Weak Weary Mom

Don Miller's New Book

2009-08-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

A Million Miles In A Thousand Years by Donald Miller

Encouragement and Hope

2009-08-26T14:43:00.001-07:00

One phrase stood out to me today in these two verses:

May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself
and God our Father,
who has loved us and given us
eternal encouragement and good hope by grace,
encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

What an appropriate prayer for every person on my prayer list!

My Shield, My Refuge, My Secret Place

2009-08-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

I am praying through a prayer of St. Patrick, one phrase at a time, and today's phrase was “Christ as a shield, overshadow me.” This was just what I needed to pray today: I've been anxious and simply not peaceful for a few days.

Then I opened A Heart that Hopes in God by Catherine Martin and the next segment was "The Secret Place in the Trial." This reading brought me to Psalm 31:8, which told me that my heavenly Father won't hand me over to the enemy but He has set my feet in a "spacious place." I meditated on that for awhile and I could see that when anxiousness is a cage, the Lord has a far more spacious refuge for me. I looked up a suggested cross-reference and found Job 36:16: "Indeed He lured you from the jaws of distress to a spacious and unconfined place." I pictured worry as a dragon with jaws open to devour me, and the Lord as my Shining Knight rescuing me.
Another verse in the reading was Psalm 46:1, which reminded me of my refuge and strength, my "helper who is always found in times of trouble" and I realized that He is always found, but only if I look.

Catherine Martin quoted F.B. Meyer's description of the secret place as "the royal withdrawing room." Last week I watched a travel program where I saw the interior of a Georgian house in Dublin. The tour guide said that the term "Drawing Room" came from "Withdrawing Room," and it was the place where the family would withdraw after a meal. I thought of the spiritual nourishment the Lord gives me each day, and how He invites me to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of life to enjoy His presence.

Next I read a few pages of Ruth Myers' 31 Days of Prayer, where I found this beautiful prayer:

Strengthen and renew me through Your Word, keeping me from sin--
so that time after time I may know the refreshment that comes from Your presence.

Next my daily reading in Psalms brought me to Psalm 68. Verse 35 says
"God, You are awe-inspiring in Your sanctuaries.
The God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. May God be praised!"

In the sanctuary--the refuge, the secret place--I meet the awesome Lord, and He provides power and strength.

Lord, how I need Your shielding today--shielding from anxiousness and worry especially.
Forgive me Lord for sometimes looking at myself and my troubles instead of my refuge.
Lord, Your presence is my shield and my refuge today. As my kids get up from their naps and our household activities continue, keep me resting in Your secret place.

Five on a Friday

2009-07-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

First, one of my favorite book bloggers: Caty at Miscellaneous Mumblings gave me an award! Caty's favorite author (Georgette Heyer) is mine also, so I value her reviews. Caty gave me a Bookworm Award. I'm passing it on to Cabinet of Wonders and Deb on the Run.

Second, I'm excited to see a familiar potter at etsy: Klickitat Potters. I visited their shop last summer when we were on vacation in White Salmon, Washington, and I bought one of their pitchers. There's a lovely pair of goblets on etsy, as well as a green mug I'd like to add to my collection.

Third, I finished reading an interesting book this week: Facing East, by Frederica Matthews-Green. The author is married to an Orthodox priest. I know very little about Orthodox Christianity, and this was an informative book with flashes of humor.

Fourth, my husband and I discovered a delightful miniseries on DVD. Mapp & Lucia features Prunella Scales and Geraldine McEwan as two 1930s-era women each wishing to be the most prominent in the society of a small English village. If you like Wodehouse Playhouse, you'll enjoy these quiet comedies as well. There are two seasons. The acting is amusing, a little overdone in the manner of a live theater production.

And fifth, my husband cooked us a lovely morrocan dinner last night using this cookbook: Modern Moroccan. There's an apricot dessert--apricots stuffed with ground almonds and covered with puff pastry--that is fabulous for dessert as well as breakfast.

Healing Eczema

2009-06-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

My kids have all had eczema since shortly after they were born. We have found several things that make the eczema bearable, and one that makes it go away.

When my oldest was an infant, my nurse practitioner/pediatrician suggested that I limit my intake of milk and wheat as long as I was breastfeeding. This made a very big difference, and when Faith started eating solid foods we immediately noticed her eczema would get worse if she had milk or wheat. It has been the same for all my kids. (Yogurt and cheese do not bother them, but ice cream does.) I have also noticed it gets worse if they eat peanut butter. Though we can limit their intake of milk and wheat at home, it's difficult when visiting or attending any social functions, so after a snack at church or a visit to relatives, the kids will have a flare-up.

I quickly learned to avoid any soaps/shampoos/lotions/sunscreens/handsanitizers that contain sodium laureth sulfate--but I think all public restroom soaps have this ingredient. Their eczema also flares up if they sit in the grass outside or if they visit people in different parts of town, so it seems to be connected to dust or pollen.

To treat the outbreaks, I make a bath salt treatment. It is
5 drops calendula essential oil
2 drops tea tree oil (optional)
2 tablespoons jojoba oil (or almond)
1 pump natural soap (Jason's lavender satin shower is great)
1/2 cup epsom salts.

Mix all the ingredients together, then add to the bath after all the water is run. Soak for at least 25 minutes.

By the way, some doctors recommend that kids with eczema don't bathe often. I have found this advice to be completely wrong for my children--daily baths are best, and always long soaks in nice warm water. If you can find California Baby Lavender and Tea Tree Shampoo, it makes a great body wash. Vitacost no longer carries it, but I think Whole Foods does.

When the kids have an outbreak that seems to be due to playing in the grass or other outdoor allergens, a helpful over the counter oral medicine is Zyrtec, but it seems that if they take it too many days in a row they get nosebleeds. I try to limit its use to a week at a time, and only if necessary.

We have a cortizone cream with aloe in it that is helpful for really awful outbreaks, or if they just won't stop scratching long enough to heal up. The cortizone cream without aloe makes the children scream. I won't use cortizone constantly though. Melaleuca's Renew lotion is great for eczema, but my youngest daughter said it "stings" and she convinced the older children that it stings also (they'd used it every day since birth....and suddenly they wouldn't use it!).

At Christmas last year, the kids were eating more cookies than I usually let them have, but their skin actually improved! They were soaking in the tub every day, and they were drinking an ounce of Aloe Life Juice every day. I mixed it with apple juice at first, but then they decided they like it plain. I buy the cherry or papaya flavors.

Through the winter, the kids had occasional outbreaks, one especially bad after a playdate at a park across town. But in March a friend shared with me a smoothie recipe with omega oils, and after a week, the kids were healed. It's amazing! Their skin is smoother than it's ever been!

I bought the gummy bears with omega oils, but they were not effective. If the kids don't have the liquid oils, they start itching again. I add aloe to the smoothie most days (it's good for digestion) and I sneak in some celery--they can't taste it, but it adds another vegetable to their diet. The best news is that the kids LOVE to drink this and beg for it every day. I add protein powder, so this either accompanies their breakfast cheerios, or makes a great mid-morning snack.

Omega Oil Smoothie for Kids
(serves 3)
3 TBS Flax Oil
3 TBS Orange Flavor Cod Liver Oil
6 TBS Aloe Vera Juice
4-8 ounces water (or 1 cup kefir or yogurt)
1 banana
3 TBS Rice Protein powder
8 frozen strawberries (or some frozen peach slices, mangos, or blueberries)
20 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract (this is not for eczema, this is an immune booster)
1 or 2 stalks celery (in chunks)

Blend in a blender...till blended. The blender can't always cope with the frozen fruit and the celery all at once, but once the fruit and everything else is blended, I add the celery. Sometimes I add a shake of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey. If your kids are used to really sweet drinks like koolaid or soda pop, you may need to add honey or agave nectar.

Serve in a glass with a straw.

Friday Funny

2009-06-19T19:31:00.001-07:00

Ban the sock.

I agree.

Five on Friday, June 19

2009-06-19T14:43:00.001-07:00

Several years ago I read about half of Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way. Much of what I read was helpful, but I must have gotten distracted, because I never finished the book. I'm trying again, with the workbook.

I'm also reading Leslie Parrott's You Matter More than You Think. It's an interesting and personal look at how a woman's life experiences shape her to make a difference and be a mentor.

One of my favorite Etsy shops is Unravelling. Photographer Susannah Conway's artwork, especially the beach scenes, is refreshing in a simple yet elegant way. (Photo above is from Unravelling)

This week we are listening to a bit of baroque music in the afternoons. The kids all have quiet time, and the music is so soothing for them. It's ideal for me too, whether I grab a quick nap, or spend the afternoon writing and reading. Today the CD is Baroque for Bath Time, which is truly perfect bathtime music, but enjoyable at other times as well.

We did a lot of rearranging this week, both furniture and artwork. Now one of the first things I see every morning is my small print of "Fisherman's Cottage on the Cliffs at Varengeville", by Claude Monet. What a peaceful view every morning!

Five on Friday

2009-06-12T10:32:00.001-07:00

Today I'm joining Rhiannon over at Starry Blue Sky and posting my Five on Friday.

Moorefield Pottery at Etsy makes charming mini creamers--perfect for using as vases or individual syrup pitchers.

This week I'm wearing a new fragrance: Mary Kay Lotus and Bamboo. It's very light and summery, and in addition to the body spray there is a wonderful loofah scrub.

Another beauty find: OPI nail polish has a color in the "Brights" spectrum: On the Same Paige. It's a bright coral orange, just what I like for summer.

I just re-read The Saturdays, by Elizabeth Enright, and the sequels: The Four Story Mistake, Then There Were Five, and Spiderweb for Two. I loved this children's series when I was ten, and I still enjoy them. The children are fun and talented and real, and the author does not limit her vocabulary like the typical children's author of today. The stories are set in the eastern United States during World War II.

