Saturday, February 6, 2010

The Word of God on Healing (Product Review)



I recently had the pleasure of reviewing an eBook by Candy Foote, The Word of God on Healing. We all remember that Jesus healed many people, I'm sure, but did you remember how many people God healed in the Old Testament? I did not! Not merely Candy's opinion on healing or how God can heal you, she takes you all the way through the Bible on what God Himself says about healing, plus the many stories of healing in the Old & New Testaments.
If you or someone you know is in need of healing, this will surely be a great encouragement to you (& them) & a wonderful tool for praying for healing. I am in need of some healing myself right now, so I will be rereading this at a much slower place and getting to know my God better along with His ability & willingness to heal.
Candy has many Scripture eBooks available at her website here: http://www.candyfoote.com/services.html
To purchase The Word of God on Healing, you will need to scroll down towards the bottom of the page.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Such a Blessed Day

I am sorry I haven't posted in a while. I just get so busy with 5 little ones! I wanted to share my heart today, though, as I have just felt so blessed.

Some times we get so caught up in busyness, & for me the computer can be such a distraction. Can any of you relate? :) There is so much for me to do on it that I often get sidetracked from my original intention.

Yesterday we had a good amount of snow here (I guess it's our turn, finally). Today my children were begging me to go outside to make a snowman. I really wasn't looking forward to it, as I have a medical condition that worsens with pregnancy. My right leg has been really hurting me over the last few days, & the thought of standing out in the cold was not appealing to me at all! But I knew how eager they were, & how could I deny them? So after bundling the four girls up (the little boy stayed inside for a nap), we "braved" the cold! Oh & they had lots of fun, & I enjoyed watching them have fun :) . I took pictures but haven't uploaded them yet. And I helped them build their snowman. He was short :)
Two Children Bring Home a Barrow-Load of Firewood for the Christmas Fire




Buy at AllPosters.com


That must have set the tone for the rest of the day, as I took time to really enjoy my sweet children-blessings. I am so blessed to be their mother, and boy, can they tell when you are just happy to be their sweet mother! Their demeanor changes along with yours. My 6 year old got to work on her drawing lessons today & begged to do more (but we ran out of time~I said maybe more tomorrow!)

Dear mothers, if you have joy in your heart, & thankfulness, (even in the midst of pain), your children will be so thankful & will imitate your joyful spirit. They will in turn show kindness to you & to eachother. How blessed I was by them clinging to me & asking me how they could help me towards the end of the day! They normally are quite sweet helpers, but it was only increased today, & there was no sign of a bad attitude (something I had been seeing too much of lately).
Mother Helps Her Daughter Stir the Pudding




Buy at AllPosters.com


So will you join with me in keeping at the forefront of your mind that your children are blessings, or will they see your scowling face most of the day, because, what, something isn't going your way, or as you had planned? One sweet lady I know from online actually literally started calling her children "Blessings" when addressing them~~it helped her to remember what they really are, & that they are entrusted to us by the Lord! Let us smile at our dear children & let them know by our words & actions that we love them!


Sunday, January 24, 2010

Chore Chart Maker

I just found a chore chart maker online for kids (or you too) to help you make a list of chores your kids need to do. There is a category to select, a place to fill in the name of your child, & place to fill in the task/goal for your children. I imagine if you print it out you could also laminate it or put it in a clear protective sheet so the chores could be checked off with a wipe-off marker when they are finished & then just start anew the next day!

Here is a link to the chore chart maker: http://lotsofkids.com/LOK-Household/utilities/chorechart/7day/

Working on Chores




Buy at AllPosters.com

Friday, January 1, 2010

Femininity & Skirts

Vionett Skirt




Buy at AllPosters.com



Today I was over reading at one of Miss Jocelyn's blog, Feelin' Femine & some of her posts about wearing skirts & dresses. Of course I had thought about it before~I love how women look in dresses, & I think they look much more feminine & beautiful in skirts & dresses, but I have avoided it myself for personal reasons. I actually bought some skirts a little over a year ago, but quit wearing them due to these reasons. I have read several articles on the subject, & even some saying that there was no Biblical mandate for women to wear dresses & skirts. I had also read in Created to be His Help Meet that women used to wear trousers in France, I believe, & there was no Scripture saying that women HAD to wear dresses. So this was my outlook~look feminine, but it's no big deal for women & girls to wear pants. Well I guess I should have looked into the Scriptures for myself, because a guest writer on Miss Jocelyn's site brought some Scriptures to my attention that I didn't even know were there. Most importantly, is

  • Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
But what pertained unto a man in Biblical times, & what was a woman's garment? Even now, what pertains to a woman & a man? Are skirts for men, or are they for women? What does the Bible say? Here are some verses to read on the subject:

  • Isaiah 47:2 Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.
    Isaiah 47:3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.
These verses are talking about the virgin daughter of Babylon & show it was a shame for her thigh to be seen.

