Hearts in Service

Made to Order

2012-01-28T08:56:00.002-05:00

This is the second order I've had where people have asked me to make a specific item. I was commissioned to make two aprons, a his and hers set for a gift.

The customer told me she wanted me to try and incorporate some of the colors in this couple's kitchen - dark greens, brown, dark red, navy. She also wanted both aprons to have the same basic colors but obviously, one more feminine and one masculine.

Both aprons have dark green on one side and chocolate brown on the other. The pocket is the same on both sides and is lined in chocolate brown.

I enjoyed making these even though they are not my favorite colors. I think something springy and colorful is coming up! ;-)

Crafty Things

2012-01-27T07:14:00.002-05:00

I've been pretty productive this week. Of course, I've been busy making aprons. I did a custom order for a friend and mailed it off to her yesterday.

That's this one.

I made two aprons that are in my Etsy shop.

and this one which is reversible and a lined pocket on each side.

I made a set of 6 note cards. They are also in the shop.

Then I made this cute wreathe to decorate for Valentine's Day. Of course, the lighting was horrible and the flash made the Modge Podge look super shiny, and it's a bit blurry. It's much nicer than it looks here and apparently, I stink at photography first thing in the morning! LOL

I also have the fabric cut out for two more custom aprons - a his and hers set. I'm loving all this crafting! :-)

Touching

2012-01-26T06:24:00.002-05:00

If I had a word to describe yesterday's birthday, it would be touching. My major gift was the party and we also went out to eat last night. But Dan and the children all made me homemade cards this year and let me just say, I cried a lot yesterday!

I won't share Dan's because it's too personal but he did list 50 qualities that he appreciated about me.

Emily's was very sweet. She did an acronym of my name and wrote something next to each adjective.

Terrific - Mom, you are awesome. I love you.
Exciting - #1 Mom? You!
Religious - You motivate me every day and I can't tell you how many times you have cheered me up.
Rockin' - U R Awesome!
Intelligent - I love you so much. You mean a lot to me and you are a great role model. P.S. You are skinny! (I need to pay that girl)!

Stephen's was very clever. He wrote kind of a poem (not a rhyming one).

What is Fifty?
Fifty is celebration
Fifty is amazing
Fifty is shocking
Fifty is wonderful
Fifty is kind
Fifty is compassionate
Fifty is pretty
Fifty is young
Fifty isn't perfect, but it's close
Fifty is urbane
Fifty loves the Lord
Fifty is a disciple
Fifty isn't forty but it's not sixty
Fifty loves the numbers 12, 18, 20 and 48 (my family's ages)
Fifty loves the names Emily, Stephen, Nathan and Dan
Fifty isn't truculent, but benevolent
Fifty rocks
Fifty doesn't have gray (HAH!)
Fifty loves roosters
Fifty is the best-sounding author of New York
Fifty is hip
Fifty is always there for its favorite numbers and names
Fifty can cook
Fifty is funny
Fifty has mad singing skills
Fifty is the best number of them all

Fifty is you, Mom

The final card from Nathan really did make me weep. He struggles with writing so much and to just type 2-3 sentences probably took him almost an hour. He also has great difficulty in expressing any emotion or empathy.

This is what his card said:

All the things I want to write and say to you I can't put on paper. So I am going to put it like this. Thank you for everything you have done for me. Without you I would not do many things.

Aren't they wonderful? I love my family.

50 Years Old Today

2012-01-25T07:47:00.004-05:00

50 years old.

Half a century.

Stephen mentioned to me that the average person lives until they are 80 years old so I'm 63% of the way there. LOL

I'm not sure what I think about that. It seems like such a large number to be, especially since I don't feel 50. I feel like I should be wiser (okay, as I typed this I accidentally hit the "d" key and typed in wider -snicker). I feel like I should have done more with my life. More fun and exciting things.

But then I ask myself, "Is that what life is supposed to be about?" Is our goal in life supposed to be fun and excitement? Don't get me wrong, those things are great from time to time but it shouldn't be all our life is about.

Some things I'm asking myself today...

"Did I make a difference in someone else's life?"

"Did my life improve the life of someone else?"

"Was my life pleasing to God?"

"Have I accomplished God's purpose for my life?"

I think I have done those things. I know I can do better. I know that I haven't accomplished all of God's purpose for my life. I know that I need to keep plugging away.

At least, according to Stephen, I have another 30 years to work on it! ;-)

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2012-01-25T01:50:00.001-05:00

Philippians 2:3-4 ~ "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

I was in the middle of setting up an online Etsy shop the other tonight and was really trying to concentrate on it. As I was slogging through tons of information, Emily came up to me and asked me to help her study for a social studies test she had the next day. She has really done poorly on the past several tests and a lot of it is that she freezes up on the test and she needs someone to help her know what to study.

Now to be honest, my first internal response was...

"I don't want to."

"I'm not in school anymore so why do I have to sit there for an hour to help her study."

"I want to keep doing *my* thing."

I kind of gave her a very lukewarm response and think I said something like, "Go study for an hour and then I'll quiz you." I immediately saw her shoulders sag and off she went.

OUCH. Can you say - Holy Spirit conviction? :-(

The above verses are the theme verse of my blog and Dan preached on this passage on Sunday. Boy, did I almost blow it. Fortunately, I listened to that internal voice and stopped what I was doing and went and found her. She was on her bed with her eyes full of tears. I immediately apologized and we sat down and studied together for about 45 minutes.

Parenting can be such hard work. The hard part I think is learning to deny yourself at times. There will be times when you have to put off your desires and wants and put someone ahead of you. Yes, children can also learn to wait but parenting is about self-sacrificing and being selfless.

Let's remember that we are pouring our lives into another human being. Sometimes that means I can't craft when I want to or read when I want to or even sleep when I want to! But as you invest of yourself in your families, you will reap great rewards back when you see the results of that investment!

I don't know anyone who has looked back over their lives and said, "I wish I had spent more time on the computer." or "I wish I had read more books." I do know many people who wished they had spent more time with their families or friends. They wish they had focused on what really mattered in life.

Let's not lose our focus today! Let's invest in the important things.

Ahem! Is This Microphone On?

2012-01-24T06:42:00.000-05:00

I have an announcement! After months of hemming and hawing and changing my mind, I finally took the plunge and opened an Etsy shop. I'm scared!

I tend to be very unsure of my abilities and tend to second guess myself quite regularly. I see flaws in my craft items that most people probably never notice. I start thinking that they really aren't that great and what if no one likes them?

However, I have beaten down the voices and set up shop. The link is on my sidebar so when you have a moment, go on over and check it out. I'll be adding things as I finish them. Thanks!

Multitude Monday

2012-01-23T07:29:00.003-05:00

Moments.

Life is made up of little moments that can go unnoticed. Moments that seem unimportant. Moments that are full of drudgery. Moments that are over in the blink of an eye.

Every now and then there are those moments that are incredible and keep you going. Yesterday was one of those moments. I turn 50 on Wednesday. I'm not particularly overwhelmed by it as long as I don't think of myself as being half a century old. ;-) But it's a big birthday coming up.

My husband, extended family and church family threw me a birthday party yesterday that was a wonderful moment in my life. A moment where I felt loved. Where I felt appreciated. A moment that showed I mattered to other people. A moment where I knew that I made a difference in other people's lives.

Moments.

Before I move on to the next moment in my life, I want to look back and savor that time from yesterday.

This week I'm thankful for moments #828-835

♥ Silly Moments

♥ Sweet Moments

♥ Touching Moments

♥ Family Moments

♥ Fun Moments.

♥ Tiring Moments.

♥ Loving Moments. (He didn't know I was taking the picture and he was grinning ear to ear, pleased as punch with himself)

♥ Precious Moments.

Learn to appreciate each moment as it comes. Life is too short to let them pass by without savoring each one.

Crafty Things (One More)

2012-01-20T10:37:00.002-05:00

I made this apron this morning and it turned out so cute that I had to post it now. :-)

Side One

Side Two

The pockets are lined with the fabric from the opposite side. Love it!

Crafty Things

2012-01-19T18:12:00.002-05:00

I've been busy making aprons for the community market in our town. However, I've taken my aprons to a new level this week.

Most of my aprons are fairly simple. They are cute, but nothing exciting. Just one sided with a pocket like the one below.

Yesterday as I was making another one, I decided to do a reversible apron. I loved it and thought it made the whole thing seem a better quality product.

Then I thought I'd add a pocket to both sides. Here are two sides of the same apron.

However, I also added one more thing to make it even better. The pockets are lined with the contrasting fabric. Here is the sample of one side. The other side just has the fabric reversed on the apron.

So what do you think? I'm thinking I can charge an extra $5 and they may also sell better.

What have you been working on this week?

Miscellaneous Photos

2012-01-18T14:37:00.010-05:00

I really miss Foto Friday's at Rebecca's blog because it was a way for me to work on my photography skills. The past few weeks I've been trying to get different shots and thought I'd share some of the photos I've taken.

Lemons.

Sunrise from my sister's dining room. Don't you wish you had this view? I know I do!

I loved this shot. I took it through the car window as we traveled on the highway and for some reason it really appeals to me. I was trying to get the mountain but after I took it, I liked the barn too.

Braided bread.

Rosebud.

I like the way this picture is off center a bit.

Afternoon sun and a good example of bokeh.

And lastly, the afternoon sun streaming through the blinds.

I'm going to try and be a little more deliberate with my photography.

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2012-01-18T07:05:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 43:16-21 ~

16 This is what the LORD says—
He who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 "Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise."

Do you spend a lot of your time reminiscing about the good old days? Looking at some spiritual event in your past and wishing you could recreate it? Thinking things were better before?

Isaiah is reminding the Israelites here of how the Lord led them out of Egypt. How He miraculously parted the Red Sea and led them through. How He destroyed Pharoah and his army. And he is telling them to stop looking back at their time in Egypt and wishing for the old ways. The thing that always makes me chuckle when I read these stories is that the Israelites were in slavery in Egypt, yet they seem to forget that part of their history!

Don't we do the same thing sometimes? We think a time in our past was so much better. Yet we often forget about the struggles and the bad parts of our history. We only see the good parts.

God wants you to look forward! To see what new and exciting things He has in store for you. To not miss out on the blessing of the future because you are looking behind you.

So my encouragement for you today is to keep your eyes front and center. Look at the Lord and trust Him for the new and future blessings in your life. They are there. You just have to look forward!

Family

2012-01-17T07:25:00.004-05:00

We spent the weekend with my sister and her family, as well as other extended family members as we celebrated my sister's 25th wedding anniversary.

I was reminded of the following quotes.

"In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future." Alex Haley

"The love of a family is life's greatest blessing"

"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family" Anthony Brandt

"There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened and maintained" Winston Churchill

"No matter what you've done for yourself or for humanity, if you can't look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?" Elbert Hubbard

"When you look at your life the greatest happiness are family happinesses" Dr. Joyce Brothers.

"I sustain myself with the love of family." Maya Angelou

Stalking

2012-01-14T07:24:00.002-05:00

I'm being stalked. There are many days as I sit in my sewing room, I feel eyes on my back.

Or as I take the trash out, I'll hear rustling in the bushes.

It's gotten so I don't go anywhere without carrying a sturdy weapon.

It can be frightening at times.

But I'm coping.

The other day I was sewing and felt that uneasy feeling as if someone was watching me. I turned around quickly and caught sight of the culprit. Or in this case, culprits.

This is their new thing. They fly up onto my back deck and stare at me through the window and begin crowing at me non-stop.

It is quite annoying because they are making a mess of the deck. The other day, in an attempt to break them of this habit, I threw open the door and flung water at them!

They scattered for a moment. But they were back soon after.

I've been polishing my stew pot! ;-)

Crafty Things

2012-01-13T05:55:00.001-05:00

I only got one project done this week though I did get a couple of aprons cut out to whip up for the community market next weekend. I made a table runner for my sister for her anniversary and I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Here is the finished result.

The back.

Hopefully I'll get a few more things done next week.

How to Make a Good Dinner Great

2012-01-12T06:03:00.002-05:00

Take some favorite foods.

Add candle light.

Lots of laughter.

Have a time of reading God's word and great discussion.

End it with tasty dessert.

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2012-01-11T07:08:00.003-05:00

Luke 1:37 ~ "For nothing is impossible with God."

Isn't this an awesome verse? As finite humans we see the impossibilities in things. We feel despair. We think there is no way around an obstacle. We give up so easily!

Yet Luke reminds us that with God all things are possible. He is the Lord of the Universe. He has our lives in our hands. He has it under control. He is capable of doing anything!

Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves of this. I remember feeling despair over my son's life. What will happen to a child who can only read at a 5th grade reading level? Who writes at about a 1st grade level? Who has math skills that are at the very basic level? How is he going to survive in this world? Where will he work? What will become of his life?

I felt sick inside. Yet, the God of possibilities has done more than I ever could have dreamed of happening. Nathan is on the fire department. He wants to become an Emergency Medical Technician and has been studying for the tests and doing fairly well even with his reading difficulties! He has a hope and a future and yet, just a few short years ago I would have thought it impossible. I mean this was a child who 3 years ago wouldn't leave our side at all! God is GOOD!

