Peace and Quiet

 

When you think about peace, peaceful, rest, and or quiet what comes to mind? Do you think of still waters? A pond, a brook or creek? Or do you picture sitting in the woods on a cold winters day? There is nothing like a walk in the woods after a snowfall. Everything is quiet and peaceful. The birds are snuggled into their nests, the squirrels are high up in their tree nests, the deer are in the thicket huddled together. The peace that winter brings is why I love living in New York. 

Walking outside after the snowfall is just what my mind needs. Our minds are always going, thinking, worrying and filled with all kinds of troubles. If you don't live where there is snow you can still experience much of the same kind of thing. Go out right after the rain, walk around, go to a park, walk in the woods. There is nothing like it. Going out and becoming one with nature as God intended it to be. 

"The work of righteousness will be peace. And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, In secure dwellings, and in quiet rest places." Isaiah 32:17-18

For many years now I have had a focus word for the year. The past 2 years have been horrible for my family. From the death of loved ones to tragic events involving my children I was craving peace! It was the word my mind kept going back to. I craved a quiet life, a peaceful life. I felt as if life was just full of chaos for 2 years. What I really craved was to be home again. I wanted to be able to do the work the Lord had created me to do. Financially at this time that is not possible. But I was blessed to be able to change jobs this past year. Which has now led to me being able to work remote most of the week. I am only required to be in the office 2 days a week! Because we live so far out my commutes were taking close to an hour one way. If the weather was back it was closer to 2 hours one way. So now that my new job has blessed me in ways only God knew was possible I have a lot of freed up time. I am able to keep my home clean and organized, cook supper, do some baking, do more ministry work and so much more. Plus I am able to assist with the finances. We have almost paid off our mortgage so maybe I will be able to stop working outside the home altogether one day soon!

One of ways I am trying to bring more peace into my life is by reading. I saw the book, Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow, by Jamie Erickson. Hygge pronounced HYOO-gah is a Danish practice that brings a sense of peace and coziness into your home and life. It is about doing with what you have, and living a life of minimal items. I have found that the less I have the more peaceful I am internally. This is so far a fantastic book! 

One of the major things that always brought peace into my life was being in the kitchen creating goodies for my family. Instead of wishing I was home to do so again, I put my phone down, limited my time on social media and hit the kitchen when I had the opportunity to do so. Social media has become such a time waster for me. Endless scrolling of a bunch of drama and fake posts really started to get to me. 

I never really had the patience for pie making. But with store purchased pie crust, I decided to attempt it. Perhaps one day I will conquer my fear of making my own crust. But for now I am taking baby steps! The above pies were for Christmas. One was the pumpkin and the other was pecan. YUM! They turned out really good! Even if I say so myself. :-)

What do you do to create peace in your life? Are you able to just sit in the quiet? We have so much noise all around us. Even if it is not audible noise our brains are full of it. We are constantly thinking about what's next. I challenge you to just sit in the quiet, listen, what are you hearing?

Happy Home Monday

If you want to see more HHM posts go on over to Sandra's blog to read more.

The Weather...I am listening to the wind howling outside as I type this up.  We are expecting 70 mph wind gusts here.  

How I am feeling this morning...anxious, worried and everything that goes along with this.  My grandmother was diagnosed with COVID-19 and is in the hospital.  It really stinks she is there without family.  We are all taking turns video chatting her and calling her on the phone.  Seems to lift everyone's spirits.

On my mind...my grandmother, my dad as he has had to go take care of my grandfather, my aunt and uncle who had to be quarantined because they had contact with my grandmother.

On the breakfast plate...just had coffee this morning.  Have not really felt like eating this morning.

On my reading pile..."Spencer's Mountain" the book that The Walton's is based one.  I've also been reading a lot more of my Bible, finding comfort in this crazy world.

On my TV...The Walton's, Wartime Farm (off YouTube), Bringing Up Bates.

On the menu this week...

Monday~ Sloppy Joes on Buns for my family and over Spaghetti Squash for me.

