Yesterday was a nice day. Got up made a big breakfast for my guys, breakfast burritos with spicy sausage, peppers, onions, homefries and eggs. Topped off with salsa and sour cream. I only had a piece of toast till dinner time I was so full! Then off to my favorite store, Lantz's for a cup of peppermint tea with our room mate, and some shopping for goodies! Back home to make pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting, 2 loaves of bread and some bagels. Then because I got some goodies at Lantz's I made some homemade granola with sliced almonds, crazins, raisins brown sugar and cinnamon. It is so good and will be nice to have over the next few days, if it lasts that long. Then dinner was alfredo egg noodles with chicken and broccoli. Needless to say my kitchen was a disaster by 8 last night. But I was a good homemaker and got it all washed before I went to bed. I am still full I only had half a bagel for breakfast.
Today's Doings:
~ Lunch for my dad and the Cabinet Maker in the crockpot, they are putting up the trusses on the pole barn today.
~Off to work at my moms again.
~ Get a new toaster while I'm out our toaster oven bit the dust today, very sad now I have to get a plain old toaster.
~Back here to pack up the boy-o he is going to spend the night with Cabinet Makers mom
~ Date night with Cabinet Maker!! Maybe we will actually get to spend some time together tonight!
Ponderings:
Proverbs 31:15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.
Yup this really does mean it is our responsibility to get up before our husbands, and children and servants if you have them (don't I wish), and prepare the morning meal for them. And no this doesn't mean you throw a box of cereal at them or a breakfast bar. Not that those are bad but how much more could you do for them if you got up first and had everything ready to make the start of their day better? I know as a wife and a mom that, mornings are not my favorite time to go make a mess in my kitchen. But I have found that a nice relaxing meal for my family in the morning makes not only their day better but mine as well. When I get us and actually prepare things for my family, I am showing that I really care and support them and love them too. While I do this prep work I am also praying for them and their day where ever it might lead them. I know that not everyone is a breakfast person, but could you be up making that fresh cup of coffee (if you are lucky you have one of those push a button put in the sealed cup thingys and there you go you're done). Could you be sending a small snack for them even if they eat lunch out, or even some muffins or cookies to share with co-workers? Preparing for your family with a self-less attitude is the best way to start everyone's day!
Challenge for the next week:
I am giving you three days to prepare here so get thinking and planning! Get up before your husband and children and have something out on the table ready for them when they wake-up. No matter how tired you are get yourself up and have a smile on your face when they come down. Make them that fresh cup of coffee, try out a new homemade cappichino recipe, or fresh muffins or even a re-heated muffin from Dunkin just something that you have a hand in setting out for them.
Now put a post it in their lunch box or on the steering wheel of the car just letting them know our appreciation for all they do and provide for us and how much we love them and will miss them. Remember men like to feel needed and want to be noticed for all they do. Just see the change in their attitude after a week! Now don't forget to pray as you do each little task!
Have a great weekend!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Merchant Ship? I'm not that big!
Hello all! I pray that you have had or are having a wonderful week. I now have a real teen in my house here after known as boy-o. We had the final party on Saturday, and now I can relax a little, HA! like that will ever really happen. This week we are all back to our "normal" routines, whatever that means. Cabinet Maker is on the last of the whole house remodel, he has a barn to build next week and a bathroom to do. Last night we got another call, from my baby sister and her and her husband, they would like him to come and some drywalling. We are praying about a kitchen cabinet build and a remodel on a lake house for the winter. At this point it is just Trust in the Lord and being Faithful in the fact we know He wants us where we are.
Today's Doings:
~Devotions, obviously
~Off to the city to purchase a computer for a client (looks like I am back in the computer set-up/training people how to use them business)
~Working at my mom's
~back home to make spaghetti with my homemade sauce, meatballs and texas toast (if I have time it will be homemade pasts too)
~Relax with my Cabinet Maker even if I have to duct tape him to a chair away from the pole barn!
Today's Ponderings:
Proverbs 31:14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings food from afar.
Remember it says like, you are not that big! This is just simply talking about you go out and find the best for your family. You don't just grab what is easy and simple. You search out what your family needs to be fed with. How often do you just grab what is easy for breakfast or dinner? Searching out what is nutritious for your family is just as important as the act of sitting down to eat as a family. Do you spend time planning out what your family is going to eat? Do you go out and find all the best ingredients? Now this doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune to get the best organic whatever to eat (read my previous post on my shopping list). How often do we just do what is easy, head down to dollar general get a box instant mac & cheese or ramin noodles and throw it on the table? Some days that is all you can manage but is it the norm?
Lets take some extra time this week to get homemade prepared with your own hands meals. Even breakfast doesn't have to consist of cereal every day.
Have a beautiful day in the Lord!
Today's Doings:
~Devotions, obviously
~Off to the city to purchase a computer for a client (looks like I am back in the computer set-up/training people how to use them business)
~Working at my mom's
~back home to make spaghetti with my homemade sauce, meatballs and texas toast (if I have time it will be homemade pasts too)
~Relax with my Cabinet Maker even if I have to duct tape him to a chair away from the pole barn!
Today's Ponderings:
Proverbs 31:14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings food from afar.
Remember it says like, you are not that big! This is just simply talking about you go out and find the best for your family. You don't just grab what is easy and simple. You search out what your family needs to be fed with. How often do you just grab what is easy for breakfast or dinner? Searching out what is nutritious for your family is just as important as the act of sitting down to eat as a family. Do you spend time planning out what your family is going to eat? Do you go out and find all the best ingredients? Now this doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune to get the best organic whatever to eat (read my previous post on my shopping list). How often do we just do what is easy, head down to dollar general get a box instant mac & cheese or ramin noodles and throw it on the table? Some days that is all you can manage but is it the norm?
