Defining My Day

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

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

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...

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

(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

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

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

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

(c) Superman (I ask you...is this really an ice cream flavor???)

(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...

...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...

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...

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