Good afternoon Family & Friends! It is another dry say here in NC. We thought that we were going to get some storms yesterday. They just seemed to fizzle out though. We are still praying for rain though and know that The Lord will provide in His time.

I went to the dentist yesterday and had a tooth taken out. I am so glad that it is gone! The dentist said they could save it for about $2100. We don't have dental insurance so I opted to have it taken out. At least the pain is gone!

Hubby is worried about his job situation. They may be putting him down to a regular 40 hour week starting in 2-3 weeks. (It's his over time that allows me to stay home and care for the kids and home.) We are just praying that it doesn't get to that point. This is the first time in the 20 years he has been there that they don't have any work to do in the summer (his busiest time of the year.)

 It makes me wonder about our future and the need for some possiable changes in our lives. As always though, I will put my faith in The Lord and trust that He knows what His plans are for my family. He provided for my extraction yesterday! And we had no idea where that money was going to come from. (The Lord knew all the time.) Praise God for His goodness always!

You know, at times like these when we aren't sure where or how we are going to be able to make it financially, it is then that we turn to our Lord more. Maybe that's why we struggle so with money and having to make due, never knowing where its going to come from. Yet always having to lean on The Lord, our provider and sustainer to take care of our "needs" and NOT wants. I know that it keeps me very close to Him. It absolutely amazes me how He is always right on time when I don't know where it is going to come from. Just like The Lord feeding and taking care of the widow and Elijah. (Take no thought for tomorrow, for the morrow will take care of itself.)

To God be the glory ALWAYS!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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Good afternoon Family & Friends! I am still having to use the library computer to get online. Ours is STILL not working right and we don't have the funds to get another at this time. I will not complain though. When The Lord wants me to have a new computer, He will send me the funds. Give Him praise in ALL things, good and bad.

We went to the beach yesterday since I didn't have the baby. We had a great time enjoying the sounds of beach life as well as the water. I actually got in the water with the kids and went boogie boarding on the waves. it was SO much fun. It has been a long time since I did that. The water was calm and it was low tide so I decided to have some fun with the kids. I actually out lasted them in the water.

I am planning (Lord Willing) to go at least one a week. The beach is about an hour away from where we live. I only have to have gas money to and from. I also pack our lunches and reuse water bottles for our outing. I baked cookies yesterday to take and I also had some peanut butter crackers left from last weeks beach trip. So I spend about $15.00 total, including gas (which was the biggest expense) on our outing yesterday. We were there from 12:30-6:30 and I can't wait to go back again next week, Lord willing!

Please pray that our area gets some rain. Our garden is completely dried up. We will be able to salvage a few green beans but that is all. We haven't been able to water the garden for fear of the water pump going out. We had to replace it about a week ago when it burned up. Hubby doesn't want to chance burning another one up.( I can't blame here there.) All of theose plans I had for canning. 

I will now have to go out and buy the corn and other veggies. That's only if the farmers get some rain themselves for the corn. The fields around here are pathetic. All dried up and wilted due to the weeks previous HOT and dry spell. We haven't had rain for almost 3 weeks now. Only a hit and miss shower around us but not on us.

Well, I need to go. I didn't mean for this blog to sound so depressing. Again I will rejoice in The Lord and His provisions. He knows what we need , when we need it. To God be the glory, great things He has done and is doing!

Have a blessed week in The Lord!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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http://members.aol.com/ntgen/hrtg/wol1.html#oneroom- This is an interesting article that I read. It tells about how our ancestors lived before being connected to the grid.

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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My computer at home is not working.So I can't blog as I have been doing. Prayerfully I will be getting back online soon.

HAVE A BLESSED DAY IN THE LORD!

Amanda <><

II Corinthians 5:7

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So many books to read and not enough time! That was my DD's (14) motto. It is now, not enough books, too much time. She absolutely loves having a book in her hand at all times. The problem is she has read every decent book in the 2 libraries that we visit, literally ( No pun intended.). She also has an extensive home library with countless books that she has read. Most of them are historical fiction, with a few mystery books.

Here we are on our second week out of school and she is begging me to get her more books. Here's the problem, she will read a whole series within a week. We are talking upwards to 7 books in one week. I have a hard time keeping up with her. Finding the books is altogether another story.

