Homeschool Pioneer - Homeschool Blogger

I need your help in a worthy cause --- PLEASE!

Thu, 14 May 2009 12:11:00 -0500

Purchase Far Above Rubies or Blessed is the Man by May 21, 2009, and get a bakers’ dozen of great bonuses valued at over $100!

Many of you are probably aware that I spent most of the current school year serving as a missionary teacher among Native Americans (they prefer to be called First Americans) in Arizona. I am currently working to raise the support needed to allow me to return to this ministry in the Fall. I am not yet sure where I will be located, but I will be teaching Hopi sixth graders in a Christian mission school specifically dedicated to meeting their needs and reaching families for Jesus. Please read on to find a way you can help in this cause and gain valuable resources for your family at the same time.

Many of you may not know that Jim Erskine of Homeschool Radio Shows has purchased and taken over publication of our high school unit studies Far Above Rubies and Blessed is the Man. In the process, he has created a couple of products I had long wished to do. Far Above Rubies and Blessed is the Man are now available in printable PDF format on CD ROM at the low price of $69.95 each. In addition to the full text of FAR or BITM, each CD contains many valuable extra resources. You can find the complete list on my website, www.lyndacoats.com

To celebrate this new product and help reach my support goal, I have put together a special introductory offer only available through the above website. Through the generosity of friends and fellow publishers, you will receive several wonderful FREE gifts with every order for Far Above Rubies or Blessed is the Man placed on this website before May 21 at the regular price of $69.95, with FREE shipping on the CD as well.

When you see these offerings, I am sure you will want to take advantage of this sale. Where else can your money do the double duty of obtaining all these wonderful resources of your family and helping further the work of Christ’s Kingdom among the Native American children of Arizona?

When you order Far Above Rubies or Blessed is the Man, here are the bonuses you’ll receive:

1. A Little Web Page, by Phyllis Wheeler of Motherboard Books, a 35-page e-book containing a fun exercise for ages 7-9 using a free trial download of software Web Studio. (Retail value $7.95)

2. Ministering to the Heart of Your Child: Book, Bible Study, and Audio in one package by Cindy Rushton! Here is how she describes it: "Struggling in your relationship with your children? Have a great relationship with your children and want to keep it that way? Have you ever noticed that “good” kids can go “bad” and wondered where it all begins? The Heart! Learn more and be encouraged with this valuable resource." (Retail value: $30.95)

3/4 Yes, You Can! Publications offers practical two freebies from their exciting line of e-books to assist 
and encourage homeschoolers. All are written by Michelle Geffken, author, speaker and homeschooling 
mom of six. Michelle especially loves to encourage parents that they can succeed with the tricky subject 
of art in the home. You can read more at http://www.yesyoucanpublications.com/.  Individual titles are:

3. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO TEACH ART WHEN NO ONE TAUGHT ME?!  A 10-page pdf of encouragement 
and practical help for homeschool parents wondering how to tackle art. Ideal for new homeschoolers,
 but useful for anyone.  Would nicely enhance the art activities in FAR or BITM. (Retail value $4.95)

4. E-BOOKS: WHAT DO I DO WITH THEM ALL?!  The updated, 4th edition of this popular 40+ page e-book. 
A guide to more effectively storing, managing, printing less expensively and using ebooks in the homeschool. 
This could even be a help in making the best use of the FAR or BITM CD itself. (Retail value $9.95)

5.  The Word of God on Being a Woman, a Wife and a Mother, written by Candy Foote 
Are you interested in knowing what God’s Word has to say concerning this topic? This book is a 
compilation of God’s Word concerning being a woman, a wife and a mother.  There aren’t any 
comments made by the author.  It is entirely the Word of God.  (Retail $10.00)

6. Set of Three e-books - The Tawny Scrawny Lion - Fun Unit, plus Character Builders plus 7 Carrot Soup Recipes Based on the children’s book Tawny, Scrawny Lion, this unit study is geared for preschoolers but can also be enjoyed by older siblings as well. This is donated by author Miiko GIbson of Our Grace Journey at www.mllkogibson.com. (Retail $11.95)

7. Sometimes I am Lonely, also by Miiko Gibson, was written for her daughter to address this common emotion from a Biblical perspective. (Retail value $7.95)