If you are feeling overwhelmed and discouraged by your circumstances, remember this verse. Nothing, absolutely NOTHING is impossible with our God!

Be encouraged today!

Recent Outing

2012-01-09T20:37:00.002-05:00

It's been a rough year in the sense that Dan started working a full-time job in July on top of pastoring the church. He's gone from early morning until late afternoon each day and then many nights he is either fielding phone calls or visiting someone. Almost every Saturday the past few months we had activities happening. Sunday, of course, is taken up with church.

We haven't had a lot of time together as a family. Our entire married life we have worked together in ministry so it's been a big adjustment. The other day was one of those rare opportunities when we went off and did something as a family. Nathan was at a fire house event so he was not with us but he is not thrilled about walking or hiking anyway so it worked out.

About a year and a half ago a walkway was made over the Hudson River. So we decided to go there and take a walk across the river.

It was a beautiful day; perfect for the walk.

The beginning of the Catskill Mountains is on the other side of the river and it's always a pretty view.

It was a bit chilly, but it was nice to get out and exercise and connect as a family.

Multitude Monday

2012-01-08T20:16:00.006-05:00

Psalm 148 ~

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.

2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.

4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for at his command they were created,
6 and he established them for ever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.

7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,

9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,

11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and
12 young men and women,
old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the LORD.

This week I'm thankful for blessings #816-827

♥ Being able to fill my home with beautiful flowers.
♥ A wonderful vacation with my children home.
♥ A new month and a new year to organize.

♥ Nathan who was excited about fighting his very first structure fire on Thursday.

♥ The beauty of creation in my backyard.

♥ A night out with my husband and friends.
♥ A gorgeous warm day!
♥ Animals that provide hours of entertainment for Emily.

♥ Stephen, who took disappointing news very well and with great maturity.
♥ Visiting with a parishioner at nursing home.
♥ An unexpected refund from our insurance company.

and finally...

♥ The Lord who gives my life meaning.

Crafty Things

2012-01-06T06:23:00.001-05:00

I started off January on the right foot and got two projects done this week.

The first is a scarf. Emily's friend came to church one day wearing a scarf that looked just like a paper chain. It was the neatest thing. So I counted the stitches in it and did my best to duplicate it.

It came out so cute. Emily wore it to school and she said she put it on her desk in the library and walked away. When she came back 4 teachers were exclaiming over it. LOL

The second was a shirt for my father-in-law's birthday which is next Friday. I bought enough material when I made one of Dan's shirts, to make one for his dad too.

Here is the finished project. I was so pleased with it because there was not one mistake on this one!

I also nearly finished the top of a table runner and will show that next week. What are you working on?

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways.

2012-01-05T05:35:00.003-05:00

Dan and I will have been married 24 years on June 24th. It's been wonderful and we've had a pretty adventurous life. There have been ups and downs and even lower downs. If I could do it over, I would marry him all over again!

I love how our personalities and gifts blend together so that we make a pretty good team. I thought I would devote a blog post to the things I love about my husband. I came up with a list of 50 things I love about him.

1. He loves the Lord.
2. He loves me.
3. He would rather spend time with his family than anyone else.
4. He is humble.
5. He is passionate about social justice.
6. He is athletic.
7. He rubs my back every night.
8. He makes up silly games to play with the kids.
9. He loves people.
10. He is funny.
11. He gets excited about life.
12. He is an awesome teacher.
13. He is a deep thinker.
14. He has a servant heart.
15. He does the dishes for me every night.
16. He is easy to please.
17. He loves music.
18. He thinks of others more than himself.
19. He loves to talk.
20. He challenges me.
21. He promotes others above himself.
22. He is compassionate.
23. He is wise.
24. He is a hard worker.
25. He loves whatever I make.
26. He is positive.
27. He encourages his children and their talents and gifts.
28. He prays with me.
29. He doesn't take offense easily.
30. He is adventurous.
31. He is a good listener.
32. He prays before he offers advice.
33. He is organized.
34. He makes me laugh.
35. He has beautiful eyes.
36. He can laugh at himself.
37. He loves people from different cultures.
38. He handles our finances.
39. He provides for his family.
40. He goes without so we can have things.
41. He honors our parents.
42. He never talks badly about anyone.
43. He loves a good party.
44. He is wonderful with people who are going through a crisis.
45. He is easy going.
46. He hears from God.
47. He makes others feel comfortable.
48. He is affectionate.
49. He is a wonderful father.
50. He is a Godly husband.

Now, don't you love him too? :-)

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2012-01-04T05:51:00.003-05:00

Psalm 119:71-72 ~

"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver or gold"

"Why is God allowing this to happen?" This is a question that I hear quite regularly when people are going through difficult times. It is a question that I've asked myself over the years.

We humans are interesting creatures. For the most part, we are pretty self-reliant. We go through our days, weeks and months and often don't give God more than a quick acknowledgement. We act as if we really don't need Him. Yet, when things are going wrong we immediately cry out to Him and want to know why He is allowing something.

Perhaps if we come at it a different way it will help us. When we are going through difficult times, we no longer can rely on ourselves. All we have is the Lord of the Universe and His word to depend on. We are drawn closer to Him in the midst of adversity. We no longer have the illusion of being in control. The adversity is the very thing that will draw us into a relationship with Him and will allow us to truly see His hand on our life. When we turn to the One who is control, we can learn from Him. He finally gets our attention so that He can give us His solution to our problems.

A better question to ask ourselves when we are going through a trial is, "What does God want me to learn from this?" When we ask that type of question, we can find the answers that will give us peace in the midst of adversity.

I love the song, Blessings by Laura Story and the lyrics reflect this truth.

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

If you want to listen to the song yourself, here is the link: Blessings

In the coming days, let's work on asking the question, "What does God want me to learn from this trial?"

A Bit of Sunshine

2012-01-03T18:16:00.002-05:00

I love flowers and would love to fill my house with them. But, they are expensive and it goes against my frugal nature to spend money on something that's going to die in a few days!

I've been loving my home the past week because it's been chock full of flowers! There are the dozen roses that I bought for myself for $8 which was a steal.

The flowers I received as a gift from friends.

And then there are flowers that Dan brought home from a funeral. A man after my own heart - flowers the frugal way!

I've been working hard to take care of them so they'll last as long as possible. It's been a bit of sunshine in the midst of dreary winter days!

New Year's Eve Party

2012-01-02T18:39:00.002-05:00

We had about 30 people at our annual New Year's Eve party and everyone had a great time.

Here are some pictures from Saturday night.

One nice thing this year was there was a mix of people from church, as well as couples from the fire department.

As usual, I had too much food. However, I always have this fear that there won't be enough and I think it's better to have too much than too little!

Because there was church the next day and just because we are old people who can't stay up past 10, the party was only from 4-9! Fortunately, pretty much everyone at the party felt the same way. LOL!!!

It was a nice night and we'll be eating leftovers for the week!

A Look at Proverbs 31

2012-01-01T18:17:00.001-05:00

I have always loved the passage in Proverbs 31 that talks about the wife of noble character. I think it is wonderful advice from a mother to a son on what to look for in a wife. I do not think you can build a whole theology around it which many women have done. This is not the be all and end all passage of scripture for women and yet, many have done just that.

There have been articles and books written on it, talks about it, women have based their whole lives on this one passage of scripture. They have taken it verse by verse and try to apply every last thing to their lives.

I don't think it was intended that way. It was set forth as some general guidelines for a young man to look for in his future mate. When I look at this passage, I can see ten GENERAL principles regarding a wife.

Proverbs 31:10-31 ~

A. She helps her husband.

10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

A good wife is someone who doesn't tear her husband down with her mouth. She doesn't put him down in private or especially, in front of other people. She does things that bring him honor and respect. That encourage and help him. Generally, people live up to our expectations. If you constantly are criticizing your husband and tearing him down, he'll do exactly what you expect of him.

B. She is resourceful.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She uses what she has to provide things for her family. I don't think this means that you have to crochet, knit or sew. You don't have to be a gardener or butcher your own animals. It doesn't mean that you have to grind your own wheat to make your own bread.

It is just a GENERAL principle that this woman does what she needs to make her family comfortable - clothing, food, etc. It doesn't mean that you need to feel badly if you go to the store and buy Wonder Bread or purchase your quilts from K-Mart! LOL

C. She is not lazy.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She is not laying around and watching soap operas or gabbing on the phone all day. She is a hard worker. She is not lazy.

D. She is compassionate.

20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

She is a woman of compassion and mercy and reaches out to those in need. She doesn't hyper-focus on her family. She helps those who are poor and needy in whatever way she can.

E. She is organized.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

I think this is a key quality in a wife - planning ahead. Knowing what season or event is coming up and being prepared. Making sure that you have what you need. Not living by the seat of your pants, as my mother used to say! ;-)

F. She chooses well.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

This is an important one and a principle I've tried to share with the young women in my life. If your boyfriend treats you poorly now, HE WILL NOT IMPROVE! Know what character traits you want in a husband BEFORE you get into a relationship.

Choose your mate well!

G. She helps provide for her family.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

Again, she does what is necessary to help provide for her family. I know many women think that they should never make an income or an income outside the home. I don't believe that this is accurate. Working outside the home is something that is between you and your husband. I worked for years when my children were little because we were in a ministry that allowed me to bring them with me. I also went back to work last year for the year because Dan was going to be without medical benefits and we needed them.

I'm not working outside the home this year because I felt torn in so many directions, especially in dealing with some of the special needs we have here. I am trying to do the things I can to bring in some extra income. When I can't, I do what I can to make his money stretch.

BUT....if I had to or Dan wanted me to, I would go back to work again!

H. She is wise.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

I think one of the defining characteristics of a good wife is that she doesn't run off at the mouth. She chooses her words wisely. She thinks about what she wants to say BEFORE she says it. She chooses words that are edifying and build up her family and friends.

I. She is busy.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Again, she isn't know for being lazy. She moves through her day with purpose.

J. Others recognize her worth.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Generally, others will recognize her worth. That is not her motivation in doing it, but others do see that she has an internal character that shines through.

Let's work on applying these principles to our lives in the coming year.

Let's be a woman of noble character!

2012 Goals

2011-12-31T07:38:00.001-05:00

It's that time of the year again when most people set resolutions or goals. I prefer the word, goals because it gives me something to work towards without it being an all or nothing deal. I basically come up with goals based on different priorities and categories I have in my life.

Here are my goals for 2012.

Spiritual Goals
► Make time each morning for reading my Bible and spending time in prayer. In order to do this, I'm going to keep the computer off until this is done each day.
► Keep a journal of how God is providing for us so I don't forget.

Marriage Relationship
► Work on saying 2-3 positive things to my husband each day.
► Have a date night 2 times per month.

Health & Nutrition
► Lose 20 lbs. this year. I really must work on this as I haven't been feeling great lately and I know it's because I'm carrying around extra weight.
► Have an intentional exercise time at least 3 times per week.

Household Organization
► Make cards for 6 months at a time (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
► Keep food and household budget to $125 per week.
► Improve garden soil so it will produce better.
► Complete 1 major craft or sewing project per month.

Ministry
► Invite at least 2 people/families over per month.

Personal
► Complete one writing project this year. I have a couple of things in the works and I would like to finish one of them this year.

I feel like these goals are doable and I think I'll review them ever couple of months or so to make sure I'm on track.

Crafty Things - Year in Review

2011-12-30T07:06:00.001-05:00

I thought I'd also look back over 2011 and see how many things I got accomplished in the craft department. I can tell that working a full-time job was seriously cutting into my ability to craft because January-June were pretty sparse.

Here we go.....

January

Cards.

Table runner.

February

Valentine Centerpiece.

Cards.

April

Shawl.

May

Cards.

June

Centerpieces for Father's Day.

July

Aprons.

Dish cloths.

Cards.

September

Poncho.

Table runners.

October

Burp cloths.

Cards.

Table runners.

Aprons.

Napkins.

November

Table decorations.

Aprons.

Table runners.

Dish cloths.

Cards.

December

Quilt

Shirts.

Cards.

Ornaments.

Aprons.

Table Decorations.

Not too bad, given the unproductive first half of the year!

2011 in Review

2011-12-29T07:11:00.007-05:00

Years just seem to fly by lately, especially now that I'm pushing 50! ;-) This year for the second time I decided to look back and review what my year was like. Maybe it will seem more exciting than it actually was that way! LOL!!!!

January

Dan & I were remarking on what a warm December we've had. No snow at all and mostly in the 40s. By early January last year, we had piles of snow.

February

Stephen celebrated his 18th birthday.

Our church had a Chilefest to raise money for an orphanage in Chile.

March

The major event in March was a move to the parsonage. No more commuting 12 miles to go to church!

April

Most of April was settling in to the new house, celebrating our first Shabbat as well as the resurrection of the Lord.

May

We had two birthdays in May.

Nathan's

And Emily's.

June

We celebrated Dan's birthday in June. He ran in a 5K race and came in 2nd in his age group.