  • Jeremiah 13:22 And if thou say in thine heart, Wherefore come these things upon me? For the greatness of thine iniquity are thy skirts discovered, and thy heels made bare.
Here again it shows women wearing skirts, & they must have been long, because normally their heels would be covered.

More scriptures are

  • Lamentations 1:9 Her filthiness is in her skirts; she remembereth not her last end; therefore she came down wonderfully: she had no comforter. O LORD, behold my affliction: for the enemy hath magnified himself.
  • Nahum 3:5 Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame.

So even back in the Scriptures, we see that skirts WERE worn by women!
In the Scriptures, M
EN were instructed to wear breeches. I did not know this. For complete information on the history of men's & women's clothing in the Bible, please see the links I mention at the bottom of this post.

  • Exo 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
Reading these verses along with Deuteronomy 22:5 makes it very hard for me to any longer justify wearing pants. Now that I've seen it in the BIBLE (not someone's well-intentioned opinion on the subject), I am quite convicted & think I'm going to have to make some changes, even if it is difficult. Perhaps this will also encourage me to get sewing to make the clothes the children & I will need.

For further information:

Please see the article What About..."Back in the Scriptures" Clothes? for a complete look at Biblical clothing.

Also see Outside Lookin
g In...The Gender Test

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Holiday Giveaway: Win a Singer Sewing Machine!

BurdaStyle is giving away another sewing machine! Today they are giving away a SINGER® CONFIDENCE™ Sewing Machine. Hurry & go & enter--you just have to leave a comment (& you will need to register if you aren't already).http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/holiday-giveaway-win-a-singer%C2%AE-confidencetm-7467-sewing-machine




Quilting


Buy at AllPosters.com

Friday, November 27, 2009

Hoarding

Oh Dear!!!

Jim Dine Sitting in Cluttered Studio/Apartment, Holding Baby on His Shoulders



Buy at AllPosters.com


Lately I have been going through a lot of our stuff, evaluating what we need & use versus what has just been sitting around collecting dust. As I'm sorting, I have 3 boxes sitting beside me~I labeled them "Put Away", "Throw Away", & "Sell/Donate". We have been blessed that we have been given lots of things by other people, but when we don't use those things or need them, it becomes a burden. We don't have a very large home by today's standards, so the clutter really accumulates fast, especially since there are a few of us! Also, something to consider, for you & me, is when we hold on to something we don't need, we are keeping someone else from having it who could really use it. Now of course, as you go through your things & get rid of unneeded items, you don't have to sell what you are getting rid of, you can just donate it. However, we are in a place that we can really use some extra money, and my husband would like me to get some money out of all the things we are getting rid of. If you do decide to do this, you can try listing your items on eBay, or on Craigslist for free. I will attempt to sell most of our things on eBay, for very low prices. Most of my auctions I will start at $0.99, that way it does not cost much to sell. If something does not sell, it is no big deal; I will just place it in a bag for donation. Every couple of months or so, we will receive notice in the mail that an organization will be coming around for donations of household items. When this happens, I will just place our items curbside, & they are picked up for me! I really like to be at home as much as possible & don't like much running around. If you don't have this in your area, you can place your donation bag in your vehicle so that the next trip out you (or someone else) can just drop it off at your closest donation center.

You will feel so much better without a lot of clutter! And you will be blessing someone else with the things you don't need.

~Blessings~

Saturday, October 31, 2009

A Shiny Sink

Have you ever used FlyLady? If you have trouble keeping up with all the things there are to keeping your home, you might want to go on over to http://www.flylady.net/. One of the first things she will have you do is "shine your sink". Basically this means to give it a good cleaning, and then keep it clean! This means no piling dirty dishes in the sink. The only exception would be if you were putting them there to soak while you enjoy a meal with your family. Otherwise, keep them out! To keep your sink sparkling clean, you are supposed to wipe it down in some way every day. I wipe mine down with a homemade all-purpose cleaner every night after I wash the dishes (for the last time). A shiny kitchen sink is so important because it encourages you to keep the rest of the kitchen clean, and the rest of your home! I wanted to share some pictures of clean kitchen sinks to inspire you (& me!) to keep the dirty dishes out of there & washed. I hope you enjoy this.

Kitchen Sink, Window Treatment and Three Vases
Buy at AllPosters.com



Kitchen Sink and Window Treatment
Buy at AllPosters.com



Collander of Apples in the Sink
Buy at AllPosters.com


Kitchen Scene with Sink

Buy at AllPosters.com


Kitchen Counter and Double Sinks
Buy at AllPosters.com


Dirty Dishes in Kitchen Sink
Buy at AllPosters.com

The exception---soaking while enjoying your meal!!!




