Gone and Done It...

Well, I know I said I wasn't going to paint but I just had to!! But for now-only two walls in the basement. I had to-I didn't want to get it set up without the walls being the color they needed to be. I painted them white and tomorrow, as time allows, I will move my table down to the new studio and add the leaves to it and stretch it way out to prepare it for work!

This move around is taking way longer than usual because of the fuss my body is making about it. Fibromyalgia can come and go and the intensity of pain can vary from day to day. It is simply trying to make me miserable. The one thing I remind myself is that it cannot kill me-I might feel like I have the flu every day-but I don't, and running up and down (well, hobbling is more like it!) the cellar steps is good for me! I just keep an attitude of prayer and God is faithful!

On a happier note, my neice had her baby today! A beautiful, healthy baby girl, 8 lbs. 13 oz. and 20" long. She was in labor quite a while, but it's her first so maybe that's why. Either way, she's a new Mama and I can remember how wonderful that feels! My oldest is 25 and I can still remember the wonderment and the joy and every other wild emotion of holding your very own little baby for the very first time. And that new baby smell! Ahh... One other happy thing is that my neice's Mother, my Sister-in-Law's birthday is today! And it's her first Grandbaby! What a wonderful gift! Does God know how to bless people or what!???!

I am off to sleep now- I wanted to share a photo from my files...let's see, I'll find one from my garden before my camera went flukey...there it is...up there...

And a poetic word, before I retire:

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood
From Thy side, a healing flood,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath, and make me pure.

Should my tears for ever flow,
Should my zeal no languor know,
All for sin could not atone,
Thou must save, and Thou alone;
In my hand no price I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyelids close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee

Augustus M. Toplady


Oh Lord, let me hide myself in Thee, every moment. Help me remember that you purchased me at a great price. Help me to keep my eyes on the cross and the victorious,empty tomb. Thank you Great Healer that your stripes made the way for my healing. Lord I pray you would direct my every step and keep me in your arms of love. Amen

Now friends, never forget to Praise Him for the home-sweet things,for to be in His will is a mighty blessing! There is nothing in this world that compares!!

Good Night!!

God's Wonder in Wild Blueberries

Earlier this week I was invited by some friends to go picking wild blueberries today. Of course, while I'm in the middle of this house switch I shouldn't have gone, but I went along as if I didn't have a care in the world!! We ventured deep into the woods away from the noise and hustle and bustle of town. It was rewarding to the spirit, soul and body-though my body doesn't think so right now!

The quiet of the forest was so wonderful for the soul. I took take time to reflect upon things. I spent a bit of time talking to the Lord, thanking Him for His provision and also for His safety. I reflected alot upon His creation and the beauty of it. The solitude was welcome as in this busy house, the phone never seems to stop ringing, so many people come and go and the demands of life constantly call.

My friend, Diane and I walked into an open field and immediately I was taken back to the days when I was a young girl on my Grandparents farm in Slate Hill, NY. There was nothing like a walk in the pasture on a sunny day. I told Diane that the only thing missing were the piles of cow manure!

Ah those days of youth, where everything was amazing and wonderful-righteousness, peace and joy! In the midst of the many trials of my childhood, when I went to Grandma and Grandpa's I was free to enjoy life without it's many ups and downs. There was such a stability about them. They were very strict, but they also loved us so-and we loved them! They were my Mother's foster parents, but we didn't really know what that meant. To us it meant somehow we had these wonderful extra Grandparents that loved us dearly-we didn't care how we got them! We always knew them as Grandma and Grandpa and they never told us any different! My siblings and I thought it was great to have 3 sets of Grandparents when our friends only had two. We spent every moment there we could. And I am so happy to have those wonderful memories and to have a lifelong reminder of them in many things I do today.

As far as righteousness, peace and joy go...God restores so many things to us when we turn to Him. I felt as if I was in a bit of paradise today-away from the stress that tries to come upon me and knock me down by flaring this fibromyalgia. But He is so near to us in the midst of our trials too. He is a whisper away, He desires to guide us step by step if we will but call upon Him and ask Him for help.

This summer was such a learning experience for me. God has shown me many things in His Word about Himself. But the one main thing that stuck with me is that as I yield to Him and allow His Spirit to take the reins of my life, He will lead me so graciously in the paths He has stretched before me. Obedience to Him brings righteousness, peace and joy-and also such a oneness with Him-a presence that is not understandable by anyone who hasn't experienced it. The wonderful thing about the Father is that He bids all to taste and see that He is good. He is so patient and kind and loving to me-like a wonderful Father should be-and I want to hide in his cloak like a child does their Mother's. I want to be absorbed by Him. I want to reflect His presence. These things are all possible-to the degree that I yield. To the degree that I obey His Word. Yet, I can never forget that it all starts by faith and because of His unconditional grace bestowed upon me. He is so faithful to begin the work and complete the work He has begun in me! Knowing this causes me to love Him more and to rest in His arms, knowing He will keep me.

