A Long Tempering Process...

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...

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

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

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!

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

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...

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...

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...

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

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

Thoughts This Evening...

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

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