Busy in the Kitchen

6 Jan posted by

Today has been a kitchen day here! We have been quite busy and got a lot accomplished. We are so proud to look back on what we’ve gotten done!

This morning, my middle daughter (my baker!) made Coffee-Glazed Italian Doughnuts (Zeppole), shown on Giada at Home. Oh, my, were they delicious! I’m crazy over Krispy Kreme doughnuts and never thought I’d find a homemade doughnut to be even half-good, but these were fantastic! They were so unbelievably light and lemony on the inside. We are not fans of coffee, so my daughter made a simple glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. They were easy to make and easy to eat. All of them are gone!:)

The dryer lady (yes, lady!) came and fixed the dryer, which is in the kitchen behind folding doors. She also brought replacement parts for my refrigerator and dishwasher. It was so good to get these little things fixed that had been annoying and limiting us for so long!

This afternoon, my middle daughter, youngest daughter, and I tackled a section of cabinets in the kitchen that had been irritating us. Everything was removed, washed or wiped down, and the entire inside of the cabinets was washed down with Murphy’s Oil Soap. My middle daughter loves to organize, so I let her go through everything and decide what to give away, throw away, or keep. She then reorganized everything so lovely! Everything is more accessible and makes you want to create something in the kitchen. I love going back and looking at everything now!

My daughter labeled our canisters with these wonderful labels by Ball. They are pretty to see, but they are also easy to clean off because they are dissolvable. They literally dissolve within 30 seconds!

For supper tonight, my daughter made Bread Machine Buttery Rolls topped with honey butter. They were scrumptious, and fit in wonderfully with our meal of shrimp, green beans (I use a variation based on this recipe), and macaroni and cheese.:)

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Filed Under: Homemaking, Recipes

There is none beside Thee to help

5 Jan posted by

Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” (emphasis mine)
2 Chronicles 14:11

Faith

Remind God of His entire responsibility. “There is none beside thee to help” . . .

Put God between yourself and the foe . . .

Our God is Jehovah of hosts, who can summon unexpected reinforcements at any moment to aid His people. Believe that He is there between you and your difficulty, and what baffles you will flee before Him, as clouds before the gale.
–F. B. Meyer

From today’s Streams in the Desert devotional.

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Filed Under: Christian Life, Recommended Reading

Listings 1/5/12

5 Jan posted by

Listings: Recommended Listing of Links
A Forgotten Text? Why is that, I wonder? (HT: Challies)
Very thought-provoking post on Ephesians 5:12. “For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”

Family Photo Album Tips {Photography Project}
This is a great article on organizing your photos to create a printed photo album at the end of the year. This is good for those who don’t get into journaling with scrapbooking. The time to get started is now!

Making Things Pretty with Pallets
I love these ideas for making furniture using pallets. My favorite is the bookshelf!

The Joy of Quiet (HT: Challies)
This post was very interesting on how much we need quiet, but discovering it nearly impossible to find with all our machines. “In barely one generation we’ve moved from exulting in the time-saving devices that have so expanded our lives to trying to get away from them–often in order to make more time. The more ways we have to connect, the more many of us seem desperate to unplug. Like teenagers, we appear to have gone from knowing nothing about the world to knowing too much all but overnight.”

AlbertMohler.com – Podcast
Every weekday, Dr. Albert Mohler gives a 15-minute podcast called “The Briefing”. It is current news from a Christian perspective and provokes Christians to approach our age from a biblical perspective.

Bob Ross: Painting Mountains
One of my best friends, Bobbie, and I used to watch Bob Ross on PBS (before we got very busy with families–smile). We each actually have a couple of paintings that we did while following his tutorials. Very fond memories!

T h e * H o t * C h o c o l a t e * S t a t i o n
I liked this idea for a Hot Chocolate Station. Aren’t the marshmallows so pretty in the jar?

