Patchwork Cottage

Patchwork Cottage

Patchwork Cottage

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
-Theodore Roosevelt



Garden Fence with Quilt

Unbelievable!
Nov. 19, 2009
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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

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1001 Books To Read Before You Die - For Those Who Love Lists of Books
Sep. 28, 2009
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I am researching Robert McCloskey for a paper I have to write for the class I'm taking.  In the process, I found this list.  I thought I'd share it.  I'm trying NOT to feel pressured, but I haven't heard of 1/2 these books, and of the ones I have heard of, I may have read 1/2 of them.

If I'm going to do everything I'm suppose to as a homeschooling mom and read all these books -- I'm gonna have to get busy, like yesterday.

http://www.librarything.com/bookaward/1001%20Books%20You%20Must%20Read%20Before%20You%20Die

Blessings, MaggieRaye

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Too Cute Not To Share - "You'll Get Your Quilt"
Sep. 24, 2009
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A friend sent this to me in an email:



> You'll Get Your Quilt
>
> Sunday after church, a mom asked her very young daughter
> what the Sunday school  lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be
> scared; you'll get your quilt."
>
> Needless to say, the mom was perplexed.
>
> Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the mom
> asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was
> about.
>
> He said, "Be not afraid; thy comforter is coming."

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Two Challenges
Sep. 18, 2009
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I recently posted this on my FB and thought I'd share it here too - though I realize I'm writing for a biased audience here:

How many of you work in a position where you spend 6-8 hours a day in a desk, in an office with 15-25 other people, who are all doing exactly the same thing you are at the same time?  Do you take your coffee breaks, potty breaks and lunch breaks all at the same time, together?  Considering this, how can we say that school prepares our children for the real world of grown up life?

The second challenge I'm sharing here and did not bother to post on FB:

If we deny Christ in the little aspects of our daily life, how can we possibly believe that when it comes to the big things -- like giving our life for our faith -- that we would actually stand true to Him?

I've been thinking about this for a couple of days now and even challenged my children with it this morning during family devotions.

Blessings, MaggieRaye

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Prayer Request
Aug. 19, 2009
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I just put a note and a brochure in the mail to the individual that posses' the first patchwork quilt I ever made.  I would like pictures of it to put into a photo gallery.

Please pray that the note finds the individual, that it is well received and that I receive the pictures.

Many thanks,
MaggieRaye

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Baby Shower Plans
Jul. 25, 2009
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In order to get everything wrapped up for Pam by her next trip to Haiti in October I realized I need to get moving -- so I will be hosting a baby shower on Saturday August 8 to start collecting the items needed to assumble New Mom Bundles.

The goal is 100 Bundles.

We need:

Flannel receiving blankets
new born dipaers
if the diapers are cloth than we need pins and vinyl pants (new born size
small hats/bonnets
onsies (short sleeved) or t-shirts

if you can help email me

if you live in my area and would like to attend or drop off items email me.

Blessings, MaggieRaye

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Haiti - New Mom Bundles
Jul. 8, 2009
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For those thinking about helping with the New Mom Bundles -- I'll be collecting diapers, blankets, onsies, etc.  until September -- you might want to go by and visit Pam's blog about her most recent trip:
http://brochupam.blogspot.com/2009/07/2-timothy-1-7-9.html

Blessings, Raylene

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Maine Haitian Ministries
Jun. 13, 2009
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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

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Unsettling Discovery
May. 29, 2009
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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

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Two Women At The Playground - Gotta Read!
May. 5, 2009
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My daughter sent me this in an email - I just had to share, because this should be a classic among homeschooling moms. 

Blessings, MaggieRaye

 

Two women met at a playground...

Two women meet at a playground, where their children are swinging and playing ball. The women are sitting on a bench watching. Eventually, they begin to talk.

