Home and Heartwork

Praying for the Best Things

2010-01-04T17:59:00.000-08:00

When you pray for yourself, your family, or the fellow Christians in your church, what do you usually pray about? At prayer meetings, we usually share our requests - someone's sick, someone has financial trouble, someone has a strained relationship with their in-laws. Then we pray about our problems. This is a good thing to do. (James 5:13-16 talks about praying when afflicted and for the sick, for example.)

But if our temporal needs are all that we pray about, we might miss something HUGE that God wants to do. Let me give as an example this pray by the Apostle Paul for the church in Rome:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)

How many believers whom you know or in your church body are filled with joy and peace as they trust God? How many overflow with hope (looking excitedly towards God's promises, especially Heaven and seeing Jesus.)? If not, how often do you pray for this? How would it look if the believers in your or my local church body were filled with joy, peace, and hope, all through the power of the Holy Spirit? I believe (from scripture) that there are blessings God wants to lavish on us, but He's waiting for us to pray for them.

I challenge you to study the prayers in the Bible as you read through. What did Paul prayer for? Jesus? David? It may inspire you to expand your prayer life. :)

Praying for Orphans

2009-12-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

Want to do something purposeful, effective, and inspiring witht he kids?

A couple Sundays ago, a gal from our church passed out posters entitled "10 Ways Every Christian Can Care for the Orphan and Waiting Child".

Item #1 "pray for them" inspired me and has worked well for our family.

I visited the suggested website www.RainbowKids.com and printed photos of orphans. I put the photos in plastic sheet protectors and gave one to each member of our family to hang on their wall by their bed (or wherever they'll see it). Every day they can pray for "their orphan".

Huggy, who is three, keeps his orphan photo in his crib and goes to sleep praying for "his orphan". (Yes, he's still in a crib. He barely fits. He has to lie at an angle to stretch out. He insists he fits fine when I suggest it's time to sleep in a real bed.)

There is another website with photos of orphans www.AdoptUsKids.org. I couldn't figure out how to get access to the photos, but I might have missed something.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

Not everyone can adopt, but there are other ways to help orphans! Check out www.HopeForOrphans.org for more ideas.

The Messy Bathroom

2009-12-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Clareesa put that video of the messy bathroom and the four dirty ducks in the bathtub! I went back and forth about removing it, but I decided not to. Because, well, reality is good.

Once, when I had only a bunch of young children, I read (on the internet) about a mother of about seven children under about twelve. It said her house was perfectly clean and she sewed all her clothes. And, I can't remember what else it said, but it sounded just about perfect. She gave the credit to God.

While I now praise God for the grace he gave this woman, at the time I felt like a failure. Why isn't God helping me run an always tidy, peaceful home? I seek Him too.

I would never want to put a burden of an "outward" standard on young women. I personally love order and work at it and training my "messy monkeys". While I acknowledge that laziness is sin, having a perfect home isn't a Biblical commandment. Life and circumstances are never "perfect".

He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
   " 'These people honor me with their lips,
      but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
      their teachings are but rules taught by men.
You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." Mark 7:6-7

Don't misunderstand me because of the above scripture. I'm not saying anyone is a hypocrite! I'm only saying, let us (and me!) not be this way! The heart is what is most important!

(Back row L to R: "Cookie", Clareesa, "Pollywog", "Smarty", "Angel"
Front row L to R: "Sparkle" (previously "Smooch"), "Princess", Daron, "Tiger", Rosie holding "Huggy")

By the way, after I saw the video, I spent ten minutes and cleaned up the mess. (It took Pollywog and I a little longer to clean and disinfect the bathtub, however.) :)

Merry Christmas!

Duck Invasion!!!

2009-12-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

This post is by Clareesa.

Well it happened...we were invaded..by ducks.
Actually it just got really really cold outside and we had
a couple ducks fly in through the window. Ok, so that's
not true either. Pollywog decided to give our 4 ducks
a bath...in the house. The ducks couldn't have been happier! And neither could
pollywog! She felt so proud of her ducks! It drew quite an attraction in our house,
everyone went to go and look at the strange site of 4 dirty ducks swimming (and jumping)
around in our bathtub. The ducks loved it!!

Below is a link to a video I took of the ducks.
Invasion!

Christmas Time

2009-12-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas Time
Where people share laughter and joy.
But what about those who have no one?
Those who hae nothing.
Those who need someone to come tell them that they are loved.
Someone to give them the gift of even just a smiling face.
And not just in far off countries.
But those who we pass every day on the street.
Those who we see sitting on the side of the road.
And even if you can not reach those,
show care for those around you.
Those who are hurting,
lonely.
A neighbor. A relative. A friend.
And if even that is too much this Christmas season,
there is one thing that is never too hard.
Pray.
Pray for those around you.
So make this Christmas a special one.
Don't get so wrapped up in gifts, meals and christmas that you forget those around you.
Who need love.
Merry Christmas.

(This post was by Clareesa)

Tiger's Profound Christmas Thought

2009-11-30T07:13:00.000-08:00

A couple nights ago, Tiger (age 5) came up with a profound thought:

I had awakened in the middle of the night and couldn't get back to sleep. So I went upstairs to read my Bible. Wouldn't you know, pretty soon I heard thumpy steps coming up the stairs. (They always find me!)

In came Tiger, wrapped in his Pooh blanket.

"Ok, Tiger, you can snuggle up here by me and close your eyes until I go back to bed."

He laid there a while. (I thought he'd gone to sleep.) But he hadn't slept, he'd been thinking.

"Mommy," He looked up at me. "if Christmas is Jesus' birthday, why do we give each other gifts? Shouldn't we give Jesus gifts?" He thought a moment. "I guess that wouldn't work."

I explained to him that we give Jesus gifts when we help poor and sick and needy people. I explained Matthew 25:31-46 to him. He remembered the Christmas boxes we'd given to poor children. We decided we'd do more for the poor and needy this Christmas. Tiger nodded. He thought that would be a good idea.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.Matthew 25: 37-40

Thanksgiving and Fall Decorating and Worshipping God

2009-11-23T11:12:00.000-08:00

The kids and I have been doing other fall and Thanksgiving decorating around the house (besides our front steps, shown on the last post.) The kids love making these pilgrims and Indians. We got the idea last year from Family Fun Magazine website.

Tiger (who is five) saved all our empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls the last couple weeks. He'd bounce over to show me almost daily - waving the empty roll. "Here's another pilgrim, Mommy!"

Despite how sorry some of these decorations look, I really love decorating my home. Two things come to my mind when we decorate. One is worship. Our simple decorating can and should express glory to God. It can glorify God in how it looks -- reflecting nature, beauty, gratitude, or including scripture, or Christian expressions. (Notice the word "Joy" on the mantle.)

It can also reflect the attitude of our hearts:

When I first decorated our mantle, I felt grateful to God and worshipful of Him. (This was before it had all the pilgrims and Indians on it. Believe it or not, it actually looked not messy and kind of nice! I can envision the skeptical looks on the other side of some of your computer screens. Really, I think if I'd photographed and blogged it you'd have thought it looked nice. Really!)

My love of decorating can be worshipful, but it can also become sin.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. I John 2:15-17

*I realize it has become sin when I spend too much time or money on it - at the expense of the family.

*It has become sin when I feel sour because I'm caring for others and don't have the time.

*It has become sin when I am angry at the "mess-makers" who ruin the project.

*It has become sin when my thoughts are more on the decoration than on the Creator Who made all things and gives us creativity.

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

This morning, I noticed something, I hadn't thought of before. I looked around at all the pilgrims and Indians I could see from the breakfast table:

Tiger's only been collecting toilet paper rolls a couple of weeks at the most. I thought. Even though a few of our pilgrims are from last year, most are newly glued....

I thought to myself. We must use a whole lot of toilet paper! :)

This is Smooch's Egyptian pilgrim ("Egyptian" pilgrim?) She wanted to make sure I posted it on the blog. It was on the corner of the mantle and didn't come out in Clareesa's photo. (Clareesa took all the photos.) Smooch is 10 and would like to change her blog name. She says she is not a "Smooch" anymore. She is too old for that. She'd like to change her blog name to "Sparkle".

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and are filled with gratitude this season!

Fall Decorations

2009-11-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

Mom and Smooch(age10) made this fall decoration for our front porch. The scarecrow mom got at a second-hand store for $2.50 and everything else they used was from our garden. Mom would have preferred to use pilgrims instead, but was not able to find any anywhere.

What We Believe About God Is The Most Important THing About Us

2009-10-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

This is a post by Clareesa.

This is a speech I wrote for apologetics class. :

Darkness. Emptiness. I cried out. No one answered. Suffocating. Darkness. Hurt. Anger. “Isn’t there a way out?” “Isn’t there someone who can take away the darkness?”

Today I will analyze and respond to the statement “What we believe about God is the most important thing about us. –A.W. Tozer

Thesis: What we believe about God changes the what we think, act and do.

Today I will:
1. Analyze the statement
2. An example of someone in history who feared and believed God.
3. How what I believe about God affects my life and the lives of others

1. Analyze the statement
-A.W. said “What we believe about God is the most important thing about us.” Another quote by Tozer is; “Until we believe that we are as bad as God says we are, we can never believe that He will do for us what He says He will do.”
-Romans 2:23-24, For all have sinner and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
-The statement is true. What we believe about God is the most important thing about us.
-If we do not believe that we are sinners and that Christ Jesus died on the cross for our sins we are in a world full of darkness. But God said that if we fear and believe in Him, we can have eternal life.
-Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
-And without faith it is impossible to fear God.

2. An example of someone in history who feared and believed in God.
-Gen 22:1-19 tells of someone who feared God, who believed and obeyed God.
-The person was a man named Abraham. God gave a test to Abraham by telling him to sacrifice his son, Isaac upon an alter. Abraham obeyed God, took Isaac up to the place where God said, bound him to the alter and raised his knife to kill he son, whom he loved dearly. Then an angel of the Lord came to Abraham and told him to not lay a hand on the boy. That because of Abraham’s obedience, the Lord knew that Abraham feared him. Then the Lord caused a ram to get it’s horns caught in a thicket, and Abraham took the ram and offered it as a sacrifice instead of his son. Then the angel of the Lord came to Abraham a second time and said that because Abraham obeyed God, Abraham and all his decedents would be blessed.
-Abraham is an example of someone who believed and feared God. Because of this, he and all his decedents were blessed.

3. How what I believe about God affects my life and the lives of others
-When we believe that God is real and what he says is true, it affects our life.
-It changes the way we go about life. What we do, how we act.
-When we trust in God’s word and believe that he sent his son, Christ Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, we don’t have to live life in fear because we know that when we die, we are going to Heaven. –Acts 16:13, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”
-When something makes use afraid, we can trust God to keep us safe and comfort us.” Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”
-Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”
-In my life I have gone through trials. I’ve been afraid, I’ve sinned. I have been disrespectful to my parents. I have dishonored God. But I believe what God says is true. And he has always been my comforter in time of need. He has always been faithful to forgive me for everything I’ve done. And I know that because I believe in him, that I am going to spend eternity with Him, in Heaven.
-Believing in God also affects what we know about God. He characteristics. And how we are supposed to strive to be like him. To love others, to do good.
-But it’s also really important to believe the RIGHT things about God. Believing the wrongs things can also affect what we do and how we act. We need to believe what God says in his word, the Bible.
-Phil 2:1-4, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”

1.) Analyzed the statement and explained that if we do not believe in God we are in a world full of darkness and 2.) The example of in history of Abraham fearing and obeyed God. And 3.) how if we believe in God was can be saved.

Conclusion: The darkness, emptiness, hurt, anger. That was my heart before I began trusting in God. Thought I accepted Christ at age 5, I didn’t really believe in God until age 13. The darkness was my life before I placed ALL my fear in God. When we don’t believe or fear God our lives are completely dark and empty. When we believe in God, God washes away the darkness, he fills the emptiness, he takes away the hurt and he forgives us.
-What we believe about God is the most important thing about us.

Ephesians 6:7 Bible Study

2009-09-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

(This post by Clareesa)

This is one of the Bible Studies I wrote for my friends and I and our 'weekly Bible Study'

While up hunting this past month, I was sitting on a log waiting for my dad. I had awhile, so I began praying and asking God what he wanted me to do with my life. At that moment a squirrel in the tree above me began chattering at me for being on 'his territory'. So I got up and walked a couple yards away, then stopped. The squirrel kept chattering and I kept going until he stopped. I walked a good 200 yards of out sigh before he stopped. Suddenly it hit me. "God wants me to go, to keep going, to serve and to keep serving. To keep moving forward, even when I don't want to. Whenever I have ANY chance to serve even in the smallest way, to do it." Ever since that day, every time I have an opportunity to serve, I remember one thing; "Go, keep going and keep serving."

Rewrite Ephesians 6:7 in your own words..

1. Read Phil. 2:5-11 and Matt 4:10

2. How do these verses tie in to you?

3. In life, we sometimes serve ourself, rather than serving God. Give an exmaple of when you were serving yourself.

4. Eph 6:7 says "...as if you were serving the Lord, not men" What is the different between serving GOD and serving MAN?

5 Read Phil 2:1-4. What do theses verses say about serving the Lord?

6. List at least two wasy you can serve GOD in the next few days:

The thing that keeps reminding me to serve is the squirrel who wanted to to keep going. What is a way YOU can remember to serve?

Any other verses used:

Notes:

2009-09-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. Psalm 25:9

As usual, this time of year I'm finishing up my home school planning and jumping into our academics. However, I don't look at it as "home school" planning. I look at is as "life school" planning, because everything they do (the kids) is about learning something.

Daron and I want to ",... equip you (them) with everything good for doing his will, ..." Hebrews 13:21a. Every year, I feel like Solomon when he prayed "...But I am only a little child and do no know how to carry out my duties." I Kings 3:7b

That's why these passages are so encouraging to me.

But I have to ask myself (referring to Psalm 25:9) -- Am I meek? Will God guide me in judgment?

I answered myself -- I'm definitely not always meek. But, I'm seeking meekness; and, the fact I'm asking God for help shows some meekness.

So I'm going to claim the promises in Psalm 25!

Here's two prayers for parents and kids:

" guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:5

"May the God of peace ... equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever." Amen.
Hebrews 13:20a, 21

I'm excited to see what God will show us and how He will work out His good work in both us and the kids!

Rosie's Online Large Family Weekly Diary -- All True.......

2009-09-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Here's about 50% of the high points from last week. It'd be too long to write everything. (Moms are usually too busy to read long blog posts.)

*Sunday: Daron's dad (Dad H.) arrives to help get ready for hunting tomorrow despite the flu virus in our house. He stays in our office- redone guestroom-condo (I mean combo).

Cookie (age 13 1/2) is dog-sitting "Annie", the neighbor dog for a couple days. When our dog "Samantha" sees her best buddy Annie they wrestle, then chase around the yard in circles.

*Monday: Daron, Dad H., Angel (age 18), Sunshine (Clareesa - age 15 1/2) left for hunting in the afternoon after Angel 's ophthalmic appointment (I had to spell check that word.) She's finally got fitted for contact lenses. (Angel is barely over the flu.)

Sunshine told her, "You better be ready to get up EARLY. They say it can take up to 40 minutes to put your contacts in at first. It only took me 15 minutes the first time." (They already get up at 4am when they're hunting. Sounds like so much fun, doesn't it.)

*Tuesday: We start home school (even though Sunshine is hunting. She's having PE this week.) We do Bible. The rest of the time we spend getting their material organized. Especially putting tab dividers in their binders. This is big.

Grandma B. (my mother) calls. She'd like someone to drive her to the store to get a birthday gift for Huggy (now three).

After lunch we (me and all the kids) take Grandma to the store. Cookie stays back to clean Grandma's house. (She's getting all the paying jobs while the other girls are hunting.)

Grandma buys a stuffed dog that talks and sings. "He'll love it" she says. "It'll drive everyone else crazy."

*Wednesday: Home school in morning. I remember how I love teaching home school.

6:45pm Smarty (age 20, who isn't hunting because he has to work and go to school) calls: "Mom, I'm sorry to do this to you. I left my backpack with all my books at home. Class starts at seven. Could you please bring it?

"I've never been on that campus."

"Just call me on my cell when you get here."

I get to the university at 7:15. I call several times. No answer. I drive around the campus looking for his car. This is silly. I don't have his car key.

I see the administration building. I park in the "Orange" area - permit only. (I can't find the free parking. I figure Smartypants can pay for my ticket if I get one.) Maybe I can find out what class he's in or leave his backpack where he can get it when he calls. There are lights and open doors, but no live person. "Hello. Hellooooooo......"

I go back to my car. I found a map of the campus in the admin. office and I look for the student services office now. Where is the free parking?

I see a university police car. (I better not park.) I flag her down. "I have my son's books. He doesn't answer
his cell phone. Can I find out where he is so I can bring it to him?"

"Cell phones won't work inside the buildings. They're solid brick. Against university policy to divulge a student's location."

