Sunday, June 29, 2008

Peahen


This is the peahen we found.
No one seems to know who she belongs to so I guess she'll stay here.
She's very thin, but gaining weight.

Posted by Picasa

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Chicken Shelter 2

We'll paint the wood to make it somewhat weather proof.
Posted by Picasa

Chicken Shelter


We still have to put the solid sides on three sides to keep the rain and weather out, but you can see how it is coming along.
We probably won't put the sides on until they are old enough to let out into the run.
Posted by Picasa

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Virginia Planting Guides for Spring and Fall

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-331/426-331.pdf Spring planting guide with chart

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-334/426-334.pdf Fall planting guide with chart

You have to fill the charts in based on the frost dates in your region of the state. It's easy to do and gives you a good guide to know when to plant for each season.

Friday, June 06, 2008

The Homeschooler's 23rd Psalm

can be found at: http://www.aop.com/enews/dailyfocus/index.php?focus_date=2008-06-06

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not want.
He maketh me to live on less sleep:
He leadeth me through the noise of many voices.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me to teach The right lessons each day, for His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of undone
Laundry and kitchen messes, I will fear no evil:
For thou art with me, my teacher's guides and
Answer keys, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
Of threatening school officials and critical family members:
Thou anointest my head with heavenly wisdom, my cup runneth over.
Surely educated and godly children shall follow after me
All the days of my life: and I will dwell again one day
In a clean house with the Lord forevermore.

Praise God, we do have a good Shepherd who leads us through every homeschooling problem and provides for our every need. Best of all, our Shepherd knows us and promises never to desert us when the wolf comes seeking to destroy (John 10:11-13). As we listen to the Shepherd's voice and follow Him, we are sure to receive a great reward as we reach the peaceful green pastures of Christ-like, educated children. "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." (1 Peter 5:4)

http://www.aop.com/homeschool/enews.php to sign up for their Daily Focus Devotionals.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

SPECIAL People

I shared this with a friend today and thought the author's take on special needs people might bless someone...

My favorite adjective (vs label) for people with challenges is SPECIAL. They have difficulties the rest of us do not face, true. But, I believe with all of my heart that God is doing something SPECIAL through and with them. I'd prefer to use the term "Set Aside for a High Calling Not Revealed Yet" but that's a bit windy even for Wendy. :-)

I read this factional (part Biblical fact, part fiction) Christian book that developed the idea that God created people with challenges as a special race with a special purpose. The special person in the story who had so many struggles here on earth was a teacher to the rest of us Chrisitians in Heaven. The author's unveiling of this person as a teacher in Heaven was very profound. The author quoted Luke 13:30 (And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.) and remarked that the last in abilities might have special abilities in Heaven. I am not explaining it well but the author presented it in such a way it really had me thinking. I believe people with challenges contribute far more to our society than most people realize. I believe God created them for a special purpose that we can not see right now. I do not recall the title of the story, but it wasn't that great of a book...except for that one part that has stuck with me through the years.

Maybe the people we see as limited by physical and emotional challenges are Divinely gifted in other areas. Wouldn't that be just like the God we know?!

People will label others by how they view them, how their heart is and what their experiences are. This gives us a window into their soul and a general guide to know whom to shelter special children from.

God says children are blessings. He does not put qualifiers in those statements.