Our Anniversary. The worst picture EVER!!!! We both look distorted like we are standing in front of a fun house mirror! lol

And my mom and dad's visit.

July

July was mostly taken up with watching Nathan in parades.

August

August was full of ups and downs.

We went with friends to Lake George for the day.

My father passed away in August and I was able to visit with aunts, uncles, and cousins I hadn't seen in years.

September

September began a new school year in a new school district.

October

The most memorable thing in October was a freak snow storm that left us without power for 4 days. We camped out at the firehouse which was quite the experience! ;-)

November

November was full of fun, activity and celebrations.

A thanksgiving brunch.

An appreciation dinner for the fire department.

Baking what felt like a hundred pies to sell!

Thanksgiving.

A friend's 25th anniversary celebration.

December

December was just as busy!

A ladies tea.

Christmas programs.

A milestone.

Christmas Eve service.

Christmas Day worship & celebration.

And the month is not over yet. We are having a New Year's Eve party here with about 30 people so the next few days will be just as full and busy.

It was a wonderful year!

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-12-28T10:36:00.003-05:00

Micah 6:8 ~

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

A new year is right around the corner! I love January because it's like wiping the slate clean and having a fresh new start. It's like the ultimate "do-over." The opportunity to set new goals and to think about what you would like to do differently in the coming year.

However, as you set out your goals or "resolutions" for 2012, are you praying and asking the Lord what He would want from you? Are you seeking His will for your life? Are you hearing from Him and willing to make changes that He is setting before you?

I love this verse in Micah. What is it that the Lord requires from His people. This verse sums it up nicely in three things.

1. Act Justly - make sure that you upright and honest in all your dealings. God is a God of justice. He expects His people to be the same. Treat those around you with dignity and respect. Cheating, lying, dishonest gain, disrespect of others is not something that should be the characteristic of God's peple.

2. Love Mercy - are you a merciful person? Do you exact revenge on those who hurt you? Do you run them down with your words? Are you quick to be offended and angry with others? Are you vindictive? We are to be people who forgive. We have been forgiven so much from the Lord. Let's make sure that we are people who forgive others.

3. Walk Humbly With God - let's go through 2012 with the goal of walking with God. So many people I know say they love the Lord and have a relationship with Him, yet they never read His word. They never seek Him out before they make a decision. They never worship with His people. They talk a good game, but the Lord requires more than speech.

Walking humbly with God means asking the Lord what He wants for your life. What direction He wants you to go. Seeking His counsel before you make a decision. Recognizing who is really in control of your life! Which means being humble.

So we are back to where we started. Seek out the Lord in the New Year. Ask Him for direction for your life. Make it your goal to walk in His ways this year.

Have a blessed New Year!

Meet Molly

2011-12-27T07:20:00.002-05:00

Emily and I went yesterday to pick out her new dwarf bunny. A friend from church breeds them and graciously offered to let Emily have one.

Emily slept in until 11 a.m. yesterday morning. I was just getting ready to go wake her up because we had to leave in 25 minutes when she came down the stairs. She told me that her plan worked. When I asked what she was talking about, she told me that she had forced her eyes to stay open until about 2 a.m. so that she would sleep late and when she got up it would be time to leave! LOL This girl is too funny at times.

Anyway, off we went and she picked out the one she liked. Dwarf Hotot rabbits are generally pure white with just a little black ring around each eye.

Meet Molly.

I was a little concerned about Emily's allergies but it's hard to keep saying no to her because she is crazy about animals and they seem to love her too. So I gave her some allergy medicine before we went to see if we could ease her into it.

So far she's been fine and hasn't been sneezing, wheezing or anything. Hopefully it will stay that way. In fact, I held the rabbit for a while this morning and *I'm* the one that seems to be congested!

She held Molly a lot yesterday. Because our friend had a baby around the same time the rabbits were born, she didn't get a chance to handle them much. So Molly is a bit skittish. However, once you get a hold of her she calms right down and snuggles in to your arm. She seems to have a very sweet personality and isn't nipping at all.

This is how Emily was much of the day yesterday. I looked over and she was reading a book and holding onto her new friend.

She is thrilled with her gift which makes me happy!

Wonderful Christmas!

2011-12-26T06:45:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful Christmas this was! I think it was one of the most peaceful (and I don't mean relaxed LOL) ones I've ever had. When I say peaceful, I mean feeling full of internal peace in the midst of a very busy weekend.

I'm not known for being calm and collected. I recognize that I can be high strung at times and I've been praying that the Lord would help me to work on being peaceful in the midst of chaos.

It was really so nice to just enjoy each moment.

► From the candles of our centerpiece.

► Taking the traditional Christmas picture.

► And having children that didn't want to cooperate and be serious.

They were cracking themselves up!

► Hearing Emily and her friend sing.

► The candlelight service at church.

► Hearing my husband preach.

► Homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast.

► Opening gifts.

► A scavenger hunt for my daughter. Yes, that huge, beautifully wrapped box only contained an envelope with her first clue.

It then led her to get dressed and go outside and find clues in various places.

Then inside the church.

And she looked high and low for all sorts of different clues. Some involved clues that our church family had too. She had to look for the person wearing a bow and another wearing a bell.

The best was when she got the clue that said:

Now you must stop and sit for a spell.
At the end of the service, look for the person wearing a bell!

The audible groan she let out cracked everyone up. I think it was more fun for the adults than her!

Finally, finding her gift! Well, most of it.

The last clue inside the cage read:

Don't throw a fit! Don't get upset!
Tomorrow you get to go pick up your new pet!

She is going to get her new dwarf bunny today. She was so happy and had fun in the process!

► Worshiping with our church members on Christmas day.

► Good friends!

► Christmas dinner with a friend from church who had no place to go and being able to bless him with gifts too.

Like I said, it was a wonderful day! :-)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T07:38:00.003-05:00

I love Christmas Eve and look forward to tonight more than any other day of the year.

♥ I love that we get dressed up as a family.

♥ I love that we have a special meal together.

♥ I love lighting the final candles on our Advent centerpiece.

♥ I love setting out luminaries to light the sidewalk of the church for tonight's service (just tea lights in mason jars).

♥ I love our Christmas candlelight service and singing Silent Night.

♥ I love the feeling of anticipation.

♥ I love receiving phone calls throughout the day from people wishing us a Merry Christmas.

♥ I love worshiping with my church family.

♥ I love that we come home from church and curl up together to watch a Christmas movie.

♥ I love knowing that as old as my children are, they will be up early tomorrow! :-)

♥ Yesterday, I made loaves of cranberry-orange bread to give to families that attend our candlelight service tonight. I love being able to bless our church family this way and wish I could do more for them.

♥ I'm thankful for each of my blog readers who encourage me through your kind comments and prayers! It's what keeps me blogging.

I hope that each of you have a

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Crafty Things

2011-12-23T05:29:00.001-05:00

Shhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's another surprise.

I had another very productive week. It's amazing at how much crafting I can get done when I stay focused.

I managed to whip up three shirts for Dan this week for Christmas. There are a few minor mistakes, but overall I was pleased with the results.

What have you been working on?

Countdown to Christmas: The Gift of Love

2011-12-22T20:23:00.003-05:00

John 3:16 ~

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

I've been so overwhelmed this week with the wonder of the gift that God sent to us. He gave His child; His beloved to us, knowing that he would be spit upon and mocked Him and rejected and killed. He did it knowing that through Jesus death we would have a way to have a relationship with Him.

There is nothing more precious than that thought!

I John 4:7-9 ~

"Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him."

As we work on our final preparations for Christmas Eve and Day, let's stop and thank Him for the blessings He has given to us. Let's not take His gifts for granted. Let's make sure we thank the Giver of all our blessings!

Then, as an outpouring of the love shown to us, let's make sure that we also are showing love to others! That is the true mark of being His child.

Busy as an Elf

2011-12-22T05:55:00.003-05:00

Tray upon tray of Christmas cookies baked and cooling on the table.

Date nut balls rolled in coconut and setting on the cookie sheet.

Trays of cookies put together for the fire department Christmas party.

Goody bags of holiday treats for teachers put together and ready for delivery.

I've been as busy as an elf! :-)

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-12-21T09:10:00.001-05:00

One of the things I love about Christmas is that I'm reminded over and over again of the extravagant love of our heavenly father!

I John 3:1 ~ "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

He loved us so much that He gave up His most precious possession, His son. He gave up His child so that we could be adopted as His children. What a wonderful thought that is for us!

Because of this extravagant love, we in turn should be lavish in our love towards others. That love should pour out of us and touch all we come across.

To me, extravagant love goes above and beyond the norm. It is generous. It is sacrificial. It is self-less.

How are you showing that love towards others? Are you withholding love towards others because it's inconvenient? Or because you don't "feel" like it? Or because you have your own desires you would rather work on?

As we go through this Christmas week, let's reflect on how we can be lavish in the love we show others. Let's not be stingy with our love!

Instead, let's be known as extravagant people!

Love With Skin On

2011-12-20T05:58:00.002-05:00

So many times when I have gone through a difficult time, people have offered to pray for me. I so appreciate those prayers and words of encouragement. However, the thing that seems to stick with me the most and really lifts my spirits is someone who is willing to go out of their way to give me a hug, to come and sit and visit me, or to help in some tangible way.

I think this is the heart of the Christmas message. God sent His son, Jesus to earth so that we could touch, feel, and see His love in a very tangible way. Jesus was God's love with skin on.

As we go through this Christmas week, it's easy to get caught up in our own preparations and get so hyper-focused on our families that we forget to show others God's love.

As you go through this week, look around you and see who is discouraged or struggling. Let's offer a helping hand to someone who needs it. Let's sit and offer words of encouragement to someone who is struggling. Let's help someone who perhaps is having a difficult time during this holiday season by giving a gift or two.

Let's remember that while our prayers and words of encouragement are vital, many people also need to physically see and feel God's love.

Let's work hard at being God's love with skin on!

Stressed or Blessed?

2011-12-19T03:24:00.000-05:00

This is it. The count-down to Christmas day. All the many days and weeks of preparation will culminate next Sunday.

♥ The gifts are being purchased and wrapped.
♥ Cookies are being made.
♥ Christmas movies are being watched.
♥ Parties are being attended.
♥ Music is playing.

However, are we spending the same amount of time preparing our hearts? Are we spending time in God's word each day? Are we seeking the Lord in prayer? Are we asking Him to speak to our hearts during this time? Are we looking around us to see if there is someone we can bless?

Do you know that Christmas is one of the biggest stress producers? We are stressed with family relationships and expectations we put on ourselves or others put on us.

Somehow this seems so sad to me. We've made Christmas into this giant holiday frenzy that it never was meant to be. This should be a time when we are especially blessed at the wonder of Christ's coming to earth.

As we prepare this week for Christmas day, please take time to stop and listen to what God wants to say. What is it He wants you to get out of this holiday? Stop the busyness for a time each day and just hear from the Lord.

Let's not forget the true reason we celebrate this week. Let's work on being blessed and not stressed.

This week I'm thankful for blessings #801-815...

♫ Baking with Emily and Nathan.

♫ Christmas shopping with my husband.

♫ Laughing with friends after church.

♫ Curling up and watching old holiday favorites.

♫ A hard earned diploma.

♫ Christmas cards from relatives.

♫ A wonderfully unexpected gift!

♫ Seeing people stretching and growing into new roles in our church.

♫ Hugs from my daughter.

♫ Hearing my children tell me they love me every night.

♫ Finishing up a project.

♫ Christmas secrets.

♫ A mild December.

♫ Nathan earning some money by being asked to make some baked good for a friend's grand opening.

and finally...

♫ Preparing my heart.

An Early Christmas Present

2011-12-17T08:07:00.003-05:00

I received a phone call on Wednesday, letting me know that the board of education from Nathan's old school approved his diploma and they had it ready for us. Dan picked it up on Thursday.

What a wonderful Christmas present for him! He keeps looking at it over and over again and obviously pleased as punch. It has been a long haul for him and this is a major accomplishment. I have to say there have been a lot of tears (on my part) over the years and there were times when I never thought I'd see this day!

He agreed to finish out the school year in his technical school program and goes every afternoon, but this is a great step into his future!

Crafty Things

2011-12-16T05:31:00.002-05:00

First of all, this is a secret so....

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

This has been quite the craft week around here and I finished this project in record time. One of the things that Emily wants for Christmas is a bedroom makeover. She loves lime green and wants lime green polka dots incorporated into the makeover some how.

Anyway, I decided to make her a quilt as part of the makeover. Lime green is NOT my favorite color and I wasn't feeling particularly creative but as I wandered through the fabric store, I came up with a combination that looked good together.

I put it together in three days flat which is unheard of for me. But I'm up against the clock so I made it happen.

Here is the quilt.

Here is a closer view of the back.

I have a vision in my head of how I'm going to do her bedroom and I'll post pictures once it's done. My plan is to do it the week after Christmas.

What have you been working on this week?

