WORK OPPORTUNITY
Yesterday,I heard from LiveOps, a company where I applied for an Independent Contractor (IC) position and business opportunity. You have to pay for your own background check, because you contract to receive work from LiveOps as an IC or as a business owner. Once I received my background check information, I thought LiveOps would create my account immediately, so I could start training, then accessing the work. After the investigation company sent the results of my background check to me, I emailed Liveops letting them know (as if they didn't already know). They didn't respond, so I sent two or three more emails; finally, they answered and asked if I could please be patient, and they would notify me as soon as my account is created.
PATIENCE
Well, I have to admit that I did email way too much about the account creation issue. Enthusiasm and elation about the prospect of work had overtaken me! I now realize that probably hundreds, even thousands, of people all over the U.S.A. have applied for this work/business opportunity. The prospect of working from home is desired by many. I'm sure that once LiveOps receives the background check information, they create the accounts as soon as possible. Nevertheless, I am still anxious to begin working. I do need to be patient; patience is a sign of spiritual maturity, and I have a lot of maturing to do in the spiritual area. Father, please help me!
SITE CHANGES
I'm about to change this site and start offering homeschooling helps for a set fee or a donation. I haven't decided which one yet. Soon thereafter, I will create another site solely for the purpose of selling e-books, sharing homeschooling information (for a fee), etc. Currently, I have an online group with a wealth of free/low cost homeschooling information on it and have spent many hours researching this information. The workman, or rather workwoman in this case, is worthy of her hire.
I'd like your input regarding the above, especially the homeschooling help site.
Ms. Phyllis
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I apologize for staying away so long. I've missed my online friends, my blog, my writing, etc. God recently blessed with a brand new computer and I'm overjoyed.
It's a challenge to keep up with everything. Since my son and I moved into an apartment on May 15, I have returned to school online. I started on September 28, at Grand Canyon University, a Christian, regionally accredited school with both online and on campus classes. I'm finishing a degree in English that I started more years ago than I care to mention. When I complete my studies, I would like to teach and tutor students who are English Language Learners or those who would like to better their English speaking and writing skills.
I'm also looking for online work and actually have a few prospects. Yes, I am still homeschooling and taking my son to a few therapy appointments each week. It's all by God's grace and I need to tap into that grace more often.
I'll keep you posted.
Ms. Phyllis
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After searching for an apartment for about two weeks, two landlords approved my housing application. I could not accept the first apartment, because I would have to have paid my own lights and cooking gas (and I have a huge past due gas bill I am paying off).
However, the second apartment had cooking gas and heat included, and I would only have to pay an electric bill. God blessed me with a program that will pay my rent for the next 12 months, while I find a job, go to school, etc. I, in turn, pay one-third of my adjustable gross income for rent to the program.
I accepted the second apartment and moved into it on May 15, 2009. What an incredible feeling--to be housed again!
Thanks be to God almighty!
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My lovable son, D., who was diagnosed with Asperger's last year has struggled for years with communication and social deficits. He recently told me, "I hate all kids and don't have to be bothered with any of them." My heart hurt when he said this, because I know that by nature my son is sweet, caring, and very socially interested; he has simply had difficulty with his attempts at making friends. When he said this, I told him I understood how hurt he was because of past experiences, but I wanted him to continue to hold on to what I told him a few years ago (that God would send him a friend).
Well, it was a beautiful day here in the Big City, kind of cool, but still a beautiful partly sunny day. I took my son to the park, and he was thoroughly enjoying himself. He started to play with another boy and was having a great time, but the boy had to leave along with the other children he had come to the park with. I proceeded to go into the park district building to find out the availability of spring classes for my boy; I left him outside playing for a few minutes on the sliding board.
When I returned from my short errand, I saw a boy sitting with his mom on a park bench. I almost passed them by but decided to sit on the end of their bench. I spoke to the mom and her 13-year-old son. The mom told me she also had a 9-year-old son (same age as my boy). We began to talk, and we discovered that both our children were diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, mine with an articulation disorder, and cognitive giftedness along with Asperger's--her son with ADHD and bipolar along with his diagnosis of Asperger's. We also discovered that my son and hers had started to play together. Later my son told me he asked her son if he wanted to play; they began to play and her son told mine, "I'm different from you. I'm Jewish." My boy responded, "That's okay. Jewish people believe in God." After that, they got along famously.
Since that time, we have met at the park on two separate occasions for a play date, and we also have had dinner with our new acquaintances. The mom told me that she has six children, four are older and do not live with her--but the two youngest ones, the 13 year old and the 9 year old live with her. This Jewish mother shared with me that she had been homeless for seven years and only recently (September 2008) had become housed through a housing program.
She and I both agreed that divine providence brought us and our children together. God is awesome, and my son's faith in Him has been strengthened. This was certainly a happy homeschooling day for my son and me.
Shalom.
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My son and I have been homeless for almost a year. How I would love to "home school" in my own home once again. Well, this may happen sooner than I thought it would. Today, I was accepted into a housing program here in the "Big City." The program is based where I live, and my prayer to stay here in the city has been answered by my Lord and my God.
