Flexible is Good, Right?

At the beginning of this year I resolved to exercise and eat healthy. I was doing really good and feeling really good for awhile. Gradually my good habits began to go down hill. I have really felt the effects of it too. I'm normally a morning person and I have been having a really hard time getting out of bed in the mornings. The last couple of days I have felt like I've been run over by a bus. My friend, Elisabeth told me that she has quit drinking Mt. Dew and has lost 10 lbs. and is feeling really good. When I left a comment to AmyEllen she encouraged me to define a few things I can do to "do better". Okay, these ladies have encouraged me so, I got up this morning and told my husband that I'm giving up caffeine and sugar, at least for awhile, til I feel better and can be moderate with it. I did without my cup of coffee (with cream and sugar) this morning and went without it all day. At lunch I decided it would be okay to have unsweetened tea. After lunch I decided it would be okay to have a piece of cake. I made a cake for company day before yesterday and it's sitting on the table all day. So, I'm letting myself have sugar until it's gone. Okay, I am still resolved to not have coffee or cokes (that's what we call all sodas in the south). I did realize though that part of the reason I've felt so bad yesterday and today is probably due to the fact that I am a woman. The months I was being so healthy I hardly even realised what time of the month it was. All the more reason to make some changes. But for now, I'll be okay, just let me go to bed with some pillows, a book, and some chocolate cake.
1 Cor. 6:19"...glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

Leftover Delight

Recognize this dish? Probably not. Monday night it was my One Dish Dinner, last night it turned into, lets call it, Italian Sausage Helper. I hate to waste anything. Last night I cut up the couple of slices of sausage and heated it up with the onions and peppers in a skillet with a little water and garlic. Next I added about a cup of marsala cooking wine(I just happened to have this, if I hadn't I could have used chicken broth or apple juice) and let it heat a couple of minutes. Then, I added about a cup of gravy leftover from breakfast (if I hadn't had gravy I could have used a can of cream of something soup or just some heavy cream), a little basil and cayenne. When this was warmed I added some cooked egg noodles, sprinkled some parmesan cheese on top, and wah lah. It was very tasty. And guess what? We had leftovers. I think I'll put them in the freezer and add them to a soup one day.

I love making new dishes from leftovers. Recently, my husband came in and asked what we were having for supper. I said,"Tamale Pie". He looked in the oven and said "That looks a lot like the taco soup and cornbread we had last night". I can't get anything past him.

Proverbs 18:9 "He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster."

Lots of Advantages to Being Meek

I just sat down to clean off my desk and I ran across a page of notes I had written on meekness. There are so many blessings for the meek. I wanted to share this with you and I pray it will inspire you to let God cultivate a meek spirit in you.
Psalm 37:11 "...the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."
Psalm 25:19 "The meek will He guide in judgement: and the meek will He teach His way." (I often need a lot of guidance.)
Psalm 76:8,9 "Thou didst cause judgement to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still, When God arose to judgement, to save all the meek of the earth."
Psalm 147:6 "The Lord lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground."
Proverbs 14:29 "For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation."
Matthew 5:5 " Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Matthew 11:29 " Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest to your souls."

Meek - mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries; humble; submissive to the divine will; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory(stubborn).

One Dish Dinner

I really don't know what the name is for this dish, but we love it. This is what I cooked for supper last night. First I sliced up a bell pepper and an onion. Next, I took a package of Italian sausages and cut each one in half lengthwise(opt.). I then cooked the sausage according to package directions in a large skillet. When the sausages were done, I removed them and put in the onions and bell peppers, and sauteed them until just tender. When they were ready, I took them out and heated some leftover brown rice in what little grease and broth were left in the pan. I didn't add seasoning to the rice, but, it would have been better if I had (garlic, cumin, cayenne). Next, I heated up the tortillas, I did use a different skillet for this but, I suppose I could have used the same skillet. I filled the tortillas with sausage, veggies, cheese, and sour cream. The rice went on the side. You may need to add a little water to the skillet during each step or oil whatever you want. And also, if you don't remove the skin from the sausage it will curl up. Now, only one pan to wash.

