Listings 1/23/12

Listings:  Recommended Listing of Links How to Develop Poise
I enjoyed this article so much. As a woman, it can be hard not to think with my emotions or allow them to control my actions. This is also important as a Christian, to believe the Word, not my feelings. “Poise is not something that one can demand of you. It must be your willingness and your choice. It’s an attribute that will flow from your heart–coming from your inward thoughts and transcending into your actions. I believe the most essential element to perfect composure is for one to have the control over her emotions. Take the most elegant, sophisticated woman endowed with grace and dignity but who’s emotions are not restrained? I’m afraid all the former attributes are wasted.” (HT: A Quiet Gracious Life)

How We Paid Cash for Our First Home
Crystal, from MoneySavingMom.com shares in detail how she and her husband paid cash for their first home. I’ll be honest–as a single mother, there is no way I could do this. I prefer to rent because a landlord can repair things for me that I definitely could never afford to do. (We are so blessed with a kind, generous landlord!) I still love to read articles like these; they encourage me to dream big and work hard!

Public Schools Promoting a Religion
“Christians need to understand that if a curriculum is not for Christ, it is against. If the teacher’s worldview is not for Christ, it is against Christ.”

Jesus Isn’t Safe: An Appeal To Christian Radio And Its Listeners
Great article on modern “Christian” radio. Part 2–Jesus Isn’t Safe: Meet The Golden Calf Of Christian Radio (HT: Challies)

Cakes Throughout U.S. History
Very interesting infographic on different cakes in our history.

5 Tips for Living in a Small Space {Embrace your space!}
“Don’t compare your home to other homes. You will only be jealous if you want what other people have! Concentrate on what you have, not what others have.”

Make Money Selling Books
Here is an idea for you single moms needing more income.

It’s a Girl! Documentary Film–Official Website
As a mother of 3 girls, I cannot imagine girls not being wanted. Be sure to watch the trailer for this film. “These are the three deadliest words in the world. . . The ‘It’s a Girl!’ documentary film explores the question of why are 200 million girls missing? In India, China and many other parts of the world today, girls are killed, aborted and abandoned simply because they are girls. This so-called ‘gendercide’ is the topic of Shadowline Film’s first feature length documentary film, currently in post-production.

The Stalking of the President
Very interesting details on what really killed President James A. Garfield. (HT: Challies)

Homemade Laundry Soap
I’ve seen many recipes for homemade laundry soaps, but this one looks VERY simple. I would like to try it! (HT: A Dusty Frame)

A Titus 2 Sermon

World's View vs. God's View

Last night our pastor preached an excellent sermon on Titus 2. He shared a quote by John MacArthur similar to this.

“It is tragic that many young mothers are forced to hold outside jobs because their husbands have died, been imprisoned, or have left them and pay no child support, or because they have never been married and their own families are unable, or unwilling, to help. It is also tragic that many churches and Christian friends forsake their obligation to help young women who find themselves in such straits. And when the mother is away from home, younger children most often are cared for away from home. They need to be at home as much as possible and not be deprived of their mother’s companionship and instruction.

“…The point is not so much that a woman’s place is in the home as that her responsibility is for the home.”
John MacArthur

Our pastor also shared the following.

World's View vs. God's View
Source: Dr. Constable’s Expository (Bible Study) Notes

(If you’d like to hear the sermon, please let me know and I’ll send you the link.)

I’m so thankful that God has allowed me, one way or another, to be at home with my girls all these years I’ve been single. I believe it’s made a huge difference in our home and family. I’m so thankful for those who have come along beside me to help me fulfill my obligation to my daughters.

Do you know any mothers in tragic circumstances (like above) who need help to be home with their children?

A Wonderful Fall

It is good to be up in the quiet this morning, after such a busy Thanksgiving Day yesterday. I have been longing to get up before my family to have some time to think and just be. Although my children are not young and as needy as they once were, I find that I still do better as a mother when I get a head start on the day alone. I’m an introvert and need a lot of time to myself.