She found a new series when we went to the Homeschool Conference 2 weeks ago. I am so glad that she did. I just need to get online and purchase the series for her. I have told her that she will just have to SLOW down a bit and enjoy the book without rushing through it. She sometimes forgets that we are on a budget in this house and that books aren't always in that budget. (Try telling that to a young lady who would spend her life outside in the woods reading if her Mama would only let her.)

Now her brother (9) is fast on the heels of his sister. He purchased several books at the conference for himself, and is fast approaching the end of that stack as well as the ones I bought him. I can say that he being only 9, has not gone through the books at the library as his sister has. Given time I am sure that he will catch up soon.)

This summer is already turning out to be an educational one, even though the kids don't see it that way. Isn't it absolutely beautiful to see a child sitting down to read? It really is a grand thing  to observe, when you know that what they are reading is educational and they think it is just a good story?

Oh, the joys of being young in the summer time. To God be the glory for ALL that He allows us to do every day!

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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 & Family! I pray that you all had a great Sunday in The Lord! I know that my family and I did. We did end up getting a really bad storm as we were leaving church last night. We really needed the rain for the farmers around here.

The farmers are in the process of harvesting the winter wheat. There is also a lot of corn in the fields around here as well as some tobacco and soy beans. What I find so sad though, is that there are even more fields that have not been planted this year. It seems such a shame to see so many empty fields that were planted full this time last year. It's even more of a shame knowing that the government pays farmers NOT to plant. It all seems to be driven by money and not need. It's so obvious that there is a need for food. Just look at the prices that we are having to pay at the grocery store. I know, there is more to it than I understand.

 What I do understand perfectly clear is that if we went back to a system of growing,selling and buying more locally, farmers would be able to support their families in a better fashion. We would also benefit from fresher foods and the satisfaction of helping our neighbors. Why is something so simple have to be made so complicated? I get so tired of hearing "think globally."I am just way too simple of a person to want to "think globally." I would much rather my husbands hard earned money go to helping his neighbors and county. I say "THINK LOCALLY!"

I'm off my soap box now. Just sharing what's on my mind this morning. Actually there is alot more on my mind right now. I just need to get off the computer and get ready for the baby to get here. That little boy keeps all of us on our toes. If only I could bottle up that energy he has.

Bless all who pass this way today and please buy locally whenever you can. It may mean the difference between your neighbor having enough to pay his bills, when he is doing one of the most important jobs around.

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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Good Afternoon Family & Friends! It is a HOT Sunday afternoon here today. It is also the first day of the 2008 Hurricane Season here in my neck of the woods. Have I prepared yet? NOPE! Have my intentions been good? YUP! Intentions do not fill the pantry though. So needless to say, I need to "get on the ball" and start stocking.

I have been trying to come up with that 30 menu using no electricity. That's a hard one to come up with. DS (9) said," just get pop tarts." YUCK! says I!" (bad english I know.) Anyway, I'm still working on it and will post as soon as I come up with an acceptable plan.

We had a great message this morning at church. Our Pastor is teaching/preaching from I. Corinthians. I absolutely LOVE the part in vs.6 where it says that The Lord chooses the "foolish" things of the world to confound the things that are mighty. So that all will know that it is The Lord and no other that is in control. Praise God! I certainly know that I cannot do anything without my Sweet Jesus leading the way and carrying me through it all ! He has shown me that over and over again.

Well, I need to go and get dinner started. We are having BBQ & fries. Not the most nutritious meal, but it is a good fast one for a Sunday afternoon.

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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Return of the Daughters
Posted June 5, 2007, by Elizabeth

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This article is great for those who need encouragement in Homeschooling. It really speaks to the heart of those who are called to Home Educate, to show The Lord's in control, not us.

 http://www.crosswalk.com/root/homeschool/11575682/page0/

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/2008/05/3629.aspx-

Blessings,

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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 Okay, for those who have wondered what I look like, here it is. This was taken Sunday night after church, at the fellowship. I wish I had been smiling. Oh well, its the graduate that counts.

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
II Corianthians 5:7

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 Good Morning Family & Friends! I thought that I would start the day off with a graduation picture of my DD. This was taken Sunday evening at church. They had a special evening to recognize the graduates. They played some silly games at fellowship and just had a great time.

