Category: After My Coffee

You are not defined by the roles you fill.

5/5/2022

I took a walk in the mist yesterday.

We've had less than an inch of rain and are still in extreme drought conditions. The temperature is supposed to be into the high 90's this weekend.

But we've been enjoying the little bit of moisture.

Sometimes when I walk, one or more of the children go with me. This time I was alone. I had my headphones on and music playing, but just let my mind wonder for two miles.

I've struggled for about the past year with "who am I" thoughts.

If you begin listing all the things you "do"... do you get lost and overwhelmed in all the things that need to be done under each 'persona'? I do.

I tend to feel like I need to give "equal time" to each thing. But that's not how things work. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, we don't do ALL the things ALL the time. Different things prevail over others in different seasons of life.

Wondering what to do this summer?

Creation Dietitian Mom has a TON of pintables available over at TeachersPayTeachers. Debbie Hanyon has become a good friend. I've even had her on the Real Life on the Prairie podcast. She knows her stuff and is very thorough with her resources.

Debbie's Creation Dietitian Monthly Membership Library is amazing and would be a great thing to work through during the summer. It includes recipes young children can make, guides them through menu planning, grocery shopping and more.

Our oldest, Kathryn, recently submitted a guest article on Debbie's blog called, "Were Dragons Ever Real?" You'll need time to read the whole thing, because Kathryn does NOT know how to write something short...

The Desecration and Disrespect of Femininity

As the definition of a woman has come up and so many people are trying to redefine their preferences, or lack there of... Our family has been discussing where this is all coming from and how people are being so hurt by it.

We use to have three categories; straight, sodomite and celibate. All the acronym letters fall into one of those categories.

We used to call the outdoorsy and sporty girls, tomboys. The less athletic boys were usually labeled nerds.

Today, there are so many reasons, mentally and physiologically for people to be confused about who they are.

I don't usually share things with foul language and if that's super offensive to you, don't watch. This video is soooooo worth sharing though. I applaud this little lady for speaking out. I agree with so many things she said. (Not all, of course, but I know there is a general misunderstanding of a few things I will be addressing in one of our next podcasts...) This is just really, really good!

I would also say, society has encouraged a toxic masculinity on boys. Pictures of men through the ages have them in robes, fluffy frills, high heels, and very ornate and fancy clothing. I've always thought the cowboys look so nice when they wear pink western shirts. Speaking of western shirts... Roy Rogers... Did anyone question his masculinity for being short, slight and duded up so snazzy? Probably, but they shouldn't have.

We need to think before we speak and realize we are all struggling through a RAPIDLY changing world. Give love, encouragement and appropriate support.

What Happened to Men's Clothing?

This fella has a very interesting theory and is extremely clean and respectful in his presentation. He made some excellent points and I highly recommend watching his video.

Who am I?

Now to get back to the original question. I am a growing individual, a child of the Living God, who is constantly learning to become the best me I can be. I fill many roles and enjoy many things. I am me.

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Making Memories

4/27/2022

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Creating memories with grandchildren, even when they just think I'm that crazy woman who lives with their fun grandfather.

Childhood memories are hard for me. I don't have many good ones. I remember wishing I had the memories of the family of "Little House on the Prairie."

When I became a mother, that's what I was striving for. It spurred me on when our community hosted a mock land run for the Cherokee Strip Centennial celebration in 1993.

With the help of friends and my Mother-in-Love, I made historical outfits for all of us. Our youngest at the time wore her great-grandmother's baby dress.

I had so much fun learning how to sew these clothes that I just kept sewing for myself, our children, our home and friends.

Sewing is my therapy, and I've used it to create new memories with family and friends throughout the past 30+ years.

Now I'm a Meemaw and I'm feeling a bit lost since I left the full-time job. THE JOYFUL LIFE magazine recently shared an article, 5 Traditions to Start with Grandchildren for Making Lifelong Memories which really struck a cord with me.

Grandmother-hood is not what I expected

I've really looked forward to grandchildren, but it's not been quite what I anticipated.

I really don't know what I was expecting. The babies are precious. As par for the course around here, they think their grandfather is awesome and I just seem to be that crazy lady he lives with. I'm okay with that. He's so good with children.

I've noticed a tendency in myself to concentrate on beholding our daughters as mothers. They're both doing such an amazing job with their little ones. They handle motherhood completely different from one another, like they have with every thing else in their lives. They are such completely different personalities. Their babies are happy, healthy and relatively well behaved for their ages. I can't ask for more.