Being accepted into the program is the first step. This Thursday, April 9, I will attend an orientation and find out how the program works. After that, I will be on the road to finding an apartment and climbing out of the vortex of homelessness. My experience with homelessness has taught me that many people believe that all of the homeless are mentally ill, drug users/abusers, or cognitively impaired--but I have found that this is not always true. My late mother used to have a plaque on her living room wall that stated, "Grant that I may not criticize my neighbor 'til I have walked a mile in his shoes." I've walked that mile now, and although it has been a most difficult one, it has taught me much. For several years, I have had the desire to have a home with a spare room for a mother and child who need somewhere to live until they can thrive on their own; I've also had thoughts about running a shelter for women and children. From my experience of being in two shelters over the last year, I have learned what to do and what not to do, how to treat human beings with dignity although they have fallen upon hard times, and how to reach out to the hurting. Perhaps, I was destined to live in a shelter for a long time, so I can fulfill what God would have me to do based upon firsthand knowledge.
I am now thinking of creative/alternative ways to make money--such as tutoring children, becoming a licensed home daycare provider, so I can continue to homeschool my son. Also, another option is now available to me--working part time outside of my home and working part time inside my home--half and half make a whole.
I certainly don't know what my future holds, but the One who holds my future loves me, mine, and everyone--maximally and magnanimously.
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Today, a woman who most would consider to be mentally ill told me to "take the cotton out of your ears, be quiet, and listen" to God. She also told me she was praying for me, that I used to do a lot of spirtual warfare, and that I would soon be back to myself. This woman is a Christian and prays everyday, because I hear her in the homeless shelter where my son and I live.
She will be gone soon, because she needs more supervision than she gets at the shelter. However, she has spoken truth to me and several other people at the homeless shelter. God speaks through whomever He chooses to speak through; if He spoke through an "ass" in the Bible, He can speak through flawed human beings today.
God has spoken to me a lot lately about my son, about how much He loves D. and me, and how doing "all that He told me to do" will result in a speedy deliverance from my current situation. Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
Have a blessed homeschool lifestyle each and every day.
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Yes, my son and I are still living in a homeless shelter. Today, we went to the Pediatric Development Center for an appointment with the chief psychologist to clarify my boy's diagnosis. On days when he has therapy/other appointments, we usually don't do a lot of work, so yesterday evening we did some to get a little ahead of the game.
We're currently reading a biography entitled, "Michelle Obama: Meet the First Lady." It is written for 8 to 12 year olds. We also finished reading a wonderful book about Negro League baseball. Right now, we are both at the library using computers--me for blogging, him for a game (probably Club Penguin).
We'll have a place to live other than the shelter soon; I know it, because God is faithful. Pray for me that I keep the faith.
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My life has changed drastically since I began homeschooling. When I started out I lived on the south side of a huge city in a rented coachhouse. Currently, I live in a homeless shelter in the same big city, but on the far north side. This is the second shelter we have lived in; we stayed for about 9 months in the first one and we have lived for a little over a month in the second one.
D., my precious son, attended public school for about two months this year, and it broke my heart to have to send him there; my case manager at the first shelter insisted on it, so I could look for steady employment which would lead to permanent housing. My son's IEP was written in June 2008 for the 2008-2009 school year. The school counselor was wonderful; he sent my son to a cross-categorical 4-week summer program for children with special needs. There were only 4 children in the summer program, a teacher, and someone to assist the teacher. This program was to help my son become acclimated to a classroom setting, to help with his speech, pragmatics, articulation, pitch, etc. Both I and my son loved the program.
The counselor and I agreed that my son would need help with transitioning to public school. Therefore, he was to have one-on-one paraprofessional support (also known as a one-on-one aide) to help him with transitions, executive functions, social network navigation, etc. (A diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome means huge social deficits).
On the Friday before school began, I decided to stop by the school to see if all was well, if my son's aide was in place, to show my boy around the new school etc. Lo and behold, there was a new school counselor and a new school principal. The new counselor told me that the previous counselor and the previous princiapal had failed to complete the required paperwork to request a one-on-one aide. Therefore, no one would be available to help him on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, when he was to begin school. I told them I would be happy to serve as my child's assistant until they provided one for him. However, when my boy and I went to school on September 2, they had pulled an aide from the Special Education classroom to work with him on a temporary basis, until they could get a permanent aide for him.
I visited the 'mainstream" general education teacher on the first day of school, and she told me how long she had been teaching, what a great teacher she was, how all the children who had been in her classes were taught well, etc. So much for the Bible's instructions, "Let another man give thee thy praise and not thy own lips." This teacher had taught 7th and 8th grade during the 2007--2008 school year, but here she was for the 2008--2009, about to return to teaching 3rd grade. She talked a lot about her personal problems, her educational background, and how much she had suffered as an African American teacher at the school. She knew little about Asperger's and wasn't interested. Once she told me that my son's behaviors were attributable to his only child status. I let her know kindly, but firmly, that she was uninformed.
After my son was at the school for two months, I pulled him out of the school and returned to homeschooling. He was bullied, teased, and sexually propositioned at the school. Fortunately, he was not beat up or molested by another child. On January 23, 2009, my son and I had to move to yet another shelter. Our time was up at the first shelter; in addition to this, an adult client at the first shelter verbally assaulted my son due to a conflict between my son, D., and her daughter, and I had to protect him.
Please pray for me and D., my son. Jesus is still Lord and God is still a deliverer. I know that he will give me a job, housing, etc., while still allowing me to homeschool D., as it is what is best for D. I have found a program for David that will allow him to improve his social skills in a safe environment. Also, pray that God will bless me with the finances to enroll my son in this program. Then, I can work part time.
Thank you for your prayers and for reading my blog.