W1: Hi. My name is Maggie. My kids are the three in red shirts --helps me keep track of them.
W2: (Smiles) I'm Patty. Mine are in the pink and yellow shirts. Do you come here a lot?
W1: Usually two or three times a week, after we go to the library.
W2: Wow! Where do you find the time?
W1: We homeschool, so we do it during the day most of the time.
W2: Some of my neighbors homeschool, but I send my kids to public school.
W1: How do you do it?
W2: It's not easy. I go to all the PTO meetings and work with the kids every day after school and stay real involved.
W1: But what about socialization? Aren't you worried about them being cooped up all day with kids their own ages, never getting the opportunity for natural relationships?
W2: Well, yes. But I work hard to balance that. They have some friends who're homeschooled, and we visit their grandparents almost every month.
W1: Sounds like you're a very dedicated mom. But don't you worry about all the opportunities they're missing out on? I mean they're so isolated from real life -- how will they know what the world is like -- what people do to make a living -- how to get along with all different kinds of people?
W2: Oh, we discussed that at PTO, and we started a fund to bring real people into the classrooms. Last month, we had a policeman and a doctor come in to talk to every class. And next month, we're having a woman from Japan and a man from Kenya come to speak.
W1: Oh, we met a man from Japan in the grocery store the other week, and he got to talking about his childhood in Tokyo. My kids were absolutely fascinated. We invited him to dinner and got to meet his wife and their three children.
W2: That's nice. Hmm. Maybe we should plan some Japanese food for the lunchroom on Multicultural Day.
W1: Maybe your Japanese guest could eat with the children.
W2: Oh, no. She's on a very tight schedule. She has two other schools to visit that day. It's a system wide thing we're doing.
W1: Oh, I'm sorry. Well, maybe you'll meet someone interesting in the grocery store sometime and you'll end up having them over for dinner.
W2: I don't think so. I never talk to people in the store --certainly not people who might not even speak my language. What if that Japanese man hadn't spoken English?
W1: To tell you the truth, I never had time to think about it. Before I even saw him, my six-year-old had asked him what he was going to do with all the oranges he was buying.
W2: Your child talks to strangers?
W1: I was right there with him. He knows that as long as he's with me, he can talk to anyone he wishes.
W2: But you're developing dangerous habits in him. My children never talk to strangers.
W1: Not even when they're with you?
W2: They're never with me, except at home after school. So you see why it's so important for them to understand that talking to strangers is a big no-no.
W1: Yes, I do. But if they were with you, they could get to meet interesting people and still be safe. They'd get a taste of the real world, in real settings. They'd also get a real feel for how to tell when a situation is dangerous or suspicious.
W2: They'll get that in the third and fifth grades in their health courses.
W1: Well, I can tell you're a very caring mom. Let me give you my number--if you ever want to talk, give me call. It was good to meet you.

Author Unknown


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YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?
Apr. 17, 2009
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My mother sent me an email this morning with the forward below in it.  It reminded me why I'm not using my teaching degree -- at least not "professionally".

Blessings, MaggieRaye

After being interviewed by the school administration, the prospective teacher said:
 
 'Let me see if I've got this right.
 
 'You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning.
 
 'You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and s**ually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.
 
 'You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.
 
 'You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final exams.
 
 'You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.
 
 'You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.
 
 'You want me to do all this and then you tell me. . .
I CAN'T PRAY?

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Cool Encouragement & Really Bad Photo
Mar. 3, 2009
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Wow!  I've been off line since Friday - on going computer stuff - so I was shocked tonight to see that I am the Featured Blogger this week!

I've been thinking and praying a lot lately about where God wanted me and what He wants me doing, and how I can share the Good News of the Gospel and lots of stuff like that.  Most of all, I've been praying about encouraging others and how my quilts fit into all of that.

As Tia pointed out there are some empty catagories but hopefully those will be filling up again soon.

And wow the pix that is on my profile is really, really bad.  Sorry about that.  I guess it was the best one at the time, available.  We'll have to see if we can't fix that soon, too.  Since that was taken, I've lost close to 40 pounds - but that is another long story - maybe for another post, maybe not.  I actually think that my profile picture is worse than any drivers license or state id picture I've ever had done.  I should actually have the kids do a new picture.  I have "bangs" again.  And one dear friend who hadn't seen me in a while said, "Wow!  They really make you look so much younger"  And I wonder how old did I look??? Okay, maybe I don't want to know.