Tuesday~ Ham and bean soup using the ham bone left over from Easter Supper.

Wednesday~ Ham Tetrazzini with Spaghetti Squash

Thursday~ Chicken 

Friday~ Usually order out

From the camera...

Looking around the house... I have candles lit, I am enjoying the peacefulness of home.  Especially with all the chaos going on outside. 

Chore I’m not looking forward to today, or this week...cleaning the bathrooms.  Really, does anyone really enjoy that task?  I find myself cleaning our bathrooms daily now.  

To relax this week, I will...grab my camera.  I am really starting to reconnect with things I enjoy doing.  Life is way too short to neglect what you enjoy.  I really wish I could stay home all the time.  But my job requires me to go into the office.

On my prayer list...My grandmother, dad, grandfather, aunt and uncle. 

Devotional/Bible Verse...

Psalm 94:19

19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.

Excuse this house...

I saw this poem on "A Wise Woman Builds Her House" blog.  Recently our neighbors have complained about the kids, noise, toys ect.  All the things that come along with children.  I read this poem and thought that is EXACTLY how we feel.

Some houses try to hide the fact

That children shelter there,

Ours boasts of it quite openly,

The signs are everywhere!

For smears are on the windows,

Little smudges on the door.

I should apologize I guess

For toys strewn on the floor.

But I sat down with the children

And we played and laughed and read,

And if the door bell does not shine,

Their eyes will shine instead!

For when at times I am freed to choose

The one job or the other,

I want to be a homemaker

But first I'll be a Mother!

~Anonymous

One day you will turn around and the children will no longer be little.  I want to spend my time with my children.  It doesn't mean I don't take pride in our home...because I do.  It just looks lived in.  One day it will be just my husband and I.  Then I can have a Better Homes and Gardens looking house.  Until then, I'm going to take the time to spend with my children.

A visit to our new home...

This is what you see when you come into our home.

I've been meaning to write this post for sometime, but never got around to it.  Moving and settling into a new home is hard work.  So last night I finally got around to cleaning and then immediately taking pictures!!  Won't you sit a spell and visit?

First we have our dinning room.  It's got a green marble wall paper. 

This is almost the view walking in the front door.  It's kind of diagonal looking in.

Now we will enter into the kitchen.

The color on the wall is a sponged peach.  I love the brightness of it.

My little bakers rack to store more stuff. 

My favorite feature in the kitchen is all the counter space!!

Now if you need to use the powder room.  I love the purple.  I just need to find some extras to go in there.  Any ideas?

I'm thinking about some lilac pictures.

Now we can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in our living room.

We have on the wall above the doorway..."As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

I love our big picture window.  I tried keeping plants there, but the dog seems to think it is his spot.

So there you go.  A nice quick tour of our new home.  We are slowly getting settled.  I'm looking forward to getting into the kitchen to whip up some goodies. 

I pray everyone has a wonderful New Year!



Looking Ahead...

The Christmas rush is over.  Well we have 2 more parties, but for me these are very low key.  We do not need to do much for them.  As I sit here and think back to this year one word comes to mind.....CHANGE.  If you have been a reader for any length of time you know this year had a lot of them for us.

First of all in February we left our church to start a new one.  We were very happy at our previous church.  We loved everyone there.  But God was calling us to step out of that comfort zone.  We knew God wanted us to start something in our town, but for whatever reason we never did.  Then one evening while at a church planting banquet we met 2 men.  They were praying about starting a church in our town.  These men were not from our town, nor did they know anyone here.  Matt and I just looked at each other with mouths open when we heard them.  OK Lord here we are!  I can't say that it was easy from then on out.  It was not.  So many times I wanted to run right back to that comfortable little pew at Faith Baptist Church.  Everything about our church was new (nothing was established).  I did not know where I "fit" in.  I didn't know where to serve, or even how to serve.  I had never been taught by a inexperienced pastor. 