My husband and I are enjoying a Britcom from the 80s on DVD: Lovejoy. We find it far more fun than most of the current shows on American tv. The humor is quiet and the characters are a little quirky. Amazon says,

Ian McShane (Deadwood) stars as the irresistible rogue with a keen eye for
antiques, intrigue and beauty. Just call him Lovejoy. This antiques dealer and
part-time detective scours the murky salesrooms, auction halls and stately homes
of Britain, always on the lookout for a find or a quick buck. As if the antiques
business isn't exciting enough, Lovejoy has a particular weakness for a good sob
story or a pretty face, either of which is enough to send him off in pursuit of
villains and help victims recover their property. Whether it's a priceless old
master or a pretty young lady, his love of beauty is sure to land him in trouble
wherever he goes.

Three on Tuesday

2009-06-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Rhiannon at Starry Blue Sky posts "Five on Friday". I missed it last week, so here are "Three on Tuesday."

I bought some classy earrings from Jewelwing Creations at Etsy.com. This seller has lovely necklaces and bracelets too.

I discovered a new book blog that looks rather promising: Cabinet of Wonders.

I'm in the middle of an interesting book, The Open Door, by Frederica Matthewes-Green. It's a fascinating glimpse of Orthodox faith and an introduction to icons, with inspirational thoughts on various seasonal Orthodox feasts.

Adorning the Gospel: June 8, 09

2009-06-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down,
His disciples came to Him. Then He began to teach them,
saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are those who mourn,
because they will be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle,
because they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness,
because they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
because they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
because they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
because they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness,
because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you."(Matt 5:11-12)

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Those who know Your name trust in You because You have not abandoned those who seek You, Lord. (Psalm 9:9-10)
Happiness in the kingdom of God is achieved by such different attitudes and rules -- different from the world's How to Succeed Rules.

Adorning the Gospel, June 7 09

2009-06-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

Today's Gospel Reading:

Matthew 28:16-30 (CEV) Jesus' eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had told them to meet him. They saw him and worshiped him, but some of them doubted.
Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth!
Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.

Though Jesus was ending His time of being physically visible in the world, He promised "I will be with you always." In Hebrews 13:5 this promise is rephrased, and tied to a command: "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”(NKJV) I'm supposed to be content, because Jesus is with me. He is enough. As the old hymn "How Firm a Foundation" says, "What more can He say than to you He has said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?" He will never leave me. What else does He need to say? Nothing. His presence is enough.

"...that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything." Titus 2:10

Friday Funny

2009-06-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Two sites cracked me up today: The "Blog" of Unnecessary Quotation Marks and the sarcastic posters at despair.com.

Enjoy.

Book Review: Gone-Away Lake

2009-05-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

Gone-Away Lake
Author: Elizabeth Enright
Date of publication (year): 1957
Publisher: Sandpiper
ISBN: 0152022724
Number of Pages: 272
Where it can be purchased: Amazon
Illustrated? yes, beautifully detailed illustrations by Beth and Joe Krush
Genre of the book: Fiction
Rate your book: Highly Recommended
Appropriate Age group for this book: Amazon says 3rd to 6th grade. I discovered this book when I was 9 or 10, and I read it every year or two until I was about 20. I read it last week and I still love it.
Book Summary: (from Amazon)

Grade 3-6-Elizabeth Enright's 1957 Newbery Honor book (Harcourt, pap. 1990) will
continue to entertain and enlighten today's children in this audiobook format
just as the print version has for generations. A brief opening train ride (one
of the only somewhat dated segments in the book) introduces listeners to Portia
and Foster, siblings on their way to spend a summer in the country with their
cousin Julian and his parents. But from that point on, the magic of discovering
a small summer community, derelict for decades as its lake slowly dried, is just
as enchanting today as it was nearly 50 years ago. Even Foster's play at robots
and space stations contributes a contemporary feel to the story's details. The
story is beautifully written with fairly sophisticated language... The unfolding
tale of the once-upon-a-time summer colony at the turn of the 20th century is
wonderful...This story of a summer of discovery and adventure would be an
outstanding choice for elementary school youngsters with a good reading and
vocabulary skills. (sections of review relating to audio version deleted)

Opinion of the Book:
This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid. It still is. As a kid, I loved the idea of finding an almost abandoned Edwardian era village. As a parent, I appreciate the way the different generations of people interact with no angst or barrier or criticism. The people are real, the kids are intelligent and well-behaved (but not ridiculously so), and though the book is not full of hair-raising adventures, it is a cozy happy read that just makes me want to step into the story. I am happy to report that my seven year old is listening to this book on CD and loving it.
Gone-Away Lake is followed by Return to Gone-Away, which is just as much fun. Extremely conservative parents will be concerned by one scene in Return to Gone-Away when the girls read a fortune-telling magazine, but hang on, conservative parents, because the girls find out its advice is rather inaccurate.

Elizabeth Enright wrote several other children's books, and after re-reading these two, I think I'll seek out the others at our library. Stay tuned for more reviews.

The audio CDs are available on itunes.

Fat Burnin' Friday: a bit of success

2009-04-03T10:06:00.001-07:00

I've been walking at least four miles every day this week. On Wednesday I walked twelve miles, and yesterday ten! I found a new travel series to watch while I'm walking indoors: Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown. Fascinating travel trivia: Finland hosts a wife-carrying contest every year. Cornish pasties were invented by Welsh tin miners, whose hands would be contaminated by toxic tin. They'd hold on to the thick crust while eating the pastie, then throw the crust away.

I'm finally eating less. A move may be in our future and I am determined to arrive in a new area as a THIN person. Since Sunday I've been limiting my daily calories to 1200. So far I've lost three pounds. Twenty-five to go.

Fat Burnin' Friday is hosted here.

Finer Things Friday: Irish Cologne

2009-04-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

Almost two years ago my husband and I spent our tenth anniversary on the island of Innisheer, just off the coast of Ireland. We wandered through an old cemetery, rode bicycles all over the island, explored an ancient castle, and ate porter cake in a tearoom. One cozy little shop we visited had Inis cologne. I'd seen this advertised but had never smelled it, so I asked if I could. Its fragrance seemed to capture the essence of the island, from the rocky hillside to the ocean breeze to the Gaelic music. But it cost a little more than I wanted to spend at that moment...I was planning to buy a celtic knot bracelet later that day.

I still meditate on the events of that perfect day when I need a peaceful moment. I long to return to Innisheer and the other sites we visited. So when QVC had their St. Patrick's Day special and they had a great price on Inis, I ordered some.

It arrived last week. I think I shall refer to this as my signature fragrance. It truly is one of the finer things in life.

Finer Things Friday is hosted here.

"Jesus said yes"

2009-03-31T14:49:00.000-07:00

Today I went to a nursing home with some ladies from my Bible study group. Two of us took our children with us. We took doughnuts and business cards from church. I didn't really want to go, as I feel a little emotionally fragile sometimes after the loss of my Dad and my Grandma last year. I've never had any emotional baggage about visiting nursing homes, but suddenly this year it seemed difficult. However, the lady who arranged our little field trip lost her dad (who had been living in this nursing home) last week. So...I couldn't really wimp out when she was being so strong.

We learned from the nurses which patients were allowed to eat doughnuts, and we went room to room, just saying hello. In one of the last rooms we met a blind man. He didn't seem to be familiar with the word "doughnut" but he told us he had been praying for a "man of God" to visit him. He felt that we, five ladies with six children, were an answer to his prayer. He told us that he prayed for each staff member of the nursing home ("from the general manager to the housekeepers") and then he said "last week they put my wife in a grave." One lady stayed and prayed with him while the rest of us moved on.

On the way home, I talked with my kids about this man, because I didn't know if they had realized that he was blind, and I knew that my 7 year old had been a little worried about "the sad man". My 4 year old said, "That man prayed and Jesus said "yes!" to his prayer and He sent us! He was so sad and now he is happy." Of course at 4 she doesn't understand the sorrow of losing a spouse, but she does understand that Jesus answers prayer, and she felt that she was part of that answer. She felt that Jesus used her today.

The kids knew that they were going to "give gifts" (doughnuts) to the residents today. We didn't know that we would receive the gift of being used by Jesus.

Finer Things Friday: My Style Notebook

2009-03-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

I've subscribed to InStyle magazine for years because I have a great fear of turning into the stereotypical unstylish homeschool mom. I know there are some stylin' homeschool ladies out there, but the denim jumper and the sandals with socks are burned into my memory as the uniform of the homeschool moms I used to know. I am determined not to lose touch with the fashion world.

Usually my InStyle magazines are stacked under my bed until I notice that there are ten or twelve of them, and I throw away all but the last two. This week, however, I noticed something else under my bed: my Style notebook. Several years ago when I was hoping to lose the baby weight quickly, I cut out all my favorite stylish pictures and put them in a notebook. I didn't lose weight quickly, but I did have a clearly planned wardrobe that year.

Yesterday I browsed the last three months of InStyle, the Penney's catalog, and the Coldwater Creek catalog (CWC, incidently, seemed to be aimed at grandmothers this month. Nothing for my Style book there.) I cut out pictures and glued them on green paper, and hole punched it for my notebook. I ended up with about nine pages of my favorite fashions--not the Oscar gowns, not the little black dresses, but clothes I would actually wear if I found them at affordable prices. i sorted them into church & dinner out clothes, everyday clothes, and makeup ideas.

This really makes me want to stick with my exercise routine (see Fat Burnin' Friday post) so that I can do a little shopping!

After months of blogging sporadically, I discovered and joined two memes today! I see more blogging in my future....

Finer Things Friday is hosted here.

Fat Burnin' Friday - walking indoors

2009-03-27T09:17:00.001-07:00

Last spring I lost about seven pounds one month. My exercise routine was very simple: just put on my pedometer and my ipod, and run/walk/jog in the house. This allowed me to work out in a way that didn't hurt my back, and didn't require time out of the house. I walked between three and seven miles a day, probably five days a week.

We went on a 5 week vacation last summer and I lost my exercise routine. Life and grief and boredom got in the way of restarting the routine. The familar landscape of my own walls or even the view out the window just didn't inspire me to walk.

A month or so ago, I found a way to make this fun again. Our library has quite a few travel dvds, and I can request them online and pick them up when they arrive at the nearest library branch. Most of them are divided into 25 minute segments. I pace myself, trying to reach .4 miles with each 5 minutes, thus reaching 2 miles with each segment.

