THANK YOU!

THANK YOU SKYLER AND JOSEPH!!!

Still rejoicing!

Brandon told us his news in person, but I sent him a text to let him know his sister was home so he could come tell her in person too. This was part of the conversation:

How he greets me:

The Kitten (toxic dog food?)

I can not say for certain, and we did not get an autopsy done. I will just state facts, share my opinion, and let you draw your own conclusions.

My daughter's 7 week old kitten appeared very healthy and active. Kitten ate from bowl filled with a pouch type of dog food sold by a mass merchandiser under one of their well known labels. I had purchased it as a treat for my 9 year old 5 lb toy poodle who is missing some teeth. The kitten was opportunistic and grabbed herself some...effectively offending the poodle into snorting loudly and walking away. Her great disdain of cats may have saved my poodle's life!

Over the next several hours, the kitten gradually slowed down and became lethargic. My 16 year old daughter observed the kitten's extreme weakness and brought the kitten to me. Its limbs were extremely weak...maybe even paralyzed? It had no control over its neck or limbs. She was limp as a dishrag. 

A vitals check showed the kitten's respiration and heart rate were very low. After a few minutes it gasped for breath and died in my hands. The only change in the kitten's routine was the food.

My daughter searched the internet and learned that brand and type of dog food has killed many pets in the past.

I am convinced something was wrong with the dog food. The kitten did not have access to anything else it could have ingested other than its mother's milk. I threw away the rest of the dog food and will never purchase that particular type under any label again. 

I am not a vet. I am a hobby farmer who has done 95% of her own vet care and has cared for hundreds of animals over 25+ years. I read the Merck vet manual for fun. While my lack of expertise may mean a lot to some, I call it as I see it. I strongly suspect botulism due to the paralysis and time frame. I will avoid that very big mass merchandiser's brand of pouched foods for my pets. (O R)

In fact, after the reading we have done, I won't be buying ANY pouched foods for my pets or my family. 

18 months ago, we asked for prayer for

18 months ago, we asked for prayer for a young lady named Sophie who had a massive stroke due to genetics. She was unable to walk or talk.  

Today, she is fully healed! She is not only walking and talking, but she is dancing and jumping on a trampoline!

God is good!

Please join us in prayer that she can get into a medical trial to try medicine that will drop her very high chance of a stroke to almost nil. Most of her family also has the high risk marker in their blood. I do not recall the details, but it has to do with how their blood clots.

New Blood Test Finds Alzheimer’s 20 Years Before Symptoms Appear

Brandon's Big Blessing

Brandon was growing frustrated in his position because things he had been promised had not come to fruition. Part of that was due to a manager who let the department go downhill. Then CoVid happened and caused more delays. Brandon talked his disappointment over with Clint and I many times, and we could tell he was very discouraged.

We encouraged Brandon to keep praying and looking to the Lord for direction. Our whole family joined him in those prayers. He felt God was telling him to stay put, so that's what he did.

It paid off! He did not get the raises and higher ranking he had been promised and had been looking forward to receiving. No, God had something much better in store for our hard working son.

Brandon is now the Tech Support Supervisor over SIX industrial plants and has five men working under and directly reporting to him! He received a total increase of $25k and will have many extra perks, bonuses, and regular pay increases. He is also given a higher percentage of the company's bonus payouts than he was receiving before. He also has a new boss who was recently hired to correct the issues left by the former.

When the position came open, Brandon was so discouraged by his job that he wasn't going to apply. He did not feel he was qualified. Clint and several others encouraged him to apply anyway. Some of those others included every single man who is now working under him! He has the support of his entire team!

Brandon was told he was given the job because he has the drive and work ethic they want and also is a faithful and responsible person who has shown great integrity. 

This position takes Brandon further along the path he wants to pursue. The next step will likely have him moving to another state. 

Please join our entire family in praising and thanking the Lord for His goodness to Brandon!

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God 

so that at the proper time he may exalt you 

I Peter 5:6

When God Speaks to a Heart

A humbled servant's heart will respond even if afraid. (Samuel)

A proud and rebellious heart will balk, delay, and make excuses. (Jonah)

Dear Reader, when the Lord has spoken to your heart in the past, did you respond or make excuses? How can we prepare ourselves to respond readily for the next time God speaks?

Black Snake Eggs

 

15 eggs laid in early July

  

Teacher Amanda

pink=life

We saw veins and movement in each egg.

While all of the eggs Amanda found  were viable, there were a few with these spots.
In poultry eggs, these spots indicate a break down in the egg barrier. Bacteria can get into the shell this way and weaken or kill the embryo.