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Well, the evaluation process for my son has been going on since July 2007, and it looks as if the saga will continue for awhile. As stated before, my son's diagnoses from the renowned children's hospital was "cognitively gifted"; socially immature; articulation disorder; needing help with stimulation and overstimulation; and needing help with managing an intense temperament. Although I brought him in stating that I thought he had ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome, after a lengthy evaluation, the physician stated he could not have Asperger's, because he was too socially connected.
She recommended a full global evalaution which was done through our neighborhood school. My boy is now receiving 30 minutes of speech therapy per week through the school for articulation; the therapy is not addressing pragmatics or prosody; in between sessions, I work with him at home. I was also given 60 minutes each month to consult with an occupational therapist regarding his sensory processing challenges. He needs so much more, and I have been asking the Father to provide a way for him to get one-on-one occupational therapy for sensory integration dysfunction.
We returned to the renowned children's hospital on Monday, February 11. Initially, the developmental pediatrician had said my son did not have Asperger's syndrome, but on Monday, she said she had misjudged some symptoms manifested in his speech and pragmatics, the severity of his sensory issues, his inability to connect with other children socially, although he has a strong desire to do so. She consulted with a senior developmental pediatrician who spent some time evaluating my son and later speaking with me. They both said my son is very complicated, as he did not fit neatly into the box of a typical child with Asperger's Syndrome--yet his symptoms and characteristics are best described as Asperger's Syndrome. One of the pediatricians talked about the incredible strengths my son has and how well he will do with the right therapies. This developmental pediatrician has a daughter with Asperger's, so he understood much from firsthand experience and was wonderful in answering my questions and sharing his wisdom and insight. Also, they referred me to some other resources that will provide more speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills classes, and other services my son needs.
I praise God's holy name, and every time I start to feel sad because of my son's diagnosis, I think about other children on the autistic spectrum who cannot speak, who are mentally retarded, who are cognitively impaired, and it helps me to put things into their proper perspective. I have been concerned about whether or not my son will be able to function in the world when he grows up, and the answer is a resounding "yes" in my spirit. With God, all things are possible. He is a healer, He is a deliverer, He is a sustainer, and I will allow Him to be all those things to me and so much more. He will minister to me, as I minister to my boy and teach my boy to trust in God, as God is teaching me to trust in Him for all things.
Ms. Phyllis
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God is awesome! The number "8" in the Bible represents new beginnnings and resurrection power. My heart, mind, and spirit are filled and overflowing with great expectations for this new year.
Before the Christmas holiday, I was offered a customer service work-at-home position which I gladly accepted. Also, on January 14, I started a full-time online medical transcription program which is fully paid for via Financial Aid. I will complete this program around November 2008, and then I will finish the task of completing my degree in English/Communications via an online program.
Also, my son's homeschooling is going well. We joined a secular homeschool support group earlier this month; the next day, we attended a Christian homeschool support group meeting. I was extremely excited, as I thought the Christian group would be the answer to my prayers. However, it was a highly disappointing experience for my son as well as myself.
So for now, we are going to take full advantage of all that the secular group has to offer. I still have thoughts of starting a Christian group that meets in the city and has activities in the city, but the Lord has not opened that door yet.
This past Thursday, my son and I went to the Chicago Children's Museum, and my boy had a ball "digging for dinosaur bones," climbing, "driving" the emergency ambulance, etc. In his words, "I had a great day!"
Everything I wanted to do in the past is now being done, i.e., being home with my son, homeschooling, working from home, and continuing my education. There is a time and a season for everything, and this is the appointed time and season. Glory to God!
Ms. Phyllis
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Today, I realized that I had virtually abandoned my blog, as I had not blogged since June 19, 2007. Four months is a long time between blogs, and so much has transpired.
I'm still homeschooling, and my son who I thought might have ADHD along with Asperger's syndrome (high functioning autism); however he was evaluated at a renowned children's hospital and has received a totally different diagnosis. He, at this time, has not been diagnosed with ADHD and does not have Asperger's syndrome but has been diagnosed as "cognitively gifted" with a few challenges. Although he is gifted, he is socially immature along with needing more speech therapy; needing help to deal with stimulation and overstimulation due to sensory integration issues; and also needing help to manage an "intense temperament." Some would call him a twice exceptional child, meaning that he is cognitively gifted along with some type of challenge(s). However, I call him D.--perfectly and wonderfully D.
I will blog again soon regarding my son, his evaluation, and the challenges both he and I are facing. I just had to blog a bit, because I missed blogging and will try not to stay away so long.
