God's Way
Dec. 22, 2009
Dec. 22, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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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 |
Prayer Request
Dec. 17, 2009
Dec. 17, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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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 |
Roll Call Time - Single Homeschooling Mom's Please Sign In
Dec. 1, 2009
Dec. 1, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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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
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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 |
Doing Some Research -- Can You Help?
Nov. 21, 2009
Nov. 21, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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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 |
Let's See What God Will Do
Nov. 16, 2009
Nov. 16, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Well, I just received news that proves that God's ways and the world's ways are not the same. Not that I really doubted this, mind you. Because we receive rental assistance, we have to keep the agency notified of household changes - people moving in or out, income, etc. So when LizBeth turned 18, now legally an adult, I notified them to find out how/if this changes anything. It won't, until our lease is up in July. This is a good news/bad news situation. There are no changes yet -- but . . . When our lease is up, we will no longer be eligible for a 3 bedroom unit, because the rules only allow 1 bedroom for every 2 adults in the home. The upside of this is that the kids and I have been talking about moving when our lease is up anyway, now it's not a choice, we'll have to move. There is a freedom in this. At the same time there is also a frustration -- we won't be able to have a three bedroom place. I'm praying for the Lord to do something really amazing that only He could do. By that point I should have my teaching certificate - I plan to do some tutoring as well as homeschool assessments, so we are working toward something that will generate income. We're praying for a piano for LizBeth, to further her own studies as well as to be able to give lessons to other homeschoolers. She's hoping to start taking Ballet lessons soon, so that she might one day be able to teach that also. So hold onto your hats, I think the next eight months may be a bit of a wild ride. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
A Conclusion to the Dilemma
Nov. 10, 2009
Nov. 10, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Any of you that have followed my blog for long have known my on going struggle with whether or not Christians should receive welfare. Specifically, I have struggled with whether or not I should be in the system. There is a myriad of voices around me with opinions. The bottom line is that the only opinion that counts is Gods. Several months ago, I finally, after much prayer, came to a point of resolve about this. I just realized I never shared it here with all of you. If I were married to an unbelieving husband, he would be my provider. As long as he was willing to stay and did not ask me to do anything in violation of God’s word, I would be obliged to stay. There would always be the chance that by my words and example of faith, that he might come to Christ. The Lord spoke to my heart about the fact that I had married the government when I went into the system. It was not His best choice for me, but I lacked faith and was disobedient, unwilling to trust Him totally. Until God closes the door and ends our benefits, I am to remain where I am, for this season. This is God’s provision for my family. He wants me to stop struggling and trying so hard to do it on my own and to simply rest in Him. In all of this, the Lord has answered my prayer for a full-time ministry from home. In my home state the welfare system requires that you be working, looking for work, going to school or volunteering in order to be eligible for benefits. My state homeschool organization qualifies as an acceptable organization to volunteer for. I can work to support homeschooling, ministering to others, while homeschooling my children. It also has given me the opportunity to go back to school and do the necessary work to complete my teaching certificate, not so much for me to be able to seek full time employment, but so that I can do assessments for homeschooling families. There is a seeming lack of homeschool friendly certified teachers in our state. I hear horror stories every year about teachers that did assessments, but really didn’t understand what they were doing or reviewing. The Lord is opening up an amazing door there for me to have an ongoing ministry to homeschooling families, because who understands it better than someone who is doing it every day. It is my prayer that this season in our life may be coming to an end. It’s going to require a lot more faith and trust than I have now. It’s also going to require contentment with what the Lord provides. It is going to require caring more about the Lord and His leading than what people around me think of what I’m doing. I can’t do it alone. It will only be by His grace and for His glory that we will succeed.
