Has Anyone Seen My Purse?

Welcome!

2011-12-01T08:47:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Has Anyone Seen My Purse!

It's been a while since I posted, but Thrifty Homemaker has inspired me to begin again! She asked for regular homemakers to do an interview on the ways we thrift at Christmas time.

As I read her questions it occurred to me that I might have more to share than I thought!

I guess sometimes you need a catalyst to get you going again.

Take a look around at some of my past posts and just know that I will be posting again soon!

Thanks for visiting and have a beautiful Christmas!

A New Little Lamb in Glory

2011-10-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

A new little lamb has entered Glory and I'm rejoicing and grieving at the same time.

A new little family is opening up their most vulnerable selves and sharing a most intimate moment.

Don't miss this lovely, precious article and video from:

The Father's Delight

I Know

2010-12-27T04:47:00.000-08:00

???????????????

As we close the year of 2010 we all have questions.

Did I accomplish what I wanted to in the last year?

Did I achieve my goals?

To be honest, I'm not much of a goal setter.
Never have been.
If I put myself to the test my questions would sound more like:

Did I spend time with the ones that the Lord has given me?

Did I make any difference in someone's life at all this year?

This year has been one of the hardest of my entire life.

Tests, trials, suffering, persecution.

I would not have chosen the year that the Lord ordered for me, but I would not exchange what He has done in my life for anything.

Joy, satisfaction, peace, rest.

So what do I know about this year? What questions have been answered?

I know

the true friends that the Lord has placed in my life,

what it is to be forsaken and I know what it is to be able to count on someone and

what it means to forgive without resolution.

"I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day..."

period............................ any questions?

Breezy and Emily Rose

2010-10-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share about a two lovely young ladies who make little girls lives just a little sweeter these days.

If you enjoy history and you have some young ladies in your lives that will be receiving gifts from you this year don't miss Daughters of His Story Series, a paper doll series of virtuous, noble women of the past generations.

The work is entirely original. Breezy is a talented artist and her sister, Emily Rose is truly gifted in computer design. They make a brilliant team!

I am not getting paid to recommend this work, nor have I been given any compensation for this post. In fact, I have purchased all but their newest offerings. I simply love seeing young people working hard and looking for ways to use their talents to bless others.

I will, however, tell you that right now at Raising Homemakers all of Breezy and Emily Rose's collection will be given away to some very blessed individual. All you have to do is comment.

I certainly hope that I win!

A Tea Party Every Day

2010-10-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

My little girl and I
Have a tea party every day.

My little girl and I
Are sharing with each other
All along the way.

My little girl and I
Love Jesus with all our hearts.

Cheese and crackers
Spilling tea.

Time for you
and time for me.

We'll look forward joyfully
to our tea party
every day!

This is the little song I made up for Lydia when we have tea together each day! Wish I could sing it to you!

Blessings on your day!

Gathering Manna

2010-09-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction.

Exodus 16:4

Pain.
Sharing in His sufferings...

Depression.
Wearing praise like a garment to replace my spirit of heaviness...

Illness.
By His stripes, I am healed...

The Bread of Heaven.
Jesus desires to meet with me every day. He draws me in and speaks my name, giving me grace to meet the day.

Gathering Manna. Each day. Every day.

For the rest of my life.

And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Living Blameless

2010-06-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

...the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God: walk before Me and be blameless." Genesis 17:1

This morning I had a wonderful time of study with my dear sister, Donna. She brought to my attention the word blameless.

In the Hebrew this word means

"not missing any part, complete, whole, without blemish, innocent, having integrity."

The only other man that I have found so far that this word is used to describe is Noah.

"This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:9

Does this sound like an impossible task?

Yes!

Why would God ask something of a human that is clearly impossible?

I believe that He desires to show Himself faithful and to show His glory.

Are you walking in a delicate, difficult situation. A time of soul searching. A time of being misunderstood. Perhaps even a time of judgment.

A time of trying to walk with integrity and forgiveness.

blameless...

As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one..." Romans 3:10

So, how do we walk?

We choose.

I choose...
to deliberately seek the Lord's guidance, assistance, His power...

to do it through me.

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as [being] from ourselves, but our sufficiency [is] from God, 2 Corinthians 3:5

God told, even commanded Abram to walk before Him blameless.

Why would God ask something of a human that is clearly impossible?

He wouldn't.

Abram fell on his face before God as He was talking with him.

I believe that Abram knew right away his inability to do this thing.

But, if you read the rest of the passage, God tells Abram many things that He will do.

I will bless you.
I will give you land.
I will give you an heir.
I will make you a father of many nations.
I will make you exceedingly fruitful.
I will establish my covenant with you.
I will bless your wife.
I will bless your children.

Do you see the operative word here?

God Almighty, He Himself will do this mighty thing.

I'm so glad.

Nothing to Fear

2010-04-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

“Fear not for I am
with you, be not dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will
help you, I will uphold you, with My victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10,
RSV).

How easily and quickly we forget that we have little to no control of what each day will bring.

How easily and quickly we forget that it doesn't matter in the slightest.

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:28-31

I covet your prayers for me and mine today.

I Will Seek You in the Morning

2010-03-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

Before I begin let me first add a disclaimer.

My intent is not to condemn, frustrate, belittle, smack, judge or intimidate anyone who does their devotional time differently than I do.

There! Now I can share fearlessly and unashamedly. :)

Oh, God, You are my God and I will ever praise You!

I will seek You in the morning and I will learn to walk in Your ways

And step by step You'll lead me

And I will follow You all of my days.

I do my devotions in the morning. If I don't, I don't get to have them. Too much crowding of home duties, of business, of Life happening.

I also find that if I don't spend time with the Lord first, I simply don't have much to share that is not stale. Like serving the leftovers from dinner at breakfast the next morning. Yuck!

My family however, does not do devotionals together at breakfast time. When we worship together it is in the evening when things are winding down. I'd love to have time during breakfast, but that is not where we are right now. Perhaps someday that might happen, but not now.

I used to envy other households that had that idyllic time of feeding on the Word before hitting the dusty trail of Daily Duties. Now I understand a little better that God wants all of us all of the time.

It's not about a schedule; it's about a relationship.

It's not about condemnation; it's about unity.

I can get into that!

Ephesians 4:13
...until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Are You a Member or Are You Just a Person?

2010-02-24T05:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I go into the big city with my husband.

I meet with a dear friend of many, many years and have a joyful, cathartic lunch.

I then go into a mainline denominational church (think mega) and spend the rest of the day sitting, reading and pondering the goodness of the Lord.

While resting there one afternoon, I suddenly needed to use the restroom. Badly! I walked down the hall to the nearest bathroom, but, unfortunately, it was being cleaned.

Oh dear!

I got on the elevator and went to the seventh floor where I knew that prayer room existed thinking that there would probably be another bathroom available, but to no avail!

I then got back on the elevator and went down one floor. When the door opened I found myself looking into a waiting room area with a receptionist behind glass windows. Timidly I approached the glass and waited for the lady to acknowledge me.

"Excuse me, but I was looking for a restroom and the one on the first floor is being cleaned. Would you be able to direct me to another?"

"Ummmm. Are you a member or are you just a person?"

I'm afraid at this point, I almost didn't need to find a restroom anymore. I burst out laughing and shared that I was "just a person." I got back on the elevator and waited for the bathroom to finish being cleaned.

Oh, Church! Awaken from your slumber!

Matthew 10:42 (New International Version)

⁴²And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

Whole Grain Pancake Mix

2010-01-31T06:21:00.000-08:00

My beautiful friend and sister, Donna, wanted this recipe so I just thought that I would share it here.

1 c. whole wheat flour
1 c. other whole grain flour (I usually use oatmeal ground up into a flour in the food processor or Vita-Mix but any other grain will do)
2 t. sugar (optional)
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt (I use sea salt.)

This part of the recipe can be doubled, tripled, whatever. I usually make eight times. That gives me enough for eight recipes. If you decide to double then just scoop out 1 and 1/3 c. of mix for each recipe.

To the above, I add:

1 generous cup kefir
1/4 c. milk
2 eggs if large or 3 if small
1 T. oil (I use olive)
1/4 t. vanilla (I never measure)

If you want to, you can also add ground flax seed, blueberries, apples, pears, cranberries, sesame seeds or whatever suits your fancy. You could even add apple sauce for the milk and oil if you wanted to.

As you can see, you can be very creative with this so that your family doesn't get tired of it, but it is still essentially the same mix. I keep the mix refrigerated.

This Little Light of Mine

2010-01-25T05:18:00.000-08:00

I am not eloquent in my writings.

In fact I'm just plain short and sweet when it comes to saying things. Ask my friends.

Sometimes I'm not even sweet...just short.

But, I beg you. With all sincerity, do not miss this article by my dear precious Sister, Lygia.

The Burning Light

If you desire to fan the flame. If your pilot light has blown out...even momentarily...please take a small moment

and read.

'Tis the Season...To Be Thankful

2009-11-21T04:11:00.000-08:00

When my dear friend D'Ann (at Five Bazillion and One) began blogging on a daily basis about thankfulness I thought to myself, "I'll do that too!"

I didn't.

What with an unbelievably quick house sale (five days) and a closing of twenty-five days, I haven't been blogging at all.

I have instead been up to my eyeballs in boxes, bags and furniture.

I even did a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 1 so that we could have a real dinner with my entire family without the added stress of getting everything unpacked and settled.

Even so, I am thankful.

I'm thankful for the closing of one season and the beginning of another.

I'm thankful for friends who love me even when I'm too sensitive and stressed out.

I'm thankful for family that doesn't blast me for starting a new adventure out here in the country.

I'm thankful for children who are so willing to embrace new challenges and hard work.

I'm even thankful for the boxes, bags and furniture that have to be put away somewhere (although I wish there weren't quite so many).

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

I Thessalonians 5:18

I Will Love Them Freely

2009-10-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

"I will love them freely."
Hosea 14:4

Surprising, isn't it?

With all my sin, with all my foibles, that the LORD God could love me "freely."

Without restrictions or interference...

Nothing can come between me and the Lord. No power is able to keep Him from me. Not even me. When I hesitate to come, when I think that I have pushed Him away I am only fooling myself.

In copious or generous amounts...

He lavishes his love upon me. There is no stinginess in His love, no favoritism, no special children. He does not worry that another one of His children will feel slighted because of the attention that He give to me because they in turn have all His notice.