Ms. Phyllis
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Father's Day always causes me to ruminate and reminisce about my late father, Robert Smith, Jr. On Sunday, June 17, 2007, I wrote down some reflections on my late father which I would like to share with my fellow homeschoolers. it is because of him that I know learning can definitely take place outside of a classroom. The rough draft of the piece I wrote about Robert Smith, Jr. is below:
"The Smartest Man I've Ever Known"
Robert Smith, Jr. was my Daddy. When I was growing up, he was the only one I knew personally who did not have a middle name. Sometimes I wondered if that bothered him, but I never asked. If it did bother him, I did not want to risk hurting his feelings. He was born on March 19, 1922 in
Robert Smith, Jr., or Robert Jr., as his siblings sometimes called him was the most intelligent man I have ever known. I speak of innate intelligence as he did not have a formal education. He did not finish high school, as his mother passed away when he was 16, and he went to the army so he could send money back home to help his four siblings and his father. My Daddy also wanted to escape from the racism in
Although my Daddy did not have a formal education, he was constantly learning, constantly reading, constantly observing, etc. Often people would ask him which college he graduated from. When he replied, "None," they would be astounded. He was a true autodidact. I often wondered, too, how he lost his southern accent. Perhaps, he practiced voice and articulation or studied and mimicked the accents of those around him once he moved to
I remember my Daddy as being quietly strong. He didn't have a lot to say, but when he spoke, his voice made me want to listen. I also remember him being a great storyteller, and there were numerous occasions when I sat on his lap and implored him, "Daddy, tell me about when you were young." Sometimes he would repeat a story to me about being, "the best dressed boy in
He did not accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior, until he was in his 50s. I remember him telling me before he became very ill and could no longer speak that he prayed for "all of you every day" (his adult children). He passed away at the age of 68--much too young. I often wonder what he would be like at the age of 85, and it saddens me to this very day, that my 7-year-old son will never meet Grandpa Robert. However, I do tell my son about my Daddy, "the smartest man that I've ever known." I have worked for executives, physicians, presidents of universities, etc., and for me, my Daddy remains the most intelligent and wisest of them all.
I hope you enjoyed reading my reflections.
Ms. Phyllis
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On May 2, 2007, I was informed via e-mail that I had won 50 Gold Stars from a Home School Inc. raffle that I had entered. I haven't blogged for a long time. I've been very busy, trying times, etc., but I want to blog about the blessing.
I used to say I never won anything, but my tune has changed. I won 50 Gold Stars, and this entitled me to $50 worth of free discounted homeschooling curricula via Home School Inc. This is and was exciting.
After briefly basking in the winner's glow, I promptly ordered $50 worth of Christian Liberty Press books including the following:
1) Adventures in Phonics (Level A)
2) Adventures in Phonics (Level B)
3) Adventures in Phonics (Level C)
4) Noah Webster's Reading Handbook
5) Christian Liberty Nature Reader
6) Lessons from the Farmyard (stories with moral and character lessons)
7) Christian Liberty Phonics Reader Set
Although I won my Gold Stars almost a month ago, I had to share this with all of you. It is more than exciting for me, because it speaks of God's provision. I was wishing and hoping that I could buy some more books for my son as he loves having his own books. This motivates and encourges him. I had already decided that we would be homeschooling straight through August.
It weighed heavily on my mind how I could purchase additional curricula for him. Time4Learning, the interactive learning website, is fantastic. However, we needed more books. I never thought about the computerized raffle after I entered it, but lo and behold, on May 2, I received the 50 Gold Star e-mail. We received our new books in about a week, and my son loves them, is excited, and was extremely pleased that he received such a blessing. More importantly, he acknowledged and thanked God for the great blessing.
God is awesome. He does take care of the husbandless and the fatherless. A thoughtful Father, my God is; he is and full of surprises too.
Never lose faith. He is most definitely Jehovah-Jireh, my and your provider.
Ms. Phyllis
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It's Resurrection Sunday, and I'm not at church. There are many reasons as to why, but I'm here at home preparing a special dinner. I don't refer to this as Easter but as Resurrection Sunday; in my research about the origins of Easter, I found no reference to Jesus, the anointed One.
Regarding homeschooling, it has become increasingly challenging. There are times when my "school at home" method of homeschooling has temporarily taken a turn into the child-led learning, unschooling path. Despite this, or perhaps because of this, my son is learning much and is steadily advancing with first grade phonics and reading comprehension. I fully expect and suspect that by the end of August 2007, he will be reading at third grade level.
A blessed Resurrection Sunday to each of you, and I solicit the prayers of the righteous among you for me as a single parent homeschooler, for my son, for all God's people, and for the world at large.
Jesus is, has always been, and will never cease to be Lord!!!
Ms. Phyllis
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My son and I attended our first homeschool support group meeting on Friday, February 2. Unfortunately, we were given an incorrect address and literally walked in circles in about 5 degree above zero weather. After walking for about 15 minutes, I was ready to surrender and go home. My boy, however, kept prompting me on and saying, "We'll find it ma." He also said he wasn't cold as he was properly clothed for the weather. We finally found the library, although the address was different from the one we had been given. We were about half an hour late; fortunately, the meeting hadn't started yet.
Overall, the experience was a good one. All the members were seasoned homeschoolers and welcomed us very warmly. The children impressed me as they were the most well behaved children I had ever seen. The group has some longevity too; they've been meeting since 1996.
The parents asked if I had any concerns and answered all my questions. While the adults were meeting, the children were in an adjacent room. Initially, my boy sat with me, but I encouraged him to visit with the other children. He wasn't enthused about this. Most of the children were older than him, and he later told me that he didn't want to be friends with those "library kids." When I asked him why, his response was that being there was no fun. He expected physical activities, and I have since discovered that there are some that take place in between the monthly meetings. Additionally, I was told that there are families with children his age, but they are just taking a "winter break." We're going to attend some of the gym classes and other activities before the next monthly meeting.
I am grateful to the Lord for finding this group, but I am still praying for a Christian group that meets in the city on a regular basis. Pray with and for me.
Ms. Phyllis
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I live in a big city; however, homeschool support groups here are paltry. Virtually all of the on site support group meetings are in the 'burbs, and those urbanites who can't make it to the suburbs because their only means to get there is public transportation often can't make it to these meetings.
