Home-Sweet Things

Seeds, Transplants and Seed Companies

2012-02-01T23:28:00.000-05:00

A long post, with text and no photos-sorry, I had a lot to say and no time to add photos. I'll try better tomorrow! Also, all the links are clickable, not sure why they are not underlining.

Seed starting is very serious business to me. It is like being a settin' hen or an expectant Mother. (*Note: I am no expert, just a student, but I'll share the little bit I know in the simplest terms I can here.)

You plant a seed, setting each one in its little prepared bed of earth, hoping it will soon come forth in its little green sproutiness. You wake each morning anticipating the new arrivals. You nuture and care for them, making sure they have enough water and warmth. Then lo, one day, one splenderifous day...you see the faintiest peek of a little sprouty sweetness poking out of the soil. Then another and then another. And soon...you are mother to a gazillion little sprouts all crying for water, sun and warmth!

You do everything you can to make sure they don't go spindly on you or dry up gasping for a drop of water or get burned with too much sun. And you pray that their little markers you made don't fall out of their place or get switched because a gazillion matching children will not be distinguishable until they get their true leaves and even then, all those varieties...oh my!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then comes the day when you can place them in the ground, and they are like older children going out on their own. You hope they don't succumb to the cucumber beetle or the blight. You pray they make it to full growth and are able to bear fruit and make all those days and weeks of toil worth it! But my-oh-my, the taste of the first red tomato, or the first warm green bean, tender and fresh...there is nothing like it in all the world! (Well, I'm sure there is but bear with my exultation here!)

Still, it is, to me, something quite like the book of Genesis, like being in the Garden of Eden, like Adam and Eve in a 'the way it's supposed to be' sense...when you anticipate planting seeds and growing and working in the warm soil. Children are thrilled to plant and wait and watch for the wonder of it. Elderly people bask in the therapy of it. It is an act that God created us for, to be stewards of the earth, His earth, and to grow things and enjoy them.

Ordering Seed and Buying Seedlings

I used to be one to go into a home center and pick out the plants or pretty photo seed packets I desired in the varieties I knew or heard would grow great for my area. After much wasted time, money and effort, I can say that unless I knew the person grew it locally and they are sought after and raved about, I would not buy any flats they sold.

Think about it, who knows who grew that flat of seedlings in that home center or super center? Where did the soil come from? What type of seed did they actually use? What conditions did it come from? Remember, this will grow into something you may eat at some point in the future, wouldn't you want some details?

Here is some good advice from "gardening when it counts" by Steve Solomon. When I sold real estate, we had a saying ever agent knew. It was 'buyer beware'. He mentions some questions to ask when purchasing a transplant:

Should it be transplanted in the first place?

Is the seedling mislabeled?

Is the seedling a home garden variety in the first place?

Is the seedling pot bound?

Are they soft seedlings?

I would say, that Mr. Solomon answers many, many questions and gives advice and how-to's that many beginner and novice gardeners alike can use in their own gardening ventures.

He advises planting your own seeds. Many seeds can be direct seeded into your garden rows as is without starting in a pot. How easy is that? That saves a lot of steps. Many MUST be started this way if you want good results.

However, if you know a good, local grower of seedlings who have high standards and know what quality is, by all means, purchase their transplants-only make sure they are the ones that do well as transplants.

The other way is to order your own seed and start your own transplants. Certain plants must be started at certain times. Did you know that? You only have a certain time frame to get your plants started and transplanted into the ground or it will not have enough time before first frost to give you a crop. This is a total waste of effort! Learn when the first and last frosts are predicted for your area and figure from the back of the seed packet when to start them.

Do you know your Zone? This is important to the type of seeds you buy. It is better to buy seeds from companies that are in the same growth zone as you. Know if they do variety tests on their seeds. This is good because then they can tell you how well the seeds grew within their growth trials. Buying picture packets in the home centers cannot tell you that, their beautiful packet photos may mock you come harvest time! I know this to be quite true!

Not all seed companies are created equal either! Mr. Solomon says, "...retail garden-seed suppliers are mainly distributors. They buy bulk seeds and repackage it.There is no commodity more open to misrepresentation than vegetable seeds." Hmmm...how many seed packets am I saving from my local home center???

Mr. Solomon goes on to name seed companies who responded to a survey he did for a magazine article in Harrowsmith years back. Many would not respond to his questionnaire, but out of those that did, he chose several that he felt were valid, good quality seed sellers.

I am going to mention here the few that I know my sister-in-law buys from. She has had many years of experience and planted many seeds in her lifetime. Most of her choices match Mr. Solomon's list.

They are:

Stokes

Johnny's

Harris

Fedco

Territorial

Some of these companies my not be right for your Zone. We are in Zone 4-5b. Zones seems to be changing too. Our zone is warmer and can grow some things now that were not possible before. You can order their catalogs online and also sign up for their email newsletters. Lots of good information is a click away.

Saving Seed

Today, I'd like to go over one way (and I'm sure there are many methods and ways to do this) to choose seeds. Some gardeners have mastered the skill of saving seed. I tell you, I still have not figured out how to be diligent enough to save lettuce, for instance. I did find this resource though. It's from a seed company called Fedco. They have a chart here called "Seed Saving For Beginners." And they have a whole PDF guide called "From Generation to Generation: An Activity Guidebook in the Living Tradition of Seed Saving" by Eli Kaufman. It is a 49 page guide to a school gardening program. Nothing says you can't incorporate it into your homeschool curriculum, they've got ideas from K-12th grade. It's printable and sharable. Good stuff! Lydia will be reading through this and I will too.

So to encapsulate today's lesson: know your Zone; buy your seeds from companies that you know test and trial their seeds and report it on their site or in their catalog; don't trust pretty photo-packet seed envelopes in home or garden centers; buy transplants from reputable, local, reliable growers that you know care about your dollar.

I hope I answered some of your questions. I'd like to talk about a few good tools and some other things to have on hand. I'd like to share a little tutorial on how to make your own paper pots, so easy and recycling at the same time.

If you get a chance, click the book link by Steve Solomon, it's a good book endorsed by many gardeners better than I, and plus I make a little 'something' if you purchase one!

Thank you Lord, for giving us the opportunity to see Your miracle of creation each year we garden. It is such a blessing to watch the process of Your provision to us and reap a good harvest from Your bountiful Hand. In Jesus Name, Amen

Enjoy planning the garden at your Home-Sweet. May the Lord bless the work of your hands!

Gardening 101

2012-01-31T23:47:00.000-05:00

I had very good intentions of starting out this week with a full-on talk of gardening. I have my gardening source down the drive and whenever I have a question, I give a call or stroll down and ask. She is always generous with her vast knowledge. I am, of course talking of my sister-in-law, Arlene. She has fed her family for years from her garden, as did her Mother before her. I am very thankful she puts up with my endless questions-really. I have learned a lot from her and my Mother-in-law.

This year we have already discussed the starting dates for seeds and her favorite seed companies. Which I will share tomorrow.

Today would like to share my idea for a gardening binder. I need to keep better track of what I'm planting, when I'm planting it, plotting, methods, harvest, yield, etc...

How to Spiff Up A
Garden Binder

binder with cover and spine that allow inserts
light posterboard
scrapbook paper (you will find I love to use lots of this item!)
glue stick (I'm finding this little chap very handy too!)
scissors
something to label your spine (I used tissue paper)
ruler and pencil

First, you need to measure the cover and the spine of your binder.
Trace your measurements onto the posterboard.
Cut out posterboard according to your specs.

Now use the posterboard to trace the spine and cover measurements onto the scrap paper of your choice. Trace on the wrong side so no pencil marks show. Glue the scrap paper to your posterboard using glue stick for fast results!

Now that you have your scrap paper glued, place it in the front cover insert. You may want to decorate yours a lot more than I did. For the sake of time I just left mine plain for now.

Before you add the spine insert, use rubber stamps, magazine letters cut out, or your printer like I did to spell out 'garden'. I used wordpad on my computer in size 48 and printed it downward. I used a glue stick to stick tissue paper to cardstock and put that through the printer. I let it dry for a while. Then I very sparingly used a glue stick to put on binder spine.

VOILA!!!
Easily identifiable Garden Binder! YAY!!!

I also intend to enlarge my already large garden this year. We plant out a huge section of butternut squash each year, and now many rows of parsnips, turnips, beets and rutabegas. They take up quite a large section-my soup pot section. Whenever we make soup or stew throughout the winter, we trudge out to the garden and use a garden fork to dig them out of the ground. Parsnips get better with cold.

parsnip plant in my garden
still green in january!

Then the tomatoes take up their own bit of room with all their varieties. Not to mention peas, green beans, lettuces, peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, etc...I'd just like a little more room to move around.

flock of tomato cages
awaiting summertime jobs

this is the garden facing east
i must have gone in when it
got cold and haven't been out since.
it's a mess out here!

garden view facing north
what a mess! next nice day
i'm outside moving buckets

Tomorrow we can discuss seed companies, ordering seeds, starting seeds, how to figure when to start...etc...

Today it was so spiffaliciously nice out! I got tons done. Tomorrow Lydia and I are going outside to put lights on the duck fence so when we put them in at night we can see what we're doing! We really do not like going outside in the woods in the dark. We always remind each other to keep our imaginations in check!

So that's it here on the Home-Sweet! Praise the Lord for a very fruitful day and for the warmth of the sun which He reminds us in His Word that shines on the just and the unjust-the Lord is good to all! Praise His Name!

Do you have a garden on your Home-Sweet? Leave a comment and tell about your gardening ventures! I'd love to hear them!So, I have some ideas, but I'm not sure I will get to them all this year. I'd like to section off the garden inside the electric fence as the fence does not bother the chickens who insist on going inside, which is fine, but I do NOT want my rows scratched to bits! They also will eat the leaves of some plants-rendering them weak and pitiful looking!

Sunday Meditation-Take My Life

2012-01-29T23:16:00.001-05:00

Today I'll share two Scriptures and a Hymn that I believe best expresses the right 'posture' we should have regarding them.

(Exodus 32:29) "For Moses had said, Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord,..."

(Luke 9:23-26) "And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him;

deny himself,
and take up his cross daily,
and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He shall come in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the Holy angels."

What is our response to the verse above? I pray we let this song be our daily theme. I only share the music so you know the tune, but he leaves out Verse 4 which is sad, because if we do not have that attitude, is Jesus really our Lord OR is it our way to save our lives and make it into heaven (which will not work out right)?

Take My Life and Let It Be

1. Take my life and let it be
   Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
   Take my hands, and let them move
   At the impulse of Thy love,
   At the impulse of Thy love.

2. Take my feet, and let them be
   Swift and beautiful for Thee;
   Take my voice, and let me sing
   Always, only for my King,
   Always, only, for my King.

3. Take my lips, and let them be
   Filled with messages from Thee;
   Take my silver and my gold,
   Not a mite would I withhold,
   Not a mite would I withhold.

4. Take my will and make it Thine;
   It shall be no longer mine;
   Take my heart, it is Thine own!
   It shall be Thy royal throne,
   It shall be Thy royal throne.

5. Take my love; my Lord, I pour
   At Thy feet its treasure store;
   Take my self, and I will be,
   Ever, only, all for Thee,
   Ever, only, all for Thee.

                        Amen

Almighty God, my Father, what do I have to offer You? Only my 'self', broken and marred. Please,take my surrendered 'will', and make it fit for Your own use. It's not about 'me' when I desire to walk with Christ, in obedience, it's ALL about Him. I want to understand that, and in that truth, break me free from the grip of this wicked world and its death sting, and set me free, not to do 'my' will, but Your eternal, perfect will; unashamed before God and man. In Jesus' the Christ's Name, Amen

Blessed be the Holy One who reveals this truth to us; only we must desire it with all our hearts, even at the cost of our very lives.

This Week in Photos

2012-01-28T21:59:00.000-05:00

upcoming project

the girls are getting busy in the
nesting boxes again

beef stock made from a cow
recently butchered-so rich
it looks like gravy

introducing spiff-a-licious
newly madeover
Miss Switchplate

loving the mushroom bird

this beauty of God's creation
inspires me to share
Psalm 148 (listen here)

Have a wonderful day of rest in the Lord of Hosts tomorrow. Rest in all the goodness He has bestowed unto us through His awesome gift of salvation! We receive this salvation in the death and resurrection of Jesus, our Redeemer! Remember to Praise Him every single day for this unmatchable gift given to us by an even more unmatchable Christ!

Father, thank you so very much for your goodness and kindness to us. Your unmerited grace and mercy toward us puts me in absolute awe of you. Your love for us rings out in my heart and I am set to singing your praises and testifying of your Son, the Christ here in my Home-Sweet. Blessed be the Name of the Lord! Amen

Miss Switchplate Makeover and Plans for Garden Talk

2012-01-28T01:18:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I said I'd share a quick spiffer-upper for those boring old switchplate covers-the poor neglected things, they quietly do their job and never complain. How happy they will be when they get a makeover for pennies on the dollar with stuff you probably have already in your house!

Look at this poor downcast dejected switchplate cover.
Very forlorn if I do say so-and almost *naked*!

You'll need the following for your switchplate makeover:

scrapbook paper or any type of paper such as: pages out of an old book, photocopied images, wrapping paper you like, etc...
scissors
decoupage glue
scotch tape
ribbons or something you might want to use to embellish your switchplate
exacto knife to cut switch hole and screw holes
oh yes, a clean switchplate crying out for attention!

Begin by figuring up the size of your particular switchplate (mine happens to be a Miss and so from this point on will be known as Miss Switchplate). Mark the paper if you need to, or size it up, be brave and cut that paper to size, leaving enough to fold over the back.

Placing Miss Switchplate on the paper 'yardage'
for her fitting! She is so excited!

Next you will spread decoupage glue all over your switchplate, use your fingers, it's OK...have a paper towel handy to wipe the glue off your fingers. Make sure it is covered on the front only.

Miss Switchplate getting her 'spa treatment'.

Place paper on the front of your glue-y Miss Switchplate and press firmly to remove air bubbles. Turn over and gently begin on the sides to fold the paper around toward the back. Secure paper on the back with pieces of scotch tape. So easy!! You can do this!!! Don't be frustrated!

Getting ready for her new duds.

Continue folding the paper around Miss Switchplate's sides and then do the top and the bottom-folding the paper to the back and securing in place with the tape.

She's almost all tucked in now.

Miss Switchplate feeling quite like a
new girl already!

After you have the edges fully taped down in the back, turn over and cut a little slice in the switch hole with your exacto knife. Cover entire sheet of paper on the front with decoupage glue. Remember to wipe your fingers often so you put an even coat on the cover and don't muss up Miss Switchplate's pretty new dress. Set her aside to relax and dry from her spa treatment.

You can then apply any embellishments you'd like. I would advise keeping to flat items so you don't knock them off each time you turn the light on. I used ribbon and ric-rac on Miss Switchplate here-again, attaching it securely on the back with scotch tape. She is so happy with her new looks and made friends quickly with the curtains since they have their gingham-ness in common. Which really is rude of the curtains-I think-because they snubbed their noses at her plainness before! How rude!!

Here is Miss Switchplate with her new look.
She is so happy, she's even made friends with
the curtains!

I did not mention it in the directions, but I colored the tops of the screws with a red Sharpie Permanent Marker. I love doing things for the house using what I have! It really does not need to cost a lot to do some things in your house that brighten it up! How frugal!!

Tomorrow is Show-Me Saturday, so it's photo post and then Sunday Meditations. So I'll be a bit quiet for the next couple of days.

Next week, I intend to talk GARDENS...all week! I am excited! Garden time is almost here-but it also means lots of work, and this year we are enlarging our garden and starting our own seedlings too. I am tired of not ever finding what I want when I go to the garden centers. But, that is talk for next week! I plan to photograph our way through planting seeds to harvesting and canning and encouraging you all to try it too...from balcony gardens to container gardens to raised bed gardens to cold frames to hoop houses and lots more in there too, and sometimes I'll be learning as I go and sharing it all with you here!

So, next week will be lots of stuff to talk about, and I'm hoping you comment and ask questions so we can all learn together! We can make this a family affair!

Father, thank you for another week gone by to be a blessing in our home. Another week to glorify your name and show your love to others whose paths we cross along the way. We place our plans for gardening in your hands and ask you to bless us as we learn and put our hands to the tasks needed to plant, take care of, and harvest a garden. Help us to learn and encourage one another as we go. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Have a most blessed weekend at your Home-Sweet and enjoy your time and fellowship in Christ!

Some Changes and a Poem

2012-01-26T23:54:00.001-05:00

Perhaps you are noticing that it looks a bit different around the Home-Sweet...you are correct!

I am trying out some new page designs and adding some things. January is such a month for new beginnings-isn't it?

I will be working on a neato new spiffy header over the weekend, so you'll have to bear with the off-centered old header that's up there now. I cannot figure out how to center it (I am a centering freak)-which is driving me bananas!!!!!

But at any rate, I'll keep posting in the meantime and hope you can ignore the offset header.

Tomorrow I am going to show a fun thingy I did with my dining room switchplate cover-just adding a bit of color and accentuate the place! I'm for color...I've simplified it and had it that way while I rethought some things, but now I think it's alright to add a bit of color here and there.

For now, I will share a little poem on hospitality-which is a gift from God and also something He wants us all to show to each other and those who are not treated so good in this world! It's from an old book I have called, "Mother, Home and Heaven".

Hospitality

by Oliver Goldsmith

Blest be that spot where cheerful guests retire

To pause from toil, and trim their evening fire;

Blest that abode, where want and pain repair,

And every stranger finds a ready chair:

Blest be those feasts with simple plenty crown'd,

Where all the ruddy family around

Laugh at the jest or pranks, that never fail,

Or sigh with pity at some mournful tale,

Or press the bashful stranger to his food,

And learn the luxury of doing good.

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow. Magnify Him and be thankful for a home, of whatever sort that you can bring others into and bless them with comfort and rest and food and whatever Home-Sweet Things He has given you. Thank you Father! In Jesus Name, Amen!

What God hath Promised

2012-01-24T23:54:00.000-05:00

God hath not promised skies always blue,

Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through.

God hath not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the laborer, light on the way;

Grace for the trial, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, Undying love.

"The Lord is good to all." Psalm 145:9

I liked this little poem the moment I saw it. It is also dear to me because it's on this little plaque that used to belong to my Great-Aunt Etta. She was always an example of God's faithfulness and a testimony of a true soldier in God's Army!(Remember, God's soldiers do all their battle on their knees-in prayer! We do NOT wrestle against flesh and blood...)

Sometimes the rains, sorrows, pains, labors and weaknesses seem to last a very, very long time. Why do we wait so long to acknowledge the only one who can send us the comfort we need? Why do we stubbornly go our own way? Is it our pride that keeps us from calling out to the Lord? Unbelief in His unfailing love?

So many trials and tribulations come upon us-many without warning and so many without sign of relief. Sometimes the Lord seems very far away. Still, He has given us His Word. His Word tells us what our response to Him should be.

I encourage you to read the rest of Psalm 145 and meditate on it. Sift through and dig out the riches of this beautiful Psalm of God's wonderful-ness and our response to it.

Psalm 145:2 says, "Every day will I bless you; and I will praise your name for ever and ever." Is that my heart toward God, even when the answers to my prayers are bouncing off the ceiling? Even when no answer seems to come?

Yet, in Psalm 145: 18-19, the Word says, "The Lord is near to all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them."

"The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy." Psalm 145:8

We must choose to believe God's Word and what He tells us about Himself. God CANNOT lie, He is love. Let us learn to be still and know that He is God. Let us learn to trust Him. He is as near as a whisper.

We need to know these things about our awesome God and bow our knee to the trials He allows; to mold us into the vessel He wants us to be. To go through the fire, and come out on the other side a beautiful vessel, fit for the Master's use.

We cannot allow our hearts to be bitter, we must yield to the Potter's hand. Then comes the beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Why? So HE may be glorified. HE is what it's all about friends. It's about HIM. Anything else is mixed up.

Like the Laodicean church in Revelations 3...do we have eye disease? Are our eyes focused on us or Him? He says to anoint our eyes with eye salve that we may see. I pray we turn our eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow stangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

Father, in Jesus name we come, help us to be vessels fit for your use. Help us to anoint our eyes with eye salve and turn them upon you. Grant us hearts to believe you, Lord and to call upon you for our salvation. Turn us away from our own selfish motives in life, and let us live to glorify you, today Lord. Amen.

Praise His Works and Declare His Mighty Acts to Another Generation in your Home-Sweet Today! (Psalm 145:4)

Foodalicious Sunshine

2012-01-23T23:48:00.000-05:00

A drear day, gray and rainy. Definitely a slow moving, hodge podge kind of day.

I've got lots on my mind to do though. Bringing it all to fruition always takes much longer than I prefer.

I tried on this dark day to photograph a bookshelf I want to spiff up and use in my sewing station. Photos tomorrow-I think sunshine is forecast!

So, since it's dark, gray and rainy, I think I will share photos I took of different food ventures Dave and I spent time on one Saturday in the autumn of 2011. I'll share some bright, sunny, colorful foods from our garden and little homestead. Pretty and yummy!!

Butternut Pulp and Juice for Soup;
Veggies from the Garden

Shades of Chicken Broth

The Long Row of Giant Jars

Yellow Chicken Broth

Just Some More Jar Fun!!

That'll do!

Praise the Lord for His bounty and provisions for the Home-Sweet Things! God is so good!

Sunday Meditation

2012-01-22T23:41:00.000-05:00

And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.

Verily I say to yo, they have their reward. But you, when you pray enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall rewawrd you openly.