Free Downloads on christianaudio
Each month, christianaudio.com has a free audio download. This month’s freebie is Knowing God by J.I. Packer. I’ve not listened yet, but this comes with many recommendations.

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Filed Under: Christian Life, Current Events, Homemaking, Listings, Photography

New Year Greeting

4 Jan posted by

My, it’s been so long since I posted! I have meant to post every day, but life got in the way! I had so much I wanted to share in December regarding Christmas.:(

Snowman Couple
My favorite ornaments!

We had a very good Christmas. We are most thankful that we were not sick this year! For many years, we have all been sick during Christmas, and the flu delayed our Christmas celebrations with our family last year. This season, I was very purposely about saying “no” to as many things as I could, even though it almost seemed impossible to avoid them. I made sure we got plenty of rest and took our Influenza Drops from our health food store. Ultimately it was the Lord Who kept us well this year!

This was the first year we had a real Christmas tree! I had put it off so many years because I wanted things to be perfect–me married and us going as a family to get our tree. I finally decided that we need to enjoy life now, and that there will be plenty of first times to enjoy when I get married.:)

Christmas Tree

After much reading on Money Saving Mom, I have been working on new goals for this year. I am not calling them resolutions, so as hopefully not to discourage myself when I miss them. Here are some personal goals I’ve written down.

  • Read 1 chapter of the Bible daily, in addition to personal devotions, family devotions, and couple reading with my Sweetheart.
  • Read 1 chapter of fiction.
  • Read 1 chapter of nonfiction.
  • Eat healthy – choose healthy snacks like nuts and fruit, drink more water, eat slow, and make wise choices.
  • Exercise daily.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Blog daily.

Yes, I have already messed up on all these, but knowing that they are goals, not resolutions, is helping me to keep trying. I also have a list of business goals. I probably need to write some homeschooling goals as well.:)

Camellias

Our dryer is out, so we are hanging clothes on the line this week. It’s been mighty cold out, but it’s been good for us. The fresh, brisk air and the exercise energizes us, although the girls hate “crunchy” towels and clothes, as they call it. We hang the linens on the line, and hang regular clothes in the bathrooms to dry overnight. So far, this system is working well for us. Not having a dryer really makes me have to keep the laundry up. It’s not fun to hang clothes on the line in the dark, and I’ve got to be sure we have what we need when we need it.:)

We have had some conflicts with others in the last week. Oh, it’s been so very hard to the point of physical sickness for me and others! The first situation was caused by certain Christian beliefs that someone could not accept. The situation caused us deep hurt. The Lord gave me a couple of verses that greatly helped me. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25-26). Although these verses are directed to pastors dealing with lost people, I felt God was telling me that I need to meekly explain my position, and then be quiet and let God bring about the change of heart, if a change is needed. This dear one did not mean to hurt us, but was trying to uphold convictions that they had. After a good, calm, gracious conversation, we both felt so much better. I better understood this dear one, even though we still could not agree.

The second situation was definitely caused by me jumping to conclusions and misjudging a sister in Christ. I didn’t do what a former pastor told me years ago–when you hear or read something that upsets you, ask that person what they meant. If I had done that I would have saved us all a lot of worry and pain. Things on the computer just don’t convey the same as they do in person. I hope I will remember this from here on out!

Due to the problems mentioned above, we could not handle things we needed to last week. We have been working on them the last few days and have gotten a lot accomplished. Now we can start our homeschooling back next week, Lord willing.:)

How was your Christmas? How is your new year starting out?

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Filed Under: Christian Life, Christmas, Home Business, Homemaking, Life at Hidden Pines, New Year's

Listings 1/4/12

4 Jan posted by

Listings: Recommended Listing of Links
14 Inspirational Kitchen Pantry Makeovers
I just loved these creative pantry makeovers! The ideas are so creative and many are quite frugal.