I should add an end note here, that while we have less financial support than every before in our homeschooling, we are able to do so much more with it. It is the kind of thing that only God could do. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Gleaning the Harvest
Nov. 9, 2009
Nov. 9, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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It's been quite awhile since I've been here to add anything of substance. The Lord had me keep silent, deal with some sin in my life, processes through some anger and forgiveness issues. I just couldn't write. I'm not sure I can yet, but I will soon be drafting some articles for Gleaning the Harvest and thought it best to try to get back on track here also. So many things in my life have changed in the past year. Through it one thing remains constant. I NEED to be at home with my children. Yes, they are older, but this is where the Lord has called me to be. I'm so sad for those who don't understand, or don't want to understand how important it is for all mothers, but especially single mothers to be at home with their children. So, watch here, and at Gleaning the Harvest for forthcoming articles. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Mid Term
Nov. 5, 2009
Nov. 5, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Well, it's been awhile since I've updated. Now that I have FB, it seems like I"m never here. Or maybe it's that I'm teaching a class. Or it could be that I'm taking a class. We've reached the midterm point and I'm on the down hill side of this one. I talked to a lady this morning who was so encouraging. She said she felt I was an inspiration to her, because she had a hard time homeschooling as a married mom, and couldn't imagine how hard it must be for me. She recognized that it must truly be the Lord's calling, because no one would do this for the fun of it. This was so refreshing. We're approaching the holidays and the busyness of all of that. How are things with all of you? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Updating
Oct. 15, 2009
Oct. 15, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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It's been awhile, I know. Things are very, very hectic right now. I'm taking one of the two classes that I have left to become a state certified teacher -- no I'm not giving up and going to work, just trying to add credibility to my business and to be able to be a blessing to homeschoolers by providing annual assessments. I'm working on growing Patchwork Cottage into a viable business -- so far this year we're doing about 4x better than we did last year -- and in a faultering economy. God is so good. I have 10 sewing students and have sold several quilts. I'm a regular volunteer for our state homeschool organization -- I seem to be busier than ever before and know I'm doing more than the hours that dhhs requires for us at present. Job security is a good thing. And Facebook has certainly replaced blogging as a major time stealer in my life. It's so easy to just have it up in the background when I am working on business or school related things.... Oh, and I'm homeschooling. But hey, you all know I'm home all day, every day, so I must have plenty of free time, right??? Bring on the Soaps, diet Coke and BonBon's.... Gosh, I only wish. How are you doing? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
One Last Thing
Sep. 10, 2009
Sep. 10, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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I realize this is the fourth post in less than a 1/2 hour, but it's the last one, for today. In the past my readers have been great supporters of my efforts to remain at home. If you're in the cleaning out mode or would like to be and you have any of the following items, here are some things I'm looking for: embroidery floss polyester fiber fill narrow ribbon - in 12" or longer pieces hankies - mens or ladies flannel - complete yard width, 1/2 yard or longer this is for making diapers for Haiti Blessings, MaggieRaye |
What Have You Been Up To?
Sep. 10, 2009
Sep. 10, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
Just in case you were wondering what I've been up to lately. . . I'm getting more New Mom Bundles assembled to send to Haiti with Maine Haitian Ministries (http://www.mainehaitianministries.org/). And here is a peak at what's inside:
 I also discovered (yesterday) something called church dolls. They are also called Pew Babies or Hankie Babies. Whatever you call them they are stinkin' cute. The question is, to sell them on etsy or at craft fairs? Don't have enough to do both.
 I think I'll be including these in my Primer Level sewing class as a pre-sewing activity in the future.
So, this is what I've been up to, what about you? What are you doing with your days? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Have Facebook? Become a Fan.
Sep. 10, 2009
Sep. 10, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Patchwork Cottage Shoppe now has a fan page on etsy. If you have FB please become a fan. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Waldoboro-ME/Patchwork-Cottage-Shoppe/127731917140 Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Did You See???
Sep. 7, 2009
Sep. 7, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Did you see my etsy mini? LizBeth put it up for me last week. This is the first chance I've had to stop by my own blog and see how it looks. Thanks kiddo! Now you can have one stop shopping -- just like WalMart only WAY better. You can come by and read the latest news at Patchwork Cottage, and see what's new at Patchwork Cottage Shoppe all at the same time! Way cool, huh? Praying all have a blessed Labor Day! MaggieRaye |
Banner Morning!
Aug. 27, 2009
Aug. 27, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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When I went to work this morning (this entails turning on the computer -- still in my pj's) I checked the work email account this morning first thing. I made my first etsy sale!!!! One of the items posted yesterday sold. I have more stuff to post later today. Also, there was a picture of my first quilt! Thanks to those who prayed with me over this. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Moments Like This ...