We'll I'm thrilled at the encouragement I received, and hope that you find some encouragment here yourself.  I can't promise anything.  This time of year I'm so busy seeking encouragement, I forget to share it.

I will say this.  We've been totally blessed in the last few months, living near family and having an amazing new church and making friends, God is so good.  I just have to remember to count my blessings, instead of how many more inches of snow we've received.....

Blessings,
MaggieRaye

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Babies, Blessing or Burden?
Feb. 4, 2009
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I will start right off by apologizing for the length of this post -- but it so irritated me that I had to share it.  Now it didn't irritate me the way you may assume.  The ignorance of people is what I find irritating.  Let me just say that is the Lord were to bless me with a husband, and He blessed our marriage with babies, I'd still be having babies in spite of the fact that I'm not longer 30something. 

I know several "large" families (6+ children and still growing) and they are all so blessed.


 

Summary: As the world faces a potential demographic winter of underpopulation, political leaders move to clamp down on babies, and liberal social commentators use the language of hatred and fear-mongering to further anti-family campaigns aimed at proponents of fruitful families, many Christians remain undecided as to whether or not babies are a blessing or burden in troubled times. This e-mail explains the controversy. It also points you to resources that will help you to better communicate to neighbors, relatives, and friends the practicality and blessing of children in tough economic times.

After more than fifteen hundred years, Japanese culture is on the verge of extinction. There are not enough children. And similar fates may be in store for France, Italy, and elsewhere. These nations and others are on the brink of a demographic implosion with far-reaching economic implications — and they know it! There are simply not enough babies being born to maintain their economies.

But they are not alone. In the United States, the birthrate has been experiencing a dramatic and steady twelve-year decline. Despite this fact, last week, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi defended her proposal that an important ingredient of the nation’s $825 billion “economic stimulus package” would include a taxpayer-subsidized effort to prevent the birth of more children. Why? She argues that children are bad for the economy. [For a more in-depth look at this international crisis, click here]

Three Key Issues Addressed

Are babies a blessing or a burden? This is a simple question, but one fraught with tremendous controversy and significant implications for nations and families.

There are really three issues on the table: First, the demographic implications of having babies; second, the practical issues concerning babies and the family during a recessionary economy (or at any time); and third — and most importantly — the scriptural foundations for a Christian worldview of the womb.

What May Happen to America and Other Nations Because of the Dramatic Decrease in Childbirth?

This first issue goes right to the heart of the present culture war: Will we be a self-indulgent nation with little regard for the sanctity of life, or will we recognize the God-ordained blessing of the biblical institution of the family with its emphasis on fruitfulness and the blessing of children?

As a nation, we have chosen the former. Now the question is this: What are the practical implications of our selfishness and disobedience? What happens to a country when the Malthusian dream is realized, and women have fewer and fewer babies?

The ultimate result is a culture-eradicating phenomenon and economic catastrophe called “Demographic Winter” — where the selfishness of a generation of families who refused God’s gift of children leads to a national birthrate that is insufficient to replace its aging population. Don Feder put it this way:

Demographic Winter is the terminal stage in the suicide of the West — the culmination of a century of evil ideas and poisonous policies.

Here is how one demographer described the imminent catastrophe that will result from declining birthrates:

The ongoing global decline in human birthrates is the single most powerful force affecting the fate of nations and the future of society in the twenty-first century. —Phillip Longman, The Empty Cradle: How Falling Birthrates Threaten World Prosperity.

This perspective may be a shocker for those raised during the libertine ‘60s and ‘70s with the message of the Pill and population control, or for those spoon-fed on a diet of Green theology in the ‘90s. It is not comfortable to radical feminists who have made the “right” of a mother to destroy her own child the highest virtue a society can embrace.

But the facts are inescapable.

Winter
       

And this is the subject of the documentary, Demographic Winter: The Decline of the Human Family, one of the most important and groundbreaking films of the last year, maybe of the last decade. This is the first significant film to explore the most overlooked crisis of our generation: the rapid worldwide decline in birthrates.