When they come over, I steal my kisses and tickles. Yes, they are stolen. They look at me like, "Oh it's Meemaw's thing. Let's get it over with so I can go play." Then they run off to one of the aunts or uncles and start dragging toys out.

Memories aren't always the same as reality

I've noticed even the children I use to babysit remember things very differently than you would expect. I never thought I was much fun. I'm a fairly serious, get'r done type person. I have checklists and routines and I get caught up in making sure things are safe and in order. But the children remember the fun. They remember the trouble as fun. They remember the mundane and seemingly boring things as amazing. Even traumatic events tend to be remembered more as an adventure, in many cases. It amazes me how a child's mind works.

Soaking it in

For the moment, I'm just basking in the beauty of our family. Toddlers have such a short attention span, so baking with them is momentary fun before they're off to explore something else. They aren't ready for activities or tea parties yet.

I have matching outfits cut out for them out of fabrics I made a scrappy skirt from and patterns are out for more projects. I'll be in my happy place, they'll have cute outfits to play and get dirty in and it'll make cute pictures for preserving these memories.

In the meantime, I'm taking some ideas from the article I shared above, remembering some of the fun things my grandparents did with me and that Paul's parents did with our children.

One of these days, these little ones will have at least a few special memories of their Meemaw.

What are some special memories you have of your grandparents? If you're in that season of life now, what are a few traditions you do with your grandchildren? I'd love to know!

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Five Ways to Replace Doubts with Truth

2/21/2022

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Which of these is on repeat in your head?

a. You need to just grow up.
b. Quit living in a your own little world.
c. You're lazy and selfish.
d. Don't you have any common sense?
e. You'll never be good enough.

I've had them all said to me and I've doubted myself with them off and on through the years.

...and then... Not suddenly, but gradually, I started to realize some things. Some Truths.

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A. Growing up

I'm a child of God for eternity.

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3-4

As a survivor of childhood abuse and neglect, I grew up way too fast. I've decided I'm going to enjoy as much 'childhood' as I can now. I told this to the last person who said this to me and after thinking about it for a moment, they agreed. Let's enjoy this life with the zeal of a little child as much as we can!

B. The fantasy world

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world..." John 18:36

There are so many things in this world that are horrible and terrible. Living in the Kingdom helps me see it all as it truly is. I can love the people and deal with all the issues as the realist I am and as a light.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14

...while still being inspired toward things I can't even imagine...

But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love HIM”— 1 Corinthians 2:9
(Quoted from Isaiah 64:4 & Isaiah 65:17)

C. Looking in the mirror

My mother once told me that people accuse others of things they are guilty of. As she said it, I saw the light dawn in her eyes... She was an over-achiever, fighting laziness. She was an enabler, fighting her own selfishness.

Don't get me wrong, I always admired her work ethic and generosity. She was amazing in so many ways that she often did not see herself, because of her own inner struggles.

So often, we accuse others of our fight, projecting rather than accepting our own shortcomings. She never accused me of being lazy or selfish again. I didn't say a thing, she just let God work in her heart, as we should all do.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for HIM; fret not yourself... Psalm 37:7

My body needs more rest than a lot of people. My dear husband loves to encourage me to sleep in and take naps. He knows I tend to push myself and overdo. He also knows I have an overly generous nature and he encourages me to support people through their experiences.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to HIS eternal glory in Christ, will HIMself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

D. Sense and Sensibility

The more I learn, the less I realize I know...

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25

Common sense is like a muscle grown through the exercise of learning. We all have a natural sense of some things and not so much of others. Let's give ourselves and others grace as we learn while we pray for discernment.

E. You are amazing!

So many struggle with this, but you know what? Our Creator knit you in your mother's womb.

For YHWH formed my inward parts;
YHWH knitted me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

HE made you better than 'good enough.' If you lean on HIM, HE will continue to grow you into the best person HE knows you to be. It's a process, but only HE really knows your potential, therefore only HE can judge your worth and HE thought you were worth dying for.

“Whoever believes in HIM may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only Son, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send HIS Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through HIM." John 3:15-17

I understand

Sometimes we just need to know someone understands. We always need the truth. The truth is so often the opposite of what we think. Let's renew our minds with the Word of Truth.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

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The reason for a proper old-fashioned debate

9/13/2020

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In this day and age, with the severe split in society worldwide, honest and open debate can be a useful tool in finding innovative solutions to real dilemmas. If you are a non-confrontational person, consider it encouraging and motivating thought. If you are confrontational by nature, pray for discernment and discretion.