Autumn Overpass

It’s cool this morning, and the sun has come up beautifully to greet the blue sky. I’m so glad to be home today. I’ve made a list of things I need to get done. I’ve not been getting much done lately, and I’m hoping getting up before everyone else will help remedy that. There will be no Black Friday shopping for me. I’d much rather pay a bit more for something, and get it in peace, than to have to fight crowds and traffic.:)

Flaming Trees of Autumn

I’m excited for all the goodness my Lord has bestowed on us in the last few months. It looks like I will not be a single woman for much longer. I’ve been on my own for 11 years now. I’m so weary. (Sometimes I wonder if that may be why I don’t feel as motivated as I used to.) The man I have loved for many years now is preparing for our future. He lives in another state, and it’s been very hard not to see each other often like “normal” couples. We will not know how to act, to be able to see each other every day. It can’t happen soon enough. Holidays have been the worst. I cannot wait to spend a normal holiday season with him. My girls are so excited. They love him dearly. He’s done so much for them in so many ways. He is a wise man that they respect and can seek advice from and Christian counsel. The rest of my family, along with my friends, is very excited, too.

Fall Leaves on Pavement

I recently visited my Tim for my birthday. Even though it was late in the season, I was just mesmerized by the beauty of the foliage there. We have some autumn beauty here, but nothing like what I saw there. What a gift God has given us in the different seasons! All of the pictures on this entry are from my trip there. Click on them for a larger view.:)

Autumn Bridge

For my birthday, Tim took me to see the Titanic Artifact Exhibition. I’ve been very interested in the story of Titanic for many years, so it was so fascinating to see actual artifacts brought up from so deep in the ocean. Tim and I were given tickets with actual passenger names and information. I was a Miss Jean in first class, while Tim was a Mr. Richard in second class. After the tour, you could check the passenger list to see if you survived or not. I survived, while Tim did not. After the tour, we got to visit a zoo. I loved seeing the animals, but enjoyed the leaves so much more. I took so many pictures and am awaiting my printed photos to be delivered so I can work on my scrapbook.

Fall Tree Closeup

What did you have on your Thanksgiving menu? My parents made a ham, butter beans, stuffing, and sweet tea. My sister-in-law made her wonderful mashed potatoes (My youngest daughter and I can make a meal off them!), and some ready-made key lime pie and cheesecake and lemonade. My middle daughter made homemade yeast rolls with honey butter and a Honey Bun Cake (We use a recipe similar to this one.). My youngest daughter made 2 Hershey Bar Pies. I roasted the turkey and made Sweet Potato Soufflé, and bought a ready-made pecan pie. We ate so much that many of us could not eat supper! We had a blessed time with our dear family. My girls will be having another Thanksgiving feast with their father and his family tomorrow. I will take the advice of my friend, Mary Jo Tate at Single Parents At Home, and will not be sad, but make the most of it and enjoy myself.

Courageous: Honor Begins at Home

Have you seen the movie Courageous yet? If not, I urge you to see it today! Courageous is made by Sherwood Pictures, the same people who made Fireproof. I didn’t think they could outdo Fireproof, but they knocked it way out of the park! I have seen it 3 times already. I have bawled, laughed, and been encouraged and inspired. We sat with our pastor and his wife this week to see it again, and he is now recommending it to everyone. God is doing something awesome with this movie, and you don’t want to miss it!

I know firsthand how much the absence of fathers doing the right thing hurts children. As a single mother, I’ve seen the hurt of my children. Whether you are a father or not, there is someone in your life that needs you to be a man or woman of courage, to show them the way.

“If fathers just did what they’re supposed to do, half the junk we face on the streets wouldn’t exist” (Nathan Hayes, Sheriff’s Deputy in Courageous). The movie’s tagline is “Honor Begins at Home.” What men do in their homes affects our churches and our nation. When Christian men do not lead their children right, they are destroying generations to come and are causing the Word of God to be blasphemed.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss, from Revive Our Hearts, said on her Twitter page, “1st time I have publicly recommended a movie. Pls go see Courageous. Pray for a mighty moving of God among men/in homes.”

Visit the movie’s website at www.courageousthemovie.com. There you will find movie clips and many other resources.