 I'd love to say it has gotten easier for me...but it hasn't.  I still struggle.  But our "baby" church is doing great things in our town.   I am now leading music...another big step of faith for me.   God has used that to peel off yet another layer.  Matt is leading the youth ministry.  We are set to begin AWANA(Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed) on February 4.

Philippians 2:4

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

One thing is for certain, all of the above change has taught me to lean on God more than any other human.  Humans will let me down.  But God will always be there to hold me up.

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths."

It's when I start leading myself I go astray.  I'm letting God direct my path from now on.  Oh it's easier said than done.  So let's just say I'm working on this one.  I'd be lying if I said, I always let God lead me.

The other main change that happened this year was our move.  This is yet another thing God had been prompting us to do.  Yet again, we did not immediately do as He wanted us to do.  We moved from the country into the village.  I can't say there is anymore traffic then what we were use to.  But there are neighbors on all sides of our house.  Matt also moved for the first time in his life.  The house we lived in was the only home Matt had known.  After many hours and days of prayer, we knew God wanted us to move. 

Now that we are settled, our house has become a place of refuge for kids in the community.  Many of the kids that come here, I know their families.  But there are a couple who come here because they said they like it when someone pays attention to them.  We have also been able to bless a young man(pictured above) who does not get Christmas presents.  That broke my heart when he told me.  We were blessed to have him spend Christmas with us.  If for no other reason we know God placed us here for this young man.  Monday he also spent the day with us, cleaning our other house to get ready to show.  He is an amazing young man, God has big plans for him.

So after the year we have had, I know 2012 will be a good one.  I'm going to embrace the changes that come our way.  I'm looking at each of them as a blessing instead of a curse.  Learn from them and grow from them.  As difficult as it is...the blessings for being obedient are greater.

Canning Jar Potpourri Warmer

The weather is getting cold here in NY.  So when that happens I start to get into the holiday mode.  This time of year is my favorite!  Thanksgiving, CHRISTmas and New Years.  Each day I realize more and more how much I have to be thankful for.  My family is amazing.  My husband works so hard to provide for our family.  The list goes on and on.

When it's cold outside I love the soft glow of candles.  But it is not always possible to have a candle going.  Or if you are like me...I will sometimes forget to blow out the candle.  Last year at a ladies craft day at church my Mom demonstrated how to make the jar above.  I have a ton of canning jars that I can not use anymore for canning.  So I thought I'd make one of the above jars to give away at CHRISTmas and just because gifts.

So here you go:

Gather your supplies.  Jar, CHRISTmas lights, potpourri, doily.

Start by pouring some of the potpourri into the jar.

Then start placing the lights into the jar.  Add more potpourri into the jar in layers.  Alternate until the jar is full.

I also use a wooden spoon to gently push the potpourri into the jar.  It also helps to arrange the lights.

Place the doily over the top of the jar with the cord sticking out.  I just put the cord through one of the holes.  Place the screw band on to hold doily in place.  Add a ribbon if you like.  I love the soft glow of the lights.  I have one in each room of the house.  These last for so long.

Seeing these jars lit up is so warm and welcoming to me.

TOS Review~Educating the WholeHearted Child

Everyday I start my day in the Word.  The Bible is my instruction book in life and in our homeschool.

Each day I'm always asking God, "Am I doing this right?" Meaning teaching the children the right way.   As a part of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew we were sent "Educating the WholeHearted Child" written by Clay Clarkson with Sally Clarkson.  I have heard so many good things about this book, but for whatever reason we never bought it.

When it arrived in the mail I was in awe of it!!  I never realized how big it was.  It is a B.I.G. book....376 pages! 

Now after my time with God in the morning, I immediately open this book.  Sometimes we just need that reassurance we are doing things right.  As I read through the book I felt as if I was sitting with a longtime friend sharing stories of home and homeschooling.  The book is broken into 4 different sections.

Section 1: HOME

This section has everything to do with your home.  "Learning to be at Home with Christ" was one of my favorites.  This included our physical home and our homeschool. 