My favorite travel hosts are Rick Steves, Rudy Maxa, and Globe Trekker. So far I've walked "through" Ireland, Scotland, England, Belgium, France and Italy. Last night my children were watching with me, fascinated by the huge wheels of cheese in Parma, Italy.

My husband works all day and comes home with stories of his experiences away from the house. Now I have interesting foreign facts to share: Sicilians eat ice cream for breakfast, Belgians buy fresh chocolate daily like French people buy baguettes, and Scottish postmen let travellers ride along with them because there isn't a good bus system in the remote areas.

Fat Burnin' Friday is hosted by mommysnacks.net

Tuesday, March 23 Prayer Collage

2009-03-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

Teach me to talk with You intimately.
--Prayer Journey with the Apostle Paul, by Michael Green p. 16

Help us...today, to give our dreams and hopes and hurts to You.
Restore in us a clean heart, we beseech You, oh Lord.
--Challenges of the Narrow Way, by Bridget Plass, p. 117

Vision-giving God, You who are all-glorious,
thank You that You choose to visit us in our ordinary lives,
sometimes granting us glimpses of heaven.
Help me to be more and more open to Your visits by day or by night,
and when I see, help me, like Ezekiel,
to respond with love and obedience.
--Rainbow of Renewal, by Michael Mitton, p. 139

I miss blogging

2009-03-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

I started blogging just over a year ago. I was in a high stress period of life, which led to a grieving period. My blog was my outlet, my place to yell about the stress or chatter about something completely unrelated to it. Now the stress and the grieving have levelled off, and I'm just....tired. And forgetful. I think about my blog, and I wonder if I actually have something meaningful to say. I think of some silly chatter to blog while I'm doing dishes, but I forget it by the time I turn on my laptop.

I miss my little blogging outlet. Perhaps I can come back this afternoon.

St Patrick's Breastplate--a modern version

2009-03-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

From an album by Stefan Van Voorst, available at cdbaby or itunes.com. The words are modernised without losing the beauty of the prayer. The tune is catchy and upbeat but still prayerful.

Christ with me
Before me
Behind me
Within me
Above me
Beneath me
Around me
Throughout me
On my right and left
In length, and height, and breadth
With You I will not fear
Whether far or whether near

I arise today
Through a mighty strength
Following the One who showed the way
I’m alive today
Through Christ my strength
I’m following the One who showed the way
Uphold me and guide me
Look before me
Speak for me
Protect me and guard me
Watch o’er me
Come save me

In the heart of the ones who think of me
In the mouth of the ones who speak of me
Every eye that sees
Every ear that hears
Christ be...

Red Envelopes & Tea Bags

2009-03-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

Last week I received an e-mail urging me to send an empty red envelope to the White House on a specified date as an anti-abortion message to the President. Today another e-mail recommended that we all mail tea-bags to Obama. I am wondering if I can save postage and put the teabag in the red envelope.

Seriously, though, what do the people behind these e-mails think they will accomplish with these wordless messages? It's certainly an easy way to feel that one has accomplished something, but it requires so little effort, and sends a rather uncertain message.

To be honest, I haven't sent any messages to Washington lately. But I am unconvinced that these teabags and envelopes will accomplish anything or even articulate their sender's desires for our country.

Gifts from God

2009-03-06T15:11:00.000-08:00

What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" (Luke 11:11-13)

Did you ever notice that Jesus didn't say that fathers always give their children fish when they ask for fish?

Sometimes when my children ask for Captain Crunch cereal mid-afternoon, I think about the cheerios they had at breakfast, the sandwich they had at lunch, and the popcorn they had for a snack--and I give them an apple instead of yet another starchy food.

God gives good gifts--they just aren't always what we were expecting.

Bible Study Magazine Giveaway

2009-02-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

Bible Study Magazine and Mars Hill are giving away 20 copies of Mark Driscoll’s new book, Vintage Church. Not only that, but they are also giving away five subscriptions to Bible Study Magazine and a copy of their Bible Study Library software! Enter to win on the Bible Study Magazine Mark Driscoll page, then take a look at all the cool tools they have to take your Bible study to the next level!

Friday Collage of Readings: February 20

2009-02-20T14:54:00.000-08:00

Praise our God, you peoples;
let the sound of His praise be heard. (Psalm 66:8)

Happy are the people whose strength is in You,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5)

The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
the plans of His heart from generation to generation. (Psalm 33:11)

...If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. (Mark 8:34)

Your plans are better than mine, Lord,
and today I choose to trust You.
You are my strength, my joy, my wisdom.

Collage of Readings, Thursday February 19

2009-02-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father,
You have brought me in safety to this new day:
Preserve me with Your mighty power,
that I might not fall into sin,
nor be overcome by adversity;
and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of Your purpose;
through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, quoted in Divine Hours)
God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my life. (Psalm 54:4)
He brought them out of darkness and gloom and broke their chains apart. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and His wonderful works for the human race. (Psalm 107:14-15)
Let whoever is wise pay attention to these things and consider the Lord's acts of faithful love. (Psalm 107:43)
Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men. (Colossians 3:23)
...Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it. (Colossians 4:17)

Heavenly Father,
Preserve me
Lift me from gloom
Direct me to fulfill my ministry enthusiastically
ministry to my husband
my children
my friends
Sustain me

I will consider Your acts of faithful love
I will pay attention to Your word
I will follow You
with Your help
Amen

Wednesday Readings Collage

2009-02-04T15:52:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning a new format for my not-quite-daily meditation post. Rather than limiting my comments or quotations to the readings from today's lectionary, I'll also include verses from The Divine Hours and any other Scripture/inspirational reading I'm doing on a particular day. I'm often surprised by connections or similar subjects in the different books I just happen to pick up on the same day.

My soul, praise the Lord, and do not forget all His benefits. (Psalm 103:2)

All You have made will praise You, Lord... (Psalm 135:10)

You have caused me to experience
many troubles and misfortunes,
but You will revive me again.
You will bring me up again,
even from the depths of the earth.
You will increase my honor
and comfort me once again. (Psalm 71:20-21)

[The discipline of God] yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet... (Hebrews 12:11-12)

Strengthen the weak hands,
steady the shanking knees!
Say to the faint-hearted:
"Be strong; do not fear!
Here is your God... (Isaiah 35:4)

Be my strength and confidence today, Lord.
I ask for renewal and peace.
Remind me of Your benefits--
Your touch on my life.

January Book Reviews

2009-02-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

Take This Bread, by Sara Miles. Not for the ultra-conservative, this book is written in a style similar to Ann Lamott's. It's a thought-provoking biography of a left-wing lesbian's conversion to Christianity. I told my husband that this lady got saved and immediately wanted to do what Jesus did, while some of us are just sitting around talking about what Paul said.

Things Seen and Unseen, by Nora Gallagher. I found this glimpse of a year in an Episcopal church interesting.

Please Pass the Guilt, by Rex Stout. Intriguing and enjoyable---I expect nothing else from Nero Wolfe.

The Young Mrs. Savage, by D. E. Stevenson. A widow takes a seaside vacation with her four children in post-war Scotland. These books always leave me craving scones and hearty breakfasts.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, by Winnifred Watson. This is another book I can't recommend to my conservative friends, but I found it rather funny. A very proper middle-aged spinster in the twenties finds a new life as a social secretary to an actress.

Blind Spots in the Bible, by Adrian Plass. As always, Adrian Plass is encouraging, comforting, humorous, and thought-provoking.

Frederica, by Georgette Heyer. My favorite escape reading. Headache? Read Heyer. Stressed? Read Heyer. Grieving? Read Heyer. Overwhelmed? Read Heyer. I think I read every Heyer I own in 2008, some of them twice.

Etsy Finds

2009-01-31T18:07:00.000-08:00

Just as I was cutting down on my ebay shopping, I discovered a new place to spend money. Etsy is an online market place for handmade objects. A few of my favorite finds are

European polaroid artwork from StarryBlueSky,

handmade pottery from Sunrise Mountain,

journals from GraphicWorks and MayDayStudio,

purses from MeanBean Bags,

a lily-of-the-valley necklace from Roundabout,

and a leather cuff for my husband from ArtisanGraham.

Thursday: Third Week in Ordinary Time

2009-01-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

Today's Readings: Hebrews 10:19-25, Psalm 24:1-6, Mark 4:21-25

Highlights:
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in His holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure hears,
who has not set his mind on what is false,
and who has not sworn deceitfully. (Psa. 24:3-4)

...We have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus. (Heb. 10:19)

...Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn't it to be put on a lampstand? (Mark 4:21)

Lord God, I approach You not because of any merit of my own, but only through the blood of Your Son. Remind me that I am welcome to come, with no need for timidity. Give me boldness to shine Your light to the world around me.

Wednesday: Third Week in Ordinary Time

2009-01-28T14:26:00.000-08:00

Today's Readings: Heb. 10:11-17, Psalm 110:1-4, Mark 4:1-20

Highlights:

For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. For after He had said: "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws on their hearts, and I will write them on their minds," He adds: "I will never again remember their sins and their lawless acts." (Heb. 10:14-17)

"Listen! Consider the sower who went out to sow..." (Mark 4:3)

Lord, thank You for the reminders of Your sacrifice in the readings this week. Thank You for Your forgiveness when the "soil" of my heart is not as responsive to Your plantings as it should be.

Precious New Birth

2009-01-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

I've been reading about St. Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, and thinking about conversions in general. Some people (like Paul) met God in such a spectacular way, and others (like me) met Him in rather ordinary circumstances. I wondered why we don't all get the bright light and the voice from the sky.

Today I was talking to a pregnant mom, and of course the conversation turned to birth, and I shared with her a few details about one of my children's births. On the way home I thought about how precious birth stories are to women--whether the story includes a dramatic intervention at a hospital or woman's own quiet bedroom. The moment your child enters the world is unforgettable.

The Lord must see it that way too. Whether we are "born again" with bright lights or a whispered prayer, He loves and treasures each of us. Perhaps our earthly definition of "dramatic" is different from His.

Psalm 116:15 tells us that the death of a saint is "precious in the sight of the Lord". I'm guessing the new birth of a saint is just as special to Him.