Afternoon Tea

2011-12-15T06:25:00.001-05:00

Emily has always liked the special little touches that I don't always feel like doing or have the time to do. More than the other two, she really seems to need more of a hands on approach to life. She likes being able to talk and share things with me. It's difficult at times because it also takes her a while to get things out and I can often be impatient because I'm trying to do a thousand things at once.

Over the past few weeks, I've been trying harder at stopping what I'm doing and just sitting and listening to her. One way I've been doing that is by having an afternoon tea ready for her when she gets home from school.

I pull out my best tea pot and tea cups and have some sort of snack to go along with the tea. I always have it available to the boys too, but they are content to eat in silence and then head off by themselves. Emily, on the other hand, will sit and tell me all about her day and the things that happened at school.

After she's talked and gotten everything off her chest, she is ready to do her homework.

It seems like an afternoon tea has been the thing to fill her tank!

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-12-14T05:30:00.000-05:00

Psalm 56:8-11 ~

8 You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.

9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.
This I know: God is on my side!
10 I praise God for what he has promised;
Yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised.
11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?

There have been times in my life when I have felt so utterly alone in the midst of tremendous grief. It seemed as if no one cared and even the Lord seemed to have deserted me.

I absolutely love these verses in Psalm 56. God does see our sorrows. He knows our heartbreaks and disappointments. He keeps a record of our hurts. They do not go unnoticed by the Lord. He holds them in His hands.

What a wonderful thought. We are not alone in our struggles. The Lord carries us and our problems and is on our side. So often, I can feel fearful about a situation and yet, these verses tell me that the God of the universe is watching out for me. There is absolutely nothing that anyone can do to us that will change the fact that God will do what He promised in our life.

The focus this week in advent is on joy. What joy there is in knowing that the Lord sees my hurt and lifts me up and helps me through the hurdles. Not only does He guide me through them but He remembers the pain and struggle involved and continues to comfort me and help long after the trial is over.

That is encouraging to me and brings me great joy! My tears do not fall unnoticed. I am not alone. I am loved!

And a Little Child Shall Lead Them

2011-12-12T07:24:00.005-05:00

Smiling faces and excited voices, all clamoring for attention at the same time.

"How do I look?"

"I'm so nervous!"

"Where are the words?"

"I can't find my props!"

Children and teens showing up earlier than necessary in anticipation of their Christmas program yesterday. New families stepping foot into foreign territory. A place they avoid at all costs.

Yet, they come. They come into a church building because their children are presenting the gift of their voice. Coming because their sons and daughters asked them to come to their program.

And they hear. They listen to the good news that God loves them. That He accepts them. That they don't have to dress a certain way or talk in a particular way to approach Him. God sent his Son to people just like them. People who work hard for little money. Fathers and Mothers who love their children and struggle to provide for them. Sons and daughters who never feel good enough.

They hear that the angels first appeared not to kings and saints but to ordinary people. Men with dirt under their finger nails. People who worked hard. Who never had enough. The rough around the edges. The overlooked.

Their children have brought them.

Matthew 19:14 ~

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Excited faces and voices; being used by God.

And it was good.

Counting my blessing this week, #791-800...

♥ Angelic voices lifted in song.

♥ A wonderful message of God's love.

♥ Blessing the women in our church through a Christmas tea.

♥ Fellowship and fun.

♥ The beauty of a full moon.

♥ A productive craft week.

♥ A walk in the fresh air.

♥ Lighting candles night after night, anticipating Christmas day.

♥ A son who keeps getting up after life keeps knocking him down.

and finally....

♥ The joy the Christmas message brings.

Top 10 Ways to Annoy Your Little Sister

2011-12-11T06:48:00.002-05:00

10. Write her love notes on the message board in the dining room. Things like, "No picking on anyone 8 years younger than you, UNLESS her name is Emily."

9. Ignore her when she talks to you.

8. Contradict every thing she tries to share at the dinner table.

7. Go off and don't invite her along.

6. Talk about how good her chickens would taste for dinner.

5. Roll your eyes and sigh at her when she says something.

4. Mimic her on a regular basis.

3. Tell her how annoying her friends are.

2. When playing board games, argue with her about the rules.

And the number one way to annoy your little sister....

1. Chase her with one of her own roosters!

Just so you know we're normal. And YES, they both love her!

Small Update

2011-12-10T06:37:00.003-05:00

I wanted to give you all a small update on what is going on here with Nathan. I appreciate your prayers!

I got a phone call from the head chef in Nathan's technical school in relation to a boy there who has really been giving him a hard time. I had emailed the chef letting him know what was happening and asking him to please take care of it. I also let him know that Nathan had gotten to the point where he was unhappy and planning on stopping the program as of December 23rd.

The chef called me to let me know they took care of the whole situation. He told me that Nathan could expect an apology from this other boy which did happen. He said if something happens again, Nathan should immediately let them know. He also encouraged me to convince Nathan to stay until the end of the school year because he is doing so well.

He said that Nathan has a great work ethic, a wonderful, upbeat attitude and works well with others. He felt like Nathan would work well in a kitchen because it's all about being a team player and Nathan is so positive.

It takes Nathan a while to sort through his emotions and get to the core of his anxieties. He really does like his technical school and loves cooking, but is totally overwhelmed, stressed out and scared about the high school. He is at the high school in the morning and then leaves at 11:30 for his technical school.

It really has been such a huge change for him. In his old school he was in a self-contained classroom and we were given permission to drop him off in the back so he went down a very short hall to his classroom. This school does not do self-contained classrooms. He went from a school of a couple hundred where he knew many people, to a school of 3,500 where he knows no one. It's too much.

Anyway, the guidance counselor called me back today and we were given permission to allow Nathan to just attend the technical school for the rest of the year. He won't have to deal with the high school building anymore which is making him extremely happy.

We encouraged him to stay in the technical school because at least he is learning a trade there. He'll come out with some experience under his belt with top chefs. Hopefully, that will help him find a job.

When we thought we were pulling him out of school, I called the agency that works with him beyond high school and we have an appointment in early January with them. I'm going to keep the appointment anyway to discuss his options beginning this summer.

In other news, the fire department had their elections on Thursday night and Nathan was elected to Sergeant at Arms, which basically means he makes sure their meetings are run with proper decorum and order.

I'm proud of him!

Crafty Things

2011-12-09T07:07:00.002-05:00

There was a lot going on in my house this week in the crafty department but not many pictures to show for it.

I spent a few hours putting together the little Santa sleighs for the cookie exchange that I shared with you a couple of days ago.

I made about 20 Christmas cards. I addressed and mailed them before I remembered to take pictures.

I've been thinking about and organizing items to decorate for a ladies Christmas tea this Saturday. I have the color scheme and decorations all set to go. I'll take pictures of that after it's set up tomorrow.

I cut out some fabric for a quilt for Emily. SSHHHHHHH!!!!!! It's a secret!

I made about 15 more of these Christmas tree ornaments. The picture here shows each side of the same ornament. Each tree is made with three different kinds of scrapbook papers.

I made 2 aprons and cut out the fabric for one more.

What crafty things are you working on?

A Disciplined Life

2011-12-08T06:52:00.004-05:00

"Tedium is the granddaughter of despondency, and the daughter of slothfulness. In order to drive it away, labour at your work, and do not be slothful in prayer. The tedium will pass, and zeal will come. And if to this you add patience and humility, then you will be rid of all misfortunes and evils."

~St. Ambrose of Optina

My friend, Tina has this quote on her blog which I really like. Of course, because it's in language we don't really use today, I had to read it a few times to understand the meaning.

I have found this to be true in my own life. There are days when I don't feel like doing anything. I fritter my time away on the computer. I find it hard to get motivated and generally things don't get done around here if I continue in this mode. It just breeds even more of a feeling of lethargy. I feel like I have no energy and the more I continue this way, the more down and gloomy I feel too.

However, if I make myself get up and get moving, I find that I begin to get more and more energetic. My whole attitude changes too because I'm accomplishing things around the house.

The longer I live, the more I realize that it is imperative that we gain mastery over our "feelings." Our emotions are fickle and change like the wind. However, if we push past the feelings and bring them into control, our lives will be so much more productive.

It is so important to discipline our lives in this way. All of us will have a down day from time to time and of course, if you are feeling lethargic the majority of the time you may need to get a check-up from your doctor to rule out a physical problem.

Most of the time, I find I just need to get up regardless of how I feel and push past the feelings and move that body!

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-12-07T05:18:00.002-05:00

Peace. It's something we all strive for and wish we had.

How can you be at peace when things seem to be in turmoil all around you? What if your world is turned upside down? Or you are dealing with conflict on a daily basis? Or when things don't go the way you expect or desire? It can be difficult to find inner peace when your world is being rocked!

Yet these verses in Isaiah certainly give us the answer to this.

Isaiah 26:3-4 ~

3 You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
4 Trust in the Lord always,
for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

Remembering to keep our eyes fixed on the one who is our rock helps us to find that peace. Taking our thoughts off the circumstances and placing them firmly on the Lord and His promises are key.

I love the image of God as a rock - firm, sound, unmovable, solid - a boulder! Nothing shakes Him up. The things that we see as huge obstacles are nothing to Him. He can do all things. We just need to lay our fears, concerns and burdens at His feet.

As we learn to turn our cares over to Him and then concentrate on Him and His promises, we will have true inner peace.

► Peace knowing He is in control.

► Peace in the fact that He will handle things in His time.

► Peace in the promise that He has good things for your life.

► Peace in the knowledge that He sees the big picture.

Trust Him. Focus on Him. Fix your eyes on Him. He will bring you peace!

Fun or Foolish?

2011-12-06T06:40:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine hosted a cookie swap on Sunday afternoon. I always enjoy going and it is a lot of fun.

She has various prizes available for the first to arrive, best tasting cookie, most festively dressed person and the most creative packaging. This year, I made these little sleighs with marshmallow elves.

I ended up coming in second. However, the thought occurred to me at how dumb it is to spend so much time putting together packaging just to have it thrown out! My competitive nature always seems to take over. ;-)

Next year, I'm going to stick them in a baggie and tie a ribbon around it! LOL!!!

Multitude Monday

2011-12-04T20:13:00.006-05:00

Heaving body, cries of pain, tearing, and blood.

Gasping lungs; filling with oxygen. Red face, and then cries filled the night.

The birth of the Christ child. A momentous event in history that went unnoticed by many.

His birth would change the world. His coming would bring hope and life. Yet, only a few rough shepherds came to see him. Three wise men brought him gifts. The rest of the world slept on, ignorant of this moment in time that would change the course of the world.

Today, we have peace because of His life. We have life because of his death. We have hope because of his resurrection.

Yet at this time of the year when we should stop and remember and acknowledge this wonder, we are so wrapped up in preparation. Preparing cookies that will be eaten and digested. Preparing gifts that will be tossed aside at some point and forgotten. Writing cards that will be thrown out. Preparing for parties that will be over in a blink of an eye.

And Jesus, who is the reason we celebrate, is pushed back to some corner of our mind. Our Bible lays unopened, collecting dust. Our attitudes and emotions wear thin because of our hurried lives.

Let's stop. Wait. Listen. Hear from God. Pause with wonder at that unremarkable moment when the Savior of the World took on human form and made all this possible.

I am thankful this week for Blessings #781-790...

♥ Feeling peaceful about our decision for Nathan.

♥ A quiet week at home.

♥ Time in God's word and prayer.

♥ Boxes of food to give to those in need.

♥ The scent of Christmas cookies wafting through the air.

♥ Getting most of my Christmas shopping done early.

♥ The joy of singing Christmas songs.

♥ The glow of Christmas tree lights.

♥ A fun afternoon with friends at a cookie swap.

and finally...

♥ Stopping and remembering why I'm celebrating!

Crafty Things

2011-12-03T06:15:00.002-05:00

I can tell Christmas is coming by the amount of mess in my craft room! I've been busy as a bee making cards, ornaments and starting several sewing projects.

Here are some things I've done this week:

Tree ornaments, waiting for the loop of string so they can be hung on the Chrismtas tree.

Christmas cards.

For many years we have done a Jesse Tree to celebrate advent. However, now that the kids are older, it just wasn't appropriate for them. Young adult men just don't get the same thrill out of placing cute little ornaments on a tabletop tree. ;-)

So this year I came up with something different. I put together a candle centerpiece. Each night from December 1-25, we light a candle and read a passage of scripture and talk about the characteristics of Jesus from that passage. So far, it's been great.

Here is the centerpiece.

Even Emily has gotten into the swing of things and her sewing machine has been going too.

What have you been crafting?

A Daily Visitor

2011-12-02T07:13:00.003-05:00

We seem to attract animals around here. There must be something about us that says, "Welcome!" Come and make yourself at home. LOL

Meet Bucky (as Emily calls him). He comes without fail, twice a day. Usually it's early in the morning and then again in the evening.

He lets us get quite close to him and seems pretty unconcerned about our presence. He'll graze on grass but more often than not, he jumps into the chicken pen and eats their feed.

The roosters are not so sure about him and I don't think they really know what to make of this large creature who so boldly ignores them. Usually, they just mill around and crow at him.