The data presented is chilling. Columnist Don Feder summarizes the important issues raised by the film (i.e., how “demographic winter” will impact many areas of our lives):

  • What will happen in the First World as fewer and fewer workers are called on to provide pensions for more and more retirees? At what point will the burden become so onerous that young workers will simply rebel and refuse to support a system that they couldn’t possibly hope to benefit from?
  • How will Russia, which is expected to lose a third of its population by mid-point of this century, defend its borders? If Russia, which occupies the largest territory of any nation, dissolves into enclaves of squabbling ethnic groups, it will destabilize both Europe and Asia.
  • Due to falling birthrates, at some point in the century, the world’s population will begin to decline. Then the decline will become rapid. We could even reach population free-fall.
  • Throughout the course of history, there is no instance of economic growth accompanied by population decline. How can an industrial society be maintained with fewer and fewer workers and consumers? [1]

This film does not pretend to be a Christian film with a biblical analysis, but it is so full of carefully-researched data that is indispensable to this critical culture battle that Christian parents around the nation need to own it, and watch it, and then watch it again.

What Does Managing a Large Household Look Like in the Real World? Can I Really Afford Children?

The Duggars: 20 and Counting!
       

The second major issue pertains to practicality: Assuming that children really are a blessing and the fruitful womb “is His reward” (Psalm 127:3), how does that concept work in the real world where economic resources are scarce and time is at a premium?

Sometimes people pose the question this way: “I can barely manage and afford a family with one child. How could I possibly handle three or four, let alone (gasp!) seven?”

But there is another question that needs to be asked: Are there practical, economic, and spiritual blessings for the family that flow from an economy of scale?

I believe there are. And these are precisely the types of blessings and benefits that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have modeled for all of us in their beautiful new book, The Duggars: 20 and Counting: Raising One of America’s Largest Families — How they do it.

From a practical perspective, this book offers definitive answers. And it is absolutely delightful, transparent, hands on, and full of humor. After reading it, you will walk away loving your own family more and will gain great ideas for household management. My wife gobbled it up:

This is a totally delightful book, easy to follow, and full of personal stories about their life as well as practical, tangible information about THEIR family which can be easily adapted into MY family, or anyone else’s. It is honest, humorous, humble, and completely in earnest. . . . You will read about their life story, from Michelle and Jim Bob’s childhood up to right now, their many businesses, their solution to laundry, education, music, and even food preparation. (Read more of Beall’s review here.)

There is a reason why this family has captured the imagination of America through their top-ranked television show, 17 Kids and Counting. They are communicating a Christ-exalting vision of home. And they are the real deal! A family that loves their children — all eighteen of them. There is so much negativism in the world, but the Duggars are using their life as a large family to show the beauty and practicality of the Christian household to a generation where many children never even experience the blessing of sitting down with their whole family for dinner.

What Does the Bible Say about the Blessing of Fruitfulness?
Does this Apply Today?

Be Fruitful and Multiply
       

The final issue is the most important one: What does the Bible say about having babies?

For Christians, the Bible is our standard for faith and practice. Everything necessary on the subject of having babies is found in God’s Holy Word. It is both the starting place and the “final court of appeal” for prayerful Christians who desire to make wise decisions regarding the womb.

Related issues include: Why are children a blessing? What does it mean to be fruitful? How does the Bible specifically link low birthrates to national judgment? Does the Bible promote, condone, or encourage baby banning? Is it a good idea to have babies in times of economic hardship?

These questions and others are answered in our CD, Children and the Dominion Mandate, and the book Be Fruitful and Multiply, both of which are included in this week’s special offer. If you have ever found yourself wondering how to respond to such questions, or if you have friends or relatives that disapprove of the number of children in your family, these indispensable tools will help you to use Scripture to reason through the many complex issues which are on the table.

Save 30% on Our New Collection: The Blessing of Children


The Blessings of Children Collection is available now through February 10, at the special price of $42.70 — a 30% discount. The set includes The Duggars: 20 and Counting, Demographic Winter: The Decline of the Human Family (DVD), Be Fruitful and Multiply, and Children and the Dominion Mandate (CD).