Family Life Today recently interviewed the Kendrick brothers in 3 different broadcasts. It is a blessing to hear how the Lord gave them the idea and all resources to make Courageous.
      Getting Personal
      Being Courageous Where It Matters Most
      A Godly Objective

Have you seen the movie? Are you planning to see it soon? I believe you’ll regret it if you wait to see it on DVD.:)

What God Withholds From Me

A Stormy Afternoon

“And as I read, I focused once again on who God is and how much He loves me (He loves me and cares for me and wants me to be blessed and wants my life to go well even more than my mother does, and if you know my mother—wow—that’s really a lovely thought! And, of course, and obviously, it’s true.) Anything God does is good. All of His ways are good. And this is not just an esoteric idea that is disconnected from real human life. It is utterly true. If anything is withheld, it is not just God’s discipline or His detached will; it is His protection of me. He is looking out for me.”
—Susan, My Summer Notebook: Lots of Tuesday Notes. . . (emphasis author’s)

This quote has been on my mind since reading it earlier this week. It is hard for me to realize how much God loves me. I’ve always thought that God loves my children even more than I love them, but I’ve never thought that He loves me more than my own dear mother does!

I have also felt so down in my spirit, so lonesome. I am tired of being single. I am tired of carrying the load alone. I’ve been doing this for 11 years. I am tired of not having a protector and a friend here with me. I want to be married and have a whole family, not a broken one with all that it entails. Knowing that what God is withholding from me is His protection of me is very comforting to me. I want His will or none at all.

A Quiet Evening


I took a picture of this print hanging over my sewing desk. My mom gave it to me. I just love it!

You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.
—Desmond Tutu

It has been a quiet afternoon and evening. The girls have been gone to have supper with their daddy and to visit awhile. For many years, they did not hear from him, but he’s been trying hard to be a good father in recent years. I’m so thankful for that. They need him and he needs them. He is doing a real good job. The Lord has really changed him in so many ways.

I used to feel so worried, sad, and lonely when the girls left to spend a few hours with their dad, but I have been trying to adopt the practice of my friend Mary Jo Tate. She used to feel the same way when her boys left for their dad’s home at Christmas, but she started her own traditions and joys with herself, like reading books by the fire to her heart’s content. I’m going to enjoy the quiet, even though I’d much rather the girls be here. I’m so glad they are getting to be with their father.

In the quiet, I’ve been doing a few things around the house. I’ve been so tired lately but am trying to push myself. We have been deep cleaning the house to prepare for the girls’ birthday party. We’ve not had a party in several years, so this is an undertaking. It’s such a blessing to get the house in order and get to projects that have needed it for a while.

I’ve injured my mousing hand, so have had to take off from work and from blogging to let it rest. I have had carpel tunnel syndrome for years, but further injured it when trimming hedges about a month ago. I’ve had to baby my hand around the house, and that has dampened my cleaning efforts. The girls have been stepping up to help me. I am slowly getting better. I’ve been seeing the chiropractor for my back and my arm. I’ve got so many problems in both in addition to the previously mentioned problems, but hopefully they can be corrected soon. Please pray for me if the Lord lays you on my heart.

The doctor recommended me getting a computer chair that has adjustable armrests (or none at all). The armrests on my chair were not adjustable or removable, and they were cramping my shoulders and causing problems. I didn’t have the money to get another chair, and was worried about it. I tried to entrust my situation to the Lord. One evening this week, my girls presented me with the money and would not tell me where they had gotten it. They made me cry for their lovingkindness to me. It is rare these days for 3 teenage girls to care about anyone other than themselves. I got the chair yesterday, and my middle daughter put it together for me. It has already made such a difference in my shoulders and arm! I can hardly believe it. My desk is awful because there is no way to push a chair underneath it so that I can get comfortable, but my youngest daughter helped me take it apart to make it much more comfortable and ergonomic for me. I’m so thankful for my dear girls who generously share and show forth their love for me. They are truly unselfish young ladies.

The pets and I (except for Henry the rabbit) went for a peaceful walk around the pond in the woods in back of the house. We could only hear the birds twittering, while normally we can at least hear vehicles going up and down the roads or the neighbors busying themselves in their yards. It was so very quiet that it made me wonder if the Lord had come back, but I know He won’t leave me here.:) His Word promises me that!

I have been craving cake, but have been fighting it for over a week. Tonight I succumbed and made Banana Layer Cake. The girls will be surprised when they come home.

May you have a glorious Sunday in the Lord’s house if you are able to be there!

Listings 7/7/11

Listings:  Recommended Listing of Links
Finally Feeling at Home Again. . .
Susan, who formerly wrote at High Desert Home (If you haven’t read that blog, I urge you to stop by with a favorite beverage and really absorb Susan’s writings.), writes about embracing a home that is not permanent. It was an encouragement to me, because we lost the last 2 homes due to no fault of our own (one home was sold by our landlord), and sometimes I’m fearful of it happening again. Here are my favorite quotes that really touched my heart.