Before I began "authentic" homeschooling, my child attended a virtual school for a short time, and there were many single parents whose children were attending this school. (By the way, there were also many two-parent homeschooling families who chose the virtual school for the free curriculum.) I, for one, have changed my stance regarding the virtual schools; they are not homeschools, but are very much "public school at home." The virtual school option did not work for me or my son. Very early on, I thought it was working, but a short time later realized that it was not. Their requirements were stringent and demanding, and I spoke with parents who admitted that they lied on the log in sheets about teaching their child(ren) the required five hours per day. Additionally, my son was beginning to lose his love for learning, and I could not allow that to happen.
I consider the work that all homeschooling parents do to be a special ministry to their children. Homeschooling single parents have special challenges, but with added support, they can meet those challenges. Most of them are not stay-at-home moms but work inside or outside of their homes every day and still find time to teach their children at home.
I met one single mother who wanted to teach her daughter at home but had to work; therefore, her sister, who was not working, taught the child at home via a virtual school. Some single parents don't believe they can teach their children at home without the support of virtual schools. I don't think this parent ever thought about her sister teaching the child at home without virtual school assistance; at the time I met her, neither did I think that I, as a single parent, could teach my child without the support of the virtual school.
However, I would like to share with single parents that homeschooling their children by the grace of God is possible. Some parents are simply unsure of their ability to homeschool without added support; I felt this way too. Others think they have to have a fancy curriulum; I have discovered that homeshooling can be done on a very small budget, and as I continue to teach my son, my faith in what God can do in and through me is building; I am capable of teaching my son by the grace of God. He is learning at a phenomenal rate and is enjoying it immensely.
Once my newly formed online support group is well established, I will begin a Christian Homeschool Support Group in my city. The online support I have received has helped me tremendously, and many of my questions have been answered. I would like to give back to the homeschool community by supporting and encouraging others.
Homeschoolers who have access to groups and meetings close to your communities, please know that you are blessed, and remember the orphans, the widows, the divorced mothers (many not by their own choosing), the single mothers, and the fatherless in your prayers. Pray that God would strengthen them throughout their homeschooling journey.
Ms. Phyllis
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It's hard to find time to blog now. I've been extremely busy with working at home, following through on the admissions process so I can return to school, homeschooling, raising my son, etc. It's hard to fit blogging into the schedule, but that's okay too. I have decided that I will only blog when the Holy Spirit tells me there is something He wants me to share with others.
I wanted to say hello to everyone and let you know that all homeschoolers are in my thoughts and prayers. It's not an easy road to travel, but we will make it by His grace, His glory, and our diligence in following through on His instructions to us.
Ms. Phyllis
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Yesterday and early this morning, I was looking for something my son and I could read and discuss regarding the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I found a timeline of his life which children had written, along with pictures, and I also found a video of him reciting the now famous "I Have a Dream Speech" on the Lincoln Memorial, in Washington, D.C. My son and I read the timeline of Dr. King's life together, and I then asked my son some questions related to that timeline. It seemed to upset my son immensely that Dr. King was killed by people who simply did not like what he was teaching and preaching. My little boy said, "He hadn't done anything wrong." I told him this was true and that Dr. King fought not just for African Americans to have equal rights, but he also fought for everyone to have equal rights. I also pointed out to him that Dr. King had many followers and supporters, and among those were Caucasians. After this, we listened (and my son was very attentive) to the "I Have a Dream" speech.
I explained to my son that Dr. King was a martyr. Not long before he was assassinated, he said that he wanted to live a long life like any other man and that longevity had its place. He further stated that he had been to the mountain top and was not afraid to die. I told my son that some people are born to die for a great cause and that Dr. King was one of those people. When I listened to the "I Have a Dream" speech, I could feel the anointing of God and the power behind Dr. King's words. My son said he could feel it too. Glory to God, and praise Him that a great, unselfish, and loving man such as Dr. King lived, worked, and served all of humanity.
Ms. Phyllis
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The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. (Proverbs 10:22)
It is indeed a blessing to have lived to see another year. December 30th was my son's birthday (he's 7 now), and New Year's eve, December 31, was mine. My child asked me what I wanted for my special day, and I told him to spend my day in the house of the Lord would be more than enough for me. I am still excited, inspired, and amazed by all that the Holy Spirit has to say to the Body of Christ at the dawn of a new year (and throughout the year too). Another year has been given to me and my household, and I shall forever be blessed.
So much is happening now, the former Iraqui president, Mr. Saddam Hussein, has been executed. James Brown, an American icon, has passed away, and reportedly, the 3,000th American casualty in the war in Iraq, a young man from Texas was killed. Despite all the confusion, sadness, and disharmony in the world, I remain hopeful, as my hope is in Jesus Christ. God is sovereign and nothing happens without His foreknowledge. My God is just, righteous, and merciful. All praises be to the Omniscient One; I know there is a plan and purpose in everything that God allows to happen.
May the blessings of the Lord be upon you and your household as you continue to serve and obey Him! He has so much in store for you, your family, this nation, and the world. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, and it is in you. May the righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost that the kingdom brings be yours now and forever.
Ms. Phyllis
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I'm in the rare category of born again Christians who do not celebrate Christmas, or more accurately, Christ's mass or the mass of Christ. Some wonder how can this be as I believe that Jesus, the Christ, is the Son of God, is equal to God, and is the only way to the Father. The mass of Christ is a subject on which I have done some research.