He (unlike me) can give undivided attention to all His children equally and at the same time.

Opening and honestly...

His love does not leave me in my sin. He turns His attention to me and draws me back to Himself, changing my heart and my desire to do what is right.

Willingly and readily...

Without reserve, without holding it over my head until He feels that I have "paid enough," He forgives me. Forgiveness flows over me without hesitation and I am clean.

To read someone who can say it infinitely better than I, click HERE.

I Thought That I Knew Pain

2009-09-25T11:58:00.001-07:00

I have fibromyalgia.

I absolutely hate putting that into words. It makes it so real.

I also have quite a bit of pain.

I absolutely hate admitting that to anyone outside my family.

But, before I let myself focus on my disabilities let me introduce you to someone.

Becky Black.

I have no pictures, no bio, nothing to tell you about this God-fearing, beautifully righteous woman except her own writing.

Please read what she has to say about PAIN. When you are finished, come back here.

I have nothing to fear, rail against or complain about.

But, I have so much for which to be thankful.

¹⁵ For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:15-16

Losing Confidence

2009-09-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

In my younger days, (wow, I am getting older when I can actually say that and not feel silly), there was nothing that I would not attempt.

Any new idea or project that struck my fancy was fair game!

One dear friend certainly dreaded the continual chant, "You know what we could do"?

I'm feeling a lot less confident these days.

"Though a host should encamp against me..."

Actually, I'm just about worn down completely.

"my heart shall not fear..."

Where has the joy in living gone?

Each critique, each criticism, each helpful hint has begun to feel more like brick blows on my soul.

"though war should rise against me..."

Why?

I believe that I have been listening to too many voices.

Yes, much wise counsel is a wise, advisable, much needed blessing.

That isn't what I'm talking about...

I'm desiring to regain Godly confidence.

"in this will I be confident..."

Hmmm, perhaps my confidence is so easily shaken because I'm relying on man's approval instead of seeking this ONE thing.

"that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon the rock."

Where do I seek this joy?

"this ONE thing"

How does the strength return?

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."

Where is my confidence found?

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ..."

Thank you, Lord.

Psalm 27:3-4;14
Philipians 1:6

What If I Were THAT Honest!

2009-09-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

For all of you wondering about my pledge, let me say that I have NOT purchased anything new and that I have made the following:

a pillowcase dress

a "cow" print apron

an apron for a friend's birthday

a skirt for Lydia

and a jumper dress

all from fabric out of my stash or from recycled items! Don't ask me for any patterns because I just made them up....(when I can get some pictures taken, I will share them with you)!

BUT, for today, I am wondering if I have the real courage, even the audacity to be completely honest.

As I read other ladies blogs (perhaps even a few gentlemen on occasion) it often occurs to me that I don't share my life quite as openly or vulnerably as many.

Sometimes I even read articles that I could easily have written myself.
My life experiences.

So similar. So exactly where I have been.

I even enjoy and agree with the fearlessness of many of these writers.

Why do not write those same things?

Perhaps, it is because they so often involve other people. These stories are not just MY story, but the story of others' pain, fears, or foibles.

I was reading one of my favorite books today. As the author shared testimony of things that had occurred to women at conferences where she had spoken, she never shared names, but she did reveal things that they had said.

I wondered if they liked seeing their ugliness, comments or problems "hung out on the line."

I wouldn't.

I guess, for now, I just can't be THAT honest!

"Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins."
I Peter 4:8

The Pledge

2009-09-07T05:01:00.001-07:00

I've taken a pledge!

Boy, this one is really scary to me!

I've made a promise not to buy anything new to wear for two months.

Is this scary because I love to go clothes shopping?

No.

This is scary to me because I'm taking a pledge to allow myself to be creative and to even make a bunch of mistakes.

Oh, how I hate making mistakes.

Oh, my pride!

I'm going to strike it a (hopefully) fatal blow.

I will be posting the things that I try to make. You may get to see some really ridiculous things here for a while, but here I go.

My husband has been hoping for this for a long time. He thinks that I may have a creative streak in me.

I surely hope he's right....

I __________________ pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 / 4 / 6 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoted, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftiness brings! Signed__________________.

(Disclaimer: I have not personally viewed every entry on this site. Please view with discretion.)

I Agree with Elizabeth

2009-08-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

On Motherhood and Profanity

I completely agree!

I Shall Not Want

2009-08-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Lately, my eyes have been completely on my circumstances.

Nothing has a finished, completed sense about it, leaving me with a gnawing, churning lack of peace.

And that, is sin...

Why is this sin?

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

The other day, a friend of mine mentioned that she had never understood what the phrase, "I shall not want" meant. She had thought that she was perhaps in sin because there were things that she did want. She was glad to know the true meaning of the word want.

The funny thing was that I did understand that phrase, but I was not living like I understood it.

Want doesn't mean to simply desire something.

lack: to be without, have need of, be devoid of, be bereft of, be missing, deficiency, shortage, unavailability

It means that whatever my needs are, they will be met.

What do I need?

Perhaps, the better question is what do I not need.

I do not need to know the future. I do not need to "have it all together". I do not need to be everything to all people.

I do not need to be afraid.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Is there anything you want?

Starting Again

2009-08-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

Well, no new pictures of the garden right now. It is playing out.

The squash is finished.

The cucumbers are finished.

The figs are finished.

The pears are finished.

BUT...

I'm not finished!

Here, in hot as blue blazes Texas, I get another growing season chance and I'm taking it!

Today I Choose Thankfulness

2009-06-30T02:02:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful for....

a dear husband with unlimited patience who watches tenderly with bated breathe to see if I will embrace becoming conformed to His image.

loving friends who believe the best of me even when I simply don't deserve it.

sweet, sweet children who rush to serve our family especially when my husband and I are too tired to move.

a beautiful daughter-in-love who desires to be my friend.

a "bit of earth" on which to "dig and delve".

a Holy God and Savior who simply won't let me stay in my present sinful state, but loves me enough to move me from glory to glory.

Thank you everyone. You know who you are....

Garden Update #2

2009-06-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

I know that I have not posted in quite a while, but truly, circumstances have prevented me!

My first born got married this past Saturday!!

I will post some pictures when I get them from the photographer. Needless to say, we are just thrilled with our new daughter-in-love. She is beautiful inside and out.

We have had some disappointments in the garden. First, a rabbit kept getting in at night and eating my yellow and zucchini squash! I used to love the Tale of Peter Rabbit. Now, though, I believe I identify with Farmer McGreggor more than Peter!

Recipe Tip: With the squash that we have gotten so far, I used a nifty little gadget called a Spiralizer to cut them in thin ringlets. (Actually, sweetie pie, Lydia, cut them and then proceeded to eat them! Yes, Miss Picky!) By marinading them in olive oil and soy sauce, they could be eaten raw, but tasted as though they had been sauteed. Mmmmmm!

The green beans have just about played out and I am going to replant them this weekend. I got about 12 pounds of beans from these plants. I don't know if that is remarkable or just average, but they were delicious. I don't know the price of organic fresh green beans, but the local grocery store had them priced at $2.99 yesterday so those yummy beans would have cost me around $35! We had some seed from last year, but my husband wanted to try a different variety this year so I did buy the seed, but that cost is minimal.

Recipe Tip: Take a jelly roll pan and brush it lightly with coconut oil. Spread out about a pound of green beans with ends snapped. Thinly slice an onion and top the beans. Add about 10 (yes, I said 10) cloves of garlic and place over the top. Once roasted the garlic will be deliciously mild. Salt and pepper to taste. Bake at 400 until beans are to your liking! I love them as they are, but my husband and sons like to sprinkle them with balsamic vinegar!

I have had about a dozen tomatoes to ripen so far, but about 75-80 have not ripened yet. I'm sure, with my luck, that they will all ripen on the same day! :)

Sun-dried tomatoes will definitely be on the menu.

Our fruit trees have totally shocked me! We just planted them along with our Spring garden and lo and behold, all the fig trees are bearing fruit along with several pears. I believe a delicious pear crisp is in order! I thought that you could not expect to have fruit for at least three years from when you planted.

Did you know that pears actually need to be picked before they are ripe? Bill was reading about them in one of our organic gardening books and that was the advice given.

I have already harvested and made pesto with my basil and am going to havest and make more today. Companion gardeners say to plant basil alongside tomatoes. I tried that this year and I seem to be having a "bumper" crop! I will also dry some of the basil for use this winter, but I really prefer it fresh.

My only regret so far with this years garden is that we did not plant even more!

Hmmmm...

I think I said the same thing last year!

Garden Update #1

2009-05-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to update my garden news!

What is it about putting a seed or plant into the ground and watching it grow that is so exciting!

Especially when you begin to see it produce something.

Does the Lord feel that same excitement when we begin to sprout, to grow and then to produce fruit that glorifies Him?

My first pepper and tomato!
My squash is blossoming!

We put more mulch on the beds and more compost tea. The rain has been more than abundant and the humidity is fierce.

We have also reached 217 in our egg count.

Any customers?

Don't forget to check out From Seeds to Harvest to see what everyone else is doing in their gardens!

Don't Miss This Article

2009-05-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

I'm telling you now, don't miss this article by Lygia Lovelace.

http://www.kenlovelaceministries.com/lovelace_menu.html

The Lovelace family is very special and dear to my heart. They have a heartfelt call to orphans and, in addition to their five biological children, have adopted five beautiful children from Thailand, Romania and Liberia. You can see some of their pictures here.

Lygia is a gifted writer and I never fail to be touched and convicted by her words. The Lord is using her in my life and I know that He will use her in yours.

I'm telling you now, don't miss these articles!!!

Thou Art My Hope in the Day of Evil

2009-04-29T03:57:00.000-07:00

I'm letting Spurgeon do my speaking for me today.

I am beginning to get emails and phone calls from very hurting, frightened people.

Jobs are being terminated. Illness is haunting. The world at large is simply in a turmoil.

You've heard me say it in prior posts, but I'll say it again, and again, an once again....

BUT GOD

"Thou art my hope in the day of evil."
-- Jeremiah 17:17

The path of the Christian is not always bright with sunshine; he has
his seasons of darkness and of storm.

True, it is written in God's Word, "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace;" and it is a great truth, that religion is calculated to give a man happiness below as well as bliss above; but experience tells us that if the course of the just be "As the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day," yet sometimes that light is eclipsed.

