Daybook

Outside my window... It is still early but it looks like it will be a nice day.  I see the sun shedding its  light on some of the tree limbs out my window as it is rising.

I am hearing...  Quiet - ahhh

I am thinking ...  about how precious life is and how many of us really live for the "tomorrows" and "somedays" that we are never promised.  Live life in the present.  Love your family and tell them!  Forgive those who you have hurt and conquer pride in your life - humble yourself before those you've wronged and ask for forgiveness.

I am thankful for ...

• my family - I had a wonderful childhood and always knew I was loved and I LOVE getting together with all of them over the Christmas season. 
• That it is GOD who works anything good in and through me.  This morning in my quiet time I was reflecting on what Paul said in his letter to the believers in Colosse - that he was an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.  Truly it is by God's will only that I am who I am. 
• Spending the day with my church family after being gone for a month.  I am very thankful to Jesus for my brothers and sisters there.
• Precious time spent with our daughter this weekend and last. 
• having 10 wonderful days with my husband home!!!

In the kitchen... healthier food after all of the heavy holiday fare.

I am wearing... my Christmas nightgown and robe.  :)

I am creating... no creating this week - after the rush to finish up gifts I'm ready for a crafting break.

I am going... sledding with friends this afternoon... I should say my kids are going sledding because as much as I would love to, I know I can't with my back right now.

I am praying for ... My family today.  10 years ago this morning my 17 year old sister was killed in a car accident.  I am thankful for the Lord bringing us through these 10 years but I also know how much we still hurt and miss her so I am praying that God's comfort and peace would be with my parents and siblings today.

I am reading... Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray

I am hoping...  that our cat isn't pregnant! 

I am looking forward to...  getting back into a normal routine. 

Around the house... the decorations and tree will come down at some point this week.

One of my favorite things...  a cup of coffee enjoyed in the early, quiet moments of morning before I wake everyone else up.

A few plans for the rest of the week:   Sledding, a trip to the library, a training flight for Christopher, cleaning and organizing, working on my new blog.

A picture I'm sharing...

My sister and I on my wedding day.

 

Sister Kimberly and daughter Samantha

 

 

Kimberly, if I remember correctly this was taken at Valley Fair the summer before she died.

 

 

 

Morning Dedication

ALMIGHTY GOD,

As I cross the threshold of this day, I commit myself, soul, body, affairs, friends, to thy care; watch over, keep, guide, direct, sanctify, bless me.
 

Incline my heart to thy ways; mould me wholly into the image of Jesus, as a potter forms clay;  may my lips be a well-tuned harp to sound thy praise;  let those around see me living by thy Spirit, trampling the world underfoot, unconfirmed to lying vanities, transformed by a renewed mind, clad in the entire armour of God, shining as a never-dimmed light, showing holiness in all my doings.

Let no evil this day soil my thoughts, words, hands.   May I travel miry paths with a life pure from spot or stain.  In needful transactions let my affection be in heaven, and my love soar upwards in flames of fire,  My gaze fixed on unseen things, my eyes open to the emptiness, fragility, mckery of earth and its vanities.

May I view all things in the mirror of eternity, waiting for the coming of my Lord, listening for the last trumpet call, hastening unto the new heaven and earth.

Order this day all my communications according to thy wisdom, and to the gain of mutual good.

Forbid that I should not be profited or made profitable.  May I speak each word as if my last, and walk each step as my final one.  If my life should end today, let this be my best day.

 

From The Valley of Vision; A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

Outside my window... everything looks so pretty and white. 

I am hearing...   the dryer from the laundry room.

I am thinking and praying for... all of the hurting families from the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary school. 

I am thankful for ... the comfort and peace that God gives to us in our times of hurting.

In the kitchen...  baking and lots of it later this week.  I haven't done any yet.  Throwing my back out for almost 2 weeks at the end of November and beginning of this month and having sick kids last week (and into this week) has had me tending to them.

I am wearing... a pink long sleeved tee and my tinkerbell fleece pajama pants.

I am creating... Lots of crocheting going on.  Finishing up gifts while snuggling on the couch with little guy who was sick.  Here are a few pictures.

 

(chocolate chip cookies)

(burger with cheese, tomato, lettuce, onions and pickles - minus the bottom bun which I still need to complete)

 

 

(Stuffed crust pepperoni and sausage pizza)

 

I also made a banana partially peeled, a pnb&j sandwich, oreo cookies, 2 slices of watermellon, a sunny side up egg and bacon.