I love a good debate. I’m passionate about my beliefs, always have been, even as a child. I’m also a peacemaker. So often, the root of my passion in a debate is to help people understand each other and find common ground.

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12

A debate (noun) does not have to be an argument. It can be, and in the since I’m touching on here is dialog, commentary, discussion, or powwow.

Debates are a historical way of educating and informing people. It’s more fun than a lecture by just one person. Listeners get the benefit of multiple perspectives. Good debates tend to encourage people to think for themselves, rather than telling the listeners what to think.

A debate is over a topic that is of mutual concern to the speakers. Their ideas concerning the topic or solutions to a problem differ because of the speakers’ backgrounds, education and perspectives. If speakers can remember they are both concerned about those whom the topic touches, they can more easily stay civil and professional.

It has become harder and harder to have a productive debate. Public debates are often more about the speaker than the subject matter anymore. Sides take turns verbally throwing mud back and forth, rather than legitimately trying to inform and educate their listeners.

Preparation for a debate should be more about the audience than the speaker. Too often, speakers have a prepared propagandized topic they are paid to push rather than actual education or productive information. This is actually true with many public speakers anymore.

I actually heard one speaker bully his audience, making fun of anyone who dared think differently than the propaganda he was pushing. He was so good at it he insulted the audience and they were excited about his false narrative. This particular speaker is so good at what he does, he is paid by different agencies and organizations around Oklahoma to spread whatever propaganda they’re pushing. I get literally sick to my stomach every time I hear him speak, no matter the topic.

I’m convinced a debate can be an enjoyable experience for both the audience and the speakers. Some basic guidelines would need to be set first.

Speakers should keep in mind:

The purpose of the debate is to educate and inform the audience, not to push an agenda.
It should be assumed everyone present cares about the people touched by the topics.

How it should be conducted:

There should be a list of questions submitted by each party beforehand for speakers to prepare answers.
Each question should be asked by a neutral moderator with speakers taking turns answering.
Answers should be timed.
After all questions, each speaker should be given an allotted time for closing statements. A coin-flip or dice roll deciding who is first.
At no time should speakers be allowed to interrupt each other.

Bible verses to keep in mind:

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:15
Only by pride comes contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Proverbs 13:10
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels Proverbs 1:5
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established. Proverbs 15:22

It’s important to remember, when debating someone who is not a Bible believer that we are not to hold them to the same standards we are held to. We are to treat the lost with compassion, mercy and tender care. While we do not approve, entertain or excuse evil, we also need to see the hurt and manipulation that the enemy uses to ensnare and lead individuals astray.

There are times to debate and there are times to keep quiet. (Ecclesiastes 3:7) Discernment is important. I’ll admit that I am still learning discretion. Some people are not open to other ideas. (Proverbs 14:7, Psalm 1:1)

In this day and age, with the severe split in society worldwide, honest and open debate can be a useful tool in finding innovative solutions to real dilemmas. If you are a non-confrontational person, consider it encouraging and motivating thought. If you are confrontational by nature, pray for discernment and discretion.

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Creating a Legacy

10/20/2019

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The party was hosted by the members of the Blog Well Mastermind

Did you make it to the party?

If you missed it, it's not too late to stop in for a lot of freebies and great information.

Sometime this week, stop in and join the fun.

Creating a Legacy Facebook Party

The party was hosted by the members of the Blog Well Mastermind, a group of female entrepreneurs who meet weekly for business growth, trainings and accountability. The group will be open to new members in the near future, if you'd like an invite when we open registration please visit here for more details.

Here's an introduction to a few more of the Blog Well Mastermind members:

Danielle Tate is the Sex & Money Mrs. tackling tough topics in marriage no one wants to talk about.

Author of Restoring the Lost Petal, Danielle is a former Certified Sexual Risk Avoidance Specialist through NAEA.

She is also creator of The Believers Budget, a Biblical approach to managing money in a way that makes it work for you, instead of you working for it.

Her goal is to regain the ground the enemy has taken and expose the lies he's planted and help people live thriving lives.

At the party, Danielle shared her free mini e-course, 6 Steps to Debt Free Living.

Mellisa Ochsenhirt is a family relationship coach, health foodie and author of printable planners, family games and activities.

Mellissa specializes in preschool and special needs, training students to be productive while realizing their many unique characteristics and helping them find their special purpose.

Mellisa is a printable queen!

During the party, several of her planners were shared during the party, including a holiday planner and a nice Thanksgiving recipe. Make sure to drop in to the party and get your copies.