"How about if I leave his backpack somewhere he can pick it up?"

"Against university policy to leave personal items."

"Oh."

She (the cop) and I finally decided to go through his backpack to find his schedule. Long story short, we found his class and she told me how to get there.

I tromp across campus feeling like a student again. I wonder if I look like a student? I find his class and peek in the window. I don't see Smarty, but I decide to go in anyway. Fortunately he is in the back corner behind the door. I smile at the lecturing teacher and all the students as I hand him his backpack.

Later that evening he calls. "How'd you find me, Mom? Why didn't you call? That was really funny. I've never seen anyone walk in on a class before."

"Did I look like a student?"

"No."

"I thought you said it was a diverse group."

"You don't fit any of the groups."

"Oh."

*Thursday: Angel e-mails from up hunting (on her netbook): I have sweet contact-putting-in skills - two seconds.

*Friday: Smarty panics as he leaves for work. "Please clean my room. Clean the garage."

(Our garage doubles as a bonus room with a pingpong/pool table.) A certain girl is coming over in the morning. They're meeting to spend the day with Smarty's best friend Pete who is in the Navy and coming home on leave Saturday. We have a busy day, but the little girls are busy cleaning his room (He pays them.) However, we don't get to the garage.

"Mom, look in the garage, quick!" Smooch (age 10) yells. "The ducks are in the garage!"

I run down to the garage. The smell. It can't describe it, but I see duck-droppings splattered all over the floor. I see the four ducks by the wall and we chase them out. I call Pollywog (age 12). She was moving the ducks from the pond back into the chicken pen. The chickens quit laying when she took the ducks out. Pollywog thinks it might not be because they're molting as some have suggested, but because they miss the ducks.

That morning at 3am, I see Smarty turning on the light in the garage. He really wants that garage cleaned. Then I see a car driving down the driveway. Is that Smarty's friend Kyle? He's never come over this time of morning. No, it's our hunters. Daron got a deer and they're hanging it in the garage. Smarty's female friend will love our garage.

*Saturday morning: Everyone sleeps in. The gang arrives around 10:30am. Smarty and Pete wrestle then run in circles around the house. (Somehow that seemed so familiar...)

Order out of Chaos

2009-09-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

By Rosie:

I love my home and yard/garden to be in order. But find that's often not possible! My friend Michelle sent me this inspiring quote:

"Jesus can bring order out of the chaos of our sinful lives. And we must often repeat our humble invitation to Him. Not only on that crucial day, when for the first time we receive Him, but anytime when we realize that things have become disordered again." ~Elisabeth Elliot

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." ~Revelation 3:20

*

The content of this blog will be a-changing. I have so much to say and share with dear readers, but have found that my blogging time this last year seemed to be at the expense of the needs of some of the children. We're not "closing up", but this may become a family blog - young people blogging as part of their home school writing, or me blogging along with my little ones. Which, actually, was part of what my blog was supposed to be about in the first place. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 -- doing "life" with the kids and sharing with them what the Lord's been sharing with me. I have been writing Bible studies, though, so I plan to put my drafts on the blog, and I'll probably write here and there too.

Psalm 62:1 - Bible Study

2009-08-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

(This post is by Clareesa)

This is a Bible Study I wrote for some friends and I to do together. Enjoy. :)

The sudden sound of shattering glass filled my ears. I saw a small sports car go flying past the windshield. A large dump truck came rumbling past it. The sports car was crushed completely, except the drivers seat. God caused that dump truck to crush every seat BUT the drivers. God was is in control of that crash and he is in control of our lives. After witnessing that crash, I began to see more that God is indeed in control and that I can place ALL my trust in him.

Psalm 62

1. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation come from him. 2. He alone is my rock and my salvation, he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

-Re-write the verse in your own words. (Make is sound 'personal')

1. What are something you find yourself depending on instead of God?

2. Along the same line, have you ever be 'shaken' by worldly things? Give an example.

3. How can we make God our fortress ind daily life?

Read Psalm 85:9 and answer the questions below. (And I encourage you to look up more verses to help you get a better understanding of the questions!) Write any verses you used.

4. What is 'God's Salvation'?

5. How do we obtain Salvation?

Verses used:

Throughout the week think on these verses and remember to trust in God in ALL you do. Because God, is in control of everything and only God is our Salvation!

Notes:

How I Made Garage-saling Worth my While

2009-08-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't gone garage-saling much for quite a few years, mostly because it's time consuming. But also because I spent money on stuff I wouldn't have bought in the first place. But this summer I went about 6 times. I felt it was worth my while.

Here's a few tips that helped me make it worth my while:

1. I inventoried everyone's clothing needs. It would have been worthwhile to go through winter boots and snowsuits, but I didn't get to that. I've seen lots of cheap snowsuits in the summer at garage-sales and second hand clothes.

2. I made a list of items I needed or wanted: We especially needed shoes this year. Everyone's feet are growing so fast. Shoes was one of my best deals. Here's the pair I got for Smooch for 50 cents. (They looked like they'd hardly been worn. This photo was taken after she wore them a few times.)

Here's my pair ($3 -- I wore them a few times before photo also.)

I got shoes for Princess (age 8) and Tiger (age 5), 25 cents to 1 dollar per pair. I got 5 pair of jeans for 13 year-old Cookie that fit and she actually liked for $1/pair. (I took her along once too. I don't often shop for clothes for teen-agers without them, because they tell me I have no idea of style. :)

And birthday presents for the kids....

3. I had a budget. I made it earlier this summer. I have about 6 envelopes for smalll-cash type spending. Bills and groceries I pay for with credit card and keep track of it. My envelope categories that I use for g-sales include Gifts, Clothing, Rosie's blow/organize and beautify home, and Household (a general category for stuff we need that isn't groceries and doesnt' fit in other categories. ) This way I have an idea how much I'm spending and if we can afford that little extra, nice, but unnecessary thing. I'm flexible with the budget, though, because I'm hoping to buy clothing and items for the whole year. There aren't many garage-sales in the winter. (note: The purse is from a garage-sale too --$2, with the brand new tag still on it.)

I bought 3 larger items this year. 1. a pressure cooker (no photo). It was a brand new, 23 quart Presto cooker in the cellophane, in the box. She had to cut the tape with a pocket knife. I paid $40. Bi-mart had the same one on sale for $90 that same day.

A rug (I've been looking for one like this for 2 years -- $15)

A grill for Daron ($39.00) Daron likes to grill, but our little one is a fire hazard. I've thought of buying him one for a couple years, but didn't want to spend the money. This one had been sitting in the garage for a year and wouldn't start. Daron cleaned out a pipe and it works beautifully. (Brag, brag, brag........)

4. But the most importantly, I brought my little girls (and sometimes a bigger girl and Tiger got to go once too.) They bought Polly Pockets and My Little Pony's (Princess bought a whole box of each of these with her birthday money.), toy cars, and the girls bought a pink lamp for their bedrooms, and more.... I'd take a picture but my camera is out of town right now.)

garden photos

2009-08-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a few photos of our garden:

You're looking at squash and cucumber and lots of green beans, and sorrel, tomatoes on the left. I planted the greens in the corner, might not be able to see them very well.)

An early harvest. (I don't know why Smarty planted a whole row of zucchini. :))

Tomorrow the kids and I plan to plant turnips, parsnips, kale, and lettuce. And, in flats indoors - broccoli and cauliflower, which we will transplant later. We are also going to try out some greenhouse tomatoes and cuucumbers inside with a grow light. We'll see how it goes and, hopefully, one of the kids will blog about it for me. :) )

Please stay tuned. I've written a post called "How I made Garage-saling Worthwhile" set to post tomorrow sometime.

Rosie

The Ride to Heaven (in the eyes of a three-year-old)

2009-08-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

Whenever we go somewhere, our little guy, Huggy, who just turned three, always wants to go too.

Lately we've been talking about Jesus' return. The other day I told Huggy, "Jesus is coming back. He'll take us up, up, up with Him."

"Where's He going?"

"To Heaven." I explained briefly what Heaven would be like.

"Can I go?"

"Yes, if you give your heart and life to Jesus."

He seemed happy with the explanation and eager for the Lord's return.

The next day the topic came up again in our Bible time. Huggy had been thinking it through since the day before. He had one more question:

"Will I need a carseat?"

Rosie

("New earth" made by 10-year-old Smooch, hanging above our dining room table. Referring to the new heaven and new earth discussed in Revelation.)

New Site

2009-07-31T08:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody. We are switching to a new blog host and as you can see, are having some technical difficulties. (like losing all our pictures ): ). It may take us a few days or a week or so to work out the bugs. Thanks for visiting!

Rosie

Training Teens to Rise Early

2009-07-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

I’ve tried some “young-people training” this summer that I’ve been happy with.

Lately I’ve gotten the older girls up at about 6:30am to work. I started this because we have a lot of yard and garden work to do on our property and I don’t want them to have to work in the heat of the day. (I let them sleep later if they were up late at a function or movie night or something like that. )

But the main thing is that we want to teach them the discipline of rising early and working.

They’re learning valuable skills too. Here’s some of the things they’ve done:

They’ve helped their Dad put in 62 blueberry plants, including mulching and putting in the watering system.

They have fertilized the garden with fish fertilizer, treated the rose bush for leaf rot with homemade garlic spray, weeded, cleared brush, and planted seeds for a fall crop of root vegetables.

They’ve picked blueberries and raspberries. (We all went to the u-pick place.)

They’ve made sauerkraut, yogurt, homemade bread, and “mounds” healthy candy bar (Click HERE for link).

They also made sticker charts for their little sister, filed receipts, and more.

And they experience the brisk, fresh morning air and the bird’s singing - something late-sleepers miss.

After having several teen-agers, I think Proverbs 22:6 applies not only to teaching them the Word of God, but also practical Christian living.

Is everyone happy and eager in the morning? No. But they’re doing better. The older two girls have begun getting up early on their own. When they have families of their own, they’ll do well to have learned the discipline of rising early.

(By the way, the younger ones, ages 11, 10, and 8, 5, and 3 get up early too, but sleep a little later. One of the kids gets to stay in and make breakfast while the others work outside. Sometimes if everyone if really sleepy, I’ll read the Bible to them for a half an hour before they work.)

Hope this sparks some ideas for someone else!

Rosie

Destination Black Pearls

2009-07-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

Note: My daughter Clareesa (age 15, known as “Sunshine” in my posts) is filling in for me this busy summer, although I may write something here or there. This post is by her.

This is a video I made with my sister and a friend.

We filmed and editted it all in an hour.

Enjoy!

Destination Black Pearls On youtube

(Linke: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY_BC5HqZjc )

(The link should work when you click it, if not, copy and paste it into the URL box)

Yogurt Soup

2009-07-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

Note: My daughter Clareesa (age 15, known as “Sunshine” in my posts) is filling in for me this busy summer, although I may write something here or there. This post is by her.
Yesterday, Smarty came home from work and was tearing through the kitchen trying to find something to eat.
He discovered some ’soup’ in a crock pot on the counter. It was a little runny, well, actually, it was really runny. And he noticed it kinda resembled milk with something lumpy in it.
He served himself up a big bowl of it. After eating it, he came up to me (Clareesa), and commented on how that soup ‘really needed some salt’!
“Soup? What soup?” I asked.
“The stuff in the crock pot.”
“Uhh…that’s not soup! That’s the yogurt Mom’s making!”
“Are you serious?” Smarty swallowed hard, then grinned. “It really needs some salt!”
Smarty would have saved himself a lot of trouble if, when he first realized the soup looked kinda strange, he would have asked why.
Proverbs 19:2 says, “ It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.”
But we need to be careful to watch what we do. We need to ask God when we make big or small decisions and not just turn to our own self for advice.
Before you make a choice, think about this…
are you about to eat a bowl of “yogurt soup”?

Huggy’s Confession

2009-07-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

Post By Clareesa

Well, this is my first post.

My name is Clareesa (otherwise known as ‘Sunshine’) and I’m gonna be taking taking over my mom’s blog for awhile.

Training Huggy

This morning Huggy and Tiger got into a small fight. Afterwards, Tiger quickly apologized and gave Huggy a hug. Huggy, on the other hand, held a little resentment. He didn’t want to admit he’d punched Tiger. I attached the video of ‘Huggy’s Confession’.

Here’s the link to the video:

Huggy’s Confession

(Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WLtv7zr1vI )

You can see the guilt on his face and tell that he is lying when he says “But I didn’t do anything.”

Though he is only 2, Huggy is slowly learning to be ready to apologize and forgive.

Dibbles

2009-07-06T20:14:00.001-07:00

Note: My daughter Clareesa (age 15, known as “Sunshine” in my posts) is filling in for me this busy summer, although I may write something here or there. This post is by her.

About a year ago, we discovered a Starling nest on our roof. In it was baby starlings, all dead, but one.

Right away, Pollywog took the little bird under her wing (no pun intended).

She got out our old bird cage, got some straw and made a nest, then she gently placed the little bird in.

She looked up online how to feed baby birds and what they eat.

I was able to name the bird…so I decided upon Dibbles.

She, along with Smooch and Princess loved and cared for the bird for weeks.

Then came the time to let the bird out into the wild to fend for itself. Dibbles flew off into our forest, gone.

Then, the next morning, we found a surprise on our porch. Dibbles had come back! Pollywog ran in the house

and got the bird feed out, and was able to hand feed dibbles.

For the next week, Dibbles would come to the porch to be fed three times a day. Then, slowly the visits back slowed down. Finally, Dibbles didn’t come back.

That was a year ago.

But just last week, we discovered a bird on our porch, waiting for food! Dibbles had comes back! Everyone was shocked and Pollywog was overjoyed!

Dibbles stayed with us for two more days. Then, Pollywog and Smooch were playing with Dibbles outside, when

they heard the tweeting of another starling. It kept tweeting and whistling, as if calling to Dibbles.

Then, the starling swooped down a couple feet away from Dibbles and flew up into the trees. Dibbles whistled back and

together the two birds flew off.

Was Pollywog sad? Yes, she was sad to see Dibbles go, but she was also happy that the bird she had raised was healthy and happy.

Maybe Dibbles will come back again, maybe we will find another baby bird.

Either way, this is something Pollywog, or anyone in the family won’t forget.

~ Clareesa

(Some of us think that this was not actually Dibbles, but another young bird lost from it’s mother. Either way, it’s a cool true story! — Rosie)

“What Did Your Wife Say?”

2009-07-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

I’m linking into Wednesday’s Walk Down Memory Lane at Lynette Kraft’s blog. Click the link to see what others have written and to join in!

My mother-in-law looked at Daron and then me with that knowing twinkle. “What did your wife say?”

His answer surprised us all.

Early in our marriage, Daron and I spent money on different types of things. Daron would purchase what he felt was important. I excelled at worrying, whining, and nagging. But one time I accidentally did something right.

“Rosie,” Daron looked like he’d stolen all the oatmeal raisin cookies from our cookie jar. “look at the this. It’s a Crossman 2100 Classic! It’s the same gun my parents got me when I was 10 years old. It has a rifled barrel and shoots over 700 feet per second! I could hit the inside of a paper plate at 75 yards! That was one of my best air guns… until my friend dropped it on his driveway and broke it. I tried to fix it, but it was never the same. I can’t believe they are still available!”

I don’t know why my husband likes airguns so much. When he was ten, he researched airguns. He finally found the ultimate one. It had enough power to shoot through a tin can, not bounce off like his Red Ryder bee bee gun. His parents helped him buy it. From then on, he spent almost every evening in his back field hunting bunnies.

I looked at my husband with his big kid eyes. I looked at the photo in the magazine. It was $50.00, quite a bit for us. “Honey, I don’t know a thing about airguns. Whatever you want to get, I trust you.”

After he received his purchase, he took his prize to show his dad. “What do you think of this?” He stroked the barrel as if it were the family house cat.

His folks seemed impressed. That’s when his mom looked at me and asked him, “What did your wife say?” After 30 years of marriage, she understood.

Daron seemed to puff out his chest and lift his chin. His eyes sparkled. “She trusts me.”

Gasps of surprise around the room. I had just received one of those “awesome daughter-in-law” brownie points.

I learned a lesson that day. Don’t misunderstand. I think husbands and wives should talk and discuss purchases and all kinds of things. Wives should advise their husbands. But there’s a good feeling when someone respects your opinion. I haven’t always done it right over the years since then, but I’ll never forget it.

Rosie

Pollywog and Mom

2009-06-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Pollywog has gotten scolded a lot lately. Attitudes. Redo jobs. Stuff like that. She acted like she was a martyr. I began to worry about her. She’s almost 12, what if she rebels as a teen?

Have you other moms ever had those worries? I know it’s wrong to worry. The right thing to do would be for me to find scripture and cling to what I know is true. I haven’t done that yet, but I did pray and ask God for a project for her and I to do together. We needed something positive. I didn’t want to lose her heart.

Yesterday Pollywog said, “I want to do a vacation Bible school club with my little sisters and brothers.”

Yay –a project!