I'm concerned that he is going to meet his end at some point. We are surrounded by a gun club and while he probably won't get it this year, one of these days he'll be worthy of a hunter's sights. I understand the need for venison, but we've grown quite attached to this daily visitor.

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-11-30T04:17:00.001-05:00

Psalm 139 ~

1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Do you ever have days when you feel like a misfit? When you feel as if you are all alone in the world and that no one really understands? I know I do. When I face those days, I cling to the words of Psalm 139.

This Psalm is one of my favorites. It is such a wonderful view of the intimate way God loves us and knows us. I love how the psalmist uses a literary device found in ancient texts called a palistrophe to help us find the main point of his psalm. A palistrophe is a pattern in literature where the main point of the text is found in the middle. This psalm is a wonderful example of this.

In verse one the psalmist says, "You have searched me and you know me." At the end of the Psalm, he reaffirms that the Lord is continuing to search and know us. The point of the Psalm is in the middle verses (13-16). The reason God searches and knows us is that he created our inner most being.

If you wanted to outline the psalm you could do it in the following ABCBA pattern:

A. You have searched me and you know me.

B. God knows our thoughts and actions.

C. Because He put me together and created my inmost being.

B. We can know God's thoughts and they are precious.

A. God is continuing to search me and know my heart.

So many times in my life it feels as if no one really understands me or how I feel about something. But God does. He intricately wove me together. Every cell, every blood vessel, every neuron in me he shaped and created. He knows me inside and out and understands thoughts and words I have before I even think or utter them.

The next time you are feeling alone and unloved, remember that there is One who knows you intimately and loves you. He has laid out your life and is walking with you. He longs to guide you and help you along the way.

You are God's ultimate handiwork and you are special!

Bit of an Update

2011-11-29T07:35:00.002-05:00

I have a bit of an update from my post from yesterday. The board of education meeting for Nathan's old school is on December 13th. We've decided to let him finish out the next 3 weeks until Christmas break.

I want to make sure that I have the diploma in my hand before we withdraw him from his school. I would hate to pull him out and then find out there was some glitch and he has nothing to show for his schooling.

This also gives us a bit of breathing space to wrap our heads around this all and come up with a plan for this next stage in his life.

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and prayers. I'm so thankful that the Lord's mercies are new every morning and that I have such wonderful friends that support me.

Love you all!

A New Chapter

2011-11-28T16:22:00.003-05:00

My stomach has been churning all day. Ever since I received a phone call from Nathan's guidance counselor this morning.

To back up a bit, I posted a few weeks ago about Nathan not fitting in and getting teased in his classes. "You are so weird." "Why do you talk so funny?" "I can't understand you." "Why are you in this class?" "You are too old to be here." "What are you? Autistic or something.?" :-(

The solution we initially came up with was to drop the class that this was happening in the most. I've been driving Nathan to school later and he starts his day with his third period class.

However, he still has been very unhappy. He wants to be done with school. Dan & I have been torn and pretty much told him that he was going to have to stick it out for the rest of the year. I mean, at least he would have one year of the culinary class under his belt. He would have some sort of occupational experience to try and find employment with.

He is 20 1/2 and hanging with men at the firehouse. Yet, every day he has to make his way back into school with 15-17 year olds. It's tough.

Back to the phone call. "Mrs. Groh, we are concerned about Nathan." "We received a phone call from a parent who knows him and is worried because he seems depressed and they are afraid he might hurt himself." WHAT???????

We had a long talk with Nathan today. Suicidal? Absolutely not. But he is down. He is depressed about his life. He wants to move on.

So after phone calls back and forth between his old school and the new school, he will be officially done with high school this week. His old school will be mailing him his diploma in a few weeks, after approval from the Board of Education; a formality.

His face lit up. He has been talkative. He is making plans for his life. He is happy again.

Dan and myself. We are not so sure. We're not positive that we should be starting a new chapter.

But God has a plan for Nathan so we are content with that for right now. If you think of us, please pray for us. Mothering a special needs child is difficult. I feel so inept for this job and I need encouragement.

A Time to Be Still

2011-11-27T19:11:00.008-05:00

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a

Be still.

I thrive on keeping busy. I am extremely active. I'm usually moving from one project to the next without much breathing space. My thoughts are always racing, planning, and thinking ahead. Being still is difficult for me.

However, this week is a week where I need to be still. Still to hear from God. Being quiet to rest my mind and body. Solitude to listen.

Know that I am God.

We look for God in the activity. In the bigness of life. In the miracles. More often, however, God is in the stillness. In the quietness. In the silence.

Turning down the shouting of my thoughts and activities is not something I'm accustomed to. Yet, this week that is my plan. I want to talk less and listen more. To stay home and quiet my mind and body.

To just be still...

And know that He is God.

I am thankful this week for Blessings #768-780...

♥ Pumpkin pie, a yearly treat.

♥ Flowers from a friend.

♥ A family who helped me tremendously by pitching in to decorate the church and house. I never could have gotten it all done without them.

♥ Emily had a high fever on Wednesday night, but it was gone by Thanksgiving day.

♥ Being able to tell each guest at our Thanksgiving table why we are thankful for them in a note on their place card.

♥ A beautiful, and much larger dining room table and chairs given to us by a friend in exchange for our old one. Our old table fit 6 comfortably. This one fits 12 comfortably. A huge blessing to us as we entertain a lot.

♥ Being able to bless a friend by doing the decorations for her 25th wedding anniversary celebration.

♥ Dan officiated at the renewal of their vows and it was such an honor to be part of this wonderful day.

♥ A wonderful and unexpected afternoon out with Dan.

♥ Thanksgiving leftovers.

♥ Snuggling up to watch a movie.

♥ Gorgeous, warm weather!

and finally...

♥ A week to be still.

Thanksgiving Photos

2011-11-26T06:32:00.005-05:00

We had a full, but busy Thanksgiving. We were able to invite over a few people who would have been alone and that always makes me happy.

Nathan put his cooking skills to the test and made a beautiful apple pie. As for me, after making 17 pies, I would be perfectly happy never looking at another pie again! :-)

Friday is our traditional "Decorate the Tree" day and the kids did a great job with it. The only thing I do is put the lights on and they take care of the rest. It's nice now that they are older because I just turn them loose on it and they do it all.

A funny story - Dan and the children also helped decorate the church for Christmas for me. I was so busy getting ready for Thanksgiving plus selling the pies that much of the time they were by themselves. I went down to decorate the front of the sanctuary and couldn't find the advent wreathe anywhere. I looked through all the boxes and it was nowhere to be found. Then I happened to look up on the wall and there it was. They had mistaken it for a regular wreathe and hung it on the wall! LOL!!!

Today is my friend's vow renewal ceremony and anniversary party and tomorrow is church and small group. I'm looking forward to next week when I have absolutely NOTHING to do!!

How was your Thanksgiving?

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T02:02:00.006-05:00

Day after day, counting our blessings.

One by one they have piled up.

Small ways we see God's hand in our lives over the past month.

We are called to a life of thanksgiving. A life of joy. A life of practicing the presence of God.

Our blessings have accumulated throughout the month.

Today is the day when we pull them out of our thankful jar and review the many little blessings that have accumulated.

This month, our family is thankful for
Blessings #726-767...

♥ Electricity
♥ A good time with a friend at the movies
♥ Grades that went up
♥ The gift of life
♥ Animals
♥ Clothing
♥ A family that helped Mom out
♥ Our church family
♥ Warm blankets
♥ Guitars and music
♥ Family
♥ Teens that went to a nursing home
♥ Autumn
♥ People who love us
♥ The ability to help a friend
♥ Jesus
♥ The encouragement of a friend
♥ Eating together as a family
♥ Christmas
♥ Mommy & Daddy
♥ Good pie sales
♥ Finishing up a project
♥ Our church reaching out to the fire department
♥ The gift of a new dining room table
♥ Beautiful, sunshiny days
♥ Being a fireman
♥ A place to sleep
♥ A second car
♥ Having SAT scores that were higher the second time around
♥ The firehouse's generosity in letting us stay there when the power was out
♥ Youth group
♥ Nursing homes and hospitals
♥ Selling bread
♥ Mom's food
♥ Firehouse family
♥ Books
♥ The ability to exercise
♥ The atmosphere
♥ Working at the welcome table at the Senior luncheon
♥ Tests

and finally....

♥ THANKSLiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-11-23T06:30:00.005-05:00

Psalm 146 ~

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD, my soul.

2 I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save.

4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.

5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD their God.

6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.

7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,

8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.

9 The LORD watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

10 The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.

Happy day before Thanksgiving!

I love this time of the year and everything that goes with it. However, I can get so busy and so caught up in the preparations that I forget to stop and praise the Lord, who is my ultimate reason for being thankful.

Have you stopped today and just spent some time praising Him and thanking Him for all He has done for you? Have you thanked Him for giving you one more day to open your eyes and breathe? Have you thanked Him that you have a roof over your heads and food in your stomach? Have you thanked Him for the clothing that you are wearing? Have you given Him praise for the vehicle that gets you where you need to be?

So often we focus on the negative. We focus on what we don't have or on what is going wrong in our lives. We forget to focus on the many blessings we *do* have.

I love this Psalm and you could read so many more that offer up praise and thanksgiving. I especially love verse 5 and 6. Our HOPE is in the God of the universe; the maker of heaven and earth. Even when things seem bleak and there seems no way out of a situation, remember the one we follow. Those who do not know the Lord truly do not have hope. Yet, we can say that our God is able to do anything!

So praise Him for his blessings. Praise Him for the good things. Praise Him for the lean times. Praise Him for the bountiful times. Praise Him for the trials. Praise Him for the things that go right. Praise Him for the things that go wrong.

Praise Him for everything! I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Crazy

2011-11-22T14:36:00.003-05:00

This is what I have been doing the past two days. Yesterday I made dough for 27 pie crusts, made them into rounds, wrapped them in plastic wrap and refrigerated them over night.

Today, I've made 12 pies, 7 dozen potato rolls, and 3 loaves of rye bread. I still have another 4 pies to go.

The reason? I had a silly idea to add pies to my bread list and post it on facebook so that local friends could purchase them. I'm not even that thrilled about making one pie, let alone 16.

There is only one reason for it. I am certifiably crazy!

Two Little Words

2011-11-21T05:14:00.002-05:00

Thank you.

Two little words. They mean so much and yet are used so little. How often do we go through the day and forget to use these basic words of courtesy?

Do you thank the person at the grocery store when they bag our groceries?
Do you thank your husband or child when they hand you something?
Do you thank the person who holds the door open for you at the post office?
Do you thank the person at church who takes care of your child in the nursery?
Do you thank people at church who do a job no one notices?

Just two little words. Why is it so difficult to remember to say thank you?

Last night our church hosted a dinner for the local fire department. We wanted to say, "Thank you." To show them they were appreciated. We gave them a certificate of appreciation from our church for their dedication and service.

The president of the fire company said that this was the first time in his 20 years of service that a community agency had ever said, "Thank you."

That makes me sad. Thank you should be a natural response flowing out of a grateful heart. Yet, so often it is not even on our minds, let alone on our tongues.

Let's remember those two little words that mean so much to so many people.

And let me just say, "Thank YOU to those of you who read my blog and comment on a regular basis." I love to write. I have a desire to encourage others. Knowing *and* hearing that what I have written has encouraged you in some way keeps *me* encouraged. So thank you!

Won't you join us in counting our blessings?

Crafty Things

2011-11-18T05:19:00.000-05:00

I had a very productive week in the sewing room! Here are some of the projects I finished.

I made two aprons.

Dish cloths.

Started my Christmas cards.

I also completed two table runners. I just need to tack down the binding.

What have you been up to?

Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

2011-11-17T09:05:00.001-05:00

I found this recipe a few months ago and make it quite regularly. Even my children who are not big sweet potato fans love it. I triple it for my crew.

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
non-stick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Combine all ingredients (except cooking spray) in a plastic bag. Seal and shake. Place sweet potato wedges on a baking sheet (do not overlap) coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450 degrees F for 20 minutes or until very tender, flipping potatoes once during cooking.

Enjoy!

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-11-16T05:12:00.002-05:00

This is a reprint from about 3 years ago, but it is just as applicable today! I needed to remind myself of this again. :-)

Psalm 143:10 ~ "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God, may your good Spirit lead me on level ground."

Have you ever walked on rough terrain? It's hard to find a secure foothold. It is easy to twist your ankle and it is very difficult to walk quickly. It usually ends up making you tired and sore. Now, how about level ground? You can walk quickly and it's easy going. You can get a good workout because you can get some momentum going.

How about in your Christian walk? Do you find yourself on rough terrain or level ground? This verse leaped out at me this morning because I find that the times I am on rough terrain are almost always because I went my own way without doing the Lord's will. Or I didn't wait for the Lord. I looked at a situation and thought I had a solution and went for it without waiting for the Lord's leading. The path may have looked smooth and level but it quickly became like trying to climb a cliff!

This can happen to all of us. Don't fall into the trap of running ahead of the Lord. Ask Him what His will is and then wait for the Spirit's leading. You cannot go wrong when you are in the will of the Lord!