Lets take some extra time this week to get homemade prepared with your own hands meals. Even breakfast doesn't have to consist of cereal every day.
Have a beautiful day in the Lord!
Song on loop in my head:
FAITHFUL (Don Colburn)
Faithful, I will trust You
You are faithful, I will follow You
Never changing, always loving
You are Faithful almighty God.
Time after time, You have been for me
A shelter from the storm, and from my enemies
Your mercy flows each morning
Your forgiveness heals my soul
And in Your presence I am made whole
I know not many of you will know this as it was written by a worship leader friend of ours. But if you would like to learn it just ask next time you see me, I will teach it to you.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Flax and wool what do I do with those?
Thank you for such a great response on the Shopping post. I will be posting menu ideas based on my list, hopefully sometime this week, we will see what happens.
My bagels turned out tasting great, looking horrible. I need to get a couple of cookie cutters to make this easier. I also found a recipe online for pumpkin latte's they were a very nice yummy treat for us last night.
Today's Doings:
~Work at my moms, cleaning outside, yuck I am going to freeze!
~Home to relax
~Try to figure out what to do for dinner tonight, nothing sounds good today.
Ponderings:
Wool and flax are not something we deal with much any more. The idea behind these, is that as a wife you try and look for what your family needs, and are willing to dig in to accomplish that, even if you have to make things with your own hands.
How often do we not doing something cause you don't want to put the effort into it? Many of us need to really be careful how we provide for our families, and a bit more effort goes into what we do have to do. To be a virtuous and praised wife we need to be putting in that effort. How does what we do look in our husbands eyes? Are we putting in the effort? Or are we reading lots of books, playing on facebook too often (I so need to be careful I don't do this), or just plain not wanting to get our hands dirty?
Go into your kitchen today and make an extra effort, clean out one cupboard, clean out the fridge, make a special treat for your family (and make sure there is some left when you husband gets home from work). Put extra effort into all you do today!
Remember/hum/sing loudly:
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye all ye lands!!
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking you as a precious jewel
Lord to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all
Jesus, precious lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, precious, lamb of God
Worth is Your name
Taking my sin my cross my shame
Rising again I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all
Monday, October 11, 2010
Shop on less then $70 a week for a family of 4? Yup it's possible
A lot of people have asked me how we can do it with just one income, a self-employed income at that. Well let me tell you it is not easy, or even fun some days, but the Lord continually provides. He has also given me the ability/hobby of loving to find the best deals and make things from scratch.
First you need to be organized about your shopping. I do my main shopping just once a month and I buy milk and fresh veggies to supplement weekly. It takes planning and a really good list.
Here is a typical shopping list for my family (there are 3 adults living here and one teenager that eats double what everyone else does, we also have people over (or take food there) at least 2 times a week.
Flour 25 lbs./ $8
Sugar 10 lbs./ $5
Salt $2
Yeast $5
Spices $5
Cheese Sliced 3/$6
Cheddar Cheese 6/$12
Mozzarella Cheese 3/$6
Pasta 6/$6
Ground Beef 3 lbs./$10 (I usually buy the cheap chubs)
Ground Turkey 5 lbs./$10 (again I buy the chubs for $2 each)
Toilet Paper (12 count Scott) 1 pkg. $6
Paper Towel 1/$2
Bar Soap 3/$3
Tuna 8/$5
Peanut Butter 2/$3
Frozen Veggies 5/$5
Canned Veggies 10/$5
Potatoes 10 lbs./$5
Veggie Oil $3
Margarine 2/$3
Cream Cheese 4/$4
Yogurt 4/$5
Chicken $6
Milk 4/$8
Fresh Veggies $20
Meat (roasts, stew meat) $20
Personal Products (shampoo etc.) $3
Dried Beans $3
Rice $3
Medicine Cabinet Items $5
Tortilla Shells 2/$2
Packet Seasonings $3
Baking Extras (pumpkin, chocolate chips etc..) $10
Canned goods stock up (above and beyond what you need each month) $20
Candy (just a little is nice to have) $5
Household Cleaning supplies to include white vinegar, baking soda, cider vinegar, borax, dish soap etc $12
That leave me usually with about $40 left over for whatever else I may need in the month.
You will notice I don't have laundry soap on there and I spend very little on shampoo.. that's because I make my own. It costs me a total of about $5 a month for what I use in cleaning supplies, however I am really paranoid about running out so there is always a bit extra around here, which means at some point I may take a month or two off from buying stuff and just put that money towards stock up on other things. You will also notice there are no bread products listed, I make my own, hence the need for so much flour each month.
I have also invested in flour sack towels which I use for everything except draining oil from fried foods and washing my windows, that is what the paper towels are for. Cloth napkins at the dinner table, cut down on the paper towel usage too.
To have this little of cost put into our food with all the people that I feed each month I tend to make lots of casseroles. They are cheap, filling and easy to make and people really like them for the most part. I also make bigger batches of things when I make them, and freeze leftovers. That way if I have a night that is too crazy or just don't feel well, we still stick to our budget because there is just something to heat in the microwave instead of ordering out.
I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any more questions or want more information on how we do it!
First you need to be organized about your shopping. I do my main shopping just once a month and I buy milk and fresh veggies to supplement weekly. It takes planning and a really good list.
Here is a typical shopping list for my family (there are 3 adults living here and one teenager that eats double what everyone else does, we also have people over (or take food there) at least 2 times a week.