At certain periods clouds cover the believer's sun, and he walks in
darkness and sees no light.

There are many who have rejoiced in the presence of God for a season; they have basked in the sunshine in the earlier stages of their Christian career; they have walked along the "green pastures" by the side of the "still waters," but suddenly they find the glorious sky is clouded; instead of the Land of Goshen they have to tread the sandy desert; in the place of sweet waters, they find troubled streams, bitter to their taste, and they say, "Surely, if I were a child of God, this would not happen." Oh! say not so, thou who art walking in darkness.

The best of God's saints must drink the wormwood; the dearest of his children must bear the cross.

No Christian has enjoyed perpetual prosperity; no believer can always keep his harp from the willows.

Perhaps the Lord allotted you at first a smooth and
unclouded path, because you were weak and timid. He tempered the wind
to the shorn lamb, but now that you are stronger in the spiritual life,
you must enter upon the riper and rougher experience of God's
full-grown children.

We need winds and tempests to exercise our faith,
to tear off the rotten bough of self-dependence, and to root us more
firmly in Christ. The day of evil reveals to us the value of our
glorious hope.

God has not changed. He never will.

Blessings,
Robin

From Seeds to Harvest

2009-04-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

I am taking part in a challenge! Those of you who know me very well will also know that I love trying something new! Experimenting!

My oldest son (whom I'm afraid takes after me, poor thing) would often get in trouble and say,

"I just wanted to see what would happen!"

My dear friends have often been seen cringing in fear when they hear these words come out of my mouth:

"You know what we could do?"

Well, our entire family has taken to gardening. Of course, it is now cool to garden because of our present economy, but I must say that this is not our first garden.

I must also confess, that I hope at the end of the season to be able to say that this was our first successful garden! :)

I have decided to take a challenge with a few other adventuresome folks to share what we are doing (successes and failures) in our garden this year. I will post about it from time to time.

I may even wax poetic occasionally. Isn't that supposed to happen to people who spend time with nature!

If you, too would like to 'take the challenge' just click on the images of Seeds to Harvest at the top of this post to find out how you can join with others on this season's GREAT ADVENTURE.

Here are some pictures of my humble beginnings. The garden has been trying to survive since March 20. Two weeks later we had a freeze :( and lost our first cucumbers. The other plants survived, but because of the continued cold began to turn a sickly shade of yellow. We continued to put worm castings on them in hopes that they would rally.

Note: Do not plant cucumbers until the ground has warmed to at least 65-70 degrees. They cannot bear the cold. (Of course, we did not know this until after the freeze and I then checked my gardening books. Hmmmm. Is there a lesson in this?)

We decided not to try cucumber plants, but started them the second time from seed. Aren't they the cutest things?

We have planted tomatoes, cucumbers, squash (crooked neck and zucchini), bell peppers, chili peppers, onion sets, beans, and several kinds of herbs.

Note: Here in Texas, we have been informed that our onion sets should have been out the first of January! I don't know how they will do. The farmers who let us know showed us their onions that are almost ready to harvest. Huge! Beautiful! I wish that we had known. sigh....

Pear, plum, and fig trees have also come to reside here at the farm. (I'll post pictures of these at another time.) We had a tiny black insect that tried to devour the plum trees, but I believe that we have overwhelmed him with organic pepper sprays. I know that I could not have lived through the onslaught of torture through which we put those bugs! :)

Compost tea is also another great way to feed your plants. Here is a link to making your own!

I Can't Believe It!

2009-04-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it! We are actually getting eggs! We've had 30 total so far. Every hen has justified her existence!

These in the picture are our first two and yes, they were delicious!

Psalm 45:10

2009-04-16T05:19:00.000-07:00

"Listen, O daughter,"

Am I listening?

When the still, small voice of my Lord is speaking, am I listening?

When He speaks through my husband, my children, you, my dear friend, am I listening?

"Consider and incline your ear"

Am I leaning forward, eagerly hoping to hear something that will turn me away from my present path?

Am I thankful, grateful, happy to hear the words that sometimes grate, jar, sting?

It has always been the duty and privilege of the church to be listening and attentive to the Lord.

Eagerly leaning forward, as we do sometimes when we go to hear a famous speaker or when we attend a wonderful production and we don't want to miss a word.

Today I want to listen.

Are you listening, O daughter?

Thank You Friend

2009-04-02T12:18:00.001-07:00

"Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort, of feeling safe with a person
—having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right
out, just as they are—chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take
and sift them, keep what is worth keeping and then with the breath of kindness
blow the rest away."

Isn't that just beautiful.

That is how I feel when I have been with my true friend.

Thank you, friend.

Change is Inevitable

2009-03-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

Luke 21:33 (King James Version)

³³Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Has the truth of this verse ever touched your heart?

Sometimes, I pride myself on loving change. I do love change when it involves me or my family trying something new, different, strange or exciting.

But I have to admit....

when change involves letting my friends try something new, different, strange or exciting....

when it means I have to let them go....

I don't like change.

Nothing stays the same. Everything changes.

Only the Word of the Lord remains completely constant. Someone might say that the stars stay constant, but only as long as the Lord tarries. When he returns everything here will change.

...heaven and earth shall pass away...

It's so easy to move on myself. Why is it so hard to allow others to move on?

I'm sure that there are many people out there who grew up in one spot, always attending the same church in the same place with the same people and are raising their children the same way.

I envy you sometimes. That has not been our lot.

Sure, we could have made some choices that might have caused those circumstances to happen in our lives, but I think that if I am truly honest I have to say that when you really want to follow Jesus, He has to be able to decide what is best for you.

If His best is to be settled in one spot, then rejoice in that!

If His best is to be flexible, then rejoice in that!

Pray for me to rejoice in that. Pray for me to rejoice in what the Lord is doing in my sweet friends' lives.

Philippians 4:11-12 (New King James Version)

¹¹ Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Lord, help me to be content...

Home Sweet Home

2009-03-21T03:27:00.000-07:00

Well, again, my apologies for not having posted sooner, but the Galvan family have been through many trials that I have not felt I could share on a public forum.

Carlos has come home (as of Wednesday) and physically is doing extremely well. For those of you would like to continue to pray for this beautiful and Godly household, there is a very specific prayer need that I would like to share.

Carlos has two forms of aphasia. To put it as simply as possible, this is a confusion of speech, spoken as well as in understanding. For example, he will speak a lengthy sentence in which he believes that he has communicated his need or want, but in reality, the sentence is completely garbled. This also happens when you speak to him. This causes much frustration an anxiety.

He will be covered for three weeks of intense speech therapy and then it will be their responsibility to seek private therapy.

The needs, of course, are obvious. Pray that the Lord will continue to do the mighty work that He has been doing, and pray for wisdom to discern the next step.

I will not post concerning these dear friends unless I have an update on Carlos' speech. There are many needs, but, as I said before, their privacy in family matters must be maintained. If you would like to send a message of hope to this family please leave your comments and I will forward them. If the Lord gives you the grace to continue to pray for them, it would be much appreciated by us all.

With much love and blessings,
Robin

Not Just Children's Games!

2009-02-27T05:34:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry that I have not posted in a while.

I have not been able to.

I couldn't find the courage to write down the events that have been taking place with the Galvan family.

Suffice to say, Carlos has not been doing well. His progress has been often frightening to us all.

But God...

The Lord truly is gracious to save, to build our faith in ways that I cannot begin to understand.

When my family went down to the hospital on Wednesday evening to take communion with the Galvan family and to pray once again, Carlos really knew us. Spoke to us. Told us he was coming home tomorrow when Bill said that we were looking forward to his coming home.

Of course, he was not coming home the next day, but his cognition has been astonishing!

The therapist had him playing tic-tac-toe, he matched a series of numbers without crossing lines, he separated a deck of card by color and suit and put them in numerical order without being told.

We have a long journey, but there is so much more light now.

We are thrilled!

Thank you again, praying saints. The victory is always the Lord's, but you will have the privilege of sitting at the Victor's table with Him and sharing in this marvelous work that He has done!

Praise Our Mighty God!

2009-02-17T10:09:00.001-08:00

Carlos had a rough weekend. I spent the night at the hospital on Sunday and my son, Adam, Abril and I check on him all through the night.

There was nothing wrong. Nothing had changed except his night nurse for the past two nights had given him extra morphine so that she could watch television.

We had to report it to the physician the following day because he didn't want to move Carlos to a room by himself because he seemed so lethargic after having been so alert and awake on Friday and Saturday.

This was so disappointing!

I am not at the hospital today, but I am hoping for a good report.

Update!!! I just got a call from Abril saying that the doctors have reported that the vasospasm danger had ended!!! Hooray!! Hopefully they will be moving Carlos to a regular room either tonight or tomorrow! PRAISE THE LORD! He is so mighty! So Good! So Faithful!

Please continue to pray for Carlos' speech to come forth.

On a totally different note, I wanted to post today about a wonderful family! The Lovelaces!

I am going to try to put a button on my site in order for you to find them with ease. And you will want to find them again and again!

The Lovelaces have ten (yes, I said ten!) children and they are all jewels. You can read more about their experiences with their children here.

Ken has been a missionary and a pastor for years. His devotionals can be found here.

Ken also has a handy man business that you might like to check out here.

This lovely family has been such a personal blessings to me and mine. They strive for Godliness in all that they do. The testimony to their neighbors has been a continual blessing to watch.

Ken has been without employment for over a year now. The LORD has been truly faithful to meet every need, but I would so appreciate your checking out their website and passing their site on to others who may have needs, both physical and spiritual.

Please take the time to visit. You will truly find a new friend, especially in time of need!

Check Out My Hubby's Blog Today On Contentment!

2009-02-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

You or your husband won't want to miss my husband's blog today. He has posted some really timely words of great insight!

Least you think I brag too much, his entry is based on The Art of Divine Contentment!

Don't miss it!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

Spurgeon was absolutely wonderful today. It truly speaks to us all! I'm just going to post what he has to say today.

“And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.”

2 Kings 25:30

JEHOIACHIN was not sent away from the king’s palace with a store to last him for months, but his provision was given him as a daily pension. Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord’s people. A daily portion is all that a man really wants. We do not need to-morrow’s supplies-- that day has not yet dawned, and its wants are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet; if we have enough for each day as the days arrive we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day is all that we can enjoy. We cannot eat or drink or wear more than the day’s supply of food and raiment; the surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief. One staff aids a traveller, but a bundle of staves is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast, but is all that the veriest glutton can truly enjoy. This is all that we should expect; a craving for more than this is ungrateful. When our Father does not give us more, we should be content with his daily allowance. Jehoiachim’s case is ours; we have a sure portion, a portion given us of the king, a gracious portion, and a perpetual portion. Here is surely ground for thankfulness.

Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace you need a daily supply. You have no store of strength. Day by day must you seek help from above. It is a very sweet assurance that a daily portion is provided for you. In the word, through the ministry, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God you shall receive renewed strength. In Jesus all needful things are laid up for you. Then enjoy your continual allowance. Never go hungry while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy.

For me to say anything more would be to detract from these wonderful insights.

I am praying for you all today!

Robin

We Needed Some Good News

2009-02-11T08:57:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry that I have not posted in a couple of days. My husband has been ill.

The past two days have been very disappointing with Carlos. He had become very unresponsive. His eyes were not focusing on any of us. He has not been responding to any verbal commands. He has not tried to make a sound.

Abril was very low yesterday. It was a difficult day.

Last night, we decided to have prayer meeting at the hospital. Abril was clearly depressed, but determined not to give up the fight for Carlos. Her words were:

It hasn't been years. It hasn't even been months.

She was so right...

We began to pray in earnest not only for Carlos, but for the glory that the Lord is getting in this terrible situation. For the ministry that Abril is having with others there in the hospital. One woman asked her if she wondered, "Why me?". Her reply:

Why not me?

She was so right...

Why should we not share in Christ's sufferings? Why should we not grow in our total dependence on His mercy and grace?

We continued to prayer also for the children. That they would be able to stand up under this time of testing and that they would persevere in their faith.

The Lord was truly present among us and Abril was at peace when our prayer time ended.

Bill and I then went up with Abril to pray over Carlos again.

The LORD met us there before we could begin.

Carlos opened his eyes and clearly focused on us. He tried to speak for the first time. He clearly rocognized us and....

he smiled twice!

I have rarely been so overjoyed in my life!

We are not out of the woods; please do not give up praying for this beautiful family.

God is getting glory.

His ways are perfect!

Update on Carlos

2009-02-07T17:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Prayer Warriors,

Your prayers are very effective. Yesterday morning when I arrived at the hospital we had some rather disconcerting news. One the "numbers" on Carlos was slowing climbing and the doctors had to make a decision as to whether or not they should take Carlos in for a procedure to administer a drug to prevent his left artery in the brain from having vasospasms. They felt that he was getting into a danger zone for possible stroke.

To say the least, this was discouraging for all of us.

We began to talk about the reality that faith is believing what we cannot see.

And suddenly, the situation was not so frightening.

Late that afternoon, the doctors did in fact take Carlos in for the procedure. They were in the operating room for a long time.

Almost 2 hours.

When they came out, they explained that they had taken so long because they could not see any sign of vasospasms and no sign that his artery was constricting.

Bibi immediately pointed to the fact that the Lord can do whatever He wills.

I agree.

Seeing is not believing. Believing is believing.

Today, we have had some wonderful news. For the first time, Carlos was able to squeeze the hand of the nurse and move the toes on both feet when the nurse commanded him to. That is a huge step.

Thank you again for your continued prayers. They have already been effectual. Please don't get weary!

Abril said to tell all of you how appreciative and touched that people who don't even know her would spend time in prayer and petition for her family! She sends her love and thanks!

2009-02-06T05:20:00.000-08:00

I will not post again until this evening. I am spending the day at the hospital with Abril and the children today.

Everyone here is finally on the mend. Pray God's protection over my house while I am gone today. The hospital is 1.5 hours from the house.

I know I don't know you all face to face, but I will one day when we all get to meet in heaven. If the Lord allows, I will serve all of you lemonade and your favorite cake on the front porch of my mansion. I hope all of you are right next door!

My heart is full of love for each one of you prayer warriors.

Blessings,
Robin

Thank You and Please Continue Praying!

2009-02-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who are continuing to pray for the Galvan family.

Carlos is still stable and is now opening his eyes and is recognizing his family members.

They are planning to remove the ventilator today if his CAT scan today looks good.

The doctors are currently desiring to see Carlos respond to commands and he is not doing this as of yet. He needs to squeeze their hands, move his foot, try to speak, etc.

They are asking Abril and the children to encourage him to respond. As of yet, he has not.

When they remove the ventilator they will then be moving him out of ICU.

Please pray over these needs and also over financial needs being covered. The Lord is gracious to save and we are truly thankful for all He has done.

Thank you for storming heaven for us! Please don't stop!

Robin

Continued Prayer

2009-02-04T05:44:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on Carlos' condition. The doctors are wanting to see more response to commands. Carlos has not responded to anything, but "open your eyes". He has ability to move on both sides of his body, but will not respond to the doctor's instructions even when given by his wife and children.

The doctors have asked that Abril and the children try to "push" him to do what they say. They also want him to try to talk, but he has not tried to yet.

Please continue to prayer for all of us. I can't seem to get my children well. One starts to come back up and another one goes back down! Also pray for Alex, Carlos and Abril's son. He stayed with us last night. He has a sore throat. Pray that he won't try to be brave (ie. silent) if he needs to slow down and heal. He feels so responsible for his family, but they need him well!

So far, I am well, and I really need to stay that way!

You cannot know how much I appreciate your prayers saints. Thank you so much!

Blessings to you all. Know that I am praying for you also.

Robin

Much Prayer Needed

2009-02-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

I haven't been to my blog in several days now.

I have been sleeping at the hospital with a very dear sister in Christ.

Her husband, Carlos, was taken by ambulance early Thursday morning to the emergency room. He has had a blood vessel burst directly behind his left eye.

The Lord has been merciful.

Only 50% of the people who have this happen even make it to the hospital alive. Please pray for complete recovery.

They are telling us that it will be a long road ahead, but I just keep thinking of the ways of the Lord. He does all things well and in His perfect timing. Ask Him to continue to pour out his blessings on Carlos, Abril, Bibi and Alex.

They are like family to me.

Next, I would ask for prayer for my dear sister Donna.

She is not blood to me, but lived with my family when her dear mother was killed in a bus wreak on the way to the Passion Play.

Her sweet husband has had his cancer return again after two previous battles.

I learned of this on the day Carlos was taken to the hospital.

Again, we are asking the Lord for a miracle.

Finally, I would ask for prayer for my own family. With the exception of my husband and myself, all of my children are ill or are recovering.

My eldest son had hernia surgery this past week and has had a viral infection. My other sons and daughter are all fighting this same virus.

I took one to the doctor yesterday with 103 temp.

I stopped going to the hospital yesterday because I was afraid I might be carrying the virus and that is the last thing they need, but I want to be there for my dear sister.

Please pray for us...

Nothing Sweeter

2009-01-27T12:34:00.000-08:00

There is nothing sweeter to me than to have a child of my heart ask me for prayer.

There is nothing sweeter to me than to hear the honest confession of my child as he petitions the Lord who does all things well.

There is nothing sweeter to me than to hold his hand while he lifts me or my husband to the throne room of God.

There is nothing sweeter...

Town Mouse, Country Mouse Take Two

2009-01-27T05:35:00.000-08:00

The Lord, does not slumber not does He sleep. He has seen our affliction and He is binding up our wounds.

Well, the leap of faith has officially begun this week. My husband has made the decision that we will be living at the farm and just traveling in to town for spending time with extended family and for church events.

This may sound strange to some of you.

Of course you would live at home and just go into town for certain events, but we have been living an unusual life for quite some time now.

I shared my Town Mouse, Country Mouse post a while back but to sum it up we have been dividing our weeks in half between our house in town and our house in the country. Needless to say, it has been quite stressful, but still good.

In the last month or so, however, it has been increasingly difficult to manage. It truly is like a small move or a short vacation every week.

In short, we can't keep up this pace any longer.

This, by the way, is what we look like each week. :)

The organization that it takes has nearly thrown me into a panic and we are literally losing things are a weekly basis. I have just kept saying to myself that if I could just find the right notebook, organizational tool, chart, gadget, calendar, etc. that everything would be fine. Hahahahahahahaha! (Yes, that is hysterical laughter!)

And, of course, I want to be a submissive gentle wife who follows her husband's lead.

He has a plan to prosper us, not to harm us, a plan to give us a hope and a future!

My husband has been seeing this coming for quite some time, but finally brought the whole things to a head a week or so ago.

Least you think that we have lost our minds completely I want to share that we have already seen this decision confirmed through friends and family almost before we shared our thoughts and ideas.

I am truly thankful for what is happening, but I would ask continued prayer as we sort belongings, add small bits of storage space here, (The house in the country is 1200 sq ft. It really wasn't initially designed for permanent living out here. You'd have to see it to understand.), and for the Lord to show me how to organize better my time to be able to serve Him in this new lifestyle.

Also, please pray for the use of the cabin which we call Restoration House. We are beginning to have people call to use it on a ministry basis (for couples to get away, for prayer retreats, etc.). We want to be used by the Lord in this capacity and we want to be generous with what we have been given.

Thank you for your prayers for us! I love you dearly!

At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2

2009-01-24T06:31:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would share about a new blog that will be launching on Feb. 2. They are a group of Godly ladies that are pursuing Titus 2 relationships among women.

They are also giving away of wonderful doorprizes!

Check them out come Monday and see what wonderful things the Lord is doing among His people. I am encouraged. I think that you will be also!

I have a button on the side of my blog that will get you to the site.

A Baby's Hug

2009-01-24T05:04:00.000-08:00

I found this story on the web and no credit was given to anyone. If I need to give credit to someone and you know who it might be, let me know and I will edit this post. I was so moved by this that I just had to share it with you...

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi." He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists.

"Hi there baby, hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik.

My husband and I exchanged looks, "What do we do?"

Erik continued to laugh and answer, "Hi."

Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.

Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo."

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.

My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments. We finally got through the meal and headed for the door.

My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. "Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's "pick-me-up" position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of this baby."

Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone.

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, youve given me my Christmas gift." I said nothing more than a muttered thanks.

With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me."

I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes. I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not.

I felt it was God asking, "Are you willing to share your son for a moment?" When He shared His for all eternity. The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."

Overflow Living

2009-01-23T05:10:00.000-08:00

Ding, ding, ding! Attention everyone!