 

Scott and Andrew did some crafting yesterday too - they made a pretty paper chain to hang up.

 

 

I am going... to pick up some books from the library and continue working on gifts this week.

I am reading... my Bible only this week.

I am hoping... that this nasty virus will leave our home and that we'll all be feeling better soon.

I am looking forward to... spending time with our families this Christmas

Around the house... lots of cleaning and baking.  I hope to get a list of some sort made this week of everything that needs to be done before hosting Christmas with Scott's family.

One of my favorite things...  making things for other people.

A few plans for the rest of the week: , a holiday party this week, shopping, baking, cleaning and crafting.

A picture I'm sharing... Our Advent wreath - taken before dinner, week 2

This entry is linked at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Mind of Christ

When we made the move to our new church last October, one of the things I was unsure of was if I would like singing hymns after being used to contemporary praise and worship music for over 10 years. That first Sunday we sang a hymn called Nearer Still Nearer* and the words spoke to my heart and over the weeks I found myself falling in love with the old hymns which are so full of Truth.

Over the last 13 months I've been singing and memorizing hymns in my quiet time, in the shower, while I dry my hair or put make up on, while cooking, doing dishes etc.  We sing them as a family each morning during our family worship time and I often catch the boys humming them throughout the day.  I just finished memorizing this hymn and it is one of my favorites to sing in the mornings and so I thought I would share it here with you. 

Be blessed.

May the Mind of Christ, My Savior

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.

May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing,
This is victory.

May I run the race before me,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me,
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.

* The video in this link is not our church, just a link to the hymn being sung.

Winter Daybook

Outside my window... Snow, snow, SNOW and LOTS of it!!!!  It's so pretty.

I am hearing... the boys and my husband playing a board game.

I am thinking ...  of doing more of my Christmas shopping online, so that I can stay home and rest my back. 

I am thankful for ... friendships and opportunities to share and sow into other's lives.

In the kitchen... My husband made some freezer meals this weekend so that dinner time would be easier for the kids and I - this way I can continue to rest my back.  Although I am going to assemble this raw corn salad to have with my lunches.  Isn't it pretty looking?

I am wearing... a jean skirt, a blue and white shirt with 2 pairs of socks.  :o)

I am creating... Lots of crocheted items.  I am working on this tote bag, this afghan and this cover sweater for myself.

I am going... to stay home and enjoy the view of winter from my windows for now.

I am praying for ... safety for my husband as he travels in the snow.

I am reading... patterns - I've put aside my books for this week.

I am hoping... that the head cold and fever Andrew has will clear soon so that he can go out to play in the snow.  Andrew and I are the only ones truly excited about it.  :o)

I am looking forward to... my new bed being delivered around Christmas. 

Around the house... just the basics - laundry and the kids' chores. 

One of my favorite things...  Snow!! 

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hopefully traveling as little as possible and continuing to rest and heal.

A picture I'm sharing... Andrew and his friend Phoebie at Andrew's birthday party.

This entry is linked at The Simple Woman's Daybook. 

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... the boys are outside in the yard playing football.  Its a sunny day but not quite as warm as yesterday.  Still no snow.  :(

I am hearing...  Pandora Classical Christmas playing.

I am thinking ...  about our busy week and enjoying this little break of quiet in my day.

I am thankful for ...

• the work of the Holy Spirit in my husbands life.
• friendships
• health

In the kitchen... Currently I am making chocolate chip cookies and there is hot chocolate ready for the boys when they come in. 

I am wearing... a brown/black tweed skirt, a black tank top covered with a new black sweater that I found on clearance yesterday at Kohls.

I am creating... lots of fun gifts!!!

I am going... to be doing a lot of driving this week.

I am praying for ... Many family friends who have sick children and a family who lost their home to a fire last week.  I'm also pray that the Lord will continue to work and move in my husbands life.

I am reading... "Lord, Change Me" by Evelyn Christensen.  I picked this old book up at a thrift store for a quarter.  I enjoyed reading her book "What Happens When Women Pray" many years ago and am enjoying this book too.

I am hoping... that my back feels better soon - I'm trying to take it easy but this is a busy month and we are hosting Scott's family, close to 40 members, here at our home for Christmas.  This will be our first year hosting and I'm a bit nervous. 

I am looking forward to... have a couple of warm cookies with my hot chocolate. 