Flour 25 lbs./ $8
Sugar 10 lbs./ $5
Salt $2
Yeast $5
Spices $5
Cheese Sliced 3/$6
Cheddar Cheese 6/$12
Mozzarella Cheese 3/$6
Pasta 6/$6
Ground Beef 3 lbs./$10 (I usually buy the cheap chubs)
Ground Turkey 5 lbs./$10 (again I buy the chubs for $2 each)
Toilet Paper (12 count Scott) 1 pkg. $6
Paper Towel 1/$2
Bar Soap 3/$3
Tuna 8/$5
Peanut Butter 2/$3
Frozen Veggies 5/$5
Canned Veggies 10/$5
Potatoes 10 lbs./$5
Veggie Oil $3
Margarine 2/$3
Cream Cheese 4/$4
Yogurt 4/$5
Chicken $6
Milk 4/$8
Fresh Veggies $20
Meat (roasts, stew meat) $20
Personal Products (shampoo etc.) $3
Dried Beans $3
Rice $3
Medicine Cabinet Items $5
Tortilla Shells 2/$2
Packet Seasonings $3
Baking Extras (pumpkin, chocolate chips etc..) $10
Canned goods stock up (above and beyond what you need each month) $20
Candy (just a little is nice to have) $5
Household Cleaning supplies to include white vinegar, baking soda, cider vinegar, borax, dish soap etc $12
That leave me usually with about $40 left over for whatever else I may need in the month.
You will notice I don't have laundry soap on there and I spend very little on shampoo.. that's because I make my own. It costs me a total of about $5 a month for what I use in cleaning supplies, however I am really paranoid about running out so there is always a bit extra around here, which means at some point I may take a month or two off from buying stuff and just put that money towards stock up on other things. You will also notice there are no bread products listed, I make my own, hence the need for so much flour each month.
I have also invested in flour sack towels which I use for everything except draining oil from fried foods and washing my windows, that is what the paper towels are for. Cloth napkins at the dinner table, cut down on the paper towel usage too.
To have this little of cost put into our food with all the people that I feed each month I tend to make lots of casseroles. They are cheap, filling and easy to make and people really like them for the most part. I also make bigger batches of things when I make them, and freeze leftovers. That way if I have a night that is too crazy or just don't feel well, we still stick to our budget because there is just something to heat in the microwave instead of ordering out.
I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any more questions or want more information on how we do it!
Relaxing Monday
I had the day off to spend at home, just being a wife and mom! I love when unexpected blessing come my way. After party #1 was finished I even had enough energy to clean up, so today is all about just relaxing, well and laundry that I am so far behind on with all the doings the last week.
Today's Doings:
~Laundry
~Experiment for a bagel recipe
~Italian meatloaf for dinner
~Library
~Phase 3 of super secret mission
Ponderings:
Proverbs 31:12 She does him [her husband] good and not evil. All the days of her life
How much good do you do for your husband, every day? Not just cook him dinner, but real true good, every day? Are you doing evil? Do you argue, not complete that which you know you should, are you praying for your husband surrounding your home in prayer and worship, every day?
How often do we just get tired and loose our motivation to get everything done each day, I understand that if you work a job outside of the home, it isn't possible to do "everything". Heck even if you do stay home it isn't always possible to do it all everyday. But are the days that you do get doing good done, more than the days that you don't?
If you aren't praying for your husband, children, home and surrounding it in God's love through you, are you allowing evil into your home? Beyond your set aside prayer time are you filling your home so that it is a direct reflection of God's character?
We are told to not do evil but good, what does good look like in your family?
Challenge:
How can you better organize your time so you are spending less time at the computer, watching tv, reading books, just plain being busy with non-wife duties? How can you find that one extra thing to do for your husband today? Get out a time incrimented schedule, I can suggest one you can download if you need, and write down all you need to do in a day and all you want to do in a day. What time does your husband get up each day, now get up with him and make him that cup of coffee or toast. If it is cold pizza get it out for him put it on a plate, with a can of Dew next to it. And sit with him even if you don't say a word just show him love by being next to him. Makes is lunch, send him on his way with a kiss and a time of prayer to start his day off. Ask how you can pray for him while he is at work. Now time to get the kids up and going? Do so with a smile and loving words. Turn the start of your day into a blessing instead of a fight.
Now schedule out the rest of your day from shower to bible study, facebook, dishes, laundry EVERYTHING! Now that you have everything written down, follow it for a few days. Make changes till you find a schedule that works for you. Make sure to schedule about a half hour to relax before the children come home, that way you can have a moment of peace before chaos descends. Next schedule about 15 minuets to change into non food stained, or sweat pants into something your husband would like to see you in, for me that is jeans that are clean and a nice shirt. Greet him with a kiss and keep the kids from bombarding him. Don't bombard him with everything that went wrong in your day yet. Let him readjust to being home, I know you want to share your day but he needs quiet time to get back into the swing of home life not work life.
Try it might just work for you!
Today's Doings:
~Laundry
~Experiment for a bagel recipe
~Italian meatloaf for dinner
~Library
~Phase 3 of super secret mission
Ponderings:
Proverbs 31:12 She does him [her husband] good and not evil. All the days of her life
How much good do you do for your husband, every day? Not just cook him dinner, but real true good, every day? Are you doing evil? Do you argue, not complete that which you know you should, are you praying for your husband surrounding your home in prayer and worship, every day?
How often do we just get tired and loose our motivation to get everything done each day, I understand that if you work a job outside of the home, it isn't possible to do "everything". Heck even if you do stay home it isn't always possible to do it all everyday. But are the days that you do get doing good done, more than the days that you don't?
If you aren't praying for your husband, children, home and surrounding it in God's love through you, are you allowing evil into your home? Beyond your set aside prayer time are you filling your home so that it is a direct reflection of God's character?
We are told to not do evil but good, what does good look like in your family?