As I was looking for a way to better organize my Bible Quiet Time I found a new freebie of the day!

Are you forever looking for forms to keep you organized in your Bible time and in your home organization?

Check out Overflow Living!

They have quite a few forms that are completely free.

Enjoy!

What a Day!

2009-01-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

I am not well, but I am not worse!!! Yeah, Lord!

John (my eldest) had hernia surgery today and came through just fine! He is in minimal pain and wanted to get back to his college homework when he got home. That is sooooo John!

Anyway, I just wanted to thank everyone who has been praying for me. The prayers have certainly been felt. I could not have made it through today without them.

Blessings to you all,

Robin

Icky Poo!

2009-01-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

I'm sick!

I don't like to be sick!

I had plans for today that I didn't get to!

Can you tell I'm not happy about it!

But, I am happy about the way my children handled it!

They took care of me today. And they took care of their little sister, Lydia, as well.

They did an awesome job!

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

I am so thankful for my boys today. The Lord has really blessed me and my sweet husband. Maybe I am glad that illness came my way today. The Lord has used it to show me how much He loves me--through my children!

Please pray for me...

I John 2:9-11

2009-01-14T05:57:00.000-08:00

I John 2 9-11

9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

The word is very clear and very convicting today.

If you don't love your brother, even if you say that you are walking in the light, you are truly walking in darkness.

I was reading an article of a very good friend the other day and she commented on how her unconfessed sin hinders her prayer life. She began to also suggest that if her prayer life is hindered then her prayers for the lost, the sick, the hurting, her family, etc. are not being answered. She wondered if she was hindering others' salvation, health, healing, etc. by keeping unconfessed sin.

Even as a child, I had learned that God hears me when I pray. But what about when I cherish sin in my heart? What about when I lock the rear door and close out the Father from the deepest recesses of my heart? Will He listen to a heart that is already too full of sinful secrets to sincerely cry out to Him? What was this doing to my relationship with Him?

And how would this affect my intercession? Would my family, church, friends, the lost, missionaries -- and all the others I was praying for actually be hindered in their ministry and possible salvation because of MY SIN?
This sounded serious.

Lygia Lovelace

Loving our brother is, I believe, pivotal in our continued relationship with the Lord.

It isn't an option.

I can't just decide that I love these people in the body and not those.

If I do, then I have certainly been blinded by the Enemy and I have lost my effectiveness in my daily witness and in my prayer life.

Wow...

Frugality

2009-01-14T03:43:00.000-08:00

Everyone is talking about saving money right so I thought that after brainstorming with a friend the other day I would put in my "two cents worth"!

I have a couple of tips to share.

First, I have a dear friend that absolutely refuses to buy anything that is not in her set budget amount. When she goes shopping if the item is more than $10 she will not buy it! She says that their budget will not allow for it and so she prays about the things they need and waits for the Lord to provide the item for $10 or less! I find that wonderful. The Lord even provided her with cashmere sweaters one year for $7 dollars each!

Also, if your children have outgrown their toy boxes don't get rid of them. Use them for extra storage of long term food items. It's like having an extra pantry or emergency stash.

Of course one of the best courses of action when desiring to cut back is to simply stay out of the store! That said, when I do go, bringing just the cash needed for the trip keeps me from spending more. When the cash envelope is empty, that the end!

When my children were little a friend of mine and I would switch off watching the children and the other one would do the shopping. Of course, we both were more careful of our spending when shopping for someone else and the children were not along to be tempted with all the goodies their eyes could see!

I keep a year's supply of paper goods now so that I can wait for a genuine sale. Then I can simply restock. I have gone to using very inexpensive bar rags or cheap washcloths for our paper towels. I have a large supply so that I don't run out between washings. It has already saved quite a bit. I put out paper towels when company comes if I feel that the towels would make them feel uncomfortable.

I also love to use cloth napkins and I feel very feminine and close to my grandmother when I use a handkerchief instead of tissues. My little four year old daughter always asks for a "hankie"! lol They also make lovely little gifts to add to a thank you note or a "just because I'm thinking of you" card.

My favorite saving idea right now I call Once in a Lifetime Soup. Simply put, I use whatever leftovers I have to create a brand new soup that I call Once in a Lifetime Soup. Of course, it is just leftovers with broth and seasoning added, but it always feels like a treat when I call it that. My family enjoys it so much that often when we have a dish now they will ask if they can have it again or is this just "once in a lifetime". By experimenting with the spices in the drawer it has also shown me some unusual things that my family really enjoys! There always seem to be enough leftovers to make a big pot and sometimes that lasts for two meals! Its like dining for free!

All that said, I'd like to share a quote from Jill Cooper, author of Penny Pinchin' Mama.

I grabbed the phone and answered it. It was my daughter chuckling on the other end. “We got another one,” she said, “Another laundry detergent e-mail.” For years now we have one reoccurring question. How can I save on my laundry detergent?

This may seem like an innocent enough question, but when we find out the writer’s story, laundry detergent is almost never really relevant to the problem. What we’ve found is that a person who asks about laundry detergent is usually on the brink of bankruptcy, divorce, or losing a job. It’s like some kind of code word or distress signal for “Help Me -- I’m drowning in debt”.

I have tried to understand why in a financial crisis so many people want to learn how to save money on laundry detergent when there are so many more obvious ways they could be saving. Here is what I have finally concluded:

First, by focusing on a trivial issue they don't have to look at the real, more serious problem. It's like putting a Band-Aid on a scratch on your finger while you are bleeding profusely from an artery on your leg. They don't want to acknowledge the real spending problem because then they would have to deal with it.
If you are in this situation and you want to be free of it, YOU HAVE TO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. You are spending more money then you make. It is important to realize that spending impulsively beyond your means is almost as bad as doing drugs. You get instant gratification and pleasure but over the long haul, it will destroy you.
Second, saving on laundry detergent gets rid of that nagging guilt for a little while. As long as they keep trying to save pennies on unimportant things, they don't have to feel guilty about spending thousands on the fun things. The problem is that if they are spending beyond their means, it will catch up with them eventually, which will make the stress and damage all the worse.

So, frugality, as does everything, still comes down to a heart issue. Of course, with the economic crisis that we are facing, the price of laundry detergent matters, but am I being a "good steward" of all that the Lord has provided for me. Am I content with what I have or am a really looking for a bargain so that I don't have to feel the guilt of shopping for things that are not necessary.

Pray for me as I pray for you!

Blessings,
Robin

Let's Do It Again!

2009-01-09T21:41:00.000-08:00

Yup! I'm a total mess! Try this link one more time!

Oops!

2009-01-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

Check out Introduction one more time! I messed up the link!

Introduction!!

2009-01-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Just to let everyone know. My sweetheart has a blog!
Check it out here.

His insight is amazing! I am truly blessed.

My Artistic Son

2009-01-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

These are some artistic photos of the cake that my son Adam took.
Aren't they fun!!

My First Fondant Cake

2009-01-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

I'm trying my hand at rolled fondant. This is the result. Ya'll tell me what you think?

Simple But True

2009-01-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

My new friend Janette posted this and I thought it was simple, lovely and true.

Enjoy!

I Sorry, Mama

2009-01-07T05:01:00.000-08:00

As I was reading my verses for today, I was struck with the goodness of God, again.

I John 1:9 says,

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

It suddenly struck me that the Lord wants me to be His little child forever.

My little girl Lydia once rubbed peanut butter in her hair. Sensing the tone of my great displeasure in this little childish act she immediately began to beg forgiveness.

"I sorry Mama. I sorry Mama"

"If we confess our sins..."

Of course, my aggravation was replaced with sympathy and compassion. She is a child. She hadn't realized the consequences of her actions. Even if she had, it didn't matter. She found herself in a mess that she simply couldn't fix herself.

"He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins..."

Obviously, the next step had to be to remove the peanut butter from her lovely dark hair.

Not just a little of it, not most of it, but all traces of the sticky, greasy mess.

I had to wash and dry her hair...and her tears. Her hair needed to be cleaned, but our relationship needed to be restored. For now, only I could do these things.

"and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

I oftentimes find myself in a mess I simply can't fix. Do you?

The Table

2009-01-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

My husband and I used to love to go to his Aunt Helen and Uncle Eric’s house. Aunt Helen was always cooking something wonderful and we would go to a little fish place to get smoked fish to eat with special crackers.

Anyway, they had a wonderful, huge dining table with comfortable chairs to sit in. Long after the meal was over, we would continue to talk into the night about whatever happened to be on our minds at the time.

My Aunt Sissie and Uncle Webster had very much the same thing and every summer we would take the boys to visit and reminisce.

My husband and I soon decided that we would have a huge dining table with comfortable chairs if we didn’t have another stick of furniture in the house.

Well, the table eventually became a reality! It wasn’t cheap, but it has been worth every penny we spent on it.

We have shared many happy, laughing, crying, comforting hours at that table with our children and friends and hope to have many more!

Don't miss your chance! Sit around the table for a while!

God is Light and in Him is No Darkness at All

2009-01-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

I was looking at the fact that "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all" and cross-referenced to I Timothy 6:15-16.

"...King of king and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen."

Unapproachable light!

This word light in I Tim. is the same Greek word for light in I John.

We are told to "walk in the light as He Himself is in the light" and then we will have fellowship with one another.

For me, the hope I find is that because we have been told to do this, we CAN do this very thing.

To walk in the light is to walk in truth. To capture the "little foxes that spoil the vine". To uncover and share with one another those "seeds of doubt" that the enemy loves to whisper in our ears to cause us to question God's love and the love we have with the brethren.

We have all heard so many sermons on "walking in the light", and it is a deep well to search out, but it is also simply put by John.

If I get up in the middle of the night and don't turn on the light, chances are I may stumble into something. When I turn on even a tiny nightlight, suddenly I am safe from falling or hurting myself.

And if I "walk in the light as He Himself is in the light" I won't stumble around and hurt anyone else!

Have a beautiful day!

Growing In Grace

2009-01-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

I was so moved by Spurgeon today that I had to include his words here. I truly had not considered how deep and multi-faceted the words "grow in grace" could reach. This pulled at my heart and forced me to look at my walk more thoroughly.

I hope it speaks to you as well.

"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ."
-- 2 Peter 3:18

"Grow in grace"-not in one grace only, but in all grace.

Grow in that root-grace, faith. Believe the promises more firmly than you have done.
Let faith increase in fulness, constancy, simplicity.