When I was an unbeliever and for a short while after I accepted Christ, I celebrated Christmas, and as I was always a giver, I tried to give everyone in my close circle something they would like, something they needed, something uniquely meaningful to them; I gave to those who I did not know too. Since I was not a highly disciplined person, I often went overboard with all my giving. I would end up with no money left after the Christmas holiday and would be totally broke, "busted," with nothing. I would be saddened by the fact that I had no money, but I was always happy that I had given something to others.
Well, about sixteen and a half years ago, I became a born again Christian. This was nothing short of the greatest miracle in my life. I had lived as I had pleased (or so I thought) until that time, and then began to feel a gnawing sense that there was something more. It wasn't that I had never heard of salvation. My grandmother was an ordained minister who always told others about her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Shortly after her death, one of my sisters accepted Christ. Soon, my mother accepted Christ. Yet another one of my sisters accepted Christ and became heavily involved in ministry. Not long after, my brother accepted Christ. Even my father, who at that time was estranged from the family, came to accept Christ. I chose to continue in unbelief.
After a string of events that the Lord used to draw me unto Himself, I began to feel lifeless; it wasn't that I had not been dead inside before, but now I was acutely and painfully aware of it. I also was drawn to read the Bible. It didn't matter what I was doing. If I felt drawn to read the Bible, I would stop and read it. Sometimes after a night of clubbing, drinking, or whatever other ungodly thing I had been doing, I would pick up my Bible and begin to read. In the month of July, in the year of 1990, I began to read the Word even more voraciously. I was compelled to read it, and so I did.
Before July 1990 was over, I had begun to read the Word each day. I started with the book of St. Matthew and read all the way to Revelation. As I was reading, the Holy Spirit began to reveal the meaning behind many of the scriptures I read. It was then, and only then, that I began to truly see myself in the light of God's holiness and righteousness. Each day, I would ask the Lord to forgive me for my many sins, to cleanse me, and to accept me. One day, I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit say to me, "I heard you the first time you prayed that prayer, and I have accepted you and love you." My heart was filled with joy, and through God's spirit, I set out to obey Him, to follow Him, to ask those who I had hurt to forgive me, and to join a Bible-believing church. I also severed ungodly relationships and invited many others to accept Christ.
Once, I wrote a very sincere and heartfelt Christmas poem, entitled, "Jesus, Happy Birthday" which I was invited to read in church. It was my way of thanking God for sacrificiing His obedient son to save not only me, but the entire world. The spirit behind this poem--love for Christ--remains in my heart. At that time I did not know that Jesus' birthday was not on December 25, and I continued to give Christmas gifts, but not with the same abandon, as I had begun to develop more self discipline. Soon, I was just giving one small gift to each person. Later, I only gave cards. Yet, some time later, I was not giving the cards anymore. Nevertheless, I had begun to give continually throughout the year. My feelings about Christmas giving had undergone a drastic change, but I didn't understand all the reasons why.
I mentioned this to one of my sisters who gave me an article entitled, "The Origins of Christmas." Researching the facts has always appealed to me, so I began to do my own research and made some shocking discoveries. One of the main facts that I discovered was that the origins of Christmas were pagan, not Christian; I was astounded to find that the early church did not celebrate Christmas at all. I was in total disbelief when I found out that the pagans worshipped the sun (the created thing instead of the Creator of all things) on or around December 25. The Catholic church tried to christianize the paganistic hedonism, and around the 4th century, the Protestant church followed suit and began to merge the pagan and the sacred together. Nonetheless, Christmas was not widely accepted in America until the early part of the 19th century. I came to know that many of the symbols of Christmas are symbolic of the paganism that revolved around the worship of the sun and the winter solstice. I didn't know what to think anymore. I also realized that I wasn't celebrating Christmas anymore, although this didn't happen on a conscious level. I've never been one to do something just because everyone else is doing it. I have to know the who, what, when, where, why, and how behind my actions, and now that I was confronted with certain truths, I had to decide what to do with those truths. One major truth that I came to know was that attaching Christ's name to the title of a holiday doesn't necessarily means its roots are Christian.
Do I believe in the birth of Christ? Without question. Do I believe that He died and rose that I, and all human beings might have a right to the tree of life? Undoubtedly. For me, it is not a story. It is very real. Will I teach my son, who is six, about the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ? Yes, without His birth, he would have never been crucified, and now risen. However, I do find it interesting that many who love hearing the "story" about the birth of Christ find it lovely and endearing, but at the same time do not want to hear the "story" about the crucifixion and resurrection, or rather, how it is to meant to impact them on a personal level. It is quite easy to think pleasant thoughts about the "Christ child," but for many, thoughts about the "Christ man" who suffered for us all are quickly rejected.
I had the joyous privilege of leading my son to Christ this past summer, and I will continue to teach him the Word of God. However, I will not teach him about "The Three Wise Men," as in the Bible, I read about wise men--but they are not numbered, nor will I teach him any of the man made, fabricated, parts of the "Christmas Story." Will I teach Him about giving? Yes, I will continue to teach him about the ultimate giver, God, of the ultimate gift, His son, Jesus, the Christ, and because of His example, we too should give. I am not bound by celebrating Christmas; I have the liberty that only Christ can provide. (Colossians 2:16-17)
Some would question which holiday/Holy Day traditions I am imparting to my child. One thing I am teaching him is not to be bound by the traditions of men, but to examine everything in the light of scripture. I love the Thankgsgiving holiday, because it reminds us to be thankful--and for me and my household, who I am thankful to and for, is not ambiguous. I am thankful to and for the Holy, Righteous, Omniscient, Ominipotent, and Omnipresent God who is Perfect, Excellent, and Forever Reigns. As the pastor at the first church I joined post my salvation often said, "He sits high, but He looks low." God is intimately concerned with the affairs of all men, so I am teaching my child that every day is a Holy Day The resurrected Christ who sits on the right hand of the Father, forever lives. (Romans 14:5-6)
My son's birthday is in the month of December, and yes I give him gifts. Sometimes, he even has a birthday party. Nevertheless, I do not go overboard with gift giving, and I teach him to be thankful, not just on Thanksgiving or his birthday, but everyday. The Lord has taught me to teach my child about the needs of people and to respond to those needs as led by the Spirit of God.