DD said that she never wanted to put that gown on again. She just couldn't understand anyone wanting to put that "funny hat" on their head if they didn't have to. I had to agree with her. It reminds me of an upside down salad bowl.

I am just so thankful to The Lord for allowing me to Home educate my children. I would have never of thought that I would be able to supply all of my children's needs. I can't. Only my Lord and Savior can do that. He shows me every day that my weakness is made strong in his strength. I can do nothing without Him. (and when I have tried to go it alone, OUCH! I have to go back and ask for forgivness and give it back to The Lord) When will I ever learn?

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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~~~~~~~

Friends & Family! We are on our way this morning to out yearly Homeschool conference. I am so excited about it. This is my 2nd year going. I only wish that I made myself go since I started Homeschooling 8 years ago.

I have some friends in our Homeschool support group that told me it was like a revival for Homeschoolers, it surely is that and more. I have really felt burned out this year for some reason. I am praying that The Lord will  restore my soul to keep Homechooling for HIS glory. He always answers my prayers and know that this weekend will be for His glory and not mine.

When I think of the times that I wanted to give up and go "back to the world's system of education," I praise God for bringing people into my lives to keep me going forward. That is just what he has done through the years. And this weekend I will be graduating my first child. Praise Him! Praise Him! To God be the glory!

Well, I need to get on the road. Bless all who pass this way. Remember that He is but a prayer away and wants us to fully depend on Him!

Sincerely in HIS Service,

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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Charles Spurgeon's Evening Devotion May 21- (The Lord ALWAYS provides for HIS people!)

Genesis 42:2
There is corn in Egypt.

Famine pinched all the nations, and it seemed inevitable that Jacob and his family should suffer great want; but the God of providence, who never forgets the objects of electing love, had stored a granary for His people by giving the Egyptians warning of the scarcity, and leading them to treasure up the grain of the years of plenty. Little did Jacob expect deliverance from Egypt, but there was the corn in store for him. Believer, though all things are apparently against thee, rest assured that God has made a reservation on thy behalf; in the roll of thy griefs there is a saving clause. Somehow He will deliver thee, and somewhere He will provide for thee. The quarter from which thy rescue shall arise may be a very unexpected one, but help will assuredly come in thine extremity, and thou shalt magnify the name of the Lord. If men do not feed thee, ravens shall; and if earth yield not wheat, heaven shall drop with manna. Therefore be of good courage, and rest quietly in the Lord. God can make the sun rise in the west if He pleases, and make the source of distress the channel of delight. The corn in Egypt was all in the hands of the beloved Joseph; he opened or closed the granaries at will. And so the riches of providence are all in the absolute power of our Lord Jesus, who will dispense them liberally to His people. Joseph was abundantly ready to succour his own family; and Jesus is unceasing in His faithful care for His brethren. Our business is to go after the help which is provided for us: we must not sit still in despondency, but bestir ourselves. Prayer will bear us soon into the presence of our royal Brother: once before His throne we have only to ask and have: His stores are not exhausted; there is corn still: His heart is not hard, He will give the corn to us. Lord, forgive our unbelief, and this evening constrain us to draw largely from Thy fulness and receive grace for grace.

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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They caught the man that robbed the bank this morning! I am so relieved! Praise God for His protection!

In His Service,

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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It has not been the best of mornings around here today. Just when you think that you are going to have an ordinary, run of the mill day, this sorry world shows you other wise.

 I needed to be at the bank this morning when it opened to put  away some funds for bills. While I was waiting for the bank to open, I noticed a young man pacing nervously in front of the bank. He came up and asked me if the bank opened at 9:00. I told him yes and that he had 1 minute till 9:00.

I had this STRONG URGE TO PRAY for the soul of this young man. I said a prayer for him and then waited until the bank opened. He went in first. I got out of my car,locked it and then went into the bank. (There was only the tellers, the man and I in the bank.) The man was talking to a teller and I heard him say something about a $1000 withdrawal. I was waiting for another cashier to wait on me. He then started to get louder and was telling the teller , "Is it worth your life?" "HURRY UP! HURRY UP!"

He started pacing the teller line telling the cashiers not to call for help and push any buttons and then he starting counting down from 20. At this time when he stated he was going to start counting that I realized what was happening. I froze. I kept waiting for him to turn around and tell me to get down or something. He was more preoccupied with the teller and counting . At that time, I couldn't decide to run out or stay put. I took off (RAN!!!!!!!) out the door and prayed.