Around the house... the decoration are all out and I enjoy sitting in the evening and seeing the twinkling of the Christmas tree lights while I crochet.  I am getting our Christmas pictures and cards ready to send out at the beginning of next week.

One of my favorite things...  Snow, of which we have none.  :(

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, Civil Air Patrol meeting for Christopher, Bible study, Guitar lessons and Jonathan is taking his behind the wheel test for his drivers license.

A picture I'm sharing...

A picture of our Thankful Tree one day in November when I was having some Bible study time. 
It was fun to watch the bare branches fill up with all the things we are thankful for.  Each year we do this and then save the leaves.

 

This post is linked at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

 

 

Wishing you and your families much joy this Thanksgiving.

 

 

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people."  1 Chronicles 16:8

 

Not Tuna Paté Appetizer

I made these appetizers to bring to a Eating 4 Health meeting this last week.  It is Not Tuna Paté on Ak-mak crackers and topped with a cherry tomato.  They were so yummy and a big hit!  The recipe is from Raw Food Made Easy for 1 or 2 People.  You can watch a video of this recipe being made HERE.

You can find the recipe and a pictorial in another post I did HERE.

Good-bye October ~ A Daybook entry

Outside my window... it is cloudy and chilly this morning.

I am hearing...  Andrew practice piano and Jonathan playing guitar.

I am thinking ...  about a quiet afternoon/evening of crocheting after my chiropractor appointment.

I am thankful for ...

• Our church family.  We've been worshipping at Cornerstone for 1 year now.
• visiting with friends last night
• a full 8 hours of sleep

In the kitchen... I haven't made this weeks menu yet but I am going to try doing more meals that will have leftovers to carry into the week.

I am wearing... a long jean skirt, a blue flannel shirt, blue knee highs and boots

I am creating... Slippers 

I am going... to the chiropractor for an adjustment.

I am praying for ... The up coming elections

I am reading... Loving God With All Your Mind by Elizabeth George. I did just get this book and can't wait to begin.  I already read chapter 1 and it was good. 

I am hoping... that our best friends can make it to Andrew's party.  It's a secret that they hoping to come.

I am looking forward to... Andrew's birthday on Thursday and his party on Saturday.

Around the house... Lots of cleaning going on in preparation for the party.

I am pondering...  things best kept in my heart for now.

A favorite quote for today...  "Never be afraid to be a broken thing."  Ann Voskamp

One of my favorite things...  being home with my kids, investing in their lives and learning alongside of them.  I am truly blessed!

A few plans for the rest of the week:   School, a game day on Andrew's birthday, homeschool gym co-op, party prep and the party!

A picture I'm sharing... 

 

My neice Brooklyn and I at her birthday party a couple of weeks ago!  Love her to the moon and back a gazillion times!!

Thoughtful Thursday

Grace. 

Always grace. 

It reaches places we could never even imagine and today I ponder this love grace for all and surrender those broken and shattered places that I cling to and lay them before the Redeemer.




"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Wordless Wednesday

Mexican Three Bean Salad

On Saturday evenings I've been preparing a few different raw salads to eat throughout the week.  This yummy Mexican Three Bean Salad was on the menu for this week and it is DELICIOUS! 

 

One nice thing about this salad is that it keeps all week in the fridge and makes quite a bit.  I eat it raw but my husband likes it heated and eaten over rice.  Some of the boys like it heated,mixed with rice, and topped with some cheese and sour cream and then rolled up in tortilla. 

 

If serving this dish make it the night before and let the flavors marinate overnight.

 

 

 

Mexican Three Bean Salad

 

Ingredients:

•  2-3 cans beans, your choice.  (I used black, dark red kidney and black eyed peas)
• 4 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper, any color
• 2-3 plum tomatoes diced
• red onion chopped (I left this out as my husband doesn't like onions)
• fresh sweet corn or 1 bag of frozen sweet corn

 

Dressing:

•  1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp garlic
• 1 tsp. oregano

Enjoy!  If you try the recipe, let me know how you liked it.

 

 

 

 

 

Daybook

FOR TODAY

 

 

Outside my window... it is cloudy and chilly this morning. 

I am hearing...  an audio book of Across Five Aprils and the windchime outside.

I am thinking ...  that I am not ready to be cold all the time.  :) 

I am thankful for ...