I've got so much to learn about being a keeper at home and the wife and mother he wants me to be. But He is teaching me in His Word and through His Spirit. Lord, let me always be teachable!

So, tonight, my Miss Lydia and I made up some blueberry pancakes. Thankfulness Pancakes-and we ate them up! So yummy-so thankful-for a day spent with friends in the Lord, spent in God's beautiful forest, safe and free and content!

Tomorrow I will share the basic scratch pancake recipe. It's just what I said, basic and from scratch-made with things you have right in your kitchen. Cooked on the cast iron pan they come out just right!!

Here's a poem to share my thoughts...



Abide With Me

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide:
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away,
Change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour;
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless:
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes:
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies:
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee:
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Henry F. Lyte

As soon as I get a better camera I will begin adding photos to my posts. My camera went crazy this summer and wouldn't take pictures outside anymore. Soon I'll get a new one and then I'll take bunches!!!

Good night Dear Ones...and be forever thankful for the Home-sweet things.

Lots of Work Going On Here!

I just wanted to pop in before I go to sleep for the night. I've been busily working as much as this body will allow. I want to get this room switch finished as soon as possible. As soon as I started I knew I should take it slow and limit myself-but did I? NO!!! Now the fibromyalgia has kicked in and I am walking like a slow, tired horse.

I just keep praying and asking God for strength and you know, it seems I always manage to move on to the next thing-thank the Lord! A couple of friends are coming to help on Friday, so I should get more done. Many hands make light work-right?!

I've been a bit sad this week. My dear friend Linda, who I've been friends with since 3rd grade went on the mission field Monday with her family to British Columbia. I am so happy that they are able to go and do what God has called them to. I am only sad for selfish reasons. I enjoyed Linda's company alot and will miss spending time with her in person. I am grateful for email and phones though!

So, as I'm getting over that loss...I find out sweet Jewels from Eyes of Wonder (blog) is ending her blog! If ever there was a Barnabus out there...if ever there was a shining example to us all of a Titus 2 woman...she is it!!! Her posts are like light in a dark room, water to a thirsty soul and balm for the wounded. I cannot remember how I found her blog-but I shared it with many sisters right away. She became a topic whenever we got together. She shared her life with many, and inspired so many! I'm sure she will shine no matter where God leads her. Right now I am making the shawl her daughter gave the directions for. My daughter, Lydia, was inspired by their modest dress and asked for a couple of skirts after Jewels' daughters' fashion-which thrilled me! I am also going to make a couple for myself as soon as I get finished with this mess!!!

Jewels, you will probably never read this, but God bless you Sister. I pray that God will use me in the same Spirit He used you-to brighten the day of some other sister, I pray that He will inspire others through me and allow me the grace to be an example of a Titus 2 woman in this world. I long to be used as a Barnabus!

I thought I'd share this poem before I retire:

God Is Love

God is love; His mercy brightens
All the path in which we rove;
Bliss He wakes and woe He lightens;
God is wisdom, God is love.

Chance and change are busy ever;
Man decays, and ages move;
But His mercy waneth never;
God is wisdom, God is love.

E'en the hour that darkest seemeth,
Will his changeless goodness prove;
From the gloom His brightness streameth,
God is wisdom, God is love.

He with earthly cares entwineth,
Hope and comfort from above;
Everywhere His glory shineth;
God is wisdom, God is love.

John Bowring

May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and give you peace. Amen

Remember to thank God always for the home-sweet things! He is so good to us!

Rearranging

I used to love to rearrange rooms and furniture. Back when I was 25 and I could lift anything that wasn't nailed down! Now I use more of a sliding/dragging method. I put a blanket under the legs and push and pull the dresser (or what-have-you) to it's new destination.

I think I am now going to have to repent of my jealousy of some older people I know. Or is it sane people I know??? Take my Grandmother Millie, for instance. You always knew, when you went into a certain room, that it would still be THAT room. All the beds in all the bedrooms and the dressers too, were always where they always were-all my life!!! And my nice stable Mother-in-Law-her furniture is always where it belongs! Not so in this abode! You never know what furniture is going to change rooms, corners or even leave-you may not even know where you will be sitting after work-well, who knows...you may not even sleep in the same room you slept in last night! I ask you...is this a sign of mental issues like I've heard???

Sometimes moves here happen out of necessity. Sometimes it's out of my weird wanting to decorate. Sometimes it's because everyone I know is coming over and I want to live in "House Beautiful" and so I'll set it up nice-and of course you can't really live that way-so eventually I change it again.

Cue the violins:

Once upon a time, I had a laundry room. Now I don't. We took it off when we were putting in a foundation. Of course we meant to put it back-we really did, but will we ever??? (I am not complaining-really.) My laundry room was also my pantry-which I have done without for about two years or so. No more pantry meant putting our canned goods and boxed goods and good goods in other places-like my bedroom and other strange stashing sites. Completely out of order if you ask me! It's like, "No Honey, the spaghetti sauce is under the bed!" "Oh you want cereal? That's in the cabinet over the washing machine..." Stuff like that...you need a road map to find food in this house! So this year with our abundant winter squash crop needing a home inside the house...I had an epiphany (which always sends the fam rolling their eyes and looking for somewhere else to be)!