So she and I got on the internet to find story and craft ideas. Finally I said, “Let’s go down to Learning Land and find a Bible club book with stories, crafts, and games all put together.

“Just me, Mommy?” She leaped in the air. “Can I get up at 6am so I can get my jobs done early and we can get to Learning Land when it opens?”

The next day we got out of the car to go into Learning Land for a book and then Dollar Store for craft supplies. Pollywog grabbed my hand. I figure this is the last year she’ll do that. I relish her excitement and that warm, little girl hand.

Thank you, God, for answering my prayer.

Rosie

For more fun memories click here - LynnetteKraft.com.

Changes

2009-06-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

I usually write something by Wednesday, but haven’t had time yet. There will be some changes on this blog, at least for a while. I plan to spend my time working on other projects and my daughter has agreed to take over, and I may write here and there. So, hopefully she or I will check in tomorrow or the next day. (Do I know what she will write about? No. But she does like to take pictures.)

Just another note. We are working on some technical issues on this blog, including e-mail notification. Since a number of people have registered on this site, I assumed you are interested in e-mail feed or notification. Have a great summer!

Love in the Lord and blessings and prayers your way

Rosie

Abiding in the Vine - For Moms

2009-06-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

It’s “Tuesday’s Together in the Word”. This post is the best I can do to show what God’s speaking to me through His Word today. Click for more inspiration over at DeeDee Warren’s blog.

Moms, ever feel inadequate?

I do often.

But that may be a good thing. Let me explain:

Last fall, we planted a small grape plant.

Here it is this spring.

This week, I’m putting fish fertilizer around the roots and pulling weeds. It’s still too small for pruning.

We want it to bear fruit. Will we get grapes this fall or next fall?

¹I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. ²Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1-2

We think it’s our strong-willed child, our difficult teen-ager, or our grumpy husband. But it’s really Him pruning.
He’s producing character in us. ( Gal. 5:22-23)
He’s planned good works for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)
.
Then there’s the vine:

³Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
⁴Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
⁵I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:3-5

Here’s a branch not connected to the vine. It can’t grow. It can never bear fruit. It’s dead.

Jesus Christ, the Vine, wants us close to Him.

Why do we try to do things in our own strength? Why do we expect to be capable at everything? He is our strength. He is our life.

The Apostle Paul’s Example for Moms - part 2

2009-06-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

This is my prayer for the kids:

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.” Philippians 2:14-17

Like the Apostle Paul, I don’t want to feel like my labor was for nothing. And I can rejoice with my “mother’s sacrifice” (wiping up throw-up, disciplining for bad attitudes, helping them re-clean the hurricane in the toy room, days without enough sleep, pregnancy, labor and delivery - stuff like that).

I sometimes tell the kids, “I want to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” They look at me strange when I say that.

Someday they won’t look at me so strange.

Rosie

Lacto-fermented Ginger Carrots

2009-06-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

It’s Kitchen Tip Tuesday. Check out Amy at The Finer Things in Life for more great kitchen tips and recipes!

Last week, I tried the lacto-fermented ginger carrots from the Nourishing Traditions cookbook. The fermented vegies are supposed to be excellent for digestion and putting the healthy bacteria in your intestinal tract. The kids had no idea how good this would be for them. Here’s how it went:

I chopped up carrots and 1 tblsp. grated ginger in the food processor, making 4 packed cups.

Then, with my little helper, we pounded them to release the juice.

We added a tablespoon of salt and 4 tablespoons of whey. (Add 1 more tbsp. of salt if no whey is available.) Then put in a jar and pounded some more.

Ahhh. Now, we let it set on the counter for three days and grow the happy lactobaccili….!

Tomorrow: See how the family liked it????????

Click HERE for part 2....

Lacto-fermented Ginger Carrots - part 2: How the Family Liked it

2009-06-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

Today we’re going to find out if the kids like the lacto-fermented ginger carrots we made. Here’s some photos from the family after tasting the carrots. I promise to tell the truth - pretty or ugly:

Some of them didn’t want their picture taken:

Smart-aleck kid…

“No Mommy. You can have it.”

“I want more. Mommy I wike it.” (We had to make him stop eating it after several large spoonfuls.)

Moral: Start them when they are young. He likes fish oil too because I started giving it to him when he was young. (Why do you think eskimos like fish oil.)

Daron liked it ok. I liked it. It is tangy, slightly vinegary, and salty. I think it grows on you.

Since it’s so good for you, I had to figure out a way to get the kids to eat it:

It worked! Nobody knew I put about half a cup in the soup just before serving!

(Click HERE for part 1 about how we made the ginger carrots.)

The Apostle Paul’s Example for Moms (Philippians)

2009-06-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

It’s Tuesday’s Together in the Word again. Click HERE for inspiration from other Mom’s Bible study.

The Apostle Paul stretches me.

Reading Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, I noticed how Paul’s life and desires centered on three goals: loving and knowing God, loving God’s people – the church, and sharing the Gospel.

My life and ministry is so different from Paul’s life. How can his zeal encourage me? He was a single apostle/missionary. Managing my household consumes my days.

I’ve selected three passages from Philippians to share and tell how I applied these to my life – serving husband, children, and the church:

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,” Philippians 1:3-4

*I’m reminded to pray this way for my Christian friends. I should feel this way about them. (Even the dear Christian “bloggie friends” I meet!)

*Not only that, how many times do I begin my prayers for my husband this way? I’m fortunate to have a Christian husband. We don’t always agree on things, but we are partners in the gospel!

“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2:2

*This is a good prayer for the church, but I especially like it for a marriage prayer. I sure want my marriage to be this way. I do believe God sometimes waits for us to pray before he “moves”!

Paul’s example reminded me to love the church as much as possible. Here’s what I plan to do:

*I plan to set up a system to pray for everyone in the church directory regularly. I plan to cut it up and post the names of church families around the house. I can pray for “the Harris’ by the bathroom mirror. I can pray for the Johnson’s while I make the bed for example. (If this doesn’t work, I’ll try another system!)

*I also decided to invite a church family who lives nearby, over for dinner. We don’t know them well, but they are younger than us and have young children. I hope to connect so we could be available for helping with whatever their needs are.

To recap, I’ve talked about:

thanking God for the partnership of other Christians, in the gospel, including my husband;

praying for Christian unity in love, spirit, and purpose;

and loving others in the church more.

By God’s grace, I can grow in this, and I hope it inspires someone else too!

If you are interested in praying for revival in the church, A Call to Spiritual Reformation by D.A. Carson analyzes the Apostle Paul’s prayers for the church. I’ve read it three times and use it for reference all the time. The name doesn’t sound too exciting, but it is excellent.

I’ve got one more passage, I applied to the kids. But since this post is already pretty long, I’ll post it tomorrow. (I know I get fidgety reading long blog posts. Moms are so busy anyway.)

Rosie

Smarty’s Garden

2009-05-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

I’m doing Wednesday’s Walk Down Memory Lane again. Click HERE for memories from other bloggers at Dancing Barefoot! Lynette has a sweet blog. (I’m sorry the picture is cut off and thumb-size. I need my daughter to grab another one and redo it later on!)

Here’s our oldest son Smarty*. (He was pleased to have a blog post just about him. Maybe it’s a first born thing?)

He’s planting most of our garden this year. He loves gardening, but he used to hate it.

I’d like to share the story of how Smarty came to love gardening because it’s one of many parenting prayer “miracles”:

As a young mother, I always planted and tended a small garden. As soon as the kids were old enough, I had them out helping me – especially Smarty, since he was the oldest. But, Smarty would complain and whine. I disciplined. I also tried making it fun by telling stories.

Smarty had a ‘tude. He hated gardening. Nothing worked. But since he had no choice, he weeded anyway.

We prayed constantly for him – especially for his attitude. As he got older, I prayed for a hobby for him – something good for boys, and productive. Since he was the only boy with 5 or 6 sisters, he especially needed hard “boy work” and “boy stuff” to do. (He did stuff with his Dad, but Daron worked long hours at the time.)

One year, God answered my prayers. I couldn’t plant the garden. I was nine months pregnant at planting time and I couldn’t bend over.

Something “clicked” in 12 year-old Smarty that year. “I’ll plant the garden, Mom,” he told me.

All the sudden everything changed. Now it was his. He not only planted a 90 by 30 foot vegetable garden, he began reading gardening books, pouring over seed catalogs, and experimenting with unusual plants and different ways of planting, weeding, fertilizing, and pest control.

He built a shelf in his room, hung a plant light over it, and grew starts. We used to find seeds sprouting in rolled up bath towels around the house. He sold vegetables to the neighbors.

One year he did some research and grew a huge bed of the biggest, most luscious cantaloupes I’d ever tasted. (I don’t know of anyone else who’s ever grown successful melons in our area.) After reading Farmer Boy, he grew giant pumpkins, trying to produce the biggest pumpkin at the fair.

This is a picture of him with his squash one year.

One of the most important things he learned from gardening was hard work. He’d shovel or hoe for hours. This got him his first job. I think of his gardening as his best home schooling experience, after, maybe, scripture lessons.

We moms tend to want to be all things to all our children all the time. We want to change them.

However we try to be, we’re not omnipotent or omnipresent. God knows that. He answers our prayers and fills in the gaps. I’ve seen it over and over.

Christian parenting is about prayer, trust and miracles. The biggest miracle, of course, is their salvation!

Here’s Smarty again. Unlike some of our girls, he liked having his photo taken for my blog.

“Get me from this direction, Mom, it looks more buff.”

“Get me in the air, Mom. Click fast.”

Oh brother. (He really is almost 20. It’s hard to believe sometimes, I know.)

Ok, I’m proud of him.

He’s planting a variety of vegetables, including his favorite — giant pumpkins.

*not his real name

Our Budget Laundry Room Redecoration (finally)

2009-05-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

I’m linking this post to Works for Me Wednesday. It’s being hosted now by “we are that family”, a very funny blog. You’ll find lots of great ideas for moms if you click HERE.

This is our laundry room before our big redecorating project. It was sort of a dingy yellow.

These are the messy shelves on the other side of the room.

Here are Smooch and Princess (ages 9 and 7) helping me, painting their little hearts out. Talk about enthusiasm. I figure how much can kids hurt a laundry room. Paint splattered on the linoleum floor scrapes up easily.

Here’s the finished room. You’ll notice two shower curtain rods between the two walls. This is to hang clean laundry on hangers until it can be put away. The old rack across the two curtain rods is for drying sweaters or delicates. The decorations are all from the Dollar Store, except the pictures on the wall, which we already had. (That blue bin in the back is Pollywog’s worm compost bin. She likes to paint too, but she was at her grandma’s house.)

Doesn’t that look better? We felt like having a bright, colorful laundry room. (Colorful containers from Dollar Store.)

This is my favorite part. I wanted to remind the kids to do their work as unto the Lord. I used stencils and cheap orange acrylic paint, (Dollar Store butterflies).

Both girls said they wanted to be “decorators” when they grow up. I told them that decorating their home is a good thing and can honor God.

And I might add one more thing. The main reason we decorated our laundry room wasn’t because I love decorating. (Although, I do like decorating.) It was because I wanted a special project to do together with my little girls.

The Squished Chick

2009-05-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

I’m joining in on Wednesday’s Walk today. Lynnette has a very nice blog called Dancing Barefoot and she’s written a book for those who are grieving. Check out her blog and other’s stories to remember here.

I knew something was wrong when I heard the crying coming up the stairs. Pollywog, her eyes red and tears streaming down her pale face, carried something small cupped in her hands.

“Huggy got into the garage and picked up a chick out of the box. He squished it. It’s dead!”

I looked at the chick lying in her hands and put my arm on her shoulder. “It’s not dead, Honey. It’s still breathing.”

Pollywog carried the limp chick around for over an hour followed by a procession of other mourners. “It looks like it will die,” we told them. “Chicks are very delicate.”

Finally, Princess came into the room where we were discussing the sick chick. “I came in to pray for the chick,” she said.

Of course, pray for the chick. Why didn’t I think of that?

We prayed for it, then finally put it back under the light near the other chicks.

An hour later, Pollywog (who was supposed to be in bed) came out of the garage. “Mommy, the chick is better. It’s pecking.”

The next morning I got up to check the chicks. They all pecked and scratched around their box – except one lying on the straw.

Too bad. That must be the hurt one. I thought. That’s when another chick stepped on it. The sleeping chick immediately got up and began pecking and scratching like all the others. Yay! I ran to wake up the girls.

Pollywog was already up. “I know, Mommy. I got up an hour ago.”

We all thanked God for healing our chick.

(Just a note: We don’t know if God “healed” the chick or if it recovered because it wasn’t squished too bad in the first place. God hasn’t always healed all our animals when we’ve prayed. We’ve lost a couple chickens and several wild baby bunnies, and a guinea pig, and a dog in the past. But we do know that God cares about things like this, and that it is good to pray about everything - a good lesson for the kids.)

“Are not two sparrows s sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” Matthew 10:29

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Rosie

More about me…

2009-05-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

Titus 2 At the Well is having us moms write a getting-to-know-you post. I don’t have a lot of time today, but I thought I’d write a few things about myself that are not in my “about” page. Here’s the photo of my family from the “about” page.

Things I like to do: *I love flower gardening. I do veggies too because they are important, but sometimes I get to my flower beds first because they are “funner”!

*I’m interested in nutrition and always trying to learn more and feed my family better.

*I enjoy learning about herbs and using them medicinally. Lately I’ve been growing some for cooking too.

*I love decorating my house, but I can’t picture how something will look very well until it is up on the wall. I try to do it on a slim budget, but find myself sometimes wasting money at the Goodwill outlet or garage-sales because it doesn’t look right when I get home.

*I tend to be always “busy” and “in a hurry”. That’s probably why I married someone who likes to take the time to slow down and do things right or take time for people. God continually teaches me to be flexible!

*I’m kind of a quiet person, but I love good conversations, and seem to have a calling for teaching.

*I love writing (I used to do some free-lance writing when I had one baby, but gave up that kind of writing for about 17 year to focus on the kids instead.)

*I actually like housework, but you probably wouldn’t know it by looking at my house.

*Everything, everything, as much as possible, I like to do with my kids. Sometimes it’s hardly worth doing without a “little buddy” with you. You’ll see this in my blog posts quite a bit.

*I have to apologize a lot to my kids and my husband. I struggle with that old sin nature and wish I did better in certain areas. I especially aspire, by God’s grace, to become more respectful to my husband and have that “meek and quiet spirit” written about in 1 Peter 3:4.

*I love the Word of God and my other passion is to help wives and moms apply what they read in the Bible to their lives. Which is mostly what this blog is about.

For more about the ladies who participate at “The Well” click HERE.

Rosie

>I plan to post again tomorrow - thoughts for moms from Ephesians and, I hope to post Wednesday about our budget laundry room decorating project. (Which will make 3 posts this week.)

“Girls Go First” - the Value of Stories

2009-04-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Check out the sweet blog called Dancing Barefoot for other’s family stories!

Stories and movies can influence children more than simply telling them what’s right and wrong, true or false. Maybe that’s why Jesus spoke in parables so often. Last week, two stories influenced five year-old Tiger:

Story#1

It didn’t cross my mind that the five-headed monster would scare Tiger.

Because Tiger and Princess had colds, I stayed home with them while the rest of the family went to visit their grandparents for a few days. We made a list of fun things we could do while they were gone. One of the things the kids chose (of course!) was watch a movie.

“Ok, one movie,” I said. Princess chose the movie The Little Princess.

It wasn’t a scary movie to Princess or me, but the main character, young Sarah, told stories with a scary monster in them. Tiger hid his head in my lap when he saw it.

“It’s just pretend. Silly monster.”

That night he wouldn’t sleep in his own bedroom. I let him sleep in my bedroom, assured him and prayed with him. But he still had a hard time falling asleep, even with his head buried under the covers. I remember when I was little and saw a scary movie, I’d sometimes get so scared I couldn’t sleep.

Live and learn. I pray and trust that God will work out my mistake for good. (Romans 8:28)

* * *

Story #2

I’ve been trying to make time for bedtime stories lately. I am usually tired and can’t think of a story, but I just force myself to do it. The younger the child, the dumber the story can be and they’ll like it anyway!

So, the other night, I thought to myself. I want Tiger to learn to be a gentlemen. So I made up a short, shallow-plot story about a bunch of boys and several sisters going to a candy store.

* * *

“Several selfish boys ran ahead of everyone to be the first into the store. They knocked down two girls on the way. The girls lay on the ground crying.

But there were three kind boys, who came and helped the girls up…”

“I know who they were!” Tiger leaned toward me wide-eyed. “Tiger and Huggy and Smarty!”

“Yep. And the kind boys helped the girls up and wiped their tears with a handkerchief and asked if they were ok and put a band aid on their forehead. Then they let the girls go first into the candy store because they were gentlemen.”

I didn’t know how much this story influenced Tiger until the next day when I went on an “exploring, nature walk” with Tiger and Princess (another of our “fun things to do” while the rest of the family visited Grandpa and Grandma). Princess led the way. I trailed behind the kids. Every so often, Tiger would walk to the side of the path and stop.