• that the insomnia I had been experiencing over the last month is over and for almost a week of restful sleep.
• For our new piano.  Thank you, mom.
• A wonderful evening last Friday with friends at a ladies tea and gathering.
• How much my husband loves me.  
• Delicious smelling candles

In the kitchen... I made a delicious raw mexican 3 bean salad to eat throughout the week.  It can also be eaten heated and with rice.  Recipe coming tomorrow.  I am also going to pickle eggs.  I've never done this but Scott likes them so I thought I would give it a try.

I am wearing... a long jean skirt, a coral colored shirt and sweater, knee high socks and my crocks in the house.

I am creating... a list of deep cleaning chores to be done and breaking them up into weekly tasks. 

I am going... to enjoy the rest of my coffee and start spelling with Andrew

I am praying for ...   The up coming elections.

I am reading...  Loving God With All Your Mind by Elizabeth George.  It was the 2nd Christian book I bought after becoming a Christian.  I first read it in April of 1999. 

I am hoping... to get Andrew's birthday plans and menu planned by mid-week.  I'm thinking about a "game" theme.  Andrew's favorite game is Monopoly so I'd like to do something fun with that.

I am looking forward to... some time to crochet this afternoon.

I am learning... about Thomas Edison with the boys as we read aloud each day.  We've had some good discussions about character as we've read.

Around the house... Andrew is holding his cat and eating a snack, Christopher is reading the Bronze Bow on the couch and Jonathan is working on Science.

I am pondering...  Philippians 4:8 and learning to think of those things that are true (real).

A favorite quote for today...

 

“The all-victorious Christ is like a great rock in a weary land, to whose shelter we may flee in every time of sorrow or trial, finding quiet refuge and peace in him.”
―  J.R. Miller

 

One of my favorite things...  date nights with my sweetie.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  A trip to the vet's office, library and guitar lessons.  I also need to call and schedule to have our new piano tuned. 

A peek into my day...  Our new "baby"  * Chloe *

 

 

 

This post is linked at A Simple Woman's Daybook.

Thoughtful Thursday

 

"Be Still and know that I am God..." 

Psalm 46:10a

Recently the Lord has been speaking to me about Being Still - He has brought the verse from Psalm 46:10 to mind in many different ways over the last few weeks; in His Word, through a devotional book, 2 different songs, a friend sharing it with me and a sermon I listened to online.

There are so many things to be busy with aren't there?  Both physically and in mind.  Piano and guitar lessons, homeschool co-op gym time, hobbies, books to read, holidays to prepare for, chores, Bible study, etc.   A lot of those things can be good things but there can be other things that burden and worry us, thus keeping our mind busy.  The upcoming elections, maybe our finances, our children, extended family relationships, worries over health concerns, etc. 

Can you see why God would want us to "be still and know that He is God?"  He is God over all of those things!  Being still before Him in the midst of all these things is a surrender and trust.  Knowing who God is and what He is calling us to, will help us to be obedient to His word and His plan and purposes for us.

Over the last month I've been battling with anxiety and insomnia.  My health has been very fragile and I've been sick often.  Am I over committed?  Am I stretched beyond where He wants?  Am I being disobedient or neglectful of His leading, leaning more to what I want or desire to do?  These are some of the questions I've been asking myself along with asking for wisdom, guidance and strength to follow His leading. 

A former pastor's wife once shared some advice at our monthly ladies Bible study in regards to helping us examine our busyness.  Obviously there are daily things we must do which might not fit within these questions as well as many more questions we could ask, but it is a good place to start, especially when we are looking at participating in activities that take us out of the home.  I pray that they might be a help to you as well.

The Right Questions to Ask:

 

~ Will it strengthen my faith and help me love Jesus more?

~ Will it advance me in my warfare against sin?

~ Will it help me be fore resolved to pray?

~Will it embolden my witness?

 

Have a wonderful Thursday, friends.  I leave you with the following encouragement:

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Colossians 3:1-2

 

 

Remembering

 

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."

 

Psalm 103:1-5

Re-design

Please excuse the look/mess around my blog.  I am working (slowly) on a new design and so things might look a little wonky until I am done.  :)

Daybook - EMS edition

Good monday morning!  Today I am feeling very fatigued.  I have been dealing with insomnia off and on for the last month and extreme fatigue.  Last night I got only 3 hours of sleep and I mentioned to my son, Jonathan that I am exhausted.  He said I have EMS, Exhausted Mom Syndrome.  *smile*  I think he is right and I would love to go back to bed but there is just too much to do today.  Of course, it doesn't help that it is cloudy today.  I was up early enough to see the sun rise a brilliant orange but where it went, I'm not sure. 