Homeschool Successes

One of the favorite things we did while homeschooling, was the Prairie Primer Unit Study. It uses the Little House on the Prairie Books as a base for this study. My kids loved it (and I). Every day we would read from a book in the series and do one of the activities. We made a straw tick(bed), a leather gun holster and belt, knife cases, took a gun safety course, made butter, buckwheat pancakes, and many other fun activities. That winter we read how the Ingalls children received a tin cup, stick of peppermint, and a coin for Christmas. On Christmas morning the first gift we gave our kids was a tin cup, stick of peppermint, and a silver dollar. If we would have known how excited they were going to be over this gift, we wouldn't have bothered to buy them anything else, and I think it would have been okay with them. To this day, they will tell you that was their most memorable Christmas and gift. This unit study was definately a learning experience that stuck with them.

Frugal Faye

A few weeks ago I told you I was going to start spotlighting and sharing some wisdom from some older Titus 2 women. I hadn't forgotten. Yesterday, while I was at Faye's house quilting, she said, "I told my husband I need to cook some big pots of beans to can while it is still cool out." She said she always cans her beans in the winter so that in the heat of summer, she just has to open a jar, season it, and heat it up, instead of cooking it for hours and heating up her house. In the winter she appreciates the heat in her house because her kitchen is not heated. This lady cans everything.Baked beans, potatoes, you name it, nothing goes to waste at her house. Last week when I was at her house, she threw together a stew for lunch, using a jar of brisket she had canned. She had some brisket left over from an anniversary dinner her kids gave her and her husband, so, she canned it. It was delicious!

Feminine?

Last week, following my modesty post, Christa from http://www.empoweredtraditionalist.com/ , asked the question,"Do you think you can still be feminine & modest in pants/jeans?" Well, I've been thinking about this question a lot, not wanting to just throw out an answer off the top of my head. One of the questions it has raised in my mind is "What does it mean to be feminine?" I know a lot of very hard working, Godly, modest women who I would not really consider feminine. When I think about the women of pioneer days who had very hard lives, they probably didn't look or feel too feminine, as we think of feminine, especially compared to the women of Victorian times. When I see women from other countries/cultures squatting in their huts or bundled up in parkas, feminine is not the thought that comes to my mind. On the other hand, I've seen women in America, in pretty dresses and what we consider womens attire that are anything but feminine. And, I have seen women in slacks who because of their demeanor and whole outfit, are still very feminine . I will say though that more often than not, when a woman puts on pants, it does change the way she sits and carries herself. It is my opinion that it is harder to be what we consider feminine and modest in pants/jeans, but not impossible. There are some women who carry carry themselves with such grace that I don't think it would matter what they had on we would still think of them as being feminine. Personally, when I have anything on that shapes around my backside, I feel very self conscious if there are men in the room. I at least like to have a long shirt covering my seat. It's hard enough to find skirts that are not too poofy as to make me feel frumpy, and not so straight or tight that they are tight around my hips and rear. Anyway, this was probably a crazy rabbit trail but, if any of you women have any thoughts about what makes a woman feminine, it would be fun to hear.

He is God Today!

"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11. There is a reason this is in the Lord's prayer. He wants us to understand that He is God TODAY.
I once did a study on the words "day, today, daily" in the Bible. Over and over the word of God tells us that He is the God of today. Don't worry about tomorrow (Matt. 6:34).
Ps. 68:19 "Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits."
Lam. 3:22 " his compassions fail not they are new every morning..."
Ladies who are concerned about making ends meet for your family, God will supply for today.
Turn to Him for your "daily bready".
Psalms 118:24 "This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

Luck

Luck- the seemingly chance happening of events which affect one; fortune; fate

Lamentations 3:22-23 " It is of the Lords mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.
Luck is not something you can depend on, but God is. God is faithful. He is all we need. God is our provider. He is our source.
Matthew 6:33-34 " But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Psalms 68:19 "Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits."
Ps. 118:24 "This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
I am so thankful my life is not left in the hands of fate. I serve a loving, merciful God, who orders my steps.

The stedfast love of the Lord never ceaseth

His mercies never shall come to an end

They are new every morning

New every morning

Great is thy faithfulness, O Lord

Great is thy faithfulness.

May you continue to reflect on God and His goodness on this St. Patricks Day!

This Could Be the Dawning!