8. A selection of beautiful complimentary copywork sheets on classic topics from Phyllis Wheeler of Motherboard Books.

9. Continuing Education for Moms Download from Marilyn Moll contains twelve of her most popular phone seminars from www.urbanhomemaker,com, now available on one MP3 download. Gain a wealth of information at your convenience from well-known authors, experts, and other moms just like you. (Retail value $15.95)

Includes these 12 seminars:

1. Encouragement For Moms with Lorrie Flem
2. Health Begins in the Kitchen with Marilyn Moll
3. The Two-Stage Process with Sue Gregg
4. Healthy Water with Diane Carson
5. Cook Your Way to Wellness with Maria Atwood
6. Future Christian Homemakers with Laurie Latour
7. 12 Week Holiday Planner with Sheri Graham and Ann Voskamp
8. Cleaning Without Chemicals with Sandy Tuin
9. Child Training Tips with Reb Bradley
10. Canning Seminar with Lisa Vitello
11. The Hope Chest Society with Ruth Sundeen and Rebekah Wilson
12. Kick the Cold Cereal Habit

10. Activity Bags Sampler #2 from www.ActivityBags.com, includes assembly instructions for:

* 5 Preschool Activities in a Bag * 5 Craft Kits in a Bag * 5 Math Games In a Bag
* 5 Science Experiments In a Bag * A 30-day Challenge Devotional and Journal page

Retail value for set is $20.00

11. Math Can Be Fun! e-book from Terri Johnson of HomeschoolingABCs.com -Need a little jumpstart when it comes to math? Are any of your students experiencing burn-out. Do you need to go a different direction? This 21-page e-book is an excerpt from Homeschooling ABCs lessons.

12. The Homeschool Transcript: It’s Easier Than You Think! A downloadable audio workshop by Janice Campbell (Regularly $9.95) -- There is really nothing scary in the transcript preparation process! Come and learn about the three basic sections in a transcript, and how to collect and record information in a professional format. Whatever kind of homeschooling you’ve done, traditional or non-, you can create a transcript that accurately records your student’s achievements. Remember, it’s easier than you think!

13. A full-size copy of the Spring 2009 issue of The Old Schoolhouse, America’s premier homeschooling magazine.

For each of the packages offered on the website, you’ll be able to instantly download many of your free gifts from the shopping cart. Your Far Above Rubies or Blessed is the Man CD and other print items will be shipped FREE via USPS.

SEE details and place orders at www.lyndacoats.com

Life must go on --- I forget just why.

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:38:00 -0600

The above sentence is a quote from one of the many poems of my new favorite poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay. There is much about her that is not appealing to me. She lived a lifestyle that none who claim the name of Christ could approve; she is definitely not a role model for our children. If I had known her personally, we would not have been likely friends. However, in her poetry, she speaks my language. Many of her verses, like the one above, express the deep cry of my heart right now.

I can feel what she felt; I can relate to what she is saying. I can also feel great sorrow for her, knowing that she did not have the comfort of the Lord in the way that we do. Though she spoke of God, it was never as the loving Savior or Father, but only as the power of the universe.

I do not know the circumstances of these writings of hers, but I am quite sure that she experienced, or at least, understood, the heartache of losing someone close--- the pain that never completely goes away --- the hole that is left in your heart forever. Regrettably for her, she may not have known the Savior who answers her dilemma. He does know ‘why’ and He is ever ready to help those who love Him to understand it as well. Life goes on, because He is in control. His plans are far above our plans, but they are perfect for us.

When we lean on Him He will direct our paths. We can be sure that our life will go on under His blessed wings, There is no better place to be.

Tributes from Our Children, Part 1

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:12:00 -0600

This and the next two or three blogs, which I will try to post later today, will be sharing the expressions of love by my children to their father. This was written first and is by our daughter on her own blog. I am sharing it with her permission. http://rebekah-livelifeyourway.blogspot.com

It Was the Best of Times; it Was the Worst of Times

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:16:00 -0600

The above line from my favorite Dickens novel describes our life for the last two weeks only ours were in reverse order. It may sound strange to describe a time of illness and death in such a manner. In all honesty, it sounds a bit that way to me as well. Yet, for the last two weeks, that phrase has come to mind many times in our family’s journey.

It all started on October 28, when my beloved awoke before dawn heaving the contents of his stomach, laced with what I knew to be blood. Becky and I cleaned him up, only to have it happen again a couple of hours later. By then, I knew we had to call the hospice nurse, who arrived a little after nine. After a thorough examination, she pronounced him “in the last stage” and set us up on CTC, their version of ICU. This meant we would have around the clock nursing care for as long as he lived or until he was significantly better.