Christmas Cookies

2011-11-15T06:08:00.006-05:00

My favorite time of the year! I just realized the other day that Christmas is just around the corner and I haven't started planning out my cookies yet. I usually start making them in early November and put them in the freezer. This way I can pull them out for various parties and events.

It always makes me laugh because no matter how many cookies I think I have, I usually end up having to make more because we run out.

So I sat down and made up a list. The day after Thanksgiving we always put up our tree and decorations and then have hot cocoa and cookies so I do need to start baking!

Here is the plan:

Cookies
Minty chocolate cookies
Christmas meringues
Gingerbread men
Spritz
Thumbprint Cookies
Cocoa snowflakes
Cinnamon pinwheels
Sugar cookies
Swedish ginger thins
Kolacky
Bizcochitos

Candy
Date-nut balls
Rum balls
Fudge

What are you baking this year?

A Pouring Out

2011-11-14T04:35:00.001-05:00

The Spirit Poured Into Us by Raymond A. Foss

The power of the Spirit
poured into us
when we pour out our past
becoming a vessel empty
ready to be filled with God’s love

Sharing our lives
with the risen Christ
walking yoked right to him
conforming our steps
to the way of our Lord

Pouring out his love
to all those in need
serving rather than being served

Today I'm thankful for the pouring out of
Blessings #716-725

♥ Teens pouring their time by giving up a Saturday afternoon to visit seniors in a nursing home.

♥ A church body pouring out their love and generosity on us for Pastor Appreciation Month.

♥ Pouring out my creativity into a friend's anniversary decorations.

♥ An Emergency Medical Technician pouring out her time on my son to help him start studying for an EMT test.

♥ The chief of the fire department and his wife pouring out their lives into Nathan by taking him to various fire meetings with them.

♥ A friend pouring out his help and resources by putting up plastic to help us on our fuel bills this winter.

♥ God pouring His words of comfort through us to the ears of one on a hospital bed.

♥ Pouring out a prayer with and for a sister in the Lord.

♥ God pouring out beauty in the changing leaves.

and finally...

♥ An outpouring of thankfulness for God's blessings upon our lives.

Won't you join us in counting our blessings?

Crafty Things

2011-11-11T06:33:00.002-05:00

Things were a little sparse in the crafting department this week. I'm working on table decorations for a friend's anniversary party in two weeks. They are celebrating their 25th anniversary with a vow renewal ceremony and Dan will be officiating. The luncheon will be held at the church immediately following the ceremony.

I was given license to choose whatever colors I thought best and after mulling it over for a few days I finally decided upon cranberry with cream and silver accents. The church will be decorated for Christmas and cranberry will fit right into that color scheme.

So far I've made 40 Danish paper heart baskets. I have approximately another 20 to go. They will be filled with candy for each guest.

Once again, my camera made the colors look a different shade than they really are.

I also made up some invitations to a ladies Christmas tea in December.

I cropped the bottoms as I didn't really want my phone number plastered all over the web! ;-)

That's it for this week. I haven't touched the sewing machine once.

What have you been crafting?

Some Humor Today

2011-11-10T06:15:00.001-05:00

Ready for some humor today? I thought we could all use a laugh!

Now you know how warped my sense of humor is! ;-)

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-11-09T06:18:00.000-05:00

I Corinthians 13 ~

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

We are finishing up I Corinthians 13 today. I know this has been really different than what I normally do. Thank you for hanging in there with me.

I find it interesting that out of all the attributes that could be named, Paul lists faith, hope and love. I was thinking about this today and I think the reason that the greatest of the three is love is because love is the outward expression of the other two.

In other words, my faith in the Lord and my hope in an eternal future are part of my vertical relationship with the Lord. Love is the horizontal expression of my relationship with Him. My faith and hope are carried out through the love I show to others. It is what sets us apart. As believer we are to be known by our love. It is the essence of our Christianity.

I loved going through this rich chapter. As we live out our faith and our hope let's remember to keep love at the forefront of all we do.

Blurred Lines

2011-11-08T06:09:00.009-05:00

I have had conversations with friends who often talk about setting priorities - God first, then family, then ministry/church. When you are a pastoral family sometimes those lines get blurred.

It's not quite so easy to say this, then this, and then that. Also, as Dan & I have studied scripture, we see things a bit differently. The idea of priorities and a hierarchy seems to be a very Western approach to scripture.

We have always seen it as God is in the midst of every single aspect of our lives. That does not mean we don't set apart time just for the Lord. We both have a quiet time every day when we are reading His word and praying.

We also take time just for family. We eat dinner together every night. We set apart days to do something as a family. We go to our children's school events as much as possible.

We also have times of just ministry and outreach. Hospital visitations, church events, etc.

But for the most part, those lines do get blurred. As we are involved in church ministry, our children are also involved. As we minister to others, the Lord is present. As we go to our children's school events, we see it as an opportunity to get to know our neighbors and community and show them the love of Christ.

Last night, we went to visit someone in the hospital. This gentleman had an infection in his foot that has gotten out of control. He was upset and asked if all of us, since he knows our children, could come and visit him because he was afraid.

When we got there, both he and his wife were visibly upset and we were able to pray with them. They don't know the Lord. They are very rough around the edges. They sometimes talk about things that I'm not thrilled about hearing. Yet, in their time of need, they called us.

It was inconvenient. I really wanted to have a nice quiet evening at home.

It was stressful. We arrived just as he was assigned a room and we were in the way of the nurse and hospital staff.

It was confusing. The staff was in and out, his brother showed up and is loud, he and his wife are loud, and he has a very short attention span!

It was annoying. When the hospital staff said his wife couldn't spend the night with him, she wanted us to stay while she waited for the supervisor to come up so she could try to get her own way. She didn't want to drive home by herself. So we ended up waiting for an hour and a half just to find out we could have gone because they let her stay after all.

It is heart-warming. Emily was tired. Stephen & Nathan were bored. I was feeling irritated. But, after going back down into the lobby and waiting with Emily for about an hour I realized that we were able to minister to them by dropping our plans and sharing the love of God with them. We were able to show our children what it means to live out scripture. I was able to learn some patience and apologize to my children for my irritability. It was a life lesson for all of us.

This is an example of what I mean by blurred lines.

God was present and teaching me something. Our children were with us. We were teaching them. They, in turn, were ministering to this couple. Emily made him a card. Nathan & Stephen helped to make him comfortable. We were also ministering and doing outreach by going to visit.

So, rather than a priority list, I like to view it a bit differently. Sometimes those lines get blurred.

Multitude Monday

2011-11-07T05:48:00.003-05:00

For the past two years I've been on a journey. A journey of thankfulness. Of counting my blessings. In October of 2009 I decided that I would begin to make a weekly list of blessings in my life. Our family had gone through a severe trial and there were days I thought I was drowning. I needed to focus on some bit of hope in my life.

Some of the things on my lists were small – the smell of fresh baked bread, sunshine after a few days of rain. Others were larger – gifts that were given to us, lessons the Lord was teaching me.

I also started thanking Him for the things that don’t seem like blessings – a car that died by the side of the road after a long road trip and NOT during it. Trials that kept me clinging to God or discouragement that did the same.

It has really changed the way I look at things. At times, I slip back into my old complaining ways but I have noticed that I’m more aware of the little ways God blesses me on a daily basis.

It is essential that those who say they follow Christ Jesus develop a Spirit of Thanksgiving. If you are constantly looking at the negative side to things or seeing the glass as half empty, it will be difficult for people to see God in your life. What they will see is bitterness, anger, depression, complaint and irritability.

Let’s be known as people of praise and thanksgiving. People who are positive and see the Lord’s hand in all circumstances. Let’s point people to Jesus, not make them run the other direction.

One way to start doing this is by remembering 2 Corinthians 10:5 ~ We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

This is hard work. Every time you begin to think a negative thought you must stop that thought process. You have to focus on what the Lord IS doing. The arguments and pretension that this verse talks about often comes from Satan himself. He wants to keep you focused on the problem and defeated and feeling like God is not in control.

One way to do this is to get a journal. Whenever you have a negative thought or begin to focus on the problem, write down some blessing in your life that the Lord has given you. It doesn't have to be big! Just a little something.

Then focus on that blessing. Thank God for it. Ask Him to open your eyes to more around you. Dwell on the positive things in your life. Pray for the trial or bad circumstance and ask God to work through it, but focus on those positive things. When you think of the blessing, write it down. Begin to develop an attitude of gratitude and you will see a change in your outlook.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, let’s not stop when the day is over. Let’s continue on and become thankful people; people of praise.

Today I'm thankful for Blessings #701-715

♥ A table ready for guests.

♥ A child who got her wish to play in the snow, two months early.

♥ I've been praying that the Lord would show me who to invite for Thanksgiving and he has done just that.

♥ Candles warming the house.

♥ 4 days without power that made me thankful for the things I take for granted.

♥ Warm sunshine after the storm.

♥ A warm place to camp out for a few days.

♥ Staying busy by cooking for the fire house which kept my mind off the fact that we had no heat, water, or electric at home.

♥ Because I cooked for a crowd, we were able to salvage most of our food.

♥ That Emily got to go ahead with her plan to trick or treat with a new friend, even though there was a foot of snow on the ground and school was closed.

♥ Ministering to ladies in our church.

♥ New faces at church.

♥ A daily visitor.

♥ Autumn decorations.

and finally...

♥ A family who is coming up with a list of thankful things each day for the month of November.

Crafty Things

2011-11-04T05:45:00.000-04:00

I had the top to this table runner done over a week ago but was at a stand-still because I had nothing that would work for the border. However, a friend stopped by last week with a couple of boxes/bags of fabric and inside was the perfect piece.

Here is the finished project which used up most of the autumn fabric I have on hand.

Back view.

I also put together some cards for a ladies brunch this Saturday. Inside are verses on thankfulness. You'll have to excuse the quality of the pictures. My camera seems to be acting up on indoor night shots.

What have you been working on this week?

Week in Photos

2011-11-03T08:00:00.002-04:00

Our power came on last night around 6:30. Yay!!!!! The past few days without electricity have made me realize that I would NOT want to live 100 years ago. I definitely love the modern conveniences we have today. I know that if the fire house had not been available to me that I probably would have been a basket case. LOL!!!

It was a good week though. A week made up of.....

Games

Cooking

Laughing

Watching movies

Crocheting

Sharing the love of Christ with others

and...

Togetherness

Today is a clean-up day for me. It feels good to be doing laundry, dishes and all the other normal things that make up my days.

Offline

2011-11-02T14:00:00.003-04:00

I am writing this from a friend's laptop at the fire station next door. We have been without power for 4 days and now they are predicting it won't be until tomorrow night before it is restored.

We had the worst October snowstorm in recorded history dump 12-22" on the area on Saturday afternoon and night. The kicker was our power stayed on until Sunday morning when the sun came out and all seemed right with the world.

We made it through Sunday and Sunday night with no power but were pretty cold by Monday morning. However, we have been blessed because Nathan is on the fire department and have been camping out here ever since. They have a massive generator so there is heat, hot water and lights. No showers though.

The thing that has kept my sanity is getting to work and cooking for everyone. I make daily trips next door to the house to salvage what food I can and come back to cook all day.

As I type this the smell of brownies and molasses crinkle cookies is in the air. Tonight's meal consists of pork chops with red chili pepper sauce over rice or a stew of kielbasa, cabbage, potatoes and carrots.

Anyway, I did want to check in and let everyone know what happened to me. After blogging almost everyday I know an absence of 5 days is a long time. Hopefully, the power will be restored soon and I can get my life back!

Until then, I am offline!

One Step at a Time

2011-10-29T03:10:00.005-04:00

"Mrs. Groh?" "This is Mr. Philips and I have Nathan here in my office and he is pretty upset."

This is the phone call I received from Nathan's guidance counselor yesterday. He had walked into his first period class and tolerated about 5 minutes of the student's whispers, "You see that kid?" "He's so weird." "I can't stand him."

My stomach tightens and a lump rises in my throat. I listen to the guidance counselor ask, "Can you come in on Monday morning and meet with me, Nathan, the special education teacher and school psychologist?" "We want to come up with a better plan for him."

20 years old. Far too old to be in a class with 16 year olds. Too old to still be in high school. Yet, this is his reality.

Nathan has big dreams for his life. He told me the other day, "Mom, I'm going to work for the New York City Fire Department for 2 or 3 days a week and then I'll be a chef the other days." I smile and nod. How can I tell him that this might not happen. That his dreams may not come true. That his plans require a learning level far higher than his own. An ability beyond his own.

I too long for him to have a normal life. At this age he should almost be through college. Yet, here he is in high school, dealing with things that most 20 year olds have moved past.

"Yes, I can come," I tell his guidance counselor. I mentally remind myself that I made the right decision staying home this year. This is the fourth meeting I've had in 6 weeks at the school. I am available, with both my time and emotions.

My son who has come so far. He immediately went to the right person. He recognizes that he doesn't belong there. He wants more for his life.

God also wants much for Nathan's life. He has a plan for him. He has big dreams for him. I want to trust that plan. Truly I do. Yet, fear grips me at times. I feel overwhelmed and depressed.