Building Up Girls With Values: Focus on Pretty, Not Hot
Excellent, thought-provoking article. It is worth sending to all women you know, especially teenagers and young women. “Young women today do not seem to aspire to pretty, they prefer to be regarded as hot. Hotness is something altogether different. When women want to be hot instead of pretty, they must view themselves in a certain way and consequently men view them differently as well.”

Mom reunites with biological child 77 years later
This precious story made me cry! “For most of her 100 years, Minka Disbrow tried to find out what became of the precious baby girl she gave up for adoption after being raped as a teen.”

This Is The Year?
This article was very encouraging to me! “For those who try and try, year after year, again and again, to get better and better, with seemingly less and less success . . . I have good news for you: you’re in good company!”

The Pa’s Fiddle Project Comes to PBS
I’m looking very forward to seeing this in June. “Dean Butler (‘Almanzo’ on the Little House on the Prairie TV show) and Dale Cockrell (President of Pa’s Fiddle Recordings) have teamed up to produce this unique show that will feature these top-level artists performing and giving their best interpretations of the great American songs and tunes loved by Pa and Laura Ingalls during their lifetime.”

Christianless Churches
This article is worth reading, even though Christmas is past. “Michael Horton’s phrase, ‘Christless Christianity’ gets a lot of play in our blog, magazine, and radio program. One of the more timely evidences of the problem will be on full display this Sunday, December 25th. We’re already hearing reports of churches that after offering a slew of programming on Christmas Eve will shut their doors on Christmas Day.”

Feed Chocolate Cravings the Right Way
Denise Austin shares a few tips to enjoy chocolate in the right way.

Free Monthly Desktop Computer Wallpaper
The King’s Blooming Rose Magazine shares a beautiful free wallpaper for your computer.

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Filed Under: Listings

How Do You Do It All?

7 Dec posted by

How Do You Do It All: Proven Strategies for Balancing Family Life and Home Business in the Real World 7-hour audio course

My friend, client, and sometimes coach Mary Jo Tate has an AWESOME deal going on through tomorrow on her 7-hour audio course, How Do You Do It All: Proven Strategies for Balancing Family Life and Home Business in the Real World. Not only do you get this MUST-HAVE course at $10 off, you also get 17 FREE bonuses (over $140 value) and a chance to win one of 23 door prizes (over $660 value)!

Mary Jo knows what’s she’s talking about in her course: she’s a mom of 4 boys, who she’s homeschooling, while also growing her home business. She has learned what works and what doesn’t, and is eager to help others balance home life with home business. I’ve taken her course and tell you it’s worth every penny and way more.:) Mary Jo is so understanding and encouraging. You will feel you are sitting and talking with one of your dear friends. Whether you are homeschooling or not, if you have a home business, you simply MUST get this course. Visit Raising Real Men’s website for a more detailed review: Review: How Do You Do It All?.

Head on over to her website to place your order. This sale ends tomorrow. You DON’T want to miss out!

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Filed Under: Home Business, Homemaking, Homeschooling, Recommended Listening

Christmas Wreaths

7 Dec posted by

Blueberry Christmas Wreath

My middle daughter has been selling beautiful LIVE wreaths for a homeschool project, and we would love for you to place an order. We received our beautiful wreath yesterday (just like the one above) and just LOVE it! It’s big, beautiful, and so very fragrant! They make PERFECT Christmas gifts or decor for homes and businesses. I received a lovely wreath as a gift one Christmas, and it really meant a lot to me. If you know a single mom, I am sure it would brighten her Christmas season with something she may not be able to afford.

Just go to the following website and use Seller ID 4985 on checkout. You need to order soon to be able to enjoy them during the Christmas holidays! Thanks so much! Please share this with others.

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Filed Under: Christmas

It is Not Death to Die

6 Dec posted by

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Revelation 21:4

I had intended on posting something every day, or at least every other day, but since my last post, we have had 2 deaths in our church family, both on the same day. Mrs. M, who I mentioned in the last post, went to be with the Lord with her dear husband holding her in the early morning hours. In the late evening, we got word that Mr. M (no relation to Mrs. M above) had suddenly passed. The news left us all pretty shaken in our small church. As our pastor said, we are shaken, but we are not moved. We have been so busy ministering to these families as best we can. We are tired and are trying to rest.