But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Be not you therefore like to them,: for your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask Him.

After this manner therefore pray you:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Matthew6:5-13

Thursday Happenings

2012-01-19T23:42:00.000-05:00

Good Day Dear Ones!

Another routine Thursday.

It did have some highlights though. The sun shone again-spifferoo! Lovely! Always welcome in my book!

Noticing the girls out in their shed all hoping for a turn in the sunlight, I decided to let them have a turnabout scritchity-scratching around the yard. They really enjoy roaming about the yard and taking their sunbaths-no matter how chill the air. As much as a hen can enjoy herself-I think it is quite enjoyable for a feathered girl to roam free and spy a speck and scratch at it, and peck and poke at it. I think it gives a feathery girl as much joy as can be had-for one with aviary inclinations.

See here as they run fast and free into the leafy, dull yard as if it were streets of gold!

They don't seem to mind the many shades of brown, brown, brown as they huntscratchspypeck, huntscratchspypeck. The boring brownness is way too bland for my taste though. Way too! They were so busy scratching, they didn't even pose for their photgraph!

Here I am for your viewing pleasure doing my 'Peter Pan' impression. The girls are securing my shadow to the ground before I lose it again! (It's OK if you have no clue what I'm talking about-I get that a lot! ) I put this here for you Mom (one of my biggest fans!)-and those of you who love me know what an aversion I have to getting my picture taken!

Another Sweet-Thing that happened today was this cuteness overload,(it was taken through the back door window-so it's got a bit of a blur-bear with us-it's too cute not to share).

Picture #1:

Picture #2:

Of course, we have much squirrel-love around here! It wasn't always so, but we are 'nuts' about them!!! What a pretty girl.

Some would be totally perturbed that she got into their chicken feed, but some would have put the feed right away and it would not have been an issue! Still, I do not mind sharing some pellets with this furry chunk of sweetness!

I thought I'd share a little sampling of a project I am working on, not quite sure just how it will work out, although I'd like to make a couple of half-panels for the Dining Room windows in front of the sewing station.

Really, really liking the colors-fit right in with my 'decor'...and I am making them with yarn, not thread, they are a bit bulkier and chunkier, but not too much. This book appeals to me in many ways, I would have taken a couple of inside photos to share, but the camera batteries died and I was called away to other things. Maybe when I get a bit farther.

On another note, the book is written entirely in Japanese-which really makes it challenging if you'd like to know hook size, when to turn, etc. The pattern is not written out, it is in chart form, but it would be nice to know what symbols stand for what. At any rate, I just did what I thought to do from the chart, and this is what I got. Acceptable to me, so I wrote down as I went along so I can do it again and again.

One more fun thing, my cousin came over and we went to visit a nearby farm here. Freedom Hill Farm is owned and operated by Rick and Julie Vreeland-very lovely folks! And most beloved to us-family really! :) So long since I've seen Julie and we talked and chatted and caught up and then Rick joined us and we talked about all the wonderful things the Lord is doing! So very encouraging! Julie asked about all my family (Mom, sisters, brother, etc...) and it was such a blessing to hear all their news too!

Ah Lord, you give us so many blessings in one day-sometimes your goodness overwhelms me! I am so thankful for the opportunity to visit loved ones and enjoy your creation! How wonderful are your works Lord!

What good things has the Lord done for you today? Remember to be thankful as you enjoy the blessings each day inside and outside your own Home-Sweet Things!

Perfectly Spiffy and Sunshiny!

2012-01-18T23:46:00.000-05:00

It was a perfectly spiffy, sunshiny day today! So thankful! Sunshine does always seem to pull one out of the doldrums-grey has its purpose, it makes things more restful-but I like a good sunshiny day!

I worked a bit on my sewing station move-about before my visitor came. Pulling something away from a wall, when it's been there a while, always reveals dust bunnies and certain items you wish you knew how they got there. Amongst all the dust was an acorn. Why? I am sure I will never know! At any rate, I got the freezer pulled out and it will be moved down to the basement tonight. A good time to do freezer inventory for my Grocery/Pantry Binder.

I had to paint the wall I took a shelf off over the weekend and put in my kitchen. It holds more and since we have become quite the tea collectors, I needed more room for all the varieties we have. There is nothing quite like a good cuppa in the late morning or afternoon, and then at evening, now is there?

So, the freezer will be moved and the wall is painted. I need to get in the basement and clear the wall for the freezer and also decide what bookshelf I will use to hold fabrics and necessary, needful handiwork items I'll be using. Whatever I decide to use, I may go to the thrift store or to Craig's List to find a glass front cabinet. Maybe. I just haven't decided yet. Whatever I choose, it will be at a thrifty price-I don't want this to cost anything if I can help it-at least not more than it should! Trying to save for some supplies to work on the inside of the house! (This comes from my newfound knowledge of Dave Ramsey and the 'envelope system' and working on making it happen.)

Since my #2 Son is not at home this evening, I had to forgo my freezer basement placement, but this gives me a better chance to do inventory at a less frantic pace. So, inventory in the a.m., moving the freezer to the front porch where it will be ready when it's time to move. Yes, there is an outlet on the porch, so all is well inside the freezer.

Now, my booklist. I think it is quite large. If I get to actually read ALL of these books I will be very happy.

My long list of books (after the Bible) includes (but is not limited to):

Practice of the Presence of God
Forgotten God/Francis Chan
Erasing Hell/Francis Chan
Assembling Together/Watchman Nee
Not I But Christ/Watchman Nee
Do All To The Glory of God/Watchman Nee
Love One Another/Watchman Nee
Shepherding A Child's Heart
The Long Road Home/Pablo Yoder
Tears of the Rain/Ruth Ann Stelfox
The Pilgrim Church/Broadbent

Laura The Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder/Donald Zochert
Gardening when it counts/Steve Solomon
You Can Farm/Joel Salatin
Four-Season Harvest/Eliot Coleman

That's my list and my stack of all stacks of books I'd like to read this year. At this time, at the same time, right now, I am reading Forgotten God, Practice of the Presence of God, Assembling Together and Tears of the Rain. I do not mix them up-I simply have different times I read them throughout the week. So, at that rate, it shouldn't take me long to read most of them.

The Nee books, I mark in (yes, I am a 'book marker'!!!)-there are such a richness of things I want to remember in them, to look back upon and meditate on, chew on. I'm sure I'll mark Shepherding a Child's Heart and possibly the gardening books. Well, if there's something I want to remember, I expect I'll be marking any book if I own it! I always seem to reference back to things I've read and share them with other people.

What will you be reading this year? Have you picked out a few books?

Father, You told us in Your Word that there is no end to the writing of books. Looking at the stack here in front of me, and all the books on my shelves, I can understand why you said that. Still, I pray for a mind that can glean all that You would have me learn in them. May I grow more like You in the reading, and again, learn that it is just not about me-but it is always and at all times, about You! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Take time, get a cuppa, sit down in a comfy spot and make the time to read. Whether it's the Word of God, a testimony, or some other edifying piece of literature, Whatever you read, read it to God's glory and let it work out as a blessing to those in your Home-Sweet!

Tuesday Bright Ideas and a Small Sewing Spot

2012-01-17T23:26:00.001-05:00

I had a 6 a.m. bright idea this morning between sunrise and coffee time. I thoughtfully pondered setting up a sewing station for myself. Whilst running my mind through the various rooms in the house, there was nary a one I could use. Every one of our 5 bedrooms has an occupant. No room for Mama's sewing machine.

Upon further contemplations, I struck on a wonderful place! My Dining Room!! It has the brightest light with two windows side by side and is still in the hub of the house.

It would take some rearranging, (something I am noted for) but I was determined now.

After driving my eldest son to meet his boss, and feeding and watering the outdoor and indoor animals, and tending to the fire, I set about my much-anticipated task. It was now 9:00 a.m. Floors to sweep and give a mopping, cupboards to move, tables to find, machines to settle, little tables to situate.

Of course, since it's winter, darkness was upon me and so, I had to give up finishing my happy beginnings and will continue tomorrow.

The Dining Room has been in a state of remodel, for quite a while now. There were other things, outdoors to attend to, and as long as the necessaries indoors work, men tend to think out of doors is most important first. I suppose they are right, for if the roof is leaking and the foundation needs mending, the rest of the house may fare badly! And so, one who peruses this blog, will have to excuse the floors and the ceilings and the lack of window frames. There is nothing to be done for it right now. Still, I will focus on the positive: I shall be sewing and crafting and stitching and creating to my heart's content.

So, somehow, while I expect a visitor tomorrow, I will try to fit in more sewing station goodness-but alas, I fear I may have to wait until Friday to work on it again. In the meantime, I shall dream of appropriate shelf space and the banishment of my deep freeze to the basement. Thank the Lord for two strong sons who can do the job successfully.

I have a photo to share of the little bit I've set up so far, some things just to try color and others to just see how they might fit together. At any rate, there will be little spurts of moving about until it gets situated.

I've been also gathering books together today to share tomorrow. Books I intend to read this year.
List coming tomorrow, and pictures to share dreams of a work station for my faithful 'Mathilda'...who never complains when awakened at a moment's notice to make a stitch or two upon one thing or another. I plan to make her a spiffy cover to keep her from getting dusty, now that she'll be living out of the cabinet.

Are you planning to do some spiffy new move-abouts in your home this new year?

Heavenly Father, thank you for creativity, the blessing to enjoy making something and sharing it with the family or those you put in our path. Please bless our endeavors and give us strength to bring it all to swift completion. All for your glory Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen

Praise God for a new year and new beginnings. Remember that this is the day that the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it. Enjoy your Home-Sweet and bless your hands as you work in it!

Sunday Meditation

2012-01-15T16:50:00.000-05:00

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Show-Me Saturday

2012-01-14T23:54:00.000-05:00

Since Saturday is a day when we are all at home working on projects, I thought it would be good to make it a day to share some photos of the Home-Sweet!

This is Bloo Bunny. She is quite content in her spiffy bunny house!

This pretty girl is wearing two of my favorite colors-white and red!

These girls are eager to get out to peck and scratch!

Here are our muscovy ducks. 3 Hens and a Drake basking in the sun.

Here is their duck motel! A camper upcycled!

I was enjoying the colors in this dish drainer!

Have a great day and God bless your Home-Sweet Things today!

Home, Homestead and Handiwork Goals Revisited

2012-01-13T23:04:00.000-05:00

This is a long post, but wanted to share some things I plan to do in more detail.

Tomorrow I will post some photos of some of the things I've discussed here.

I've been reading other blogs and been inspired again to think about some of the projects I want to work on this year. I do have some DIY projects for the house, but also on the 'homestead' too. There are also some handiwork things I'd like to do throughout the year.

So some of my list for now is:

House Projects:

Kitchen-entire, massive project!

I have quite a mess at my kitchen window! Sheet rock missing and insulation hanging out all over since we did a replacement. It just needs to be given a temporary 'makeover' until one day we get to redo our kitchen. I've lived here for 23 years and this kitchen is very different from when we moved in-we changed a lot.

Still, anyone who has lived in a trailer knows how it goes with them. They are just not meant to last. The whole entire kitchen needs gutting and updating! My idea of updating is probably not ~~normal~~ ordinary though.
When I cleaned out a house, I was able to acquire an old porcelain sink, a really heavy one! It has a cabinet underneath that I'm not sure I'll use, but that is what I want to replace the sink I have now. It's so old fashioned! Then I want to move my fridge and add some more windows on that wall. Maybe a garden window so I can put plants in it. We'll see how it all goes. For now, I have to get that budget going to save for it all!

DR and Kitchen-floors and ceilings-big project(!)
They are on the trailer side of the house and just need to be updated. The ceilings are that horrible trailer popcorn ceiling. If you happen to raise your hands and move them you may be cut on the sharpness...I want to cover it up with beaded ceiling panels.
We were blessed with land from Dave's family's farm property 24 years ago, and being a young couple (then!), bought a brand new trailer to put on it. Not what I would do now, but at the time, it was a Godsend!

Years later we added on 2 bedrooms and a large living room with a full basement under it.

We are still working on finishing it all-years later! But I am really feeling much better than I have in years-thanks to a HUGE diet change due to systemic candida. I've lost about 50-60 lbs and actually need to make some new skirts as my old ones are way too big now!

Tomorrow I will take a photo of my sorry kitchen window and try to come up with a plan to get it looking better. I have some old wainscot I got somewhere-at a yard sale or out of a basement or garage when I was selling real estate and doing a 'clean sweep' so the sale would go through. But not sure that's what I want to do with my wainscot. This weekend I am going to decide and will blog it.

Living Room Floor and moulding around ceiling

These are huge projects and most likely will only be done bit by bit, but writing them down makes me happy and gives me a visual.
I have started my Home Improvement Binder with a tab page divider for each room and have constructed a page where I can write notes for each room and measurements, etc... (Again, I'll share as soon as I figure out how to add PDF files to blog pages. If anyone cares to send info, please do!)

Homestead Projects:

Hoop House for birds (chickens, turkeys, ducks, roosters) - OR small houses for turkeys and roosters to live in
Chicken Tractors
Make housing for milk goats
Move 4 raised beds
Move sidewalk blocks to make new walk to front door
Rebuild stone wall in front of house
Move all perennials and plants to front of house
Make site for cold frames
Move clothesline
Enlarge Garden

Handiwork Projects:

Work on rugs
Figure out how to warp my looms
Make new skirts and try my hand at jumpers for Lydia and I
Make draft dodgers for windows in Lydia's room
Knit socks
Make one chair slipcover
Make a quilt for oldest son, Brendt
Time for cross-stitching project I bought 2 years ago because I really liked it and have not started it yet
Finish afghan I started for Lydia's bed when she had a twin, now she has a full
Start my woodworking projects-should be first on the list because it is the most needful right now-need to get in basement and bring saws in and set up cutting area (yes, I do use all types of saws and can work in a workshop quite well!)
As I see them again, I need to get some things done right now on the Handiwork Projects List-like draft dodgers, I was in Lydia's room today doing a bit of clean up while she wasn't home and thinking about posting about 'Getting a Teen To Clean'...and the wind was howling up a storm. This was not good because we just put those windows in a couple of summers ago. But howl, howl, howl! They were not locked, and even when I locked them, they were not airtight! So, I will make some little window draft dodgers for the rest of the winter so the howling winter wind cannot sneak into her room.

I will also take some photos of my peg loom Dave built me and show the rug I have on there now. I want to make some rugs and put them either on the new site or in my new etsy shop. I'll let you know where it's all going. There is something about rugs that I really like and want to make lots and lots of them! I want to try to make them in all types of fabrics too. Will keep you posted!

That is a bit of my long and tedious to-do list-again-for 2012. These are things that I will enjoy doing-if the Lord grants me strength! I try to upcycle/recycle too, so it will be challenging to do some of this using old stuff.

It is enjoyable to dream of the things we'd like to do in our Home-Sweet, yet let's keep it all in proper perspective. This 'kingdom' is but a temporal one, God's Kingdom is eternal, let us remember to put our hearts where true treasure is and not substitute the temporal for reality!

Father, help me to set my hands to fulfill your desires and create a home to show hospitality to others thereby bringing glory to your name. Let me do any Home-Sweet task considering others and using good stewardship of your money and time. May those weary souls who visit us find rest and comfort and the burdened receive joy and peace. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen

Defining My Day

2012-01-12T23:11:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to 'Define My Day' and not having a very easy time of it. I read about doing this back when I ordered a copy of 'Managers of Their Homes' and began using the charts and setting up a schedule. Then there were numerous blogs that offerered free charts that I found around August of 2011. I know it was August of 2011 because that's when I started my Homemaking Binder.

Just making a daily to-do list was a challenge for me, but having that simple binder did help me keep many things together that formerly were quite scatterred.

Not being a 'Type A' personality, I just have a hard time sticking to a schedule rigidly. I am easily distracted, I admit it. Some may call that 'flexible'. I do agree that we must not be so rigid that we cannot be led by the Holy Spirit to drop everything to go minister to others, or weep with those who weep, etc. I had company all day and did not even get to look at my Daily Goal/Habit/Discipline List...maybe I'm afraid of it. I think I might be. Still, like all medicine, it doesn't always taste good, but it helps you get better!

I see peace and joy in a day that is set in order and has in it certain accomplishments that bring blessings to our homes. I believe that's part of what God knew would be the joy of the Proverbs 31 woman-whom I still look at in amazement.

I am so very far away from being 'that woman' that it sometimes discourages me. Still, I know she is shown to us as a standard of a righteous woman. I fall very short-but have to always keep in perspective that the Author and Finisher of my faith is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, and He is always revealing to me that in this daily walk, I am being transformed into His image each moment. It's not so much the 'doing' or the 'not doing' and then praising or beating myself up for the consequences, it's walking in His presence, communing with Him and learning to say 'Yes, Lord' in every detail, no matter how mundane I think it is. He gives me strength to make it through.

I think I may read Brother Lawrence's book "The Practice of the Presence of God" once again. It's been a long time since I've read it and could use a good reminder that it's all for the glory of the Lord and simply enjoying His presence in every situation.

As soon as I learn how to stick a PDF file in here, I will share the 'Yes, Lord' phrase for you to print out. Hang several of them here and there throughout your house as a reminder that whatever we do in word or deed, we do it unto the Lord. That particular phrase is borrowed from Amy Carmichael and ever since I saw it, I try to bring it to mind as often as necessary.

For one of my January to-do's...I called Territorial Seed Co. and requested another catalog. I was on their list, but did not receive my 2012 catalog. My Sister-in-law has the greenest thumb I've ever seen. I'll tell more about her and her planting schedules and such tomorrow. In fact, I am going to try to meet with her to find out when she's going to start her seeds this year. I try to follow her methods because she has such good results. She feeds her entire family ONLY on what she grows, bakes and their livestock. She comes from a family background of this and has carried it on-many times out of necessity. A good example of diligence in my opinion! It humbles me.

Lord, Help me get honest with myself and tough on myself and get these hourly/daily/weekly/monthly yearly commitments documented so I can do the things that need to get done this year. Please give me strength and a mind to get it on paper so I can see it and use it daily. Please remind me often that it is by your grace that I even breathe each moment. Give me a heart attitude that always says to you, 'Yes, Lord' no matter what my flesh is telling me to say.

Take heart Dear Ones, even in the smallest Home-Sweet tasks we are very near the Lord and His desire is unbroken communion with us every moment.

Goals By Month...Sort Of

2012-01-11T23:45:00.001-05:00

Today I made some progress in filing my goals under the appropriate month it should be done. I'll print this out and put it in my Homemaking Binder to keep at a glance if I need it.

January -
-make sure garden catalogs are ordered
-go through binders and get them in order
-decide what I will plant this year
-plot garden
-plan garden enlargement/make list of supplies needed to move electric fence
-order seeds
-study breeds of turkeys
-decide when to order roosters
-check out hoophouses and purchase needed item
-Newsletter
-Plan items to launch wood biz

February -
-organize planting tools and gather all necessary supplies
-plot new flower bed
-plan where to move clothesline
-decide/ask Arlene-when to plant what and chart dates

March -
-move electric fence and wires in vegetable garden
-raking and yard cleanup
-clean chicken and duck coops
-spring cleaning inside house

April -
-prepare vegetable beds/till new or turn over soil
-prepare new herb garden boxes (if I use them again)
-move perennials to front
-prepare for turkeys and roosters
-plant peas

May -
-plant annuals
-plant veggies

June -
-prepare hog pens
-clean chicken and duck coops

July -
-can green beans
-freeze zucchini
-freeze yellow squash

August -
-can peaches
-make jam

September -
-tomatoes
-clean chicken and duck coops

October -
-

November -
-

December -
-butcher hogs

As you can see, I don't quite have all my months figured out. I have never written down everything that needed to be done before and I'm seriously trying to remember what to do when! Isn't that bizarre! At any rate, I have this month figured out and I can add to this list as I go. I need to talk to Dave about where to put some things we're planning on doing.

So that is that, tomorrow I will try to get some daily things worked out. I have homeschool and home chores to fill in along with many other daily activities. This task really is good though because it's making me way more accountable and forcing me to keep on top of things.

Here on the home-sweet I did manage to maintain what I've started and got a couple of loads of laundry done. Another good clothesline day. Tomorrow we'll have rain/ice so I'll have to hang everything in the basement.

One thing we're planning on doing, Lord willing, is to start a small business selling handmade wooden furniture and accessories. I can tell more about it later, I'm excited about it all. I don't have the site ready yet, there's another thing to add. I mention it on the side bar, it's Home Sweet Things dot com .It will be benches, stools, laundry items, tables and candle holders, window boxes and such. Also in the mix I'd like to do some crochet and fabric work. Big plans that will only work if things are very organized!

The photos in this post were taken of my flowers and gardens in 2007! I thought it would be a nice remembrance and also makes me think of my garden plot makeover in the front of my yard to make room for animals this year!

I want to take this time to thank God for showing me all the areas I need to concentrate on to make this Home-Sweet run smoothly and peacefully. He never leaves us in our mess, but wants us to succeed in Him. Praise Him!

Home-Sweet Things 2012 Goal List

2012-01-10T23:36:00.001-05:00

I thought today I would share my 'goal' progress.

There are a lot of things I'd love to accomplish over time, but right now I have to pick the ones that must be done this coming year. I cannot bite off more than I can chew-as they say. While I hate to admit it, I do have physical limitations, and lots of the moving needs to be done before the heat of the season kicks in. Still, I hate having limitations and will push myself to get things done!