Challenge:
How can you better organize your time so you are spending less time at the computer, watching tv, reading books, just plain being busy with non-wife duties? How can you find that one extra thing to do for your husband today? Get out a time incrimented schedule, I can suggest one you can download if you need, and write down all you need to do in a day and all you want to do in a day. What time does your husband get up each day, now get up with him and make him that cup of coffee or toast. If it is cold pizza get it out for him put it on a plate, with a can of Dew next to it. And sit with him even if you don't say a word just show him love by being next to him. Makes is lunch, send him on his way with a kiss and a time of prayer to start his day off. Ask how you can pray for him while he is at work. Now time to get the kids up and going? Do so with a smile and loving words. Turn the start of your day into a blessing instead of a fight.
Now schedule out the rest of your day from shower to bible study, facebook, dishes, laundry EVERYTHING! Now that you have everything written down, follow it for a few days. Make changes till you find a schedule that works for you. Make sure to schedule about a half hour to relax before the children come home, that way you can have a moment of peace before chaos descends. Next schedule about 15 minuets to change into non food stained, or sweat pants into something your husband would like to see you in, for me that is jeans that are clean and a nice shirt. Greet him with a kiss and keep the kids from bombarding him. Don't bombard him with everything that went wrong in your day yet. Let him readjust to being home, I know you want to share your day but he needs quiet time to get back into the swing of home life not work life.
Try it might just work for you!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Level 1 Reveal
I am so excited today!!! Our room mate and I got all the painting of walls and furniture done yesterday. Today soon to be teen comes back and gets to see stage one of all that has been going on. I can't wait to see his face! Needless to say I am a bit tired and a little sore this morning from all of that painting.
I will post some pictures of everything that I have been doing, as soon as the boy has seen it all and I can get his reaction!
Today's Doings:
Vacuum boyo's room, and get everything back in place and looking clean and organized (until he gets back home at least)
Catch up on dishes from yesterday and laundry
Make some bread and start on all the cupcakes needed for Sunday's bday party with part of the family [Not only is boyos bday next Friday my brothers is tomorrow and the same brothers wife shares a bday with my boy] So lots of baking to do
Hopefully get in a hike it is going to be 70 today!
Ponderings:
Proverbs 31:11
The hear of her husband safely trust her; So he will have no lack of gain.
How much trust does your husband have in you, to do everything in your home with out asking? I am not fond of dishes or folding laundry, there I said it, I am not a perfect housewife. How much more smoothly would your life be if you just did everything that was expected of you as a wife before being asked. How much faith in your would your husband have, how many less tense discussions would there be? How many more moments of peace would your house hold have?
We really need to work on being content and trustworthy wives. Get the housework done, go that extra inch to make your home a haven. Go on over to http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/
and check out some of her ideas in making your home a haven for your family.
I will post some pictures of everything that I have been doing, as soon as the boy has seen it all and I can get his reaction!
Today's Doings:
Vacuum boyo's room, and get everything back in place and looking clean and organized (until he gets back home at least)
Catch up on dishes from yesterday and laundry
Make some bread and start on all the cupcakes needed for Sunday's bday party with part of the family [Not only is boyos bday next Friday my brothers is tomorrow and the same brothers wife shares a bday with my boy] So lots of baking to do
Hopefully get in a hike it is going to be 70 today!
Ponderings:
Proverbs 31:11
The hear of her husband safely trust her; So he will have no lack of gain.
How much trust does your husband have in you, to do everything in your home with out asking? I am not fond of dishes or folding laundry, there I said it, I am not a perfect housewife. How much more smoothly would your life be if you just did everything that was expected of you as a wife before being asked. How much faith in your would your husband have, how many less tense discussions would there be? How many more moments of peace would your house hold have?
We really need to work on being content and trustworthy wives. Get the housework done, go that extra inch to make your home a haven. Go on over to http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/
and check out some of her ideas in making your home a haven for your family.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Prayer in the face of business
How often do you feel like there is not enough time to spend quality time with your Father, and time in prayer each day? I know we can pray while doing the dishes, or checking facebook. But I mean real, quality focused on the Father only, worship and prayer. How about that physical blessing or gift of kindness I was talking about a while back? I have spent the last month crocheting a prayer shawl for a dear friend (darn forgot to take a picture). I am not telling you this to say, Hey look at what I did, this means I spent the month, small snippets of time here and there, in prayer not only for the friend that received it, but just worshiping my Heavenly Father. This is what I did, as you start the gift, no matter what it is, spend about 10 minutes in prayer for the friend you are making it for each time you pick it up to do something on it. Whatever remaining minutes, were spent in worship for all our Father does for us. For me this means cranking up the worship music and just fellowshipping with my Lord. I do this sort of thing on any project I make for someone else, curtains, baby blankets, dish cloths, whatever. Pray for the recipient. If it is for my own home use then I pray for those in my home a little extra that day, not the normal prayers of protection or blessing but real deep down and heartfelt prayers on whatever they may need at the time.
My prayer time this week is focused on my soon to be 13 year old, no more pre-teen in the house after next Friday, sigh, I am not old enough to have a teenager, just to clear up any confusion. I have been deep into a super secret mission for him over the last month and am putting the finishing touches on it this week. I made a whirlwind trip to VA and back a couple of weeks ago with our room mate, to pick up his 65 lbs. of legos that a short term missionary offered to bring back from Congo with him. Now I am painting his room and furniture a color he wishes we would let him paint his room in. Then we are finishing up our walk out attic which is just off his room, so that all the legos can go in there as a separate play area. Now, this is all a secret remember. He thinks it will be another month or so before we can even get the legos, and that the attic is missing flooring, and it's way too dark to see, and his dresser is ugly, and walls have holes...... you get the point. He hasn't been a happy kid for a bit he really misses his legos, which is the only toy he owns. So needless to say he is going to be really surprised and happy. THANK YOU to all the family members who have "decided out of the blue" to take Michael for the last couple of weeks off and on so I can get all this done.