This could be the dawning of that grand and glorious day when the face of Jesus we behold!

"What Are You Going to do Today, Mom?"

Often, when I'm talking to my son on the phone, he'll ask me this question. Most of the time I tell him the "same old same ole, clean house, do paperwork, cook, run errands". It doesn't sound very exciting or really even important(even though it is!), but the day usually doesn't end up "same old same ole". One day last week I took a friend who is without a car to a doctors appointment. Later that day my sister came in from out of state. Her kids stayed all night with me and the next day while their mom took care of some business. Later that day a friend called needing me to pick his kids up from daycare and keep them because his wife was in labor. I kept them all night and most of the next day. Sunday evening he was preaching at church, so I stayed with her and the new baby. This family is new to America, has no family here, and are still adjusting to being here. This morning a couple of other ladies and myself went over to their apartment to help in any way we could, clean, hang curtains, fold clothes, organize, do laundry, and feed them. I am remaking a curtain to fit a window for them. I was thankful that my schedule was not overloaded or that I was not working, so that I was available to help with these needs. I find that while being faithful in what He has called usto do, which sometimes may not seem all that important (even though I do love what I do), He opens doors to let His love be seen through us.
When is my house ever going to be perfect? I thought when the kids left home I would have time to totally clean and organize every corner of my house.

1 Timothy 2:9,10 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

Prayer

When praying, it is better to have a heart without words than words without heart.

(this was taken from The Daily Bread devotional for today which is sent to me by a dear lady in our church every day via email)

Modesty for Girls

My niece was here this morning and I just had to take her picture and share her cute outfit with the girls.

Modesty

I have really enjoyed reading the posts and looking at your pictures during this focus on modesty week. Titus 2:2-5 tells us to teach the young women good. What better way to teach than by example. Bill Gothard (Institute in Basic Life Principles) teaches that what a parent does in moderation, the child will do in excess. We must be careful not to let little things slide. For example, if we let a little cleavage show, our daughters may decide to let a lot show. As adults, or parents, we must constantly be on guard and keep the standard high. When I purchase an item of clothing, I spend some time in the dressing room (or at home) in front of the mirror making sure it's modest.

I bend over, making sure the neck is not gapping or showing off anything.

I sit down, facing the mirror, making sure you can not see up my skirt.

I make sure it's not too tight, showing off too many curves or pantylines (stepping forward a little helps to see this) or bralines.

I raise my arms making sure the top is not coming up showing anything or nothing can be seen through the arm holes.

Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

Envy

Envy = resenting Gods goodness in someone elses life while ignoring his blessings in your own life.
As I was traveling this weekend I was listening to a sermon on CD. When the pastor gave this definition of envy I had to write it down (while driving). I've never heard it put better.
A couple of days ago I was looking at some of you ladies blogs and your beautiful homes and landscapes. I have to confess, envy started creaping up in me. You see, I've lived in a fixer upper for quite a few years. I can't say that I'm always grateful. There have been many times I've been too embarrased to have people over (yes, too proud). I'm sure God has taught me some things through this experience for I've shed a few tears and prayed a lot of prayers. We are gradually fixing it up as we have time and money, which both are pretty scarce. But, as I've given my home to God over and over, He has truly used it for His glory. It is hardly ever empty. I've learned to be hospitable here regardless of what it looks like. We have lots of people over to eat and God has sent many people here who have needed a place to stay for a while. My daughter said to me recently that she didn't know how I did it, always having people in my home. I jokingly said "I forgot to be specific when I asked God to use my home, I forgot to tell him what kind of people to send". Anyway, when envy started poking out its ugly head, I remembered this sermon and definition.I quickly repented and changed my way of thinking. God truly has been good to me, I am in need of nothing. And, my home is starting to shape up very nicely, sloooooowly but surely.

Making Laundry Detergent

I love making things from scratch that can save me money and hopefully be better for us. Today I am making laundry detergent. I usually make it liquid, but, I thought I would try the powdered recipe and see how it works. I got the recipe from http://www.tipnut.com/ . I hope I like it, it sure is easier than making the liquid.

Powdered Laundry Detergent

2 cups finely grated soap (I use Zote, but you can use any mild soap)

1 cup washing soda

1 cup borax

Mix all together. Store in airtight container. Use 2 T per load.