Aug. 27, 2009
Aug. 27, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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This morning the oil truck arrived in our complex. Where we are now heat is included in the rent, so there is a certain novelty in the oil truck arriving without a frantic phone call having first been placed. MattMann of course was curious and as we talked, I tried to explain that the oil also heats our hot water, through the furnace, to which he replied... "that's a complicated situation, you know." Yup! These are the moments I"d miss if I were going to work everyday and sending him off to school. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
More Items in the Shoppe
Aug. 26, 2009
Aug. 26, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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I had forgotten that you could sell vintage items on etsy. I didn't think about the fact that the items I've been trying to post of eBay are actually vintage items and thus could be posted on etsy -- until today. So I've just posted several new items in our shop. I still have a pile of quilts to post and a few more vintage items -- but since we still operate on dial-up, I decided I needed to give the phone line a break -- right after I posted here and on Facebook. Be sure to go by the shop and check out the new items. Patchwork Cottage Remember, when you purchase something from our shop, you are helping me continue to remain at home and homeschool. So pass the word along, tell a friend or two and have them tell someone, too. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
What are you Strengthening?
Aug. 18, 2009
Aug. 18, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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Earlier this spring someone challenged me with this thought What you support you strengthen? What are you supporting? Do you want to strengthen it? What do you want to strengthen? Are you supporting it? This was, by the way, the same lady, who encouraged me, not to do what was easy -- like putting my kids into Christian school and getting a job. Just something to think about. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Posted I Intended to Write Earlier
Aug. 4, 2009
Aug. 4, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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My last post ended up not being what I meant to be about, but I think this is the reason. I had to read someone elses post first. I highly recommend reading this post: http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/working-harder-is-not-the-answer/ I felt her story could have been my own up to a point, changing a few details. Then it was totally different. There is so much controversy over whether or not Christians should be in the welfare system, and if not how do they survive, etc. I've struggled with this personally for several years. So often the answer is, if I would get a job and go to work it would solve all my problems -- well most of them -- it would create a couple of new ones like who would raise my children and how would we homeschool? But hey, that's nothing right?! Reading this lady's post made me realized how very blessed we are. The government is not the husband I desire, nor the one I would have chosen, but we're actually living pretty well for the moment, and more importantly, I'm at home with my children, every day. I am convicted about how much I have to be thankful for. While I would like to be out of "the system", I'm not ready to risk my children. The cost is too high for me and my faith is too small. So, about the PayPal Donate button on the side -- for those who believe in what I'm doing -- being a keeper at home and training up my children, that is the opportunity for you, IF the Lord leads you, to help us, as I attempt to move us from the system, as the Lord leads. For those who feel we shouldn't be in the system, it's your opportunity to help us get out. You can also help by purchasing items from our website www.patchworkcottageshoppe.com and coming soon will be our eBay business. I'm having trouble finding time to do the things I need to for that -- but the quilt site took a while too, so this is probably all just part of the process. I need to go now and seriously count my blessings, and just be thankful for awhile. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Called to be a Silent Witness?? ME??
Aug. 4, 2009
Aug. 4, 2009
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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I had an awesome visit with some dear friends this weekend. During the conversation I shared something I've been contemplating at someone else's suggestion recently. Orthodoxy or Orthoproxy? Do we fellowship where people believe what we do even though they don't live like we do (orthodoxy) or do we fellowship where people live like we do even though they don't believe exactly the way we do (orthoproxy). The ideal is that the two should meld together, but the reality is they don't. So, a dear brother in Christ suggested that perhaps I need to hang in there and be a silent witness for what I believe God has called me and most other Christian mothers to do - to home educate and to be keepers at home. Me?? A silent witness?? God can't be serious. I just really want to go where everyone is as gung ho for family intergrated, reformed worship as I am. Where I will be encouraged to homeschool, where someone won't say, "Now that Lizbeth is about through you can go back to work." I am realizing people just don't understand. I realize that I can't make them understand -- but if they'd only listen....and how are they going to do that if I'm silent??!! (read sarcasm here). Yicks! And it's only Tuesday. I hope the chiropractic adjustment to my back today, sort of ripples to my attitude. I'm really struggling to do the hard things -- I'd just like things to be easy for awhile. And this isn't even what I meant to blog about -- go figure. How about you? How are you doing? What hard things has the Lord called you to do recently? Blessings, MaggieRaye |