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Smaller Living Huge Life, having more with less

10/16/2019

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Brenda Mason is an inspiration. She's done something so many of us dream of doing, talk about doing, and really want to do... eventually.

Brenda, in my humble opinion, is the downsizing queen. Almost five years ago, she downsized from a 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 car garage, 3100 square foot, stuffed home. She didn't just downsize to a smaller home, No. Brenda did the amazing. She simplified her treasure-trove of junk down to a 310 square foot, tiny Converted Motor Coach. Even more amazing, she did it in only 31 days.

Since 2015, she has been living tiny and mostly off-grid. Brenda now travels the states encouraging others to live a clutter free life. She is now a “Downsizing Consultant” and “Tiny House Lifestyle Specialist”.

Disclosure: Purchasing products through the affiliate links on this page contributes to the success of this site at no extra cost to you.

In Brenda's 31 day plan, she helps people create a home oasis, a home full of only those things you honestly need, really use and truly love.

In our upcoming Facebook party, Brenda will be giving away a copy of her book, The 31-Day Guide to Creating Your Clutter Free Home Oasis.

The 31-Day Guide to Creating Your Clutter Free Home Oasis

Creating a Legacy Facebook Party

Something for everyone, from the budding entrepreneur to the busy school teacher or struggling housewife. Whether you are a single career woman or a homeschool mom of many, this party will be helpful and fun.

Topics we will cover:

Your message matters
Boosting your business
Cash and clutter control
Printables for school teachers
Bible study for the whole family
Homeschool help in English and Spanish

I'm looking forward to seeing you at the party! It will only be an hour long, but if you can't make it, pop in later. Make sure to post questions and comments so we can get back to you. If there is anything particular on any of these topics you have questions to now, please comment below, or email me.

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Sound Foundations Homeschool Movement

10/15/2019

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Jennifer Elia is leading the Sound Foundations Homeschool movement, equipping moms to provide an education that celebrates her child's unique and special gifts. She is a homeschool consultant, mentor, blogger, and Amazon best selling author.

I've only known Jennifer Elia for a short time, but I can tell you she has one of the sweetest spirits I've come in contact with.

Jennifer loves to design curriculum, especially outside the box education, because school should always be more than textbooks, tests, algebra, and chemistry! Her biggest current project is a revolutionary family art curriculum that is taking the homeschool world by storm.

Jennifer's books are her foundation. Everything she does is based on the Sound Foundations model and the system laid out in her three books.

She is a coach than a mentor who doesn't tell you what to do, but gives you the tools to discover the best way to do it for your unique family. Her primary goal is building a safe and supportive space for homeschool moms.

Disclosure: Purchasing products through the affiliate links on this page contributes to the success of this site at no extra cost to you.

I'm excited to be working with Jennifer to host a Facebook party coming up on Sunday (10-20-19). If you need a bit of encouragement, please join us.

Jennifer will be giving away a free paperback copy of her book "Homeschool Moms Want You to Know" as a door prize. If you've ever considered homeschooling, this book offers answers, inspiration, and first hand glimpse into real homeschools run by real moms. It takes you into the real lives, experiences, and challenges of moms just like you, who happen to homeschool their children.

Homeschooling is on the rise. You may be considering it or even in the decision process, but you wonder if it is right for you.

Jennifer Elia is leading the Sound Foundations Homeschool movement, equipping moms to provide an education that celebrates her child's unique and special gifts. She is a homeschool consultant, mentor, blogger, and Amazon best selling author.

Jennifer lives in New Jersey with her husband and four children whom she has been educating at home for the past 10 years. When Jennifer isn’t busy researching the best curriculum solutions, she enjoys gardening, crafting, and writing. You can find Jennifer on Facebook and Pinterest.

I'm looking forward to seeing you at the party! It will only be an hour long, but if you can't make it, pop in later.

Your message matters
Boosting your business
Cash and clutter control
Printables for school teachers
Bible study for the whole family
Homeschool help in English and Spanish

Make sure to post questions and comments so we can get back to you. If there is anything particular on any of these topics you have questions to now, please comment below, or email me.

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Handprint Legacy

10/13/2019

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Katie's motto for speaking and teaching is

I've known Katie Hornor over six years. For the past five, we've been meeting on video nearly every week. That's pretty awesome considering it wasn't possible only a few years ago. You see, Katie lives in Mexico where she and her husband are missionaries. Katie is one of the most amazing women I know. She accomplishes so much.