Then I will get a glimmer of hope. A taste of that plan. Then the discouragement lifts. We shuffle forward a few more steps.

"I will be there Monday," I tell Mr. Phillips. I have hope. I know the Lord is working out Nathan's life.

I just need to keep moving forward, one step at a time. Even if I can't see the way. Even if I'm surrounded by darkness. Just put one foot in front of the other. God will provide the stepping stone.

Just take one step at a time.

Crafty Things

2011-10-28T05:51:00.001-04:00

I got a few projects done this week. I think I'm going to just make this a weekly thing on Fridays since it keeps me motivated.

My cousin-in-law is having a baby and I put together some baby washcloths for her.

I made two different sets.

I packaged them in this cute little hippo basket I bought for such occasions a few years ago.

I also made some cards.

What have you been crafting this week?

Nature Lovers

2011-10-27T05:48:00.002-04:00

We are definitely nature lovers around here and there is plenty of it to keep us entertained. The kids are constantly running in the house and yelling, "Bring your camera!"

Birds chirping overhead.

This guy found his way into the chicken pen to eat the feed and I was able to get within 5 feet of him. He showed no fear at all. Unfortunately, with a gun club surrounding us on all sides that will probably change.

Ducks swimming on the pond.

These silly guys following me everywhere I go, all day long.

Sunshine, highlighting and making beautiful the plain.

Woods to explore.

We've also had a bear visit us a few times in the past week though he always comes at night when the camera can't pick him up. A fox was hanging around the other day too.

For people who love nature, we certainly have a great place to live!

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-10-26T05:44:00.001-04:00

I Corinthians 13:1-12 ~

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

No matter how much we strive to love others, on this side of heaven, we will not be able to do it perfectly. We make mistakes. We mess up. We are imperfect. We only see a small glimmer of what love is supposed to be from time to time. Someday we will be able to see the big picture. We will see things the way the Lord sees them.

In the meantime, we keep trying. We keep striving to develop the attributes of love. But there will come a day when everything will come into sharp focus and we will love perfectly.

Isn't that an encouraging thought? I think the encouraging thing to me is that from time to time we do achieve a little piece of what true love is. It's like getting a little taste of heaven. And it's good!

I think that the Lord allows those little flashes to keep us going and moving forward. Some day we will stand before the Lord and know what true love is. That day is coming soon and it will be a wonderful day!

Moroccan Style Butternut Squash Soup

2011-10-25T06:39:00.003-04:00

Last night I took a recipe a friend gave me, tweaked it and made Moroccan style butternut squash soup and it was tasty.

(Excuse the soup running down the side of the bread bowl. We had started eating before I remembered I didn't take a picture!)

Ingredients

1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut in 3/4" dice
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 quarts chicken stock
2 tsp cumin
1 t ground coriander
1/2 t chile powder
1/2 t sweet paprika (smoked is fine)
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t allspice
1/4 t ginger
scant 1/4 t cayenne
pinch ground cloves
3/4 cup heavy cream

1. Saute the onion in olive oil.

2. Add the squash and chicken stock, along with the spices.

3. Simmer until the squash is soft.

4. Puree the squash in a food processor or blender until smooth and return to the pot.

5. Add the heavy cream and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly.

I served it in homemade bread bowls, but you can just use a regular bowl if desired.

Enjoy!

Multitude Monday

2011-10-24T08:23:00.005-04:00

It's always amazing to me that just about the time Dan & I feel discouraged and down, that the Lord sends us something to encourage us. It may be a word from someone or a gift or just an uplifting week at church. It's those little bits of encouragement that keep us going. They help to keep pushing us forward.

I'm reminded of Hebrews 12:1-3 ~ "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up."

I can imagine us running on a track with the crowds of believers who have gone before us, standing on either side cheering us on. I have to remember to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and not look at the obstacles in my path.

This weekend our youth group sponsored a car wash, tag sale and bake sale to raise money for camp next summer. It was wonderful to see how people in our church pulled together and helped out with this. It was encouraging to see 12 youth there throughout various times in the day, working and having fun. It is heart warming to see their enthusiasm, as well as that of the couple that runs our newly formed youth group. These are the things that keep Dan & I energized and excited about our ministry here.

Today I'm thankful for Blessings #682-700

♫ My favorite season of all!

♫ Being able to talk to my children about the Lord.

♫ Family devotions and discussions.

♫ The fire chief who was kind enough to send over three of their smaller vehicles for the teens to wash.

♫ Firemen who watch out for my son.

♫ Warm sweaters and socks.

♫ Connecting with new people in our community.

♫ A beautiful day for our church's youth sponsored tag sale & bake sale.

♫ Friends.

♫ God providing just what we need at exactly the time we need it.

♫ A little one calling my name and waving to me as I sang on the worship team.

♫ Hiking with a group of friends from church.

♫ An opportunity for Nathan to go to New York City with friends from the firehouse to see the 9-11 Memorial.

♫ A joyful worship service.

♫ Changing colors.

♫ Hard working people in our church who pitch in and go above and beyond when needed.

♫ The smell of yeast in fresh baked bread.

♫ Our small group and challenging each other.

and finally...

♫ The gift of encouragement.

Crafty Things

2011-10-21T05:41:00.001-04:00

Today is the community market at the local park and I've been busy making bread. I did put together another table runner this week to take with me. This one is my favorite so far. I love the different colors in it.

I also finished the top of another one but had absolutely nothing for the binding that would pull it all together. So it looks like I'm going to be making a trip to the fabric store soon.

Have you been crafting anything this week?

Quantity or Quality?

2011-10-20T06:33:00.002-04:00

We had 3D Girls again last night and I have to admit that at times I wish we had a bigger group. In the past we have had upwards of 15 girls for this program. However, because they have all aged out and into youth group, 3D Girls is much smaller this year.

We currently have 6 girls. Yet, I have to remember that it is not always the quantity that matters.

I have to ask myself the following questions:

► Are they learning about the Lord?

► Are they having fun?

► Are they coming back each time?

► Are they being stretched to try new things?

► Are they growing in their relationships with each other?

► Do they come away from each meeting with some new concept?

I can answer yes to all of the above. So I guess the quality of the program is there.

♥ One girl told me that 3D Girls was the best thing in her life.

♥ Another girl told me that she thinks about it all week long.

♥ One girl had stayed home from school yesterday because she was sick. Of course, I found this out after I noticed her sitting there looking very red and quiet. She had a fever! I did tell her that if she was home sick from school, she should stay home from 3D Girls too. LOL!!! However, she wanted to come so badly that she showed up sick.

♥ One of the girls made her parents come home early from vacation so she wouldn't miss it.

Last night, we talked about what is on our insides is what is important to God. We made autumn mobiles, made Bavarian pretzels and continued singing and practicing for the Christmas program.

I'm learning that it really is the quality and not the quantity that matters.

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-10-19T05:48:00.001-04:00

I Corinthians 13:1-8 ~

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."

I'm continuing to look at I Corinthians and today I am discussing verse 8. Again, Paul looks at the outward gifts that he mentioned at the beginning of this chapter. He is talking about the things that many people strive for - prophecy, tongues, and knowledge. These things are important yet they will all pass away someday. They won't last.

However, the one thing that will last is love. At the end of our husband and childrens' lives they may not remember all the wonderful gifts we bought them. They may forget some of the things we taught or the words of wisdom we gave them. However, they will remember whether they felt love or not.

Let's remember this lesson as we deal with our families, neighbors, friends and coworkers. Let's remember the most important thing is the love we communicate to them. Everything else will pass except the love we displayed to others.

Creativity

2011-10-18T05:58:00.002-04:00

Creativity is something we've always tried to encourage in our children. Nothing makes me sadder than seeing kids that sit, staring zombie-like at a screen! My children do love to watch movies and play on the computer, but I'm happy that they also are very creative.

Stephen is currently taking a photo technology class at school and spends much of his time outdoors taking pictures.

Nathan is taking a ceramics class at school and spends his down time using the drawing program on the computer to make fire trucks (surprise, surprise). He draws them with such intimate detail.

Emily crochets, paints, draws, sews and does a host of other things.

I'm glad that they are this way and I hope that they can continue to develop this throughout their lives.

Multitude Monday

2011-10-17T05:27:00.000-04:00

Impatience, irritation, frowning disposition, and a hard edge to my voice.

Things that I hate about myself and yet, struggle with almost every day. In my mind and heart I long to be gentle, kind, patient, and loving. However, harshness and severity seem to pour out of my mouth quite often.

I'm struggling with this. Struggling with it with my husband. With my children. With my church family.

Lord, help me.

How can the desire of my heart lose every time to the bad habits and sin that rises quickly to the surface? How can my countenance and words and emotions, betray the want of my heart?

Philippians 4:5 ~ "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."

I'm afraid that gentleness is not evident to anyone in my life, especially those closest to me. It hurts me that I hurt those I love with my irritability and impatience.

Lord, change me.

My prayer every day is that the Lord would take the old habits. The impulsive words. The sinful attitude.

That He would mold me. Change me. Make me like Him.

That my gentleness would become evident to all. That my disposition would reflect the gentleness and love that He shows me each and every day.

Lord, let me be a reflection of You!

Perhaps that is the key to being gentle. Remembering that the Lord is near. He is there encouraging me, wanting me to get back up, brush myself off and try again. Desiring for me to reach out to Him for the ability to change this in myself.

Gentle Shepherd, let me lean on you for the strength to change.

Today I'm thankful for Blessings #671-681

♥ Hiking in the woods.

♥ A quiet week at home.

♥ Having a snack ready for the children every day after school.

♥ Voices singing in harmony.

♥ Time to write.

♥ The beauty of changing colors.

♥ Hearing kind words about Nathan from another fire fighter.

♥ Stephen, who has been cracking down and working hard on his school work.

♥ A daughter who is growing into a beautiful young lady.

♥ Family dinner.

and finally...

♥ The gentleness of the Lord.

Chocolate Pudding

2011-10-14T19:41:00.004-04:00

I made chocolate pudding for dessert the other night and it was delicious. It is so simple to make and no, you don't need a box mix.

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
3 Tbsp. corn starch
1/4 tsp. salt
2 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, cocoa, corn starch, and salt in a sauce pan and then gradually blend in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, till the mixture thickens. Cook 2 to 3 minutes more. Add vanilla.

Pour into 5 or 6 serving dishes; chill.

I served mine with homemade whipped cream or you can serve it plain.

Enjoy!

Crafty Things

2011-10-14T06:19:00.000-04:00

This week I was able to finish a table runner. Unfortunately, the picture quality wasn't the best on this so the color seems a bit off to me.

I have really been trying not to spend money on fabric and haven't bought anything new in about 7 months. I wanted to finish this runner but didn't have one piece of material that even came close to the right color for the back. I was so tempted to go out and buy some but decided that I was going to fight the urge.

A friend stopped by the other day and she brought me a stack of fabric. In the pile was a beautiful piece of fabric that was just the right color. I thought it was so cool how God provided something that was just a desire and not really a need.

Here is the back.

I also made 30 invitations to a ladies brunch in November. Of course, I forgot to take any pictures until after all the envelopes were sealed!

What have you been working on?

Making Dinner Special

2011-10-13T05:50:00.006-04:00

I have an embarrassing confession to make. For years, while Dan & the children sat at the table to eat dinner, I would sit in the other room and watch television. I was like the stereotypical husband. Talk about your role reversal. It was a form of escape from my day.

It's a bit humbling to admit that I had this bad habit. In my heart I really wanted to change. I wanted to make new habits with my family so I've worked hard at changing this. I still have to fight down the temptation to do this, especially when I've had a rough day. But I've come a long way.

Now, that I've thoroughly shocked you all and you'll never read my blog again :-), let me tell you some of the things I've done to make meal time special over the past few years.

♥ I set the table with my best china. I don't save it for special occasions. I try to make each dinner a celebration of our family.

♥ I use cloth napkins. I have a number of sets of them so I while we use paper napkins for breakfast and lunch, it's cloth ones for dinner.

♥ I pull out the fancy wine glasses. We don't drink alcohol but I do have a set of wine glasses. They seem to add to fit the festive atmosphere.

♥ I put all the food in serving dishes on the table. I try not to serve straight from the pots. Now, there is nothing wrong with doing this, but I really want to make dinner a special memory for my family.

♥ Candles - I try to light candles to make the meal special. Of course, now that it's getting dark early it works much nicer.

♥ Family devotions. At the end of each meal, we do a short devotional as a family. Right now we are using, The Daily Bread. The passages are short, yet meaningful.

We've come a long way as a family. I'm not perfect and make many mistakes. I found like any bad habit, it takes about 30-60 days of consistently doing it to form a new habit.

I'm coming back to edit this and say that I find if I set the table at some point in the afternoon, it helps tremendously. If I wait until the last minute, then I find it more difficult to want to do it.

After a few years of practicing a new habit, I've worked on making dinner time a special time for our family.

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-10-12T05:53:00.000-04:00

I Corinthians 13:1-7 ~

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Do you ever find that there are days when you feel despair and hopeless and yet, something will happen that just turns those feelings around? I think it has to do with this verse.