This special offer expires February 10, 2009 at Midnight (CST). Order online at www.visionforum.com, or call us toll-free at 1-800-440-0022.View The Blessing of Children Collection.


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Hand Me Down Fundraiser
Sep. 18, 2008
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Okay, it is taking way longer than I thought to download all the pix I wanted to tonight, so I've got time to update you on the information I promised in my last post.

Please go by and check out Hand Me Down Fundraiser

Blessings, MaggieRaye

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Homeschoolopoly
Aug. 13, 2008
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Some of you, who've been coming here for awhile, may recall that in the spring, we were blessed to receive a grant from the Homeschool Foundation.

In addition to that, one of the "extras" we received was a copy of the new Homeschoolopoly Game.  We waited, and waited, and waited.  I'd about given up on it ever arriving.  Well, it did, this week, with a lovely note, from the wife (Pamela Berthume) of the couple that sells the game, explaining their family situation over the last year.

I was moved to tears as I read the letter.

Last night the kiddos and I sat and played Homeschoolopoly.  Please understand that this was a HUGE sacrifice for me, because I seriously dislike all forms of Monopoly,  It's a hard situation in my house, as I have one child who is a serious Monopoly freak and another who would like to be.  It just takes too long, it doesn't move fast enough to hold my attention and I can always think of at least 110 other things that would be a better use of my time.

Well, we played the short version, with one or two slight family modifications, and had a wonderful time.  Ironically, I the woman with no license and only two children was the proud possessor or three out of the four possible vehicles on the board. 

If you are a family that plays board games or likes monopoly, I'd seriously recommend that you visitwww.homeschoolopoly.com and purchase a copy of this.  It will be one of those heirloom items to pass on to your grandchildren, no doubt.

Blessings, MaggieRaye

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Time to Get to Work
Aug. 8, 2008
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Well,
Now I've figured out the whole Photobucket thing -- and incase I forget, which I'm prone to -- I've printed out Janet's precious picture tutorial (did I say THANK YOU), so I should be fine -- I need to start adding photos for you. 

Even though I will have photos in the Currently Available For Sale Category, by the first of the week, it will probably take a little longer before we are able to get them up on Blessed Baby's website, so that you can actually purchase them.

Be sure to check out the Gallery of Past quilts also, you'll be able to see some of my past efforts there.

May the Lord bless you with sunshine this weekend (or rain, I'd be happy to send you some of that - free shipping - no sales tax).

May the Lord bless & keep you,
MaggieRaye

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Email Notice of New Posts
Aug. 2, 2008
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If you would like to be kept up to date on new posts and would like to receive an email whenever I put up a new post, please drop me a quick note at

patchworkcottage AT yahoo DOT com

I'll be starting this as soon as I have those who've expressed interest.

Always,
MaggieRaye

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Welcoming Fellowship
Jul. 31, 2008
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Last night we had the opportunity to visit the church we've attended for the bulk of the last three or four years. 

It was so awesome! 

We went to hear a visiting pastor from Haiti share, because we are going to be sponsoring children in his school. 

It was so good to see familiar and friendly faces.  It was so good to feel missed and to have folks genuinely glad to see us.

I say this, because I know as of late, I've been harsh about some of my experiences and feelings about churches today.  I want you to understand that I am not anti-church.  I do see churches falling short, but churches are made up of people and even good people are still sinners.  It is meant to encourage single mothers, to know that they are not alone, because many have experienced what I've shared.   Once we can stop taking it personally, it's easier to deal with and pray for those who have hurt us.

It was also a blessing to listen to my almost 8 y.o. son, as some very well thought out questions -- when did that kid get so smart?  He has a heart fot the orphans in general and for those in Haiti especially.  It was so cool to watch him talking to the visiting Pastor, after the service -- or trying to, there was a slight language barrier.  Interestingly, the Love of Christ seems to bridge that gap.

