Myrtle Beach

Abby and I took a trip to Myrtle Beach last week with my mom.

This bird strutted around hoping for some handouts.

These birds did get a handout.

High tide.

Out looking for seashells.

We found quite a few. She washed all the sand off and laid them out to dry.

Abby has never liked getting in the ocean. She wanted water to build a sand castle but kept running away from the surf.

This was her first sand creation of the week. She had more fun digging a moat than building a castle.

If you look closely, you can see a dolphin.

Beautiful sunrise.

Fishing off the pier in Cherry Grove.

 There were lots of jellyfish swimming around. We also saw a shark but I was not fast enough to get  a picture.

Creation #2. Forget the castle. Just dig a moat and build a wall.

The ultimate sand box.

Swimming in the heated pool. It was hotter than bath water.

Last chance to play in the sand and surf.

I love to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Goodbye ocean.

Our Journey - Part 2

I am taking a short detour here to fill in a few things about how I was able to come home.

I felt the call to home school when Abby was still an infant and so I mentioned it to my husband several times over the next few months. He told me that we would never be able to afford for me to come home, that I would always have to work full time. Of course, this added to the anxiety that I was already feeling. I began to pray in earnest that G-d would either change my desire or my husband's heart. He gave me a greater desire to home school and be with my child.

When Abby was about three years old, I felt it was time to have a serious talk with my husband about home schooling. It was a Sunday afternoon when I told him I needed to talk to him. I was ready for a fight. I had all my arguments ready so that I could convince him that home schooling was what G-d wanted for our family.

I sat down and said, "Scott, I really feel that G-d wants us to home school Abby." He said, "OK, let's go look at the budget and see how we are going to work it out."

I didn't have to argue. I didn't have to convince him. G-d had changed Scott's heart on the matter. We spent all that afternoon coming up with a plan to pay off all of our debt, except the house. We worked for the next two years to accomplish it.

Scott still was not convinced that we could make it on his salary (we cut our income in half when I quit working all together). I found a part time job in the afternoons and evenings but I was still working between 25 to 30 hours a week outside the home plus drive time. I schooled Abby in the mornings, which was okay because it was kindergarten. The next year, when Abby was in first grade, I took care of two children in my home. This did not work well for us because my husband works nights about half the time and sleeps during the days. However, during this time, as my income slowly decreased, G-d convinced my husband that we could make it on his salary. Since then I teach Spanish to home schooling families and that helps to pay for books, supplies and field trips.

In January of this year, we took another leap of faith when we moved from Columbia to Rock Hill, SC. My husband is a police officer and works a great deal of overtime to keep me at home. We had been praying for a way for him to be home more and a better work environment for him. G-d has blessed us greatly with a position with the Police Dept here. Scott is surrounded by believers and is home with us more. Rock Hill also has a very strong home schooling community and we have been privileged to meet many wonderful families this year.

Abby is now in forth grade. I love being with her everyday. I am finally following G-d's will for my life by being available to my family when they need me. There is nothing else competing for my time and so I am able to put all my effort in to taking care of them.

To be continued...

Our Journey - Part 1

Nine and a half years ago, we were blessed with the most beautiful little girl, and thus began our journey into parenthood. Six weeks later, I was told by my doctors that I should not have any more children due to health reasons. I had a tubal ligation and put an end to my child bearing years.

For the next eight years, I went through multiple periods of depression, frustration and anger because I could no longer have children. My dream had been to have a house full of children. What made things worse was that I had to work full time and felt like I was missing my only opportunity to raise a child. I was missing out on all of those precious first moments that I so wanted to be a part of. I was blessed to have my mother and mother-in-law to keep my daughter while I was working but I was jealous of them because they were able to be a part of her life everyday while I only had a about two hours each evening in which to cook dinner, get her bathed and spend time with her before she fell asleep.

What I came to realize during this time, was that when my doctors spoke, I reacted, but not in the way I should have. I did not take the time to think and pray about this decision. I just did it. A part of me knew that I would not go through with it if I stopped to think about it. The sad thing is, that is exactly what I should have done. I should have taken the time to ask G-d what he wanted me to do. If I had, I never would have gone through with the procedure.