Tuesday: Third Week in Ordinary Time

2009-01-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

Readings: Hebrews 10:1-10, Psalm 40:2-11, Mark 3:31-35

Highlights:
Then He says, "Behold, I come to do your will." He takes away the first to establish the second. By this “will,” we have been consecrated through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:9-10)

Your justice I kept not hid within my heart; Your faithfulness and Your salvation I have spoken of;I have made no secret of Your kindness and Your truth in the vast assembly.

“Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35)

Jesus, my Savior, I praise You that You offered Yourself for me...You adopted me into Your family! Enable me to proclaim Your kindness and Your truth.

Finding Today's Readings

2009-01-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

I use this link:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/

You can read today's Gospel reading at sacredspace.ie, along with prayer suggestions.

Read about today's saint here: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture//liturgicalyear/calendar/year.cfm?y=2008&m=5

The Daily Office is here: http://www.universalis.com/Europe.Ireland/0/readings.htm, with prayers and a longer list of daily readings. I read the Irish schedule, but there are many oter schedules available.

If you follow a liturgical reading plan online, please leave me a comment with a link to your reading schedule.

Saturday: Second Week in Ordinary Time

2009-01-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

Today's Readings: Heb 9:2-14, Psalms 47:2-9, Mark 3:20-21, or John 15:9-17

Highlights:

...the blood of the Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God... (Hebrews 9:14)

As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. (John 15:9)
You are my friends if you do what I command you. (John 15:14)

For the Lord Most High is awe-inspiring, a great King over all the earth. (Psa. 47:2)

Lord, You are awe-inspiring. You, the great King, offered Yourself as a sacrifice and in Your great love You speak of me as Your friend.

Friday: Second Week in Ordinary Time

2009-01-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

Readings: Hebrews 8:6-13, Psalms 85:8-14, Mark 3:13-19

Highlights:

..He is the mediator of a better covenant... (Heb. 8:6)

For I will be merciful to their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins.
(Heb. 8:12)

I will listen to what God will say;
surely the Lord will declare peace to His people, His godly ones,
and not let them go back to foolish ways.
His salvation is very near those who fear Him,
so that glory may dwell in our land. (Psa. 85:8-9)

He went up the mountain and summoned those He wanted, and they came to Him. (Mark 3:13)

Gracious forgiving Lord, help me to discern Your voice and to obey Your summons.

Thursday: Second Week in Ordinary Time

2009-01-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Readings: Heb. 7:25-8:6; Psa. 40:7-17; Mark 3:7-12

Highlights:

Therefore He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. (Heb. 7:25)

The great multitude came to him because they heard about everything He was doing. (Mark 3:8)

I delight to do Your will, my God; Your instruction resides within me.
I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly... (Psa. 40:8-9)

Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let those who love Your salvation continually say, "The Lord is great!" (Psa. 40:16)

You, Lord, are able to save. With gratitude I delight to do Your will, proclaiming Your word and Your works.

Wednesday: Second Week in Ordinary Time

2009-01-21T15:24:00.000-08:00

Readings: Heb. 7:1-3, 15-17; Psa. 110:1-4; Mark 3:1-6

Highlights:
...[Melchizedek's] name means "king of righteousness,"
then also, "king of Salem," meaning "king of peace";
without father, mother, or genealogy,
having neither beginning of days nor end of life,
but resembling the Son of God—
remains a priest forever. (Heb. 7:2-3)

Another priest like Melchizedek arises, who doesn't become a [priest] based on a legal command concerning physical descent but based on the power of an indestructible life. (Heb. 7:15-16)

The LORD will extend Your mighty scepter from Zion. Rule over Your surrounding enemies. (Psa. 110:2)

Now He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a paralyze hand. In order to accuse Him, they were watching Him closely to see whether He would heal him on the Sabbath. He told the man with the paralyzed hand, "Stand before us." Then He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent. After looking around at them with anger and sorrow at the hardness of their hearts, He told the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. (Mark 3:1-5)

I praise You, Lord Jesus, King and Priest of indestructible life! You reign is constant and unchanging. Keep my heart soft and teachable.

Tuesday: Second Week in Ordinary Time

2009-01-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

Readings: Heb 6:10-20; Psa 111:1-10; Mark 2:23-38

Highlights:

Brothers and sisters:
God is not unjust so as to overlook your work
and the love you have demonstrated for His name...

...so that by two immutable things,
in which it was impossible for God to lie,
we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged
to hold fast to the hope that lies before us.
This we have as an anchor of the soul...

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.

He has won renown for his wondrous deeds;
gracious and merciful is the LORD.
He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will forever be mindful of his covenant.

He has sent deliverance to His people;
He has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is His name.
His praise endures forever.

...Then He said to them,
“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.
That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

The law had served its purpose and now the Lord was ushering in a new era, a new covenant.
He “sent deliverance to his people” and in gratitude we serve, not to follow a long list of laws, but to show him our love. He will not “overlook” our service to him, but will reward us for holding fast to him—our hope, our anchor.

In our era of change and uncertainty, it is reassuring to remember that the Lord will forever be mindful of His covenant.

2009-01-19T15:37:00.000-08:00

Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Heb 5:1-10; Mark 2:18-22; Psa. 110:3-4

Highlights:

...In the same way,
it was not Christ who glorified Himself in becoming high priest,
but rather the One who said to him:
You are my Son:
this day I have begotten you;

...He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand
till I make your enemies your footstool.”
The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion:
“Rule in the midst of your enemies.”...

Jesus answered them,
“Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?
As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.
But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,
and then they will fast on that day.
No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak.
If he does, its fullness pulls away,
the new from the old, and the tear gets worse.
Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.
Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins,
and both the wine and the skins are ruined.
Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”

Together these readings tell me that God has brought us something new. A new High Priest—a priest forever!--a Bridegroom, and new life. Lord, keep me focused on You, not wrapping my new life in the trappings of the old.

Advent Reading

2008-11-30T19:52:00.000-08:00

In the fall I started reading The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Winter, by Phyllis Tickle. This book lays out an ancient pattern of prayer in an easy format. It has been beneficial to me, and I plan to read the Spring and Summer books too.

For the Advent Season I am adding several books to my devotional time:
Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas (collection of readings by a wide variety of inspirational authors)

A Handful of Light, by Michael Mitton (this year's Advent devotional from the Bible Reading Fellowship)

Sacred Space: The Prayerbook 2009 (the print version of an Irish online prayer guide: sacredspace.ie )

And as usual, I'm reading the book of Psalms.

Ten O'Clock Scholar offers suggestions for Family Advent Reading, as well as an Advent Mr. Linky, here.

Sweet Mustard Mango Chicken

2008-11-25T17:19:00.001-08:00

2 tbsp agave nectar (or honey)
2 tbsp mustard (I used dijon, stoneground would be better)
2 tbsp mango & sweet chili dressing

Mix these ingredients in a big ziploc bag.
Add two chicken breasts.
Shake.
Squeeze.
Squish.

Remove chicken from ziploc, place in a baking dish. Bake at 375 for 25 - 30 min.

If you make this with a different flavor dressing, let me know! I'd love to read fun variations.

soup for a sick day

2008-11-24T18:58:00.001-08:00

I really wanted homemade soup today but I was extremely tired due to losing an hour of sleep cleaning up Rose's bed after she threw up at 2 a.m. I didn't feel very good myself this morning, so when lunchtime I didn't have a lot of energy for food preparation.

I've been buying Imagine organic vegetable broth at Fresh and Easy, so I thought I'd try a simple veggie soup. I diced one celery stalk, one red potato, and 3 cloves of garlic. I browned them just a little bit in olive oil, then added vegetable broth to more than cover the veggies. I also added two dried mushrooms, chopped in big chunks. After this came to a boil, I let it reduce while I thought about lunch for the kids. By the time the potato was cooked, the broth had reduced to a very tasty soup. I added a few spices--garam masala and tumeric and salt.

vomit and Kmart

2008-11-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my four year old Rose said her tummy hurt but she was running around, eating normally, and I began to think "my tummy hurts" was an attention getting device. So we planned to go to church as usual, and we stopped at KMart on the way. Suddenly in the check out line she said "Oh, I just want to sit down! My tummy HURTS! I'm going to throw up!" And she did, all over the end of the checkstand. The cashier stared at us. I asked for paper towels but he did not respond. Another customer brought me two paper towels. Still the cashier just stood there. And he asked "Is she sick or something?" (What should I have said? "No, she's allergic to unhelpful cashiers"?)

Two paper towels were not enough to wipe off Rose's church dress, and I tried to use plastic bags to clean up both my daughter and the checkstand. The cashier rang up the next customer and said "Don't worry, I won't get your stuff in THAT," glancing at the vomit and glaring at me.

I realize it's not a fun experience to have vomit on your checkstand, but I've worked retail. It's part of life. The stores I worked in had maintenace employees or courtesy clerks who had to come running with paper towels and cleaning products to take care of this sort of thing. I used to be one of those courtesy clerks. Glaring at customers was not part of the cleanup process.

dinner out

2008-11-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

Last night my husband and I went to a restaurant that we can't afford very often. It is an environment where we always feel special, and the tone of the restaurant has always been pleasant and cultured. Last night the food was fabulous as always, but at the next table were five very loud uncultured men. One especially annoying man kept boasting about business deals and from the way they were ordering drinks and multiple appetizers, he was planning on spending quite a lot that night. He also admired a woman he could see sitting at the bar. He asked the waiter to find out what the woman was drinking, order another drink, and tell her it was waiting for her...at his table! After several messages sent via the waiter, it seemed the woman was a sensible intelligent person who was going to stay far away from the raucous individuals at the next table, but eventually she walked past on her way to the restroom, then came back and sat at their table! Four of the men suddenly had to go have a smoke, leaving the boasting millionaire alone with the woman who I was no longer considering an intelligent sensible person.

My husband and I tried to consider the next table as a vaguely amusing glimpse of an unfamiliar culture, but it was annoying to have this going on during what we'd thought would be a quiet dinner. We did overhear a waiter asking them to tone it down a little for the sake of the other patrons. We didn't complain, it didn't seem very couth to pick up our plates and move across the restaurant in the middle of dinner, so we stayed put.