Blessings, MaggieRaye

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Helping Haiti
Jul. 15, 2008
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After I put up my last post, I realized it might be good to share with you the specific ministries we've connected with, so that, if the Lord leads, you might be able to help them, too.

Homebound Missions
www.homeboundmissions.org
This is, of course, our largest commitment as a family.  There is lots of sewing to be done, diapers is our thing.  Collecting gently used summer clothing is another project we have done.  My favorite is hosting baby showers, where all the gifts go to Haitian orphanages.

The Livesay Family
- livesayhaiti.blogspot.com
We discovered this family through Homebound Missions.  We love to read Tara's descriptions of life in Haiti.  If you want high gloss, "missionary" stuff, this might not be the spot for you.  Tara is very real in her writing about daily life with a house full of children in Haiti.  We are praying for this family and hope to one day to be able to meet them in real life.  We like meeting real live missionaries.

His Hands For Haiti
  www.hishandsforhaiti.org
This is our newest connection.  We've known about them for awhile now.  Sometimes the Lord just has to put something before you over and over (because we're "dumb as a hake" right Jamie?) before we actually follow through.  We are blessed with the privilege of being able to sponsor one of the children from His House orphanage.

Haitian Ministries
  www.hatianministries.com
Through His Hands for Haiti, I learned about this ministry.   We are currently working to prepare New Mom Bundles that can be distributed by their clinics to newly delivered moms for their babies.

Heartline Ministries wwwheartlineministries.org
Through Tara Livesay, we learned about this ministry.  Their Women's Program will also be the recipients of New Mom Bundles.

Haitian Children's Home  www.haitianchildrenshome.org
While we haven't officially begun helping this ministry yet, but I am exploring ways that we may be able to include them in what we are already doing.  I just received my list of their most needed items.  Still waiting for the Lord to direct on this one.

When the Lord helped me to close one door, one I'd known I needed to, but had been dragging my feet on, He flung open, not one, but many windows all in one place Haiti. 

Do you suppose He's called my family to serve Him in Europe?  Or maybe Canada?  Sometimes I miss the obvious, but I think I'm getting the picture on this one.

Has the Lord given you an obvious calling, that you just keep missing?

Blessings, MaggieRaye

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Counting the Cost . . .You Do the Math
Jul. 11, 2008
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I recently have had contact with a nurse who does short term missions trips to Haiti,  and helps in three clinics.  I also "talked" with another lady about her womens program.  One of their programs gives New Mom Bundles to mothers who have recently delivered or are near term.  The bundle consists of a t-shirt, diaper, and receiving blanket, if I remember correctly.

Because of my work with Homebound Missions, I decided this was a project I could and would like to take on, but I wanted to do it a little different.  You know me, I'm just wanting to do my own thing.

So the New Mom Bundles I'm putting together are pretty much the same, except that instead of one disposable diaper it has three cloth diapers and a set of diaper pins. 

Now here's the part where math comes in.

A cloth diaper from WalMart costs $1
A days wages in Haiti  $1
If you figure a days wages in the US based on an 8 hour work day at $7/hr. (American Poverty)  that translates to $56.
Would you be able to afford diapers if you had to pay $56 a piece for them?
4 diaper pins or 1 pair of vinyl pants cost about the same as one cloth diaper.

How about a simple three snap front t-shirt from Gerber?
Cost approximately $2.85
3 days wages in Haiti $3
Would you be able to spend three days wages ($168) for a single t-shirt?

A home made flannel receiving blanket $5
A weeks wages in Haiti $5
Would you be able to spend a weeks wages ($280) on a single flannel receiving blanket?

The total New Mom Bundle including the time to put them together and the cost of shipping them to Haiti will cost $15 and it may well be the only gift the mom receives to celebrate the arrival of her new baby.
3 weeks wages in Haiti $15
Would you spend 3 weeks wages ($840) on a single baby shower gift?  How about $15? 

This math lesson certainly has made me reconsider my own American poverty.  As a single mom with two children, I see, in comparison, how truly blessed we are in our poverty. 

Blessings, MaggieRaye

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