Katie is a popular author, online business coach, mentor and international speaker whose forte is Course Creation and Curriculum Development, followed closely by Relationship Marketing.

Katie's motto for speaking and teaching is "Your Message Matters" and she truly believes the Creator has given each one of us a message to share with others.

Disclosure: Purchasing products through the affiliate links on this page contributes to the success of this site at no extra cost to you.

I'm excited to be working with Katie to host a Facebook party coming up October 20th. If you need a bit of encouragement, please join us.

Katie will be giving away a free paperback copy of her Bible study "Melk the Christmas Monkey." This book offers a fun alternative to the elf-on-the-shelf. This study has thirty character building lessons for the Advent season, plus monthly letters to children for the rest of the year.

Melk, the Christmas Monkey (Elf on the Shelf Alternative)

Your message matters
Boosting your business
Cash and clutter control
Printables for school teachers
Bible study for the whole family
Homeschool help in English and Spanish

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The End of a Hiatus

9/30/2019

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The LORD has guided and directed, shutting doors, opening windows and busting down walls. Every once in a while, I even admit to getting a proverbial 'swift kick'.

The past year has been quite an adventure. Going from homeschool mom, to 911 dispatcher, to newspaper reporter, over the past several years, in addition to many personal "opportunities" for growth, the LORD has straightened my path and strengthened my resolve.

I have not left any of what I have been. They are all a part of me. I will always be a homeschool mom. Having homeschooled our children exclusively, I loved the adventure. We still have five years left and I look forward to the last bit with our youngest two. Each child has had some amazing surprise awaiting me toward graduation.

I will also always have a soft place in my heart for the unsung heroes of the emergency management community. How is it that the ones who answer the first call are the last to be remembered or considered?

Disclosure: Purchasing products through the affiliate links on this page contributes to the success of this site at no extra cost to you.

I can't forget the time with my husband, helping manage his business and our little farm. I feel so blessed to have had such a variety of experiences in my life to learn from.

One of the things I've enjoyed through the years often gets overlooked, or set aside in busy times. My blog. I've had some kind of a website since the internet became available out here in the early 1990's. I concentrated on our family, homemaking and homesteading until our homeschool adventure began. Believe it or not, at one time I had THREE websites! This was when Father-in-Love was still home with dementia, we still had toddlers and Hubby was working a lot. Yes, looking back now, I may have been on the cRaZy side!

It's been several years now since I re-branded from Fogleman Forerunner, Homeschool Daze and The Health News to this one pretty little home on the web. At that point, I began to take Prairie Dust Trail seriously as more than just an online newsletter. It became a business and I became an entrepreneur.

In the process of ups and downs, learning curves, laws, regulations and changing algorithms, I think the children may have learned more than I have. The LORD has guided and directed, shutting doors, opening windows and busting down walls. Every once in a while, I even admit to getting a proverbial 'swift kick'.

Most of the support, encouragement and swift kicks have come through the precious friends I've made in The Blog Connection.

Over the next few weeks as I get into gear, becoming more consistent in blogging and being involved in the community here with my readers, I'm going to be introducing you to some of these ladies. I'll introduce each one in a separate blog post over the next few weeks.

Out of The Blog Connection we are the Blog Well Mastermind 'Saphire group'. These ladies are experts in things that can help homesteading families get down to the basics of simple living.

At the end of the month we'll be hosting a spectacular Sunday afternoon social, Creating a Legacy Facebook Party. Save the date, October 20 at 3 p.m. Make sure to follow me on Facebook for updates!

There is something for everyone, from the budding entrepreneur to the busy school teacher or struggling housewife. Whether you are a single career woman or a homeschool mom of many, these interviews and the party will be helpful and fun.

Topics we will cover:

Your message matters
Boosting your business
Cash and clutter control
Printables for school teachers
Bible study for the whole family
Homeschool help in English and Spanish

I'm so excited about where the LORD is leading! I hope you will chose to follow along. Make sure to comment with your questions and share with friends too. Many Blessings!

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Protecting Your Online Privacy

5/20/2018

3 Comments

It is my desire to respect the privacy and trust of my readers. Please take responsibility of your data and online privacy. Be careful with what you share and who you share it with. As our world becomes more virtual, awareness is vital.