 

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...  it is cloudy and chilly - not very cheery looking.

I am thinking trying not to think...  about how warm and cozy my bed is and how much I would love to go back to bed.  Although I make my bed everyday, I am especially thankful I did so early this morning or I might just be tempted to crawl back in and catch up on some sleep.

I am thankful... for God's word which brought me peace last night when I couldn't sleep.

In the kitchen... homemade bread and hard boiled eggs, soon to be egg salad.

I am wearing... a long jean skirt, white anklets, a coaral colored shirt and sweater.

I am creating... slippers.  I started crocheting some slippers this week.

I am going... to the chiropractor and grocery shopping at some point today.

I am wondering... where our cat Lovus is.  He has been missing since last Wednesday and despite our calling and looking around the property for him we haven't been able to find him.

I am reading...  Hinds Feet on High Places

I am hoping... the sun will come out.

I am looking forward to... finishing up school early today.

I am learning... to be still.  Being still is harder than one would think.  Goodness my mind wanders and flits from thing to thing.

Around the house... It is quiet and everyone but Christopher is working on school work.  Christopher is not feeling well and asked if he could lay back down for a bit.

I am pondering...  "Be still and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10a

A favorite quote for today... Romans 12:1-2 from the Message Bible.  I don't normally read from this Bible but I love these two verses in this paraphrase.

 

 ^"So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."

One of my favorite things...  hot apple cider with a shot of carmel and topped with whipped cream.  Mmmm

A few plans for the rest of the week:  I am working through our bins of winter apparel and making lists of things we will need.  I am also gathering together items for a winter survival kit for our daughter to keep in her car while traveling to and from college this winter. 

A peek into my day...  Andrew working on his bird feeder for a science project.

 

 

This post is linked at the Simple Woman's Daybook.

Happy October, friends!  I love this month and although I start decorating for fall in September I think I enjoy this month the most.  I love the cool crisp evenings and the warm sun during the day, however today it is windy and overcast.  I can hear the wind chime on the deck and the leaves are swirling from the trees and blanketing the ground in color.

Outside my window...  It is overcast and windy.  There are some junco's feeding on some seed at the base of our big Evergreen tree in the front yard and I saw two squirrels gathering nuts earlier.  I enjoy watching them look for places to bury them.

I am listening to... an audio version of Across Five Aprils is playing in the background while Christopher listens and follows along in his book.

I am thinking... 

I am thankful... to be feeling better today. 

In the kitchen... pumpkin pie has been requested and will be attempted sometime this week.  Today we are having a light lunch and left overs for dinner.

I am wearing... Still in my comfy jammies.  :)

I am  are creating...  crocheted gifts.  When the weather turns cooler I love to crochet and knit.  Right now I am working on some crocheted gifts for friends.

I am going...  to the chiropractor today.  I've had a small relapse with my back and am temporarily back to twice weekly appointments.

I am wondering...

I am reading...  too many books at one time.  :) 

I am hoping...

I am looking forward to...  enjoying the Autumn season

From the Learning Room ...  Andrew and I are enjoying our Science study on birds.  We just watched this dvd and are making some birdfeeders to hang in different trees around the yard. 

 

Around the house...  A quiet Monday. 

A favorite Scripture for today...  "Be still and know that I am God..."  Psalm 46:10a

One of my favorite things...  Flannel sheets, hot creamy coffee and flickering harvest and or cider smelling candles.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Chiropractor appointments, guitar lessons and a trip to the library.  I am hoping to have earlier bedtimes for myself this week too.  I've been so fatigued and tired.  Obviously my body is needing more rest, so I am going to try to not over-do it during the day and help my body recover.

A picture I am sharing....  How to keep a boy busy.

 

New Bible Study Notebook

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ Back to School

FOR TODAY ~ Monday, August 27th

Today was our first day of school.  It was L-O-N-G!  :o)

Outside my window...  It is 4pm, partly cloudy and I have my windows shut although I would love to have them open.  The trucks are hauling sweet corn though and the semi's are kicking up quite a bit of dust so I've kept them closed.

I am listening to...  A new (to me) cd by Erin Bates.  Merciful and Mighty.  This is actually her first cd.  Her newest is  Down Home Gospel. 

I am thinking...  that I am VERY ready for bedtime.  :o)

I am thankful... for homeschooling.  I love learning alongside my kids and spending our days together.