Ponderings:
Proverbs 31:10
Who can find a virtuous wife? Her worth is far above rubies.
How do we become a virtuous wife? Virtuous= good, righteous, worthy, honorable, moral , honest...
What do you do to reflect those characteristics each day? So that your worth can be so valued by your Heavenly Father and your husband.
Today's challenge:
Beyond fuller prayer time is what can you do today to be set apart and honoring to your husband?
Today's Doings:
WORSHIP AND PRAYER while painting all day long
Yup that will be my day!
My prayer time this week is focused on my soon to be 13 year old, no more pre-teen in the house after next Friday, sigh, I am not old enough to have a teenager, just to clear up any confusion. I have been deep into a super secret mission for him over the last month and am putting the finishing touches on it this week. I made a whirlwind trip to VA and back a couple of weeks ago with our room mate, to pick up his 65 lbs. of legos that a short term missionary offered to bring back from Congo with him. Now I am painting his room and furniture a color he wishes we would let him paint his room in. Then we are finishing up our walk out attic which is just off his room, so that all the legos can go in there as a separate play area. Now, this is all a secret remember. He thinks it will be another month or so before we can even get the legos, and that the attic is missing flooring, and it's way too dark to see, and his dresser is ugly, and walls have holes...... you get the point. He hasn't been a happy kid for a bit he really misses his legos, which is the only toy he owns. So needless to say he is going to be really surprised and happy. THANK YOU to all the family members who have "decided out of the blue" to take Michael for the last couple of weeks off and on so I can get all this done.
Ponderings:
Proverbs 31:10
Who can find a virtuous wife? Her worth is far above rubies.
How do we become a virtuous wife? Virtuous= good, righteous, worthy, honorable, moral , honest...
What do you do to reflect those characteristics each day? So that your worth can be so valued by your Heavenly Father and your husband.
Today's challenge:
Beyond fuller prayer time is what can you do today to be set apart and honoring to your husband?
Today's Doings:
WORSHIP AND PRAYER while painting all day long
Yup that will be my day!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Have you?
Have you been reading through Proverbs 31 and Titus 2?
Well here is another verse to add to your ponderings... Read through proverbs 31 and Titus 2 again and add this one in, Philippians 2: 14. Do all things without complaining and disputing. If we are complaining or disputing then we are not following our first two passages, as the complaining etc. gets in the way.
I know it is hard to not complain or argue with our husbands especially, we think that we know a better thing to do or a better way to do it. But it is not our place to argue with them, even if we are right.
Today's Doings:
Well here is another verse to add to your ponderings... Read through proverbs 31 and Titus 2 again and add this one in, Philippians 2: 14. Do all things without complaining and disputing. If we are complaining or disputing then we are not following our first two passages, as the complaining etc. gets in the way.
I know it is hard to not complain or argue with our husbands especially, we think that we know a better thing to do or a better way to do it. But it is not our place to argue with them, even if we are right.
Today's Doings:
- Babysit for my 5 red heads
- Home to make dinner
- Family time
- Try and get packets put together for Friday night's frugal cooking/cleaning/fellowship night.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
And now back to your regular scheduled program....
I know it has been a few days. After our day in Niagara Falls, I got hit with the flu. My little red heads that I baby sit had been sick the week before and I guess it was inevitable that I would get it too. I am on the mend and only mildly achy today.
So the ponderings for this day of rest:
Break Dividing Walls
By: David Ruis
There is a place of commanded blessing
Where brethren in unity dwell
A place where anointing oil is flowing
Where we live as one
You have called us to be a body
You have called us as friends
Joined together in the bond of the Spirit
Unto the end
Father we join with the prayer of Jesus
As You are so let us be one
Joined together in unity and purpose
All for the love of Your Son
We will break dividing walls
We will break dividing walls
We will break dividing walls in the name of Your Son
We will break dividing walls
We will break dividing walls
And we will be one!
Please continue to keep my little church in LaGrange in your prayers as it goes through some tough changes.
Plans for today:
- Church
- Then lunch and a continuation of our bible study with some dear friends in Christ. I look forward to these times of fellowship and oneness in our beliefs and understanding of our Heavenly Father and what he plans for us.
- Pick up our pre-teen from his grandparents, they took him camping for the weekend.
- Back here to the house for an evening of more good food (either Chinese or pizza) and a movie with our room mate.
Have a blessed day of rest in our Lord Jesus Christ and renewal in the Holy Spirit for the week to come.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Homeschool Celebration Day
Pre-Teen and I have celebrated homeschool celebration day since we started homeschooling. What is it you ask. All the kiddies around here start back to public school today, and we take the day off to celebrate the fact that we can take time off whenever we want. Today's day will be in Niagara Falls, Canada.
I pray that each of your days is celebration and that the Joy of the LORD will be your strength today.
I pray that each of your days is celebration and that the Joy of the LORD will be your strength today.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Servants Heart
Yesterday I talked about laboring over something for someone we love. I also mentioned doing it with a servants heart. What does that really mean? How should we be reflecting that?
A Servant is simple one who serves others. As women, whether you are single, married, have children still at home, whatever your season of life. God has given us as women to be willing servants to others. The key word there is willing, not complaining that you once again have to help out that needy friend with something, or that your child made a huge mess that you now need to clean up. WILLING SERVANT!!!! Especially as a women spending time daily in the word we see how Jesus reflected a servants attitude in most everything he did. Now matter how busy we are or how tired we are, reflecting that love and devotion to EVERYONE around you is a must.
How to reflect that above all else serve others attitude. Take time to read your bible today. Once again read Proverbs 31, and Titus 2. My easy reminder to my self each day is in my prayer time, I sing:
Have a blessed day and remember to rest in the Lord and cling not to your own understanding.