Section 2: LEARNING

This section showed me really how to understand my children.  Oh I know my children but sometimes I just do not understand them.

Section 3: METHODS

This section starts out with the study of the Bible.  Then going into how to teach children.  I think this quote from the book sums it all up for this section.  "Building a strong roof of discretionary learning over their life throughout their childhood can give them a developing confidence in who they are as they enter adolescence.  That roof will help hold everything together."

Section 4: LIVING

So many times I find myself comparing our children to "The Jones'" children.  I then become frustrated over what our children are not doing.  God used this section of the book to hit me right between the eyes.  "In the end, the measure of your success in homeschooling will not be how well your children perform on achievement tests but how faithful you have been to trust God for His grace and strength in the process of discipline and educating them."  I had been placing way too much into their test scores.  If I just step back and "Faithfully trust God" and "Trust God's faithfulness" we all will succeed!

At the end of the book you will find a "Postscript" where you find a bunch more information.   As well as a section with forms you can copy and use.

Sometimes we just need to hear you are doing this right.  I wish I had bought this book when we first started homeschooling 6 years ago.  I highly recommend every homeschool family buy this book.  This is not a book you can borrow to just read through.  You must take it section by section, piece by piece.  Eventually your book will look like this:

I love the wide margins through out the book.  With not only great quotes from many different people, but this book is L.O.A.D.E.D with Scripture.  Love that!!  So as I mentioned at the beginning, I have been using this book along with my daily quiet times.  I chose a different color pen to underline the verses in my Bible.  So when I needed the Scripture they will stand out to me.

When I found the Scripture in the book, I put brackets around it.  Then went to my Bible and underlined it.

So as you can see this is not a book you can just read.  You need to absorb it.  I have learned so much from it and I look forward to finishing it.  Then starting it again...it is that good.

You can purchase the book for $22.00 through their website, Apologia Education Ministries.  You can also see the Table of Contents HERE.  You can also download a complete chapter HERE.



**As a part of TOS Homeschool Review Crew I received this book free, in exchange for my honest review.**

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weather in my neck of the woods...

55 degrees with rain

Things that make me happy...

seeing the trees starting to bud.  Things turning green again.

Book (s) I'm reading...

Bible

Created to be his Helpmeet

How to be God's Little Princess

A Cowboy's Touch

Lightkeepers Ball

What I'm enjoying on TV...

Waltons, I'm so glad they are finally back on TV.

On the menu for dinner...

Chicken sausage with apples and maple syrup

Broccoli

On my To Do list...

Plan our gardens

Laundry

Homework

Lesson Plans

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon...

Whole Wheat Fettuccine with Spring Vegetables

In the craft basket...

Learning how to knit

Looking forward to this week...

Katrina's 17th birthday.  I can not believe how old she is getting.  She is no longer a child.  She is a young woman! It's hard letting them grow up.

Tips and Tricks...

If you find yourself without a wire brush to clean your outdoor grill...wad up a piece of foil and use that to scrub the grill.

My favorite blog post this week...

Did not have a favorite this week. But you should go on over and check out Time Travel Kitchen!!  She recreates menues from all different Eras.  SO interesting.

Blog Hopping (new discovered blog)...

The Homesteading Wife I have been reading this blog for a little while now.  She has a ton of great ideas on simple living.

Favorite Picture...

Lesson learned the past week...

Heartfelt appreciation, expressions of gratitude, not mere flattery will warm the heart of the hearer.  There is no limit to sincere compliments you can give.

On my mind...

My weight loss...I always start out really well then fizzle out.  I am working on keeping it going.  I hope it will be easier as the weather is warming up.

Devotionals, Scriputre Reading, Key Verse...

1 Corinthians 3:16

"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"

To see other Happy Homemaker posts visit Diary of a SAHM.

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weather in my neck of the woods...

73 degrees!!  But change is lurking around the corner.  Strong storms on it's way.

Things that make me happy...

The smell after a storm

Book I'm reading...