In the kitchen... I haven't planned very good for dinner today.  I should probably be thinking about that instead of blogging.  It will be chicken, as I already have some thighs thawed and in the fridge.  Maybe homemade chicken nuggets and homemade mac and cheese.

I am wearing... a jean skirt,  a white, pink and lime green floral top with lace trim in the front and a pair of white anklets trimmed in pink.

I am the boys are  creating...  friendship bracelets.  Christopher wanted to learn how to make one for his friend and Andrew natually wanted to make one too.  I haven't made them since I was a teenager.  Both boys are sitting on the couch working on them.  They are a bit frustrated though.  This will be our handiwork project for this week.

I am going...  to be very busy tomorrow.

I am wondering... if I could get away with setting the clocks ahead so we can go to bed earlier, ha!  I think my teenagers would catch on though.

I am reading...  My Life for Yours

I am hoping... Jonathan's appointment with the doctor tomorrow goes well.

I am looking forward to...  bed.  :o) 

I am learning... that having bifocals is not easy to adjust too.  Not sure if its the eyes adjusting or what, but I am having twingy headaches.

Around the house...  There is a load of laundry needing to be folded and another load waiting to go in the dryer.  The lawn could use a mowing and the weeds are becoming trees in some places.  The dogs are sleeping and one of the cats is annoying the boys by playing with the string they are using for bracelet making.

I am pondering...  predestination and free will - I've been studying this and discussing with a friend for over a week now. 

A favorite quote for today...  “A true home is one of the most sacred of places. It is a sanctuary into which men flee from the world’s perils and alarms. It is a resting-place to which at close of day the weary retire to gather new strength for the battle and toils of tomorrow. It is the place where love learns its lessons, where life is schooled into discipline and strength, where character is molded." - J.R. Miller

One of my favorite things...  My 9 year old asking me if I want to snuggle.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  A doctor appointment for Jonathan, Civil Air Patrol meeting for Christopher, a chiropractor appointment for me, a trip to the library and finishing up our first week of homeschooling.

A peek into my day...  woke up at 5:45 but didn't leave my bed until 6:30.  :o)  Prayed for our family and the start of our school year as well as for my daughter who starts her classes for massage therapy this afternoon.  Made coffee at 6:43 and had my quiet time until 7:30.  Woke the kids up, older two did their Bible study and Andrew and I made breakfast (scrambled eggs and toast).  Started a loaf of bread at 8 am.  After breakfast it was chore time.  Started school with Bible time at 9 am and then worked through all of our work until a late lunch at 1pm.  It was left overs and fresh warm butter bread.  After lunch I did Science with Andrew and Christopher and then helped them with starting their friendship bracelets, which they have just abandoned in favor of playing outside.  I heard them mention baseball - Jonathan is in the shop working on his truck. 

A picture I am sharing....  sorry, no picture from today - the camera is not charged.  I know, bad mom, no first day of school pictures.

This post is linked at The Simple Woman's Daybook blog.

A little blogging break

I am pretty sure not very many people read here (hello to the 3 of you that I know do!) so maybe this little announcement wont make a big difference.  :)  I had hoped to share with you the 30 days of Prayer for our Husbands over the next 2 months but will have to put that on hold.  You see, I am taking an online Health Minister course, which started this week and it turns out it is more work that I had originally planned.  I have complete peace with this as it is summer and I am not doing a garden this year and our schooling is on hold, but it does mean that I stare at the computer screen a quite a bit and since I try to limit screen time, blogging during these next 6 weeks will be very scarce.

I am very excited about my class.  I will be learning about disease, deficiency, toxicity, nutrition and how to share the message of hope and healing through God's amazing power packed plant foods. 

I might pop in once in awhile, but if not, you can be sure that I am enjoying every bit of the break and learning all that I can.

Joyfully serving Him,
Theresa

Sunday's Psalm

Psalm 111

  Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

² The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

³ His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

⁴ He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

⁵ He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.

⁶ He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

⁷ The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

⁸ They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.

⁹ He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Praying for our husbands - His words

Words

The Bible says that that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). The Bible has a lot to say on words and so it is an area that we should pay special attention to.  Pray today that your husband would speak God honoring, life giving words that would build up and encourage those around him, both at home and on the job.  