Amanda found black snake eggs when she moved a tarp at her place. Wanting to show stewardship over God's creation, she chose to incubate them and release them with permission on properties where they are welcomed due to their beneficial nature. Seizing an educational opportunity, she brought them home to us so her younger siblings could see her candle them. As it turned out, everyone was home and wanted to see except Caleb. He was working and has requested to be included next time.

Dear Reader, Clint and I were raised to fear and kill every snake we saw. We felt God challenging us to change our attitudes to be more in line with His Word. God called His creation, which included slithery things like snakes, GOOD. Snakes, although not my most favorite creature, are very, very valuable to the environment. They do a tremendous service for humanity just by keeping the rodent populations down. We are not showing wisdom, maturity, or good stewardship when we indiscriminately kill God's creatures or encourage others to do the same. 

Hard day

So many friends have died or suffered severe attacks on their health lately. 

I still have friends on hospice.

I have "virtually sat" all day with a sweet friend who waited for what turned out o to be concerning results from her doctor. I am still "virtually sitting" with her as she waits for an interpretation of those results which were promised "in an hour" many hours ago.

My neighbor could not get a health care worker to come to his home today..."none available." He has food and drink, but he has other needs only they can do. I am his only outlet when things like this go wrong. Sometimes he takes his frustrations out on me. I understand he does it because he is at his limit, has few outlets for coping, and knows I will still be here standing as his friend.

A very dear family thought they were finally to a point where they could get some relief from a long and mighty struggle only to be met with strong opposition, dishonest tactics, manipulations, and more as evil people scheme to take that relief from this family. I am so angry I could spit nails over this one. She's had to change her name online to protect her family because the tactics are far reaching and down right dirty. The more money involved, the more people lie, hide the truth, and try to steal. It's even more sickening when they want to take from hurting people and children. Insurance = corruption.

A beautiful young lady who has a life threatening condition can't get the medical care she needs due to CoVid. They keep scheduling it only to set the date back further and further. It's been going on for months. She's passed out and has had to basically lay around most days since early 2020. Her procedure was set back even further today. She's so disappointed and concerned for her well being. 

A very pregnant young friend fell on her belly injuring her legs quite a bit. She was in the hospital all day while they tried to check out her baby. The baby is fine, and she was sent home to rest in bed for a few days while her legs heal.

I am the main or sole support person for a lot of people in my life. I try to give them more of my time and attention because of this. 

And, I held my daughter's tiny kitten in my hands as it died. There was nothing I could do to save it. I could only offer it compassion and comfort. 

Dear Reader, this world is often so harsh and cold, we forget the about the abundance of goodness and grace in our lives. Maybe you are feeling weary too? If so, I encourage you to turn off the many distractions and focus on God's promises and the Truth found right there in His Word. When we are focused on Him, we are better able to encourage others. 

Prayers for Comfort, Please

One of my friends on hospice, for whom I asked prayer for a while back, has passed away. Please lift the Laurie Bluedorn family in prayer for peace and comfort. 

Laurie was a Christian, an author, and a pioneer in the homeschooling movement who challenged the next wave of homeschoolers to excel in teaching children. She lovingly poured so much of herself into others. I was influenced and made a better homeschooling mother and child of God because of her. While I grieve with her family, I take comfort in knowing the severe pain, from the cancer she fought so hard against for years, is no more. She is with the Lord and now knows a peace none of us can even imagine being possible! 

Ten Things to Do with Your Child Before Age Ten by Laurie Bluedorn

Neat Find!

Joshua's friend told him about these drinks. They are less sweet than American soda and they are fun to open. You assemble little tool and then use it to break the seal. When the seal is broken, the glass ball drops from the top. Joshua found them in an ethnic food market. At 99 cents each, I am getting several to give to friends and family at Christmas.

 

The depressions in the neck of the bottle hold the glass marble back so it doesn't block the hole. We refilled one with water and held it upside down. It held water, so now we are wondering how they can be reused.

Keep Your Eyes on Him

Fall Garden Crops

I have been getting a lot of questions about fall garden crops. This article covers NINETEEN high yielding fall crops. You will have to see when to plant for your zone. 

Here are the crops featured:

1. Kale
2. Collard Greens
3. Arugula
4. Peas
5. Beets
6. Kohlrabi
7. Bunching Onions
8. Rutabaga
9. Cauliflower
10. Carrots
11. Bok Choy
12. Broccoli
13. Spinach
14. Cabbage
15. Mustard Greens
16. Brussels sprouts
17. Winter Radishes
18. Parsley
19. Turnips

That should give you a good place to start. Somethings may need to be started indoors. I recommend picking a few favorites, and then doing the research. Love to all!