“I think I’ve subconsciously held off entirely embracing this little house as home, even though I like it so well, and even though I recognize it as a gift from the Lord, because I don’t know how long I’ll be able to stay here. Maybe I haven’t wanted to start setting down roots only to have to pull them up again.

“But suddenly, I don’t feel that way. Rather, I feel certain that the Lord gave this home to me—even if for only six months or a year—and if He has put me here, it is where I belong. This is where He wants me to live, so I shouldn’t hold back, gun-shy about another possible uprooting. If the Lord sees fit to move me somewhere else tomorrow, that’s His business, and, really, it’s only another chance to press hard into Him, to know Him better, and to trust Him more.

“So, I’m ready to settle into this place.”

Not a Morning Person? Rise With the Sun!
I enjoyed this second post by Susan about rising with the sun. I have been a night owl for years, but am trying to break that pattern. I know my days go better the earlier I rise, especially if I rise as the sun is just peaking over the woodlands.

Are You Washed in the Blood?
Michele at A Quiet Gracious Life shares a beautiful arrangement of the hymn, “Are You Washed in the Blood?”

Five Bible Verse Bookmarks Digital Download by Karla Dornacher
Karla Dornacher is one of my favorite modern artists. She is a Christian and offers much encouragement with her artwork.

YOUR Fireworks Shots!
I love looking at photos and was just amazed at the firework shots featured at Pioneer Woman Photography.

Free ebook: Best of Betty Crocker 2011 Summer cookbook
I love my hardback Betty Crocker cookbook and just know these recipes will be wonderful, too!

National Blueberry Month
July is National Blueberry Month! Blissfully Domestic has a lot of great info on the nutritional value of blueberries, how to freeze them, etc. I wash my blueberries, but do not flash freeze them before bagging them up. I never have a major problem with them sticking together.

If Leonardo DiCaprio Got Saved
I love the movie Titanic, so this post caught my eye. “God doesn’t gravitate toward the people that the world gravitates toward. He gravitates toward the weak, the lowly, the ordinary, and the unimpressive. He calls those whom the world ignores. If God primarily saved rich, powerful, and beautiful people, those people might have some reason to boast before God. But God saves unimpressive, weak people, so that there might not be any boasting in his presence. And when God saves these people and uses them to spread the gospel, it demonstrates the power of God, not the power of the people.”

Are You Holding The Art Of Homemaking Sacred?
This new-to-me blog has been very encouraging to me, especially the post “Are You Holding The Art Of Homemaking Sacred?” As a single mother, there is no one to come home to me at the end of the day to show appreciation to me, and that can get really discouraging. This post has helped me to endeavor harder in my role as mother and homemaker. Here are some favorite quotes (emphasis by the author).

“We should approach every task as a blessing to be received, never as a chore to get done.”

“In homemaking there is no such thing as ‘small work‘. We are to find the sacred in the everyday, strive to see the goodness or usefulness in ALL things, taking nothing for granted.

“The housewife makes the home, and the home makes the family. This is a tremendous responsibility that God has called the woman to do. A responsibility that we can NOT accomplish by ourselves, we MUST rely on God to see us through our journey. So never let the world make small of what being a homemaker is all about.”

Give Them What They Really Need
This post reminds mothers what is most important as we rear our children. “We mamas tend to major on the minors. At least that is what this mama has done. We strive to make sure our children are well educated and well rounded. We push them to potty train by two, write cursive by four, and read by five. We are deceived into thinking more is better. More life experiences, more lessons. We fret over having not done enough for our children. Did they learn what they needed to be successful adults? Whose definition of success are we living by anyway?”

Free TOS Magazine Subscription for Single Homeschooling Parents

The Old Schoolhouse magazine is offering a free subscription to single homeschooling parents. This is an awesome offer! Please visit Single Parents at Home for more information.

Listings 2/16/11

Listings:  Recommended Listing of LinksI am renaming my “Recommended Links” to “Listings.” Sounds so old-fashioned, doesn’t it?:)

MightyBookJr.com: Free Year of Online Kids Books—(I found this offer last week and hope it is still valid.) Mighty Books Jr. is offering a free membership to their website – a $99 value. This website has over 850 animated books online, perfect for all types of students, including children with special needs. Check it out!