Here's the new deal:

I have a lovely studio that I set up for myself. The works...I painted, I slowly hung shelving on the walls, moved in shelves and neat old cabinets. Then I moved in all my stuff I've collected over the years. It's bright and sunny and while it's so full of stuff I can't really work in it-it's just nice to have all my stuff in one room and OUT of the basement. (Please ignore my overuse of the word "stuff"-that's just what it is-plain and simple!) With this thought...hmmm...the wheels in my head start whirring...

My daughter Lydia, has the littlest room in the house. Big enough to sleep in, but not really to entertain sleep-overs. Still, it worked. Again...that strange, yet familiar sensation to reconfigure, redecorate, redefine...

Then there's the basement. Where my studio used to be. Not finished really-cinderblock walls, damp-ish and a bit dark. Finally, the light bulb illuminates and the epiphany is clear!

My idea is so wonderful and clever, I think, that I should have no problem selling it to Dave! (He did go for it, but only because we have to save the squash!) OK...I've got nothing better to do...so Lydia's room will become my pantry. My studio will become Lydia's room and the basement will once again be my studio. (The violins are now playing "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain When She Comes".) I must accomplish this as fast as I can because it's been cold and the squash is going to be ready to come in and I have to get myself back to creating! Plus, I don't know how long I can keep everyone happy while they trip over and crawl around the contents of a three-room-switch!

I am forcing myself to NOT paint any walls for now. That is hard-I am so-so-so much the perfectionist that I want the rooms to be "perfect" before I move the stuff in. (I remind myself of the scripture about godliness with contentment being great gain.) Still, it could look more "homey" in the basement if I... NOOOOO!!! I keep having to remind myself...this is not the time for "House Beautiful"!! Just MOVE stuff!!!

This is it for awhile. It's going to take more than this week. So far, Lydia's bed is in my studio, her clothes are in the dining room and her furniture is helter skelter all over the place. I managed to drag a few shelves and cabinets into my new pantry and moved the canned goods out of my bedroom and where they belong. I'd sure like to paint the walls a buttery yellow and I have the cutest thrifted old daisy sheer curtains to hang in there! Yum-cannot wait! But for now-the "No Painting" rule applies and I may be the only girl in town with a purple pantry. I've just got to get it in there and set up. I know-I can paint this winter when there is no outside work.

I managed to get to work in the basement thanks to my oldest son, Brendt and a friend. Tomorrow I will manage to take two more large shelves down and sort the books on them and decide what goes downstairs and what stays up here.

I keep asking myself where all this stuff came from! I really have no clue! I do know one thing...a bunch of it has to go! If I were like my sister Angie...I'd just put it all in a pile and set it on fire. Wouldn't that be freeing? My husband and children would probably buy marshmallows to roast and have a ball at that event! I cannot bring myself to do that no matter the joy level of my beloved and our chilluns! So, I will sort for give away, throw away and finally sell some of it on ebay.

I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'll need to because if this keeps up-you may be the only ones who'll communicate with me!

A very tired "Goodnight" to you and God Bless you as you thank Him for the Home Sweet Things!

The Journey

Hello to all who manage to find their way here! It is my hope that this blog among many blogs will not only bring my family and friends visiting, but will also let me share my thoughts on making and keeping the "home-sweet things" as I yield myself to God and allow Him to make Proverbs 31 a reality in my life. Life in Christ is a continuous learning experience and I am so blessed to say the Holy Spirit is still leading me on this righteous path.

I hope to record my journey of finding contentment and satisfaction in the things that are not of this world-the things that really matter. I will share my "unctions" (for lack of a better word) from the Lord as He shows me what I need to do to simplify my life and how I can be a blessing to my family and others He puts in my path. None of these concepts are new to me, it's just that I see a greater need and feel a deeper conviction from the Holy Spirit to make these things more of a reality in my life and in the lives of those I minister to.

Here's a neat poem I really like and thought I'd share:

Red Geraniums

Life did not bring me silken gowns,

Nor jewels for my hair,

Nor signs of gabled foreign towns

In distant countries fair,

But I can glimpse beyond my pane, a green and friendly hill,

And red geraniums aflame upon my window sill.

The brambled cares of everyday,

The tiny humdrum things,

May bind my feet when they would stray,

But still my heart has wings

While red geraniums are bloomed against my window glass,

And low above my green-sweet hill the gypsy wind-clouds pass.

And if my dreamings ne'er come true,

The brightest and the best,

But leave me lone my journey through,

I'll set my heart at rest,

And thank God for home-sweet things, a green and friendly hill,

And red geraniums upon my window sill.

Martha Baskell Clark