Bible

The Journey

Theology for Today

What I'm enjoying on TV...

Homestead Blessings DVD's

Art of Dairying

Art of Crafting

Art of Quilting

Art of Sewing

Art of Cooking

These also make a great Home Ec class for our children!

On the menu for dinner...

Grilled Cheese and soup

On my To Do list...

Homework for me

Schoolwork for the kiddos

laundry

cleaning home

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon...

While looking around the Homestead Blessings website I came across their recipe section.  We made the "Poor Man's Zucchini Crab Cakes".  YUM!!

In the craft basket...

Scrapbooking again YEA!!

Looking forward to this week...

Getting our new to us truck!!

Tips and Tricks...

Many hands make light work!  If everyone works together things will go along faster.

My favorite blog post this week...

Living Off Grid (I would love this)

Blog Hopping...

The Mennobrarian

Favorite Picture...

LOL!  I love Andrew's face...our future Fireman!!

Lesson learned the past week...

We rely way too much on electronics!  We went this whole weekend without TV, and radio.  We would of gone without computer but Matt and I had schoolwork to do.

On my mind...

Doctor called with concerns over Katrina's blood work.  We are now waiting for them to call us back.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses...

Psalm 56:3-4

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.  In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."

To see other Happy Homemaker posts visit Diary of a SAHM.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods...

Rain with Thunder!  We have not had a good rain storm in months!!

Things that make me happy...

Obedience to God.  I've been convicted lately that my walk with God has become complacent.  Just going through the motions.

Book I'm reading...

Bible

Theology for Today

Journey Through the New Testament

The Journey by Wanda Brunstetter (review)

What I'm enjoying on TV...

Not much lately...we have watched the Waltons and Little House mostly.

On the menu for dinner...

It's a soup and sandwich kind of day.  Hubby went to work early for a meeting.

On my To Do list...

Clean

Organize

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon...

Scrapple!  This is something my great grandmother would make all the time.  If you've ever had it you either love it or hate it.  It's that type of recipe.  We use to live around Mennonites and everyone made this.  I love it and had it recently while visiting an Amish bulk food store.

In the craft basket...

Still just a few dust bunnies

Looking forward to this week...

Finishing the garden fence.

Getting answers from the doctor

Tips and Tricks...

Place a bay leaf in your flour...the bugs will stay away!  So far it has worked for me.

My favorite blog post this week...

The Kitchen Garden by The Prudent Homemaker

Blog Hopping (new discovered blog)...

Living off-grid at Maple Valley Farm I would love to live like this....and she is still able to blog.

Favorite photo...

We have started a new thing each Sunday.  Absolutely no TV.  We are working on no computers as well.  But with hubby and I both going to college online it makes a bit tough.  After evening church yesterday we turned off all of the lights and lit candles.  We then read from the Bible.  We started at 8 pm and ended around 10pm!!  It was a great time for our family.

Lesson learned...

There comes a time when you have to let your children spread their wings and fly.  Our oldest got her first paying job.  I'm struggling with this, because I'm not ready for her to be old enough for her to do so.

On my mind...

Living a life that God wants me to live.  I long for the farm life again.  I loved living on the farm.  I don't recall ever complaining about the work that was required.  Although I was only 10 when we left.  I have vivid memories of it.   There is going to come a time in this country when food prices are going to be just TOO high to afford.  Growing your own food or raising your own meat sources are going to be the way to go. 

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses...

Jeremiah 29:13

"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."

To see other Happy Homemaker posts visit Diary of a SAHM.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods...

Sunny and a high of 32 degrees.  OH come on spring you can do it!!

Things that make me happy...

Listening to our children play nicely together!

Book I'm reading...

The Journey by Wanda Brunstetter (review)

Theology books for school

New Testament books for school

Bible

What I'm enjoying on TV...

Waltons...they are back on Hallmark channel!!

On the menu for dinner...

chicken sausage with apples and maple syrup

Rice

On my To Do list...