Tree Collards Zone 7

If you have grown tree collards in zone 7, successfully or not, I would like to hear your experiences. Email is in the header of this page. Thank you!

A Peek Inside One of Our Grapevines

This was taken a few weeks ago. 

I need to talk a walk and check on them again.

For every tree is known by his own fruit.
For of thorns men do not gather figs,
nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
Luke 6:44

What a blessing to rest in this verse...

This was shared with our local group of young people: 

The sinfulness in every person's heart, including mine, clouds situations and makes others think they know you when all they really know is their perception of you based on so many different hidden factors that I wonder how we can ever have enough pride to think we can even begin to guess what is going on inside someone else. 

We are all guilty of it. 

We are all also victim of it at one time or another. 

When you find yourself wanting to defend yourself, I encourage you to be still and know God is enough for your situation. Forgive them quickly (Ephesians 4:26) and resolve to love them with kindness (love is an action verb) even when they are unloving towards you. 

Work towards unity with other believers. The old adage is true, "United, we are strong. Divided, we fall." When there is a a division, we are more vulnerable to sinning. Some people may never want unity, but that speaks of their heart just as loudly as the actions do of those seeking it. 

Dear Reader, You pull the weeds in your heart, do the right things, and let God deal with them. It could be your Father, who knows all and sees all, is protecting you from the trouble they would stir up because their hearts are not truly right with Him in that situation.

I know that there is someone to defend me and that he lives!

And in the end, he will stand here on earth and defend me.

Job 19:25

Around Here July 2020

I have not had an opportunity to do a family update in a while. I apologize for typos and repeats. 

Clint had a good Father's Day and birthday. He received communications gear that he requested. Due to CoVid, he's had to work more hours which at first was OK, but now the family is ready for some normalcy and more time together. Clint was presented with a very challenging project, and it took some time, but he ACED it winning a lot of respect and accolades. He was told the coronavirus Hero Pay he was receiving will end since the state is opening more, but if it shuts down, he will continue to receive the Hero Pay. Then, a couple of days later, he was told the place he works is in a higher risk zone. We are waiting to see if they reinstate the Hero Pay.

Brandon got one of his Beetles running. He sold a second of the three VW Bugs he purchased. He also purchased the Kia which was in the blog. He has a man who offered to purchase his truck for $5k. The man is working to raise the money. He also got his Jeep put back together and running. All of this was possible since he was able to work from home during the coronavirus shutdown. There are other things he accomplished around his home, but I could not keep track of it all. He was back to working out of his office, but now he is back home due to the higher risk of CoVid. Brandon been blessed by the Lord in an unexpected way, but I can not share about it yet. 

Amanda volunteered to help out while a co-worker was called away to help with coronavirus. She has been taking on extra 12 hour night shifts to cover his four month long absence. She's been purchasing new appliances, furniture, and also bought a new pet. The new pet was a very pretty corn snake. Only, the corn snake let itself out of the tank and is now free inside of Amanda's house. We're laughing about it. (For the first time, I am glad she does not live at home anymore. LOL!) She's not been around as much due to the increased hours, but she texts all of us daily. Our group texts keep her informed of happenings in the family, and she can read them once she is awake. She prays over us while she works. She also has an uncanny knack for coming home when food is cooking too! Her OT should end at the end of August when the co-worker comes back from helping out in areas hard hit by CoVid.

Joshua has been in charge of the kitchen at the very fast paced restaurant where he works. For his first day as kitchen manager, they gave him the day where they went back to the full menu and started running all of the equipment again. It was a crazy day! He enjoyed the responsibility and was told he did very well with it. This was part of his training to take a managerial role. It will probably be a good while before he can assume the role since CoVid has slowed so much down, but at least he is seeing progress on this front. Joshua has a very busy social life. He is always headed to this party or out with a girl or hanging around with a friend. He and Caleb are both in high demand! Joshua often brings home meals and treats for his three little sisters. Joshua is very thoughtful and generous!