A Few Advantages of Being a SAH Wife

• I was able to go, without previously planning to, help my daughter clean and get situated in her house (previous tenants left a huge mess). I only needed to discuss it with my husband, who was all for it, pack my bags and go. No one else to clear it with. P.S. That's where I've been since Thursday.
• This morning I had a friend on my heart who is going through a very tough time. I stopped what I was doing and went to visit her, hopefully giving her a little encouragement.
• I do have some catch up to do from being out of town. I was able to run my errands at a time this morning when most people are at work or school, thus making it take a lot less time.

SAH Mom vs. SAH Wife (Changing Seasons)

"Stacy, yes, my mothering years ended way too early. How do I do it? Well, it took me awhile to realize it, but, I still have a responsibility to be a keeper of my home and example to younger women. And, I'm putting a lot more time into being a better wife, which I should have been more consumed with all along. It stinks to have the kids gone, but, it's a new season that I'm learning to adapt to and enjoy."
This was the response I sent to Stacy from www.iwannabehomemade.blogspot.com after she commented on the post I wrote about my youngest child finishing school and leaving home. I decided to expand on it.
When I said it took me awhile to realize what my responsibilities were at this time, I was not exaggerating. When the homeschool years were over I spent many days in tears wondering what do I do now? I cried and prayed about what I was supposed to be doing. Am I supposed to go to work, if so, where? What does God want me to do with the rest of my life? I worked several temporary jobs, but, knew they were not something I would want to do long term. I did not feel qualified for what I felt was a worthwhile career or even know what that career would be. I would become depressed and down on myself. My husband at times was concerned and thought if I just got out of the house and got a job it would help me(and our finances). All my life I just wanted to be a homemaker. I had never dreamed of anything else. As I read article after article, everyone is talking about how important it is to be a stay at home mom. Well, my mom days were over, did that mean I didn't need to be home any more? As I mentioned, I prayed and prayed wondering why I wasn't getting an answer.
Well, when I went to the Word of God, the answer was right in front of me. Titus 2:3-5 says that the older women are to teach the younger women to...be keepers at home... As I read this over and over I kept wondering, how can the older woman teach the younger women this if they are not at home? What kind of example am I setting for them? If I am suddenly able to acquire more money and things that I never could before until I went to work, couldn't my daughter see this and be tempted to do the same thing?
I firmly believe God has called me to be a stay at home wife. Since I have accepted this, I am now at peace. I have put myself into making my home better than it ever was and being a better helpmeet to my husband. I am really enjoying this new season in my life now.
P.S. I would love to read your comments on this subject.

Time

Time is a precious commodity, that we never have enough of ,and most people do not want to share what little they have with anyone else. Last week after my quilting lesson, I thanked the lady who is teaching me, Faye, for taking the time to do this for me. She said "Come anytime, everyday if you want". I shared with her how appreciative I was, and that it is hard to find people like her who are willing to give up their time for someone else. Everyone is too busy nowdays. Last week I was talking with another friend Mary about a lady I know who is not a christian, who I am building a friendship with and have a burden to see become a believer. I shared how I not only want to strengthen our friendship but, introduce her to other christian women. Mary then invited us to her house for lunch. We had a very nice time of food, visiting, and sharing our faith. Mary did not have to do this but, her time that she shared, meant a lot to me, and I hope to my friend. Our love for the lost requires us to share not just words, but our precious time. Yesterday, my daughters family moved to another part of Texas. It was very sad, especially seeing my grandbaby move away. Today, my youngest son went back to Iraq. As I said goodbye, and he walked away, a lady came over to me and started talking to me, asking me who I had leaving and such. Her husband is in the military. She was not seeing him off today, she was traveling out of this airport herself on another flight and just happened to be there near where I was. She stayed with me for about an hour. She went with me to watch the airplane take off and made sure I was okay before she left, offering her prayers. This lady did not have to give me the time of day, but out of compassion, for she had been in my shoes many times, she did. I know there is never enough hours in a day, but remember your time could be very meaningful to someone else. It could mean the difference between life eternal or being lost for eternity. And somehow when we share what we have, God somehow seems to multiply it.