Paperwork for homeschool

Spring cleaning

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon...

chicken sausage with apples and maple syrup...it's something I just threw in a pan.  I layered the diced apples in the bottom of a 9x13 pan.  Place the chicken sausage on top drizzle with maple syrup.  Cover and bake until done.  Big hit here.

In the craft basket...

nothing much

Looking forward to this week...

my new Homestead Blessings DVD's!!

The Art of Dairy Delights

The Art of Quilting

The Art of Sewing

The Art of Cooking

The Art of Crafting

Tips and tricks...

When tackling a big project, take small portions and work on them.  Instead of looking at the big picture.  You will be less likely to be overwhelmed.

My favorite blog post this week...

The West Ladies...from Homestead Blessings.  They have a blog that I enjoy reading.  The music alone makes me long for simplicity.

New discovered blog...

Our Simple Country Life..Her blog is a wonderful place of refreshment.  From simple living to her faith, there is something for everyone.

Favorite photo...

The saga of our sliding glass door is finally over!!  We replaced our pantry that was falling apart.  BUT it would not fit out the new door.  LOL!  So our little fireman in training dismantled it for us.

On my mind...

My upcoming doctor's appointment regarding the gallstones.

Trying to get back to living a simple life.  I love having computers and modern gadgets, but sometimes I just want to sit and listen to the tick tock of the clock, the birds singing outside.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses...

Psalm 16:11

"You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Thank you Sandra for hosting this!  Visit Diary of a SAHM.

Happy New Year!!

As another year comes to an end I start to think about this past year and the upcoming year.   2010 was not a bad year for us.  There were a lot of ups and downs.  But the most important thing is our growth as Christians!!  My husband is almost finished with his BA in Christian Studies with a minor in Christian Ministry.   We signed the legal papers along with 5 other people to start our church in our town.  Charity Bible Church....we are beyond excited about the work the Lord is doing with us and through us.  We have met amazing people through this journey!!  All in all I have to say 2010 was a very good year.  Full of blessings from the Lord.  He provided ALL our needs.  Financially we struggled all year....just can never seem to get ahead.  BUT we are blessed and thankful for my husband's employment.  As many are out of work.  We struggled as a family over our 16 year old's diagnosis...BUT with the Lord guiding us we are slowly walking down that path knowing He is in control.

Looking forward to 2011....

this coming year is going to be a good one!!  I just know it!!  I'm excited to read through the Bible at a slower pace this year.  I learned so much doing it in 4 months.  I can only imagine what I'll learn going slower.

January 17 I will begin my studies at Liberty University.  I'm working toward my Bachelor's degree in Religion with a minor in Biblical Counseling.  I'm counting the days!!

My husband will graduate from Grand Canyon University with a BA in Christian Studies in May.  In June he will begin seminary at Liberty University.

Our church (Charity Bible Church) will hold it's first service in mid January.  

I'm participating in The Made to Crave online Bible study starting in January.  I am so excited about this.  If you have not heard of the book "Made to Crave", written by Lysa TerKeurst, you really need to read this book.  Come back soon as I'll be doing a review of it.  It's about craving God and not food!!  Something I desperately need.  

That leads me to another goal I'd like to complete this year.  Loose weight...I think I've had this on my list every year since I was a teenager.  My weight has always been a struggle for me.  But this year I'm not going to stress so much over the number on a scale, but about being healthy.  Eating better, exercising ect.   I have not talked much about my weight here.  But it is something I struggle with every day.  In March I joined a weight loss group...Take Off Pounds Sensibly.  I did very well and lost 40 pounds in 4 months.  But as fall approached I stopped going, life got busy ect ect.  I'm planning on going back and getting back at it.

In December of 2011 we are taking our very first family vacation!!  We are taking a train ride to Orlando FL.  I have a friend who lives there.  I have not seen her in YEARS and am looking forward to seeing her.  We decided to take a train because we want to spend sometime in New York City as well.  We will have a 3-4 hour layover there.  Then on the way back we will probably spend a couple of days there.   Also, the train will be a great experience for us...we are looking forward to it.  Our daughter Hannah is convinced it will be like Polar Express...except we are heading south.  LOL!

