The Freedom that Comes with Using Samaritans Ministries

I've talked about Samaritans here before but I wanted to share this video clip I just saw. This gentleman does a great job explaining why he uses Samaritans as a Biblical option for health insurance. I also love that he is doing what he LOVES to do! Ben, I thought of you and your tractors when I saw

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To 'Rise Up' is MORE than Getting Up Early!!!

To ‘Rise Up’ is MORE than Getting Up Early!!!

What I love about Facebook is 'meeting' so many people with similar interest and coming across so many great writings.  Yesterday this article was 'liked' by a friend of mine that I have great respect for,  so I clicked over to see what it was all about. It is really good and I wanted to share it

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A God-centered health care plan- Samaritans Ministries

A God-centered health care plan- Samaritans Ministries

 Being self-employed makes buying insurance VERY expensive. A couple of years ago we decided to use Samaritan Ministries for our health care needs. Jeff is not on our family plan because he uses tobacco (cigars), so we carry a separate insurance policy for him, but our girls and myself are on a f

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 True Evangelism Happens through Relationships

True Evangelism Happens through Relationships

I met Hayley along with her sisters and mother a couple years ago at our state homeschool convention.  Heyley and one of her sisters came to our table to introduce themselves.  They were readers of this blog and we have many friends in common (the homeschool community here in Alabama is quite la

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Sewing Party -Pillowcase Dresses for Africa

Sewing Party -Pillowcase Dresses for Africa

This is a re-post from my old blog, I thought it might give some of you an idea or two. Back in 2007, I can't believe it has been that long, our dear, dear friends adopted the most precious little African boy who was in great need of heart surgery. Not only did God heal his heart through surge

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A 30 Day Challenge for Wives

A 30 Day Challenge for Wives

In the spirit of sharing the love this month (Valentine's Day), how about we focus on giving rather than expecting? Expect no flowers, no card, no candle light. Instead, focus on giving, especially to your husband, and expect nothing in return. The amazing thing about giving, if you give with the

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Grief and the Holidays -Pipe Cleaner Ornaments

Grief and the Holidays -Pipe Cleaner Ornaments

[gallery] These are similar to the ones I shared earlier this week. One of my friends shared these pictures on Facebook. Aren't they adorable? I love the bright colors!!! I made some of these a few years ago using the metallic gold and silver pipe cleaners. This dear woman lost her husband and 9 y

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Teen's Sweet 16 Party Saves Children

Teen’s Sweet 16 Party Saves Children

I LOVE this story!!!  Teens are so capable of doing BIG things, HARD things! We have got to change the way we parent; we have got to teach our children that it is all about giving of themselves, and that starts at a very young age. Perhaps we should reconsider what clubs to belong to, what teams

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Is Your Pantry Stocked?

I'm sharing this info not to receive a pat on the back or anything, but to share an idea and how canning helps. Our family heard about another family that was in need. One of our daughters prepared a meal and I made some brownies. I then went to our pantry to gather what I could on short notice.

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Comfort Breeds Complacent People

Comfort Breeds Complacent People

Everything is always changing, nothing stays the same. I love going to my grandmother's in Upstate New York, it is where I spent the most of my time growing up and many things there still 'look' the same, but things are different. This old apple tree is a special landmark on Grandma's farm.

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Learning to Serve

... Emma has been working through the Pioneer Woman cookbook and doing very well! This cookbook really is a great starting place for beginners; it has wonderful pictures and instructions! Emma has recently started to help a military wife with her 4 little ones while the husband is

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Do They Really Need Those Toys?

At the risk of sounding like a Scrooge or being misunderstood, I must admit: This whole gift giving thing is so overrated! I hate this pressure of having to buy gifts just because it is Christmas. I'm all for giving, but the attitude that one should make a list of wants just does not set well wit

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Making the Most of the Holiday Season

  Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving? If you homeschool this is the craziest time of the year as we struggle to balance holiday festivities and book work. My advice is to chill out and make the most of it. Between Thanksgiving and News Years is a great time for a break from th

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Are You Preparing Your Children for Life?

Are You Preparing Your Children for Life?

I guess it is because the bulk of my parenting (as far as child training goes) is coming down to it's last few years that I realize so much that I wish I'd known when I was younger!!! Most of us are not taught any parenting skills as we grow up, let alone marriage skills, other than what we 'see'

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To Serve or To Be Served This Summer?

  When summer rolls around most parents look for activities to keep their children busy, and that can be a good thing, but what kind of busy is it? Are the plans you have for them to entertain them? Maybe they are activities that are just good, clean fun? There are so many clubs, camps, pools

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Gratitude of Grief, A Tribute to Baby Willie

  Last week we helped some dear friends lay their baby to rest. There is no heartache that compares to loosing a child (we've been there).   In memory of William Charlie White, who was born into heaven March 25, 2009. This video is a reminder of God\'s love for us even in the depths of

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Eager Hands- Giving to the Needy-update

Last night we met for our monthly meeting where we work on some sort of handiwork that will be given to the needy. We are finishing up our shawls and lap blankets to be given to the elderly. Some are beginners, some are more advanced. Mothers and Daughters The little ones enjoyed rolling

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Being Diligent in Family Relationships

Living as a family is not always easy, in fact it is the one institution that you will have to die to your selfishness the most, well other than your relationship with Christ.   The second greatest commandment is that we LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR! Our closest neighbors are the ones that live under

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Handiwork and Giving to the Needy

Handiwork and Giving to the Needy

  We have recently started a group of girls and moms that would like to crochet or knit to give to the needy.     This is a perfect ministry for the women, especially for those that have several children and find it hard to get out and participate in other outreach projects.

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The Power of a Pen, Paper and a Stamp!

  Don’t we all enjoy getting a letter or card in the mail?!   When I was a child, yes, way before email and text messaging, I had an aunt whose husband was in the military so our relationship was a long distance one. She was so good about writing letters and even sending an occasion

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