This year we'll have a lot of moving around to do if we are to make room for either a hoop house or more animals or both. I also want to expand my vegetable garden. This will require me to move my in-ground clothesline and totally revamp the electric fencing. I will also have to move the four raised bed boxes that were for an herb garden, but last year were for a weed garden! Except for the perennial herbs, not much else got planted out there. This year will be different, Lord willing. I may incorporate them into my perennial beds and just not mess with raised beds at all.

I haven't quite tweaked my daily list of things to be done, I have used a routine list, but haven't stuck to it very well every single day. So, I should evaluate it and decide what to keep and what to remove.

I do have 7 areas I want to consider and keep track of in the upcoming year that in the past I have just let things come as they are-however they worked out is how I let them be-fixing what needed fixing and dropping what did not work. I will simply say, this is not good. Things just don't fully get accomplished this way. It's good to have a plan. Other times I would plan, and then the tyranny of the urgent would take its place. No more! This is not to say true emergencies will not arise now and then, but on a daily basis...again I say, "No more!"

My areas are:

Bible/Prayer/Ministry - Read through the Bible in a year/Study at least 12 topics like a Berean/Pray faithfully for those on my prayer list/Send encouraging notes to others/Pray about name for and begin Newsletter/Choose a list of faith-building books to read

Dave and I - Keep on top of health issues for both of us/Keep searching medicinal alternatives for ailments/Have a date night every other week/Save for anniversary getaway (make envelope!)/Read together more/Pray together more

Children/Homeschool - Continue encouraging Lydia to study in the areas she feels the Lord is leading her to study/More life skills studies/More homemaking skills/Continue encouraging our grown children to give their lives to the Lord/Show them the fruit of the Spirit at all times

Home/Home Improvements - Continue and Upgrade Cleaning Schedule/Work on menu plans/Organize Recipes/Organize Binders/Stock Pantry/Freezer Inventory/Continue Decluttering/Organize with 'margins'/Add basement as a Zone/Make a doable list of handiwork to accomplish-at least 2 items per month!/Finish soffits and gable ends of house/Dream about and find photos of kitchen remodel/Dining Room and Kitchen Floors/DR and Kitchen Ceilings/Decipher which projects I can do myself and which Dave has to do/Organize Home Improvement Binder

Finances - start envelope system and make it work!/Pick two ministries to give to on a regular basis

Business - Blog each day/Pick 6 items to write an ebook or homeschool curriculum ebook about/Make items to share tutorials with/Make items to sell

Homestead - 6 Turkeys this year/Meat Roosters/Enlarge Garden/Move all perennial beds to front of house/Build Chicken Tractors/Cold Frames/Start Seedlings/Hoop House hopefully

Book List - Choose and share at least 12 (if not more books) for 2012 (may include faith-building)

This list is a quick overview of my goals in each main category for 2012. Some things are more detailed than others. They may be added to when I get them written in my Goal Binder. As I add to them, I will update here.I've got a bunch of things to organize this year. I just have to realize that it will take time.

I think the next post will be the specific organization of things and the month allotted for each. I almost have all my monthly goals broken up and many of these things are distributed that way. Having it all broken down though and seeing all the things I'd like to accomplish this year will help me stay focused and make it a point to keep on top of it all.

I know there are times I will have to push myself. This week I am not feeling well. On top of this systemic candida I've been fighting since the spring of 2011, I am dealing with fibro pain or a flu trying to come on-so between the two I have to take little rests and eat lots of garlic!

I am so thankful that I discovered the order of Goal Setting, it is really helping to put the new year in perspective.

Thank you Father that you give us all things pertaining to life and Godliness in Christ! Help me to place all my plans before you. Please, do not let me get so wrapped up in lists and plans that I miss you Lord. Blessed be Your Name. Amen

That Elephant Sure Looks Awful Large...

2012-01-09T19:31:00.016-05:00

It's the second week of January.

I am still working on how to put the rest of the year together amidst the daily hustle and bustle of life that needs sorting too.

I got up early and got myself going. I mean I took out my 'Home Blessing Hour' to-do list and went to town!

I tried not to obsess-honest I did, but some of the details proved too hard to ignore. So I spent a good hour in my room and the master bath-obsessing. But it looks good and my sheets went through the wash, dried on the clothesline and are back on the bed.

On to the kitchen, which for me is Zone 2. I didn't worry as bad in there since it's Kitchen Week and I'll be in there doing all the little extras that get overlooked on regular weeks. I did get all dishes done (the soaking pans), the counters wiped, the washer and dryer washed off and the floor mopped. Hopefully, I will get to work on those curtains I've been trying to get going for a few weeks now. Just trying to dress it up in there until we can get to the remodeling project we always talk about.

That was the extent of my Home Blessing Hour (which took more than an hour). I had to take my Mother-in-Law to her Doctor appointment. That cut my day, but I got to spend time with her, which is something I enjoy very much.

I got home at 4:15 and set to making dinner-leftovers for the most part. I know some people who throw all their leftovers away. That does not happen here! We try to be very frugal and not waste any food. If something is not finished, which does not happen very often, it goes to the chickens or pigs, if we have any growing.

I did manage to get two more loads of laundry done to hang down in the basement by the woodstove. Clotheslines, racks and hangers. I love hanging laundry. We stopped using the dryer for the most part, unless there is a very random emergency we don't even think about it. Propane is way too expensive and we use it for hot water and the stove. Dave put in sufficient clothesline for me and I can easily do many loads if necessary. I love to iron too-I know, I'm strange!

So...I am still working on these hourly activity sheets, daily activity sheets, monthly activity sheets, yearly activity sheets, print outs, downloads, ebooks, planners, binders and the like! Whew!!! I hope I can get it all together before June! This is just so new to me and waaaayyyy over my head. I am sort of a 'spur of the moment' type girl.

So, knowing my thirst for the latest life-changing reading material, I'd like to mention another read I can't help myself over.

I got a little tidbit in my email from Crystal Paine at Money Saving Mom. She's offering an ebook that appeals to my ever growing collection of life-changing ebooks. It's called 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life. Most likely I can glean many things from it and apply them. Since I'm in the middle of major-life-overhaul, I may as well go for the gusto!

BUT...what I'm really looking forward to is her book coming out The Money Saving Mom's Budget. I have never had a budget. There I've said it. And yes, my finances show for it. And yes, it's even harder since we decided I would be a keeper at home (but well worth it I might add)! Still, on top of that, all overtime at work has been squashed. And we still have 6 of us here at home! So, it's something I am looking forward to reading too. Crystal (and some other bloggers that I will mention over time I'm sure) has been a Godsend to me. She is generous and shares her information quite freely. She is truly a blessing. So, click the link and go pre-order. The book comes out on January 10th, 2012-that's tomorrow!

Tomorrow I hope to really sit down with what I've accomplished schedule-wise so far and get it on here to share with you all. Nothing will be set in stone and things may move around, but it will be further than I've ever been, and I'm totally thrilled about that!

So many things to get in order! I'm tired of winging it! Can't wait to see all we accomplish this year! We have lots of plans and ideas, so many things have changed in our lives that it makes it necessary to do things a bit differently than we've done in the past. But with the Lord's help, we can do anything!

Father, I praise you for your order and discipline in this life, that we may be all the more useful for your Kingdom as we live out those principles here, for all the world to see.

Praise Him for the grace and strength to be honest with yourself as you are called to die, fall in the ground and grow to a strong tree, able to bend with life's storms and yet grow fruit fit for the Master's use. It is no small thing to serve God in the Home-Sweet Things.

Sunday Meditation

2012-01-08T12:57:00.019-05:00

(38)For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

(39)Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

Commit Your Way and Works to the Lord

2012-01-07T22:37:00.024-05:00

Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:15

Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3

Commit your way and works to the Lord; your thoughts shall be established; he shall bring it to pass.

These scriptures came to mind whilst I was outside working on some tasks that needed doing. In all my thoughts about goals, plans, and organization for this coming year, I've been praying about how to put it all together, but today I have realized the necessity of sincerely placing each one before the Lord and asking which ones are acceptable and worthy of the time He gives me each day (all of us each day): 24 hours.

This putting together of my year is so new to me. I have been organizing my home, which was no small feat. Anyone who has truly been a clutter-bug can appreciate how long it takes to truly come to terms with decluttering. How difficult it can be to figure out what to keep, what to give away, what to throw away and what to sell. It took a long time and a whole lot of effort to get as far as I have-through major flare-ups of fibromyalgia and other life dealings. God be praised! He blessed me with the strength to do it and the presence of mind to keep things in eternal perspective, always keeping in front of my mind the scripture telling us to "love not the world or the or the things of the world, for if you do the love of the Father is not in you".

At any rate, organizing my time is an altogether new concept for me. Wow! And how could I not understand God's heart in the matter? Am I slow or what? God, in His unfathomable mercy has now given me a new task. That of fulfilling Psalm 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom." This I cannot do in my own strength-no way!! I need the wisdom of the One who knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). And so, with that to ponder, I turn all my works and ways over to my Father who knows infinitely more than my simple brain can imagine, Whose ways are higher than my ways and Whose thoughts are higher than mine.

It may take me longer than some of the ladies I've been reading about, who have a bit more experience with time organization than I do. But I am determined to utilize the time I have left in life for God's glory, each nanosecond, if it's in my capacity. I honestly do not wish any longer to waste time with stupidity or frivolity, frittering away time as if I've got loads of it. At my age, if God permits, and I live as a blade of grass, the sun is up and shining and the day is nearing it's mid-to-late afternoon. There really are some things I'd like to accomplish while here and if I keep it as it's going, I realize that may not happen.

We are not stewards of our time, we are stewards of God's time, of the time He allows us, of the time He grants us. And when my little tiny brain, in comparison to God's infinite wisdom ponders Psalm 90:12, I cannot help but place myself in the palm of God's all-sufficient, merciful hand and beg forgiveness for the time I've wasted and humbly ask that He teach me to 'number my days, that I may apply my heart to wisdom'.

To Him Be All The Glory as I place this insignificant life in His mighty hand to do His all-knowing will. May I be a vessel for honor, to honor my King. Amen.

Seek the Lord, Who alone grants wisdom and blesses us with learning time on earth to bring Him glory in our Home-Sweet Things.

Thoughts, Plans, Ponderings and Goals for 2012

2012-01-06T19:21:00.009-05:00

I have spent this first week of 2012 reading blogs I enjoy and receiving much encouragement and inspiration for the year ahead. Many of them are sharing their Home-Sweet goals for 2012 and showing how they work it out throughout the year. My heart is full to overflowing with all the things I would like to accomplish here at my own Home-Sweet.

I was tossing around the idea to start a new blog. A blog to talk about loving the Lord and our family. To share handiwork, homesteading, frugality, recipes, books and articles that are pertinent to keepers at home. A blog that offers encouragement to women who are just discovering God's design for His daughters even though they've attended church for years. A blog that walks women through the process of making their home a priority. A place where sisters can share their own testimonies and encourage one another in the Lord.

Then I realized that this very blog is the ideal place to do all of that. I have not been as consistent as I would have liked blogwise in the past. I have not shared all the things that might have inspired you as I walked through my last years imperfectly. It's been a process, this conversion experience, and the Lord has patiently led me and guided me along this path.

I believe that God has opened the door and has given me the 'go ahead' to begin blogging and sharing on a daily basis. There is so much I desire to share. Even things that seem small to me may bless someone somewhere who is having a hard time of it.

So, while I should have posted my thoughts, plans, ponderings and goals all this week, I will share some next week and then get on with the process.

My hope is to inspire you and cheer you on to humbly walk this straight, narrow and difficult path-our Lord's Way with a heart to learn of Him and be transformed into His image. He is altogether lovely and He makes all things beautiful in His time. He is all about taking our ashes and giving us beauty, giving us the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Why? That we might be trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that HE may be glorified!

I am looking forward to walking this year out following my Savior, Jesus Christ!

Most Hallowed, Heavenly Father, I commit all my thoughts, plans, ponderings and goals to You. Please help me to drop those things that are not what You have in mind for me and help me to obey the leading of Your Holy Spirit each day. Help all my Sisters who are also Followers of 'The Way' to do the same. Help us to grow and be willing to go through the fire. Burn off the dross so only Your image and likeness are seen. Thank you that you are the Author and Finisher of our faith and that You will never leave us nor forsake us. We praise you and love you because You first loved us. In Jesus Name we pray that Your Kingdom would come and Your will would be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Thank you Lord-Amen

Seek the Lord as you prepare another year to be a blessing in the Home-Sweet Things.

Happy Anniversary

2011-11-15T21:55:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was our 30th wedding anniversary.

We did not feel the need to go out to spend money we do not have on exotic foods or appetizers (not that I can eat any sort of wonderfully, yummy comfort-type food anyway right now!), we simply stayed home and dined on a dinner of roast duck, sweet potatoes and green salad.

We took a quick little 'questionnaire' we got at the couple's dinner from February in Lancaster. It was amazing to me how well we know each other after being together for so long. Why it was amazing I cannot tell you-I should think after over 30 years you get to know someone, but it really gave me a sense of satisfaction.

It brings me such joy to know that Dave and I know each other so well. Yes, the little 'his' and 'hers' pamphlets that were given to us were supposed to be filled in way before November 14th, I'm sure. But I'm happy we waited.

My very thoughtful cousin gave us gift certificates to a local restaurant and we will go soon, but this was nice. It was home and we had a lovely, colorful dinner and laughed about how well we knew each other. He left two questions blank, not knowing how to answer and I left one blank. But we each left the same one blank!

The question asked: What ice cream flavor would you use to describe your last date?

(a) Vanilla

(b) Rocky Roads

(d) Double chocolate fudge mousse

And we both left it blank. We laughed about that. You see, we don't go out on dates very often. We can rate it when we go out to lunch or dinner with our thoughtful gift. It does make us chuckle though. And, I will add, that I felt a small surge of-dare I say pride-when he said that I was practical, like a mini-van.

So, we have now come to the point in our wedded bliss where we also think alike, which for Dave, is a very scary thought!

I know God gave Dave to me because he is my complete opposite! He is so balanced in every way I need balancing! He has been such a blessing to me through the years and has worked so hard to take care of the children and I. Mostly, I am thankful to the Lord for not only blessing me with such a wonderful husband, but also for revealing His salvation to him in the Lord Jesus Christ that we can walk the narrow road together.

Honestly, he is also very patient. Being married to me, I'm sure, has not been a picnic all the time! I had no idea what godly submission was and have been learning to submit myself to the Lord and learn of His Kingdom rules and how that in effect comes out to my husband, my family and the world around me. Like Christ, I desire to be meek, gentle and humble.

On a much more domestic note:

...we spent the day before our anniversary pressure canning 21 quarts of duck and turkey broth, and our anniversary finishing up with 6 more quarts.

"How wonderfully romantic", you say.

I say, 'Yes, it is!"

"How so?", you ask quizzically.

Well, when you can with a pressure canner, you have to stay and watch it the entire time so the pressure does not get too high. We sat and listened to a couple of early church teachings and talked about Bible doctrine and other things while we cooked duck stock with carcasses my sister-in-law blessed us with. I did not count how many, but there were enough to make 27 quarts of broth with a bit of turkey stock mixed in the last batch.

So, we spent our time frugally and happy in the Lord, working together in the kitchen-which is really something we've discovered in the last 10 years that we enjoy doing. We have a baking and making schedule we seem to follow and we thoroughly enjoy our kitchen time together. Would that be considered a date? Probably not. But it is time we spend together doing something we enjoy.

So, here it is a day later and I am still basking in the goodness of God.

I do have photos of duck stock canning, and will post them tomorrow.

Reflecting on the Home-Sweet Things and rejoicing in a Heavenly Father that knows our needs way before we do!

I've Done It Again...

2011-02-01T07:49:00.007-05:00

...had too many days between posts.

The thing is, there is always so much going on here and it takes me some time to sit and say the things that are worthy of sharing that I do not get to it. Maybe I need to simplify here too!

I have found some good blogs these past months and enjoy reading them. I will post them on the sidebar for easy access.

Right now, we are having another snowstorm. It has already snowed overnight-4 or 5 inches. I'll be out shoveling all the paths to the chickens and wild birds, the bunny and the basement door to the woodshed. I acutally enjoy shoveling. There is something-don't know what it is-about clearing the paths of the snow-to make the walk easier.

Maybe it's some kind of life-thing for me...'the clear path makes the life-walk easier'. The only clear path I know of is the path of Christ-the Narrow Way-the Good Way. The path that narrows as you walk it-the difficult way. Yet, with Jesus to guide us, the great cloud of witnesses to cheer us on...the 'Follow Me' is not too hard when we keep our eyes on the Prize!

It reminds me of the Scripture from the Psalms (119:105):

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

Shoveling in the still, snowy, gray daylight, where all the sounds are close and low, gives me time to ponder things that are taking place here at home, around the globe with my loved ones and brethren. It gives me time for clear, uninterrupted thinking and even time to pray without interruption. Yes, I think I enjoy shoveling very much!

I do have to locate my mittens though, I dropped them on the ground, I think, and two little chihuahuas have taken them out into the yard. I suppose I will find them in the spring! So, when I come inside and have time to 'set a spell', I will attempt to crochet a new pair. I'll let you know how that works out!

Off to begin shoveling before it turns to ice as predicted!

God bless you as you walk the Narrow Path with the Light of Christ guiding you; as you begin your daily tasks and enjoy your every moment today knowing you are surrounded by that great cloud of witnesses (found in Hebrews)! Let the 'Home-Sweet Things' be a joy to you as you offer them to our Great God and Father in Heaven! Amen

P.S. Since I haven't blogged in quite a while and haven't been tallying my 'One Thousand Gifts' steadily since...who knows when?? I am going to start all over and get on with it from here. I have sincerely been thankful for many things over the past couple of years, I just have not posted them faithfully.

So, let's begin again.

Right now, I am thankful for:

#1. The strength to shovel!
#2. Daughter #1 was home and spent time with us.
#3. Enjoyment of God's gift of outdoor beauty and wildlife.
#4. Chicken feed in both hoppers!
#5. A warm, cozy house to dry off in and hot tea to sip, warm up, relax and count my blessings. :)

In Your Patience...

2010-11-11T19:29:00.020-05:00

God's Word says, "In your patience possess ye your souls."
Luke 21:19.

In the beginning of my journey to simplicity here at my Home-Sweet, after hearing the Lord's Word of inspiration to me and also the way it all worked out, there was sheer and utter excitement. After all, who would not be excited about such direct leading from God Himself? To say I was ecstatic would be an understatement! I'm sure my friends got tired of hearing about all the Lord was showing me and what He was doing in our lives.

I recently received an email from a lovely Sister, Tonya, from GA who asked how my year of simplifying is going. It really made me stop and think.

Am I still as gung-ho about decluttering as I was when I first embarked on this path of emptying out my life...in so very many areas?

Have I been diligent to accomplish what the Lord has given me to do or have I been slack?

Have I set my face like a flint or have I looked back?

Have I quietly braved the time it is taking or have I been impatient and cranky?

Have I praised God throughout the year by coming before His gates with singing or have I whined?

Have I cried? Have I been reluctant to part with certain items?

Have I... well... have I sinned?

I really wanted to tell her that I have been so excellent at it all...and be the 'Wonder Christian' of blogland! But I could not. I had to be honest.

I told her that it has been a time of testing as well as a test of endurance. Trusting God all the way through.

You know, on one of our trips this summer to NYU in New York City, I met a woman in the hospital waiting room and we started talking about family and God. Her husband had heart trouble and had just had surgery. She also told me her daughter was expecting twins and they were so excited! She was concerned that her husband would not be there to meet his grandbabies, to which I proceeded to say, "We do not serve a halfway God. Just trust Him."

We were both a bit quiet after that. I had never heard that said before nor did I read it anywhere. But there it was. It gave us something to think about. She was very encouraged and I was too-for her.

But after my email confession of not having yet 'arrived'...I needed to walk circumspectly again-take a look around and see what has been done. When I tell you I have removed literally tons of stuff from my home-I am not exaggerating. I am happy with that. I am thrilled with that! (Some of the stuff was very heavy!)

Do I still have more to go? Yes. But I will continue to make progress.

We do not serve a halfway God!

Amazing!!!

He is the Author AND Finisher of our faith.

I know He has led me thus far...and He will continue to work with me all the way until the end!

I can be content in Him, because He will continue to lead me and all will be well if I follow and keep my eyes on Him-The Prize!!!

I don't have to rush. Each day I make progress here at Home-Sweet. I am, each day, working toward blessing the Lord first, then my family, then letting it overflow to others. Each time I do anything, I do it for His glory. I want to shine His light through my marriage, my home and my life.

I can be patient and in that I will possess my soul! He will keep me as I allow His Holy Spirit to guide all that I do and in that He will help me to become like Him. He can see the finished product. His image!

The Father, the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit will do the same for you-He is the Author and Finisher of your faith too!

As God's Word says:
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
2 Corinthians 3:18

May we be changed into the image of Christ as we are patient and thereby possess our souls as we work to bring God glory in the Home-Sweet Things. x0

Addendum: In adding photos I just want you to know I was playing with my photoshop to see what they would look like in different colors. Promising not to make the photos too boring in the future!

A Long Tempering Process...

2010-10-28T00:01:00.003-04:00

Many times I've been near the point of getting on to post and have been sidetracked with some pressing need and the posting thought got away from me.

I've been messing around on here this evening to force myself to get back on and get back in the swing of posting. I took off the music after finding that there was something on the list that I did not quite remember putting on there. Alas, I just could not get it to work, so I've dumped it all for a bit.

I will not bore you with the details of the past year that I've been away. I will let you know it's been busy, full of trials and tests. Many days I've been exhausted and our tents here have definitely been enlarged.

