fearful of failing -- and I know that is a sin. Will keep you all posted as the week progresses. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 8, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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I was just surfing around the web this afternoon. I thought I knew all of the "best" links out there related to single parent homeschooling. Silly, smug little me!! I surfed intoGleaning the Harvest, because it has been awhile since I've been there and I found a link to this article Comfort and Advise for Single Parents by Skeet Savage. (There is a lady I'd like to meet.) You should go by and check it out! Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 8, 2009
Posted in Inspiration and Meditation
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Clay Balls
A man was exploring caves by the Seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
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May. 7, 2009
Posted in Inspiration and Meditation
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As I've struggled through another season of gloom, I reached out for the Lord and a dear Titus 2 friend who has been walking along side me. This afternoon, when I was laying down, I was trying to focus on scripture verses, but kept coming back to a picture of Psalm 23 -- The Lord is MY shepherd. I'm a sheep. First whenever I picture this Psalm, I always have a very green, sunny, peace filled picture of sheep and a shepherd. This was a much needed picture in the frenzied mindset I've had for some time now. Second, I thought about sheep. Sheep are valuable to farmers. They are raised for their wool. But really, what do the sheep do to make themselves valuable? They can't do anything to bear fruit (grow wool). It just happens, when they are healthy and feeding. They can't sheer their wool. They just are. Many times we as Christians try to do too much to make ourselves valuable to the Lord. We just need to be, feeding on the word and resting in Him, as we go along our daily path. This was both humbling - I can really be about as stupid as a sheep - and it was a relief. If I will just live the daily life the Lord has called me to, perhaps I would struggle less, be more peace filled and generally just be able to be content. What about you? Are you frantically seeking to do something for your shepherd to make yourself more valuable and worthy? Are you seeking the approval of others? Or are you simply going about your daily business, feeding on the word and resting in the Lord? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 6, 2009
Posted in Home Education
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I received this link in an email from another homeschooling mom. It is worth taking the time to check out - maybe you could use it to do some geography lessons or local history. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
May. 5, 2009
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
My daughter sent me this in an email - I just had to share, because this should be a classic among homeschooling moms.
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May. 4, 2009
Posted in Just Ramblin
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It is a typical spring afternoon here in New England. I know it is spring now -- the mud has dried up, in most places and the flowers are blooming, but that is not the truest sign. It is the swarm of black flies that nearly carried me off when I was kicking the soccer ball around with MattMann. Blackflies -- now I have to wonder, God has a purpose in all things, but . . . I mean we've just come through cold and snow only to be faced with slogging through rivers of muddy terrain and just when it seems like getting outside would be a joy and a blessing there are those, those, those, nasty little black bugs swarming your head biting your face or any other skin you've dared to leave uncovered. I just want to scream -- ENOUGH! ALREADY! -- maybe we should just move to somewhere that is more moderately temperate and that doesn't have all this things -- of course we lived in the south for a few years when LizBeth was young and there we had other "nasties" like cock roaches (even nice clean people get them there) and Palmetto Bugs (cock roaches with wings -- eeewwwwwwwww!) and then there were the snakes.... A praise, where we are the biggest snakes I've encountered aren't much bigger around than one of my fingers, this is a good thing. I wasn't sure if I should blog today or not. I've been pretty glum lately -- It's been an Eeyore season, but I'm hoping with the increasing sun and outside time, this too shall pass. So how is spring where you are??? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