Grow also in love. Ask that your love may become extended, more intense, more
practical, influencing every thought, word, and deed.

Grow likewise in humility. Seek to lie very low, and know more of your own nothingness.
As you grow downward in humility, seek also to grow upward -having
nearer approaches to God in prayer and more intimate fellowship with
Jesus.

May God the Holy Spirit enable you to "grow in the knowledge of
our Lord and Saviour." He who grows not in the knowledge of Jesus,
refuses to be blessed. To know him is "life eternal," and to advance in
the knowledge of him is to increase in happiness. He who does not long
to know more of Christ, knows nothing of him yet.

Whoever hath sipped this wine will thirst for more, for although Christ doth satisfy, yet
it is such a satisfaction, that the appetite is not cloyed, but whetted.

If you know the love of Jesus-as the hart panteth for the
water-brooks, so will you pant after deeper draughts of his love. If
you do not desire to know him better, then you love him not, for love
always cries, "Nearer, nearer." Absence from Christ is hell; but the
presence of Jesus is heaven.

Rest not then content without an
increasing acquaintance with Jesus. Seek to know more of him in his
divine nature, in his human relationship, in his finished work, in his
death, in his resurrection, in his present glorious intercession, and
in his future royal advent. Abide hard by the Cross, and search the
mystery of his wounds. An increase of love to Jesus, and a more perfect
apprehension of his love to us is one of the best tests of growth in
grace.

Simply Vintage Girl

2009-01-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

Check out this quote from D.A. Carson. I found it this morning at Simply Vintage Girl.

“People do not drift towards holiness.

Apart from grace-driven effort, people do not gravitate towards godliness, prayer, obedience to Scripture, faith, or delight in the Lord.

We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance;

Toward disobedience and we call it freedom;

Toward superstition and call it faith.

We cherish the non-discipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation;

We slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism;

We slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated.”

- D. A. Carson

Exactly!

Mottos and Resolutions

2009-01-02T05:35:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely fabulous at making new resolutions!

I make one almost every day!

Hmmmmm.

Yes, I can make them, but I can't seem to keep them. They sound so wonderful at the time, but like cotton candy, they melt quickly away.

But this year, I feel a "call" to something I already do, but not nearly enough.

Prayer.

Mother's prayers. Prayers for friends. The Lost. The Dying. The Poor and the Rich.

Just peruse what Spurgeon has to say in this devotional on prayer:

"Continue in prayer." -- Colossians 4:2 It is interesting to remark how large a portion of Sacred Writ is occupied with the subject of prayer, either in furnishing examples, enforcing precepts, or pronouncing promises. We scarcely open the Bible before we read, "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord;" and just as we are about to close the volume, the "Amen" of an earnest supplication meets our ear. Instances are plentiful. Here we find a wrestling Jacob-there a Daniel who prayed three times a day-and a David who with all his heart called upon his God. On the mountain we see Elias; in the dungeon Paul and Silas. We have multitudes of commands, and myriads of promises. What does this teach us, but the sacred importance and necessity of prayer? We may be certain that whatever God has made prominent in his Word, he intended to be conspicuous in our lives. If he has said much about prayer, it is because he knows we have much need of it. So deep are our necessities, that until we are in heaven we must not cease to pray. Dost thou want nothing? Then, I fear thou dost not know thy poverty. Hast thou no mercy to ask of God? Then, may the Lord's mercy show thee thy misery! A prayerless soul is a Christless soul. Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in Jesus. It is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honour of a Christian. If thou be a child of God, thou wilt seek thy Father's face, and live in thy Father's love. Pray that this year thou mayst be holy, humble, zealous, and patient; have closer communion with Christ, and enter oftener into the banqueting-house of his love. Pray that thou mayst be an example and a blessing unto others, and that thou mayst live more to the glory of thy Master. The motto for this year must be, "Continue in prayer."

Come to the mercy seat of God with me this year. Let's see what the Lord will do when we resolve to seek Him each and every day!

I'm getting excited just thinking about it.

Prayer for me as I pray for you!

Psalm 94:19

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me,
Your consolations delight my soul.

New Year's Eve Prayer Box

2008-12-26T09:56:00.001-08:00

I really thought that this was a beautiful idea! I am going to try to implement this with my family this year.

Jill Novak has many wonderful ideas. You can check out here blog here. I am going to include here what she shares about the Prayer Box:

We have some fun traditions that we celebrate on New Year's Eve. We usually buy all kinds of finger foods and make a holiday smorgasbord like my mother prepared every Christmas Eve when I was a child. After we eat, we gather in the living room to act out a play. This is really fun because we run around the house looking for the right props and costumes that we need. All of this is done at the last minute, but the memories of our spontaneous plays are precious.

Later in the evening, we roll up the living room rug and haul out the old Magnavox record player (it’s the only thing that plays 78’s). We dance to all kinds of celebratory music: square dances, John Philip Sousa marches, the Best of Dixieland Band, the original Sons of the Pioneers, and whatever else tickles our fancy.

Finally around 11:00p.m., I bring out a special prayer box wrapped in gold paper and tied with a simple bow. We all settle down with pen and paper and write out our prayers for the following year. After we’re done writing, we place our prayers in the box, to be left unopened until the following New Year’s Eve. Then we read the prayers that we wrote on the previous New Year’s Eve. It’s a very moving time as we see how faithfully God has answered our requests. It's amazing to see His hand and how He fulfils the desires of our hearts. No, He doesn't answer every prayer in the way we think He will, but we have seen Him answer the majority of them in ways that are always better.

Every year we stand in awe of how the Lord has arranged circumstances or delivered somebody from a habit they were trying to break. It’s also interesting to see how we parents have to work with The Lord to make some of our children’s prayers come true (I know what Anna’s are because I write her prayers down).

If you're looking for a way to teach your children about the power of prayer, and a way to impress upon them how personal and loving their heavenly Father is, I encourage you to start the New Year’s Eve prayer box tradition. It really takes the burden off of having expectations and goals that we have to fulfill for the New Year and puts them in the heavenly court where God can work miracles. It just takes a little faith to wait on Him. But remember, the prayers cannot be read for a whole year… and you’re not allowed to peek!

Fixed That Link

2008-12-26T09:53:00.001-08:00

Sorry,
I think that I added a dead link to the last post, but it is fixed now! Enjoy!

2008-12-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

There's been a lot of talk lately about having a regular tea time each day. I can't quite handle that, but the idea does appeal to me since I am a "people person" and enjoy just visiting and sharing with friends and family.

Anyway, I found this wonderful post with an astounding number of ideas for a special "teatime" and thought that I ought to share it. You can find it here if you are interested!

Blessings,
Robin

Merry Christmas to Everyone!!

2008-12-24T07:09:00.001-08:00

I hope the Lord showers you all with the beautiful blessing of His presence because that is the best present of all!

Love, Robin

Tarragon Chicken & Thrifty Fun

2008-12-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a little recipe that I thought looked easy and yummy! Enjoy!

Tarragon Chicken

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
3/4 cup dry white wine or vermouth
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/2 tsp. salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
3/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

In a large skillet, melt butter in oil over medium high heat. Add chicken breast and cook; turning once, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes a side. Remove and set aside.

Add wine to the pan. Bring to a boil, scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan with a wooded spoon. Stir in mustard, tarragon, salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in cream and boil until mixture thickens slightly about 3 minutes.

Return chicken to skillet; turn in sauce to coat, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until chicken is tender. Remove chicken to a serving dish, and spoon sauce over all the chicken.

Source: A friend, Maureen

By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

I got it from a website called Thrifty Fun. Check it out for a million tips on saving money

If My Happiness Depends on the Conduct of Others, I Will Never Be Happy

2008-12-19T07:07:00.001-08:00

I guess my title really says it all, but my husband and I have been reflecting on this statement for quite a while now.

Needless to say, we are not there.

People will continue to behave in irritating, irrational, hurtful or just plain thoughtless ways.

When I become irritated, irrational, hurt or just plain astonished by this behavior what I am beginning to see is that the places in my heart that I thought had been transformed by the Holy Spirit are really just chinked and patched with self-righteousness.

So when those chinked and patched places have stress placed on them holes begin to appear and I am left bleeding and astounded and surprised...

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

"Whatever is lovely...think on these things."

"...sharing in His sufferings..."

How quickly I forget!

I am not a china doll to be wrapped in cotton batting and handled carefully.

I am an empty, cracked vessel to be used and spent by the Lord.

Please transform me, Lord, so that this bad patch job will truly be replaced with You.

Then it may hurt, (You were hurt), but joy will abound!

Once In a Lifetime Soup

2008-12-19T06:28:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,
Just thought I would share my idea for Once in a Lifetime Soup. I don't really enjoy a leftover day. It is more fun to use different bits from leftovers in the frig to make a creative soup that has no real recipe.

I usually start with some broth, add my leftovers (bits of meat, vegetables, rice or other grain, beans) and then add something fresh to the pot. Perhaps some fresh chopped spinach or frozen peas or corn. One of my husband's favorites is sweet potato!

Then comes the creative part! I add unusual, but handy spices to the mix. I have added cinnamon, cloves, curry, cayenne, ginger, creole seasoning, and even coconut!

When I serve this, I always tell my family that they are getting a "once in a lifetime" soup that can never be repeated. They love it! It has really made eating ordinary leftovers into an adventure.
Hope you can use this!

Blessings,
Robin

A Time to Die

2008-12-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

This was written by my wonderful, expressive, sixteen year old, Adam.

Chester went where all guinea pigs go, this afternoon.

He took his squeaks with him, too.

His perky ways and outspoken complaints used to fill the halls as we rushed to fulfill his desires. Soft brown fur accompanied his strong will. Able to endure the harshest rides in the car, able to look straight into the face of our dog, Millie, and still voice his opinions in a high-pitched manner, Chester exceeded all the small, furry creatures that ever dwelled with us (especially the rabbits).

He would squeak when he wished for water. I would take the bottle to fill it, and he would squeak louder, as if it were an emergency. I would clean his cage, letting him loose in the back yard, and as he tasted the sweetness of freedom, he would elude all captors by dashing into the thorny rose bushes, as we would helplessly give up the chase, not daring to fare the thorns.

He was prestigiously stout, ever eating. A sight for all to see— which proves that we will miss our little, brown friend. We loved our little Chester.

Vivé le la cobaye! (French)
Long live the guinea pig!