I believe we have been put through a sort of 'tempering' process. No matter which piece of the definition you choose to give it, each one has passed through our home this year. I asked the Lord what was going on and 'tempering' is what it seems was His answer. So, it was a year of 'working in' and 'working out'; 'heating' and 'cooling' in order to strengthen and toughen us; we've also been softened and worn down; my favorite is this one: to moisten, mix, and work up into proper consistency, as clay or mortar. THAT IS THE TICKET! Since the Lord is the Potter...and we are the clay...He has every right to moisten, mix and work us up into whatever He desires!

I only pray we are learning how to be the vessels He is fashioning us into. I have so many areas that need a total mixing and working! I know He will not leave His task and He will transform me into the likeness of His Son-my Lord, Jesus Christ.

There is much pain involved in dying to yourself. I will leave it at that. But as I learn to yield to the mixing and working up...the pain is minimal. It is as I kick against the goads...the pain is increased. Oh that I would learn to become pliable in my Lord's Hands!

And so, without so many details, that has been this year, since January, in a nutshell. I do pray that it ends better than it began and that the new year proves me wiser for having gone through it all.

God Be Praised That We Can Survive His Tempering Process And Be Filled With His Sweet Fragrance To Pour Out And Bless Him And Others As We Daily Go About Our Home-Sweet Things! x0

It's Been Ever So Long Since I Last Posted...

2009-11-11T22:32:00.013-05:00

Wow!

It's hard to imagine I haven't posted since spring! So much has happened since March.

I learned how to start my own seedlings and got wonderful tomato plants, broccoli and brussel sprouts. I think if my tomato plants lived through the blight that crept through the northeast, I would have had gobs of tomatoes. They managed to grow beautifully tall and a lovely shade of green, until the sickly brown color took over and they did not survive...not one out of 33 plants! Oh well, maybe another year. I have to do some tomato blight research...I'm not sure if you can replant the next year without treating the soil. So much to learn about gardening-and I do not think one ever stops learning new things about tending the garden.

AND...I am STILL decluttering. Just today I tore my living room apart-for the umpteenth time! Each time I do it I thoroughly clean and decide what to give away and throw away-at least 15 items each. It's amazing what gets left out or stashed somewhere it does not belong. So there is also a 'put away' basket. Will it ever end? I have been on this simplifying path for what seems like eons...but I guess it's only since last spring. I just cannot fathom how I accumulated all this stuff! I am ashamed. But I will continue my quest for simplicity and one day I will have it conquered.

We are still learning what it means to walk the Lord's "Narrow Path". The journey so far is one full of discovery and it has been so enriching! We have met so many kind and wonderful people who truly heed the call to 'follow Jesus'. The call to come out of the world, once heard, is vastly life-altering (as it should be) and we will never be the same.

And so I am learning to live what some call the "Doctrine of Non-Accumulation". Now, it's funny, before I ever knew it had a 'name'...I was led to live it. Sometimes I slip...like last Wednesday when I went with my friend Linda to a Salvation Army store...and bought the most shabby chic tea cups and a creamer and sugar bowl with an old-fashioned design on them. For some reason, I have a hard time resisting dishes...I'll have to get that in check! But I made myself get rid of some things in their place. I am determined to not bring a new thing in without purging an old thing out in its place. Still, this can be defeating my purpose and I do not do this often anymore.

Speaking of all my teacups, some day I hope to be able to have hospitality again. Oh, I do miss hospitality. I love blessing people, and it's so nice to have them over and dote on them and show God's love to them. Yes, I miss that very much!

With Thanksgiving coming, I've been trying to think of ways to be a blessing. A 'Secret Blesser'. Not letting my right hand know what my left is doing. I once knew a woman who put together bags which held all that was needed for entire Thanksgiving meals and gave them away to people she knew or heard that needed them. Once upon a time, a long time ago, we were recipients of one of her Thanksgiving bag deliveries. What a blessing that was! Love in action. That is the Kingdom of God!

One more thing I'll add before I finish this post. I am very excited about a new site I will be launching soon. It's called "Simple Acts of Love" and can be found here . I haven't put anything up on it yet, but I will soon and I'll come over here and let you know when it's ready and add a link for it on the sidebar. It will be a site that has ideas and little tutorials and such on ways to show simple acts of love to friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers as we know it is possible to entertain angels unawares! My goal is to keep it simple and easy for the most part. There will be some in depth projects too. We'll see as it goes how it all plays out.

When I get a chance tomorrow, I'll take a picture of my new shabby teacups and saucers and my little creamer and sugar bowl and maybe post a photo or two of a display I've set up while preparing this place for Thanksgiving. I'm not going overboard, but bringing in some things from outside to display God's Handiwork. God's creation is so beautiful and awesome-I encourage you to take the time to enjoy it and ponder His love for us.

Try to Keep It Simple. Just enjoy the Lord's creation as you prepare the Home-Sweet Things to show hospitality to your loved ones.xo

Spring and Other Thoughts

2009-03-19T23:16:00.008-04:00

Spring has always been such a joyous time for me. As I'm sure it has for many. Winter is pretty, at first, but it's all so long and this year was especially gray, wet, icy and cold. I, for one, am so very glad it's over!!

Yes, I know that we have April Showers coming soon...but they bring May Flowers and that is so very wonderful in my book.

I've been doing my research this winter, reading and asking questions. I'm trying to learn the ins and outs of starting my own seeds so I don't have to buy the plants from a greenhouse. I want to be able to take that little sprout from start to finish.

I've been asking my sister-in-law alot of questions and started writing down some of her answers. She's been feeding her family with her own produce for 25 years and has always has so much success. That's the kind of person I want to inspire me. The successful kind.

Well, Lisa Vitello over at New Harvest Homestead was looking for someone to send little articles on seed-starting for the March/April 2009 newsletter. I got brave and asked if I could send one on Seed-Starting for Beginners. I thought I would interview my sister-in-law Arlene and get the whole process down on paper, then share it with Lisa's subscribers. The issue is out and you can get your copy from her at the link above. I enjoy the newsletter, it's got lots of neat advice and recipes and stories. Anyone who has the heart to homestead, no matter how much land you have, would be blessed by this publication.

Tomorrow I am hoping to start some of my seeds. I've got to get my containers together and my other tools. I've got my seeds, my soil, the want-to, and I think, the know-how! With my new-found knowledge...I will be able to finally grow my own plants from my own seeds! I'll keep you posted as time goes on and let you know how it's all progressing.

We went on another wonderful weekend to Lancaster this past weekend. It is a special place for us. We also got to visit the kind folks at Charity once again and were blessed to make some more friends. We always come home in the presence of the Lord after fellowshiping there.

I'll post the photos in the morning, I only got a couple this time because we were so busy and my passenger-side window won't go down right now. But we'll be going again and by then the beautiful gardens should be growing and I will be sure to photograph the lovely gardens.

This post will come up before spring... as it's only 11:46 here in NY...but tomorrow it will officially be spring and well, forgive me if I'm a bit early.

Never forget to praise God through the winter as He will always send you spring in His time. Praise Him!

The Home-Sweet Things are ready to begin another season of rebirth and renewal-I wonder what's in store for this new season upon us? Bless His Holy Name. x0

Warm Crock-Pot Tapioca Recipe For a Cold Winter's Day

2009-02-26T09:03:00.010-05:00

There's nothing like a cupful of warm homemade tapioca on a chilly winter's day! It warms the bones and the tummy! Total comfort food for those who love the Home-Sweet Ways! And while it's simmering in the crock-pot, you have time to do other things to bless your home.

Here's the recipe...serves 6-and you have to soak the tapioca overnight-so plan ahead!!

1 Cup large pearl tapioca (not instant)

I used the large pearl tapioca this time, but it works for any size pearl.

4 Cups cold water (or enough to cover tapioca for soaking)

5 Cups milk (I use 2%)

1 Cup evaporated milk

3 egg yolks

2/3 Cups sugar

1-2 teaspoons lemon zest or zest of one lemon

pinch salt (opt.)

1. Place tapioca in bowl, cover with water, cover, let stand overnight.

2. Drain water from tapioca.

3. Place tapioca in crock of slow cooker.

4. Add milk, evaporated milk, and salt.

5. Cook on high for approx. 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

6. In small bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar.

7. Temper small amounts of the tapioca into the egg/sugar mixture. I add 1/3 cup at a time until I have added 2 cups. Whisk constantly.

8. Add this mixture to the remaining tapioca in the crock pot.

9. Add lemon zest and stir to combine.

10. Cook for additional 15 minutes, stirring at least once.

11. Transfer to a large bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap to keep skim from forming.

12. Allow to cool to room temperature for at least 1 hour; then place in refrigerator until chilled. (Unless you like it warm!)

That's it! It is so easy and hits the spot on a wintry day!

Remember to always be thankful to God while you enjoy the Home-Sweet Things! x0

Teaching Good Things Giveaway!

2009-02-26T08:48:00.002-05:00

This is really a great opportunity for the chance to win educational material!

Here's the scoop from Kathy's place...

Giveaway- Your choice of CDs

Vision Forum is allowing us to give away some really great gifts! One winner will be able to choose a gift from the albums below when the contest ends on February 27th.

Rules are simple: Leave a comment stating which set you would like to win and I’ll enter your name in the drawing once. Leave a comment AND post about the give away on your blog (including the link in your comment) and I’ll enter your name twice.

That’s it!

The contest will end at 10 p.m CST on Friday, February 27.

This Friday we will be giving away a CD set of your choice from:

*True Beauty: 8 inspiring CDs recorded at the 2008 Father and Daughter Retreat

*The 2008 Witherspoon School of Law and Public Policy: an up-to-date look at the most important constitutional battles we face. This album includes 24 CDs.

*Let Freedom Ring: 13 CDs from the Philadelphia Faith and Freedom Tour

*Lights, Cameras, Action! Highlights from the 2009 Christian Filmmakers Academy

*History Has Been Made: Moments and Messages from the 2009 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival

To enter this drawing...GO HERE!!!

And while you're there, check out Kathy's other fun stuff too!!! They're totally geared toward the Home-Sweet Things!

Have a wonderful day! x0

What the Lord Hath Wrought OR My Amish House Tour

2009-01-12T22:22:00.022-05:00

WARNING! THIS IS A LONG POST!!!

I didn't want to just post the photos here without giving the reason why I got them in the first place. They were the result of a "sending out" by God. The obedience to a command given to me by the Lord. What a blessing it has turned out to be for my family and I!

In the early spring of 2008 I was sitting in my dining room wondering how I was going to get out of the cluttery mess I was in. I was overwhelmed by the state my home was in. Once, I told a friend, "It is as if a Thing-Monster came into my house and vomited." Gross, I know, but that is how I felt.

So, there I was, talking to God about how I know He told me to simplify years ago and how I never really attempted it whole-heartedly. I was truly sorry-mostly because I was busted. I had come to the end of my rope and needed to bail out! I was one of those people who needed a day's warning before company came, and I would spend the entire day before dashing and stashing! I mentioned to God that I really needed a visual to attain to, something I could see to use as an example of what He thought was a simplified, bare-bones house.

I thought of how I had become sucked in to the superfluity of America. How, somehow, I began collecting so many things I no longer had room for them. I couldn't throw anything away, I felt I had to store it somewhere and began filling bins which ended up filling my basement and overflowing into my barn and then my garden shed.

My friends always teased that they were going to call "Clean Sweep" or some other TV show. This thought mortified me! To have everyone see my sin of gluttony...nationwide...the horror! Then I realized, who cares? God saw it all, the glut, the disobedience to Him and my lack of regard to a command He gave me-no matter how simple. Still, I knew He cared for me and in His love wanted to deliver me from this!

Simplify. One word from Him:simplify.

The Father keeps it simple for me. One word commands. No complications that way. No need to try to figure out exactly what He means.

So, I asked for a visual. I sat and wondered what He would show me. I sat in my dining room that day, waiting. Then, plain as day, the word "Amish" came to my mind. I had no reason to be thinking about Amish people. I had only been to Lancaster County, PA once, years ago, when I went on a couple's retreat with my husband. There was the conference and some sight-seeing, but no deep-down "Amish Experience"...and then we went home and forgot about it.

"Amish".

That's what I heard.

I immediately went online and searched 'youtube' for some kind of video about Amish people. I searched online for anything Amish that would show me some kind of example of Amish housekeeping. I got nothing. I could not find any photos of Amish rooms to use as my visual.

I let it go for the time being.

I don't think two hours went by. The phone rang. It was my friend Linda. She told me she and another woman were heading for Lancaster County, PA for a couple of days and would I like to go.

"ARE YOU KIDDING????????", I shouted!!!

This was my answer to prayer! My husband agreed to let me go and I was off on my "Amish Adventure"!!

I told the girls before I left that it was time for me to: sell all I have, give to the poor, and follow the Lord. I told them what had transpired earlier in the week. I told them that I was going to see if there was an Amish house tour anywhere down there and that if it was possible to take photos (knowing how they are about photos), and use them as my visual for my own home.

Well, long story short, I was so blessed on this trip! Not only did I find an Amish house tour before I left for home, I was able to attend Charity Christian Fellowship and their guest speaker, Jerry Mawhorr spoke on the very thing I knew God told me before I left for the trip!

Click here to listen to his message if you'd like.

After the wonderful experience at Charity (their online ministry had blessed me so much!)-and now to actually meet some of the people who had unknowingly blessed me and my family! It was a day I will never forget! (One day I'll share the story of my first trip to Charity-it is a joyous testimony of their kindness to visitors.)

Not only did I get to take my house tour, the guide told me I could lag behind the group, take as long as I wanted and as many photos as I liked. I was so very, very happy!

What you are about to see, was ordained by God in my life. It has been a blessing to me and a day I will always remember. The Lord said in Proverbs 29:18a, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." I was sent by the Lord to get my vision to bless my home, and I am still pressing on until I receive the reward of my simplified house and simplified life-no clutter to hold me back from what He has for me!

Here are some of the photos I took on the Amish House Tour:

This is the laundry room.

This was said to be a "Daughter's Room".

Another bedroom, with pretty light purple walls. The man said it was not a traditional color.

A Boy's Room. The walls were paler, my photo shop enhanced the blue color a bit. Ice hockey and baseball are favorite pasttimes!

There was this coffin in a room upstairs. He said it was in there to show it and he explained how Amish funerals were conducted. Morbid, but I guess some people would want to know.

Another bedroom. This one was downstairs. Notice the stuff on the dresser-that basket was an original diaper bag!

This was the sitting room. This is where the family would gather in the evening under the light of the lamp (which was very bright by the way) and play games or quilt or visit or read the German Bible.

And last, but not least, my favorite room in the house...

The sun room at the back of the kitchen was very inviting and the treadle machine was in a good spot by the windows-lots of sunlight to sew by.

So there you have it. Bare bones clean. Nothing in there to trip over, no excess, no superfluity. Simple. It was neater than I imagined. Nothing in there that didn't have a use. And that is my "Amish Revelation" from the Lord.

I still have a long way to go!! But I'm making progress! This trip and tour has led to a long and educational study about the Amish, their beliefs and lifestyle. We have been blessed in many ways by the Lord because of this. But that is for another post, another day.

Thanks for sharing my tour with me, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

God Bless you as you aspire to your own Home-Sweet 'Vision' from the Lord!
X0

Here it is...December...

2008-12-08T23:36:00.002-05:00

and it's been so long since I've been able to sit and put a post up.

I'm still at my task of decluttering. I had a series of yard sales this fall and finally ended up giving it all away at the end. I just wanted to be rid of it all and did not want to pack it all up and carry it all back home. It was quite freeing really. Believe it or not, I cannot remember any of the items, nor do I miss them. I felt as if a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders. Praise God!

I am going to try to get my basement cleaned out somewhat this winter. I have so many things I used to use for doll-making and artwork and don't even bother with any of it. So, I am going to go through it all and figure out what I will sell online.

I have been busy with needlework, counted cross-stitch, knitting and I want to make some winter hats for Lydia.

I am also ready to cut out a cover/carrier for my Bible. Maybe soon I'll post the makings of it. I've never made one before so you can all share in my mistakes and triumphs. My Bible is falling apart so terribly! The maps and part of the concordance are out, but I still have them. I have wanted to make a carrier for a while now so I can keep it all together easier. I hope it doesn't prove to be too frustrating...it has two zippers! I do not like zippers!!!

I was able to visit family in Illinois recently. I met the couple who are living in my building-well, actually, I've decided to give the building over to the Lord. He can figure out what to do with it now. That is also another burden lifted. The man living in one of the apartments is doing some handy work for me, which is good, seeing as how it really needs a lot of work! I was able to meet the Pastor of the Assembly of God church who orchestrated along with my Mom and brother-in-law Ray the roof over this homeless couple's head. God is good!

Dave says he would like to go to Illinois after the 24th. We shall see...weather permitting and of course...if the Lord wills.

Also...just a little FYI here...we have decided not to celebrate Christmas. We have strong convictions about mixing the Lord's name with the pagan god 'saturn'...I know...we don't worship 'saturn'...but after reading Jeremiah 10:1-5...and studying the winter solstice and 'saturnalia'...we have decided we just could not justify it anymore...anyhow. It will seem strange not to decorate...because I was a fiend about it...so fun!!! But I cannot do it now. We will still spend time with family because we love our family, but we will not partake in any of the festivities.

That said, though, I opened my December copy of Martha Stewart magazine...and found the snowflake section and just enjoyed it so much! Lydia and I decided that since God made snowflakes, each one quite unlike the other, we would decorate the place up a bit with snowflake scherenschnitte!! We had a fun time cutting out snowflakes and we will hang them up tomorrow. I'll try to get a photo. We want to see if I have any doilies to stiffen or maybe make the doily/snowflake and light wreath.

Alright...I think we're caught up for now. I'll have to see if I can find any photos for this post to liven it up a bit.

Thank God for the Home-Sweet Things. Keep those who are suffering hard times in your prayers, but more than that...extend your hand to the poor. Bake bread, take them soup, tea, sugar, staples...anything from your own pantry. God is good and He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Goodnight Dear Ones!

Sheer Heaven...

2008-10-09T22:06:00.005-04:00

What a beautiful day it was outside today! Even though I spent most of the day inside getting ready for tomorrow's Bible study, I got to enjoy little pieces of it while hanging clothes, etc. on the line. In order to save money on propane, Dave made me this new clothes line. I am able to hang 3-5 loads of laundry on it at a time. It really comes in handy when I am gung-ho on laundry day!

Today I washed a box of sheer curtains I bought at an estate sale last month. I tried to get out of there without too much. I bought a couple of chenille bedspreads-which really bring back memories of Grandma's farm. The box of curtains. A "Last Supper" paint by numbers...big mural. I was pleased with my purchases, but didn't really need any of it. I almost sold them at my yard sales, but didn't.

I couldn't resist taking pictures of the lines of sheer curtains hanging out to dry. In a perfect world they wouldn't have wrinkled in the washer. But, alas, my world is not perfect. If I was a real stickler...I'd take them down tomorrow, iron them, stick them back on and take new pictures with them nice and unwrinkled. But I'm not going to worry about it. Wrinkles happen. Still, there's something a lineful of sheers does to me. My Grandma's always had sheers. I can remember being mesmorized by the sheers blowing in the windows on a breezy day or during a storm. Those memories are dear to me.

There is a neat set with blue flowers I think I'll hang in my dining room. Two sets of sheers and valances. Then there's the red dot ones. How fun. Lydia has claimed them for her room. I think they're my favorite! There are others I'm not sure I'll keep-too much orange in them for me-definitely 70's. I'm going for a softer, plainer, brighter look. I think for now-I'll try the blue flower ones. If I don't like them, I have two each of some long white on white sheers that will be just as pretty and much plainer.

I'll probably iron them on Saturday. I love ironing. I love starching and ironing.

Praise God for the wrinkles and praise Him when He irons them out!! Praise God for the blessings of the home-sweet things!

x0

The Old Paths...

2008-10-08T21:35:00.005-04:00

It doesn't seem possible I haven't been on here since the end of August. But it's true! So many things have been happening to me in the Lord this year I cannot put it all in one post.

I will tell you a couple of things that have happened.

Earlier this year, I was led to read Jeremiah 6:16. I'm not sure if I blogged about it or not, so if I'm repeating myself-forgive me.

Jeremiah 6:16 says, "Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls."

The Lord got through. The ways I was walking in were not pleasing to Him. I had made a start of it, but somehow got off "The Old Paths and The Good Way". I embarked on the "Narrow Path and Difficult Way" Jesus spoke of in Matthew 7 but went off on a side trail that "seemed" right to me. And I walked on it for years. We know where the "Seemeth Right Path" leads...death! My soul was not resting!!!

God, in His abundant mercy did not leave me in that state. He opened my eyes and is still showing me areas to sweep out and clean up. It's about walking His way.

Also, the Lord has led me to a better understanding of what "ekklesia" means. It is what He desires for His people. We are "the called out ones". What does that mean? Well, for a true believer it means there can no longer be a walk that holds hands with the kingdom of this world. It means that we are called out of this earthly kingdom to walk as He walked. And so much more.

When God says His people are to be "in" this world but not "of" it-He means it. Therefore, to mix the world into our faith in any capacity is wrong. The Israelites were warned of it and did it and it turned out very bad every time. You cannot mix the two kingdoms-when you do-God is not in it-at all. A long time ago He gave me a song about it called "Both Feet In". It describes the choices we make...it's all or nothing...either way-but you can't have it both ways. This is God's heart on the matter. You choose Him or you don't. No mixture. No blend.