When we have love that comes from the Lord, there is always a glimmer of hope even in the midst of hopeless looking situations. That is because we have the Lord of the universe on our side. No matter how bleak, there is always a little bit of trust, of hope and perseverance.

I know many are going through difficult times with our loved ones. Yet, God is in control of all things. When we follow Him and trust Him there is always hope. I think that is what love is all about. Believing the best. Hoping and trusting that our husband or children will come around. Persevering through the trial.

So as you struggle through those emotions, don't forget that the Lord is with us in the midst of the struggle and through Him we have hope!

Hopping Down a Bunny Trail

2011-10-10T15:43:00.005-04:00

I sat down with Stephen on Saturday and we filled out his first college application. After hitting the submit button, I immediately felt my eyes well with tears.

I'm so incredibly proud and excited for him. He is turning into a fine young man. He is growing in his walk with the Lord and starting to see what he wants to do with his life. He is moving forward with his life. And that is how it should be.

However, at the same time, I felt incredible sadness that a chapter in my life is coming to a close. I have tried to enjoy each stage of my children's lives. I have really enjoyed having teenagers. It's difficult sometimes, but it's wonderful to see them growing up and seeing the fruits of my labor.

I know some think I shouldn't share these emotions, but I do so in the hope that people will realize it's normal to feel this way. I know the Lord will be with me in the next stage of my life as it comes, but it's okay to mourn a bit. It's okay to express sadness at the change.

I'm not dwelling on my sadness. I'm not sitting here in tears. I'm not holding onto them with an iron grip. I do want them to move on in their lives and into whatever plan the Lord has for them. But I do feel a sense of loss at the thought and I wanted to take a little bunny trail to write about this.

It's definitely the beginning of a new stage of my life. It'll be exciting to see how the Lord leads.

Give Away on a Friend's Blog

2011-10-07T18:11:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone! When you get a moment, please go check out my friend, Robin's blog. She is having a give away and there are 3 days left. It is for My Memories Digital Scrapbook Software and is a $40 value.

Crafty Things

2011-10-07T06:27:00.004-04:00

I really was productive this week in the craft department. Here are a few of the things I was able to accomplish.

I made three aprons.

Actually, a fourth one is done except for the binding. Edited to say, I finished it this morning.

This is my favorite frugal find.

The Christmas Tree Shop (a store in the U.S. that's great for all kinds of cheap things) was selling dish towels at 2 for $1.00. I liked the fabric and it is 100% cotton. However, they would not be good for dish towels at all as they are not absorbent like terrycloth. However, I thought they would make great napkins so I picked up 16 of them.

Out of the 16 dish towels, I was able to make 16 napkins and enough 5 1/2" squares for 2 table runners. Not bad for $8.

Here are the napkins.

I did finish the top of one of the table runners and hopefully, will finish that up this week. I was able to do a little bit each day and yet, see some quick results. My favorite kind of crafting week! ;-)

Bits and Pieces

2011-10-06T07:02:00.004-04:00

I decided to do this post in bullet form. There have been so many things happening and I haven't updated in a while so here goes....

► Our duckies flew away the other day. Four of them took off, leaving one little pitiful girl behind. It was the saddest thing to hear her yesterday, quacking over and over again, calling to her friends. However, about mid-afternoon two and then later on, six male ducks flew into our pond. She swam right out to them and was happy as can be. She never came home last night so one can only assume that she flew off with them.

► The roosters continue to be an annoyance! All five of them crow from dawn til dusk and run all over the place. So far, though they haven't bothered anyone though they follow at a safe distance with an evil look in their eye. I just make sure they see the stick I'm carrying and I remind them quite often that the stew pot is waiting if they get out of line. That seems to calm them. :-)

► The kids have settled into their new schools and are doing well.

► On top of pastoring the church, Dan is working a full time job for an agency that works with teens and adults with disabilities. He is a job coach for the school system I worked for last year. He picks up ten teens and takes them to various job sites where they get experience in the working world. He is definitely loving it and at the same time, has been running into church members all over town so he gets to visit briefly with them at the same time.

► I'm going to a grant-writing seminar next weekend in the hopes of getting some money to start a preschool enrichment program in our church. I want to combine my literacy background with my preschool background and provide pre-reading activities for preschoolers in our community. Since I live right next door to the church, this will allow me to still focus on home as it would only be a couple of times per week. The state of New York keeps raising the standards higher and higher and by the end of Kindergarten, students are expected to read at a certain level. This program would give children going into Kindergarten a bit of a head start.

► I had given up on selling at the community market since the last few times I probably lost money. However, I decided to try it one more time. The main reason is that it has been a wonderful way to meet people in this community. Since our church is here, we need to establish contacts over here. So tomorrow will be my bread making marathon for the market tomorrow afternoon.

► I've been able to get a lot of crafting done and I'll show you some of those projects tomorrow.

► Money is extremely tight but I'm seeing more and more the benefits of my decision to stay home this year. I've had to be available for a number of things already this year that I wouldn't have been able to do if I was working.

Well, that about does it for now. I wanted to let you know too that I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my blog and I especially appreciate the encouraging comments. I very rarely respond to the comments because I really do try to limit my time on here. But I read each one and I really appreciate you all!

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-10-05T05:26:00.001-04:00

I know this is a bit different style than I usually do for Wednesday Words of Encouragement, but as I work my way through I Corinthians 13, I thought I'd continue to share weekly what I gleaned from it.

I Corinthians 13:1-6 ~

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth."

When I first read this verse I thought, "DUH!" I mean do any of us do a happy dance when our children do something wrong? I know I don't. I'm usually discouraged, hurt, even upset with them.

However, do you make a big deal when they wrestle with a decision and come to the right conclusion? Here it says to rejoice [be glad, be overjoyed, celebrate, delight, enjoy, exult, feel happy, glory, joy, jump for joy, make merry, revel, triumph].

We need to encourage our children to make right choices, but when they do we really need to celebrate that they did. Obviously, you are not going to throw a party but do you verbally praise them when they choose wisely? Do you let them know how proud you are of them?

Let's remember to not just discipline or scold for the wrong things our children do, but to celebrate the good things they choose! I think the more encouragement they feel in this, the more they may make right choices. :-)

Potato Dough

2011-10-04T05:43:00.003-04:00

I have a great recipe for potato dough and it makes the most delicious baked goods. I thought I'd share it here. The nice thing about this recipe is that you can make a number of items from the same dough.

The only problem I had was that it was too much dough for my kitchen aid mixer so I had to divide it before I put in the final flour.

Here is the recipe:

2 1/2 Tbsp. yeast
1 cup lukewarm water
1 quart scalded milk
2 cups mashed potatoes (no milk added)
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
6 cups flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 Tbsp. salt
11-12 cups additional flour

Dissolve the yeast in the water. Scald the milk and in a large mixing bowl add milk, potatoes, margarine, butter, and sugar. Cool to lukewarm and add yeast mixture and 6 cups of flour.

Let stand until mixture foams up (about 20 minutes). Add eggs and salt.

(This is where I had to divide the mixture because there was no way it was going to all fit in my mixer.) I have cut the recipe in half before and that worked well.

Add additional flour until a soft dough is formed. Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth. Let rise in a warm place until double in bulk.

From this dough, I made the following:

3 dozen dinner rolls.

Shape dough into balls and place in a greased cake pan. Brush the top with melted butter and let rise for 20 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

3 dozen cinnamon sugar doughnut holes.

Roll dough into 2 inch balls and deep fry. Drain on paper towels and then roll in cinnamon sugar.

1 dozen cinnamon rolls.

Roll a piece of dough to about 18x9". Spread with softened or melted butter. Sprinkle brown sugar over the dough and then sprinkle a combination of cinnamon sugar. Roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Cut into 1 1/2" chunks and place on greased cookie sheet. Cover and let double in size. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until browned.

Obviously, you can make any combination that you would like. This dough can be refrigerated for a few days so you can use it as you like.

Enjoy!

Multitude Monday

2011-10-03T07:19:00.002-04:00

Mondays are generally difficult days for me. After the busyness of the weekend and especially Sunday, I find myself down, depressed and just in an overall bad mood. I'm not sure why that is but this is the day that it seems like all the anxieties and worries come crashing in on me.

However, this exercise in thankfulness is good for me. It keeps my focus where it needs to be. It helps me to realize that the Lord is so very good to me and my family. It allows me to renew my joy.

Today I'm thankful for Blessings #656-670

♥ Being able to craft again.

♥ Cooler temperatures.

♥ Autumn colors.

♥ Singing with our worship team.

♥ An impromptu football game after church.

♥ All of the sudden, a worship service full of teens.

♥ Wrestling with sin and then the sweetness of forgiveness.

♥ Delicate wildflowers.

♥ A van that waited to break down until after my 8 hour round trip and at a time when my husband happened to be with me.

♥ A friend who was willing to pick us up from the garage and get us home.

♥ That it got fixed quickly and happened the day that Dan got paid so we had money to pay the mechanic.

♥ Grapes, warming in the sun and full of sweetness.

♥ Seeing my son's walk with the Lord growing.

♥ Prayers straight from the heart to God's ear.

and finally....

♥ Renewed joy

Crafty Things

2011-09-30T08:37:00.001-04:00

My favorite season of the year is here! I wanted to make a new table runner with some autumn fabric I had.

I was able to whip it up surprisingly quickly. I plopped it on the floor to take the picture which is why you see rugs on either side of it.

Here is a close-up of it.

What have you been crafting?

Randomness

2011-09-29T07:28:00.001-04:00

Got Milk?

Wednesday Words of Encouragement

2011-09-28T05:53:00.002-04:00

I Corinthians 13:1-5

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking.

It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

I have to be honest and say that these two phrases have been a thorn in my side at times. I have two boys who are 20 and 18 so I need to deal with them differently than I have in the past. To be honest, they seem to balk at almost anything I say to them anymore. There are days when I feel like there is nothing but conflict and I can feel very frustrated.

Yet, I know that when I respond in anger or remind them of past mistakes they have made, they respond the same way. When that happens, it becomes a vicious cycle. I'll start to feel like my stomach is constantly in a knot.

I have been working on showing love and keeping a very, very tight rein on my tongue and temper. As we work our way through these verses in I Corinthians 13, let's remember to focus on these two attributes. It's so easy to want to skip right over these, isn't it?

We have such a wonderful example in our Lord Jesus. He is not easily angered and He does not keep a record of the wrongs we commit. We are so thankful that the Lord is that way with us, and yet we can get quite angry and irritated with others shortcomings.

So as you go through your day, thank the Lord for His patience and forgiveness. And then ask Him for help as you deal with your families, friends, and co-workers.

Have a blessed day!

Tuesday Thoughts

2011-09-27T06:33:00.003-04:00

Generally, I do a devotional on Wednesdays for the ladies in my church and post it here too. It's entitled, Wednesday Words of Encouragement. However, I've been thinking about this subject lately and had a few thoughts on it so I thought I'd post it here today as well.

Titus 3:3-7 ~ "At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

Isn't it amazing, as it says here, that we once were living miserable, disobedient, sinful lives? Yet because of the Lord's kindness we were saved.

I am often guilty of wanting God to blast someone else because of their sin. I get so annoyed at them and wish that they would change. Yet, God is kind and full of love and merciful. He wants us to stop sinning and come to Him but He gently draws us.

I have always loved the story of the woman who was going to be stoned because of her adultery. After Jesus suggests that whoever is without sin be the first to cast the stone, the crowd leaves. They recognize their own guilt and sin.

Yet, when they leave Jesus doesn't berate the woman for her sinful life style. He looks at her with compassion and simply says, "Go and sin no more." If I was there, I might want to lecture her or make her go through a checklist of things she needs to do to make sure it doesn't happen again.

There is none of that with God; only "Go and stop sinning." Above all else, He is kind.

Let's imitate that kindness as we deal with our husbands, children, friends, family and co-workers. Let's show the kindness of Christ in the way we deal with their human frailties.

After all, aren't we just as frail? And God is just as kind to us. That is wonderful encouragement to me!

Multitude Monday

2011-09-26T05:33:00.003-04:00

There are so many things to be thankful for every day if you just take the time to look around. God's hand is on so many little things in my life and yet, I can miss it if I'm not careful. I've been working hard at slowing down enough to take careful notice.

Today I'm thankful for Blessings #641-655

♫ Staying within a budget.

♫ Ducks happy in their new location.

♫ A peaceful weekend away with ladies from my church.

♫ Speaking to a group of teenagers at a retreat about having a passion for God's fragrance.

♫ Warm days.

♫ Cooking with little girls.

♫ An uplifting worship service.

♫ Beautiful flowers in autumn colors.

♫ A lively small group discussion.

♫ Helping someone work through spiritual questions they have.

♫ Completing projects.

♫ Roosters that are very aggravating, yet make me laugh every day. (This picture cracks me up because the rooster looks like it can barely tolerate Emily holding it!)

♫ Women at church who help with various projects.

♫ Teen boys who are showing maturity.

and finally...

♫ Being challenged by the Holy Spirit.