I grew up longing and praying that my mother would take me downtown every year, so I could see the glowing Christmas lights. Those childhood days are long gone, and I have come to know that those lights which adorn many an evergreen tree have nothing to do with Christ, and I now pray that the true light of Christ would burn in my heart and in every spirtiually renewed heart during the holiday season and each day of the year.
Have a blessed and joyous Holiday season.
Ms. Phyllis
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As part of our Bible Study/Devotion time, I am teaching scripture to my first grader. So far, he has learned Philippians 4:13 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Currently, he is committing St. John, chapter 1, verse 1 to memory: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. When I began to teach my child what this means, he mentioned a woman that he believes is a God worshipper. He began to tell me about a Jehovah's Witness lady that we know, and my son said, "Ms. So & So" worships God." I said, "Really, how do you know that?" He said, "Because she said she does, and she reads the Bible." I explained to him that Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus was the Son of God, a good example, a good prophet, and a good teacher, but they do not believe that He is equal to the Father; therefore, they do not believe that he is God. My son immediately said, "He is equal to the Father." I asked him why, and his response was, "Well, He is His (the Father's) son. Jesus is the Word. He was with God, so He is God." Out of the mouths of babes.
The scripture says, "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." It's never too early for children to remember scripture. If they remember it now, it will be hidden in their hearts. We should not only have our children remember the scriptures, but we should also teach them the meaning behind the scriptures. When the enemy presents ungodly, unholy, and unrighteous choices to them, the Word will spring up in their hearts, and they will make the righteously right choice--not to sin against God. Adults and children alike should be hiding God's word in their hearts; this and obeying the word will lead to holy living.
Have a Word filled day.
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The sun is shining here in the big city, and it's not so cold today. It's now 37 degrees, and we might reach a high of 41. Where I live, this is "balmy" for an almost winter day. I rose at about 5:30 a.m. and have accomplished many tasks, i.e., mopping my bathroom, mopping my kitchen, packing three boxes (to be picked up today); and I'm about to make breakfast. Before the day is over, I will have done a lot more. I am now, after working at home for the last few months, realizing the absolute pleasure and privilege of being a work-at-home mom after so many years of working outside my home.
After my son finishes his schoolwork, we will go out and enjoy the weather. I began this day with prayer, and I know it will be a blessed one. Acknowledging God in all of my ways leads me to a directed path.
Ms. Phyllis
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Time cannot be recovered. Once it escapes, it is forever gone. So many things pull at me from different directions, but God is teaching me to discern the spirits by His Spirit. By following His direction, I can guard my time which is really His time. Then, I will have time to do all that He requires of me.
There are 11 hours and 7 minutes left in this day. I have to go now, so I can use it wisely.
Ms. Phyllis
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Blogging is fun, and I love it! I like to write and probably communicate better with writing than with any other mode of communication. I could really get hooked on blogging. Blog in the morning. Blog at noon. Blog at night. Blog in the middle of the night. But you know, I have a child and a household to run, so I can't blog all day. I need balance in every area of my life. Yes, this is what I will pray for today. Balance, balance, and more balance. Blogging and balancing the blogging. Blogging with balance. Balance with blogging. Hmmmm . . . maybe, I can blog about balance.
Before I began blogging here, I posted a few blogs elsewhere. Dipping my toes, or rather my fingers, very tentatively into the water. Some blogs I put a lot of thought into, and others were spontaneous reactions. Blogging is all new to me and I wonder if the novelty will fade; I just discovered blogging about five months ago--about the same length of time I've had my own computer. Having my own computer is, in itself, a miracle. Praise God! After I discovered blogging, I became enthralled with reading the blogs of others. Now, I'm blogging, so I am an official blogger. Incredible!
Well, it is 6:06 a.m., CST, and I simply must start my day.
Blog you later.
Ms. Phyllis
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How do I get everything done? I am not the best housekeeper in the world, nor am I highly organized at home. When I worked in an office, I was an organizational wonder--except for my last job. There, I had to do the work of five people, so I simply winged it and did the best I could. Every other job I had prior to the last one, I was on top of it all. Well, I'm just going to do one thing at a time until it all gets done. I am one person. I'm getting my priorities all lined up in a row. Getting my house in order! For the New Year and for the rest of my life.
Homeschooling one child, I think, is probably harder than homeschooling five or even ten. I would imaginge that in a big family, the older children help the younger ones. But with a single mother and a single son, mama has to do more. Praise God that I have a helpful child who always volunteers to assist me--even if the task is too big for him. He always wants to help and has been that way all his life. What a tremendous blessing.
I have to go and start lining up those priorities now, before they run away from me.
Ms. Phyllis
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Life in the big city is going well. My son just "cleaned" his room a short time ago which he recently committed to doing after he eats every morning. This morning he did not want to eat initially. If you're not hungry, you're not hungry. I didn't force the issue. A while later, he came to me and said, "I'm ready for some oatmeal and eggs." Voila! Oatmeal and eggs it is.