A Servant is simple one who serves others. As women, whether you are single, married, have children still at home, whatever your season of life. God has given us as women to be willing servants to others. The key word there is willing, not complaining that you once again have to help out that needy friend with something, or that your child made a huge mess that you now need to clean up. WILLING SERVANT!!!! Especially as a women spending time daily in the word we see how Jesus reflected a servants attitude in most everything he did. Now matter how busy we are or how tired we are, reflecting that love and devotion to EVERYONE around you is a must.
How to reflect that above all else serve others attitude. Take time to read your bible today. Once again read Proverbs 31, and Titus 2. My easy reminder to my self each day is in my prayer time, I sing:
Make me a servant
Humble and meek
LORD let me lift up
Those who are week
And may the prayers
Of my heart always be......
Make me a servant
Make me a servant
Make me a servant today.
As you go out to work, start school, drive your kids to school... Whatever you do in word or deed do it all in the name of the LORD.
Today:
Babysitting for my 5 redheads
Home to make dinner (beef stew that is from a batch in the freezer)
Family time
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day
Today I was thinking about all we do to labor for our families, friends and ourselves. While we all know these are things we must do to build our relationships and keep them... what labors of love have you preformed recently for the people in your life. I don't mean the normal mundane things, like cooking, cleaning etc. What real act of total self-less love have you labored over?
Take today to think of a self-less out of the ordinary act of love and something that you will labor through with a servants heart to do for someone close to you. Knit or crochet something just to make a friend smile, bake a batch of cookies that are just for your husband (no one is allowed to share). My goal for the rest of this year is to choose one person a week to bless with not only a small gift that will show my appreciation for them but also prayers for them as I prepare whatever it is I make. The next part of this goal is I will not be going out to buy anything for these blessings, or as I tell Pre-Teen, random acts of kindness, it will be something that is already in my house. Crafty, frugal and prayers, what more can a person ask for.
Today:
8 face cord of wood is being delivered, then BuilderMan and Pre-Teen will stack it all.
A young woman that is close to my heart will be hear to share and counsel or guide or just be an ear, whatever she needs today.
Bake 2 more loaves of bread, I have a new recipe I want to try, I am on a mission to find a homemade bread that is as soft as store bought, I tend to like crusty breads my Pre-Teen likes cheap-o store bought so I am searching so he will eat more bread. It is cheaper, and maybe will fill him up for more than 2 minutes.
Make a batch of lemon bars and brownies. We are going for dinner to my little sis's tonight so dessert is my detail.
Make a loaf or 2 of garlic bread for dinner.
Ponderings:
Romans 8:28
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.
Have a blessed day and remember to REST in the LORD.
Take today to think of a self-less out of the ordinary act of love and something that you will labor through with a servants heart to do for someone close to you. Knit or crochet something just to make a friend smile, bake a batch of cookies that are just for your husband (no one is allowed to share). My goal for the rest of this year is to choose one person a week to bless with not only a small gift that will show my appreciation for them but also prayers for them as I prepare whatever it is I make. The next part of this goal is I will not be going out to buy anything for these blessings, or as I tell Pre-Teen, random acts of kindness, it will be something that is already in my house. Crafty, frugal and prayers, what more can a person ask for.
Today:
8 face cord of wood is being delivered, then BuilderMan and Pre-Teen will stack it all.
A young woman that is close to my heart will be hear to share and counsel or guide or just be an ear, whatever she needs today.
Bake 2 more loaves of bread, I have a new recipe I want to try, I am on a mission to find a homemade bread that is as soft as store bought, I tend to like crusty breads my Pre-Teen likes cheap-o store bought so I am searching so he will eat more bread. It is cheaper, and maybe will fill him up for more than 2 minutes.
Make a batch of lemon bars and brownies. We are going for dinner to my little sis's tonight so dessert is my detail.
Make a loaf or 2 of garlic bread for dinner.
Ponderings:
Romans 8:28
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.
Have a blessed day and remember to REST in the LORD.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Celebration and Worship
Be Thou My Vision
Words: Ancient Irish Hymn
Music: Irish Folk Melody
Colossians 3:1-4
Be Thou my vision, O LORD of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art-
Thou my best thoughts, by day or by night.
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me LORD
Thou my great FATHER, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart.
High King of heaven my treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever be befall.
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
Prayer for you today:
That the Lord will bless and keep you and that you let HIS light shine upon you each day this week.
Post your favorite Praise and Worship song!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Best Laid Plans
Ok so I like I was saying, Life is what happens when you make plans. Almost as soon as I finished posting BuilderMan called our truck is broken and I need to go pick him up from my dad's when he was done working, which would be early today. So, Pre-Teen and I went yard saleing in the morning and got a few necessary items. I did get a really good deal on 5 lbs. of ground beef at Save-A-Lot, it was 4.78 instead of the 9.65 it should have been, made that trip worth more than just the milk and bagels I went for.
We went to about 5 yard sales, but all I found was a drying rack for .50, I am hunting for some stoneware bowls for rising dough in but no luck so far. We got back around 12 and had some lunch. Our washer is broken, so I came home and did some laundry by hand that has been sitting wet in the aforementioned washer for 2 days. I really dislike doing laundry by hand, by the way. After a year in Africa of doing laundry every few days by hand, I am so done with it!
I just finished when BuilderMan called to say he was done come get him. He had me get a whole list of tools to bring with me so he could maybe fix it then drive it home. So changed into dry clothes, and off I went, still no baking done. It took BuilderMan and my dad about 45 minutes to figure out what was even wrong with it then decide if it should even be driven. We did end up driving it home, very slowly, a 20 minute drive took us almost an hour. But he to got it home and we are waiting on the parts to come in.