We really will miss you, Chester!

I Gave Myself

2008-12-18T06:58:00.000-08:00

It was Christmas, and the Liberian Christans had been asked this year, instead of receiving gifts, to help carry the gospel to others. As in many mission fields, they brought , not money, but produce. Presently, the great plates were piled high with offerings of rice, cocoa, bananas, palm nuts, pineapple, and cassava.

There was a moment's pause . . .

Slowly a twelve-year-old boy walked forward and solemnly placed his feet in one of the plates.

Afterward, when the missionary questioned him, the boy said, "We are very poor. I did not have anything else to give . . . so I gave myself."

This is from Ann Dunagan's blog.

I thought it was wonderful. Don't you want to be just like that little boy? I do, but I've got a long way to go...

Free Curriculum

2008-12-17T07:02:00.000-08:00

Another Merry CHRISTmas to you!

Do you want your children to be more Missions-Minded? I do!

This is a full year unit study for multiple ages written by a wonderful homeschool mom of seven, Ann Dunagan. When you see this, you will be sooooo excited!

On Giving

2008-12-17T06:09:00.000-08:00

You know, I was just reading a little article on giving.

The author wondered what it would be like to have enough money to give gifts to others and whether or not they would find themselves wanting a pat on the back for having done so.

Hmmmmmm

You know, we all have enough to give gifts to others.

They don't have to be physical gifts.

They can be gifts of time or actions or prayer.

Do we want a proverbial pat on the back for those? Do we have to tell everyone how we spend out time or what we did for someone or what we have been praying about?

If we have to have recognition for organizing the Christmas play or the Sunday School party don't we already know the answer to this question?

Giving a gift has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with the heart.

Help me, help us, Lord, to give like You!

How Inept Can I Get? or How Much Compassion Do I Give?

2008-12-17T05:48:00.001-08:00

I sent messages to a couple of people about how to improve my blog and to be honest, I can't even begin to understand what they are telling me!

I had no idea of my lack of knowledge!

How embarrassing!

Have I ranted enough?

You know, it makes me think of the Lord. And it makes me think of those without Christ...

How many times do I find myself in utter disbelief at the actions of the world? How many times have a shared a biblical principle with someone and been surprised at that "deer in the headlight" look?

How many times have I had that look?

Lord, forgive me when I forget that You have seen that look a thousand times on your disciples faces.

On my face...

From Strength to Strength

2008-12-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

Is the Lord's timing wonderful or what?

My fibromyalgia has been flaring up and making simple things hard and sometimes all I want to do is cry.

On Sunday, my email devotional by Charles Spurgeon was timely and incredibly true. I think I will just post his words for you.

“They go from strength to strength.”
Psalm 84:7

They go from strength to strength. There are various renderings of
these words, but all of them contain the idea of progress.

Our own good translation of the authorized version is enough for us
this morning. “They go from strength to strength.” That is, they grow
stronger and stronger. Usually, if we are walking, we go from
strength to weakness; we start fresh and in good order for our
journey, but by-and-by the road is rough, and the sun is hot, we sit
down by the wayside, and then again painfully pursue our weary way.
But the Christian pilgrim having obtained fresh supplies of grace, is
as vigorous after years of toilsome travel and struggle as when he
first set out. He may not be quite so elate and buoyant, nor perhaps
quite so hot and hasty in his zeal as he once was, but he is much
stronger in all that constitutes real power, and travels, if more
slowly, far more surely. Some gray-haired veterans have been as firm
in their grasp of truth, and as zealous in diffusing it, as they were
in their younger days; but, alas, it must be confessed it is often
otherwise, for the love of many waxes cold and iniquity abounds, but
this is their own sin and not the fault of the promise which still
holds good: “The youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men
shall utterly fall, but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew
their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall
run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Fretful
spirits sit down and trouble themselves about the future. “Alas!” say
they, “we go from affliction to affliction.” Very true, O thou of
little faith, but then thou goest from strength to strength also.
Thou shalt never find a bundle of affliction which has not bound up
in the midst of it sufficient grace. God will give the strength of
ripe manhood with the burden allotted to full-grown shoulders.

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."

Thank you Mister Spurgeon for speaking across many years to me for this moment in time.

Another Amazing Freebie!

2008-12-13T07:43:00.000-08:00

Check out this blog whether you homeschool or not. All these books are free to download. They are all in the public domain!

Merry Christmas!

First the Work, Then the Show

2008-12-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

"Let's watch a show, Mama."

"Let's unload the washing machine and get the dryer going, Lydia."

"Okay, first the work, then the show!"

"Yes, first the work, then the show!"

Wow, I just realized something. I want my life here on earth to be the "show". No, this life is about my transformation, my becoming more and more like Jesus everyday.

That takes work!

That is painful!

Oftentimes, I don't respond to the work of transformation as easily as Lydia responded to my command of working and then playing. As a matter of fact, I like the idea of heaven right now, here, on earth!

That isn't the way my Lord plans things. He is doing a work in me. One painful change after another, but...

then comes the show!

My Name is Cinderella

2008-12-09T05:25:00.000-08:00

She has dark hair, Cinderella is traditionally blonde.

She can't carry a tune. Cinderella sings like an angel.

She can't thread a needle. Cinderella can design her own ball gown.

She trips over glass slippers which are too big. Cinderella's slipper fits "just right".

But, when our beautiful, four-year-old, South Korean charmer was asked her name last night she replied confidently,

"Cinderella!"

She whirls around the house in a cloud of cheap netting and ascetate and anyone with vision can see that she is dancing at the ball, more beautiful than all.

Don't you want to be Cinderella?

Don't you want "Prince Charming" to tell you that you are the loveliest girl he's ever seen?

He will.

I can't wait for Lydia to know "Prince Charming", otherwise known as the Lord Jesus. It will be so exciting for her to know that he has been just waiting to put the glass slipper on her beautiful little foot and claim her as his bride.

Thank you Lord that no one, nothing can stop you. Not even the ugly stepmother can interfere with your plans for Lydia. I feel so grateful today for getting to play a small part in your wonderful purposes.

"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."

Jeremiah 29:11

Restoration House

2008-12-06T07:08:00.001-08:00

Town Mouse, Country Mouse

2008-12-06T07:02:00.000-08:00

I don't believe that I have shared here how my life goes each week. I'm not just the town mouse or just the country mouse. I am both. At the same the time.

Each week, my husband, three of my four children (one in college), our dog, our guinea pig and usually a guest travel from our town home to our "little house in the woods" in east Texas.

During half of the week, I keep up with our three parents who all have health issues, have church in our home, homeschool our children and assist two others who have just begun the homeschool journey (and it is a journey!) and have a wonderful cathartic healing lunch (counseling session lol) with my dear friend. Check out her blog here.

I then pack (as few belongings as possible) and travel with everyone to the prettiest little place in Texas. Of course, that's just my opinion!!!

What are we doing down there, you might ask?

Well, for the first couple of years, all we have done is build, build, build. We first built a little house that actually looks like a barn. Then my husband acquire some logs from a cabin built in the 1800s and we restored it and have created what we call Restoration House.

We hope that the Lord will use it to restore lives, to allow people to hear His voice, to "be still and know that He is God".

Sometimes, this town mouse/country mouse gets tired of living in two places, but for now I know that this is His will for us. I'm looking forward to see what He will do if only we are willing.

Let me know if restoration is what you are looking for...

Jan Brett

2008-12-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

I'm sure everyone out there knows about the wonderful work Jan Brett does writing children's books, but I wondered how many of you ladies know about her lovely and useful website?

Use this link to get a bundle of goodies for all kinds of things.

janbrett.com

You won't be sorry you did!

Here I Go...

2008-12-05T06:49:00.001-08:00

I am attempting to put an image in my blog. Sure enough, you say, that is nothing, but for me...

Wow! I actually did it! The sky's is limit...

Freebies

2008-12-05T05:56:00.000-08:00

Everyone seems to have a freebie on their website or blog these days. I love a freebie, don't you? Of course, I want to be thought of as a serious blogger...thought provoking, insightful, etc. BUT, things are getting ugly out there and I for one am looking for a bargain. Anyway, silliness aside, I thought that from time to time when I found something free, I would post it for whomever might like to peruse it.

Today, I found some free e-books on various topics from Creative Homemaker that you might enjoy!

http://www.creativehomemaking.com/

When you sign up for their newsletter they send you a page of free downloadable e-books. There are many articles that are free to read and even some to purchase, but I found many useful pieces of information.

Happy Bargain Hunting!

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins An Election

2008-11-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

1. The Bible will still have all the answers. 
2. Prayer will still work.
 3. The Holy Spirit will still move. 
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people. 
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
 6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
 7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people. 
8. There will still be room at the Cross. 
9. Jesus will still love you. 
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Isn't it great to know who is really in control?

I wish I could take credit for making this list, but unfortunately, I cannot even give credit where credit is due. If anyone reads this and knows who wrote it, let me know so that I can thank them.

I know that I am a little late to write about the recent election, but, perhaps, waiting is a good thing sometimes?

Thank you Lord, for reminding me that by You "all things are held together"!

A Different Christmas

2008-11-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

This year we will be doing things a little differently than usual. Our son will be getting married next June to a lovely girl whom we love very much. We all have so much family in the area that my husband thought it would be good to start a new Christmas tradition to help with the myriad places that they will have to visit next year.

We had our family Thanksgiving at our house on Tuesday evening and on Thursday with Bill's family and will have our Christmas with our children tomorrow!

It has been a little hectic getting presents early and preparing for two feasts, but all in all, I believe it is actually stripping away some of the burden of the season already. We have a little house out here in east Texas. I didn't drag all the boxes of decorations from the city house. I did bring a few Christmas movies and the fixing to make Chex Mix. ;)

It is so quiet out here. The rain is falling and the morning is so peaceful. I have all day to get ready for our celebration tomorrow.

Isn't it funny how we imagine that something is going to be so difficult and it turns into such a beautiful blessing? I don't believe I have ever felt rest coming over me the day before Christmas before.

It feels wonderful...

Isn't It Wonderful To Have Friends

2008-11-15T06:41:00.000-08:00

I am continually amazed at how the Lord puts people together and how He literally glues us to each other.

I cannot understand how He completely meshes me with someone and the passing of time has no bearing on the depth of that friendship.