SO what plans do you have for 2011??

 

Hospitality begins with contentment!

If you have been a reader of my blog for sometime now you know I do not share information freely with my readers.  You could say I do not wear my heart on my sleeve.  The Lord has been nudging me to write about these subjects for some time.  I have felt the need to have more hospitality for a long time now.  I desperately need that Christian fellowship.  Sadly we do not get it from people at church.  We have started fellow shipping with a few families with whom we are starting a church with.  That has been a big blessing. 

As for having people over to our house...I shy away from it for many reasons.  Our house is very small!  Almost every room has something that needs to be finished.  But in order to finish the rooms we need money...something we have none of.  We need to finish our roof, finish painting the house, new windows and doors...the list goes on and on.  In order to do all of these we need money!!  We are behind in our bills and have been for sometime now.  I'm not sure we will ever catch up.  I see the stress on my husband's face.  The worry and frustration that comes along with financial problems. I in no way shape or form blame him for our troubles.  It's not a fault of anything except circumstances.   We do not go out to eat, buy things on credit ect.

My parents offered for us to take over their mortgage and "rent" it until the Lord calls us somewhere to ministry.  They would like to downsize into something smaller.   I thought it was a gift from God and answer to prayer!!  Their home is completely remodeled, nothing needs to be done to it!  The kids would have a room of their own.  And as a person who had siblings I know having your own space is huge to a child.  My husband could have a study/office of his own!!  I could confidently and warmly welcome others into the house.  I'm not sure why my husband would not go for it.  Maybe it's the hold this house has on him because he grew up here and the house was left to him by his parents when they passed away.  But it is a material...worldly possession.   Shouldn't we be prepared to go when called?  God will not call us into ministry with all this debt...nor should we even be eligible to go (my belief).  I know the Lord works everything out...but should we be sitting on our hands waiting?

With all that said, I need to learn to be content with what I have right?!  A drafty, old home that needs a lot of work and no money to complete that work.  Don't get me wrong my husband is a wonderful man of God!  I have to live with his wishes because I'm his wife. (Colossians 3:18-19 "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.") I've been struggling with this for many years.  I don't have all the answers...but I know God does.  I need to continue praying that His will be done.  Please pray with me as I work through this issue prayerfully.

1 Timothy 6:6-7

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

It snowed....which means Gingerbread!!

We didn't get this much but I forgot to take a picture this morning of the snow.  It wasn't much but enough to say we got some.  The reason everyone in our family is excited about this is because we bake gingerbread on the first snow of the season!!  This is a tradition we started 5 years ago when we started homeschooling.  It is now something everyone looks forward to.  Even my parents who stop by for some warm gingerbread after work.  This is a recipe I got from Laura Ingalls Wilder's cookbook.  I love old recipes!!  If you are not familiar with recipes from the 1800's and early 1900's you might be a bit confused.  As well as the way they are written out.  They are written in paragraph form rather than in recipe forms we know today.



LAURA'S GINGERBREAD
 

1 cup brown sugar blended with 1/2 cup lard or shortening.
 

1 cup molasses mixed well with this.

Dissolve 2 teaspoons of baking soda in 1 cup boiling water mix well.  Do not worry about the way it looks in this step.  The first time I made it I thought something went wrong.  When you add the baking soda it will foam up...it's OK.  That's a good thing.

In a separate bowl mix 3 cups of flour and one teaspoon each of the following spices: ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves; and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sift all into molasses mixture and mix well.

Add lastly 2 well-beaten eggs. 

The mixture should be quite thin. Raisins and, or, candied fruit may be added.  Personally I like it just the way it is!

Bake in a moderate oven (I set my oven for 350) for thirty minutes.

I hope you enjoyed your visit!  Let me tell you it is GOOD!!!