Once I got home had to make dinner, which I had to change my idea due to time issues at this point. So we had homemade Alfredo sauce on angel hair pasta. By this time it was 6:30 and I was too tired to even think about baking anything.
Today's Plans:
Bake~ Chocolate Chip Cookies, Molasses Cookies, 6 loaves of bread and 2 loaves of Cinnamon Bread.
Clean and organize pantry. This is just about done with the help of Pre-Teen.
Hopefully clean up all messes from baking and cooking today. We are having our woodstove that hasn't been used since we have lived in the house (about 6 years) and I don't think the previous owners used it either, inspected. A friend is doing the inspecting and he wants pizza from our local pizza place for payment. So at least lunch is all taken care of.
Ponderings for the day: (You will notice that often my ponderings will be a song instead of a scripture at some point I will explain a bit more why this is)
We went to about 5 yard sales, but all I found was a drying rack for .50, I am hunting for some stoneware bowls for rising dough in but no luck so far. We got back around 12 and had some lunch. Our washer is broken, so I came home and did some laundry by hand that has been sitting wet in the aforementioned washer for 2 days. I really dislike doing laundry by hand, by the way. After a year in Africa of doing laundry every few days by hand, I am so done with it!
I just finished when BuilderMan called to say he was done come get him. He had me get a whole list of tools to bring with me so he could maybe fix it then drive it home. So changed into dry clothes, and off I went, still no baking done. It took BuilderMan and my dad about 45 minutes to figure out what was even wrong with it then decide if it should even be driven. We did end up driving it home, very slowly, a 20 minute drive took us almost an hour. But he to got it home and we are waiting on the parts to come in.
Once I got home had to make dinner, which I had to change my idea due to time issues at this point. So we had homemade Alfredo sauce on angel hair pasta. By this time it was 6:30 and I was too tired to even think about baking anything.
Today's Plans:
Bake~ Chocolate Chip Cookies, Molasses Cookies, 6 loaves of bread and 2 loaves of Cinnamon Bread.
Clean and organize pantry. This is just about done with the help of Pre-Teen.
Hopefully clean up all messes from baking and cooking today. We are having our woodstove that hasn't been used since we have lived in the house (about 6 years) and I don't think the previous owners used it either, inspected. A friend is doing the inspecting and he wants pizza from our local pizza place for payment. So at least lunch is all taken care of.
Ponderings for the day: (You will notice that often my ponderings will be a song instead of a scripture at some point I will explain a bit more why this is)
This is my cry, this is my song, YOU are my guiding light, for this journey I'm on.
And when these sunny skies, turn shades of gray.
I'll stay close by YOUR side as YOU lead the way.........
Jesus lead on, I will follow
Jesus lead on, let YOUR love light the way
Jesus lead on, I will follow. Jesus lead on.
And when my vision is clouded, by the wind and the rain
You'll stay close by my side and You'll lead my way....
HAVE A GREAT SATURDAY!!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Daily Doings
This morning after posting I will be heading out to hit some yard sales and do some basic shopping we need milk and lettuce. Then it's back home to try and get my pantry organized some. Then to do a couple of loads of laundry by hand, my washer is not working right and BuilderMan has been too busy this week to take a look at it. So back to doing laundry African style, ewww. But at least it will be hot out today so everything should be dry by this evening.
Bread making today: my "plan" (you know the best laid plans....) is to bake 8 loaves of bread and 2 loaves of cinnamon bread and possible one loaf of zucchini bread and get most everything in the freezer for next week.
Favorite Italian Bread Recipe:
1 Tbsp Yeast
1 Tbsp Sugar
2 1/2 cups of warm water
Let set for about 5 minutes to dissolve yeast.
Add 1 Tbsp. Salt
5-6 cups of Flour
You can then either use your stand mixer if you are too busy to knead or knead about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
While kneading set up warm steamy environment. I boil water in the microwave and then either put it in my oven which I preheated and then shut off or because I have a huge over the stove microwave just leave the water in there and place my loaf pans in.
I then put in greased loaf pan place in your warm steamy environment. Let rise till at the top of the pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15- 20 minutes.
Variations: To turn this recipe into cinnamon bread: Add 2 more Tbsp Sugar. Roll out dough after kneading spread on 1 cup of butter, sprinkle 1 cup of sugar with 2 tsp. Cinnamon and a few sprinkles of Vanilla. Roll place in loaf pan and let rise as normal.
Tip of the DAY!!!!
I bake my bread in an electric roasting pan. Pre-heat the pan at whatever temperature your recipe calls for. Place roasting rack in the bottom, if you don't have one you can use thoroughly washed tuna fish cans with both top and bottom cut off just place them in so that your pan is flat and steady. Just before placing your pans inside add 1 cup water. This will give you the perfect consitancy of chewy bread crust and soft inside that is awesome! I also use the roaster to bake cakes, brownies well just about anything you can use your oven for and or your crockpot for!
As women we often forget that love is not an emotion, it is a choice. One that we need to make each and every day. That choice to love our husbands and our children and our neighbors today will draw us closer to our Lord and our Heavenly Fathers plan for our lives with is to be more like him each and every day.
??????????Question of the day?????????
What is your favorite Hymn or Praise Song? I would love to be reminded of some old ones I haven't thought of in years, and learn of some new things to listen to in my daily focus time.
Bread making today: my "plan" (you know the best laid plans....) is to bake 8 loaves of bread and 2 loaves of cinnamon bread and possible one loaf of zucchini bread and get most everything in the freezer for next week.
Favorite Italian Bread Recipe:
1 Tbsp Yeast
1 Tbsp Sugar
2 1/2 cups of warm water
Let set for about 5 minutes to dissolve yeast.