This was discouraging but uplifting at the same time. While I hated to see Lauren so near the end, I knew he had slipped into a coma and was not hurting. We also had the benefit of extra help to care for his needs, giving Becky and me a bit of much-needed relief. An unexpected blessing from this was some precious Christian fellowship with the two ladies who came to serve during that time.

For more about all of this, see http://www.lyndacoats.com/?p=31 written as an e-mail and posted for me during that time. Thank you, Janice!) I‘m sorry it never made it to the blog.

Lauren awoke Thursday morning fully conscious saying “Feed me!” He ate a whole cup of yogurt, drank a nutrition shake and ate a few bites of bean soup. He seemed over the hump and was well enough to graduate from CTC the next morning. This was good.

We had a good weekend, until Sunday morning. He awoke about 4:00 AM screaming, “No! No!” This worried me a bit as I had always heard that Christians died looking forward to going home. I knew Lauren belonged to the Lord, so why was he fighting death? Or was he? He had not been able to carry on much conversation since the downturn but he managed to tell me that he was ready for heaven but did not want to leave us. I reassured him, as I had several times before, that he could go if God called him, that we would be okay as God was still caring for us. That calmed him and we sat and talked for hours. By about 10:00 he was sleeping again, this time very peacefully.

Several times that day he awoke in severe pain. In response, the nurse increased the recommended dosage of morphine, keeping him sedated. When she came to do a regular exam and wound dressing the next morning, it was clear that his body was breaking down. His kidneys were failing, large sections of his skin was becoming necrotic. She decided to put him back on CTC that evening. He never made it there, as he passed away just a little before 4:00 PM that day, Monday, November 5, 2007.

Even that was both a good time and a bad one. He was gone from our daily lives, and we would miss him. Yet, he was out of pain, free of his disabilities and with the Lord. In that we could rejoice. Please share in our Prasie that God has taken another saint home.

Another Saint is Home

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 06:32:00 -0600

Thanks to all of you for your prayers for Lauren. God has answered in His timing within His perfect will. All pain is ceased: Lauren has been healed. Today he walks the streets of Heaven with our Lord and all the saints who have gone before. I have thoughts enough to fill sevral blogs on this topic, but I can't get them out there just yet. Instead, to give you all the pertinent facts, I will just link to the obituary published in our local paper today. Feel free to check it out: at http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com , click on "obituaries" and scroll down almost to the bottom.

Weekly Report

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:21:00 -0500

Well, it was exactly one week ago that Lauren and I returned home from UAB hospital. He is well established with very good hospice program. My mother was with the same group when she passed away just over a year ago. So far, we have been visited by (in this order): Drew, the intake nurse; Lynda, our patient tech (4 times) ; Isabeth RN (three times) ; Brother Larry the hospice chaplain; and the social worker Terri. We feel very loved and cared for with such a great support system.

In addition to hospice workers, we have had visits from church members, long-time friends and extended family and have received many cards including some from some of you out there. We appreciate every one of them. Lauren loves to see visitors. If you are in the area, please drop by. Even if Laurren does not know you he will enjoy the visit. Some days he doesn't remember the people he does know, but he is always glad to have company.

Caring for someone as sick as Lauren is not easy, even with hospice and family to help. However, I am glad to have the opportunity to minister to him this way at home. I am also grateful for my precious daughter who lives with us, and the other extended family members who are willing to pitch in as needed.

Becky and I are taking turns with the care when she is not in school, but since Lauren is not sleeeping much Becky and I both stay pretty tired. Just his daily wound care (he has several deep and serious wounds from previous procedures) is taking much time. There are also breathing treatments every four hours, lots of medications, feeding him(he cannot even eat on his own) and routine hygiene issues. Even with the trained aide coming in three days a week and the nurse weekly, there is more work than I expected. I AM NOT COMPLAINING. I am grateful to be able to do this. I just want you all to know why I may not post here as often as you (and I) would like. If any of you have any pointers to make this kind of care easier, please let me know.

We covet and appreciate your prayers. We know God is answering them.

A Pleasant Surprise!

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 22:24:00 -0500

Most of us would probably be upset if someone put somethIng on a website we owned without our knowledge. However, this just happened to me, and I couldn't be any more delighted.