My sweet sister in the Lord has just undergone a terrible trial with her dear husband. He was found to have a return of cancer. I had not heard from her for a very long time, but when she needed me, she did not hesitate to call. She was not worried that too much time had past or that it would be embarrassing to call just when she had a need. And, of course, it was as though I had just talked to her yesterday!

The story ends well. During exploratory surgery, the doctor was able to get the entire tumor. My friend's husband will not even need radiation!

The Lord is holding all things together! Call that friend you haven't shared with in a long time. It won't matter to her if much time has past. She will just be glad to hear your voice!

A Brand New Revelation

2008-11-14T17:27:00.000-08:00

Will I ever get it right? I had the most amazing revelation that, of course, I've always known. I know that sounds silly, but it's true.

I don't have to worry or concern myself with things that are not my concern. I was wondering why my husband was not letting me help him with some things that I really don't have enough information to help with and he was apologizing for not meeting my expectations and suddenly, I realized that he didn't need my help in that area.

Am I his helpmeet? Yes. Could I do as good a job in this particular area? Probably, but if I do my job, he can do his.

It may sound simplistic, but when I have meals prepared, keep the house in order, have the clothes clean and put away, he doesn't have to concern himself with those things and, in turn, he can take care of the things that are not immediately in my realm.

Yes, I have a realm. I am not the maid. I am the handmaiden. The handmaiden of my Lord, Jesus. He has taught me to be a servant. Does this mean that I haven't the ability to rule in the workaday world? No. I have many abilities: music, art, sewing, teaching, hospitality. But, Jesus was a servant and I want to be like Jesus.

I told you I had a revelation today and I did. To be honest, I am worn out today. I have been poured like a drink offering, but I feel content and confident that I have truly been in His will today. I hope that you have too!

Getting It Right

2008-10-14T03:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a long time now. Sharing ourselves is so revealing that I dread having anyone read about my failures, trials and ridiculous situations in which I find myself. If you were with me face to face, I wouldn't hesitate to 'tell all', but sometimes, in writing, it is so difficult to express my meaning. You can't see my eyes, hear my voice or read my body language and so I might be misunderstood or laughed at or ridiculed for the things shared.

Am I the only one who feels this way?

On a lighter note, my precious little daughter is finally beginning to express herself. She's beginning to tell everyone in the house what she wants or needs. Hmmmm, I am happy about her new vocabulary, aren't I?

It's funny how we think that we have arrived about certain issues. I sometimes am amazed at the confidence that many writers share about their parenting skills. Everyone seems to have the exact formula or method that will work for anyone if followed exactly as they 'lay it out'. I myself have been certain in the past that I knew precisely what was needed in someone elses' household. For instance, with Lydia being a 'late in life' addition to our home, I thought that my husband and I would just automatically avoid all the past pitfalls and arrogant mistakes we made when parenting our older three (there is a ten year space between our third and fourth). She is just 4 and I already have regrets. I am more relaxed this time. It is easier to see how unimportant some issues were that seemed paramount at the time, but I still can't get it 'right' yet.

When will I 'seek first His kingdom and His righteousness' so that all these things will be added unto me and mine? When will I begin to glorify Him and enjoy Him and be anxious for nothing. It is wonderful to know where to get all the 'right' answers. If I could only walk them out....

Something to Brag About

2008-05-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

Old topic, nothing new.

My oldest is graduating from high school this year. Oh dear, now all of you will know that I am not young and svelte! Anything, but! Nevertheless, my son is one of these rare, mature young men ready to race after life with both hands open. Completely fearless, he trusts that God will take care of all his needs. And of course, he is right.

Why then, do I feel afraid? Not that the Lord won't do what He has promised, but that it might not look like I want it to look. It might not be flashy enough for all the other parents who know us. It might even look pretty ordinary.

What is so wrong with a regular life? Why are we always wanting to create an allusion? If he wants to go to an ordinary college, take a wife and have children where is the crime?

He's an intelligent young man with all doors open, but he wants to lead a quiet life, work with his hands and give back to others. How do you brag about that?

You don't. That's the point.

I went to a graduation ceremony last night for some of his peers. Judging by what was said, all of the graduates have shining, pristine futures ahead of them. But one brave mother got up in front of the crowd and shared the truth about her son.

"He worked hard, but he struggled," she said. The road to graduation has been hard.

Not difficult. Hard.

Then she said something wonderful. "He takes me for ice cream, his treat!"

Now, that is something to brag about.

Of All the Things to Get Rid Of

2008-05-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

Wow! I went to a used book sale last night and found some of the most wonderful things. Of course, I am thrilled, but I began to look at the other side of the question. Why were these books discarded? Oh, I know, perhaps they came from estate sales or garage sales or perhaps the person has no need of this particular book any longer.

Really?

This book sale was comprised of relatively young people with children who had perhaps outgrown these books. Who am I to judge if someone wants to get rid of a piece of history or something that perhaps their own children might want to use with their future children? Yes, yes, we can't store everything, but...

Sometimes we forget in the moment that there will be more moments...future moments. I guess what I'm trying to say is that when we so easily discard those treasures from the past I believe we oftentimes discard our entire experience. Especially as women. We think that a chapter has closed on our lives and it has, but the things that we have learned, perhaps even from those no longer needed books will be needed. They are needed right now, by someone.

Even when we have finished that chapter or book in our lives we will still need to read and re-read it again. So will each generation following us.

Our Audacity

2008-05-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

It continually amazes me how we can so easily forget while blogging or speaking into cyberspace that real people, people who can be offended, hurt, confused or verbally maimed by our writing are online, reading our blog.

Flesh and blood people, people we know, those that we love and care deeply about are reading.

What is writing about? Is it to simply air our grievances, vent our rage, express our opinion or is it something more? Words can cut with the intention to heal or to hurt. Words can educate with the intent to lift up or to criticize.

I am not gifted at writing by any means, but I value writing because I am an avid reader. I read everything, yes, including that proverbial cereal box. I simply cannot help myself. However, as a reader, I know that I am seeking solace, not condemnation, education, not sarcasm about my obvious ignorance, and genuine sincerity that I can relate to, not hidden hypocrisy that makes me feel as though only the favored live Godly problem-free lives.

Let us be so careful when we put "pen to paper" so to speak. Frail people with real needs may be reading.

Just my thoughts.

He's Always On Time

2008-05-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

I am usually on time. I can get to an appointment without too much scramble, but I certainly have days when nothing goes right and I am frustrated or even embarrassed by my lateness or forgetfulness. I was so blown away by the Lord yesterday. Change is coming to our family. We are opening our home for church in April. This is exciting, but change can be scary to others. Perhaps they don't understand what you feel the Lord is calling you to or perhaps having a vision outside the box just doesn't compute. Perhaps you, too, have experienced this reaction when you began to tell people that you were going to homeschool. I know I did. Anyway, when the pressure is on, sometimes I second guess my decision and begin to wonder if I really heard from the Lord. Yesterday, I got a devotional from a newletter group that I subscribe to and was totally amazed. The jist of the devotion was that sometimes, even if we have heard rightly from God, it will be questioned, judged, and even condemned by others. God is still on the throne. He is still in control. He will never leave or forsake us. He wants our ultimate best. Reading that devotion was wonderful. He is always on time!

I'm So Thankful

2008-05-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

I know that everyone goes through times of testing, times of teaching, times of temptations. Why am I so surprised when they come to me? Perhaps in my secret heart of hearts I just don't expect to go through the things that everyone goes through. My life is so blessed (wonderful marriage, children trying to follow the Lord, God's financial provision, etc.) that sometimes it must seem to others that I live a charmed life. But, when the pain of fibromyalgia gets me down or my wonderful little girl struggles to communicate with others and I see the confusion on their faces, I realize that God is using dfferent things in each of our lives to shape us into His image, into the likeness of Christ and I am awed. Life is truly good. I am truly thankful.

When Everything Seems Too Hard

2008-05-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

My father-in-law died on December 28. We had no assurance of salvation. This has been so difficult for us, but even more difficult for our children. Someone said the most amazing thing to us:
God has him in His hands. God is completely fair.

She's right. God does all things well. He never gets it wrong.
We are thankful.

Just When You Think You Have That Conquered

2008-05-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

I lost my patience last night with my ds who struggles with an auditory and language processing issue. Worst of all, he was trying to read the Bible with me and understand truths that even many adults struggle with as well. I found myself just wanting the reading session to be over. I thought that I had finally reached a point where the Lord had given me the grace to deal with this. I suddenly realized that I was still far from the target. Oh, I kept my cool on the outside, but the sin is the same. How hurt he would have been if he could have seen my heart last night.
Oddly enough, he lost his patience with his three year old sister today. She was trying to do things for herself and had spilled milk and left the water nozzle on our water purifier running while attempting to get her own water. I found plenty of patience for her and was able to help him see that she was trying her best.
Perhaps the Lord was trying to help me see how infinitely patient He is with us all. We try our best, but sometimes we spill our milk, so to speak, and we just can't clean it up without help.

The Sandwich Generation

2008-05-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

I am beginning to realize truly what it means to be a part of the "sandwich generation". For those of you who have not heard of this before, it means that you are "sandwiched" between your aging parents and your children that are still at home. My husband and I are now beginning to watch our parents die while trying to nurture three teenagers and a three-year-old. I got a call from my mother sharing about my father's fragile heart and under-functioning remaining kidney and, of course, I am terribly saddened by this news. We live around the block, so to speak, from my parents, and minutes from my husband's. It has been so wonderful for our children to have their grandparents be able to participate in their schooling and in their growing up and that will soon come to an end. I suddenly realized that the baton is being passed. I will soon be responsible to nurture the next generation and that is a beautiful, yet frightening proposition. I am so grateful to the Lord. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I guess we are never really ready for that passing of the baton. I could never actively choose to grasp it in my hand and begin to run. Thank you, Lord, for making that kind of decision for me...

Has Anyone Seen My Purse?

2008-05-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am the proverbial loser of the purse, keys, important pieces of paper, even after having read countless books about organization and home management. But, wonder of wonders, my children and my wonderful husband, and most importantly, my Lord, all still love me. They even help me search for my purse! I love to make useful things that my family can use, but what I really enjoy is good conversation with my loved ones just sharing what the Lord says about us personally and about His incredible creation, man. I am especially excited to read what others are sharing, because that is how I learn best, by listening to wiser women than myself. It will be wonderful to get to know some of you through this fascinating journey called homeschooling. Thank you for sharing with me.