But when our bill arrived... it was brought by the manager rather than the waiter, and he said, "we're going to take care of your check tonight. We apologize for the next table--they get a little out of hand sometimes, and it may have detracted from your dining experience." The bill folder was empty. He also gave us his business card and asked us to call if we had any concerns.

Wow. If we hadn't already been very loyal fans of this restaurant, we would be now!

are your kids learning phonics?

2008-11-19T11:56:00.000-08:00

Check out the great sale on phonics magnets at eagermind.com !

"I'm a Christian"

2008-11-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

I found this here, and I thought it was worth sharing:

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved

Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

Pumpkin Soup

2008-11-11T10:33:00.001-08:00

1 can pumpkin (29 oz.)
4 cups veg. broth
2 cups apple juice
1 Tbs candied ginger (or one inch fresh ginger and a teaspoon sugar)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp tumeric
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp garam masala
several sprigs fresh sage, chopped

Put all the above ingredients in crock pot and turn it to high.

1 white onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, diced
2 cups raw butternut squash, diced
4 cloves garlic, sliced

Saute the above four ingredients in olive oil til the edges are just beginning to brown. Deglaze pan with white wine if desired. Place veggies and any liquids from the pan in the slow cooker.

Cook for four or five hours on high (or eight hours on low).

Serve with cream, parmesan, and pumpkin seeds to add to individual bowls.

Garam Masala is available from Penzey's Spices.

REMEMBER: thoughts on the Lord's Supper

2008-11-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

Our five senses bring memories to mind.
Seeing my four year old sleeping reminds me of her baby days.
When I hear the theme song of my favorite British sitcom, I think of our Saturday night after-church ritual--a late dinner and PBS.
Smelling sage and cornbread recalls my husband cooking Thanksgiving dinner in all the different homes we've lived.
When my feet feel chilly that first cold desert day in late fall, I remember slipping out of dress shoes and nylons and into socks and slippers on cold Northwest Sundays.
Tasting lemon marmalade reminds me of the hearty breakfasts we ate in Ireland.

God created us, gave us our five senses, and He knew the power of the memories they carry. When Jesus left His disciples to return to His Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to be our invisible guide and companion. But He also gave us a visible, audible, fragrant, touchable, edible reminder of His sacrifice and His presence with us. (If you've ever taken communion in a quiet church that serves crunchy crackers for the bread, you know how audible this symbol is.) As we partake of the bread and the cup, we engage all of our senses, calling to mind Jesus' sacrifice.

The two elements of a remembrance supper take only a little preparation, but we do take a deliberate action. Whether we make the effort to attend a service at church or to gather in a home, it's a choice we make to remember our Savior.

God made a choice to remember us:
The writer of Psalm 8 marveled at this:
When I observe Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which You set in place,
what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him? (Psalm 8:3-5)

God also made a choice to not remember something:
For I will be merciful to their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins. (Hebrews 8:12)

We are called to remember the Lord's works—to bring to mind the ancient happenings that show His love and power:
I will remember the Lord's works; yes, I will remember Your ancient wonders. (Psa. 77:11)

We also remember the Lord's presence
...remember, I am with you always...(Matt. 28:20)

...the Lord's sacrifice
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. (I Cor. 11:25-26)

and the Lord's identity:
They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God, their Redeemer. (Psalm 78:35)

on my ipod today...

2008-11-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

...I am playing Celtic Thunder's Heartland over and over.

lyrics here:

http://www.lyricsreg.com/lyrics/celtic+thunder/Heartland/

being a doormat

2008-11-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

Today I am thinking about the character quality of humility, which I understand as having a correct view of your own identity and position. I remember hearing "humility doesn't mean being a doormat." Come to think of it, this "doormat" phrase comes up in discussions about submission and meekness too. I've heard over and over again that I don't have to be a doormat. But...is it such a bad idea?

A doormat may be beautiful or practical, colorful or plain, seasonal or year-round. But when you think about it, a doormat's main function is to draw attention to the door. No one ever stays outside your home just looking at the doormat. No, the doormat is there to provide beauty and practicality and to say "Welcome, please come in". A doormat doesn't distract from the door, it just points the way and makes you feel welcome. Without a door, a doormat would be pointless.

I am the door.

If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.

John 10:9

(I realize the metaphor is imperfect...in the spiritual life it is Jesus (the door) who removes the grime of the world when you enter. )

got mint?

2008-10-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

An online friend recommended the mint products from getmint.com. This family farm is facing financial difficulties, and my friend wanted to spread the word and help them out a bit. You can read about their struggles at their website. My friend posted a message from getmint.com that included some uses for mint oil:
(I am not affiliated with this farm, nor have my products from them arrived yet.)

Here are some uses for the mint:
Headaches Peppermint may ease headaches and migraines. Apply a rub
to temple area in circular motion and across the forehead. For migraines, wet
hair and put 4-5 drops into your hand and massage into the scalp.
Sinus Problems Peppermint is very useful in reducing sinus congestion when added to a bowl of steaming or boiling water. A rub may be applied to chest, back of neck area, and behind ears. A few drops of oil in a vaporizer at night will help ease
congestion as well.
Digestive System Peppermint oil can help relax the muscles of
the digestive tract to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. One
drop of peppermint oil on a sugar cube or used in tea may help relieve
intestinal cramps.
Body Muscles & Arthritis Peppermint oil is soothing to sore
muscles when added to a hot bath or massage oil. Use this to soothe arthritis
pain. Mix 4-5 drops of oil into 1 ounce of lotion and/or massage carrier
oil.
Feet Applied full strength, or mixed with a carrier oil, peppermint oil may
relieve swollen feet and may reduce and assist in healing blisters, cuts, or
athlete's foot by killing bacteria.
Women Only Relieve menstrual or abdominal cramps, add 1-2 drops of peppermint oil on a sugar cube or into an 8 ounce glass of water and drink. A toothpick dipped in oil works great for tea or water. Also helps to relieve Hot Flashes!
Flu Season? For a sore throat, sparingly dip a cotton swab into mint oil and carefully apply to the back of the tongue area. Relieve congestion by rubbing a few drops of peppermint oil on chest & covering with warm compress. Add a few drops of mint oil to the water of a humidifier or vaporizer to keep it smelling fresh and kill germs. Peppermint Oil is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal!

Daybook Monday

2008-10-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

Outside my Window... it's been over 80 the last few days but it does feel like fall. Still sunny every single day. Desert weather gets monotonous.

I am thinking... where did the month of October go??

From the learning room... it's almost time to start talking about Pilgrims! November is right around the corner.

From the kitchen... it's pizza night! Papa John's Pizza!

I am wearing... floral hoodie and brown comfy pants.

I am reading... Blunt Instrument, by Georgette Heyer. It's a 30s era British mystery.

I am hoping... for alertness and determination today.

I am hearing... the tea kettle

Around the house... it's clean! Now I just have lots of the "I'll sort it later" boxes to sort. And we need to figure out what to do with all the STUFF in the schoolroom.

One of my favorite things... is Handel's Messiah. I suddenly realized I haven't played this for my kids. It was my favorite album in highschool.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... first, a pot of tea. Then, breakfast. Later, a birthday party. And I am going to make time to write. There is a new Bible study in my brain, and I need to let it out.

.The Simple Woman's Daybook is hosted here.

Housecleaning Help

2008-10-20T16:23:00.000-07:00

Housecleaning does not come naturally to me. Other women seem to have a little inner voice that reminds them to do laundry or do the dishes after dinner. I don't have that voice. In times of stress or discouragement all thoughts of housekeeping fly away.

My skills have improved over the last few years...I'm caught up on laundry every week or two, and the dishes do get done every day, but not always put away.

When we left on our five-week vacation this summer, we left the house in pretty good condition...laundry caught up, counters cleared off, clutter under control. However, to reach that goal, we had tossed a lot of "stuff to sort out later" into boxes, placing them in the school room and the garage.

We came back home in August and I was determined to jump in, sort out the "later" boxes, and keep the house in a "drop in any time" state. I woke up the first morning at home with a terrible neckache. When I recovered, I'd lost a week, and I got the news that a good friend back in Oregon had passed away. Various physical and emotional stresses followed over the next two months.

Now I'm beginning to feel that I've climbed out of the tunnel, but just trying to keep up with the routine chores and my napping needs has kept me from taking care of the "later" boxes or much of anything else.

So....on Wednesday I have help. Three ladies will come for an hour and a half to scrub and dust and mop and vacuum. Yes, I am paying them. I've been de-cluttering in preparation for this and I am excited!

a timely prayer and a touch of autumn

2008-10-20T16:00:00.001-07:00

Thoughts on the financial crisis, from Ireland

A touch of Autumn, from Patsy Claremont

Daybook Monday

2008-10-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

Outside my Window... our usual desert temperatures have resumed. Highs in the mid-80s. It's lovely, but it still doesn't seem quite normal to my Pacific Northwest way of thinking.

I am thinking... that I should do another book giveaway!

From the learning room... it's a mess! It's a sort of catch-all room, and it has caught rather a lot of stuff.

I am thankful for... a friend I can call and chatter at while I clean house.

From the kitchen... I'm not sure yet. Definitely cornflakes/applesauce/sunflower seeds for breakfast. I'm (mostly) following the Flat Belly Diet. I think lunch is tuna/cheese/tomatoes, but I'm not sure what dinner is. Fish or Poultry of some sort.

I am wearing... pink pajamas. It's 6 a.m...

I am reading... Cotillion, by Georgette Heyer. It's more than a book, it's a familiar friend.

I am hoping... for stamina and determination today.

I am hearing... nothing! It's 6 a.m.....

Around the house... I am de-cluttering in preparation for HOUSECLEANING HELP on Wednesday. Woo Hoo!

One of my favorite things... clean sheets on the bed in a clean bedroom.

Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Did I mention my HOUSECLEANING HELP??!! I'll write a separate blog post about it later today.

The Simple Woman's Daybook is hosted here.

around the blogging world

2008-10-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

a McCain daughter blogs the family journey at McCainBlogette.com,

Donald Miller talks about a political tour at donmilleris.com,

a Christmas planner giveaway at 100 Days to Christmas ,

and Phyllis Sather offers a word of encouragement.

Baked Eggs

2008-10-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

Easy!