I spent eight years of my life angry, frustrated and depressed because I was not living in obedience to G-d's will for my life. I will not say those years were wasted because I had my beautiful little Abby and four years ago, I was able to come home to be with her. However, because of my disobedience, I felt no real peace or joy.

Then my husband and I made a decision that would change everything.

It's All in the Timing

I attended a workshop last week and have implemented one of the simplest ideas. I gave my daughter a timer. It cost less than $3.00 and has been one of the best purchases I could buy. She is currently using it to time her piano practice, daily readings and computer time (which we strictly limit). I will sometimes allow her to stay up an extra 15-20 minutes to read before bed and she can now time herself so she knows when it is time for lights out. It is so easy to get caught up in a good book and lose track of time. I am sure we will be using it in her cooking lessons as well. I no longer have her asking me how long she has been reading when I didn't even know she had begun. She now has a tool to make the responsibility of keeping track of time easy for her.

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In His Service,

Angela

Birthday

My precious girl turned 8 years old today.



She is growing up so fast.

















In His Service,

Angela

Thrifty Thursday

Kelly over at Generation Cedar has begun a Thrifty Thursday theme so here is my contribution.

Behemoth.com offers a free audio download every day of the week. They have everything from historical pieces to the Jonathan Park and Elsie Dinsmore series. Sign up to download daily freebies.

In His Service,

Angela

Abortion Speech

This 12 year old little girl makes some great points and she does a great job of articulating her beliefs. The video was posted by her parents who said:

My daughter prepared and delivered this speech for her grade 7 class. Even those who didn't agree with her loved it.






In His Service,

Angela

Findings on Abortion

Please read the following excerpts from an article by World Press. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone was aware of this information?

In 2005, the South Dakota State Legislature formed the South Dakota Task Force To Study Abortion. This task Force was composed of a number of doctors and South Dakota State legislators on both sides of the abortion issue.


This task force wrote a 71-page report showing that many women are pressured into having an abortion by their parents, the father of the child, and society.
Also, that certain important scientific and legal facts are most often not disclosed to a woman seeking an abortion – and not just in South Dakota, but across the country.

Some of these facts include:

The pre-born child is a complete separate human being at the one cell stage at fertilization

The pre-born child can feel pain

The mother has an existing physical and psychological relationship with her pre-born child that is protected by the US Constitution and having an abortion terminates those rights

The many physical and mental health risks the mother is taking by having an abortion including:

Death
Infertility
Depression
Suicide ideation and suicide
Complications in future pregnancies
Substance abuse
Relationship problems
Parenting problems
And many more

For the complete article go to www.watchmanonthewall.info/abortion.

In His Service,

Angela

Grandpa, are you a christian?

This is the true story of Susan, Bob and their granddaughter, Annie(names have been changed). Susan and Bob have been married for more than 30 years. Recently, Annie asked Grandpa Bob if he had ever asked Jesus into his heart. Grandpa responded, "Yes, when I was about your age". Annie says, "That's great grandpa, but Grandma said she didn't think you ever had".

Wow! That says alot.

First of all, Bob and Susan have been married 30+ years and they have never talked about their salvation and beliefs?

Second, what does this say about Bob? What kind of life is he living that no one, not his wife, children or grandchild knows if he is a Christian?

Only God knows the state of Bob's heart and no one else can judge his sincerity. However, the Bible does say that our lives should reflect what is in our hearts.

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45 (NIV)

How often do those who claim to know Christ do these very same things. When we live like the rest of the world, no one will associate us with the Most High. And if they do, then the impression they will have of Christians will not be favorable.

We must be different than the world if we are to make an impact on the world for Christ.

In His Service,

Angela

Homemade Gifts

Here are some gifts we have made for Christmas this year.




A scarf I crocheted for my mother-in-law's birthday.




Leather bracelets that Abby made for her cousins for Christmas. We borrowed the tools from someone we know in the Boy Scouts.





Barrets we made from buttons for Abby's cousins.









In His Service,

Angela

Lesson Learned

The other night, I was rushing through our bedtime ritual because we were behind schedule. I use the time after Abby goes to bed to prepare for the next morning.

Apparently, she did not like the fact that I was in a hurry and deviating from our usual routine. She stood in the doorway of her bedroom and very firmly said, "Mommy, I am more important than those things you have to do". Wow! What a reality check.