“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” –Matthew 15:18

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearer.” –Ephesians 4:29

“But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” –Matthew 12:36

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6

There really are so many more verses that speak to us about our words, the tongue and what proceeds out of our mouth.  If you have the time, do a word study and look up all the verses.  It might be a good thing to do as a family too.  There was a time in my life when I really struggled with my words and I began a notebook, or what I call a Victory Journal.  I actually have two of them, one on words and the other on healing. When I come across a verse that speaks to one of these areas I write them in my journals along with any notes I might want to add.  This is a great tool to help you in gaining victory over an area in your life.

Father, today I lift up ______________ and his speech.  I pray Lord that you would reveal to him any specifics in regards to his speech that need to be lined up with your word.  I pray Lord that ______________ would have a right and ready word for all that he comes in contact with and that his words would give life and hope to those who hear them.  Impress upon ______________ that he will give account for every idle word and what might be casually seen by others as insignificant are really a weighty matter that requires our diligence and carefulness.  Give ______________ this diligence to speak life giving truth and blessing and not death and cursing.   Most of all Lord, I pray that ______________ would use his mouth to speak your truth to others, that he would sing the Your praises  and give testimony of your goodness in his life that it might be a witness to those he encounters and that every would bring glory to your name.  Amen. 

30 Days of Prayer for our Husbands ~ Day 3

Fatherhood

Pray today that your husband would be a good father.  Parenting is tough and although we moms spend the greater percentage of time with our children throughout the day our husbands have an accountability before the Lord as to how they have taught and trained their children.  Praying for our husbands will help to support them as they make decisions, set biblical standards and lead our families.  Pray that your husband would love each one of his children unconditionally, pray for his time with each of children individually.  If there is an area of struggle between father and one of the children, cover the relationship in prayer.

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”  -Ephesians 6:4

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” –Proverbs 22:6

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.  And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” –Deuteronomy 6:5-9

Father this morning I pray that _____________________ would be a good father.  I pray against any distractions that might draw his attention away from his spending time in the word and in prayer and in spending time with his children.  I pray Lord that you would bless and multiply the time that __________________ has with each one of his children both together and individually.  I pray Lord that he would know the state of each childs spiritual walk and that he would be able to speak encouragement and truth to them in each situation.  Give __________________ godly wisdom and discernment to know if there is something “not right” and to deal with it swiftly.  Give ________________ compassion and understanding and turn the heart of _____________ to his children and the hearts of our children to their father.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Thoughtful Thursday

"While it's true that we live in this world, we are not to be of this world.  We are not to live as worldly women live.  We are not to be conformed to the ways of this world.  We are not to focus on what worldly women focus on, or pursue their paths.  As God's women and as women who desire to live godly lives, we are to focus on being "homemakers," "home lovers," and "workers at home."

Elizabeth George ~ A Woman's High Calling

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

~Romans 12:2

"To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

~Titus 2:5

Wishing you a beautiful Thursday, my friends!

30 Days of Prayer for Our Husbands, Day 2

Day 2

Balance… it is something that I, as a wife, homeschooling mom and keeper at home strive to have in my life but not something I often thought about in my husband’s life.  However, it is especially important for us to be praying for our husbands in this area.

God has created and placed the desire in our husbands to be providers and leaders.  This is a good thing!  But the enemy will look for ways to bring about imbalance in this area, thus taking the husband and father out of the home, whether physically, spiritually, emotionally and relationally.  The world’s way is imbalanced, making either work or play, idols in one’s life.  Pray today that your husband will have a healthy balance between work and play and that he will have wisdom to set boundaries and priorities in all areas of his life.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  Matthew 6:33
“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.  For riches are not forever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?”  Proverbs 27:23-24

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”  Exodus 20:3

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:34

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”  Romans 12:2

Father God, I lift up ______________ to you today and I pray that you would give wisdom to ____________, helping him to set biblical priorities in his life.  I pray Lord against any strongholds and schemes of this world, which would try to sway _____________ heart from You and his family and that he would be quick to discern any unhealthy associations with work and play.   I pray Lord that ______________ would have a heart that seeks after You above everything else and that he would not be conformed to the what the world says and how the world lives but rather would be bold in his convictions, living out his faith sincerely before You and man.

30 Days of Prayer for our Husbands ~ Day 1

Day 1

Daily our husbands are called upon to make many decisions in their lives.  Whether in their jobs, in/for their families, in regards to finances and the future they need our prayers for godly wisdom, discretion and understanding.

Pray today for your husband to have wisdom from the Lord as he makes these decisions.  Let your husband know that you are praying for him and supporting him as he leads your family.  It will be an encouragement to him to know that you trust him and are praying for him.