I use very small pyrex bowls, spray them with pam and put one egg and a little less than a tablespoon of cream in each one. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and a little parmesan (the kind from a bag not a can) and bake at 425 for 20-25 minutes. I love making eggs that don't require my standing next the the stove and constantly fussing over them. And they pop right out of the bowls with a little help from a spatula. Great for lunch as well as breakfast. Extra nice on top of a slice of rustic bread!

(Extra hungry? Use two eggs in each bowl.)

Works for me Wednesday is hosted here.
Don't miss my Free Book Giveaway.

I forgot to announce a winner

2008-10-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

...for last week's contest!

It's Tami!

And if you won in the last few weeks but have not received your book, I haven't forgotten you--I just forgot to buy mailing envelopes!

Book Giveaway

2008-10-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

This week I'm giving away a copy of A Mother's Rule of Life.

To enter the contest, simply enter your information in the Linky below.

Thanks for entering!

Daybook Monday

2008-10-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

Outside my Window... it is rather cool for a desert fall morning: 45.
I am thinking... that my coffee smells wonderful!
From the learning rooms... we caught up on second grade work, and now it's time to get back into the preschool routine.
I am thankful for... a husband who often cooks dinner.
From the kitchen... I think we'll have salmon tonight.
I am wearing... black pajamas.
I am reading... How the Irish Saved Civilization.
I am hoping... for energy to really clean up today.
I am creating... another book giveaway: A Mother's Rule of Life.
I am hearing... the cats chasing each other around the house.
Around the house... it's time to light the pumpkin spice candles and make apple cider
One of my favorite things... is a sleepy two year old.
Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... it's 6:22 AM. My next plan is COFFEE. The rest of the week can wait.

The Simple Woman's Daybook is hosted here.

Another book giveaway

2008-10-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

My children were all sick last week. Forgive me for not posting a giveaway. Here's one for this week: A Woman After God's Heart daily devotional, by Elizabeth George.

This week it's a little different--add your name and web address to the Linky List below to enter the contest. I'd love it if you mentioned this on your own blog, but it's not a requirement this week.

And yes, you are eligible to win again if you have in the past.
Contest ends on Sunday at noon.

Daybook Monday

2008-10-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

Outside my Window... it is finally feeling like fall in the desert. High temps in the 80s are predicted every day this week.

I am thinking... that the children's cold is just about to hit me. I feel blah.

From the learning rooms... we have some catching up to do, as the illness last week kept my dd on the couch, coughin.

I am thankful for... hot chocolate.

From the kitchen... I thawed out some marinated chicken (cilantro lime) and I look forward to my husband cooking it tonight.

I am wearing... brown shorts, lime shirt, brown keds.

I am reading... Thin Places, an Evangelical Journey Into Celtic Christianity, by Tracy Belzer

I am hoping... for a long nap!

I am creating... another book giveaway:a devotional by Elizabeth George.

(Link to the giveaway)

I am hearing... the girls playing dragon and princesses.

Around the house... we have new-to-us couches! A gift!

One of my favorite things... is my afternoon nap. Yes, I am focused on that today.

Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... one day at a time. If the cold hits....not much. If not...some sorting and tossing of STUFF.

The Simple Woman's Daybook is hosted here.

about Fireproof

2008-10-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

I wanted to say something about Fireproof, but this guy has already expressed my thoughts.

It's great that someone is making Christian movies. It's great that there's an audience for them. I'm just tired of the "you must see this"attitude from other Christians, and the idea that a few action scenes will allow you to trick your husband into attending a venue that will include two hours of preaching. My friend tried this. Her husband was very angry with her.

I also found this review, which states:

Fireproof isn’t merely preaching to the already converted; it’s helping to
further alienate the unconverted and the skeptical. I doubt that was the
intention, but it pretty much is the result with films such as these. The
simplistic and often self-righteous tone is off-putting.

Lessons Learned Today

2008-10-03T12:02:00.001-07:00

Today I learned from my children that:

Applesauce can be a finger food.

Three-inch plastic Dora "does tricks--handstands and uh, sitting tricks, and uh, handstands".

Last week's church childcare program's project of planting seeds can lure a coughing child off her couch to water tiny little plants.

And completely on my own I learned that:

"Amazing Greens" supplement, when blended with hot coffee and hot chocolate powder, is um, interesting.

Kombucha, the short version

2008-10-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

Reading the instructions for Kombucha the first time can be overwhelming. But it really is simple. Here's the short version.
1/2 cup sugar
8 teabags
1 cup unflavored kombucha tea (starter tea)
2 quarts water
1 scoby

Boil water. Add sugar. Boil 5 minutes.
Add teabags. Steep for 20 minutes, remove teabags.
Cool to room temperature.
Pour into glass jar. Add starter tea and scoby.
Put it in your pantry. Do not disturb for a week.

Kombucha

2008-10-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

Please note, I've been making Kombucha for a couple months. I'm not an expert. But we certainly enjoy drinking it!

(For an expert's instructions, check here:

http://site.getkombucha.com/Proof7DayMiniCourse.html )

My procedure for making 2 Quarts of Kombucha
Ingredients
distilled white vinegar
2 quarts water (bottled water or tap water that you put in a pitcher overnight)
½ cup sugar
8 teabags (green or black, not store brand, not Tetley, not decaf, not flavored or spiced)
1 scoby
1 cup unflavored Kombucha tea (a little short on tea? use distilled white vinegar to make up the difference)
Equipment
stainless or glass pot for boiling tea
wooden or sturdy plastic spoon
glass jar
rubber band
coffee filter

Rinse the pot and the jar with distilled white vinegar. Pour the water into the pot and bring it to a boil.
Stir in the sugar, and let it boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add teabags. Let it steep for 20 minutes. Remove the teabags. Let it cool down to room temperature (usually for an hour or so).
Place the scoby and the Kombucha tea in the glass jar. Pour the room temperature tea-sugar-water mixture into the jar. Cover it with the coffee filter, keeping it tight with the rubber band. Put it in a dark corner of your pantry where you won't have to move it for a week.
In a couple days, you will notice a white substance forming on the top of the liquid. This is your new scoby. The old scoby may move up and down in the jar during the fermentation process. If you move it, the new scoby will dip beneath the surface and another one will start growing on the top.
After 7 to 9 days the new scoby will cover the top of the liquid. It should be white. Now you're ready to make a new batch and flavor this one!
(We live in the desert; I have read that kombucha takes longer in cooler climates)

Flavoring the Kombucha
Ingredients
Your new batch of Kombucha tea
5 or 6 slices of ginger
sliced fresh or frozen fruit—about ¼ or ½ cup
(we like raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries)
Equipment
Glass bowl or pitcher
Glass pitcher with a lid to hold the new tea (I found rectangular pitchers at a reasonable price at Walmart)

There are many ideas for flavoring Kombucha and I have not experimented with very many of them. Here's what I do:
Take the new batch of Kombucha out of the pantry. Pour it into a bowl or big glass measuring pitcher. (I find this easier than trying to fish the scobys out of the narrow jar it ferments in, but if your jar has a wider mouth you may be able to fish them out with a wooden spoon).
Remove the scobys and a cup of tea for your next batch (remember the starter tea needs to be unflavored). Place your fruit and ginger in the pitcher and put it in your pantry. I've been keeping mine in the fridge, but I just learned that keeping it in the pantry allows it to fizz a little.
I usually rinse the scoby (new or not) with distilled white vinegar before making a new batch with it.

Note: if you want a thicker scoby (which may ferment a new batch quicker or more intensely), make a small batch and let it sit for three or four weeks. I make a small batch with 1 cup water, 1/8 cup sugar, 4 tea-bags, ½ cup kombucha tea, and 1 scoby. Using a scoby made in this way will give you more fizz.

I bought my scoby from an e-bay seller, stichingtime. If you buy a scoby and you aren't quite ready to start the kombucha-making process, keep the scoby in the fridge in a glass jar, with enough unflavored kombucha tea or distilled white vinegar to cover it.

(What IS Kombucha? Read about Kombucha here.)
If you are Kombucha maker and you have a different process or different flavoring ideas, I would love to read your comments.

Links, Laughter, Online Living

2008-09-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

This week I'm laughing at ... Don Miller's sarcastic blog;

I saved this online recipe ... Alton Brown's Lentil Salad;

I shopped online for ... Esberitox (Supercharged Echinacea) and Amazing Greens Green Superfood,

and I enjoyed this blog ... We are THAT Family

Blog your own list and put your link below (this is my first Mister Linky and I can't seem to remove my own link from the top of the list):

Daybook Monday

2008-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Outside my Window... fall is on back-order. It's probably going to be in the mid-nineties all week.

I am thinking... I hope my daughter's cough is vanishing today.

From the learning rooms... we've been making my 2nd grader's schoolwork a priority and I'm not getting all the preschool activities done.

I am thankful for... coffee.

From the kitchen... my husband bought some Shropshire cheese and it was lovely with grapes last night.

I am wearing... brown shorts, flowered shirt.

I am reading... Brian McLaren's book "Finding Our Way Again"

I am creating... kombucha.

I am hearing... quietness.

Around the house... there's a lot to do. Lots of clutter, lots of dust.

One of my favorite things... is Market Spice Tea from Pike Place Market in Seattle.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... taking two kids to swimming, talking with a new friend there.

Daybook Monday is hosted here.

the latest winner is...

2008-09-28T21:24:00.001-07:00

...Jennifer! I'll be mailing the book this week.

a book contest at We are That Family

2008-09-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

Leave a comment here to enter a contest for a parenting book.

Crunchy Creamy Yogurt

2008-09-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

The French Women Don't Get Fat website has a recipe for Budwig Cream, a healthy delicious breakfast food. I wanted a little more protein and a little less fat in my breakfast, so I came up with this adaptation. We call it "crunchy creamy yogurt", and it is popular with the children as well as the adults in our household.

1 TBSP olive oil
1 cup plain fat-free yogurt
4 tsp agave nectar
juice of 1 lime

Combine those four ingredients, stirring well after each addition.

Grind 12 hazelnuts and 1/4 cup grapenuts cereal in a coffee grinder, then add to the yogurt mixture. Serve immediately.