He did this several times during our walk. He’d say the same thing each time as he’d motion me ahead.

“Girls go first.”

* * *

Here’s some character-building children’s stories I love:

Wisdom and the Millers by Mildred A. Martin

Missionary Stories and the Millers by Mildred A. Martin

Treasures in the Snow (book or DVD) by Patricia Mary St. John

the Patch the Pirate series by Majesty Music (CD’s)

But there’s nothing like the old-fashioned art of storytelling. Telling stories is like exercising a muscle. I figure that storytelling is hard because my brain is out of shape. It comes easier with practice.

Rosie

Even Jesus Had to Say “No” Sometimes…

2009-04-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

I’m participating in “Tuesday’s Together in the Word” again, sharing my thoughts. It’s awesome to hear how God is speaking to other Christian women through his Word. Click HERE to read what others have written.

When I read that Jesus had to “say no”, I was relieved.
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35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” 38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. Mark 1:35-39 .
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The day before, Jesus taught and healed people in Capernaum. They were looking for him because they wanted him to stay. Instead He went somewhere else.
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He wasn’t being mean or unkind to anyone. He had other people he needed to preach to besides those in Capernaum. He knew his assignment.
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Mothers have to say “no” too.
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It’s not about selfishness. It’s about priorities.
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Last weekend we loaded the whole family in the van for a speech contest. Afterward, we had a full day of activities. I found myself barking at the kids that morning. “Hurry up. Clean up faster. No, you can’t wear that! Stop whining.”
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There wasn’t time to counsel them, deal with tantrums, have them redo their jobs properly, reconcile and hug. We got to our speech contest neat and smiling (mostly). No one guessed the stress it took to get there. That morning reminded me why we don’t do too many extra activities.
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Mothers with babies, toddlers, and/or pregnant may feel like they have to say “no” to just about everything. They may feel pressure and guilt from friends, the culture, themselves, even the church, to do more than they can do while meeting the needs of their family.
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There may be seasons of life when outreach is having company over for spaghetti on paper plates or intercessory prayer while nursing the baby in the middle of the night.
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The Bible talks about priorities for women and why it’s important:
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…the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:4-5 .
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It’s important that we ladies know about our ministry what Jesus knew about his ministry when he said “…That is why I have come….”

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Rosie

He Disciples Us …We Disciple Them…

2009-04-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

This is part of “Tuesday’s Together in the Word”. I’m a little behind on my scripture reading, so I’m sharing from Mark 6, which spoke to me. Click HERE to read what God is speaking to others through His Word.

In Mark 6:30-56 Jesus used every challenge as a teaching opportunity. I believe this is an example of how He (God, Holy Spirit, Jesus) teaches us and if we learn our lessons, we can, in turn, teach our children.

*For example, problem #1 – Jesus and his disciples had no opportunity to rest and eat.

³⁰The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. ³¹Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

³²So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. ³³But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. ³⁴When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:30-34

Lesson – The disciples saw Jesus’ compassion and patience.

*Problem #2 – They had no food to feed 5000 plus people.

⁴²They all ate and were satisfied, ⁴³and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. ⁴⁴The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. Mark 6:42-44

Lesson: The disciples saw His power in providing for everyone’s needs.

*Problem #3 – A terrible storm and fear of a ghost

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ⁵¹Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, Mark 6:50b -51

Lesson: The disciples learned He had power over nature.

Could He be doing the same with us? I believe every problem is a teaching opportunity given by God to grow us in character and to learn more about Him. I call it God’s Home school curriculum. And if we are learning, then our problems can also be opportunities to teach our children about Him.

But the disciples weren’t learning very well because they had a problem:

They were completely amazed, ⁵²for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened. Mark 6:51-52

I admit, I can relate to their problem. But they eventually learned anyway, didn’t they?

The Bible talks about trials producing character in our lives (James 1:2-4). Part of that is learning more about His character (Job 42:5-6). What does God want to teach you about Himself today? Don’t miss it!

“Lord, forgive me for my hard heart. Help me to learn from each lesson you send my way. Please show me Your glory. Then I’ll teach my children and others about you.” Amen.

Rosie

Giving in Hard Times - Learning From the Macedonians

2009-04-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

¹And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. ²Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. ³For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

The Lord’s been speaking to me lately about giving in hard times.

Daron’s had some financial dips in his paychecks the last six months. When this started, we evaluated our spending habits and cut back on most things other than necessities.

I went over our list of expenses again to see if there was anything else we should cut out. “We could cut out our giving to charities, beyond our tithe I mean.”

“Nope.” Daron seemed unusually firm.

“OK.” I was glad he felt strongly about that. We decided not to cut back on our giving.

(Interestingly, I’ve found that money has come in each month to cover the missed income. We sold some tires, goose decoys, and camera equipment on Craig’s list. We got a rebate check from Costco. He worked on a holiday, got a check for being on the Emergency Response Team at work, Etc.)

But it seems the Lord is pressing us a little farther. We’ve noticed that many people in the Bible gave out of their poverty. I’m not saying we’re in poverty, by any means, but we’ve figured, barring unexpected expenses, we can budget out giving a little bit more than we had before. There are several families in our church who are out of work. A small amount of money could buy meat or cheese or pay a phone bill.

My brother Adam had another idea. He knows a man who is out of work. People have been giving him handouts, which he is grateful for, but feels it is a bit demeaning. He would prefer to trade work for necessities or money. “You could trade your extra bit of budgeted money for help building those shelves you want,” Adam suggested.

Of course husband and wife would need to agree on this, (I wouldn’t want to cause any family squabbles!) but may I suggest giving as much as you are able.

Daron and I are still learning about spending, saving, and giving. We can learn a lot from the Macedonians. Maybe you can too.

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability…. 2 Corinthians 8:3a

Rosie

“She Riseth Early…” teaching my teen girls

2009-04-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

“The virtuous woman riseth early and getteth food for her family, you know.”

“Oh Mom, I know. I’m up.”

She doesn’t look like it, but “she’s up.”

I thought I’d share our morning school day schedule, which is part of my attempt to teach my teen-age girls to be Proverbs 31 women.

Here’s our weekly rotating school schedule:

Kids get up at 7am. Sometimes our two oldest girls set their alarm and get themselves up. (I get up around 5:30 or 6.)

*Teen A makes breakfast. (The breakfast person has a “breakfast guidelines” page and is supposed to plan her weekly breakfasts ahead. We’re still working on the planning ahead part!) *Click HERE for our breakfast guidelines.

*Teen B starts a fire in the wood stove in the winter or waters plants in the summer.

*Teen C is snack person and is supposed to prepare a healthy snack or baked good for the day. (Sunshine bakes homemade bread. She’s our “master bread maker” – brag, brag.)

I ‘d like them to read the Bible at 6:30am, but they all say they’re too tired in the morning to read. I realize that is because they stay up too late to be alert at 6:30, but all three of them read the Bible daily. (Cookie, my 13 year-old, is more likely to read in the morning.) This schedule seems to work best for our family, since my husband often gets home late from work and wants to visit with them.

While the three oldest work, I read to the younger children (usually history stories). This gives them a half an hour to wake up gradually before they have to jump out of bed.

7:30 breakfast. 8am to 8:30 clean up, dress, chores. (This is ideal. It’s usually 9am. Those done ahead can start their schoolwork.)

8:30 or 9am, we read and discuss the Bible.

9:30ish we split into groups. Princess (age 7) reads and does some math with Angel (age 17). Sunshine (age 15) teaches preschool to Tiger (age 5). I teach grammar or composition to Cookie, Pollywog, and Smooch (ages 13, 11, and 9). (Sometimes Angel and I switch jobs.)

10am or so they work on the rest of their schoolwork. They all have daily checklists.

When our girls have a house of their own, they’ll need the discipline to “get up and get working”, the discipline to plan breakfast, and the discipline to read their Bible each day. I believe starting these habits early will help them the rest of their lives.

I doubt they’ll ever forget that “the virtuous woman riseth early and getteth food for her family.” Hopefully they’ll tell their girls — maybe even in King James English …

Rosie

Coming up: The elusive laundry room project. (This week – soooon)

Posts on marriage (next week)

Loving Your Children - Titus 2:4

2009-04-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, Titus 2:4

Titus 2 at the Well is discussing Titus 2:4 in regards to loving your children, translated in the Greek as philoteknos which is the friendship type of love. I heartily agree with Amy, who is writing At the Well today. She wrote about what friendship does not mean. Click HERE to read it.

I want to add from my experience that I think friendship with your children includes having them alongside you most of the time. It includes enjoying them, sacrificing for them, putting your heart and life into teaching them everything you know and do, and especially about the Lord (Deut. 6:4-7).

I’ve heard too many mothers say “I can’t wait until summer vacation is over, when Johnny and Jenny go back to school. I’ll finally get some peace and time to myself. ” (I don’t want to be critical of the mother who can’t wait to get away from her children. She may need some help with disciplining techniques or just not know anything different. We’re all human and sinners and make mistakes. Neither do I know each person’s situation. God is full of grace and mercy.)

I also know mothers who couldn’t bear to send their children away. It seems to me that you begin to love “philos” whom you put your time and heart into.

The thought of my young people leaving home someday makes me sad. I want them to marry and move away of course, but I’ll miss them! I’m not saying it is easy. It’s not. (All Moms know this!) I’ve had times so difficult that I’d be on my face in my bedroom everyday crying out to God. But, by God’s grace, my nine children have become my closest friends (after my hubby). I get to hug my two year- old and discuss “girl issues” with my 19 year-old. I feel so full in the relationship area, that I could bust.

The Bible says something about a “happy mother of children”. I think our culture tends to split the family, causing us to miss the joy that putting our lives into motherhood can bring.

I think that is much of what Titus 2:4, loving your children, is about.

Rosie

P.S. I plan to post again this week one more time, Lord willing, because I have several posts almost done. Upcoming posting topics include:
*giving when money is tight,
* more insights from Jesus’ method of discipling his 12 disciples applied to moms discipling their children,
* how we decorated our laundry room together for cheap (and had a great time!)

Ephesians 1-3…Thoughts for Moms

2009-04-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

For “Tuesday’s Together in the Word” we’re following a Bible reading schedule and commenting on what we’ve read on Tuesdays. This is my comments. Check over at DeeDee’s to read what God is speaking to other women through the Word. (I just noticed the reading schedule said Galatians and I accidentally read Ephesians! Oh well, maybe God knew I needed Ephesians!)

The first few chapters of Ephesians really spoke to me this morning. If we Christians could only grasp the hugeness of the awesome blessings given to us by God, how this would affect the way we think and live. [What I’m planning to do is take some of these verses and write them on file cards and meditate on them (think about them during the day, maybe memorize them.)]

Being a mom is hard. I realize this when seven out of nine kids can’t remember to hang their coat on the hook (am I the only one who has this problem?), when several fight every day about their jobs, when my pile of “things to do” is higher than my head, when their needs are greater than I can meet (and I feel like I have to meet all their needs.)

Being a wife, the kind I want to be, is just as hard.

Because of this, I can act as if:

a. God’s angry or unhappy with me, or distant from me.

b. I can’t do what I’m called to do (Be a good mom, home school, be the wife I should be, handle this situation, (fill in the blank_____).

c. It’s all about my own strength (If I try hard enough, I can control everything.)

d. I’m poor.

e. It’s all about me.

f. It’s about now only.

As a Christian (“born again”, saved from my sin, follower of Jesus Christ), these statements are all FALSE!

I need to learn and believe the truths in Ephesians. As I grow in this knowledge, I will live differently. Here’s what Ephesians says about each of these falsehoods, commonly held by us Christian moms. (I may not think I believe these falsehoods, but when I act as if I believe them, I believe them!)

Falsehood a: God’s angry at me or unhappy with me or distant from me.

Truth: ”In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12

Truth: ”Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,” Ephesians 2:19

Truth: ”And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17b-19

Falsehood b and c: I can’t do what I’m called to do, or it’s about my own power. (If I try hard enough, I can control everything.)

Truth: (This is the Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian Christians.) ”…and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,” Ephesians 1:19-20

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Falsehood d: I’m poor

”Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

”In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7

”I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” Ephesians 3:16

Falsehood e: It’s all about me. (I’ve failed. Nobody appreciates me. Etc. etc.)

“…in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:12

”who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:14

”And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 1:22-23

Falsehood f: It’s about now only.

“to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” Ephesians 1:10 (I can’t wait, can’t you!)

This post only samples the blessings for believers in Ephesians 1-3.

Come on moms! Let’s pray for each other, like the Apostle Paul did for the Ephesians, so that daily we may believe and act like who we are in Jesus Christ!

Rosie

Huge Blog Party - Why I Blog…

2009-03-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

Five Minutes for Mom is having a HUGE blog party today and the next few days. I decided I’d join. I’ve never seen such a big Blog Party. If you want to find out about lots of blogs, you better check over there!

Here’s a photo of Daron and I. We have nine children, ages two through nineteen. (You can see the family photo on the “about” page. For some reason my program is cutting off the top of the pictures.) I’ve changed their names for this blog since most of them wanted to remain “incognito”.

Why I started this blog and what my burden is.

I originally started this blog because we wanted to start a family business. I discussed this with my brother Adam, a business expert. He asked what each of our family members liked to do.

“Well, I like to write,” I said.

“You should write a blog,” he said.

“What’s a blog?”

To make a long story short, he stroked his mustache and said, “I’ll set you up.”

As far as family business goes, I haven’t made any money yet, that I know of. (You’ll notice one way-too-big Hostmonster add at the top of the page. I put that there because I’ve called Hostmonster dozens of times for technical support and they are amazingly helpful and never had to wait on the phone more than a couple minutes, and they never made me feel bad about being a computer dummy.) My other add is for my favorite homeschool/parenting book in the whole world. I buy these by the pack and give them away.

My burden:

But, I find that this blog fulfills a desire to express my burden to help women apply scripture to their lives. It’s one thing to read about David or Esther or the Israelites and see how God worked in their lives. It’s another thing to tie these truths to your daily life, to raising your children, and to loving your husband. And still another thing to teach your children to apply the scriptures to their lives AND to teach their children.

So, this blog includes a lot of scripture. I know moms don’t have much time, so I try to make my posts short, practical, and not boring. Lately, I’m trying to include my teens in writing posts. (Since blogging takes time, of which I don’t have much extra!) They (my teens) already help me with technical stuff. Angel has written, but not yet posted one about making homemade cheese. (She’s allergic to dairy, but I paid her to do it.) and Sunshine photographed our new bunny and chicks yesterday. You’ll see her photos soon. She’s going to try to housebreak this bunny. Hopefully she’ll write about it!

Have a happy day in the Lord and, if you want, enjoy that big blog party!

Rosie

Worshipping God in the Clutter

2009-03-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

These are the discussion questions over at Titus 2 at the Well today. Check over there for more thoughts on this topic.

~Who or what is “most high” in your mind and heart today?

~Is it the Most High, or someone or something else?

I should have known the house would look like a hurricane zone.

Princess (age 7) and I had gone grocery shopping, hit a couple garage sales, and visited an adopted Grandma friend. It was 4:30 by the time we got home. Dinner. Why hadn’t I planned dinner? It wouldn’t have been a problem if every room in the house didn’t look like a grenade had hit it. And why was Huggy up?

“Angel, didn’t you put him down for his nap? Remember I called and reminded you?”

“Oops.”

“Rosie,” Daron called me. “Do you want to ride with me to take these desks down to the Good Will?” (We’d been cleaning out the office to have it do double duty as a guest room.)

“Daron, I’m so tired I can’t think. “ I felt the familiar knot tightening in my stomach. My face grew strained. I knew my “peace” and “joy” had already disappeared. The kids saw me “edgy” and stressed. For the moment, the house had become the “Most High” in my life. “I need my nap.”

(I am so thankful that God has given me the grace to be a fifteen minute “power- napper”. After my mini nap I’m a recharged battery.)

“Get your nap, Rosie. I’m not quite ready with this desk, anyway.”

As I left the disorder for a quick nap and prayer, I felt convicted for reacting to my circumstances. But I also noticed eight precious (though messy and/or absent-minded) children and a dear husband (Smarty was at work.) and I felt the Holy Spirit reminding me that I was rich in relationships.

A half an hour later (15 minutes sleeping, 15 minutes praying and repenting), I came out into the hurricane zone, I mean the living area (the bedrooms were messy too.) with a new attitude.

I knew my work can be my worship. It’s a privilege to serve You, I thought. I felt my joy return.

I called the troops, wrote out all the jobs on the dry erase board, and put everyone to work. “Remember to do your work as unto the Lord,” I said. “Tiger, don’t scowl. Cookie, don’t lose your joy. Sunshine, make scrambled eggs for dinner.”

They didn’t all get it but I reminded them anyway.

Romans 12:1 illustrates the principle “my work and life is my worship” and is one of my favorite scriptures.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

And the jobs got done. And we ate dinner.