Caleb still has both of his jobs at the restaurant. He has taken on a third role which is training other employees which increases his pay. Caleb is forever working on the many projects he has which earn him money on the side. He and Joshua regularly play paintball and airsoft with a group of young people. Caleb just repaired the air conditioner in his truck himself with some guidance from Clint. He recently paid for a young man (8 years older than Caleb) to target practice with airsoft with him. He asked the young man to pick up and reset the cans one time. The ungrateful and lazy young man complained about having to do it. Caleb provided the guns, ammo, cans, and had reset the cans all of the other many rounds. When the young man complained, Caleb called him on it and told him the guns were being put up. All of the sudden, the young man was eager to reset the cans, but Caleb put the guns away. "Learn to be grateful for what is given to you." This young man had shown his ungratefulness and laziness many times before. Once was in Amanda's home where she asked for help washing dishes to the meal she purchased, cooked, and served. The young man was very rude to Amanda. Caleb held his tongue because he was angry, but he said something to him later when they were alone. Hopefully Caleb's lessons will take root. Caleb is a brave and bold individual who is quick to stand up for what is right. 

Bethany hitches a ride along with her brothers as often as she can, so she has a busy social life too. They love taking her along. She's slowed down on her college courses. While she really liked the idea of graduating from college at an age much younger than most which was her goal, she told us she wanted to go slower and enjoy just being a young girl hanging with her family for a while longer. She feels rushing through, for her, would be a mistake. This time will pass and not return. That takes a lot of maturity to realize and speak up about, so we are proud of her. I think CoVid shutting down so much has influenced her change of heart. She's still drawing (mushrooms currently) and has been a tremendous help in the garden. The girl loves grilled green tomatoes. Well, she loves any tomato! I've shared with her how much her grandmother, Midge, enjoyed "mater sandwiches." I grow grape tomatoes just for her and love watching her eat them. 

Emily asked for and received Ford Mustang gifts and art supplies for her 13th birthday! Yep, our beloved Yiddee has turned into a teenager! Her character is really shining, and we see great things ahead for her. She has really stepped up to help out around our home, farm, in our ministry, and is a big help with projects for ourselves and friends. I love listening to her as she shares her innermost thoughts because what is blossoming is a beautiful heart for the Lord and others. She loves going anywhere her brothers will take her, and they are taking her to play Airsoft at Swamp Fun Park with their friends very soon. She will be the youngest player in the group, but everyone has assured us they will look out for her. We know the owner, and he is good about safety for the younger players. 

 *********************************************************

Bobby, my friend from elementary school, owns all six Let's Play Paintball locations. I think highly of him and mention it because I don't want to get in trouble again. :-) Love ya, Bobby! Gave you a little free advertising!

 *********************************************************

Hannah is a delight to talk with because she is both serious and humorous in a cute package. She still loves her precious Yiddee and does everything she can with her. These girls very rarely argue with one another. The last time they had a serious disagreement was over three years ago, and it was over in less than an hour. They are extremely close! Their relationship is such a joy and blessing to witness. I hope they value, cherish, and protect their relationship always. Hannah is really good at seeking out the ripe vegetables and has been taking on more and more cooking projects. She scarfs down zucchini fritters!

As summer ends, I will be away from home more as I help friends with their homes and doing some hauling back and forth. Clint and I have been getting away to our spots in Kings Creek and along the East River along with some visits to other places. I highly recommend Tides Inn on Carter's Creek as a place to get away and relax. They have redesigned their rooms, and it is really nice. It's a bonus that we know some of the people who work there. That Asbell and I have been taking at least one long weekend away together every month. 

The garden is really producing, so we four ladies at home are keeping exhaustingly busy. Our main garden is 2700 square feet, and it is intensively planted. Our front deck alone has over 150 plants. There are other areas planted all over our acreage. It's a big job, but I get much more out of it than gardening. 

We are behind on a massive amount of yard work, but that might work out for the better. I am going to cut and dry "artisan hay" for my rabbits with my new electric hedge trimmers because what I have been getting in 2020 is horrible. The goats and rabbits will only eat about 1/3 of it. 

After taking a long break from it, I've been raising puppies again. We currently have two litters with three more coming soon. If interested, send me an email (header). I have started hundreds of vegetable plants indoors for our fall garden and will put that "in" as soon as the summer crops come out. I have a huge painting project I am responsible for (a friends interior) and after that, plan to paint several rooms in my own home. Then I have outdoor structure to paint. Sooner or later, I plan to overhaul my kitchen too.

My ministry to women who have had baby losses has evolved over the last couple of years. I now also have a ministry to several young women who are new wives and/or mothers. Some of these young ladies lost babies and found me that way, and it just grew from word of mouth. My heart is very tender towards these precious young women's friendships, especially those who have a heart for the Lord. 