Serves 2. Each serving has 283 calories and 10 grams of protein. To make a complete breakfast, I slice an apple (sharing it with my husband) and give us each 10 grapes, making a 353 calorie breakfast.

I've used pumpkin seeds instead of hazelnuts--I'm sure you could substitute your favorite nuts. And other cereals would work too.

Works for me Wednesday is hosted by Rocks in My Dryer.

In the blogging world today....

2008-09-23T17:37:00.001-07:00

I appreciated reading a love letter at We are That Family,

a story of worshipping while weary at Harvesting Hope from Heartache,

a three-year-old's horror at finding ants in the bathroom at Rocks in My Dryer,

and thoughts on a culture war at Donald Miller's blog.

Now I will leave the blogosphere and re-enter the world of dishes and laundry.

rewards of service

2008-09-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

Last week I attended my Grandma's graveside memorial service. It was a perfect autumn day in the Pacific Northwest with glimpses of blue sky between tall evergreens. Grandma was buried in a little country cemetery near the home she had shared with her husband in the 1930s. Her husband's family were pioneers in an area that remains rather rural: a few homes, a school, a tavern, a church (without a pastor at the moment), and a Bible camp make up the community.

As we left the service, my best friend said to me, "Your family is here because of you." We were walking towards the Bible camp where a luncheon was being held for Grandma's family members and friends. I had to think awhile about what my friend meant.

When I was thirteen, I was asked to volunteer in the kitchen at Bible camp. The hours were long but I found it fun, and I returned the next summer for several weeks, and by the time I was eighteen I spent the entire summer at camp, volunteering in various capacities depending on the week's guests. The rewards of working at Bible camp were obvious: fun times and good friends. (In fact, I met both my best friend and my husband at camp.) I had to move on to paid employment when I was nineteen, but my dad retired that year and suddenly he was interested in volunteering at camp.

When my mom died, my dad was lonely and went to camp every chance he could. A new manager came to camp and my dad adopted the manager's family when my husband and I moved far away. Last spring, that manager and his family helped my dad with his final move to an assisted living center. When my dad died, the camp manager spoke at the graveside service, and offered the camp as a location for the memorial service. My dad's family was impressed with the service and my two organized aunts got the camp manager's phone number, saving it for a future need.

That need was last week's service. The same camp manager spoke at Grandma's memorial service, sharing the good news of Jesus with my family--many of whom have never shown much interest in spiritual things.

Without the contact with the camp manager, who would my family have called on for the service? Where would we have gathered for lunch (none of us live in the area)?

When I was thirteen, I didn't think I had much to offer. I didn't think I had any talents, and when I worked at camp I was just the kitchen "go-fer", not even a cook--yet the choice I made to serve that week eventually resulted in fifty people sitting in a sunny cemetery hearing about Jesus.

Lord, remind me to keep serving You.

This week's book contest: Through Mark's Eyes

2008-09-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

This week I'm giving away a copy of Through Mark's Eyes. The back cover says "Through Mark's Eyes invites you into the Jesus story--to walk the dusty roads, to row the boats on the Sea of Galilee, to witness healings, to stand in the Temple, and to weep at the cross. This dramatic, colorful, moving version of the Gospel of Mark is not a new translation; instead, Puck Purnell augments the New Revised Standard Version of Mark with vivid language and descriptions to reimagine the Gospel story and breathe fresh life into it."

To enter the contest you need a blog and a US mailing address.

Simply leave a comment here with a link to your blog,
and mention the contest (with a link to this post) on your blog before Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Pacific time.

I'll announce a winner on Sunday or Monday and I will e-mail the winner to get a mailing address (which of course I will share with no one).

and the winner is ....

2008-09-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

...Cheryl! I'll mail the book out this week. Thanks for entering!

Readers, Cheryl's blog has many other give-a-ways listed.

Daybook Monday

2008-09-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

Outside my Window... the palm tree is almost motionless. So very little wind today.

I am thinking... how very nice a nap will be this afternoon.

From the learning rooms... school will be late today due to all the errands we had to run this morning. I love the flexibility of homeschool!

I am thankful for... a good friend who met me at the airport last week, gave me a place to stay, drove the 3 hours to my Grandma's funeral, and attended with me.

From the kitchen... I found pizza dough on sale today and bought all we need for a pizza dinner for less than $14. Pepperoni for the kids, roasted eggplant and goat cheese for us.

I am wearing... green shirt, black yoga pants.

I am reading... an old issue of Quiet Spaces titled "The Feast"

I am hoping... for energy and peace.

I am creating... absolutely nothing.

I am hearing... my four year old singing as she runs to wash her hands.

Around the house... there's a bit of catching up to do as I had an unplanned trip to Washington last week.

One of my favorite things... is seeing my husband's face when I return from a solo trip.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... taking one day at a time.

Daybook Monday is hosted here.

Works for Me Wednesday

2008-09-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Rocks in My Dryer hosts Works-for-me Wednesday, a chance for bloggers to share helpful hints on many subjects.

My bathtub is my favorite place to take a mini-vacation. Today I'm sharing a simple way to keep the bathtub clean. As your bathtime draws to a close, grab your bath puff and put a little shampoo on it (I use a natural shampoo with tea tree oil and lavender). Quickly wipe off the edges and the sides of the tub. After you exit the tub, add a little water to your puff, a tiny bit of shampoo, and wipe the bottom of the tub. This works well in my jetted bathtub (which does not have a shower attached).

Check out this week's book give-a-way.

This week's book giveaway: Confessions of an Organized Homemaker

2008-09-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

This week I'm giving away a copy of Confessions of an Organized Homemaker. To enter the contest, you need to do two things:

1. Leave me a comment with a link to your blog.

2. Mention this contest on your blog. (and yes, I do check the comments to see if you have done so)

That's all. Do those two things before Sunday at 10 a.m. and I will announce a winner late Sunday or early Monday.

To the winners of the last two contests, I was slow to mail out your books but they are indeed on the way.

the winner of Real Simple Cleaning is ...

2008-09-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

Heart 4 My Home.

Congratulations!

Daybook Monday, September 15

2008-09-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

Outside my Window... it's cool enough to go for a walk in the middle of the day now. Highs in the 90s are so much more comfortable than highs in the 100s.

I am thinking...I haven't announced a winner for the free book giveaway! Perhaps in an hour or two.

From the learning rooms...my 2nd grader started swimming lessons today--her first ever.

In History this week we'll be learning about the American Flag. We'll start Science this week (need to finish those lesson plans...).

I am thankful for...home and safety.

From the kitchen...I thawed out hamburger, and I purchased red potatoes and mushrooms. I trust my husband to make something lovely out of them for dinner tonight. If only I had bought green beans we could have shepherd's pie.

I am wearing...a turquoise shirt and brown shorts.

I am reading...The Unknown Ajax, Georgette Heyer. A little romance, a lot of history, and a bit of adventure in the Jane Austen era. Written by a British lady in the 1930s or 40s, I believe.

I am hoping...we have a chance to go to the library today. How the Irish Saved Civilization is waiting for me there.

I am creating...ideas for my next Bible study, and handouts for the current one.

I am hearing...a singing girl in the bathtub.

Around the house...so much to do. Vacuum, scrub, fold, nap.

One of my favorite things...is a homemade hazelnut latte.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...teaching Bible study, exercising, sorting outgrown clothing, NOT spending money.

Daybook Monday is hosted here.

answering questions

2008-09-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

A recent comment asked me "what is an HP gal?"
I'm a member of the Hannah's Prayer forums at hannah.org, a ministry for women who have experienced infertility, pregnancy loss, SIDS, and adoption loss. HP is "Hannah's Prayer." This was certainly confusing to me when the Homeschool Forum I belong to was discussing Harry Potter, and referring to him by those same initials!

In the book giveaway, if you mention the person who referred you, I will give them another entry in the contest.

Works-for-Me Wednesday

2008-09-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

Rocks in My Dryer hosts "Works-for-Me Wednesday". This week, I'm joining in with a very simple thought: if your kids eat two meals a day outside on the patio, your dining room won't need to be vacuumed nearly as often. You can also offer foods you would never offer in a carpeted dining room--popsicles and red jello, to name two. It's a great place for the little ones to practice using a non-sippy cup as well.

When the weather keeps us from using outdoor dining facilities, I resort to only offering popsicles to children who are in the bathtub.

(check out my free book give-a-way here.)

Remembering Robin

2008-09-09T15:01:00.001-07:00

Our oldest child is an 8 year old named Robin. Robin was due September 9, 2000, but the Lord took Robin to heaven sometime before February 4, 2000. I remember the joy and excitement of that first pregnancy--dancing around the kitchen with my husband when I told him we were pregnant (with LeeAnn Rimes in the cd player, singing "You Light Up My Life"). I remember the naive confidence that because I saw two lines on a pregnancy test, I would soon hold a baby in my arms. I always pictured this baby as a girl. I still do... I always imagine Robin dressed in a red dress, skipping through red and yellow tulips in heaven.

Losing Robin--and another baby, Hope, a few months later--sent me into a dark tunnel that Faith's birth brought me out of in late 2001. Life has gone on to a new chapter, and my grief for Robin and Hope is no longer a huge wound to be bandaged daily...but I will always have a scar.

Today I was thinking about Robin as I drove the kids home from church, and listening to a CD I hadn't heard for awhile. "Come Unto Me" began to play, and I remembered listening to that song and being comforted by it eight years ago...and then I heard Faith singing along. "I love this song, Mama," she said. And I was comforted.

Daybook Monday

2008-09-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Outside my Window... it is a little smoggy, as I found out when I went walking at 6:10.

I am thinking... tomorrow I'll put on my pedometer and walk inside, looking out at the smoggy sunrise

From the learning rooms... second week of school, beginning US History.

I am thankful for... the lessening of my back pain.

From the kitchen... a rice and sausage dish tonight, using my husband's amazing garlic soup as the liquid for the rice.

I am wearing... burgundy yoga pants, paisley shirt (I don't like burgundy...all my black yoga pants are in the wash)

I am reading... Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves, by Wodehouse.

I am hoping... to get back to my walking routine now that my back is improving.

I am creating... a short speech to introduce my new Bible study tomorrow.

I am hearing... Joy playing with her dolls. Her daddy voice is funny.