Rosie

Titus 2 At the Well - “Thanking God Publically for my Husband”

2009-03-23T19:53:00.000-07:00

A while back, I was feeling “grumbly” inside about something my husband did. That’s when the Lord seemed to remind me of three general ways He (God) has blessed me through Daron. These three ways were – provision, protection, and love.

Provision: Daron has always worked hard at stressful and often dangerous jobs to provide for our family.

Protection: Daron is the “manly” protective type.

Love: I know my husband loves me. It’s not always perfect and every way I want him to love me, but who’s perfect?!

The difference in perspective for me was that these blessings (as all blessings) weren’t ultimately from Daron, but from God. For me to be grumbly about some little thing was (and is) to be ungrateful to God for His care for me. (Of course, I realize that God cares for me, as He does for all His children, regardless of my circumstances.)

Here’s some other things I’m thankful for in my husband:

*He’s flexible and will often stop what he is doing to take a splinter out of a child’s foot or make a paper airplane, for example. He also cuts our hair and edits my writing.

*He’s my best listener – not critical when I share my woes.

*He’s compassionate and has a burden to visit and help elderly and needy people. He’s special!

Rosie

At the Well - Bible Study on Friendship with Your Husband

2009-03-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

At Titus 2 at the Well today they’re talking about expressing the “friendship” kind of love to your husband (Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, Titus 2:4) The Greek word for love in this verse is philandros “fond of a man”. The root words mean “friend” and “man”. One of the questions they asked today, which I am addressing is:

What other scriptures did you find pertaining to frienship?

How do those scriptures relate to your marriage?

Please be sure to visit The Well today. Many have great ideas about this and related topics.

Following are scriptures from the New Testament about friends. I’ve restated the principle in my own words in red. Then I have written what I think is the opposite in blue and a question for thought or discussion. This is to make it easier for women to study these passages.

It’s not a “quick read”, so if you’re interested, you could copy and paste it into your word-processing program to look at later. What I plan to do is highlight the areas I want to work on, and put effort into one of those areas each week. (Just last night I got the idea of calling my sister to see if she’ll do it along with me and keep each other accountable.) I’m excited because I know I can improve in this area and this is giving me a grasp of what it can include!

(To view a light-hearted, fun story on the topic of friendship with your husband click here.)

1. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” ‘ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.” Matthew 11:19

*He ate and talked with them.

*Too busy to sit down and eat and visit.

Do you usually sit down for dinner and visit with your husband? How often do you spend time talking with your husband? __________________________________________________________________

2. So Jesus went with them.
He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. Luke 7:6

*The centurion’s friends could be asked favors.

*Won’t do favors. Busy doing their own thing or won’t perform a favor when there’s nothing in it for them.

When are you willing and eager to do favors for your husband? ________________________________

3.“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. Luke 12:4

*Jesus used friend as an endearing term.

*Not use endearing terms in referring to friend. Rather, speak to them coldly.

How do you address your husband? Do you have a term of endearment? (“Honey”, for example.)

_______________________________________________________________________________

4. And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders ⁶and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ Luke 15:5-6

*He celebrated with them.

*Celebrate with someone else or by yourself. (or don’t celebrate!)

When was the last time you celebrated together? __________________________________________

5. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. Luke 15:29 (NIV)

*When I think of the prodigal son’s friends, I think of my teens’ buddies and how they are together.

*Not be a buddy - no fun, no talking, no joking, no discussing good and bad.

Do you laugh at his jokes or enjoy his conversation ( or at least show interest because he is interested!)? Do you discuss daily life - troubles and joys? ____________________________________________________________________________________

6. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Luke 16:9 (NIV)

*A friend may be a friend because you have been kind to them and they are grateful.

*Be unkind; or on the flipside – be ungrateful for someone’s kindness.

What are some things you have done or can do to show him kindness? How can you improve? How often to you express gratitude for the things he does for you or the family (or think grateful thoughts!)? _____________________________________________________________________________________

7. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. Luke 14:10

*A person may be sensitive to the needs of their friend. At least that is a friendly gesture.

*Be insensitive to the other’s needs, either not notice or not do anything about their needs.

What are several unmet needs your husband has? What can you do to help him? _____________

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8. To this John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. ²⁸You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ^] but am sent ahead of him.’ ²⁹The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. ³⁰He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:27-31
*A friend shares in his friend’s joy.
*Not share the other person’s joy. Probably consumed with their own things.
What is your husband excited about? How can you share his joy? ______________________________________________________________________
9. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-17
*Jesus expressed sacrificial love to us, his friends, by laying down his life.
*Not care enough about the other person to make personal sacrifices.
What sacrifices do you make for your husband? Would you like to do more? Do you make those sacrifices with joy? How can you improve? ______________________________________
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10. From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” John 19:12
*A friend doesn’t usurp or oppose your authority.
*Tries to be the boss or leader when he/she doesn’t have authority.
How can you improve in this area? _________________________________________________

11. Peter at Cornelius’ House

The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. ²⁴The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. Acts 10:24

*Cornelius invited his close friends over to learn important things (from Peter). Friends were willing to come. Friends share things they are excited about and important information so that their friends can benefit also.

*Not be willing to hear information and ideas and what the other person is excited about, or not to share what he/she is excited about.

Do you share with your husband your interests, news, what you’re excited about? (Hopefully he listens!)________________________________________________________________________

12. Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater. Acts 19:31
*Friends care about each other’s well being and warn each other and do what they can to help them avoid trouble.
*Disinterest in friend’s trouble. No effort to help.
How well do you notice and help your husband in his troubles? What can you do to improve? ______________________________________________________________________________

13. The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. Acts 27:3
*Provide each other’s physical needs and encourage.
*Ignore friend’s physical needs. Nitpick in a critical way. Discourage friend in their goals.
How can you better help meet your husband’s needs? How can you encourage him?
___________________________________________________________________________

List areas you’d like to improve on and what you will do this week or choose one per week to work on. (Consider holding yourself accountable to someone else): ______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Spiritual Sunday - “Feed Your Sheep”

2009-03-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:15 - 17

Here, Jesus charged Peter to watch over the flock of God – the Christians.

When I apply this passage to myself, I apply it, first of all, to the nine “lambs” and one “sheep” in my house. (Smarty would probably consider himself a “sheep”, not a “lamb”. That would make two sheep.)

If I love my Lord, I’ll care for my lambs. Of course I’ll feed them meat, potatoes, vegies (and sometimes icecream), but I’ll also feed them the Word of God. My window of time before they’re grown up and gone is short.

How about you?

Saving Money by Cutting Beef Ourselves

2009-02-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a Frugal Friday tip that is obviously not for everyone, but a good idea for some!
1. We wanted to eat natural, grass-fed beef, but couldn’t really afford it. So, we found we could get a huge discount by cutting up the beef ourselves. We also got a 5 or 6 year-old cow, so it was more hamburger meat, rather than the tender steaks. This is ok for us since we eat a lot of hamburger anyway!

I hope these photos aren’t too gory for a public homemaking blog!

My husband hunts deer and elk and is an excellent meat cutter, so he showed us how. It’s not really that hard, but it took us all day to cut up a whole cow. We cut it with our friends, the Feeners. (They bought half the cow and we bought the other half.)

Above: Daron showing everyone how to cut the meat.

(We used my parent’s 50 year old meat grinder. They used to make things that lasted in those days!)

We also saved the bones for bone broth and soups, (I plan to post about that next week.) and we saved the fat too. We didn’t want to waste it. We want to try making soap!

This was a “productive fellowship” and a family affair! Work is not so bad when you do it with friends!
For more frugal tips visit biblicalwomanhood! (Frugal Friday)

Showing Warmth to Your Children - discussion

2009-02-23T19:44:00.000-08:00

Sherry shared a lovely post today at titus2atthewell about being warm and loving to your children. I’m giving my “two cents” as part of her discussion.

1. My first thought about showing “warmth” to your children is to look them in the eye and smile at them, and even gaze at them, and then tell them how precious they are. Do this often – daily!

And lately I’ve been reminded to do the same for my teen-agers. They might not respond like the little ones, but they need it too. Even my big 19 year-old son, who is not the “mushy” type needs it. (See related post – “Hug that Teen-ager”)

2, My second thought is that my own worry and stress can make me seem “cold” or unloving to my kids. When I used to feel stressed about life or feel like I’m failing in my household or child management, or when I didn’t know what to do, I’d often express my frustrations to the children. “Why do you make such a mess?” or “I’m so frustrated over this house.” I wasn’t necessarily angry at them, just venting my frustration.

The children would react to this by feeling insecure or losing some respect for me. (The respect thing was more as they got older.)

One thing I felt God showed me that has helped immensely when I feel frustrated is this. I was reading the verse “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:7 and the Lord seemed to impress me that I needed to cast the “anxiety” I had on him, not on the children, because they were too immature to handle it.

So now, whenever those feelings come over me, I take a two to five minute prayer break. I run to my room or the bathroom, fall on my knees or on the floor and cast it on God the best I can. He can handle it! Then I feel better when I go back out and address my problems and the children.

For input from a lot of other moms about showing love and warmth to your children see www.titus2atthewell.com.

Why I Ditched the Biology Textbook

2009-02-21T19:42:00.000-08:00

Here’s a way we simplified home school science one year:

When my daughter “Pollywog” was about eight years old, we used a biology textbook for our science curriculum. The textbook was made for elementary age children, had bright pictures and experiments. But Pollywog felt our science class was worse than eating liver and brussel sprouts.

“I hate biology,” she whined.

I thought it curious that she said that, since she was the one who spent hours watching baby spiders crawl between their web and up her arm, and she was the one who caught garter snakes and tried to raise them in a bucket. She was the one who carried handfuls of baby ants into the house last year.

“Pollywog,” I asked, “what do you think biology is?”

She wrinkled her nose. “That book!”

That was when I decided to ditch the textbook. We were doing botany, so I took her outside and we looked at weeds. We found that some were edible. This immediately caught her attention. We discovered dandelion, plantain, sorrel, and bitter cress. (We were very cautious about this, positively identifying everything. We even took some down to a garden center to identify.)

This began a love for plants that has never quit. She enjoys looking at herb books with me (ones with lots of pictures!) She knows several plant families, common poison plants, properties, and uses of many local plants.

We planted an herb garden. She makes dressings and sauces. Later we made herbal creams with beeswax. Last year, along with her sisters, we began making chapstick and lipgloss and perfume.

She has raised, learned about, and identified bugs, snakes, tadpoles, frogs, and lately, chickens. We bought 18 chickens last year, and put Pollywog and her sister Cookie in charge. When a friend gave her a book about chickens, she read it cover to cover. Her brother said he’d give her another one when she finished that one. Sometimes she asks me if she can go outside and shovel chicken manure into the garden instead of her other schoolwork. (I usually say “no”.)

She’s eleven now and still hates textbooks. (We have done more structured science since then.) But she has a passion that will probably stay with her the rest of her life.

I’m glad I ditched the textbooks that year. She’ll read them when she’s ready.

A Mom’s Sacrifice

2009-02-19T19:41:00.000-08:00

As Christian moms, we tend to sacrifice our time, talent, and treasure for our husbands and children. This is Biblical and noble. Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.” (NIV)

Here’s another passage about sacrifice. “But King David replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.’” I Chronicles 21:21 (NIV)

I’d like to mention two mistakes we moms can make.

1. Offering sacrifice without worship.

2. Wanting to offer only sacrifices that cost us very little.

In the Old Testament, the Jews offered sacrifices to “pay for sins”. But in the New Testament, after Jesus died and paid the ultimate price for sin, we Christians can now sacrifice our lives in gratitude for what God has already done through Jesus Christ.

As mothers, much of our daily sacrifice is made for our family. The problem is that we often have expectations about how that looks. For example - I want to raise children for the Lord, but I didn’t want my toddler to be hyper-active and never take naps. I wanted to train young people to follow God, but I didn’t want to have to show love to a rebellious teen-ager. I wanted to love and honor a husband, but I expected him to show his gratitude to me.

Let’s remember to offer those unexpected sacrifices, required by life’s circumstances, as worship to God, in gratitude because of His great mercy toward us. If we don’t, we’ll lose our joy and our testimony.

What’s a “sacrifice” if it costs us nothing?

Discipleship at the Grocery Store

2009-02-16T19:41:00.000-08:00

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins^]worth only a fraction of a penny.

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. Mark 12: 41-43

Have you noticed that Jesus was always “discipling” his disciples? They were with him when he “sat down … and watched the crowd…”

The other day, while grocery shopping, I found an opportunity to apply this method of discipleship with the kids:

* * *

Arnie, wearing a cross around his neck, smiled when he checked my overflowing shopping cart. While the kids (three or four of them) and I waited to exit Costco, he looked at us and marked our receipt with a smiley face. “Beautiful family. God bless you.”

Sometimes he sings while he checks cards as people walk into the store – patriotic or folk songs and especially hymns. I pause to listen to his beautiful tenor -“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound….”

One time I overheard him talking to a fellow employee about job stress. “I never worry,” he said. “I just trust Jesus and I know he’ll take care of it.”

I could imagine Jesus at Costco with his twelve disciples - some frozen fish, a baguette and a case of olives in his cart. He might sit down at the food court for a few minutes and watch the crowd. “Say, Peter, did you notice Arnie? He’s a beacon of light.”

I think he’d say something like that.

“Say, kids, did you notice Arnie…”

Famous Romantic Poem, and Weekly Plan

2009-02-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home asked about how we used technology. I was relieved to find she doesn’t like surfing the internet either. I like using the internet for doing my banking, and I love writing my blog, but I find social networking rather stressful (though I love my dear friends and I have met dear “bloggie” friends too.). The reason I find it stressful is time seems to fly by, and I don’t have much extra. (time that is!)
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Last year, around Valentine’s Day, I read to the kids a biography about Elizabeth Barrett Browning. So I looked up her famous poem, memorized it, and quoted it to Daron for Valentine’s Day. A simple valentine’s thing to do!
So here it is. Ahhh. Romantic.

How do I love thee?

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of everyday’s

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints,–I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life!–and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

Next week: Parenting posts - short, fun (hopefully) stories with scripture, applying scriptural principles.

Eric and Jerry’s Story of ‘True Love’ - conclusion

2009-02-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

This is part 4, the final post, of an interview with Jerry (Jerry is the woman!), married 34 years to Eric. They are a godly couple “in love”. This is their story of change. It is a little longer than my short posts normally in this blog, but well worth reading. I hope you are as inspired as I am.
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I understand you two struggled in your marriage for many years. What caused you to start falling in love again?
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“In the beginning, when Eric and I first met, I actually started falling in love with the Jesus in Eric. I saw his concern about serving God. That was what my heart had been looking for.
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“When we were first married we were both saved, but neither of us were living for God, though we thought we were. Actually, neither one of us really knew how to live out the truths revealed in scripture. We lived out of human reasoning and the philosophies of the present culture. Our marriage was overwhelmed with strife. As we put ourselves under submission to the Word of God, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we began to learn the secret of making the Word of God the umpire of our relationship. We do not live perfect lives, and still have many lessons to learn, but we are more in love than we have ever been.
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“One of the first things I learned is that others do not see me the way I see myself. For example, when you are driving in your car using your side-view mirrors to change lanes, there may be, traveling at 60 miles per hour, a 2-ton vehicle in your blind spot that you can’t even see. Without knowledge of its presence, you are not taking this threat into consideration in your decision making. This has potentially cataclysmic repercussions.
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“My life was full of blind spots that Eric was reacting to; and for the life of me, I could not figure out what his problem was. We were miserable. One day I was angry at God. I felt that God had the power to save me from these sorrows, but had chosen not to. I wondered to myself, ‘does God inflict pain on people in the same way little boys pull the wings off of bugs?’ He is all-powerful. And I’ve heard the testimonies of God’s intervention into the lives of people who were facing insurmountable struggles. ‘So, what is the deal?’ I asked myself, ‘that God would leave me in this irreconcilable situation?’ I felt a huge weight of responsibility to not break up my home and damage my children’s security through divorce, but was living in anguish.
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“I sat in my bedroom, and asked God what possible good could come out of my bad marriage. I picked up a pencil and paper and wrote over 80 growth lessons. For starters, I was rebellious down to the bone. Even though God says He never changes, and that His Word is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (2 Tim 3:16-17 NIV), it was a lot more self-satisfying to be a feminist. After all, in the 20th Century, even if God Himself gives me handwritten instruction to play the part of a co-pilot, I felt I had the right, as an intelligent and capable woman, to be a pilot if I wanted to be. After all, women, along with men, have their own individual hopes and dreams.