I'm extremely blessed that I can make oatmeal and eggs for my dear son. When I was working in the big city, it was usually, but not always, a hurried juice and cereal breakfast. This wasn't because I didn't want to make oatmeal and eggs, or whatever else his heart desired, but he could never get up in time to eat it. He just wasn't into getting up early; it was always a struggle. It's understandable though, growing boys (and boy is he growing) need a lot of sleep. Now I have the time to make (and he has the time to eat) a good, hot breakfast almost everyday. Some days it's oatmeal and eggs; others it's pancakes and sausage; others it's toast, sausage, and fruit; and yet others, it is juice and cereal, per his request.
From the time my son was in my womb, I wanted to stay at home with him to teach him, to guide him, and to be available to and for him. This was my heart's desire. Due to some very complicated circumstances, this was not, or so I thought, possible. I tried very hard to find a work at home position when he was a newborn and thought I had one firmly in place, but it fell through. This devastated me in many ways, and I ended up returning to work. After two months, I had to resign from my position. Almost immediately after being placed into a home daycare, my precious baby was always getting sick with diarrhea and ear infections. Some time thereafter, I returned to work and was terminated, yes fired, from another job. In hindsight, I realize this was due to subconsciously sabotaging myself as I was torn between working outside of my home and desiring to be at home with my baby. Subsequently, I found myself living in a homeless women's shelter with my two year old for about eight months. Right before our shelter stint, I found another job--but a bit too late. My landlady said she couldn't offer me anymore time to pay back rent. All of this was an eye-opening and painful learning experience.
In retrospect, I know that if I had only continued to ask, continued to seek, continued to knock, the door would have been opened to another work-at-home opportunity much sooner. Nevertheless, God was more than gracious and gave me another "good" job, as this is what I prayed for, which I worked at for about four and a half years. What's "good" and what's not "good" to an individual depends greatly upon what that said individual values. The strong desire to be more available to my son persisted, especially since he was about to begin first grade at a public school. When I began to pray effectually, instead of accepting the untruth that I could not make a living in my home, almost immediately I was "forced" to resign.
All this came about because I chose to take a stand against racist and sexist comments one of the physicians in my department made to me on a regular basis. Hastily, I submitted my letter of resignation after deciding that I could no longer work under those conditions, especially when management chose to attack me in response to this physician's false accusations (along with his secretary's) that I was "intimidating" and unapproachable. Have I forgiven these individuals? The answer is "Yes, fully and completely." It is a necessity if I am to maintain my relationship with the most important One in my life--my Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ.
After I made the decision to resign, I wondered if I had done the right thing. Since that time, God has confirmed to me that yes I did make the right decision, and His hand was at work in it. What Satan meant for evil, God meant for good.
For a while, I lived off the "fat of the land," a month's pay that my employer gave me for my "good work record;" vacation pay (another month); and even some of my retirement funds (we had to eat). I used a portion of my retirement funds to purchase a new computer and printer. Then, I took my son to visit relatives in Ohio that we hadn't seen for years. However, before I left, I stayed up many nights searching the internet and posting my resume on sites which transcription companies use to search for work-at-home medical transcriptionists. When I returned from vacation, lo and behold, there was an e-mail offering me a position--based on my resume (not an employment screening). God is excellent and amazing. A desire finally fulfilled after six years of struggling! Hallelujah! To God, be all the glory!
Single mothers and fathers, don't feel condemned or guilty if you work outside of your home. God would not have you feel that way; you are doing a good and honorable thing in providing for your child(ren). But if your desire is to work from home while homeschooling your child, don't give up on that desire. God placed it there and will answer your diligent prayer. With God, all things are possible.
Have a Spirit led day.
Ms. Phyllis
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I feel the need to write, the need to reach out, the need to share. I am single and homeschooling an only child, a 6-year-old (soon to be 7) son in the state of Illinois. We began with public school at home in September which did not work out well for us; the school required that I teach him a minimum of five hours a day at home, along with attendance at a science class for one and a half hours, one day a week, at a downtown Learning Center. Since this was "public school at home," it was mandated by the state that I teach for five hours (too much for my first grader).
We began "authentic" homeschooling on November 13 which is what I wanted to do from the beginning (just didn't know how back in September), and this works out well for my son. He is learning a lot more, although he did have to get used to the idea of not going to a "school." He was used to attending home daycares, public school pre-kindergarten, and a private Christian home learning center for kindergarten.
Right now, I am looking for support in homeschooling, as I am beginning to feel very isolated. Most of the Christian homeschool support groups are out in the "burbs" or in some remote town that's not accessible to me. I use public transportation (buses and trains) which will take me pretty far, but not to some distant land. My son and I have gone on two field trips, and he will also begin a sports class in January. Additionally, my little musician will resume a percussion ensemble class at a music conservatory.
Me? I think I just need to get out there and meet other homeschoolers. I have thought about starting a Christian homeschooling support group for single parents. Somehow I think the single parent emphasis might be too limiting and perhaps it should be a Christian homeschooling group open to all. Believe me, there are not that many (virtually none) single or two parent family homeschoolers in my area. Meanwhile, I have found a secular homeschooling group that meets on the first Friday of every month; my son and I will attend the first meeting in January 2007, God willing.
Please pray that the Lord will direct me in founding the support group.
Bye for now.
Ms. Phyllis