Around the house... trying to catch up from last week's back-pain-enforced chore vacation.

One of my favorite things... is sunrise with a cup of coffee.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Bible study begins tomorrow, a shopping trip is needed, a library movie is missing....

The Simple Woman's Daybook is hosted here.

Check out the book I'm giving away this week.

This Week's Free Book

2008-09-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

This week I am giving away a practically new copy of Real Simple: Cleaning. This spiral bound book is full of helpful hints about cleaning everything in your home. I cannot give you a glowing personal review, but I can tell you that simply placing this book on your bookshelf will not give you a spotless home.

If you would like a chance to win this book, you need to do two things before Saturday, September 13 at 5 p.m.

Leave me a comment here with a link to your blog.
Place a link to this post on your blog.

I will announce the winner next Sunday, and e-mail the winner to get a mailing address.
(Winner will need to have a mailing address in the United States.)

The winner of A Walk with Jane Austen is ...

2008-09-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

... Laura!

I'll mail the book out by Wednesday.

Chocolate Cake-like Substance in a Mug

2008-09-05T14:17:00.001-07:00

I'm listing this under the "Friday Funny" tag because the whole idea of microwaving a cake-like substance is funny to me. My kids thought it was hilarious to have cake in a mug. Faith asked if she could please eat it with a fork--she was apparently concerned that we would drink the cake.

The texture is a little odd--cakes are not meant to be baked in a microwave. But Faith was sad that she didn't get to attend a church activity this week, and this recipe was a great way to cheer her up. I suppose I have taught her a valuable life lesson now: when life is disappointing, chocolate is the cure.

Chocolate "Cake" In a Mug
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
a shake of cinnamon

Mix in a large coffee mug.

1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil

Mix in a small bowl, then pour into dry ingredients and mix well.
Microwave for 3 minutes. The cake raised over the top of the mug, but did not overflow in the microwave.
Allow to cool a little, and tip it out onto a plate if desired.
Serves 1 or 2, depending on age and degree of chocolate-neediness.

(recipe slightly adapted from an e-mail I received this week)

Back to School

2008-09-02T10:58:00.001-07:00

Today was our first day of second grade for Faith, and the first day of preschool for Rose and Joy. We're using Little Hands to Heaven for preschool, and it uses several Bible story books, introducing the letters of the alphabet through the Bible stories. Today we learned about A-A-Adam. We also listened to a song from The Singing Bible. I encouraged the girls to move around during the music. Rose retreated to the couch to hold her baby (she's tired today due to a nosebleed interrupting her sleep), but Joy and Faith danced and skipped around the livingroom. Joy is 2 1/2 and she kept saying "This is a-fun! This is a-fun!"

We're using A Beka for Faith's second grade. I've tried less traditional programs, but A Beka works best for her. Today we did math, phonics, and writing. Phonics will be every-other-day, alternating with language. Next week we'll add history, spelling, and reading, and the following week we'll start science.

Today we were done with preschool and 2nd grade lessons in an hour and a half.

Faith is sometimes stressed by the thought of trying new activities. This is the year she'll be learning cursive, and I was a little stressed thinking about her being stressed by that. So today I gave her a worksheet to trace. It simply has her name in cursive on one side and the cursive alphabet on the other side, enclosed in a sheet protector for easy tracing (and erasing) with dry erase pens. I told her the alphabet was just for looking at, but she needed to trace her name each day. Amazingly, she did this with no complaints or worries. And after school was done she asked for the "special pens" again so that she could do more tracing. She wanted to work on more cursive letters!

Daybook Monday

2008-09-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

For Today, September 1, 2008

...Outside my Window...it's 74 degrees, a little breeze, blue sky.

I am thinking...how wonderful it is to turn the calendar page to September. The desert weather is cooling (yesterday's high was only 91), and Bible study will be resuming at church.

I am thankful for...the beginning of September. Yes, I am repeating myself. It is a great relief to have the excruciating heat of summer on its way out.

From the kitchen...scrambled eggs on olive garlic toast, with a Welsh rarebit sauce.

I am wearing...my pajamas. Don't judge me. It's Labor Day.

I am reading...Quiet Spaces devotional magazine from the United Kingdom

I am hoping...to do some lesson-planning

I am creating...a few notes for the next Bible study I'll write

I am hearing...my two littlest taking a very long time washing their hands. Hmmm.

Around the house...I really need to tackle my closet.

One of my favorite things...is tea.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... school begins tomorrow!

The Simple Woman's Daybook is hosted here.

Labor Day

2008-08-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

Rocks in My Dryer has questions about Labor on her blog. I borrowed them. You can too; just check Rocks in My Dryer at the preceding link.

How long were your labors?
Good question. With the last two, I had contractions off and on for 3 weeks.

Daughter #1:
I got to the hospital in the early afternoon, daughter was born the next morning at 3:05.
Daughter #2: light contractions all night, one hour of being uncomfortable the next morning, water broke, and 15 minutes later we had a baby. Easy. Fun.
Daughter #3: called the midwife at 6 p.m., daughter was born at 10....something. Or was it 9 something. The pregnancy fog never cleared from my brain.

How did you know you were in labor?
Contractions increased in frequency and intensity.

Where did you deliver?

First daughter: in a hospital, in a birthing tub.
2nd and 3rd: at home. In a birthing tub. 2nd dd would have been born at home whether we planned it or not...so I'm glad we planned it that way!

Drugs?
No. The birthing tub is all I need.

After baby is born, I always have a piece of pie. It's great: the first really enjoyable taste in 9 months.

Who delivered?
Daughter #1: Nurse practitioner midwife.
2 and 3: Home birth midwife.
I loved both of them, and was barely aware of their presence during delivery....all three deliveries were perfect. Actually the phrases "the doctor delivered" or "the midwife delivered" are confusing to me. Perhaps other women have births like the ones I see on tv with the doctor yelling commands. I have not had that experience or the need for instruction during the birthing process. Pregnancy is difficult for me....birth has been a breeze.

This week's free book: A Walk with Jane Austen

2008-08-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

I reviewed A Walk with Jane Austen several months ago (review here). This week I'm giving the book away! Here's how you can enter:

1. Leave me a comment (before Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific time), with a link to your blog
2. Post a link to this post on your blog
3. On Sunday I will post the winner's blog here, and I'll e-mail the winner to get a mailing address

...and the winner is...

2008-08-31T08:01:00.000-07:00

Tami!

I'll mail the book tomorrow!

Friday funny

2008-08-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I asked my daughters to return a pile of blankets to the basket where they belonged. The next day I reminded them to do this. Instead, they added more blankets to the pile they were building. By the third day, after more reminders, the pile of blankets was confiscated by my husband. (I usually require prompt obedience from the children, but the pile of blankets was in a location I don't view in my normal routine, and other than the reminders I gave them, I kept forgetting about it.)

My oldest daughter Faith is almost in second grade, and her spelling is still predominately phonetic. I am happy that she is sounding things out rather than memorizing the way a word looks, but she does need to practice some spelling words.

Faith became quite concerned that her favorite blanket would end up in a garage sale, and after the blankets disappeared, she brought us a note: "Please don't put my blankit in the grog sale."

Donald Miller again

2008-08-28T16:48:00.001-07:00

Donald Miller is very popular at our house, so I had to let y'all know that he has a new blog: donmilleris.com.

And while I'm talking about blogs, here's a resource for Christian moms: Virtue Alert,

a resource for starving students: Beyond Baked Beans,

and a blog about home organization : Organizing Junkie.

a prayer

2008-08-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

I missed this last night, but here it is from youtube: Donald Miller's prayer from the Democratic Convention.

The text of the prayer is at Donaldmillerwords.com

Daybook Monday

2008-08-25T08:23:00.000-07:00

Outside my Window... 94 degrees and a tiny hint of fall in the air

I am thinking... we haven't invited anyone over to dinner for awhile

From the learning rooms... my oldest is still working on her first grade math book. I think we'll start preschool for the two littlest next week.

I am thankful for... my husband's job and his commitment to provide for us.

From the kitchen... I started making kombucha last week and we had our first taste yesterday. Not bad at all!

I am wearing... purple t-shirt, black yoga pants

I am reading... Vittoria Cottage, by D E Stevenson. Her books are set in the World War II era, and most of them are set in small towns of Scotland.

I am hoping... to organize a file box for the notes I'm taking for my next Bible study.

I am creating... a simple scrapbook with Celtic prayers and inspirational quotes.

I am hearing... Sesame Street "Dancing with Triangles"

Around the house... much organization needs to happen

One of my favorite things... is coffee with milk and honey

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... a little shopping and a library trip. And getting the children back in Chore Routine.

The Simple Woman's Daybook is hosted here.

I'm giving away a book!

2008-08-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Prayers for Emotional Wholeness, by Stormie Omartian, was helpful to me during a stressful time. The book is subtitled "365 prayers for Living in Freedom". Chapters include "When I Need to be Free of Anxiety and Depression", "When I Need Hope and Joy in my Heart", and "When I Need Greater Faith". Sometimes my mind would be completely blank of words to pray, and Stormie's prayers gave me a starting point. Each prayer has a Scripture that fits its topic.

I'm giving away a copy of this book this week. This particular copy has a black remainder mark, and a little price tag residue on one corner. I will send it free to someone who:

has a blog

leaves a comment here with their blog's address

posts a link to this post on their own blog before this Saturday, 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time

Next Sunday, I will e-mail the winner of the book to get a shipping address, and post a link to the winner's blog. (The winner will need to have a US mailing address.)

espresso at home

2008-08-24T12:41:00.001-07:00

My husband bought us a Primula stovetop espresso maker (for the very small price of $7 at Ross), and with the addition of a milk frother (for about $12), we are making delicious mochas and lattes in our own kitchen. I am amazed that the process is this affordable! Two squares of Green and Black dark chocolate melt smoothly into the espresso (the Mayan Gold variety is especially nice) to make a silky mocha. What a perfect accompaniment to a morning quiet time or an afternoon writing session.

Friday funny

2008-08-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted a Friday Funny in quite awhile. Today I recommend you read The Unquiet Years blog for a chuckle about Angelina Jolie.

I've also found some laughs at Rocks in My Dryer.