There are many verses that speak to the importance of wisdom and understanding.  Here are just a few from the book of Proverbs that you can use in praying for your husband

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”  Proverbs 1:5

“Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:”  Proverbs 2:11

  “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”  Proverbs 3:13

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." 1 Corinthians 1:30

Father, I thank you that you have been made wisdom unto Scott and that he is a wise and understanding man that will hear and increase his learning.  Thank you Lord that discretion shall preserve him and your understanding shall keep him on the right path as he makes decisions for his life, our family and his job.  Father I pray that you would bless Scott today as he goes about his day, I pray that he would always look to you and your Word first for counsel about any decisions that he needs to make and that you would show him great and mighty things.  Thank you, Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit who is Scott's comforter and counselor in all things, leading and guiding him into all Truth.

Thoughtful Thursday

 

 

"What you do in your house is worth as much

as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God.

We should accustom ourselves to think of our position

and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God,

not on account of the position and work,

but on account of the word and faith from

which the obedience and the work flow."

~Martin Luther

 

 

"She looketh well to the ways of her household and

eateth not the bread of idleness"

~Proverbs 31:27

Hospitality

Bear Rabbit by:  Virginio Livraghi 

From allposters.com

Do you struggle with hospitality?  I do or I thought I did, but what I really struggle with is pride.  I know a few ladies who are very hospitable and for whom hospitality seems so effortless but in my mind I have seen hospitality as this huge mountain of things that need to be prefect before I could entertain or minister to others in my home.

Things like:

• getting new carpet
• cleaning out the closet in the bathroom (we did get that one done!)
• the outside of the house looks like a forrest!  Maybe if/when we get it weeded 
• I don't know what to feed others
• we have indoor pets and people don't like to have so many animals around
• this or that family eats healthily what on earth would I feed them? 

You get the idea, there is never want for excuse which is why I found this article by Bambi, who blogs at In the Nursery of the Nation  very encouraging.  The article was featured at Vissionary Womanhood and I know you will be blessed by it, as was I.

Enjoy!  Hospitality and Homelife:  A forgotten Conduit for Ministry

Terrific Taco Salad

Good Tuesday morning!  I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day.

I have so much to catch up on here at home.  I had such grand intentions yesterday but I didn't get the bars made that I had hoped to nor did I get to the vacuuming but it was a lovely day nonetheless. 

I had a friend ask me to share a new meatless taco salad recipe that we recently tried, so here it is.  Sorry the picture is so blah... I can't change the settings on my camera anymore (the camera went through the wash when my son did his laundry). 

{The taco salad minus the salsa and crushed chips, all the ingredients are hiding under the lettuce :o) }

Terrific Taco Salad

•  1 and 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup bulgar wheat
• 1/2 package Simply Organic Southwest Taco Mix

Bing the water to a boil and then add both the bulgar wheat and the taco mix.  Stir, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and let sit for an additional 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl mix the following:

• 1 head of red or green lettuce, torn
• 1 diced cucumber (peel if not organic)
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1-2 carrots shredded
• 2 tomatoes diced
• 2/3 cup shredded dairy free cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup salsa with 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder mixed in
• 2 handfulls of baked tortilla chips, crushed
• 
  

Add the bulgar wheat to the beans, vegetables, cheese and salsa and stir.  Top with the crushed tortilla chips.

This raw taco salad comes from Simple Weekly Meal Plans, vol. 1

The younger two kids and I both enjoyed it (my husband was out of town) although I think that the taco mix needs some spicing up and we will use our own homemade taco mix next time.  Samantha doesn't like lettuce so she didn't try it and Jonathan wouldn't touch this, too many vegetable for him and when I say too many, I mean he wouldn't touch it even if there was one, lol.  :o)

This was the first time that I have used bulgar wheat in place of meat and it was a good experience.  I thought the consistency was very similar and I didn't miss the meat in the salad at all.  This recipe is one I will keep and use often. 

I think it would be fun to switch out some of the ingredients too.  Maybe use black beans in place of the kidney, add some fresh corn (or frozen if out of season), black olives etc.  My husband does not like raw onion and I LOVE it!  Since Scott was out of town I added the onion.  If he were home though I would have left it out.  I have now learned to keep a small container of diced onion in my salad box for me to add to my own dish and this way he can still enjoy his.

Enjoy!

Sharing with Tasty Tuesday