When the heat is extreme like this, it makes extra work on those of us at home because we do routine checks on our pets and livestock and give them fresh cold water which takes about an extra hour each time we go out. Some of the animals get cold treats to help cool down their core longer. The rabbits really suffer during these days. We had a litter of bunnies born, but I do not expect the kits to live due to the extreme temperatures. We also have to water our deck garden twice a day in this heat and the main garden needs watering. Just the main garden takes about an hour to an hour and a half to water.

That's enough to keep everyone reading for a few minutes! :-)

Love to all of you from all of us.

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

We Need Solid Nutrition Over Sweets

If you always enjoy sermons, 

the minister is not a good steward. 

He is not acting wisely 

who deals out nothing but sweets. 

-Charles Spurgeon

Growing Lettuce in an East Facing Window

Girl, what are you growing here?

Specialty lettuce.

Tell me how to do it!

I tell you what, I'll take pictures and put it in the blog...

I topped off the hydroponics solution and snapped a few pictures. 

One thing about the Kratky method I LOVE...seeing the roots!

 

Seed price: less than a tenth of one cent. I buy seed in bulk. 

Rockwool (.14), net cup (.30), jar (.50 from thrift store), newspaper (free from Willie), rubberband (free recycled from mail), pea gravel (.10 a plant)-all reusable dozens of times.

Consumable: hydroponic solution (approximately .26 a gallon)

 

Buttercrunch lettuce is a specialty lettuce and is $3 a head currently. 

Each seed will grow three heads of lettuce, but the last two will be a bit smaller.

You can cut the first and second heads off leaving the base of the plant in the net cup. After the third head of lettuce grows, it gets too bitter and tough. 

I have 15 jars growing lettuce at different stages.

$135 of lettuce for a cost of next to nothing. 

It's a good way to practice stewardship!

This is a very frugal way to feed our family and some of our pets/livestock (tortoises, poultry, goats, rabbits).

Update: I have added more jars because the lettuce is being consumed so quickly. Hannah LOVES it!

Family update coming

Family update coming as soon as I am able. I am hoping for later today. There isn't much new news I can share, but there is a little.

Prayers for Hannah, Please

7/15: Please pray for Hannah's finger to heal well.

Update 7/16: Hannah's finger looks good so far. We will assess again soon. We may be able to put comfrey on it in the next day or two.  We shared pictures with a nurse friend, and she agreed with our doctor friend. She gave us a few things to look for too. As requested, we will keep you updated.

Update 7/20: Hannah's finger did what everyone thought it would. The skin died and peeled off in one area. We are expecting the other to follow suit. We can see the comfrey doing its job. The new skin is filling in the area that was cut out very quickly, and it has no open areas any longer. Thank you all for the prayers. She just has to keep it covered to protect it while it finishes healing. 

Our more sensitive friends should skip the rest.

Hannah sliced her finger almost to the bone in a V-shape. We know from a doctor friend, and our experience with Bethany's deep V shaped cut on her toe, that stitches are probably not going to work because the flap of skin will slough off. We assessed her for full range of motion and are giving her both oral and topical herbal antibiotics. This probably freaks our "new parent" friends, but Clint and I have both had some medical training and a lot of experience with minor injuries. We will assess her injury again before bed and daily for a few days. 

Visiting Graves from Far Away (Find a Grave)

While I remember our deceased family members and friends, I don't draw attention to the different ways I try to honor and remember them. Remembering my stillborn and miscarried children, along with our deceased family and friends, are things I keep mostly keep between the Lord and myself. I might mention 10% of it, but the other 90% is kept private. 

Some of our young friends are moving far away for work, and one of them mentioned they will be sad they can't visit a family member's grave. 

After I shared my heart about some things I was struggling with, a friend shared Find a Grave with me. Since then, I leave virtual flowers and thoughts through Find a Grave. The nice thing about it is that the flowers never fade! Because of that, you can take comfort in seeing others have not forgotten a shared loved one either. You also might find a relative through Find a Grave!

Under a few different accounts, I've been volunteering with Find a Grave for a couple of decades now. If your loved one's grave is not on the site yet, you can add it yourself if you have the details. A local volunteer will go out and take pictures of the headstone and add it with the details for you.

My widow neighbor has one of her children drive her to her husband's grave every day. She also has a memorial in her yard for him that she cares for to also ease her grief. Going off of that, maybe a garden planter memorial can be utilized by those who move around a lot? 

Dear Reader, I am so thankful that God judges us by our hearts instead of what is seen. Some people need big outward expressions to help them heal from grief while others do it quietly and privately. However you handle your grief, I hope you know the Lord and hold onto the promise that He will wipe every tear from our eyes. He collects our tears in a bottle because each one will be removed from us. Our God is personal, caring, and loving.