For those who receive this in your email box, please do reply if you would like to stay on my list. Privacy laws are updating and terms are being redefined regarding online data. It is my desire to respect the privacy and trust of my readers. Especially if you are in the EU, in order to be GDPR compliant, I need your consent to keep your information in my records. I am not a lawyer or law professional. I have researched General Data Protection Regulation to the best of my ability and have updated my policies to reflect my understanding. Please take responsibility of your data and online privacy. Be careful what you share and who you share it with. As our world becomes more virtual, awareness is vital. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for visiting Prairie Dust Trail! Your data is important. Please see our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, Terms & Disclaimers, and Affiliate Disclosure for more details. I dearly appreciate all my readers and Pray that God blesses you in a special way today.

There use to be a time when people trusted each other. At least in the perfect history of my imagination... Once, a hand-shake sealed a deal. The integrity of a person's word was key to their reputation. I'm naive enough to still be shocked when I find out someone has lied to me or when someone cheats. It's hard for me to fathom why someone would even consider lying or cheating once they have reached adulthood. It seems all the lessons of such childish behavior should have been learned. As we grow older, time becomes more precious and the waste of it in deceit seems tragic. Unfortunately I also know the world as a whole is very different.

Today it's hard to trust anyone. You may be sued for the smallest thing at any moment. People seldom stand by their word. Even worse, there are people purposely working hard to exploit others especially online. Yes, we've always had thieves, pirates, and scoundrels in the world. With the internet, their population seems to have exploded. There are companies who monitor "Cyber Attacks" across the world. The more people using the internet, the more data breeches there are. Online security companies have to update regularly to stay ahead of hackers. No matter how careful you are, or how private you try to be, if you are using the internet, you are at risk.

At the same time, privacy isn't what it use to be. Not long ago, party-line telephones were normal and someone could easily listen in. Neighbors had a pretty good guess what was going on in your life simply by what you had hanging on your clothes line. If you wanted something to be private, you were very careful who you spoke to about it and how you handled things. Many families had proverbial "skeletons in the closet" that were kept secret for only few to know.

Now, people are very free with what they put on the internet. At the same time, the same information they are so free about on social media, they tend to get very upset if they see it in an unexpected place from an unexpected source. It seems very inconsistent to me. For some reason, people fail to see social media platforms as the public bulletin boards they are meant to be.

Tips for being more conscientious online:

If you wouldn't want the information on a public board at the post office, coffee shop, or in the news paper, don't post it.
If you don't want someone in your family to find out, don't post it.
If you wouldn't want it said about you, don't post it about someone else.
If you wouldn't say it in front of a particular person, don't post it.

Another thing I often see that is dangerous are the "get to know me" games going around on facebook with random personal questions. Many times these are the same questions secure sites, like online banking use as security questions and answers.

Name of your first pet.
Best friend in school.
Childhood nickname.
Where you met your spouse.
Favorite food, color, or vacation spot.

I've been guilty. I was filling out one of these games once and suddenly realized how many questions were similar to the options when I set up a recent online account. The realization startled me.

While we should not have unreasonable expectations for the internet keeping our privacy, we also should not be flippant about the things we share. I love the "Intentional" movement I've seen over the past few years. We should be more intentional in our prayer life, in our parenting, in our marriage... Should we not also be more intentional in what we post online?

Please do read through my updated policies. Let me know what you think.

PR, Terms, & Disclaimers: http://www.prairiedusttrail.com/terms.html
Privacy Policy:  https://www.prairiedusttrail.com/privacy-policy.html
Cookie Policy:  https://www.prairiedusttrail.com/cookie-policy.html
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Star Chronicles: A Bible-Based Study of the Stars

Howdy Y'all! I’m Dawnita, 5th generation Oklahoma Panhandle Pioneer, mother of six young'ns and author of Star Chronicles: A Bible Based Study of the Stars. I love hot drinks, sewing & crafts, and very old books.

☕ Faith-based, sustainable self-sufficiency ☕ Courses & events in homesteading, homeschool & homemaking ☕ Freelance Journalist (Oil, Ag & Conservative Politics) ☕ Helping today's pioneer families weather the dust storms of life with God's Divine help.

gab

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Prairie Ruth Bunnies & Crafts

Kristyn Fogleman started out with the typical, natural love of dogs that any tiny child has, and her favorite color was yellow: the perfect combination to start a Golden Retriever obsession.

Golden Retriever Street

PRAIRIE DUST TRAIL GOATS

This is not just a vitamin. It’s an immune system builder with a precise balance of vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, amino acids and high-potency antioxidants. That’s why it works so well through all three stages of a dog’s life.

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Discover God’s Heart for You and Your Business. He wants you to succeed!

You can live by faith in the marketplace without being cheesy or annoying... Visit Katie Hornor at Handprint Legacy

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