“Time revealed to me that because of a blind spot, I basically did not like the instructions that I was seeing as the will of the Lord for my life. It was a lot more palatable to follow the example and teachings of other Christian women, who are raising the feminine banner themselves. There is an old saying: ‘the proof of the pudding is in the eating.’ The simple truth here is that if the pudding tastes terrible, it was not made correctly. So many of my early mentors that flowed with advice produced rotten attitudes and poor marriages themselves. Is it any wonder that the Christian divorce rate is approaching 60%? My greatest change came, as God gave me the grace, to bow my knee, my heart and my will, in humility, to His right to direct my life.
“There were so many other things I learned as God ministered the Living Word to my heart, which resulted in a change of both heart and behavior. Before we struggled in our marriage, I didn’t know what it meant to be comforted by the Holy Spirit. I didn’t know how to hear the voice of God. I learned that God was a present, interactive God. This gave me peace over many fears. It caused my love for Eric and for God to grow.
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“Actually, Eric started changing first. The damage in me was so great, and I was filled with anger, bitterness and hatred. Our adversary, the Devil, wars against us every day of our lives, even from childhood. He fills our minds with lies. My foundation of life was faulty. I saw my marriage as the exclamation point on my sorry existence.
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“It was at this stage that Eric took the lead and started laying his life down for me. In case you are wondering what that looked like, he started loving me unconditionally. Now, don’t misunderstand me, the fights continued, but as Eric humbled himself to Jesus, it directly affected his personality. He turned the other cheek, kept his mouth shut, and endured abuse from me.
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“He’d say to me, ‘I love you so much.’
“I’d rage, and say, ‘How can you love me when I can’t stand living with you? Are you going to leave me? Honestly, how long are you going to put up with this?’
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“He’d say, ‘However long it takes. Jerry, you will always be my wife. I love you so much I cannot live without you. If you move away, I will follow you. I will move into the house across from you and watch you with binoculars. And if that doesn’t work, I will follow you down the street with a wig and a dress so you won’t know it’s me! I just can’t live without you.’
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“I began to see his commitment to Christ. I fell in love with his dedication to God. It was Christ I fell in love with in the beginning, and it is Christ in him that I fell in love with the second time.”
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Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; (Emphasis mine) Ps 107:19-20 NIV
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So ends our True Love Story for the week. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Wisdom for Women with Unbelieving Husbands (A True Love Story - part 3)

2009-02-11T19:38:00.000-08:00

(This is part 3 of an interview with Jerry, a godly woman who has been married to her husband Eric for 34 years. They’ve struggled with hard times, but now they are both more “in love” than the day they married.)

Jerry, what would you say to women with unbelieving husbands?

“There are many who have unbelieving husbands and suffer a vast range of sorrows and brokenness because of the lack of unity of spirit in their marriage. Harshness, unkindness and a void of shared values leave many women feeling empty and alone.

“In the midst of our circumstances God speaks in the darkness to bring us hope and a definitive plan of action. Once again, as in most of the scripture, God’s way is counter-intuitive.

“This issue is directly addressed in I Peter 3, giving direction to women on how we evangelize our unsaved husbands.

“Excerpts from 1 Peter 3:1-6 (NIV) says: …wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives. …clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. (Emphasis mine)

“The Word of God says that husbands can be won by our godly actions and attitudes, not words. By being obedient to the spirit of this scripture, once again our unsaved mate sees a power living through us other than our own human nature. And that power is Jesus Himself.

“Stand in prayer and believe when there is no hope. When you sin, be the first to admit fault. Set the standard of godliness while your husband is living in his fleshly man. Didn’t Jesus die for us while we were living in our fleshly man? In a very real way, when we lay our lives down, even to injustice, we demonstrate the image of Christ.

“Now, I want to be clear: I do not advocate allowing yourself or your children to be physically harmed. We must be responsible to seek shelter and safety in these matters!

“But, on the other hand, we must be very careful not to use the term “emotional abuse,” just because we are exhausted by the stress and striving of the relationship, dashed dreams and vile words within the confines of this marriage, and a suffering self worth.

“We must remind ourselves that the goal is love. And 1 Corinthians 13 majors on the word: “always;” as in verse 7 (NIV) where it says, ‘(love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (Emphasis mine)

“The very reason why your husband married you is so that he would have you only to himself. We must be careful to not pit our husbands against a rival, God. What I mean is, though it is good and right to go to church, teach Bible Studies, attend prayer meetings, and many other spiritual things, these are not the essence of Christianity. Don’t confuse being religious with being Christ-like. Religious activities, accompanied with haughtiness, are often nothing more than a veil for rebellion and self-righteousness. Our attitudes must manifest themselves in gentleness, humility and respect.

“Hold him in his right position. Honor him and let him see that you love him. Show him genuine respect and demonstrate to him that God is not a challenger for your affections.

“Though we never follow our husbands into something that God has already stated in scripture as sinful, you must sincerely communicate to him that he is your leader and that you are trusting his direction for you and your family. This allows him to feel the weight of responsibility for making wise and selfless decisions for the welfare of those under his care.

“God alone calls us to salvation, but He uses the responses of a Godly wife to create an appetite in her husband to know God. Though he might never admit it, his life is full of trials, fears and stresses which he knows he is unable to manage. God can use you to help him see his need for a savior!”

Next 1 or 2 posts: What brought the change in their marriage and how they began to “fall in love” again. (That will be the end of this series.)

The Secret to Being in Love - (A Story of True Love) Part 2

2009-02-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

“Jerry, what is the secret to being in love like you two are after 34 years of marriage?”

Jerry spoke slowly as she thought. “In the world’s eyes, you fall in love like you fall off a bicycle. We’ve been watching too many Disney movies. We’ve heard too many songs like Strangers in the Night. We, especially as women, have been brainwashed into thinking that if we have some feeling in the pit of our stomach that we perceive as love that we are forced to abandon our brains and move into a relationship with this person, healthy or not.

“God does want us to find love, but He wants us to find the wholeness that love brings primarily in Him. And, no, this is not just spiritual lingo, but spiritual reality. God is our source and He deals with our hearts, our sin and our mates to eliminate sin’s distraction from love. This is the huge, life changing “secret.”

“When you walk down the aisle and vow to God in marriage, ‘till death do you part,’ you not only committed yourselves to God for the better, but also for the worse. Many of us spend a huge portion of our marriage, and sometimes our whole lives together, in the “worse,” selfishly striving with each other's sin. God works to deliver us as individuals and as marriage partners from our ungodliness.

“By allowing God to work on us, we release God to work on our mates. We must remember that we are individually responsible before God for our attitudes and our actions and it has nothing whatsoever to do with whether or not your mate responds to God himself. But, it is in this process that you become more and more Christ-like.

“Standing firm in your marriage today, trusting God to work out His will in you and your husband is God’s sanctifying will for your lives. As you learn to dwell with one another selflessly, seeing your own sin, you become filled with compassion and mercy for this fellow sinner you are living with. God then allows you to see more and more through the eyes of Jesus. It is through this that God works the wholeness and love in our hearts that we all long for.

“This transforming work of Christ becomes a beacon of light in the darkness. As your husband sings the melody and you sing the harmony your lives entwine together like ivy. What people see is a power that comes from a source other than their own human nature. And this is true love.”

1 Cor 13:4-8 (NIV) 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. (Emphasis by Jerry)

Next: Jerry’s advice for Christian wives with unbelieving husbands

Helping children Feel Calm and Safe

2009-02-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

Today Titus2atthewell is asking moms to answer any of these three questions. I’m looking forward to reading all the answers myself. Pop over there too if you’re interested!

Life’s storms will come sometimes when we least expect them, how do we give our children a “safe feeling” in the midst of a life storm?

Sometimes chaos is created by our own efforts of trying to do too much, how can we maintain a peaceful home where chaos is prevented?

How can we as wives and mothers actually calm the storm?

Since I’m raising nine children (ages 2 to 19), I’d like to share several mistakes I’ve made – especially when my older ones were young.

Mistake #A. – Allowing the children to see my stress:

What seems to bother children most during difficult times isn’t necessarily the difficulty itself, but seeing Mom or Dad’s insecurity, fear, and frustration; or parents being “snappy” or critical because of the struggle we’re feeling inside. I’ve done these things and seen the negative affects on the children. I am learning to work these things out with God first, even if I have to run to the bedroom or the bathroom to pray for a few minutes in the middle of the day, or call my sister for a quick prayer.

However, I’m not saying that they should never see us sad or know that there is a problem. How much we parents share is a matter of discerning their maturity level. They need to see how God is real and working in our lives. They need to see Mommy and Daddy on their knees calling out to the Lord. Knowing that, say, Daddy is struggling with a difficult co-worker and learning to love that person, and praying for him is a good lesson. If we’re short on finances, they can be included in praying for our needs, and seeing God answer prayer, for example.

#B My “too busy” mistakes – When I had all young children, there were several things I felt I must do, which were probably unnecessary. I believe I caused unnecessary stress on myself, and consequently on the kids.
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#1 I felt I needed to go to church three times a week. I often took them by myself since my husband worked swing shift. This was so hard! At that time in our lives, once a week, would have created a more peaceable home. (I’m not saying everyone with young children should only attend church once a week, but only that moms and dads should evaluate if it causes unnecessary stress.)
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#2 I felt that I had to do heavy academics when they were young. (We homeschool) I see so many young mothers whose oldest child is, say, six, worried about their reading or learning every subject in a structured way, often putting unnecessary pressure on everyone. Had I read the book Better Late than Early or my favorite of all favorite homeschool books When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul jr., it might have taken a lot of pressure off! (I “do school” with my little ones now, but I don’t fret about it like I used to.) By the way, I do recommend all homeschooling moms read When You Rise Up. It gets down to the bottom line of what the Bible says is our job to teach our children. I buy packs of this book and give them away. It’s not expensive, and you can probably get it used! It helps take a lot of pressure off “worried” home school moms and dads.

#3 I felt I had to have a clean house all the time. Maybe it’s obvious, but sometimes it just can’t be perfect. Of course we know we should be diligent and work at being organized and so forth, but when we can’t, it’s ok. Sometimes it’s just nice to hear someone else say it.

I better quit because my kids are all up and need me. I hope my “two cents” is helpful to someone else!

Dancing Together Again (A Story of True Love) - Part 1

2009-02-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

Eric and Jerry

5:30 am. Eric kneels in front of their fireplace. Jerry often joins him and they pray together.

Jerry says, “We pray for the needs of our congregation and for other known needs. We pray for our family, our grandchildren, and grandchildren yet to be born. We pray for that all the time. We pray for our children and their future mates; for the lost and for those in authority and for Israel. Eric prays for me and I pray for him.

Sometimes we dance together. “We dance to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

“What?” I interrupted Jerry because I wondered if I heard her right.

“Yes, that’s what I sing while we dance. That’s because when we started falling in love again we had three young babies.” Jerry paused and explained. “My husband had reversal surgery and, after 14 years, we had three more children. We’ve now been married 34 years in March.”

Jerry continued, “When we first started dancing together, there was no music. Eric wanted me to sing something. But, because of the stage of life I was in at the time, having 3 small toddlers, the only song I could think of was Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. It started a tradition that at any time or any place, with or without the kids present, when we want to comfort one another, or share an intimate ‘I love you,’ we will dance and one of us will sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

“The photograph we sent you expresses how we really feel about each other. We’re more in love than we were the day we married.”

But it wasn’t always that way.

Next – Jerry talks about the secret of being in love.

Archibald Asparagus’s Lesson

2009-02-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

The Lord can speak at unexpected times, like the other night while we watched Vegy Tales Jonah with the kids.
Archibald Asparagus lay on the ground, kicking and pounding because his weed had dried up and he had no shade. While sweat poured down his green skin, all he could think about was himself. He cared little for the lost people in the city of Ninevah, whom he had just told to repent of slapping people with fishes and other bad things.

It’s easy to point a finger at old Archibald (or Jonah, for that matter). But, can’t we sometimes relate? I can moan or whine about say, a messy house, or kids fighting, or a husband’s insensitive words. Most of my prayers could be about stuff like that. I’m not saying it’s wrong to pray about that. The Bible says to pray about everything. (Philippians 4:6)

The problem is that life’s annoyances can loom large, and we forget the “Ninevah” around us - the lost people, injustice, and evil in my neighborhood, city, or country. Consider the fact that 3,700 unborn babies die from abortion each day in the US.

Sometimes I need a perspective check.

I realize that moms with small children often can’t get out much. But everyone can at least pray. After all, only God can solve our culture’s problems.

By the way, don’t stop there. Pray with your kids, of course!

But God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?”

“I do,” he said. “I am angry enough to die.”

But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” Jonah 4:9-11

Read a bunch of other inspirational thoughts at www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com for “Spiritual Sunday”!

Ten Things to do When You and Your Husband Disagree - Day 3

2009-01-30T19:32:00.000-08:00

You and your husband disagree. You discussed it. You’re sure he’s dead wrong. You know the Bible says “wives submit to your husband.” But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t do anything more, and it especially doesn’t mean that God won’t use you to influence your Hubby. He will work through you in mighty ways if you let him!

This is Day 3 tip 5 and 6, for Day 1 (tip 1 and 2) click here. For Day 2 (tip 2 and 3) click here.

5. Pray. This step may be obvious and most of you probably pray all along when you disagree with your husband on a matter of importance. But prayer is still key. If you feel really serious about the issue, you might even fast and pray like Queen Esther did in the Bible before she talked to King Artexerxes. Even skipping a meal or two can be a fast. God knows your heart and what you’re able to do. (And he knows if you’re pregnant or nursing, I might add!)

Remember:
“… the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” I Peter 3:12

6. Bring up the subject again. That’s right. I can’t think of any place in the Bible where it says you can’t discuss a disagreement with your hub a second time. Obviously you can’t say much if he’s adamant, but hopefully he is open!

Choose a time when he is in a good mood. Maybe a coffee date. (Remember Esther had a banquet for Artexerxes, because he loved banquets.) Bring your research info. if you have some. You’re ready for this. You’re not angry. You’re not whining. (I’m not assuming you would whine or get angry, I just know myself!)
“Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.” Proverbs 16:13

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forebearing one another in love;” Ephesians 4:2

Ten Biblical Things to do When You and Your Husband Disagree - Day 2 of 5

2009-01-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

You and your husband disagree. You discussed it. You’re sure he’s dead wrong. You know the Bible says “Wives submit to your husband.” But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t do anything more, and it especially doesn’t mean that God won’t use you to influence your Hubby. He will work through you in mighty ways if you let Him!

This is the third and fourth point. For Day One click here.

3. Ask why. If you haven’t already asked him why he thinks what he thinks, then ask him. You might be surprised.

Here’s a possible conversation:

“Henry, why don’t you want another baby?”

“Well one reason is that you always seem exhausted and stressed out. Every day when I come home from work, you complain about the stress.”

You can’t blame him, can you?

At this point I’d recommend listening without arguing. You might write down his reasons though. This could help you with the next step. Remember, though, he might not know all the reasons off the top of his head.

4. Research. This step may take the most effort. But it could be worth it. He may not know all the facts. There could be ideas he’s never considered. You may have read some books on the subject, but he’s not a reader. Now’s the time to get out your concordance and write out the scripture passages that refer to the principles behind what you want to do. Take notes or highlight the information in the book you read on the subject.You know your husband. Make it simple for him. What’s the best way for him to digest the information?

The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. Proverbs 15:28

Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. Proverbs 10:14
Friday - Tips 5 and 6, Stay tuned!

Ten Biblical Things to do When You and Your Husband Disagree - Day 1 of 5

2009-01-26T19:22:00.000-08:00

When I first got married I heard and read all the scriptures passages like this one – “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” Ephesians 5:22-23

OK, I thought, that’s what I’m supposed to do. I can do that.

Everything went fine until he and I disagreed.

Now I’m fortunate to have a Christian husband. Often he’s right and I’m wrong. But occasionally I just know I’m right and he’s wrong. Sometimes I’m concerned his wrong idea will have bad consequences. I’d also heard said “You may appeal once.” After that, I presumed, accept the consequences. Sounds scary, huh?

But I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned from my personal experience. It’s not what everyone should do every time or in this order. I am not attempting to give “all the answers”. But I’ve seen God move on my dear husband’s heart and I’ve seen God make me wait while he works on my heart.

By the way, all the things that I say not to do, I say it because I’ve done it myself!

* * *
You and your husband disagree. You discussed it. You’re sure he’s dead wrong. You know the Bible says “Wives submit to your husband.” But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t do anything more, and it especially doesn’t mean that God won’t use you to influence your Hubby. He will work through you in mighty ways if you let Him!

1. Pray for a pure heart. The first thing I usually need to look at is myself. I struggle with selfishness and pride. I find, in my flesh, I don’t like to be wrong. Even worse, I don’t like anyone telling me I’m wrong! So I can’t think of doing much else, until I to go to prayer and get my attitude right with God. This is important!

Here’s one of my favorite scriptures.“He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.” Proverbs 22:11

Sometimes I replace the word king with husband. I pray for a pure heart and gracious lips, because, frankly, I usually have mixed motives and am rather reactive.

2. Is the subject important? It might not be too important that he doesn’t want the bedroom painted the baby blue you like. Maybe you could come up with a compromise color. You know what I mean. But you might feel it’s vital to the children’s character to home school.