Brandon has big news!

I can't share publicly yet, but I can tell our family and close friends privately. Send me a text, and I'll fill you in. I'll share publicly when it is cleared for me to do so.

and the Lord will reward you

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;

    if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

22 

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,

    and the Lord will reward you. 

Proverbs 25:21-22

Rise Up

Rise up, O LORD, in all your power. 

With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts.

–Psalms 21:13

A Local Artist Speaks

Chuck is a local artist. His story and contributions to our community have a lot of value. I hope to meet him one day and purchase a painting of his.

"Chuck started painting at the age of 5. At 21, he suffered an accident that resulted in the loss of his arms from the elbows down. After meeting Bob Ross, Dickerson resumed painting as a way to express himself and support his family."

Jims Motorcycle Accident

Jim is the husband/father of our friends who have the three daughters with Lyme Disease and co-infections. Fighting Lyme for one family member is expensive. Fighting Lyme for three is unbelievably hard. They have already paid over $1,000 in medical expenses since he was hit. He tried to go back to work, but was unable. They learned later he has a fractured ankle.



Jennifer was very kind to me when I went through the miscarriages and stillbirths. I'd love to return the favor by helping them raise money for their medical needs. If you'd like to do something nice for our family, please consider helping our friends when they really need it.



Click here to Give now to Jims Motorcycle Accident by Juliann Shafer: On Monday, July 13th, Jim was riding his motorcycle home after work when he was hit on the freeway.  We are thankful for people who stopped to help him. They were able to get him to the side of the road and called 911.There was a lady who stopped to help, she was nice enough and used his phone ...

No Make Up No Filter

Short hair don't care!

No makeup, no filter!

Faith-filled, loving, fearless, an overcomer, strong minded, independent, responsible, highly skilled, creative, amazing, bright, delightful, beautiful, talented, adventurous, dedicated, loyal, dependable...and so much more!

This is the woman in my life who always has my back.

She often brings me breakfast and coffee and always makes me laugh!

The doctor said she had Down's Syndrome and wanted us to abort her. We would have missed out on so much if we had listened to them. 

Over the past few years, after a lot of prayer regarding each, she has turned down FOUR marriage proposals. That's a tough thing to do when everyone you know is getting married. It would be very easy to get caught up in the excitement and rush ahead, but she doesn't feel she has met the right man yet. Young men have even tried to get Clint and I to sway her. Amanda knows God is writing her story and is content to wait on Him. Her father, siblings, and I are very proud of her for not compromising!

May the Lord send her a godly mate in His timing.

Homeschool: How long each day should I teach my child?

A lot of parents do not want their children subjected to the CoVid precautions in the schools, so they are reaching out to us seasoned veterans for help. "How long do I have to spend teaching my child?" is a very common question we are hearing.

One of the hardest things to communicate to most people is how easy it is to be effective as an parent-educator aka homeschooling teacher. This is mostly due to the perceptions of education they have based on the industrialized eight hour a day classroom model. It's all they've known, and many are so limited in their thinking on education. It's challenging to help them to realize anything different can be more effective.

Homeschooling is very efficient one on one instruction. It does not mean you and your child will be tied to a table 8 hours a day.

Preschool (2-4 year olds) can be done in a few 5 to 10 minute sessions a day. Stop when your child seems tired or uninterested. Gradually increase the time and frequency within reason. Also provide them with age appropriate learning activities: building toys, puzzles, art supplies, educational programs to watch, educational placemats, play dough, etc.

Kindergarten 20 minutes to an hour a day or an hour three days a week.

1st to 4th 1-3 hours a day is a good average. The goal in the early years is to teach them the basics of reading and math so they can move into a curriculum that supports self directed learning.

5th to 6th 3 hours is a good average, self directed with daily supervision (make sure they are doing the work correctly and completely, give instruction where necessary)

7th to 8th 4 to 5 hours a day, mostly self directed with biweekly supervision

9th-12th 4 to 6 hours a day, self directed with weekly supervision

Once your child is able to read and write, most of the work can be self-directed by the child.

I started mine with ABeka because of its highly successful and very strong reading program. I was also very familiar with the program because it is how I learned to read. Switched on Schoolhouse is what I use once my children can read and write well. This has prepared all of the first 5 very well for college level work where, so far, all 5 have excelled. ALL of them so far are winning accolades from their instructors for the quality of their work.