Anyhow...I have since come to the conviction that if we are called out of the world-it should be clearly evident. To say we are believers and partake of the things of the world is totally wrong. To say we are believers and dress like, act like, listen to the media and the songs, read the same books...all of this is a mockery to the Lord. He does not mix Himself with this. With this understanding, it has become evident to me to begin dressing modestly and also after reading 1 Corinthians 11 and praying and listening to teachings on it...I have come to the understanding on the "veiling" or head covering.

No, I have not converted to Mormonism. I attend a non-denominational church that doesn't teach veiling. It's just understanding God's Word at face value, in simplicity, as a child. Honoring His headship, His way, without a lot of spin. It's an outward symbol of the authority God has set up for His people. Like baptism is a symbol of our death to ourselves and this world and our resurrection in Christ, so veiling is a symbol of our acknowledgement of God's established authority.

Feminists hate it. What??? Man is the head of woman??? What??? The old me wrestled with it...for years...and the old me was wrong.

I relinquished it all to Him. The One who shed His Precious Blood to redeem me. Who am I to tell Him how to run His Kingdom? I will say as Job..."Blessed be the Name of the Lord."

So, some much-needed changes have occurred over this past year. Some were hard and I'm still learning. Modest dress and covering my head daily. No make-up or dyeing my hair anymore. Not because it's a law, but because God has led me there. Not because I have to, but because I want to Him to increase and I must decrease. I want to be Christ-centered, not self-centered. I want to esteem others higher than myself-not have great self-esteem. Totally opposite ends of the spectrum. Bottom line...it's not about me...it's about Jesus working in my heart...and changing it.

How blessed we are to be able to say that because of the Lord's great love...we've been redeemed! Praise Him that we can walk upright to be able to glorify Him in the home-sweet things!

But Wait...There's More!!! Up Next: Learning to Let My Husband Lead:Yielding to God's Will:Doing All Things As Unto the Lord

Little Sunday Post

2008-08-31T12:46:00.003-04:00

Proverbs 14:1-"Every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her own hands."

Thoughts This Evening...

2008-03-18T22:31:00.009-04:00

WAITING TO GROW
by Frank French

Little white snowdrop just waking up,
Violet, daisy, and sweet buttercup,
Think of the flowers that are under the snow,
Waiting to grow!

And think what a number of queer little seeds,
Of flowers and mosses, of ferns and of weeds,
Are under the leaves and under the snow,
Waiting to grow!

Think of the roots getting ready to sprout,
Reaching their slender brown fingers about,
Under the ice and the leaves and the snow,
Waiting to grow!

No seed is so small, or hidden so well,
That God cannot find it; and soon he will tell
His sun where to shine, and His rain where to go,
Making it grow!

Very soon it shall be spring! I was thinking today about planting peas, as I've done for years now. It seems strange that as I get older the seasons and times rush together, tumbling and rolling swiftly one into the other like a giant tumbleweed! Why, when time becomes such a precious and rare commodity, does it seem in such a hurry? Oh well, I'm sure it's a mystery no one has figured out yet, so I won't bother trying. The thing is to remember all our times are in His hands and to utilize each moment the best we can.

That is one thing I am trying to learn as I've gone out to work part time in this Vestment Factory. Time Management. Something I have never been great at. I am an awesome procrastinator-something which I really do not like about myself. So, this new schedule forces me to get things done now. Which is very good for me!

Back to planning the planting of the peas. Usually I plant them at the end of March or the beginning of April (which can almost be too late if it's already warm out!). So, now that it's on my mind to do, I must get the seeds from the farm store this week on my way home from work and get outside to make sure the roto-tiller is ready to go! Peas love the cool ground...but not too cool and definitely not too wet. This rots the seeds and you have to plant all over again. I don't have time to plant twice.

And is there really anything to planting with the moon? I'm not sure. A co-worker was telling me her Dad swore by it. I don't like going outside in the night and the dark. We have a great horned owl outside hooting all the time on the edge of the woods now. I think he knows we have a chihuahua and wants to eat him for dinner! We have eagles all over too! Tye would make a lovely little appetizer for some hungry owl or eagle babies!!!

Then there are the coyotes howling and running to and fro! No...I think I'll plant my peas in the daylight if it's all the same to the moon-planters. I'm a chicken!!!

I cannot wait for spring! There are so many things we want to do in our garden this year! That can be another post though. It's late and I need to get up early for work to sew and chat with the ladies and have my sweet Nettie come up to me and give me a hug during break and say, "Hey Mommie"-knowing her Mom is there. It's good for us-you know? Her and I. And eating lunch together three days a week is a good thing. And her telling me she's giving her two weeks notice at her second job because she asked for Sundays off to go to church and they said, "No". Can they do that? Anyway...we've come a long way. We really have. Thank you Lord!

Lord, help us to bring each day to You. Help us to not be time-wasters. Help us to be good stewards of every 24 hour day You give us. Amen

God Bless you as you learn the art of making each moment count toward your Home-Sweet Things! x0x0x0

(P.S. I am too sleepy to add pictures tonight...I'll try to add some tomorrow!-spoken by a true procrastinator!)

New Chapters

2008-03-09T22:46:00.016-04:00

Life is full of beginnings and endings. We all know this. Some of us learn that life changes at a very young age. For others it flows along and all your changes seem to happen at once. I know my life has had many changes over the years. Some were wonderful while others were devastating. Yet, as I look back over my time on earth and the many changes I've endured, one area remains constant. God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ my Savior and their never-ending, unfailing love, protection and care for me.

Looking back is not really something Christians are encouraged to do. We are told not to forget where we've come from, but we are called to press on toward the prize. I think the only reason I look back from time to time is to remember how God kept me in every circumstance. Even when I wasn't aware He was keeping me.

My brother said something to me today that I thought was very interesting and very true-God is the God of today-the "I AM"...not the was or will be...He is "I AM"...where ever you are, when ever you are.

And so...now...I am in a "new chapter"...I feel as if I'm a traitor to my very cause here. Speaking of women loving their home-sweet lives, fulfilling our call to be keepers at home. I do believe that no matter our circumstances, we are called to be content; to love the Lord, love our husbands and children and neighbors. I believe in this with all my heart. Yet....

I got a part-time job.

There, it's out.

Yes, I work now on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Only part of the day. Lydia is taken care of and does her school work. And I am not at home for that time.

Why?

Well, it's a sewing job. You all know how much I enjoy sewing. I love to sew. I love to be creative in many areas. I believe God gave me this ability. It is a talent that I've used in the past to make extra money at home. Making dolls, girl's clothing, things for babies, tea towels...lots of things.

But Why?

OK...

Any of you who know me...know that my daughter Jynette moved out when she was 17. This was very sad and traumatic to Dave and I (our whole family really) because we just didn't feel that she was ready to be on her own.

Things were hard here at home with her. She was a rebel-no matter how hard we tried to do the right thing, it just didn't work. I'm sure we did plenty wrong...plenty.

Screaming and yelling and lots of arguing-none of that is the Lord's way.

At that time I did not know what God's Word said about being a wife and mother. I was still kicking against the goads, having a "form" of godliness but denying the power thereof. It's true...I was a Christian of the American form-feministic, dominionistic, materialistic and probably hedonistic as well. Sick-but true. Why did I think I was a Christian? Because I was not taught truth on this subject and I didn't know God's Word. I fit what I liked and ignored the parts I didn't.

But anyway...back to Jynette.

She moved out when she was 17...my baby...my flower...my first little girl. She moved into an apartment with two guys-thankfully neither of them had a relationship with her. My pride constantly asked what any of my friends from church would think! Those who knew us best...what would they be saying??? But mostly I was worried about my daughter.

A couple of years have passed and she's gone 'round the mountain a couple of times. So have I.

Things have mellowed between us. I am one of her heroes on her myspace page (now I am working at living up to that example a mother should be to her daughter)! On the first of August the lease is up on the apartment she is in now and she says she is planning on coming home.

Now back to the reason I got a job.

I'm certain now it has everything to do with Jynette. You see, she works there too. She told me about it and kept telling me I should really go over and try to get a sewing position. So, one day I filled out the application and went over.

Every day I am there-I see her and we take breaks together and eat lunch together. And she talks to me and I listen now. She asks my advice and I try to give her Godly counsel. She says she prays for her Dad and I and she wants to be Daddy's Girl again. Even now it brings tears to my eyes. God is using this time to bring healing and show Nettie that we can be Mom and Daughter and friends. I believe God is drawing her as well. She talks a lot about Him.

So, I got a job. I don't know how long I have it for. However long it takes to win my daughter's heart back toward home. Until the Spirit of God tells me "It is finished".

In the meantime, I've made a few nice lady friends. We talk about gardening and the lovely woman who is training me is a Christian and quilts. How cool is that? It's been a long time since I've worked an industrial single-needle sewing machine. But I got hired on-the-spot when I took my sewing test and the experience I'm getting is wonderful.

I got a job. I see my daughter three days a week (more if she comes to visit the house). I'm getting more sewing experience AND getting paid for it. Lydia is being taken care of when I'm not home. And even though I have less time at home, for some reason I seem to get more done in this shorter amount of time.

Everything changes. This too will pass. But in it and through it, I'm sure I will see God's unchanging hand and His continual steadfastness and His grace in returning a prodigal home where she belongs!

All Glory to Him!!! The Great "I AM"!!

Bless Your Holy Name Lord God, my Redeemer. Thank you that restoration and love are always Your will. Amen.

Remember to love your family and bless them in every way as Our Heavenly Father commands us to do-when we serve them, we serve Him. The Home-Sweet Things are a blessing from the Lord! x0x0

Plans...

2008-02-20T20:55:00.012-05:00

Within my House
by Fay Inchfawn

First, there's the entrance, narrow,
and so small,
The hat-stand seems to fill the tiny hall;
That staircase, too, has such an awkward
bend,
The carpet rucks, and rises up on end!
Then, all the rooms are cramped and close
together;
And there's a musty smell in rainy weather.

Yes, and it makes the daily work go hard
To have the only tap across a yard.
These creaking doors, these draughts, this
battered paint,
Would try, I think, the temper of a saint,

How often had I railed against these
things,
With envies, and with bitter murmurings
For spacious rooms, and sunny garden
plots!
Until one day,
Washing the breakfast dishes, so I think,
I paused a moment in my work to pray;
And then and there
All life seemed suddenly made new and
fair;
For, like the Psalmist's dove among the
pots
(Those endless pots, that filled the tiny
sink!),
My spirit found her wings.

"Lord" (thus I prayed), "it matters not
at all
That my poor home is ill-arranged and
small:
I, not the house, am straitened; Lord,
'tis I!
Enlarge my foolish heart, that by-and-by
I may look up with such a radiant face
Thou shalt have glory even in this place.
And when I trip, or stumble unawares
In carrying water up these awkward stairs,
Then keep me sweet, and teach me day
by day
To tread with patience Thy appointed
way.
As for the house . . . . Lord, let it be
my part
To walk within it with a perfect heart."

The sun shone today and that just makes all the difference-doesn't it? I need the sun's rays as often as possible to make it through the long winter. The gray really gets to me after awhile. It is such a blessing to have the warmth and light streaming through the windows and brightening up the dark rooms. It gives me energy and zest!

I have decided to paint my dining room and kitchen a pale gray. The current color has served its purpose and now I need something a bit calmer. The light plays with this new color and looks gray at times and also a very nice light blue. I will still be accessorizing with the other colors I love: turquoise, red, bright pink, apple green and white (and really any other color that fits). I got the paint chip from a trip to Wal-mart-KILZ Casual Colors-called "City Gray". I took it the next day to Home Depot and had it matched and brought home a quart to try it out on the wall and to see if I liked it. Lydia picked it out of all the samples I brought home and I must say she picked a good one. I really like it. So, this weekend I will be painting my dining room. I know it's not the best color for an eating area...but it's the one we like. I'll share photos later.

I always intended to make a booklet up from a blank sketch pad with the paint and cloth samples for my different rooms so when I went to a store I'd have something with me to match colors and cloth and wouldn't have to guess if the item will match. I have decided to purchase the blank book and get that going this weekend too. I don't have a lot to put in it right now, but there are a few things to start with. When I'm done with the dining room, I need to paint my hallway and then all the white woodwork in the house needs to be freshened up . This will take a bit of time, but I will try to get it done before things are ready for the freezer this spring. I want to make one for my garden this year too so I can better plan ahead for the next year's-it's getting too big to remember everything now. We shall see...we make plans but things happen!

I thought I'd share my cabinet full of glassy memorabilia and thrifty finds today. I got the cabinet from an old house I cleaned out for a real estate client. The items in it are from thrifting and living family member's hand-me-downs or family members who have passed away. Every time I look at the cabinet I think of different people whom I love and those I miss. Oh yes, there's Helena's happy, little snowman standing guard over it all! If you click on the photo it should enlarge and give you a better view.

I didn't forget about my apron give away, it's just-obviously postponed. Perhaps I'll get to work on it after I get finished painting. I am also working on an old novel to put into a PDF file for your reading enjoyment. Not an original work, just something I read once that I enjoyed. I passed the book along to a couple of friends and they enjoyed it and so I'm typing it into a PDF file to share. It will take a bit longer and I'll get a link on here (I have to figure it out of course). It is an old story written in the 1800's. It is a novel and it's just a sweet story. But I don't want to "spill the beans" yet. I am also coming along with my images for my sewing book for Moms and their daughters. Actually, I'm working on a few things and I need to finish the ones I've started so I can get them out here to you. The sewing book would also help someone trying to learn how to sew and stitch. You will see. It's a very old book that I'm revamping.

I'd like to post some things I am thankful for now-it's been awhile since I've updated my One Thousand Gifts list:

#16: the ability to work
#17: streams of sunshine to bask in
#18: friends found on blogs
#19: the privilege of learning about You, Lord through life's lessons
#20: artistic talents
#21: my own washing machine in which to do my laundry
#22: flylady.org
#23: spending time with Lydia
#24: beautiful music
#25: the joy of simplifying life-one decluttering spree at a time
#26: the peace of a balanced checkbook
#27: the days free of pain
#28: lunar eclipses to share with my children
#29: plans brought to fulfillment
#30: homeschool

May the Lord bless you as you tend to the daily tasks and as you tend to the inner house-the inner man. May He fill your inner spirit with the fruit of His Holy Spirit, that your inner man may be straightened-not straitened. Oh yes Lord, let us not be so narrow-minded that we focus on the external only-but that we are fixed on things above-on You, O Lord, on You. Amen

Oh Friends, there is no blessing like the blessings of Home-Sweet Things.
xoxo

An Afternoon of Yumminess

2008-02-19T15:03:00.011-05:00

This weekend I spent some time in the kitchen making Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins. They are so tasty that I made 3 dozen and by Monday evening they were gone! Between family and friends they didn't last long. They are the current faves around here! They are so moist and yummy I'll share the recipe here for you to try it.

The pretty blue dish above is really a saucer-the muffin fit nicely on the teacup center. The retro glass is a find from some dishes I got in a house I cleaned out. Did I tell you I like junk and thrifting? Those of you who know me best know this about me! This is why I spend so much time decluttering.

Pumpkin-Apple Streusel Muffins

2 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour
2 Cups sugar (I use 1 3/4 Cups
1 TB Pumpkin Pie Spice (I use pinches of cinnamon; ground ginger, nutmeg and cloves)
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 Cup solid pack pumpkin
1/2 Cup vegetable oil

2 Cups apples, peeled and diced thin
(optional: 1 Cup walnuts, chopped small)

Streusel Topping:
Combine 2 TB all-purpose flour
1/4 Cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Cut in 4 tsp butter, until crumbly

Wash, peel and dice apples. Set aside.

Prepare streusel topping. Set aside.

In large bowl combine first 5 ingredients. Set aside.

In medium bowl combine eggs, pumpkin and oil. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients.

Stir just until moistened.

Stir in apples (and nuts if adding) just until distributed evenly.

Spoon batter into greased muffin cups-filling 3/4 full.Sprinkle streusel topping over each cup of batter.Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes (mine were done at 30 mins.) or until toothpick comes out clean.
(You may substitute banana for pumpkin or in a pinch I've done 1/2 Cup pumpkin and 1/2 Cup banana.)

Enjoy!!!

Blessed are you when you prepare the Home-Sweet Things for your family!

Days Go By...

2008-02-12T12:36:00.000-05:00

Hello My Friends!

I won't waste any time trying to excuse my absence...it's been too long since I last posted. I've thought about getting a post on here many times but got distracted and then it got late and then another day went by and another and...well-you get the picture.

We survived the start of another New Year and even Groundhog's Day! It will soon be Valentine's Day. Do you make Valentine's Day special? We don't do much of anything out of the norm here. I am a huge romantic at heart-I love Jane Austin novels and the Bronte Sisters and anyone else of old who wrote those heart-stirring novels. But as for real life...it's just not that romantic...at least for me.

And yet, I think of the Scriptures. The Song of Solomon-whose scripture is full of romance and wooing and love. This is the Lord's Word to us-His Bride. This is also The Bride's word to Him. I am examining my heart to make sure my words to Him reflect the scripture. The Bride adores her Groom-cannot live without Him. They say wonderful things to each other to confirm their love.

Here is one:

"Set me as a seal upon your heart,
As a seal upon your arm;
For love is as strong as death,
Jealously as cruel as the grave;
Its flames are flames of fire,
A most vehement flame.
Many waters cannot quench love,
Nor can the floods drown it.
If a man would give for love
All the wealth of his house,
It would be utterly despised."

Song of Solomon 8:6-7

And He so longs to hear Her voice:

"You who dwell in the gardens,
The companions listen for your voice-
Let me hear it!"

Song of Solomon 8:13

God the Father, through Jesus Christ, desires the most, the uttermost relationship with His people, His Bride. He wants the best for us-His best-and He desires to walk with us through this life-through it all. While we're walking and living this earth-life, He desires to envelop us in His presence, to cleanse us, to purify us, to keep us, to love us with an everlasting love. This love, this true love is for whosoever will. Yield to Him and let Him love you.

Here's one expression from Jars Of Clay's "Love Song for a Savior":

"Love Song For A Savior":

In open fields of wild flowers,she breathes the air and flies away
She thanks her Jesus for the daises and the roses in no simple language
Someday she'll understand the meaning of it all

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call her and she will come running and fall in His arms
and the tears will fall down and she'll pray,

"I want to fall in love with You"

Sitting silent wearing Sunday best
The sermon echoes through the walls
A great salvation through it calls to the people who stare into nowhere, and can't feel the chains on their souls

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on our lips
Someday we'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call us and we will come running and fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and we'll pray,

"I want to fall in love with You"

It seems too easy to call you "Savior",
Not close enough to call you "God"
So as I sit and think of words I can mention to show my devotion

"I want to fall in love with You"

my heart beats for You"

Here's the you tube link to watch them sing it live.

I've been working on some things in my absence. I'm putting together readable books in PDF format and want to offer anyone who reads my blog and whoever finds me out there in the internet world.

Some will be free and other things I will offer for sale. I am working on putting together a sewing kit/teaching/curriculum for homeschoolers or Moms who want to teach their children to sew. It's taking a bit to put it together because I have to research it all out and then make the things and take photos and yada yada...But I'll let you know for sure when it's all ready. I've got a couple of other things I'm working on too-some money saving books, thrifty things and old-fashioned recipe books for those of us who enjoy baking and playing in the kitchen and who just love good, old-fashioned comfort food. I'll probably link on the sidebar to my new site Home Sweet Things and you'll be able to see all the goodness and yumminess!

Remember to Fall in Love with Jesus...it's not so much that we know Him...but that He knows us! (Matthew 7:23-and no the two are not the same!) Lord, I pray we seek to know the difference. Amen

God Bless you as you enjoy blessing your family in the Home-Sweet Things! x0x0x0

Testimony

2007-12-13T23:01:00.000-05:00

The Lost House
Fay Inchfawn

It was not the sort of a house where He
Could enter and belong,
He had not been invited, for
This was a house where wrong
Flaunted itself without disguise
Openly, unsahamed--
The wrongness which the Holy Book
Says never should be named

But, as He entered at the door
With friendship in His face
The strong man of the house rose up
And gave Him honoured place.
Then, as He took the offered seat--
Guest at an alien board--
The woman of the house brought out
The best she could afford.

It was like breathing mountain air
Or wind which comes over the sea;
It was like rain on a thirsty land
To be in His company.

Now came the touch He loved the best:
The children of the household pressed
So close to that most friendly Guest
Determined not to miss a thing
Just for the want of listening
And presently a small clear voice
Spoke, and half shyly said,
'Would you please to tell us a story, Sir,
Before we go to bed?'

He looked in her face with His kindly look--
That shy little five-year-old;
'Shall I tell you the tale of a little lost lamb
The shepherd brought back to the fold?'

Gently He spoke, but it came to pass
His voice was heard in the street,
And swift as the breeze in the aspen trees
Came the sound of hastening feet.
His voice had been heard and their hearts were stirred
As they wandered up and down,
And into that long-lost house they came,
The lost folk of the town.

In at the door
They came by the score.
Wild-eyed, bold faced terrible folk
Hung upon every word He spoke.
Everyone who had ears to hear
Eagerly, hungrily, drawing near.
Silken mantle or beggar's cloak,
The soul beneath it was moved and woke,
Saying so wistfully over and o'er
'Never man spake like this before'.

Lovingly Jesus sat with them,
Too courteous to intrude.
To some, maybe, it might seem that He
Had forgotten to do them good.
Yet He was the only Man who knew
The heart of a sinner through and through.
And only He heard the speechless plea,
'Find me, Lord Jesus,
Even me.'

Until lost sheep,
Lost coin,
Lost son,
Was found again--
Found again--
Every one.