How many times do we do the same thing to God? "Just let me finish this one task and I will spend time with you." Then we move on to the next thing and before we know it, we have no time left for Him. And the whole time, He is trying to get our attention. He is crying out to us saying, "I am more important than these things you have to do."

In His Service,

Angela

I Am Blessed

My name is Angela and I am a recovering feminist. Isn't that how the 12 step programs begin?

I was once a feminist in every sense of the word. I didn't need a man to take care of me, I could do everything on my own, I was never going to get married and have children, etc...

I am so thankful that my Lord and Saviour opened my eyes to the folly of this behavior.

Feminism tells women to rely on themselves when our trust should be put in our Heavenly Father. Feminism focuses on self-esteem instead of finding your value in who you are because of Christ.

Thanksgiving is almost here and as I sit here and reflect on all of the blessings I would have missed out on had I continued on this path, I am overwhelmed.

My husband, who is only the most wonderful man alive(I'm maybe a little biased), treats me like a queen. I get to stay home with my child(another wonderful blessing) and homeschool her(#3).

Unless you teach your own children, you cannot imagine what it is like to see your own child's eyes light up with excitement when they learn to read, add or complete a piece of artwork. And when you read the Bible or a story in history to them and they beg for you to keep reading, it is the most wonderful feeling. I have the privelage of instilling this love of learning in my child.

I would have have missed out on the wonderful church family that we have found, the friends in my neighborhood and the blessing of working with other peoples children within my church and through our Keepers at Home group.

I would have missed out on having such loving in-laws and the wonderful people I have met through homeschooling.

All in all, I would say I am very blessed and most thankful to my Lord for his provision in my life.


In His Service,

Angela

The Purpose of Education

What is the purpose of education? Looking at public school education, the purpose is to pass tests. Children are spoon fed information and are then required to regurgitate it to prove they have learned said information. In the process, our children are being dumbed down. They are only required to meet the standard instead of striving for a higher standard. I say there has to be more to education than this.

A child cannot be successful without reading, writing and arithmetic. These are the foundation for all other learning and so should be the priority in the beginning of any child's education. However, once the basics are mastered, a child should be taught how to learn for himself.

Each child is different and has different interests. Instead of being mandated to read only certain books, or to study only what is in the schoolbook (so they can pass a test), they should be encouraged to pursue their interests. After all, one's personal interests many times will lead to a career. Why not begin nurturing this early in a child's life?

Science theories and history should be explored and talked about. Children should be taught to think outside of what is generally accepted. This is how new discoveries are made.

Children should be encouraged to experiment, whether it be with science, art or music. They should be encouraged in creative play for this develops their imagination and by all means, let them write about whatever interests them at any given moment. You never know when they may write the next great story or play.

Children should have the freedom to learn and be equipped to know how to find the information they want to learn about. It is not our job to spoon feed dates and bits of information but to equip them to learn for themselves. This means teaching them how to research, follow directions, use a dictionary, encyclopedia, or the internet or find a book about the topic of interest. This is the best way we can prepare them for success no matter what they choose to do as adults.


In His Service,

Angela

You Can Do Anything

I grew up hearing these words: You can do anything you put your mind to. I was expected to go to college and have a sucessful career. My parents wanted me to have a better life than they had and that meant more money.

What they didn't understand is that I loved my life growing up. Even knowing that there were things we couldn't afford to do, I always knew that I was loved.


Just because we can do anything we put our minds to, does not mean we should.

In today's society, children are told that unless they go to college, there is no way to have a sucessful career. Women are told that to stay home taking care of their family, is to waste their life. I say these women are blessed to have the opportunity to be home.

While in college, I struggled to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I had trouble choosing a major and finally settled on business because I thought I could do pretty much anything with this degree. I still didn't know what I wanted to do.

The problem was, I was looking for what I wanted instead of what God was calling me to. I now know that His plan for me is to be a home with my daughter homeschooling her and taking care of my home. And I have never been happier.

I began my married life with $18,000 of student loan debt and may not ever use my degree again.

We should all seek what God wants for our lives before accepting a situation just because others want us to. Just as my parents wanted the best for me, I want the best for Abby. But I must realize that what I believe to be best may not be anything compared to what God has planned for her.

The best I can do for Abby is to encourage her to seek God's will and submit to it.


