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Praises and Comments for Patches

In California, 4-year-old Everlee is a young artist at work.

Praise for Overwhelming Reviews and Comments

I’m humbled by all the reviews, photos, and notes I’m receiving for Patches’ Biblical Coloring and Activity Books. Truly God is at work as Patches the Turtle shares Jesus with young and old.

When her grandmother’s Christmas gift included Patches’ Farmland Adventures, 4-year-old Everlee was ready to color! Beautiful job! Thank you, Grandmother, for sharing this picture with us.

Patches’ books are not Just for Children.

A woman in St. Louis writes: “I was given Patches’ Farmland Adventures and coloring pencils by a friend. She knew I needed some activity while being homebound all winter. In fact, the added Scriptures were just what the doctor ordered!”

WebMD lists some amazing reasons we should all color; click here.

Some time ago, I mailed a copy to an elderly friend who was losing a long battle with lung cancer. Her hobbies of crocheting, reading, and working in her church were now impossible tasks. I learned just today from her daughter how much the book meant. The large print and short stories encouraged her to read, and since she could hold colored pencils easily, working on the pictures was great therapy.

Nursing Homes and Extended Care Facilities

One person bought ten books to give to residents in a local nursing home. What joy to hear from some of them and to see their work. Many residents, men and women, are lonely and need something to occupy their minds.

Mayo Health Clinic agrees with Patches; we all should color! Click here

Please, please pray with me.

As books go out to individuals, children’s Bible classes and groups, and families across our land, I pray God will use each of them to touch hearts and change lives.

Lost and unchurched families and individuals can meet Jesus.

Only God can put together the words that touch hearts. On every page, Patches shares Scripture and encourages the reader/artist to think about God’s perfect design for them. Click here to see all of my books.

Thank you for allowing me to share my praises with you today.

Hugs,

Let me hear from you. Who do you know that could use some encouragement?

5 Advantages of Homeschooling

Teacher Kati and Boys in Class

“Train up a child in the way he should go ….” Proverbs 22:6

Vickie and I grabbed our favorite lattes and settled down for a monthly prayer and share time. Three young boys with heavy book bags caught my eye as they seated in a nearby booth with their mother.

Watching them enjoy their food and drinks, I wondered why they weren’t in school. Soon, the Mom/Teacher had them open their books and class began in the coffee shop. (Kodak moment!)

Reflecting on the seriousness of this ‘classroom’ activity spurred me to do a bit of research. There are many good reasons some choose to homeschool their children; here are the five most obvious.

THE CLASSROOM CAN BE ANYWHERE – Homeschooling means your classroom location can be changed at a moment’s notice. Today this family was not able to have class at home, so the classroom was conveniently moved to the coffee shop for breakfast and studies.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING – Some homeschoolers choose to have classes scheduled on the same days the public school does. Others fit the schedule into their home and work environments. Vacations are often planned with studies in mind.

PARENTS GET TO KNOW EACH CHILD’S CAPABILITIES AND PREFERENCES – Working in a classroom setting, the parent will discover the uniqueness of the learning styles, passions, abilities, and personalities of each child.

CHILDREN ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THEIR PARENTS. Time with children in a classroom enables the teacher (parent) to reveal his/her own personality and preferences. A parent may share life experiences relating to a subject that perhaps never would have been mentioned in another setting.

BECOME INVOLVED IN A HOMESCHOOL COMMUNITY. Often this can include field trips, social events, sports, music, and art. When you think about it, class is always in session as daily circumstances bring to mind questions about a topic studied “in class”.

Click here for an interesting article on the Biblical Perspective of Homeschooling.

Parents who can and will invest their time in homeschooling will be able to closely monitor the child’s learning style and needs. Homeschoolers are able to teach classes from a Biblical perspective without conflict.

Pray for homeschooled families. I have since met other members of this family and am honored to count them as friends.
As always, I am in awe of who God puts in my path. I personally challenge you to pray for God’s appointments every day. He wants to bless you and those you meet along life’s pathway.

Blessings and hugs,

Thank you once again for your faithful comments below and emails.

Learning to Hear God Speak

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

This verse has often been called “God’s phone number”. He clearly says to call Him and He will answer.

Most of us look for clear-cut answers; you know, the call we’re expecting; sick healed; needs supplied; relationships restored. But, what happens when our prayers come from a broken or weary heart; a felt need we cannot express?

Billy Graham tells how to hear from God more clearly.

Lately, for whatever reason, I find myself weighed down with struggles I can’t explain. Has God even heard my wordless cries? Am I asking amiss? Am I making too much of a situation?

Most of you know, I always carry a supply of small bags of Scripture candy and tracts to share as God leads. This week as I assembled fifty bags, I chuckled as I tossed an empty wrapper into the trash; it was sealed with no candy inside!

Praying over the bags and my circumstances, I loaded my duffle bag for the car. I know God nudged me as I retrieved the sealed, empty bag from the trash to read the Scripture.

This is the Lord’s Word for me written on that empty candy bag. “The Lord, thy God, He will not fail thee nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Tears of joy and peace warmed my cheeks as I heard from my Father: “Susie, I am here for you. I will never, ever leave you. I will not forsake you. I have a plan for you.” There on an empty candy wrapper was the assurance I longed for from my patient, loving, all-knowing Father.

Click here for 10 ways God speaks regularly to you.

Sweet, faithful friend. Do you know God in that way? Can you hear clearly when He speaks? Make time for Him, His love and grace are there for you.

Hugs,

Thanks for leaving a note. How can I pray for you this week?