When He rose to go, small fingers tried
To hold His hands and His robe beside.
The midnight cock had crowed before
Those glad folk followed Him out the door.
He went by the light of the harvest moon
And the children called after Him:
'Come again, soon;
Come again,
Come again, soon.'

I received an email this evening and in it my dear friend shared how the Lord had touched her so many years ago and changed her life. It reminded me how fortunate we are to have a loving Savior and Friend who sticks closer than a brother.

This poem by Fay reminds me of the very night the Lord, Himself came to me and stayed by my side until the morning, when I would be alright. The very next day I gave my life to Him. Situations and circumstances in my life led to me crying out to Him. And He came to me. Me, in all my ugliness, filthiness and wretchedness. I was amazed that He came to me in my used and abused state. But He did and He stayed until I was able to get help the next day. Help from a Dear Auntie who I knew would encourage me and together we would grow and walk with Him.

The Lord gives grace to the humble, that's what His Word says. I was floating on grace, no, I was swaddled in it. My life has never been the same since. I was like those lost folk of the town, that lost sheep, that lost coin, the lost son. And I was so worth it to Him. Me. Worth it to Him. And you...you are worth it to Him too. You are ever so valuable to the Lord. And He longs to bless you with His presence...like breathing mountain air or wind which comes over the sea, like rain on a thirsty land-ahhh to be in His company.

I can say, that night, long ago: alone, death hovering near, self-inflicted stupidity, a feeble attempt to cloud, to mask years of hurt...He came to me and breathed His breath into me and gave me to drink of His living water...and gave me life and promise of a new day-and it was like sunrise over the mountaintops, the warm sand at the ocean and the bubbling, clear water in a mountainside stream. I pray we can learn to remain there, in His presence-in the Spirit.

My little list for The Thousand Gifts:

#11 shelter in the storm
#12 hugs for someone who truly needs to be loved
#13 tears before the Lord-my Father-leading to peace
#14 pretty icicles dripping
#15 a helpful son

Lord, I thank You that You find us valuable:so valuable that You gave Your life for us-even in our unworthy state. While we were yet sinners, You died for us, to give us life. Breathe Your breath upon us Lord, baptize us in Your Holy Spirit and that we may walk with You-giving You glory, forever. Amen

Remember your testimony-it will strengthen your armor. Commit your plans to the Lord and let Him order your Home-sweet Things. Then, whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the Name of the Lord. xo

Instant In and Out of Season...

2007-12-12T20:24:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends. I have come to the conclusion that I am not in charge of my house (something I should have known all along).

The Lord is.

Right after I put my house together the way "I" wanted it: my dining room, my studio, my living room, MY PANTRY...here comes another homeless young person needing a place to lay his head. This has happened to us so many times over the years I should have known that after the last time...after I said "No more!"...God said, "Once more..." And so, I have spent this week undoing my purple pantry for a more noble cause. I am relinquishing my rights to my house and surrendering them to the Lord.

My husband did not bat an eye. He knows he is looked upon with a questioning eye by his co-workers for taking in youth. He knows many people frown on the attempt to make any kind of difference in someone's life. Some friends and some family and even people who call themselves "Christians" think we are insane and even chide us for being "naive" and "foolish" to seriously think it would make a difference.

Even when we took in the young man (18 yrs old) who was sleeping in the back of a truck trailer in the middle of winter with no coat and no warm blanket-near a junkyard in a shady part of town. He would sneak into the junkyard at night when no one would see him.

My son brought him home one night while I was asleep. He was so happy to be warm. When my son told me about him, I made him the hugest breakfast and he ate until he was full and he made this comment to my son, "Wow, no one has ever been that nice to me." What would you do with that? I went in my room and cried...there was no question that he would come and stay with us and never sleep again in a cold trailer shivering alone. He stayed long enough to detox from heroin, he got a couple of jobs but didn't keep them. He moved in with his brother after our "let's make progress" deadline...and once in awhile he pops in. I don't know where he's staying right now (my sons keep tabs on him), and if he ever needs anything-I pray he knows we care and I pray that at some point he learns to trust the Lord enough to give his life to Him.

We've been used and abused by some of our house guests. Some of them were dirty, some were recovering drug addicts, some were totally out of control, some stole from us-but when each one left, I cried. Some stayed with us for months, some for weeks, some for days. We felt we should show God's love to them all. Some received Him, others refused Him. I still pray for them all. Yes, some made me very angry, but the Lord loves them and I am reminded to forgive seventy times seven. The love of the Lord will constrain me. And it does. And love never fails.

I have no idea why these young people come to us-I just know, if I am entertaining angels unawares, I want to do it with the right spirit. If Jesus came and needed a place to sleep, I'd clean my room from top to bottom and let Him sleep there. So, I can give my measly purple pantry to someone who asks of me. I am humbled by the opportunity from God to show His love to yet another who has need of Him. I am blessed by the opportunity to show unconditional love to someone who grew up without it.

If I am a fool for Christ's sake, and I err on the side of grace and love, then so be it. I only pray that I remain worthy to be instant when it's convenient and when it's not convenient.

I encourage you all to ask God how you can be "inconvenienced" for Him and for the opportunity to show His love to another human being on this planet who needs to see Him for real. Today is as good a day as any. Do something out of the ordinary in the Name of the Lord. He looks for willing hearts in people who believe every jot and tittle of his word. Faithful is He that calls you, Who also will do it. 1 Thess. 5:24

One Thousand Gifts...

#6 for the opportunity to enjoy my daughter Jynette's visits

#7 the fun call from my friend who is doing mission work thousands of miles away

#8 putting the house back in order

#9 laughter

#10 blessings of food in the pantry

Lord, help me to be a vessel fit for Your use. Thank you for the opportunity to show love to others in ways only you can know they need. I pray that I would be a witness of Your truth. Please provide for our new guest and let him see You in all we do. Thank You for choosing us to do things that seem foolish. Blessed be Your Name Lord. Amen

Be inconvenienced in the Home-Sweet Things and receive an opportunity to entertain angels unawares!!! x0

One Thousand Gifts

2007-12-11T19:49:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends. I am daily inspired by a blog called Holy Experience. One day not long ago, I thought it would be a good lesson for me to post the things I am thankful to the Lord for and maybe encourage others to live in a state of thankfulness-after her example.

This scripture often comes to mind from Colossians 3:12-17:

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
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.

I am encouraged to begin a journey of my own on the "Path of Thankfulness". The Lord has been so good, kind, patient and merciful to me since I began my walk with Him, I want to make a record of His love toward me.

Psalm 100

1 A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

For as long as it takes, I will take the time to see God in ways I've never noticed before. Even in the very smallest and simplest of blessings that I might otherwise overlook.

Here is Ann's post on The Thousand Gifts in her own words. When I figure out how to link my list to the graphic in the sidebar...I'll do that to keep the list in order. In the meantime...I'll have to stick them in my daily posts.

#1 the warmth of the woodstove on a cold, damp, gray day.

#2 the sound of fellowship among my children

#3 fellowship with a friend

#4 clothes drying on the clothesline in the basement near the woodstove

#5 a safe drive through much traffic near the city and back home again

I will end with a Fay Inchfawn poem:

I Will Give Thanks

I will give thanks to the Lord my God,
For His mercy endureth for ever,
He shortened the wearying path I trod,
For His mercy endureth for ever.

Patience He gave to my own home folk
With spirit to make, and see, a joke.
He gave me again the signs of health
And wonderful friends in the commonwealth.
For His mercy endureth for ever.

I will give thanks for a mended shoe;
And a small gas-ring in my bedroom, too;
That neighbours sometimes come in for tea,
And a cat of character lives with me.
For His mercy endureth for ever.

I will give thanks for a grand new book,
Pleasant and clean as a running brook,
Which turned my thoughts in times of stress
To the coming kingdom of righteousness.
For His mercy endureth for ever.

I will give thanks that I need not dread
Change, nor old age, for He has said
He will show unto me His quickening power.
His kindness is not for the passing hour-
His mercy endureth for ever.

Thank you, Lord, for the honor of Your presence in our lives, large and minute. I pray you help us to be ever aware of Your gifts and faithfulness toward us. Amen

Remember Dear Ones, always, to be thankful for the home-sweet things. x0

Pay It Forward

2007-12-10T00:08:00.000-05:00

I found this opportunity to be a blessing on Jeanne's Life after reading this story on futuregirl's blog Anyway...it is such a wonderful story and a wonderful chance to bless 3 people I thought it would be a fun thing to do. So read below and if you think you'd like to participate...join the fun!!

Anyway, here's how it goes:

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this Pay it forward exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it. The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

So, if you're one of the first 3 people to comment, copy and paste the above paragraph on your blog and share the crafty love!....of course, the challenge being, are there even enough people that read this blog to post?

So the race is on! First 3 people to post AND link on their blog that they are also doing the Pay it forward craft swap, I will mail you a Christmas wonderful!

THANKS!!

I'd also like to take the opportunity to say that Jeanne's Grandmother Lenore is a very blessed woman-to be able to touch so many lives is a very noble thing and from what I read she is a jewel and her children (and her family) rise up and call her blessed! God bless Lenore and her family!

Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to read of such a giving woman and I pray that I will be as noble and kind and giving as she is. Let me be a blessing to all who pass through my life. In Jesus Name...Amen

Remember to be a blessing to others as you are given an opportunity to share in the home-sweet things. x0

Remembering "Why" This Week...

2007-12-04T07:25:00.000-05:00

Hello My Friends! Time to end my unintended bloggie absence. I pray all your Thanksgiving feast days were happy and blessed.

I wanted to make you all aware of Crystal Paine's blog challenge on Biblical Womanhood to: "Make Your Home a Haven". It started yesterday (December 3rd) so we haven't missed much. There are a lot of like-minded women who are sharing in the challenge. Go over and be encouraged!

I'm all for making your home a place where the world stays outside and inside it is orderly, calm and filled with the essence of God's gentle presence. I need all the encouragement I can get in this area of my life. We know a stay-at-home woman is not always understood nor respected. It seems, at times, that people think I don't do anything all day. Believe me, there are no bon-bons in my freezer-and I don't watch TV all day-nor do I have time to lay on the couch! I'm sure if you shared your experiences, you'd say the same!

I will admit, sometimes there is temptation to go out and find a little part-time job. Especially when I think about how tight things are financially. We've never really lived an over-the-top existence here. We've had lean times and times where we've had more than enough. We've never gone hungry and all our children had clothing to wear. We have learned to be content. I'm sure many of us are learning to do without "extras" since the hike in fuel and many other necessessities. Many of us are learning frugality as well.

I've been spending time reading many books and articles on making money at home. There are many of us doing this. I am working on some things I am passionate about and hopefully others will find them interesting and something they can use in their homeschool or in their homes too. I'm excited about it and cannot wait until it's all ready to launch!! (More on that soon!)

Every day this week I am spending 9:30-1:30 in my friend's real estate office to help her out while she is away. I used to sell real estate. Talk about stress, talk about patience, talk about forgiveness!!! I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia while under the stress of selling real estate. I'm in the office answering the phone and relaying messages and doing clerical work while she is away this week. It serves to reinforce my decision to stay at home and eventually work at home. Thank God, while it is not always easy financially, I have this option. Many of us don't and I feel that it is up to the church to minister to these women.

This is good for me, I want to journal and blog this to remind myself why I came home, why I was so convicted, why I was absolutely convinced that it was the best thing for my family and me. I get to remember what it is like to run out the door every morning and leave what needs to be done here for when I get home. I am also remembering how tired dealing with people can make you. It reminds me of what a working woman goes through in a day and then goes home tired to keep her home on top of it.

Lord, help us to remember to always be thankful no matter what our situation is and trust You to help us find a solution in our circumstances. You are always interested in what concerns us. We want to trust You. Remind us by Your Spirit that what's not done in faith is sin. Help us to walk in faith in You and not by what we see. Guide us to fulfill Your will in our lives. Amen

Appreciate the Home-Sweet Things every moment!

Anniversary Day

2007-11-14T22:26:00.000-05:00

On a beautiful, sunny and warm November 14th day-26 years ago-my husband and I exchanged vows and became husband and wife. 26 years is not so long to someone married 40 or 50 years-but I feel it's an accomplishment nonetheless. I was a young girl of 19 and he was 20. We were so very naive. We didn't know the Lord and I guess we thought we could get along just fine without Him. I was thinking today how happy I am that God the Father grabbed ahold of me when I was 23. Then He grabbed ahold of Dave and He has been so very good to us and kept us. I could not imagine life without Him now.

One of my sons' friends once told me that Dave and I were "like the only parents still married." I was so sad to know that and it made me feel the importance of a godly marriage. In a day when divorce is rampant, 26 years seems like a lifetime to a teenager.

We didn't do anything grand or marvelous today. We ordered pizza and wings and our daughter Jynette was here and we visited and ate together.

This little poem reminds me of how women wait for their husbands to come home whether they are away or just away from home working for the day. You look for them when it gets time for them to arrive home. When the children were little, I remember them waving ever so long at their Daddy from the window when he was leaving for work, Dave would stop in the road to wave at them from the car. Then when it was time for him to come home from work, how they would greet him at the door!

No little feet run to greet him at the door now. Well, no human feet. We have a little chihuahua named "Taco" or "Mr. T" who absolutely claims Dave as his buddy...and he hears Dave every time he pulls up by the house when he gets home from work. He gets so excited that Dave's home. This alerts me too and I greet him at the door.

It matters to a husband to have his wife consider him the most important thing when he gets home. I try to stop what I'm doing and take a bit of time with Dave, asking about his day and just showing him that he matters. I've had all day to do things my way, now I'm taking a bit of time to let Dave know he's most important to me. It makes a big difference when I give him preference in this way. It is the one part of the day we get to spend time relaxing together. I'll pour some tea and take some quiet time. I like to visit with Dave, we talk about all kinds of things. I've learned so much from him over the years. He's full of life-skill lessons and I am blessed to be his bride. Here's the poem:

Listening

His step? Ah, no; 'tis but the rain
That hurtles on the window pane.
Let's draw the curtains close and sit
Beside the fire awhile and knit.
Two purl -- two plain. A well-shaped
sock,
And warm. (I thought I heard a knock,
But 'twas the slam of Jones's door.)
Yes, good Scotch yarn is far before
The fleecy wools -- a different thing,
And best for wear. (Was that his ring?)
No. 'Tis the muffin man I see;
We'll have threepennyworth for tea.
Two plain -- two purl; that heel is neat.
(I hear his step far down the street.)
Two purl -- two plain. The sock can
wait;
I'll make the tea. (He's at the gate!)

Lord, let us all be thankful for our husbands and those we care about. Help us to remember to let them know how much we enjoy spending time with them. Help us to see there is nothing else so important to us as them. Help us to allow You to direct our lives according to Your Word. Thank you so much Lord for Your gifts to us. Amen

God bless you as you set about your day. Bless you as you wait upon loved ones to return to the home-sweet things.

x0

Home-Sweet Things...

2007-11-07T23:35:00.000-05:00

Good Evening. It is late but I wanted to get the photos on here that I've been promising for a time now. I only got as far as the back wall of my living room at this point. I intend to do more as Thanksgiving approaches. This will take time for me as I am still working on decluttering. I honestly tell you this is a radical move for me. I am enjoying the process, but my health continues to hinder me. I cherish your prayers and am still looking into some things I can do to ease the symptoms of this fibromyalgia.

Anyway...I didn't get on here to talk about that. So without further ado...here is the first photo:

I will just share some of the photos I put through PSP for fun.

Here is a fun side view of the back corner...

I am no photographer, nor do I claim to be an interior decorator. I am just having fun!

Well...I will add more as soon as I take some. I want to make/add some lightweight wool curtains for the windows. I have to take a trip to Joann Fabrics soon. I've got so many things I need to get done, this will be one more thing for the long list!

And so, that is all for now. I need to finish up in the kitchen and check the fire for the night and get some sleep.

Lord, Please bless each Dear One as they prepare for the holidays. Bless the work of their hands and I pray they begin to plan ahead to have order and peace in a time that can be very hurried. Help us to be truly thankful. Amen

God bless you as you prepare your home-sweet things for the coming holidays! Good Night. x0

Who Is The Greatest?

2007-11-06T11:20:00.000-05:00

The Greatest

Who should be greatest?
Like a scorpion flung
Into our midst the notion flamed and stung.
The greatest of the Twelve!
My baser self asked: 'Why
Shoud it not--indisputably--be I?

The Disciple Jesus loved!
Loved in a special way.
I read it in His eyes.
Did they not say
Time and again
'I love thee'?

Then, as time went on
Others remarked upon
The Master's love for John--
Might that not mean
Some greatness yet to be
Would show itself in me?

Thus I mused--till He,
The only great One of our company--
Riseth from supper and before we knew
His purpose--He had put His robe aside
Each act a mute rebuke to all our pride--
And from the dust of old Jerusalem's street
Jesus began to wash His disciples feet.

But when I saw Him kneel,
Then torment seized my soul--
And bitter shame.
I, whom He had so loved
And known by name--
He with the royal lineage
In His face!
And I had let Him fill
A servant's place.

'Twas too late then to say
'Let me--O let me, Lord--I pray
Take towel and basin from Thee
And kneel down
Lower than dust!'

Instead, I had to bear
Touch of His hands--and--worst of all--surprise--
Love, undiminished--
Shining in His eyes.

But when
His task complete He took His seat again--
Like a forgiven child
Whose simple trust had never been defiled,
Weeping I turned--my littleness confessed
To lean my head once more upon His breast.

Fay Inchfawn

Hello Friends. When I read this poem, it brought tears to my eyes. How often do I puff up and think more of myself than I ought? How often do I forget that a great price was paid to redeem me and there is nothing in me that is of any use? That is a humbling statement and not easily received. All-every ounce of-my righteousness is as filthy rags. But-God did not leave me in my sad, pitiful state. He had mercy on me and revealed Himself to me. Of course, I (not being properly taught or discipled-which is still no excuse!) and thinking I was doing the right things...picked up my salvation and started running. And I ran...far, far from where my Father wanted me to go-all the while spouting Christian-ese and trying to keep my filthy rags of self from showing. It must be said, one cannot keep up the farce for long. At some point, the filthy rags show and the flesh creeps out and pride slithers and out of the selfish mire crawls all manner of spiritual filth. Heaping up teachers and having itching ears-anything that puffs up and makes the self smile...whatever it takes for the deceitfully wicked heart to convince me that I'm just fine. Then, when I stopped and looked back over where I had gone, I did not recognize the path I had taken, you see...it was a wide path before me-one that had swallowed me up like a giant fish whose name is Deception.

How easily we can be deceived and even by our own hearts(Jeremiah 17:9)! The Word of God is not meant to pamper the flesh. Did you know that? Almost every preacher you hear today on TV feeds you a "feel-good" teaching. I warn you my Sisters...do not be deceived...the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) I don't know-but I think if I was pierced by a two-edged sword-it would hurt my flesh. Don't add to the Word of God but take it in it's most pure form. If God says something is wrong-don't twist it to make it right and vice-versa. I would remind you of the many deceivers that will come in the last days as mentioned in the Bible and the false teachers-these people will tell you, "Jesus is Lord"-they are manipulators and their only goal is to mix The Word with subtle lies for the purpose of drawing you off the Narrow Path and have you join in the great falling away. Don't get drawn to a side-path-they are not paved by God. His Way is narrow-so narrow and difficult that few find it (Matthew 7:14). There is no other way. You enter at the Narrow Gate and you walk the Difficult Way. Please, walk carefully using His Word as your road map and the Light to your path so you are not seduced off the true and only way to Life.

I thank God, through Jesus Christ, He shows me His Way-His Path. It is not the way of this kingdom of selfishness, but of The Kingdom of His Dear Son. Christ's servanthood shines-brightly-to those who have need of an example. Every person who calls themselves a Christian must remove the robe of the old man of self-effort and selfishness and the flesh and don the servant's robe of the New Man-that Man who was our ensample...the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14). If you read the Gospels and look for Christ's examples of servanthood you will find them aplenty.

I'm sure I'm not sharing anything you don't already know. I only hope to exhort you and remind you of the path of Christ. It is not a path that can be walked in the flesh, it can only be trod by following the leading of the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to get in the Word and see Jesus as the Servant He was and pray to begin to understand how that applies in your own lives. God desires, through Christ-in-us, to radiate from us, to be salt and light in a very, very dark kingdom. The light of a life-dead to self/alive to Christ. His Light slices through the deepest dark and the Father is glorified. Isn't that the whole purpose? Nevertheless, not what I will, but what He wills. Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4 and 5)

Oh Lord, help us to see Your calling on our lives. Not fame or fortune. Not recognition of man, but to become the least in order to truly do Your works. Help us not to stray from Your path. Give us discernment when the enemy would attempt to cloud our vision with deception. Thank you that You do not leave us on our own but You come to us in the form of the Holy Spirit and take our hand and lead us on The Way. Help us to wait on You before we make a move. Amen

God will guide us each moment as we seek to serve those He places in our lives. The greatest in God's Kingdom is the one who becomes the least. Remember, even as you bless others in your home you are glorifying the Father in the home-sweet things. x0

A Little While

2007-11-06T00:10:00.000-05:00

Reward and Service

The sweetest lives are those to duty wed,
Whose deeds both great and small
Are close-knit strands of an unbroken thread,
Where love enobles all.
The world may sound no trumpets, ring no bells,
The Book of Life the slurring record tells.