In His Service,

Angela

You Can Homeschool

I talk to alot of mothers in many walks of life. Just about everyone of them that does not homeschool says the same thing to me. "I could never homeschool." The reasons they give are many. "I'm not patient enough. I have too many children. I'm not smart enough. I can't afford to stay home." I have heard all these things and more.

I am here to tell all of you moms; Yes you can homeschool. It is hard. Your patience will be tested to your limits. You will learn things you never thought you would know and you may struggle to pay your bills.

However, homeschooling can be the most rewarding experience you and your children ever have. Your children's education can be tailored to fit their interests. You can teach them so much more than the public or even private schools can. My daughter is learning how to cook and clean, she is learning ancient history, studying birds and insects in depth, and learning to speak Spanish and Greek this year. That is just a little of what we are doing. She is 7 years old. She would never have these opportunities in a public or private school.

We also study the Bible every day. We have Bible reading and memorization as well as devotionals and are working towards more in depth studies.

What a joy to see Abby's face light up when she is learning something new. And she loves to learn. We are making learning a lifestyle that doesn't end when the books are closed for the day.

God will equip us for what He has called us to do. A woman's priority as a mother should be to raise her children herself, not to pass them off to someone else to raise 8-10 hours a day. Your children will know they are your priority if you are at home with them. They will know they are more important than things you can buy. They will feel safe and secure in your love when they have your time and attention.

It is a parent's job to teach their children the love of the Lord and to prepare them one day to enter the world. It is much easier to do this if you are not having to undo everything they have learned while being away from you all day.

I do believe God can equip any willing heart to homeschool. Nothing worth doing is easy. Homeschooling is no exception.


"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Matt 19:26 (NIV)

In His Service,
Angela

Elections

As I ponder what today means for our country, I realize that I must trust God more than ever. Yes, it is a historic day in that the United States has elected the first African American president. However, some of the things Obama stands for are:

The killing of unborn children
Homosexual marriage
The redistrubution of wealth
The addition of education from infant to 5 years old

In short, I can not find one thing in his stance that is Biblical in it's foundation. I also believe we need to watch what is going on with our homeschooling freedoms much closer. I can find nothing that says Obama supports homeschooling.

Our country needs to pray. We need to pray for our new president, vice president and the government they create. We need to remember that God will use everything that is happening for His good purposes.

In His Service,

Angela

Making Things Harder

I told my mother recently that I wanted my daughter to have things harder than I did growing up. She thought I was crazy because she always told us she wanted us to have things better than she did. Let me explain what I mean.

My parents spoiled my brother and I rotten. They bought us way to many things, clothes, toys, new furniture when we didn't need it. They would go in debt every Christmas and birthday to make things "special" for us. While they did instill in us a great work ethic, I don't believe we appreciated what we had or how hard my parents had to work, as much as we should have. We could have done without much of what they bought for us.

I want Abby to know that we have to make difficult choices and that she will have to work hard for the things she really wants. I believe it will make her think about what is most important to her and she will spend the money she earns more carefully. I also want her to know that spending time with family and friends, building our relationships with them, is more important than the gifts we give or receive.

Abby told me recently that it is better to have me home with her than to get to go out to do special things on a regular basis. This is one of the things we gave up so that I could be at home with her.

All in all, I think she is learning this lesson well. Relationships with people are infinitly more important than things.

In His Service,

Angela

Books of the Bible

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This is a great clip for teaching young children the books of the Bible.

In His Service,

Angela

Getting Your Children to Obey

Do you enjoy your children?

Do they obey the first time?

Do you like taking them places?

If not, this little book may change your life.


This e-book is absolutely wonderful. While reading, I realized that I have the same philosophy as Kelly has about why children must obey, however, I was not following through with consistently teaching her self discipline and respect for others. Kelly's methods are simple, clearly stated and successful. I have already seen a tremendous difference in my daughter's behavior. This book is a must have for anyone having difficulties with getting their children to obey.

Chapters Include:
Early Training is Key
What Should I Expect of My Children
Am I too Late
The Difference in Discipline and Training
The Heart of Discipline and Training
Let me put a few life-changing tools in your hands...start enjoying parenthood!
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Getting Your Children to Obey
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In His Service,

Angela