If you don't like those programs, there are SCORES of other programs to choose from. If you do not have money for homeschool or feel your program is lacking, you can find free resources online. Find grade level scope and sequence lists from an accredited program and find resources to check those things off. It will add a little extra time to your preparation, but you will save the costs.

I also recommend joining an online homeschooling group specific to your state and local area. You can connect with like minded people in your area and learn so much about state and local laws, field trips, co-op learning opportunities, free online classes, sports opportunities, volunteering activities, and so much more.

Create an educationally rich environment at home. Give them educational toys, books, puzzles, art supplies, and watch educational TV. Fill their free time with quality things.

Take them outside to work with you in the garden/on the car/whatever. Teach them as you work together. (My husband has worked on the car with our two year olds in diapers right beside him. It slowed him down, but they learned so very much. The oldest four are now doing their own maintenance and repairs.)

Homeschooling is a way of life! It's a big attitude shift away from an eight hour classroom model to the whole world is our classroom and seize the moments 24/7 model. It's about acknowledging and accepting the responsibility for your child's academics and life skills.

Homeschooling can be fun for you and your child! It's your attitude that will make the difference. Ask questions right alongside of your children, and then go search for the answers together. Build the model rocket, grow the tadpoles, learn to sew, grow a garden, make jewelry, explore nature, visit museums, view and create famous art, .......................................................................

You are only as limited as your imagination!

I was blessed that I had thousands of books pass through my hands. I bought them for pennies at school auctions and resold them on the internet for income. College level textbooks from teacher's studies were often included. I made use of those books by reading the parts I thought would be helpful to my situation which included time management, managing a multi-level classroom, learning styles, etc.

Learning how your child learns and learning how to choose curriculum and teach according to their learning style* will greatly help things to go smoother. Your child's learning style may change as they grow or depending on what subject they are learning. Assess frequently and adapt as needed. Your job as a parent-teacher is to break down information in a way THEY can understand it. Their job, as they grow and mature, is to understand how they learn new information the best and use that to their advantage.

How do I know homeschooling is working? Keep a checklist of learning goals. Look for progress over the course of a couple of months. You should see progress in some subjects. Some areas there may be leaps and bounds and in other areas there will be miniscule progress. Don't stress if the going seems slow. Some of my friends have reported two or three very slow years and then one year where their children jumped ahead several grade levels in most of their subjects.

*Search learning style inventory. You can add grade level to see what that turns up.

Dear Reader, I am here if you need specific questions answered (based on my experiences of course) or help finding a resource. My email is in the header (keeps down spam).

it explains everything necessary for our obedience

The Bible does not explain everything necessary for our intellectual satisfaction, but it explains everything necessary for our obedience and hence for God's satisfaction. 

A young woman asked the great preacher Charles Spurgeon if it was possible to reconcile God's sovereignty and man's responsibility. "Young woman," said he "You don't reconcile friends." -Elisabeth Elliot 

Cheap Substitutes for Gardening Cell Packs and Seedling Pots

If you are going to put in a fall garden in or near zone 7, it is time to start sowing certain seeds indoors and planting others outside.

These are what I use instead of cell packs and seedling pots.

I drill a hole straight down the middle of a stack. It saves so much time! 

I can do 8 or 9 of some sizes and 15 of others.

I reuse them over and over and over, so the cost becomes very miniscule.

These are new and you can see the label I added to make my family aware something is different about these cups!

Dear Reader, I hope you wherever you are, your day is a good one!

Where to place your trust in troubling times...

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but

we must trust in

the name of the Lord our God.

They collapse and fall, but

we rise and stand upright.

Psalm 20:7-8

Coronavirus Positive News

COVID-19 game-changer? Houston researchers create air filter that can kill the coronavirus

Clint's Father's Day Gift

Eons ago when we were dating, Clint mentioned how much he liked bonsai trees and often commented that he'd like to grow one. Once we were married, I purchased him a book on how to grow his own, but he never took the time to start one. 

We looked for one to purchase back then, but the prices were higher than a novice gardener would want to risk. The cheapest we could find in a nursery to purchase were over $200 and the nice ones were over $500. The internet sure has changed things!

This year, I stumbled across one on Amazon. It had a pond (for humidity) with a little man fishing under the tree. The price was very reasonable, so I bought it for my one and only as part of his Father's Day gifts.  However, when it arrived, it was missing the fisherman!