Janice Campbell, owner of Everyday Education, author of many wonderful homeschool resources, and the volunteer manager of my website at www.lyndacoats.com has posted a notice there about a wonderful sale she and other friends in the Christian self-publishing cxommunity are holding for me. I had asked her to help me post info for special pricing on my own new items, but did not expect this. Even though it sounds as if I wrote the article, it was a total surprise to me. Please check it out and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity for your family. Thank you, Janice and CSP friends. You all are the best.

Landing at Home

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 03:25:00 -0500

Our roller coaster ride may not be over yet, but for now, the Lord has eased us to a safe landing at home. Lauren seems to be feeling better. He is breathing more easily more consistently, and his vitals seem to be good. He sleeps a lot but it is a peaceful sleep, not like it often was in the hospital. He wears out easily but enjoys having company. His best times are about 7 -10 AM and 6-8 PM. If you would like to call or come see him, try to schedule it during those times.

Members of our church family have been gracious to help with food and other needs, including a room divider to offer Lauren privacy though his hospital bed is set up in our main room. That way, he can be in the middle of everything that is happening without having to ask people to leave when he needs care. Our dear friend Trudie created a beautiful painting with Scripture verses to hang over Lauren' s bed. We have also received lots of cards, drawings and photos. Instead of putting them on the wall, he has decided to use a scrapbook so he can hold it in his hands and look through his memories. He would like pictures included with cards (or digitals sent separately) so he can match names to faces. We would like to thank all of you for flowers, cards, gifts, financial assistance, food, and all other kindnesses shown to us during this illness.

Home is Where my Sweetheart Is

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:18:00 -0500

Lauren is home! He is not cured and, according to the doctors, never will be. However, he is at home with us under hospice care. That is enough for now.

We are still asking God for the miracle of supernatural healing but are willing to accept whatever He sends us. Please continue to pray for our entire family.

Thanks to those of you who sent cards to the hospital. We received nearly a dozen today, just before we left. It seems that patient mail is only delivered once a week and today was the day. It was a wonderful spirit booster for both of us. We feel so loved.

It's a Wild Ride

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 09:55:00 -0500

Our rollercoaster hit rock bottom last night, and then climbed almost all the way to the top before midnight. God is good and was holding on to us all the way.

Last night about 6, Lauren and I were watching a DVD Becky had brought us on our portable DVD player when Lauren began gasping for breath. With the push of a button, nurses came flying and gave him massive doses of medication and a breathing treatment and increased his oxygen flow. Still, he struggled for each breath. The doctor came and told me this was called agonal breathing and he would probably not come out of it. Since he has a DNR order, I said my goodbyes and called the children and our pastor. I told them they did not have to come as I was not sure he would even be alive when they made the 1.5 hour trip. The nurse called the chaplain, who came and prayed with us.

Soon Lauren slipped into what appeared to be a coma and was in that state when the children arrived, along with my sister and a few close family friends. We all visited together in the family recreation suite while each person went in individually to say goodbye. Both car loads from Montgomery headed home about 10:30, not expecting to see Lauren alive again.

Our young friend Joel, who is a Marine recently home from Iraq, came in to say hello and goodbye. I did not even know he was in the area (visiting his mother in Birmingham), but one of my sons did and called him. He showed up with his mother, brother and sister (all of whom are longtime family friends) about 8:30, When the Montgomery crew left , Joel came into the room to sit with me. Within a few minutes, Lauren opened his eyes, looked at Joel and called him by name. He remained awake and alert for a couple of hours, during which we called the others back. Some were able to return; the others he talked to on the phone.

When everyone left, Lauren turned to me and said "Let.s watch our show," referring to the video we had interrupted. While I was setting it up, he asked when it would be time to go home. He seemed to think it was already morning. When I told him what time it was, he said he wanted to sleep now and watch the show later. He woke again about 7 this morning and seems no worse for the wear.

We are scheduled to go home this afternoon. If you are in the Montgomery area, please call or stop by to see him tomorrow or any time after that. The primary reason he gives for wanting to go home is to see everyone.

I am disappointed that none of your cards have arrived at the hospital yet. Those that are on their way will be forwarded to t he house when they arrive. If you have still not sent one, please send it to our home address: 24 N. Florida Street, Montgomery, AL 36107.

Please praise the Lord with us for His ongoing mercies and keep us in your prayers.