Consider what the Bible says about the matter. Is this a matter of Biblical importance or is it only your personal preference? Can you live without what you’d like? Also take time to consider your husband’s point of view.

Maybe he’s right.

The Happy Couple

2009-01-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

I posted this last Friday, but since my most recent posts are in a series , I thought I’d link my “Wifey Wednesday” post to this one. (My most recent posts are also about marriage. If you’re interested just click the top of my blog) Please check out tolovehonorandvacuum for more advice for blessing your husband! She has a neat blog with good advice.

* * *

“They must not be married,” my friend commented. “They’re having too much fun together.”

My friend’s comment reflected a sad, but true perception. Most married couples don’t “look” like they enjoy (adore, like, love) each other.

But these two lovebirds were married. Out of all the couples at our 25th class reunion last summer, this couple stood out. She was bubbly and vivacious. He was quieter.

She smiled when she looked at him. You could tell she enjoyed his company. They danced and even did the karaoke together. I don’t know if they were Christians, but they were a good example to me.

I contrast this with another couple I saw this summer. She acted like everything her husband did was stupid. He scratched her back and she brushed him off. You could tell she thought he was incompetent.

How sad, I thought.

The first woman made her husband look special. The second made her husband look (and feel) like a bumbling idiot.

I sometimes fall somewhere between the manners of the two women. I’d like to become more like the first.
It helps when I have a thankful heart, rather than thinking about his shortcomings.

What’s special about your husband? Does he provide for you? Is he faithful to you? There’s special things about him. (Even if he doesn’t dance or do karaoke! Mine doesn’t!) After all, you married him!

I’m working on doing this better. Won’t you join me?

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

How God is Good in 2008

2008-12-30T19:14:00.000-08:00

This is for the “Gratituesday” post at http://www.heavenlyhomemaker.com/. Please visit this site to see what others are grateful for in 2008!

Grateful in 2008:

For the about two years, one of our daughters has suffered constant nausea and frequent headaches. We’ve prayed for her almost daily. We’ve taken her to several doctors, but never discovered the cause – until six months ago. We found she is violently allergic to dairy products. She had to abstain from dairy for about eight weeks before her symptoms disappeared. That’s why it was so hard to find out what caused her problems.
We are so thankful she feels well again! Also, we are thankful that through it all she has grown in the Lord.

Thank you, God, for your compassion and kindness in healing her!

Hard Work Training (New Year’s Resolution #2

2008-12-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

When I walked out of the kitchen after breakfast last week, I saw, on the floor in the entry way - coats, gloves, boots, shoes, and dust balls in the corner. One of Little Girl A’s” morning jobs was cleaning the entry. She’d had half an hour to get dressed and do her jobs. I looked out the window to see her outside playing in the snow.

I hated to make her come in, since we don’t have snow that often. But she shouldn’t have left the mess. This wasn’t the first time. She had a habit of not doing her jobs thoroughly, then leaving to play. Everyday, it seemed, Mom called her back to finish it correctly.

So, I had an idea. “’A’,” I said after she came in. “I want you to clean up this room.” I pointed out a few things she usually misses. When you are done, call me for inspection.”

A few minutes later she called me. It was pretty good.

She wasn’t happy, but she did her job and called me. I pointed out the shoes she missed under the bench and the dust balls still in the corner. “When you get that done, call me again for inspection.”

“Now,” I put my hand on her shoulder. “I want you to vacuum my bedroom. Notice the dust in the corner and be sure to move the chair and vacuum around it.”

“More work!” she whined.

“Call me for inspection and you must have a good attitude too. Bad attitude. More work.”

She called me. She’d done a sloppy job. I had her redo. She called me. I showed her how get the crumbs near the door.

“Now, I want you to vacuum your bedroom, the same way. Call me for inspection.”

She called me. I showed her how to do it right again. She redid. I passed the inspection.

“Now, I want you to pick up and put away everything on the floor in the hall. Then vacuum it the way you did the two bedrooms. This is the last job for now if you have a good attitude.”

She called me. Wow, I couldn’t believe it. My sloppy daughter had done a lovely job on a messy hallway. She wasn’t as happy as I would have liked her to be, but she wasn’t complaining.

“Ok, you can go out and play. Tomorrow we’ll do ‘work training’ again, until you learn to do a good job with a good attitude every time.”

A couple points:

#1 She had to call me for inspection, rather than me noticing she didn’t finish properly, and then go find her. (I can’t keep up with that, which is part of why we have this problem!)

#2 I gave her small jobs, then inspected each one. Asking her to do a large job all at once, could seem overwhelming to her. (We did this again yesterday with the kitchen work, but had my oldest daughter Angel inspect each thing, such as clear and wipe the table – inspect; wipe one counter – inspect; unload the dishes – inspect how they were put away, etc.)

#3 I need God’s grace! So this is another of my New Year’s “Resolutions” – to teach this child to do her work thoroughly. (I pray for God’s grace!)

New Year’s Resolution #1

2008-12-28T19:12:00.000-08:00

One of my New Year’s Decisions is to eat healthy consistently. Really healthy. This will require better meal planning and delegation. (I plan to share my new meal plans and methods in a future post this January.)
However my New Year’s Decision may have to wait until February. Here’s what I got for Christmas:

I had written on my Christmas list “small amount of dark chocolate”. So most of my children bought me chocolate for Christmas. Even my own mother bought me chocolate.

Oh well. It’ll have to force myself to finish the chocolates before I start my New Year’s Eat Healthy Decision. Changing over to “Healthy” in February may be hard due to my chocolate addiction. (which could be worse by then.)

I will share some of my chocolates, though. They do say that a small amount of dark chocolate is good for you.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T19:10:00.000-08:00

We had Grandma and cousin Andrew over for Christmas breakfast. The girls and I made buttermilk pancakes, sausage, eggs, homemade maple syrup, and homemade blackberry syrup, and Christmas blend coffee. (Notice Tiger has blackberry syrup on his face.)
Grandma asked if we make breakfast like this every day.
Daron answered for me. “We alternate with lobster and crab-filled crepes.”
(Just in case you thought he might be telling the truth, we usually have cooked cereal!)

The Christmas Shirts (A true story

2008-12-23T19:09:00.000-08:00

Rosella shuffled over to her dining room table and set the crystal goblets, filled with delicate pear cubes, on the white tablecloth. She poured orange spice tea into each of our mugs. Then she set a small bowl of peanut butter in the middle of the table with a spoon.

My sister, Darlene, had taken me to Jesse and Rosella’s trailer home for a birthday surprise. I couldn’t wait to hear their stories.

“One time Jesse lost his job.” Rosella began her story as she sat down and put a spoon full of peanut butter on her pears.

I thought her pink floral dress, and the pink rose in her white hair, complimented her happy smile and bright eyes. Rosella and her husband Jesse, now in their eighties, raised 20 children. (Nine were adopted when Rosella’s brother died.)

She went on. “I’ll tell you the story about the shirts.

“Jesse’s shirts were worn out around the wrists and the collar. We didn’t have the money to buy him a new one, so I asked God to send a shirt for him for Christmas. I fully expected God to answer, either by sending money or a shirt. But Christmas eve came and I sent the children to bed. ‘Lord,’ I prayed, ‘how come you didn’t give me a shirt? I only asked for one and you have millions.’

“Early the next morning we heard a knock on the door. Some friends of ours brought in several boxes of toys and clothes. Included in the boxes were 30 shirts, used, but in good shape, and straight from the cleaners, wrapped in cellophane. We pulled them out. They were all Jesse’s size!”

* * *

Rosella and Jesse have more inspiring true stories and advice. I’ll be sharing some of these in future posts. Rosie

The Mysterious Cell-phone Hackers

2008-12-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

Mysterious.

A hacker’s gotten into my cell phone again.

It happens when I’m off guard. I leave my cell alone for a few minutes. I come back.

And WHAM.

The picture on the front of my cell phone is changed.

However, the perpetrators don’t cover their tracks very well. (There are several hackers in our house.)

Here’s the latest picture hacked onto my cell-phone:

In case you’re wondering who that is, it is our oldest son “Smarty”. (Short for “Smarty-aleck”)

Keeping Christ in Christmas - Idea #5

2008-12-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas Gifts for Jesus

The next part of our celebration involves our gift back to the Lord. We take some time to write down a Christmas gift for Jesus for the coming year, put it in a small gift box and add it to the basket or tree branches. These have been personal, for example, memorize a certain passage of scripture or clean through their clothes to give to the needy. Some years we have chosen to do this as a family, for example, making bags to give to the street corner beggars with crackers, socks and scripture.

We have found it very satisfying to keep the focus of our gift giving on celebrating Christ. These traditions have also helped reduce stress and gives us more white space on the December calendar during the busy and frustratingly, commercial season. We have time to schedule caroling, a play or a sing-a-long Messiah. We can say Merry Christmas many times and in many different ways, but to keep Christ in Christmas we have to purpose to celebrate simple and significantly.

Putting Christ in Christmas - Idea #4 (of 5)

2008-12-18T19:04:00.000-08:00

Here’s Janet’s 4th Christmas idea:

Opening Gifts from God

Now we are not scrooges, we really do enjoy opening gifts at Christmas, but our focus has turned to reminding our family of the gifts God has given us. My husband and I went through the Bible and compiled a list of things that God has, is, and will be giving us. I typed up each verse, a few sentences about how it is significant to us, and a thank you prayer for that particular gift.

I then found an object that could symbolize that gift, wrapped it up with the script and put them all in a basket for Christmas. After Christmas one year, I bought, inexpensively, some very pretty small gift boxes with removable lids, to put each object in. Then on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve we open these one by one, thanking God for His gifts to us. Here are a few examples:

Phone
It’s fun to talk to our friends. God is our friend. When we talk to Him it is called prayer. He always answers us when we pray. “The Lord is far from the wicked but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” [Prov. 15:29] Thank you God for your gift of answered prayer.

Soap
Jesus washed his disciples’ feet to show them that they should be servants to each other. Jesus wants us to be servants also. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” [1 Peter 4:10] Thank you God for giving us gifts to serve each other with.

Stamp with postmark
We use a stamp to make sure the letter we send will get there. When we see the postmark on an envelope, we know where it came from. What does God use to mark us for salvation? “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” [Eph. 1:13] Thank you God for your gift of the Holy Spirit.

Keeping Christ in Christmas - Idea #3

2008-12-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

Here's the 3rd Christmas Idea by Janet Straub:

Idea #3 A Memory Booklet

One year we diverted and had each child make a booklet for the next
sibling younger than him or her. The booklet was to be full of special
memories, pictures of the two of them, words of advice, encouragement or
appreciation and scripture that was meaningful to them. These little
mementos have been tucked away special and treasured long after toys
have broken or slippers outgrown.

Keeping Christ in Christmas Ideas #2 (of 5)

2008-12-13T18:51:00.000-08:00

Here’s the second Christmas idea by Janet :

Idea #2 Gifts and Kind Deeds

When it comes to gift giving, each person is encouraged to give only one gift and that is for the person whose name they drew. Sometimes children have made money to purchase or make gifts for everyone in the family but that is their choice. We have wanted to minimize the focus on gifts and emphasize kind deeds done in secret and developing relationships with individuals within our family.

Last year our two oldest children were overseas teaching English for the year. We chose to keep them included by sending secret emails and ecards. Some years we have chosen to do only one gift for the whole family; such as a one-year pass to the science museum or the zoo, a basketball hoop, a game called Skittles (toptafel) or a foosball table.Here’s the second Christmas idea by Janet :

Idea #2 Gifts and Kind Deeds

When it comes to gift giving, each person is encouraged to give only one gift and that is for the person whose name they drew. Sometimes children have made money to purchase or make gifts for everyone in the family but that is their choice. We have wanted to minimize the focus on gifts and emphasize kind deeds done in secret and developing relationships with individuals within our family.

Last year our two oldest children were overseas teaching English for the year. We chose to keep them included by sending secret emails and ecards. Some years we have chosen to do only one gift for the whole family; such as a one-year pass to the science museum or the zoo, a basketball hoop, a game called Skittles or a foosball table.

The Day After Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

“Yay, Mommy, it’s the day after Thanksgiving!” All the little ones began whooping and jumping.

“Why are you guys so excited about today?”

Silly question. I should have known the answer. They’ve been asking when they can decorate the house and play Christmas music for months. “After Thanksgiving is over,” I would tell them.

Last week we talked about the pilgrims and thankfulness for God’s provision. We decorated with fall leaves, dried corn, and pumpkins. Starting yesterday (Friday), our house (and especially the kid’s bedrooms) now sparkles with blinking Christmas lights, Christmas trees, and tinsel. All this, along with 14 hour per day Christmas music playing in 4 different rooms. (Daron even put up speakers yesterday.)

Most of the children, don’t have their mind on the “reason for the season” yet. But Daron and I do. Hopefully this year, we’ll be able to help focus the kids on Jesus Christ, our most wonderful gift.

For one thing, Daron wants us to be sure to reach out. Yesterday, after Bible time, Daron told us, “I want you to start baking or making presents for all the neighbors. And start the Christmas letter. And we have to be sure to visit all the elderly people we know - you know what the Bible says about widows and orphans. What widows do we know?”

We came up with a list of elderly and widows, surprised at how many widows we know. (We couldn’t think of any orphans, although many families in our church have adopted children.)

So now, I’m thinking about what to make for the neighbors. Maybe something not so sugary like we did last year. I’ll let you know what we come up with!* * *

This blog keeps changing, doesn’t it. Sunshine is my “tech” person and is learning, (and my laptop crashed last week, which is why I didn’t post). My computer smart brother Adam visited last Monday and helped set us up with a “real” blog. However, for some reason Sunshine couldn’t put the same pictures on this as she had on the last index page. This front page is ok, except I see she spelled my name wrong. We’re still working on it. I’m hoping to put in a Bible study forum and a prayer wall.

The Teen-ager Under the Toilet

2008-10-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

With my dry erase pens in my apron pocket and my clipboard in my hand, I strutted across the house to the bathroom where I recognized the bleachy smell of Comet. Teen “B”. lay under the toilet scrubbing something off with her cleaning toothbrush. “Don’t forget to check the dry erase board for your work projects this afternoon,” I said.

‘B’ seemed quiet. I suspected a bad attitude.

“It should give you joy to serve, ‘B’.” I felt wise as I reminded her, “You should feel the joy of blessing others.”

“It’s just that you never seem happy with me, Mom. It seems that I never do enough.”

“That’s not true.” My mind raced through the last week. “You must be talking about when I come home and the house is a mess and I’m disappointed, and then it takes me an hour to oversee clean up. I do appreciate you.”

“I can’t tell.” She squirted more disinfecting spray.

I went on a bit, but finally realized that excuses and rationalizing were getting me nowhere. After all, I can’t see how I appear to others.

I set my clipboard on the sink. “I’m sorry, Honey. I appreciate you. You bless us so much. I’ll try to show it better. Will you forgive me?” I felt the hurt pride lump in my stomach, but I knew I had to apologize.

‘B’ smiled. She scooted further under the porcelain throne. “I finally found where the smell was coming from in this bathroom. I never scrubbed under the toilet until I saw *Huggy using it the other day. It shot right under there.” She looked up at me and pointed. “It’s built up.”

As I bent down to look, she said, “I forgive you, Mom.”

I’d have given her a hug, but it just wasn’t the right place.

Rosie

*”Huggy” is 2 years old.

Grumpy Teen-ager

2008-10-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Last week, Teen “A” became sour and grouchy because she had to clean up a messy kitchen full of backed up dishes from the night before. She felt it wasn’t fair for her to do it alone. I told her I understood her feelings, but still thought it necessary for her to do it by herself. I reminded her that she had a bad attitude and to change it. She didn’t.

I began to feel uptight. Other children began reacting to her. Since I couldn’t think of what to do, I ran to my favorite spot. I fell on my face on the floor in my bedroom and cried to God. After about 2 minutes (all the time I had), I came out collected.

She did her job, but during Bible time, we could practically feel bitter “vibes”. I knew she hadn’t learned her lesson, especially since we’d had a similar incident the day before.

“I’d like you to go outside and pick hawthorne berries,” I told her. I gave her a bucket.

She left with a frown, picked for a half an hour and came back in, still frowning. This wasn’t enough consequence, I decided, so I helped her get the ladder and told her to pick for another hour. After another hour, she came back in, pleasant. (I’d probably had her keep doing jobs until she did one with a good attitude.) She was pleasant and happy the rest of the day. She hasn’t done that again since, even when she again had to clean up “backed up” dishes. (I thought that was a “test” of her change of heart!)

One key, I believe, was that I didn’t get upset. (I did, but I gave it to God before she saw it.) If I had gotten angry, it could have provoked her to bitterness. If I’d have whined something like, why do you do this? I can’t handle this. Or, I’ve had enough of this. You always do this, I’d lose respect. (I’ve learned this from experience!)

Even if the teenager apologizes after the incident (as she had the day before), she may still need consequences. Other wise, it’s too easy to do it again.