Thy love shall chant its own beatitudes,
After its own like working. A child's kiss
Set on thy singing lips shall make thee glad;
A poor man served by thee shall make thee rich;
A sick man helped by thee shall make thee strong;
Thou shalt be served thyself by every sense
Of service which thou renderest.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Hello my Dears. I know it's been a bit since my last post. I wanted to get on here and say "Hello" and let you know everything's alright, I've just been very busy. Too busy, and now it feels good to know I will be home preparing this house for Thanksgiving feast in a few weeks.

I did get some pretty primitive harvest decor out and played with it in my living room. I took photos and will share a few tomorrow since it's so late now. I was inspired by a magazine page and totally went bonkers changing color schemes and decided to bring out the browns and the yellow/tea-stained things and the old books and the old prints of birds. It was all with things I already had stored and tucked here and there in my stash (remember-I told you I was a collector!).

Now I am looking for something suitable to make curtains out of for the winter. I was going to make window quilts-but for the living room at least I will make some heavy-type curtains that can be pulled back in the day. So that is my newest quest for my home-some type of woolen or wool blend cloth to make pretty, yet practical curtains with.

Well, it is late and I don't want to dwell on here too long. Tomorrow I can share other things with you.

I pray you are all well. I pray the Lord keeps you and your families. I pray He is still revealing ways you can keep the Home-sweet things.

x0

Just A Quick Hello

2007-10-25T23:22:00.001-04:00

I wanted to pop in here and say "Hello" to everyone before I hit the hay.

I have had a quiet day spent pondering what I can do around here to spruce it up for fall. I think I will go on a bittersweet vine search tomorrow and I have some fun ideas that I want to do to bring some of the outside-in. I love the outdoors and don't get outside as much as I did when my children were younger.I will charge up my camera and hopefully I'll be able to get some indoor photos of a couple of areas I got to have fun in.

One thing I need to sit and work on are my new living room curtains. I have the cloth, I just haven't had the time. Maybe this coming week. I have old thrifted vintage sheers hanging there, but I want to make some heavier panels to hang over them for the colder weather. I also have some old vintage fabric given to me years ago by my friend Linda, that I want to use for the valances. It will be painful for me to cut it, but for goodness sake...why hold onto it in storage and not enjoy it? It's so pretty and will make lovely valances. (Linda, if you read this...it's the old cover from May's daybed that you gave me years ago.) I've always been saving it for the perfect project...well, it will look so pretty with my apple green living room.

Anyhow-I'm chattering your ears off and I do have some things to share, but I need to go rest for the night and hopefully I'll have some fun things to put on here tomorrow night to encourage your creativity.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of creativity-may we use it for your glory. Thank you for the season of the harvest and let us remember the true harvest is the one that we reap for eternity. Amen

Enjoy your homes Dear Friends...God has placed in us the desire to make our homes a place we can enjoy, a place to express the creative spirit made after Him. Take the time to make a cozy spot, or fix up a little corner for your own. Just remember, no matter how humble our attempt at creativity-we glorify God when we take the time to make the home-sweet things lovely-a place where our families can rest! xoxoxo

Consider the Lilies

2007-10-23T23:24:00.000-04:00

I won't write much tonight Dear Friends. It is late and I am tired and my pillow calls my name. I still need to do the rest of my dishes and set up the coffee for Dave in the morning-my husband who, no matter how he feels, gives of himself, as he has done for years, to bless and provide for his family.

I received my first Fay Inchfawn book in the mail today. It is called "Think of the Lilies." It is a collection of her works over the years. It's copyright is 1970. She was older and still had much to share from the wisdom she had gained over the years. Here is something from the book:

Think of the Lilies
by Fay Inchfawn

These lines are a tribute to the unknown person who remembered not so much the doctrinal words of Jesus but just this thought about the lilies.

Whenever they met together
That favoured company
Who had heard the Lord of the Ages
Say: 'Come and travel with me!'

Whenever they met together
To talk in the after days
They would retell to each other
His wonderful words and ways.

Tides great and deep were moving
Stirring the souls of men-
And words which the Master had spoken
Were passing precious then.

His close friends-Philip and Andrew-
His chief friends-Peter and John-
Had stored up marvellous treasure
Which they could draw upon.

But who, I wonder, remembered
That once on a summer day
Jesus said: 'Think of the lilies
Growing their beautiful way.'

It was surely some flower-lover
Who kept those words in mind.
It may have been a woman
Whose face was worn and lined.

It is likely she had been spinning
Till sundown the day before.
It is likely she had been grinding
Corn for her larder store.

And still she was anxiously planning
How to get food and clothes-
Enough for the needs of her household.
And that was the moment He chose
For saying: Think of the lilies.

And then, as she looked on His face
All her anxiety vanished
And left itself not a trace.

No wonder she told her story
With a rapt and radiant look.
No wonder Think of the lilies
Was written down in the Book.

When I read this, I just knew I had to share it. If you are anything like me, you ponder bills and provisions and make lists and budgets and check pantry stock and wonder where and how it will all be provided.

And then...just as I am about to wonder again...the wonderful Word of the Lord comes to me. I remember the part about casting my cares upon Him for He cares for me and I remember the lilies and I remember the birds and that every hair on my head is numbered. And then the Holy Spirit reminds my heart of the verse I am to live by: "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto me." Plain and simple, no worrying required.

Keep your eyes on Him, on His Kingdom and He will take care of the rest. He takes care for us because we were not meant to have cares. He has provided the way for us to remove every burden of this kingdom, of which we are to be strangers. Let us look on His face and every anxiety will vanish.

As the song says:

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

Lord, help us to learn to trust you to take full care of us. Teach us how to lay down our worries and cares at your feet and leave them there. Remind us that worry is not a fruit of your Spirit. Let us understand that You, our Love, always protect us and You never fail. Thank you Lord, that you taught us to consider, to think on the lilies and the sparrows-and that You told us God cares for us more than them. Oh that we could look on Your face and have full understanding of You. Amen

Bless God for His provision to us, His children. Praise Him as He provides you with what you need for the Home-sweet things. Good night! x0

Unawares

2007-10-22T21:18:00.001-04:00

Unawares
author unknown

They said, "The Master is coming to honor the town today,
And none can tell us at whose house or home
The Master would choose to stay,"
And I thought while my heart beat wildly,
What if he should come to mine?
How would I strive to entertain
And honor the guest divine?

And straight I turned to toiling
To make my house more neat;
I swept and polished and garnished,
And decked it with blossoms sweet;
I was troubled for fear the
Master Might come ere my task was done,
And hastened and worked the faster,
And watched the hurrying sun.

But right in the midst of my duties
A woman came to my door;
She had come to tell me her sorrows,
And my comfort and aid to implore,
And I said; "I cannot listen, Nor help you any today;
I have greater things to attend to."
And the pleader turned away.

But soon there came another
A cripple, thin, pale and gray
And said, "O, let me stop and rest
Awhile in your home, I pray
I have traveled far since morning,
I am hungry and faint and weak,
My heart is full of misery,
And comfort and help I seek."

And I said, "I am grieved and sorry,
But I cannot help you today;
I look for a great and noble guest,"
And the cripple went away.
And the day wore onward swiftly,
And my task was nearly done.
And ever a prayer was in my heart
That the Master to me might come.

And I thought I would spring to meet him,
And serve him with utmost care,
When a little child stood by me
With a face so sweet and fair
Sweet, but with marks of teardrops,
And his clothes were tattered and old.
A finger was bruised and bleeding
And his little bare feet were cold.

And I said, "I'm sorry for you,
You are sorely in need of care;
But I cannot stop to give it,
You must hasten on else where."
And at the words a shadow
Swept over the blue-veined brow;
"Someone will feed and clothe you, dear,
But I am too busy now."

At last the day was ended
And my toil was over and done,
My house was swept and garnished,
And I watched in the dusk alone;
Watched, but no foot-fall sounded,
No one even paused at my gate
No one entered my cottage door,
I could only pray and wait.

I waited until night had deepened,
And the Master had not come;
"He has entered some other door," I cried,
And gladdened some other home!"
My labor had been for nothing
And I bowed my head and wept,
My heart was sore with longing,
Yet in spite of all I slept.

Then the Master stood before me,
And his face was grave and fair;
"Three times today I came to your door
And craved your pity and care;
Three times you sent me onward,
Unhelped and uncomforted,
And the blessing you might have had was lost,
And your chance to serve has fled."

"Oh, Lord, dear Lord, forgive me!
How could I know it was Thee?"
My soul was very shamed and bowed,
In the depth of humility.
And he said: "The sin is pardoned,
But the blessing is lost to Thee;
For in comforting not the least of mine,
Ye have failed to comfort me.

I tell you, when you make your own plans for the day, always be ready for the Lord to throw something else in there. We are called to be instant in season and out of season (to be ready for God's leading when it's convenient and when it's not!)

My motto: "OK Lord, whatever you have for me, I'm game!" I live a life of surprise, and God is alright with that-He'll use it-you know? God knows I am always open to anything. I consider myself easy going-most of the time. And the Father uses this to His advantage. Now, I won't pretend I always like having "my" plans thwarted...but God knows if He has an opportunity and can use me, I'm willing.

So, today is Monday. The first day after 4 days of busy-ness and business, I am home and ready to accomplish some things! My plans!!! I planned on getting some housework done, some winterizing done, and some cleaning taken care of in my barn. I got as far as winterizing my kitchen window and moving a couple of things in the barn.

It has become obvious to me, over the years, that God wants to use me to help people sort out things in their lives. I suppose I am a good listener...though at times I have a horrible habit (I think) of interrupting. Still, I tend to have more than my share of people needing advice. If I was a cartoon character, my name would be Lucy and I'd be in a box-turned-office with a sign out front that stated, "The Doctor is In"! I'm not complaining-it's my joy to help others sort out their problems according to the Word and help them get on track. My phone rings endlessly some days.

Back to my plans: they didn't happen the way I planned them!

I got an early call from a very sad sister who needed advice. She came over and we talked and she cried and I talked and she smiled and I encouraged and she helped me in the barn and we talked and prayed and she went home. God love her, I pray she'll obey God and it will be alright. As long as we follow His path, we cannot fail. As soon as we begin on any way but the narrow way-we are lost! She was persuaded somehow to take her eyes off the Lord and she quickly made a mess of things! But God is so wonderfully there for us! The poor, dear sister had herself convinced that she needed to beat herself up with her mistake and I had the joy of seeing her face when God's light shone on it in revelation that she most certainly did not need to beat herself up with her mistake. Repent and turn and be saved. There is no beating up necessary. Praise our most merciful Father!

God, our loving Father is not a mean Father waiting to pummel his children into submission. He looks for a humble and contrite spirit and heart to mold with His Potter's hands to conform to His image and will. This can be painful, as we submit to the process, but it's also a time of growth and trust.

She left with a prayer and although she was not looking forward to the sadness her mistake would cause her, she knew God stopped her before she strayed too far from Him. Thank God for His Word that keeps us...that it's a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path! Because she had brethren who love her, she was pulled back to the narrow path before the wide one consumed her and caused her years of pain. He will never leave us nor forsake us! He is so good!

My next unplanned activity was a spur-of-the-moment Bible study (which I love!) with the friend who is studying the wives of the Bible with me. We decided to begin with Proverbs 31 and use it as a guideline for the wives and for our own lives. As we study, I plan to put what we feel the Holy Spirit shares with us here on my little corner of the web. I love to study the Word with several translations of the Bible and Strong's Concordance and a dictionary.

This topic we are studying comes from a very God-born desire to repent, revamp and reconstruct the life I've formed, mostly and sadly from what I thought was The Way, but which in reality, was my way.

As I recall this morning's talk with the first sister/friend I realized that what I spoke was most absolutely what I needed to hear, once again. I don't have to beat myself up for not being the wife I should have been. I am reaping the benefits of trying to "wife" (can that even be a verb?) in the flesh and it's not pretty.

Dear Ones, I have some advice for you...if you are trying to be the Proverbs 31 wife in the flesh...stop it! In the long run, it won't work-you'll become weary of it and become bitter and angry and start resenting it and all those negative emotions will rub off on your beloved husband. BUT...if you are determined to become the wife God desires you to be and commit your plans to the Lord-His Word says they will succeed! It's His will for us to be good wives, it's His desire to reveal the "Great Mystery" through us! What a calling! To show how much Christ loves His Bride and how much the Bride loves her Husband, Christ! I would do anything for my Savior...wouldn't you?

Likewise, we are to treat our husbands with the same respect as we have for the Lord, to show a lost and dying world how blessed we are. Yes, husbands also have a role to play in the Great Mystery, but we are not husbands-are we? Therefore, we must learn what God would have us do to glorify Him in our marriage. Our flesh wants to mind our husband's business...but one of our callings is to mind our own business...which means to have our minds full of our business in the Lord-and our business in the Lord is to reverence our husbands. This is only ever possible as we walk in the Spirit of God on a daily basis. He calls us and He supplies what we need to do His will. It's all for His glory!

So, my word to you today would be, Dear Sisters, do not waste time beating yourselves up. Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee. God has your very best interests at heart and as you submit to Him, He will enable you through His Spirit to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. He who calls us is faithful. Whatever God is calling you to do, He will equip you to fulfill. Love your husbands, love your children, love your neighbor as yourself. And really, don't beat yourselves up-when God forgives, He throws all He forgives into the sea of forgetfulness, as far as the east is from the west...never to be remembered again. Let it go and move with the cloud!!!

I promised you a chicken casserole recipe...and here it is:

Chicken Casserole

1 box stuffing mix
1 stick butter
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 tray of chicken thighs (8 thighs)

Boil chicken until meat comes off bones. Save broth. When chicken is cool to the touch, pick the meat off the bones and place in the bottom of 9" x 13" baking dish. Put your soups in a pan and 2 cups of broth and heat them up. Pour over chicken. Pour stuffing, dry, over chicken. Lightly push stuffing into soup, not too much, but to make sure when the soup boils, it will saturate the stuffing. Melt butter and drizzle over stuffing mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes or until heated through.

I serve this with cranberry sauce and vegs. It tastes like Thanksgiving dinner. I brought it to a covered dish at church and quite a few women asked for the recipe, so it should be a hit when you make it! YUM!!

Lord, I pray you help us to understand your vast power to forgive, your unfathomable love toward us who deserve it not. Help us to believe Your Word when you say we are forgiven and that you choose not to remember it at all. Help us to walk in the Spirit so we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Help us to commit all our plans to You, in accordance with Your will, so that they will succeed. Thank You Lord that your love covers a multitude of sins and that You equip us for whatever you desire us to do for Your glory! Amen

May God bless you richly, as you reveal His Great Mystery to a lost and dying world-and as your heart revels in the Spirit and reveals the Home-sweet things as a shining light in the kingdom of darkness. Good Night. x0

Family Day

2007-10-21T22:35:00.000-04:00

Today we all sat and ate dinner together. That is a big deal at this house as my daughter Jynette doesn't live at home at this time, Jordan works a twelve hour shift starting at 7:00 p.m. Sunday nights, and Brendt isn't always home. My wonderful Mother-in-Law came over to enjoy dinner with us, my nephew was here and "Jordan's Amanda" was here totalling 9 for dinner. I was absolutely blessed to have so many loved-ones around me at once!

We had a chicken casserole dish (I'll share the recipe tomorrow-it's nice for church dinners), cranberry sauce, green beans from our second bean planting in the garden, broccoli, "Dilly Beans", pickled garlic, and squash whipped with brown sugar and butter. I made cupcakes and apple pie and had cookies and donuts leftover from Lydia's birthday party yesterday.

Hearing my MIL's stories is wonderful. I showed her my copy of "The Complete Home" and she told of her Mom's washday experiences and how they conserved water and baking cookies in the cookstove. I really want to write some of her stories down for our family! So many wonderful tales!

I couldn't have asked for a lovelier day either. The weather was fantastic! Tomorrow is supposed to be the same and my MIL predicted a frost by week's end. We shall see! If so, I'd better go out and pick the rest of my beans and tomatoes.

Ahh, yes it was such a good day! There is nothing like visiting with family. Dave's sister and her husband came down, and my niece who is a new Mama. We all had a chance to hold the baby-little Kylee Marianna. Uncle Dave held her for the first time and he's such a pro! I know he enjoyed it, he loves babies so!

Now the dishes are all done, the food is put away. Everyone is asleep except me. I am so very tired and I think I will soon go to sleep myself.

I am so thankful for having the chance to spend time with my family today. Jynette came and helped with dishes and a couple of tasks and Lydia helped with some chores and cooking. Brendt carried some things to the basement that I had taken out during the week. And Dave...my husband...he helps cook...he is so very good to me! I could never pull off these big feast days without his help! Sadly, the feast days are few and far between right now, but I hope to have them more frequently in the future, Lord willing, because I think it's important to touch base and actually sit together as a family.

These things are ever-so-much-more important to me as time goes on and the Lord works in my heart. They were important before, but now I'm looking at things from a new perspective. The view from the cross, and the importance of all my children (and whosoever the Lord sends to my home), knowing and having peace with God. He is so faithful, He is the One Faithful Friend I can count on. His Word will never return void. He will restore all that the moth and the canker hath eaten. He is good. He Who promised is faithful, Who also will do it!

Thank you Lord, for our homes and the blessings on them. I pray, Lord, that all who enter our homes, know at once that You dwell there. Let your grace smile upon the inhabitants and those loved ones who come and fellowship with us. Let us always glorify You and show the fruit of the Holy Spirit in all we say and do. Amen

Take time to meditate on the Lord and the gifts He lavishes upon us as we bask in the wonder of His love toward us. Our families are a great reward from the Lord. A heritage of God's love and blessing. Cherish them as you go about your day and set your heart to delight in the home-sweet things. x0

A Busy Wednesday

2007-10-17T20:49:00.000-04:00

Wow...what a full day! I took my Mother-in-law (whom I adore!) to the foot Doctor this morning. While she was being seen, I walked down a ways to the library. She was just about finished when I got back and we went on our next journey.

Today is Lydia's 13th birthday. On any one of my children's birthdays, I spend time pondering the whole event. Lydia was two weeks overdue. I was supposed to have her here at home, and she just wasn't budging. I was scheduled to go first thing in the morning to the hospital about an hour away to be induced. I was not looking forward to this because my firstborn was induced and it was not a pleasant experience (which is why I had the rest of my children at home-with the Lord's blessing!) Anyhow...my first two children were two weeks late, so I really wasn't worried. And wouldn't you know it...at about 2 a.m. I woke up to contractions and had her around 8 a.m. She weighed over 9 lbs and I was just so glad to have her at home. Imagine my relief when I called the Dr. early in the morning to tell him I was having her at home after all. I think he was disappointed-he was not an advocate of home-birth. And there she was, my sweet little (?) baby. And now she's 13. So grown up and still sweet. She is a joy and a help to me and a lovely young lady. I love her dearly!

So, after the Dr. and the library, I ran to Price Chopper to get cupcakes to bring to Lydia's class at the private school. Yes, I bought cupcakes. I would have made them myself, but the night before I was fitting my cousin who is soon to be married in her wedding gown here, and adjusting buttons and seeing if we needed to hem it. But we are saved on the hemming-all I have to do is move some buttons and it's done! Since we haven't seen each other for awhile, we sat and chatted about marriage and home making and having babies and drank tea and visited. Hence, no cupcakes.

After delivering the cupcakes, we went to put gas in the car and my MIL treated me to a cheeseburger. I ran home, made meatloaf (forgot the onions!) and ran with Dave to the Dr. Came home and finished dinner and I'm writing early so I can go to bed earlier than I have in the past couple of weeks.

Tomorrow is another day foiled as far as housekeeping goes. I am going with a friend to the hospital while her daughter has a sonogram. The hospital is about an hour away, near NYC. So, that will take a bit of time. I'm sure I'll be pooped when I get home. Why does travel take so much out of a girl? Nowadays anyway! We shall have a nice visit in spite of the trip.

I did reserve three wonderful sounding books at the library:

The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery

Storey's Basic Country Skills: A Practical Guide to Self-Reliance by John and Martha Storey

The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John Seymour and Deirdre Headon

All found here. I will purchase them one at a time if I think they are something that will be beneficial to our quest to homestead as much as possible here on this little, tiny piece of earth.

I am so psyched. This winter I will work at a gardening plan better than the one we had this year. There is alot to take into consideration. Besides the planting, there is the weeding and the work of harvesting and preserving. It is not easy, it is very time consuming. But so worth it in the long run. One thing I need to do over the winter is invest in canning jars. I gave all mine away years ago when I thought I'd never can again. And we've gone around that mountain haven't we???

I have been sharing Fay Inchfawn poems and prose on here lately...I discovered her quite by accident. I think her poetry is dear. It speaks to me on my level, where I am at right now in my life. She's written about 37 books. Little by little I would like to collect them (see...here I go!) But...her writings are so personal and touching that I would like to have the collection to use in my work somehow. As soon as I get something, I will share it with you. I hope you are enjoying her prose as much as I am. It just speaks to my heart. The photo above is of her. Fay Inchfawn is the pen name of Mrs. E. R. Ward. (1880-1978). Depicted and known to thousands as 'A Homely Woman'. I will share more on her as I learn it.

Here is one of her poems:

Sometimes, when everything goes wrong;

When days are short and nights are long,

When wash day brings so dull a sky,

That not a single thing will dry.

And when the kitchen chimney smokes,

And when there's none so "old" as folks;

When friends deplore my faded youth,

And when the baby cuts a tooth

While John, the baby last but one,

Clings round my skirts till day is done;

And fat, good-natured Jane is glum

And butcher's man forgets to come.

Sometimes I say, on days like these

I get a sudden gleam of bliss.

Not on some sunny day of ease

He'll come...but on a day like this.