Add 1 Tbsp. Salt
5-6 cups of Flour
You can then either use your stand mixer if you are too busy to knead or knead about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
While kneading set up warm steamy environment. I boil water in the microwave and then either put it in my oven which I preheated and then shut off or because I have a huge over the stove microwave just leave the water in there and place my loaf pans in.
I then put in greased loaf pan place in your warm steamy environment. Let rise till at the top of the pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15- 20 minutes.
Variations: To turn this recipe into cinnamon bread: Add 2 more Tbsp Sugar. Roll out dough after kneading spread on 1 cup of butter, sprinkle 1 cup of sugar with 2 tsp. Cinnamon and a few sprinkles of Vanilla. Roll place in loaf pan and let rise as normal.
Tip of the DAY!!!!
I bake my bread in an electric roasting pan. Pre-heat the pan at whatever temperature your recipe calls for. Place roasting rack in the bottom, if you don't have one you can use thoroughly washed tuna fish cans with both top and bottom cut off just place them in so that your pan is flat and steady. Just before placing your pans inside add 1 cup water. This will give you the perfect consitancy of chewy bread crust and soft inside that is awesome! I also use the roaster to bake cakes, brownies well just about anything you can use your oven for and or your crockpot for!
Passage for the day:
Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also MUST do.
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of God rule in our hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in your 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.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
As women we often forget that love is not an emotion, it is a choice. One that we need to make each and every day. That choice to love our husbands and our children and our neighbors today will draw us closer to our Lord and our Heavenly Fathers plan for our lives with is to be more like him each and every day.
??????????Question of the day?????????
What is your favorite Hymn or Praise Song? I would love to be reminded of some old ones I haven't thought of in years, and learn of some new things to listen to in my daily focus time.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Read and Ponder
Ok Ladies read these passages and lets pray over them and find in our ponderings how to be better Blessed children, wives and mothers.
Proverbs 31
Titus 2:3-5
Nope not going to type them out for you, you gotta go find your bible, dig it out from under the pile you hoped to get to later this week, wipe off the dust or jelly and read. I know we each have our favorite translation and I don't want to restrict someone just out of convience from their favorite. I had to find mine for church on Sunday I am so tied to using biblegateway that I never actually pick up my bible unless its Sunday. My new goal is to step away from the computer for bible study each day and actually use my bible.
Today's Projects, Meals....
Hem a pair of pants for our roommate. Try and get her curtains ready to finish by tomorrow. I have 3 skirts to do for another friend so I hope to get the cutting done tonight. I washed a bunch of tupperware I got and hope to get my pantry all organized on Saturday. Go with my builder husband to go get some free 10 foot plus beams that were taken out of a barn, they will either become furniture or firewood depending on their condition. Then home to watch my husband do a floor plan for our upcoming kitchen re-do.
DINNER:
Tacos from leftovers on Tuesday night
2 lbs. ground turkey, ground beef or chicken
2 cups cooked rice
1 can kidney beans
1 can tomato sauce if you like your mix to be saucy
1 package of taco seasoning made according to directions
1/2 cup of white cheddar powder (I got addicted while in Congo)
Cook everything combine and throw into crock pot to keep warm till dinner.
This can be eaten as a casserole or put in taco shells or used for taco salad it is great cold even!
Proverbs 31
Titus 2:3-5
Nope not going to type them out for you, you gotta go find your bible, dig it out from under the pile you hoped to get to later this week, wipe off the dust or jelly and read. I know we each have our favorite translation and I don't want to restrict someone just out of convience from their favorite. I had to find mine for church on Sunday I am so tied to using biblegateway that I never actually pick up my bible unless its Sunday. My new goal is to step away from the computer for bible study each day and actually use my bible.
Today's Projects, Meals....
Hem a pair of pants for our roommate. Try and get her curtains ready to finish by tomorrow. I have 3 skirts to do for another friend so I hope to get the cutting done tonight. I washed a bunch of tupperware I got and hope to get my pantry all organized on Saturday. Go with my builder husband to go get some free 10 foot plus beams that were taken out of a barn, they will either become furniture or firewood depending on their condition. Then home to watch my husband do a floor plan for our upcoming kitchen re-do.
DINNER:
Tacos from leftovers on Tuesday night
2 lbs. ground turkey, ground beef or chicken
2 cups cooked rice
1 can kidney beans
1 can tomato sauce if you like your mix to be saucy
1 package of taco seasoning made according to directions
1/2 cup of white cheddar powder (I got addicted while in Congo)
Cook everything combine and throw into crock pot to keep warm till dinner.
This can be eaten as a casserole or put in taco shells or used for taco salad it is great cold even!
Your are invited
I will be hosting an evening of sharing my homemade cleaning products, laundry soap making and from scratch frugal meal ideas and just plain hanging out! On September 17th, 2010 at 6 pm at my home. If you are interested please email me and let me know homespunscarlet@gmail.com. Please bring a couple of empty tight sealing containers such as canning jars, a good appetite and your favorite frugal recipe!
Welcome!
Homespun Scarlet, huh? What's up with the name? I have prayed over this idea for some time and many people ask me for my recipes and homemaking ideas etc. So I sat down and was trying to think of a name for a blog. I am a homemaker but that just doesn't describe what we do as wives and moms. So my son walks by and one of his vocabulary words was homespun (a cool word meaning from scratch or home made), it really describes what we do we have to start from nothing at times to create something beautiful and fruitful. Scarlet, because of Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. We as wives have the job of budgeting what we have and expanding and providing everything our family needs from what the Lord blesses us with. I hope this will become a way to encourage and teach one another (Titus 2:3-5). If you have any suggestions or questions post a comment and get a discussion going.
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