Since I believe this girl knows the Lord, I suspect she prayed out there by the hawthorne tree and got it right with God. Some young people don’t “get it” the first or second or ninth time and you have to go through the consequences again. That’s ok. Sometimes we adults have to go through the consequences of our sin a number of times before we “get it”. God’s patient with us too!

Testimony of God’s Goodness

2008-09-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

“I come to testify of the Lord’s goodness.” His face seemed to glow with happiness as he grasped the mike during church last Sunday.

Yay! I thought to myself. Scott* must have got a job. In his 50’s, with a wife and 3 children to support, Scott had been out of work most of the time since his company closed down a year ago. I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say.

Scott continued. “There’s something I must believe. If I believe it, I’m excited it. If I don’t, I will crumble.”
“I’d like to share two scriptures.” He opened his Bible. “Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future….’”
Scott flipped to the New Testament. Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

“Doubts come when we don’t see answers. But I must believe God rewards. And I must earnestly seek Him.”

Scott stepped back to his seat.

Scott hasn’t found employment yet, but he testified of the Lord’s goodness. I see it on his face and his wife’s face every Sunday.

How about you?

Can you testify of God’s goodness when a teen-ager has strayed, or when a husband is not a Christian, when suffering illness, or when in a financial crisis? Whether in this life or the next, do you believe God rewards those who earnestly seek Him?

*Not his real name

The Lost Plums

2008-09-25T18:45:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I watched my friend Michelle’s 7 children, while she made home school plans for her highschoolers. 15 kids home schooled together surprisingly well that morning. Our only issue happened after their dad came to pick them up.

While we visited on the front porch, Huggy (age 2) and their youngest, 3 year-old Olivia, disappeared. Pollywog (who is 11) found them locked in our bedroom. What were they doing?

We had 2 boxes of plums ripening in our bedroom. I found out later that evening what they were doing when I discovered 15 plums in our bathroom waste basket. Each plum had one bite out of it.

I dug them all out and put them in a bag. “Daron, I’m going to eat them all. I don’t care if they were in the waste basket with dirty diapers. I’ll wash them.” (I knew no one else would eat them.)

“Rosie, if the skin’s broken, they’re contaminated.” Daron wouldn’t let me eat them.

Oh well, occasionally we have to take our losses. (Er, well, at our house maybe a little more often than occasionally.)

The Prayer Warrior

2008-09-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Honere (pronounced ah’- nuh - ray) sat straight in her chair. Beside her lay piles of Bibles and notebooks with hundreds of prayer requests. She raised her dimpled arm and pounded her cane. “Those who belong to Christ have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Lord Jesus, deliver this young person from drug addiction.”

Honere couldn’t get out of the house much. But she loved young people and she believed God answers prayers. She spent a lot of time sitting in her chair studying scripture and praying.

My friends Jay and Madeline met her in 1977. Once a week she had new or lonely people from church over for dinner. With the help of friends, she cooked a big meal. Jay and Madeline would invite people and come over too. After the meal, she had a time of prayer.

Often, drug-addicts would sit on her worn-out floral couch.

“Do you want to overcome your addiction?” Honere’s blue eyes sparkled.

“I don’t know. I kind of like getting high.”

“Then may I pray that God will make you want to stop?”

“Yes.”

After prayer, she passed around a “promise box” full of scriptures. Everyone took two scriptures and read them aloud. They talked about each one for a moment.

“You can take hold of that promise.” Honere smiled as she reminded each one.

Then she served communion and they all sang “Oh the Blood of Jesus”.

After that, she fell asleep.

“This took a couple of hours,” Jay says. “The presence of God felt so peaceful, it was easy to fall asleep.”

“Prayer to her was a battlefield. She prayed short, scripture related, forceful prayers, rebuking the enemy, and using Jesus’ name.”

“She continued to pray until God answered.” Jay looks thoughtful. “I remember seeing her crossing out answered prayer requests. Honere realized some prayers might take a long time for an answer, some answers might not be the way we expected, and that she might not see some prayers answered in her life time. But she was never surprised when God answered because she expected it.”

Smooch’s First Day of Home School Project

2008-09-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

Smarty, Angel, and Sunshine went hunting with their Daddy last week (archery for deer), so I decided to start a little academics with the younger children. However, I noticed certain ones were especially lazy — with their regular jobs, when I asked them to weed the garden with me in the evening, and even when I wanted them to help me unload groceries from the car. So, I decided that, instead of doing academics first thing in the morning, they needed some “work school”. We would do an hour of outdoor work each morning after their regular indoor jobs were done. (It’s too hot to work outside in the afternoons). Anyway, the tomatoes needed to be tied up and the garden needed to be weeded.

After weeding a while the first day, I looked over at the spot Daron had cleared with the tractor for Smooch’s proposed “sitting area” which we she’d planned, but we still hadn’t gotten to.

“Say, Smooch,” I pointed. “Why don’t we work on your bench area today as a home school project.”

Smooch hugged me. “Let’s start now!”

Several other children helped. They shoveled, moved brush, and even began to split fire wood with the axe.

However, Smooch kept insisting she wanted this to be her and Mommy’s project. So, after the others went in to make lunch, she and I kept working. We created a pretty sitting area with the material we had around the house. We moved a plant and got moss from a woodsy spot. We made a path too, with rocks from around the house. (We made the path the next day.)

Smooch learned some things those days, that, unlike memorizing facts from a boring textbook, she will never forget. Here’s what she said:

“Making things makes you happy. ”

“We worked hard. I’m so happy. It looks so bright and cozy.”

“In a way, all the world is a garden. I mean the trees and everything.”

Of course, I commented about God being the Creator and our stewardship of the earth. He must have had a good time creating the world, don’t you think!

(We even did some academics in the afternoon.)

What do You Pray About the Most?

2008-08-28T18:41:00.000-07:00

Recently, the Lord impressed me that I wasn’t seeking God like I used to in my “pre-children” days. Way back when, I would sing fervently “I want to know you more”.

But more recently my prayer had been, “Please help me train these kids, or help them to know You.” This is a good prayer, but I felt the Lord wanted me to return to my “first love” for Him.What do you pray about the most? Have your children or any other things come before your relationship with the Lord? If necessary, what will you do this week to change your priorities?

And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Revelations 2:3-5

2008-08-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Tiger came in with a hammer aimed at the bathroom counter. “Can I help?”

Our “handywoman” friend Gracie had offered to remodel the bathroom for us. “See this tub in the middle of the room,” she’d said, “if we moved it to the side you’d have room for a chair and side table.”

Later she looked at our yellowish-purple tile. “Wouldn’t cost that much to change the tile either.” Daron gave me the ok, so we began a much bigger job than we’d expected.

When Tiger asked to help, I tried to think of what a four-year-old boy could do without destroying something. I couldn’t think of anything. Then the phone rang. I ran out to get it.

When I came back I saw Gracie standing over Tiger, helping him chip out purple tile. She looked at me. “He said he wanted to help. Do you have a small hammer?”

I did. I couldn’t believe it. Little Tiger chipped the old tile out better than any of us (except Gracie). He hammered out tile for at least an hour when he finally tired.

He set down his hammer and wrinkled his little brow. “This is the second time I worked hard,” he told me.
“When was the other time, Tiger?”

“Yesterday when I helped Daddy fix the car.”

I remembered he held the flashlight and got tools for his daddy quite a while last night. “You’re going to help us girls a lot, just like Daddy.”

He thought a few seconds and nodded his head seriously, agreeing.

I bet he will. He’s practicing.

Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)

The Widow

2008-08-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

“Angel!”

“I’m typing an e-mail!”

My Mom entered the office. “I have an assignment for you. This may be your last chance, because the flowers are already dying. I want you and Sunshine to cut a bouquet for the neighbor who just lost her husband.”

“Does she live in the big house with the swimming pool?” I asked, vaguely remembering hearing about her.

“Yes. Remember when we brought her cookies at Christmas?”

I sighed. We had taken cookies to a dozen neighbors. I couldn’t even remember what the lady looked like. I waited for my mom to leave, finished my e-mail then shuffled to find scissors, an empty vase and Sunshine.
Outside a blast of humid August air greeted me.

“C’m on Sunshine! Help me out!”

My Mom’s rainbow flower garden swayed in the sticky breeze. I snipped off a few tiny purple flowers, then some yellow ones. I wouldn’t know their names if someone paid me.

These orange ones are nice.

“Help me cut flowers, Sunshine! I’ll hold the vase.”

I pointed and she clipped. Perfect.

“What about roses?” Sunshine pointed the scissors at the limp pink blooms.

I rotated our colorful beginnings of a bouquet in my hands.

“If you find one that’s not completely brown it might look okay.”

Sunshine searched.

“Make sure to cut the stem long enough,” I added.

She cut a long stemmed rose, picking off the crumply outside petals.

Like an old cabbage. I gently stuck the pitiful bloom into our evolving masterpiece, groaning when three more petals blew off as I breathed on them.

After poking in a few handfuls of fancy grass, we set off down the driveway to deliver our gift. I felt beads of perspiration on my face.

We trudged up the hill, breathing hard. I rehearsed my speech to myself. Hi! We brought you some flowers! Remember us? We’re your neighbors, the Smith girls. Our family brought you cookies once.

I would have sighed if I wasn’t out of breath from the trek up the hill. At least this visit is good exercise.
Nearing her home, we smelled cigarettes. The walkway was lined with perfect rows of radiant blooms complimenting the manicured lawn. I gripped our vase in my sweaty hands, glancing at the mismatched array with a wilted rose.

Great. Here goes nothing.

I knocked on the door, remembering to paste on a wide grin. Inside I heard pattering little feet and squeaky yapping. The door opened, releasing two fluffy dogs, who leapt out, barking between sniffing and licking our ankles. I looked up and the woman’s appearance surprised me. I thrust the flowers forward, robotically beginning my speech.

“H-hi! We brought you some flowers.”

I had expected a pale, plump, white-haired grandma with sad eyes. The fifty-something woman, tanned to leather, toothpick-like figure, sporting short spiky hair and a lacy tank top replied with a raspy voice.
“Why thank you! They’re beautiful. Do you mind if I put them out with my husband?” She paused, examining our present. “You did hear he passed away…”

“Yes,” I replied quickly, “We’re so sorry.”

She must remember us, I thought.

She led us around the side of the house where a circle of ground was raised and paved with smooth deep-brown rocks. In the middle of the pavement stood a 4-foot tall stone angel, spreading its arms over a dozen flower bouquets.

The woman knelt down to add our arrangement to the display, whispering, “He always loved flowers. He appreciates these. I know he does.”

We stood in silence, no longer noticing the scorching sun.

“You know, he did all this.” She motioned toward a stunning flower garden behind us.

“I used to work on them with him, but the last couple of years I got lazy and left it for him. Now I can hardly remember how to take care of them.”

“They look gorgeous anyway,” I said.

She turned back toward the angel.

“Some of the flowers I put here are fake. See? But you wouldn’t notice.” She winked. “The fake ones are the roses, his favorite flower. I never could grow them like he could.”

I swallowed hard, thinking about our wilted rose, priceless to her.

“Would you girls like to come in for kool-aid?”

Sunshine and I both smiled. “We’d love to.”

Postby Angel on Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:43 pm

The Lord's Beautfy in Our Home

2008-07-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

As I stepped into the bathroom, I saw a blue and white striped bath towel and a green one on the floor, along with 2 Golden books. A puddle of water, a toy gun, and a crumpled wet washcloth lay on the counter, followed by a trail of dirt to the sink.My heart sunk. Who did this? I should be a better Mom. I let this happen again. I should teach them better habits. I want my house neat.

When discouraging thoughts like this race through my head, I often pray one of my favorite verses:

Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Psalm 90:16-17 (KJV)This verse reminds me to get my heart on the right thing. It’s about the Lord’s glory, not my desire for a neat house or my own ability to be a better mom. Of course I keep working hard at cleaning and trying to teach my messy monkeys to change their ways, but what I really want in this place is the Lord’s beauty. And I pray, along with Moses, that the works done here would not be wasted, but would somehow show His splendor to visitors, my children, and the generations to come.

Questions:

1. Do you ever feel out of control or discouraged when it comes to household management?

2. How do you react at those times?

3. Could praying Psalm 90:16-17 change your perspective? How so?

Prayer: Lord, let my time be well spent. Please let your beauty be shown in my attitude and in my home.

“Your House is Clean!”

2008-07-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

“Your house is clean!”That was supposed to be a compliment.

I remember when my 20 year-old neighbor, one of the 3 bachelors who lived next door came over. He rented from Daron’s parents and came to bring us the rent check while they were out of town. His comment about my “clean” house wasn’t the first time a well-meaning friend had said that.

He might as well have said, “I can’t believe you cleaned your house. It’s usually messy.”

Yes, thank you. You made my day. Normally, we clean it everyday. So, it’s usually a mess when you arrive.

You just have to come over at 10am and you’d see a clean house most days.

“Thank you. Won’t you come in and have a hot chocolate with the kids.”

He’d come in, visit a few minutes, and shoot a few baskets with Stephen. Does it bother me that my house was so often messy all those years? No, I don’t think about it.

Do I miss my neighbor? Yes.

Roses, Daylillies, and Hope (Part 2)

2008-07-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

Gardening together is a great time to talk. I think of how gardening illustrates the analogy of hope. For example, our perennial flower bed looked mostly bare this winter, but this summer it is in bloom with orange and yellow daylilies, cascades of pink roses, and a fragrant, overflowing jasmine. I think of Romans 5:2-5:through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. and hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Like my bare winter flower bed, we suffer now in sinful bodies in a fallen world, but we anticipate a glorious heavenly reunion. Not only that, but we rejoice in suffering because, like the ugly brown rhizomes, bulbs and tiny seeds which change into gorgeous flowers, God is using our trials to change our character.

Christian, be encouraged. God is pouring out his love in you.

Roses, Daylillies, and Hope (part 1)

2008-07-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

None of them wanted to weed when I got them up early to weed the flower beds the last few days.”This is good practice, Angel,” I took a huge breath of fresh air and pounded my chest. “Work. Exercise. Fresh air. You’ll be ready to do your own home garden someday.” (You wouldn’t know by looking at her, but someday she’ll thank me for this.)

“Can Princess and I start a flower bed by our fort under the pine trees?” Pollywog asked. Good, they were inspired.

“I didn’t expect 4 year-old Tiger to feel left out. (Cookie, Smooch, and Princess already have their own flower beds.)

“Mommy, I’m going to weed my own flower bed,” Tiger said. (He doesn’t have one. I’m not sure where he went weeding.)

I came up with an idea. I’d dumped some composted dirt by the pump house last fall and planted a few bulbs. “Tiger, see those weeds over there around the pump house? See that pretty flower in all those weeds. It’s a gladiola. Let’s pull out the weeds and that can be your garden.”

“Ok! Can we weed it now?’

We had to wait a day or two before I could get to it, but Tiger kept reminding me. Yesterday we weeded it and then he picked out a yellow dahlia and two purple petunias which we planted. I dug with my big shovel. Tiger dug with his little shovel. I suggested a climbing rose* to grow up over the pump house.

He gave a big baby-teeth grin and nodded his head.

*We bought a pink climbing rose at the end-of-the-season sale at Home and Garden Mart for 1/2 price.

My Mom Is A Health Food Maniac

2008-07-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

When it comes to food, the difference between a mom and a babysitter is that a mom cares about nourishing her children and a babysitter simply feeds them. However, kids don’t usually appreciate our tremendous effort. Here’s a note from our guest blogger, Angel (who was 16 when she wrote this last year.)

(Rosie)Spinach, bananas, pumpkin seeds, and water should not be blended together. At my house, this happens almost every day. Why? My mom is a health-food maniac. My siblings and I have gagged and choked through many an energy-boosting, heart-healthy, anti-cancer, and life-lengthening meal.

A few weeks ago, my eleven-year-old sister hesitantly asked my mom, “What’s for lunch?”

“Salad! For the topping, I’ve got another carrot-garlic paste recipe. I think you’ll really like it this time.”

Sometimes, the healthy food tastes great: fruit salad and homemade tacos are delicious. Other times, efforts for nutrition leave tastes and smells that are unforgettable. Recently, my mom found a health-food video and cookbook set by a raw food cook. Very soon colorful concoctions and unidentifiable foods graced our refrigerator. The food dehydrator ran all day, perfuming the house with a dog food scent. Although most of the raw foods were edible, the smell-like-dog-food imitation cheeseburgers were not. Only my dad, who ate dog biscuits as a child, seemed to enjoy those chewy treats.

The worst of it all, though, is the spinach-banana-pumpkin-seed ‘Super Drink’ and its many variations. It’s usually spinach-green, strawberry-red, or an unexplainable yellowish brown. Whether Mom’s ‘Super Drink’ is bitter, sweet, or sour, a feeling of health is guaranteed to the consumer- especially when Mom blends in her powdered green algae.

Angel on Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:40 am

(It’s only mostly true - Rosie.)