No day is perfect, nor will it ever be (although once in awhile we think that day the best ever)! But Jesus will return when the time is right, we do not know when this will be. Let us take each moment into account and see to it that we are thankful in each thing that comes our way-knowing that by the time it gets to us, God is already at work. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. "Romans 8:28

Lord, help us to understand that "all our times are in Your hands". Let us draw near to you, and yet nearer. Let us see You in the faces of our loved ones and let our loved ones see You in our face. Let our hands minister love to those about us, and let us always speak blessings upon those who hear our voice. Make me an instrument of Your peace.

May the Lord teach us to be wholly set apart for His work and His glory. May we look for His coming, even as we go about our tasks for the Home-sweet things. x0

She Watches Over the Ways of Her Household...

2007-10-16T22:14:00.001-04:00

Proverbs 31:27..."She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness."

We know this chapter as the one containing the biography of the Virtuous Woman. She is one busy Mama! There is no slacking off on her part. She is on the same page as her husband and totally committed to his well-being, orderly, in charge, works with her hands, rises while it is yet night to prepare food for her family and a portion for her maidservants, she buys fields with her profits from her home business (she makes linen garments and sashes and sells them to merchants-v. 24), she blesses the poor, all her household are clothed well (physically and spiritually), she is wise, she is kind, she is watchful, she is not idle, and her husband and children praise and bless her.

I've got a long way to go. But I'm not kicking myself, I am merely stating the truth. I'm still learning the first part-laying down my will for the benefit of my husband-to be his suitable helper. God knows I am trying to be teachable.

Next-orderly. I am very artsy...which is another way to say...um...cluttery. I collect things-like a magpie. If it's rusty, shiny, glittery, glass, ceramic, wood, metal, cloth, yarn, thread, beady, papery...you name it...I can think of some artsy use for it. Hence, the reason it is taking me ever so long to make the big "studio" switch. It's still dragging on...move a little down to the basement...paint another section of basement wall...move and paint, move and paint. But I will say...it's coming along-however slowly...each day I progress...and that's what it's all about. I actually have a vision for the new studio...which is a good thing! It's about moving forward, and it's not a race.

So far this week, I've been busily working on my "mission"-which is...getting things down to a system here. I haven't read any more in the Pam and Peggy book...but I know the plan and I am working on making up my index cards as I go. I will use them until I am comfortable enough to transform it all to a control journal/office in a bag (Flylady). Right now the cards help me keep focused. Though I am still setting the timer-I have to. I tend to overdo it and then this fibro flares and I am in trouble.

I did accomplish alot Monday and today. It just brought me so much joy to know what I was doing was blessing my family. I am beginning to see how this will come together. One step at a time, one card at a time. I have the major part of it all done before my husband walks in the door. I might have to fold laundry after dinner, but that's no big deal. Once my house is totally in order (under control), I know I will have the freedom to begin sewing again! This is my secondary goal, the first is to bless my husband and family!

I even know what I'm making for dinner all week! This saves frustration. I plan on making a month's worth of menus and using it twelve times. This should save time for me. It makes me feel so good when Dave asks me what's for dinner and I can give him the answer he wants to hear, instead of the "I don't know" I used to say.

I'm reading a book called "Toxic Relief" and feel one of the next steps I need to do to make my home healthier is to get rid of all chemical-based cleaning supplies. This fibromyalgia is no joke. I feel chemical overload is part of it. So, the first step I am taking is to "de-chemical" my home. I will be on a quest to find natural alternatives. This should be interesting!

I'm sure you've all seen this recipe for laundry soap:

Fels-Naptha Laundry Soap
-Use 1/2-3/4 cup per load
-50 cents per gallon

This is an old-timey recipe and easy to make. The resulting consistency is somewhere between a gel and a liquid, making it easy to use.

For a two gallon plastic pail: grate half a bar of Fels-Naptha soap. Heat and dissolve in 3 pints of water. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 Cup Borax ad 3/4 Cup washing soda (not baking soda. It is available at a reasonable price from some smaller grocers and supermarkets-you may have to look around for a source near you.) Mix well. Mixture will thicken. Pour 1 quart hot water into a 2-gallon plastic pail. Add Fels-Naptha solution, stirring well. Fill pail with cold water. Stir occasionally. Ready to use in 24 hours. Makes enough for 48-64 loads. For a 5-gallon plastic pail, use 1 1/4 bars of Fels-Naptha, 1 7/8 Cups Borax, and 1 7/8 Cups washing soda.

I will start researching and see what I come up with as far as other household cleaning supplies. I'll keep you posted! If you have any good recipes, let me know!

It is such a pleasure for me to be at this stage in my life. To be content being at home and not feeling like I need to run out into the world to make money. I know it will all come together when the time is right. The wonderful thing is that it is entirely the Lord's doing...rather than doing it in my own strength...I am operating in the joy of the Lord...which, in turn, is my strength. When I'm having a flare I don't have much of my own physical strength, and I find that when I ask the Lord for His help, it is there. It is a supernatural event-this newfangled thing (for me) of fulfilling Proverbs 31 by the Spirit of the Lord!

There is no substitute for being in the absolute will of your Heavenly Father. No peace anywhere else or any other way than following His Holy Direction. Wait upon the Lord, seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and each day-each moment-He will bless you with exactly what you need. Today's equivalent of "Fresh Manna". It's there, new and fresh each second-as you need it-just stay with the Cloud by day and the Fire by night!

May God bless you as you seek Him. You will receive from His Spirit-joy and strength-to aid you as you look well to the ways of your Home-sweet things. x0

Because

2007-10-15T23:41:00.000-04:00

photo taken by my brother Glenn

Because
by Fay Inchfawn

(PSALM CXVI.)

Because He heard my voice, and
answered me,
Because He listened, ah, so patiently,
In those dark days, when sorrowful, alone,
I knelt with tears, and prayed Him for a
stone;
Because He said me "Nay," and then in-
stead,
Oh, wonderful sweet truth! He gave me
bread,
Set my heart singing all in sweet accord;
Because of this, I love -- I love the Lord!

The Lord's voice. It is to me so sweet and kind. It is the sound of peace. It is the voice of a gentle friend. It is a flowing stream that never runs dry. It guides me and leads me and tells me and instructs me. It keeps me. It never leaves me.

As I spend time more and more with the Lord, throughout my day, talking to Him in my heart, I sense His leading. I sense His delight in the little things. I sense Him all about me, loving me.

As I seek His Kingdom more and more, I know the righteousness, peace and joy that are His blessing. His life for mine, my life for His. The eternal switch-once for all. The peace that moment accomplished will be heralded for eons. My heart smiles with a joy that is not of this earth. A contentment that He is all I will ever need to be satisfied. He is my righteousness, peace and joy.

Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.

It's all about Him. Him first. Drop your selfishness. Drop it like a pan from the fire. Drop your will. Just let it go.

Step into grace by faith and see that His love is more than capable. Overabundant. Full to overflowing.

His desire is for you. His desire is to show Himself true. His desire is for you to draw near to Him and let Him wrap you in His wings. His will. Your desire for His.

The love He embodies is a force no man can comprehend. It is boundless. It reaches to the heavens. The unlovely, undeserv-ed...they comprehend it, those who cry out to Him comprehend it...He is immediate for them. He is for them. He is.

We pray and He answers to our delight. We pray for a stone...and He gives us bread. He is the bread of life. All who eat this bread will never die. Eat and live.

May God mightily bless you as you seek His will, as you delight in His Word, as you exchange your filthy rags of self-for His robes of righteousness. Seek His Kingdom first and He will add all these things to you. Righteousness. Peace. Joy. Serve the Lord with gladness in your endeavor to give your life for your family...the Home-sweet things-the abundance of His will for you. x0

A Quiet, Restful Day

2007-10-14T19:04:00.000-04:00

When He Comes

by Fay Inchfawn

"When He comes!
My sweetest 'When'!"
C. ROSSETTI.

Thus may it be (I thought) at some
day's close,
Some lilac-haunted eve, when every rose
Breathes forth its incense. May He find
me there,
In holy leisure, lifting hands of prayer,
In some sweet garden place,
To catch the first dear wonder of His Face!

Or, in my room above,
In silent meditation of His love,
My soul illumined with a rapture rare.
It would be sweet, if even then, these eyes
Might glimpse Him coming in the East-
ern skies,
And be caught up to meet Him in the
air.

But now! Ah, now, the days
Rush by their hurrying ways!
No longer know I vague imaginings,
For every hour has wings.
Yet my heart watches . . . as I work I
say,
All simply, to Him: "Come! And if to-day,
Then wilt Thou find me thus: just as I
am --
Tending my household; stirring goose-
berry jam;
Or swiftly rinsing tiny vests and hose,
With puzzled forehead patching some one's
clothes;
Guiding small footsteps, swift to hear, and
run,
From early dawn till setting of the sun."

And whensoe'er He comes, I'll rise and go,
Yes, all the gladlier that He found me so.

May my attitude reflect the words of this poem: "All simply to You. Find me thus: just as I am-doing what must be done in a day-for Your glory. And whenever You come for me, Lord, I'll rise and go, all the gladlier that You found me so."

"Finally, there is laid up for me, the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8

Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus!

God bless you as you enjoy the home-sweet things! x0

As I Remember...

2007-10-13T22:34:00.000-04:00

The Long View
by Fay Inchfawn
[Elizabeth Rebecca Ward]

Some day of days! Some dawning
yet to be
I shall be clothed with immortality!

And, in that day, I shall not greatly care
That Jane spilt candle grease upon the
stair.

It will not grieve me then, as once it did,
That careless hands have chipped my
teapot lid.

I groan, being burdened. But, in that
glad day,
I shall forget vexations of the way.

That needs were often great, when means
were small,
Will not perplex me any more at all
A few short years at most (it may be less),
I shall have done with earthly storm and
stress.

So, for this day, I lay me at Thy feet.
O, keep me sweet, my Master! Keep
me sweet!

I spent a good part of this morning looking at a bin full of photos of my husband and I, our children, our parents, our siblings, our relatives, friends, places we've been. So many memories held in one bin.

My heart delighted in each photo as the memories came rushing back. Some of the loved ones frozen in them are no longer here to laugh or cry with, but, I have captured them, smiling and enjoying life. And each moment brings the sound of their laugh, a precious memory of a day in my life and theirs. Yet, I am here to remember them still.

Then, of course, I think about the scripture in the Psalms that reminds us our lives are like a blade of grass, that comes up one day and withers in the sun. And I am beginning to see the reality of that verse.

So many days seemed so long, but looking back in the photos, I see how the years have flown. My little children, where did you go? You are now two grown men and a woman and a young lady. Time has flown. Did I enjoy you enough? Did we laugh enough? Did I do the right things? Did I teach you enough about our Heavenly Father? Will you be alright when the Lord someday calls your father and I Home? These are the things that go through my heart as I look back and remember our fleeting days together-you as my little charges and I as your Dearest Mama.

I have dedicated you to the Lord, for Him to do with you as He pleases. I leave you in His hands forever, to will and to do of His good pleasure. He will lead you where it is you should go, as He's been faithful to lead your father and I.

I intend to get these photos organized during this organization/simplification process the Lord has me going through. I want to journal our times so our family will always know my thoughts on the many adventures we have had and what you all mean to me.

So many faces, so many lives touched, so many in my life to hold and encourage and love. And I do love them, with the Love the Lord has placed in my heart.

It was once prophesied over me that the love of Christ would constrain me. Does that mean I never get upset at a wrong done? When I get hurt it breaks my heart...but can I ever stay upset at anyone? No, God's love is a shining light that forces it's way out of my very soul and forgiveness is a gift God has given me, aside from my own forgiveness. He has blessed me with the ability to walk in true grace and forgiveness toward others that have caused me great pain in my life. I might tell about those situations I've overcome one day to help a brother or sister walk better, but for now, like the photographs, those memories will stay captured, still and frozen, locked in the bin of my mind, always under God's grace, until He gives me a reason to let them out and look at them and share how He helped me overcome wrongs done. I will only say that He is the faithful One, He alone is true.

One thing I did not remember as I looked through any of the photos, were harsh words spoken, punishment for a wrong done, bad or sad times. I remembered good conversations, church services and picnics, graduations, births and birthday parties, babies, babies, babies, pictures of children for my refrigerator-to remind me to pray for them. So many happy times. So many years. So many memories.

A few short years at most (it may be less),
I shall have done with earthly storm and
stress.

So, for this day, I lay me at Thy feet.
O, keep me sweet, my Master! Keep
me sweet!

Lord, I pray I remember how quickly our time here on earth is over. Help me to lay me at Your feet and keep me sweet my Lord, my Master. Help me remember that nothing is so important as showing your grace to others-at all times. And help me, Lord, to remember that no earthly "thing" is so important that I need love it more than one of your beloved. Keep me Lord. Amen

Good night my dearest friends and family. May you be rest at His feet and be kept sweet by Him. Thank Him always for the Home-sweet things and whatever you do, do with all your might, as unto the Lord. x0

Around Here...

2007-10-09T08:24:00.000-04:00

Well, the purple pantry is coming along, stocked with lots of food and summer harvest. I had to bring in another shelf to hold the squash. Turban, Butternut and Kuri. The Kuri is new to us. This is the first year we planted it. I must say, it's a keeper! We baked some and I milled it and made pie using a pumpkin pie recipe. Yum!!

I have to tell you, there is no making just one pie here, I made 4 pies. I hope to be able to make some more pies at some point tomorrow. I've got a new batch of squash all baked up and ready to go. Some Kuri and a Turban. I'll try to post some pictures.

I did bake some soft pumpkin cookies though. They didn't make it to the icing stage. There are only 5 left! So soft and yummy! We had visitors and Lydia took some to her class because she said they would want some when they saw her eating hers. I sent some home with my niece and nephew and sent some for my brother. And I'm sure everyone here had their share! Maybe next time I'll get to ice them.

At some point, I thought it would be fun to challenge you all to a "Search for the Best and Easiest Pie Crust Recipe" contest. The art of making a good pie crust is something I really want to accomplish. I am tired of buying the already made pie crust (Pillsbury)-although they make the yummiest pie crust I've had-from a box. I have saved so many pie-crust recipes over the years...and I've tried them here and there-but I want to get a recipe that works for me! If anyone has one-I'll let you know when to share it...I'll list some soon and we'll try them and see what results we get! I'll post them on here and by then I should have something handmade to offer the winner! Fun!

I am still working on getting things situated here at home. Things are going so dreadfully slow for me! I am still painting in the basement. Cinderblocks are not very bright, nor are they very pretty, and they certainly will not be inspirational to my creativity-once that begins again! So I'm painting them white, a section at a time, then I put a shelf there and load it up. When I'm done painting and all my things are moved down there-I'll begin the task of organizing and throwing away. I have a bunch of ephemera for collage and altered art...so I may sell some. We shall see!

I cannot wait until it's done! I have some fun things planned to share creatively with everyone and I hope to be able to offer some pretty things and patterns for sale to brighten your own home, goods for ourselves and our spirits and other things to encourage you in keeping a home!

This is my desire-to delight in the Home-Sweet Things and encourage others to as well! I love my home...and one of the results I'd like in my attempts to declutter the overflow of stuff I've accumulated is to replace it (very sparingly) with decorative, yet useful items, not clutter! And to encourage you as you also make a lovely home and place of rest for your family or for youself if you live alone!

Bread cloths, things to decorate with, crochet patterns, knitting, friends who offer items that might encourage you at home, recipe ebooks, other ebooks (I like ebooks, no clutter!), stitcheries, downloadable patterns...and much more! I am really looking forward to it!

Kathy, over at her blog Highlights From Higher Ground is having a special pumpkin week, go over and leave a comment and you might win a set of pumpkin potholders she made. She has a sweet blog and shares fun stuff! See what it's all about on her October 8th post. Check it out!

In keeping with the pumpkin spirit...here is a fantastically yummy soft pumpkin cookie recipe for you to enjoy!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Icing

1/2 C shortening
1 1/3 C sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed pumpkin
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. grated orange rind
1 tsp. orange or lemon extract (opt.)
2 1/2 C all-purpose flour
1 TB baking powder
1 tsp. salt (opt.)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. ginger
1 C raisins (opt.)
1/2 C chopped nuts

Cream shortening, sugar and eggs together; add pumpkin, vanilla, orange extract and orange rind. (Batter will be funny looking-that's alright!) Beat well until blended. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and spices in medium mixing bowl; stir well. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Stire in raisins and nuts by hand. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Icing:

1/4 C butter, softened
2 1/4 C sifted powdered sugar
3 TB half & half
1/2 tsp grated orange rind

Cream butter. Gradually add 1 C sugar. Add remaining sugar alternating with half & half, beating until smooth. Add zest-beat well. Frost cookies.

And now, without further ado...I wish to bring you Aunt Sophronia's visit to Miriam's house...(you know-the BO one...!)

The next day I went to see Miriam. It was about nine o’clock, and my niece was just taking her place in the sitting room window. She beckoned me in. I said: “Ah! This is the time when you study.”

“That is nothing,” she said; “I am always learning when I talk with you. Let us have a morning visit; you shall stay to dinner. I can pursue my sewing and fancy work, and the study can come in by itself some other hour in the day.”

Miriam’s sitting room was in lovely order. She is trying window gardening, and had a jardinet in one window in fine bloom. A broad board had been screwed upon the window sill. Mark had made for it a rustic frame three inches high, and Miriam had lined that with moss and planted in the moss common vines, as “Love-Entangled,” “Wandering Jew,” “Money Word,” and “Parlor Ivy;” these drooped nearly to the floor. Inside the moss lining she had set an old-fashioned square dripping pan, and filled it with rich earth well piled up; in the center and in each corner was a green flowerpot with a thrifty geranium or Begonia; and between the pots grew low ferns, blue and pink oxalis, pansies and other things, which did not demand deep rootage. It was a very pretty, cheap and easily-taken-care-of winter garden, and over it hung a very handsome basket of drooping plants. I saw in one corner a rather large basket of work folded into neat bundles. I inquired what it was. Said Miriam:

“My time for sewing more than suffices for myself, so this is some work for the Missionary Society, and for the Children’s Home. I have been cutting it out in my spare time for a week past, and now it is ready to sew upon, and as it is here at hand I can set a god many stitches at odd moments. See, here is some pretty work I am doing for our missionary-box. I like to send pretty things away, and I thought the little sums I had to give in this way would go further if I bought material and made it up. If I have more time after that, I will sew on the material of those who have no time to give. After Christmas I shall begin on a set of shirts for Mark. He will not need them before next summer, but you know Mrs. Burr’s rule is to be before-hand with your work, and in warm weather one feels less like sewing and there is more company, and Mark and I may take a little vacation.

Miriam went upstairs for some patterns to show me, and as I heard a know at the kitchen door I answered it. The kitchen was in beautiful order; the floor was covered with oil-cloth, and there were rugs of carpet lying before the table, stove and sink. The fire had been arranged to burn low until needed for dinner; the vegetables for dinner were standing ready in earthen basins of water. I was glad to see that the table and the good work of the sink were covered with oil-cloth. This saves a great deal of time and of hard work in scrubbing. Young housekeepers should remember that they cannot practise truer economy than in investing a little money in things that shall spare them severe labor, and save their time, as for instance, coverings for kitchen floors and tables. I was glad also to see that Miriam had been wise to provide articles for use that were light and easy to handle. Young folks often strain themselves by lifting enormous pots and water pails, when small, light ones would be far more suitable for a small family. Miriam generally uses white metal saucepans and skillets instead of iron. In her kitchen everything was handy, to spare steps. Mark had been at some expense in fitting up an outer shed-room for a snug laundry, so that the washing should not be in the kitchen, where Miriam had her work. He had had a new drain opened, and bought a stove for this work with a stationary copper boiler, beside the clothes boiler. Miriam leaves the clothes bags there, locks the door into the kitchen, and allows the laundress to have one key of the laundry door; therefore, on Monday morning she can come and begin as early as she likes, and she always finds soap, starch, bluing—all that she needs ready. Now while I was at Helen’s the other day, Hannah left her tubs twice to go to the store, once for soap, once for blue. I don’t wonder that that girl never gets done quickly with her work. I saw in Miriam’s kitchen closet a shelf with plenty of bar-soap cut, and spread to dry, as this saves it in the washing; she never gives the laundress soap that has been drying less than three weeks. It is by small economies and cares, such as this, that large economy is attained. One does not, in a household, make some great fifty, or a hundred, or two hundred dollars saving, but it is the little saving of five, ten and twenty-five cent pieces, of half dollars and dollars, which in the year mounts up to a goodly sum total, and these savings represent not meanness, but care; not cutting down the rations of the hired people, not buying inferior tea and flour, and poor butter whereof less will be eaten, but getting the best, and in quantity, and then allowing no wasting. Miriam has in her laundry closet a tea-pot and a little caddy with some tea, so that her laundress can make herself a cup of tea as soon as she lights her fire, and thus not be forced to work on faint and hungry until after the family have finished their breakfast; a plate of rolls or bread and butter is left beside the teapot, and thus the working-woman is heartened for her toils, and can comfortably wait for her later morning meal. Miriam says that next spring she means to have breakfast at half-past seven, and as during the summer Mark will have Mr. Cox’s place, he will be home for a five o’clock dinner; Miriam says she will then have a deal more time to herself, and she means to do all her own dressmaking, and plans for many other undertakings.

And so, Dear Ones, I have come to the end of today's post. It's getting late and I ran up and down the basement steps so many times today I am worn out! Good-night and I shall go to sleep thanking God and dreaming about the Home-sweet things! I pray you will as well. x0