Clint was delighted with it as it was! He was so happy to have the bonsai for his office. He could not stop talking about it and told our children how he had always admired them and wanted one of his own. I was quite upset because there were two bonsais in the same type of planter one with and one without the fisherman. I had paid more to get the little fisherman and triple checked to make sure I ordered the right one. Clint said not to worry about it, he'd call Amazon and have them make it right. 

Clint thought they'd give us the difference in the price, but instead, they refunded the entire bonsai! Yes, he got his first bonsai for free! I suggested he take the money and purchase himself another bonsai for his desk. That boy's eyes lit up! Clint carefully perused over the choices for a long while before he settled on the ficus bonsai which he felt would do the best in his office. 

So, now the man I love has two bonsais and the Groot planter (seen here, but not pictured above) under grow lights on his desk. His co-workers have raved over the bonsais and asked where we got them. They plan to purchase their own for their desks and home. I don't mind the missing fisherman since Clint is so delighted in having both trees! 

Dear Reader, Life is full of disappointments. We fail people, and they fail us. Barriers are created. Jobs end. Loved ones die. Life takes turns we didn't anticipate. If we belong to the Lord, all of these things we have lost will be made right. In fact, if we have an eternal perspective, we know God works things out better than we can hope! There is a purpose to all we are going through. Our job in this life is to first remember He controls all and to surrender to His will for us. In relationships we need to pour out His love on each other while we continue to work together with forgiveness and bearing with one another's faults as well as we do their strengths. It is by love and unity we overcome the hurts and disappointments in life. The stronger the love, the easier to get over the worst of  offenses. You can see this kind of love very clearly displayed in the Christians who have forgiven and embraced those who killed a loved one. One such story is in the true story contained in the book Through the Gates of Splendor which I highly recommend. I also recommend reading Elizabeth Elliot's other books for the spiritual truths hidden within.  

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:8-17

Love Finds a Way Positive CoVid Story

If you want to know if someone loves you, watch how they treat you and others. Words mean nothing without actions to follow them up. Genuine love is not easily hidden. It's actions are for all to see...

Wife takes job as dishwasher so she can see her husband with Alzheimer's

What causes disagreements? Read the verse.

Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10

A Suffolk Boy's Book

My friend, Paul, and I have scores of friends in common. We lived in the same city and attended the same church. We attended AWANAS together. In fact, Paul's father, was the pastor of our church which was Calvary Baptist on Turlington Road, Suffolk, VA. 

Paul informed his friends that he was going to write a book and asked us to pray for him. It's finished and available for sale here. Please consider supporting this very sincere Christian man in his endeavor. We need more Christian authors to shine a light on God's love for this desperate world. 

We should be happy to pray for, encourage, and support other Christians in their businesses and other endeavors. It should be a joy for us to promote each other and also to see others doing well. 

If you feel the need for prayer, ask away...

Dear Reader, If you feel the need for prayer, ask away. I never look down on a person for seeking others to pray for the Lord's help in this hard life. It shows their heart is relying on Him. If someone were to ever say something negatively about someone who asked for prayer, I would think that person had a hardened heart that needed the Holy Spirit's work. Love is seen in how you respond to prayer requests. It is not ours to judge a prayer request as necessary or not. How can we truly know what the person is facing lest we wear their shoes with all of it's very worn and uncomfortable places? No, ours is not to decide if a prayer request is appropriate or not. Our job is to simply respond with a heart that is sincere in ministering to others through the mighty work of prayer.  

Faith = Obedience in Action

We see again that faith is a far cry from feeling or religious mood. It is not vague. It hears the Word of the Lord, and it acts. "If it does not lead to no action, it is in itself a lifeless thing." ...

When the will of man acts in accord with the will of God, that is faith. When the will of man acts in opposition to the will of God, that is unbelief. ...

The gospels show many cases of those who wished to understand rather than obey. Jesus had scathing words for them. -Elisabeth Elliot

If you want your faith as a Christian to grow stronger, you obey God's commands. It's that simple. You don't seek "experiences" or "spiritual highs." Feelings are fickle. You might love someone one day and hate them the next. Faith is built by obeying God's Word. God's Word is a firm, unwavering foundation that can get us keep our footing through emotional ups and downs.

Faith = Acting in Obedience

Spiritual Feelings ≠ Faith

In front of our house...

We had this happen right in front of our home tonight.

The driver was missing for an hour, so we were searching OUR fields, ditches, yard, and woods. A family member came to the scene and was out of her mind with fear for her loved one.The driver was found alive which is all the official could tell us. Thank you to all who prayed with us the driver would be found. They got the road cleared up just a couple of minutes before Caleb got home at 10:20 p.m.

Doing a New Thing!

Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:18-19