What We Love Artsy Writing Project for the Week of Valentine’s Day—Even though Valentine’s Day has passed, February is still a month to focus on love. This is a great project for the whole family, and would make a great keepsake.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss, The Interview Pt. 1—Girl talk has a 4-part interview with Nancy Leigh DeMoss, from Revive Our Hearts radio. It is a blessing to read how this single woman allows God to use her. Pt. 2 | Pt. 3 | Pt. 4

Have You Started a Forest Fire Today?—True Woman has a very convicting article on the power of the tongue. I never really realized how voicing our feelings can make them worse. “Have you ever noticed how once you state something it seems to become more concrete?”

Cyber-sex Is Still Cheating—Be very careful how you conduct yourself online with the opposite sex. I personally will not chat or email with another man unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Taking Better Photos~Even with a “Cheap” Camera—Lizzie at A Dusty Frame shares some fantastic tips on getting great shots with your regular camera. I often drool over cameras I want, but now am encouraged to use what I have!

Kitchen Tip Tuesdays: How to easily access spices in your kitchen cupboard—Tammy shares a great tip on easily getting to your spices stored in cabinets. I already store mine in a basket, but never thought to label the tops. Great idea!

5 February 1957 “Sleekness in Design for ’57 and the Need For The Latest Thing”—I really enjoy reading The Apron Revolution blog, where the author chronicles how she lives her present life as if she was living in the 1950s. I really recommend reading this recent article discussing how we can get caught up trying to keep up with the Joneses. “Styles change and desires with them, but we must remember that deep down, it is all manufactured. Not only the product but the desire.”

Introducing BLB.sc!—Blue Letter Bible, one of my favorite Bible research sources, now has a new BLB URL shortener. This is very useful when you need to link to these tools on Facebook or Twitter.

500 Posts and Counting—Be sure to listen to the beautiful singing of this precious boy that has several disabilities. Oh, how precious!

Four Reasons Busyness is a Bad Idea—Busyness is something I hate and try to stay away from if at all possible. Blissfully Domestic shares great reasons to keep yourself from it.

Recommended Links 11/19/10

I haven’t put up a post with Recommended Links lately, so I have a lot of good things stored up. Here are some of them.

Social Media and Digital Discernment Bro. John MacArthur has written a convicting article on how social media is effecting us, and how a Christian should guard his/her time online.

A Time for Thanksgiving at Homeschool Heartbeat Listen to get ideas on how to in cooperate Thanksgiving into your schooling.

Colorado Foxes We just love pictures of animals, and love these little foxes. I can’t believe they get on top of houses!

Easy Peasy Pillow Making- RePurpose Crafting! Make easy pillows using placemats. Now why didn’t I think of that!?
Hat Tip: Money Saving Mom

Give Thanks Free Thanksgiving labels for gifts, place settings, etc.
Hat Tip: Money Saving Mom

Feminist Republican Sarah Palin Calls Supporters of Stay-at-Home Moms “Neanderthals” I was really disappointed to hear Sarah say this.

Reuse household items and save money 10 ways to give new purpose to old belongings

Time Management 101: Stop Trying to “Do It All” Be sure to read all of Crystal’s posts on time management.

How Do You Do It All? – Balancing Family and Home Business in the Real World Speaking of doing it all, I HIGHLY recommend the How Do You Do It All course by my friend, editor, author, business coach, and homeschool speaker, Mary Jo Tate. She is a single mother of 4 boys and works from home. She really knows what she’s talking about. She has been such a wonderful encourager to me!  This course is for anyone who needs to know how to manage their time better.  It is well worth your money!

What loneliness feels like Amy has put into words how I feel as a single mother. The ache is so very painful.

Facebook losing grip on Internet safety Their are many dangers for children on Facebook. If you have children, I would never let them use Facebook without you yourself being on there watching carefully and enacting all the privacy tools available. Even then, I would still be extremely careful what I post and allow the children to post.

Margin for Moms: An Interview with Carol Barnier “It’s okay to choose to say no to some activities, even some good activities, and just stay home.”

The Power of a Simple Gift Watch the joy on the children’s faces when they open their gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Be sure to grab a tissue!

Soldier’s heroic dog, brought from Afghanistan, mistakenly euthanized This is so very heartbreaking.:(