I ran next door to the dentist office and told them that the bank was being robbed and to call the police. They must have thought I was crazy from the looks I was getting. I was a wreck and scared out of my wits shaking. I was afraid the whole time I was running out of the bank that he might follow me and shoot me. I have never been so scared in my life.

The dentist office locked their doors and we saw the man run out of the bank. There is a man hunt for him right now. Cops all over out little town (and I mean little town.) I gave my desctiption of the man and  came straight home.

While I was in the bank, I couldn't understand why the man wasn't yelling at me too. It's as if I were invisiable or something. I just PRAISE SWEET JESUS CHRIST that no one was hurt. I still feel the intense need to pray for this mans soul.

Please pray that he is caught and pray for his soul to be saved. I KNOW that the Lord knew my paths this day. I know that He was right there protecting me and the tellers. He had it all under control.  He is my LORD! MY SAVIOR! MY FRIEND! MY GOD!

THANK YOU SWEET JESUS FOR YOUR PROTECTION THIS DAY! THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO EVERY DAY!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE AND IS DOING EVERY DAY IN  OUR LIVES.EVEN WHEN WE DON'T "FEEL" HE IS THERE! HE IS!

Sincerely in HIS Service!

Amanda <><
 II Corinthians 5:7

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http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D90ONKV00&show_article=1

I thought this was funny!

Blessings,

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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 Family and Friends! It looks to be the start of a very busy week here on the homestead. It is graduation week at our house. DD (17) will be graduating this coming Saturday at our state Homeschool convention. We are all so excited to see if happening.

We are also finishing up the last bit of school work before summer break, which officially begins on Wednesday. Things are still up in the air as to how we will spend our summer break. Due to gas prices, you can be sure that we will be staying close to home.

These are some of the summer events that we do every year:

Library Summer Reading Program- (we go to 2 seperate counties to participate in these)

Vacation Bible School- We attend at least 1 during the summer

Camping in the back Yard (new this year)- we live in a rural area , so we can even build a fire and cook out hot dogs.

Swimming- we can either go to the beach (an hour away) or the Lake (much closer)

Work in the garden (my idea, not the kids!)

My DD  (14)will be going away to a Christian camp in July and to her Grandma's for a month in June)

4-H Summer Programs- My son will be participating in about 1 every other week during the summer.

Then there is my favorite- Summer Time Reading Catch Up. No lesson Plans!  NO MORE TEACHER, I AM JUST A MOMMY FOR THE SUMMER!

How do you all plan your summer? Are the gas prices going to be affecting your plans? Can you share any ideas that you have for fun summer memories?

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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Great article from a fellow Homesteading/Homeschooling Mom-

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=64480

Blessings,

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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Good afternoon Family & Friends! I have been doing a lot of reading over at An Intentional Peasant's blog. She has been letting others know of ways to store food for future emergencies. Stockpiling your pantry is the name of the game. I myself have been wondering how to store food that can be used without using electricity.

 Being in a hurricane prone area,(and knowing that its been a long time coming for another major storm) I wanted to come up with a menu for at least 30 days that would allow me to feed my family.

Now, I have been able (most of the time) to do once a month shopping and get all of my needs. So, I have been able to keep at least a months supply of food on hand. It all requires using electricity to cook with as well as refridgeration/freezing. That's a good thing, but again I am looking to be able to prepare food for my family for at least 30 days electric free. I really pray that this will never happen though. I just want to be prepared.

During one of the last major hurricanes we had (which was about 10 years ago) we were without electricity for over a week. It was NO fun at all. I prepared poorly and needless to say, we ate junk food for over a week! Can you say YUCK! I never want to do that again. I couldn't wait to get some electricity just so we could have a HOT nutritious meal again.

So here I am now wanting to get started on this menu and what it will take to prepare at least one hot meal for my family if we get a hurricane this year.

If any of you have any ideas, PLEASE let me know. Maybe you could come up with your own menu using no electricity for 30 days. I'll post what I come up with once I get a plan set on paper. This is also going to help me, because I will need to start shopping for these supplies before the first threat of a hurricane comes to out area.

Have a blessed day in The Lord!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

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