Mr. M was a loving, kind, and gentle man. Like the other couple, he had a close, beautiful relationship with his wife, and often teased back and forth with her. He was so faithful and true as a Christian, and he chose to magnify the Lord Jesus Christ during his funeral, rather than having someone talk about himself. His wife was a close friend of my mom as teenagers, and Mr. M was a close friend to my dad. It is a great loss to their family and to our church.

Our pastor’s wife testified that both of the couples were what God intended marriage to be. They loved each other, depended on each other, and were proud to have the other as their spouse. Their hearts are indeed broken, as the other half of their heart is now gone.

At our Ladies Conference a few months ago, I heard this beautiful song, “It is Not Death to Die” by Sovereign Grace Music. It’s a favorite, and I’d like it to be sung at my funeral.

It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore

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Filed Under: Christian Life, Encouraging Quotes, My Life, Recommended Music

True, Beautiful Love

29 Nov posted by

Hearts

Today we visited an elderly church member who is in her final days at the nursing home. Mrs. M. has Alzheimer’s disease and knows few people. When we’ve gone to see her, she’s always been cheerful and funny, and dressed in a Sunday dress with her hair and makeup on. She was always looking forward to recovering from her hip surgeries and getting back to church. Now she is confined to the bed and can barely speak. She does not seem to know much of what is going on. What she does know is her husband’s face. When he enters the room, her face lights up. She does not take her eyes off of him when he is in her eyesight. Her eyes follow him around the room. When he is not there, she gets frantic.

As we visited, Mr. M. was so tender in his care and concern for her. He frequently made sure she was warm and comfortable and had anything she needed. He was (and has always been) very kind to her. They are still so much in love after all these years, so much so, that the nursing home put a little patio table for two out on the front porch just for them, when she was able to get around. Watching them together was like watching intimate, holy moments. This is true, beautiful love, the way God intended marriage to be.

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Filed Under: Marriage

A Rainy Monday

28 Nov posted by

“She went about the familiar task of making biscuits. The feel of the flour and golden butter as she worked them together the big mixing bowl was good again . . . .

She smiled dreamily as she measured the water, ice cold from the spring in the back yard, and stirred her batter daintily with a silver knife, touching it lightly as if she were weaving a charm over it.”
–Grace Livingston Hill, Blue Ruin
(Quote found at Pleasant View Schoolhouse, I think!)

Making Biscuits

Today we girls have been very busy at home. It was a cool, rainy day which made it so comfortable to be inside. My middle daughter baked Chewy Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies, my youngest daughter made a double-batch of Chocolate Sauce for chocolate milk and hot chocolate, and I made 4 dozen of Paula Deen’s Basic Biscuits. My oldest daughter swept the entire house (minus the 2 rooms that are carpeted) so that I could mop every room. It feels good to have accomplished so much today.

For the last several months, I’ve been having a lot of trouble with my thumb. I have been unable to do simple things, like writing or turning doorknobs without severe, intense pain. My chiropractor had adjusted it a couple of times, but last week found it was out of joint. He yanked it so hard, I cried, but knew it had to be done. It’s gradually gotten better and better. I thank the Lord for this vast improvement! It truly feels like a miracle to be able to function without pain. I’m still having a lot of trouble with my back, and still cannot sit in the pews at church. I pray that it will get well for good!

Tomorrow a friend is taking me out for my birthday. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve seen my friend and I’m looking forward to spending some time with her. She is a like-minded woman; she believes in being a keeper of her home. It will be a joy to have some godly edification.

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Filed Under: Encouraging Quotes, Homemaking, Life at Hidden Pines, Recipes
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