Kitchen Sink Showing Pots, Pans, Plates and Other Utensils

Buy at AllPosters.com

What you DON'T want your kitchen sink to look like!


So what do you think? Does this inspire you to keep dishes out of your sink & keep it clean? How is your sink right now? Dirty? Clean? Well, excuse me, but I'm going to go check & make sure my shink is shiny!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Planning Your Day

Hello ladies! I'd like to know how you go about your day-to-day activities. Do you use a schedule? Do you just have a to-do list? Do you just run a-muck & tackle things as they come up? :)
I've tried lots of different things & am not sure what I like best. Of course, with anything, we have to work at our homemaking--it's not going to just happen by itself! I sometimes have to remind myself: All labor brings profit.

I am looking at a couple of planners to help with my homeschool record-keeping & to remember things I need to do. Currently I have nowhere but loose pieces of paper to write things down & I have tried some different record-keeping on the computer, but it is sometimes a hindrance for me to have to get online to do that.

Here's what I'm looking at:

http://www.wellplannedday.com/plannersa.html

And an online friend also recommended this planner to me:

https://plannerpads.com/planners_toc.asp

Please tell me what works for you!


Ennis, Brown House




Buy at AllPosters.com

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Do You Have Homemaker's Heartburn?

Today I want to share an article with you about getting "burned out" about homemaking. This was a good reminder to me of what I should be focusing on when I keep my home. I hope it is a blessing to you too!



Burning Heart


Burning Heart

Art Print


Buy at AllPosters.com



Do You Have Homemaker's Heartburn?
by Blair Massey

We all have our "off" days. It goes something like this: You wake up late and you just can't seem to get motivated to do anything. Simple tasks like doing the dishes seem too big to tackle and you don't even want to think about that mountain of laundry calling your name from the laundry room. The kids wear you down and you wish you could escape to someplace quiet. Instead of having a heart that burns to be a great homemaker, you feel more like your heart has a case of homemaker's heartburn. If this is where you're at, it's time for some refueling and refocusing.

Christ or Man?

Ephesians 6:7 "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men..."

It's very easy to become discouraged about your homemaking tasks when you focus on your family as the motivation for what you do. When they make messes, destroy things, postpone progress and cause pandemonium, it is easy to become discouraged and even resentful. But when you focus on Christ as the one you are serving, it puts a whole new perspective on things. Then when you look at the day's tasks you see them as serving Christ, not man. It is the Lord who has given you your role as the manager of your home and it is Christ who you are serving when you serve your family. That's an assignment you can sink your teeth into!

Rested or Burdened?

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV)

Whenever I feel weary and in need of rest it always helps to give my burdens to Jesus. When I pray for strength He gives an ample supply. When I pray for patience He sustains me. When I need rest He provides it, whether it is through a change of plans or a change of attitude. Life can beat you down but Jesus is there to refuel you when you need it. Take Him up on His offer. You'll find the rest that you need in Him.

Busy or Buried?

Titus 2:4-5 "Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." (NIV)

Often the cause of my discouragement is the mismanagement of my time. I spend way too much time doing things that I really should do after I have my housework completed. Then wonder why I am so buried.

Take a step back and ask yourself if a lack of proper time management is causing housework buildup for you. If the answer is yes, then you need to get busy with your homekeeping. It may seem awkward at first, but if you get your work done when you should, you will have plenty of time to do the things you like to do.

As I always say, "Do what you're supposed to do, when you're supposed to do it and you'll be victorious every time."

We all have times when we fall short of the mark. To get back on track make sure that you focus on Christ, find rest in Him and get busy with your homekeeping. Then your homemaker's heartburn will be transformed into a flame that burns brightly, lighting up your home with the love of Christ.

© 2002 - 2009 Blair Massey

Christian Lifestyle expert Blair Massey is devoted to helping Christian women around the world get their home, family and life organized. To get your home organized and start living the amazing life you were created by God to enjoy, sign up for her FREE newsletter now at www.christian-homemaking.com

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Beatitudes for a Housewife

Someone just shared this with me. I read it on Domestically Inclined & just had to share it with you...

Beatitudes for a Housewife

Author unknown- Taken from the Yankee Kitchen Cookbook, 1969


Blessed is she whose daily ta
sks are a labor of love; for her willing hand and happy heart translate duty into privilege, and her labor becomes a service to God and all mankind.

Blessed is she who opens the door to welcome both stranger and well-loved friend; for gracious hospitality is a test of brotherly love.

Blessed is she who mends stockings and toys and broken hearts, for her understanding is a balm to humanity.

Blessed is she who children love, for the love of a child is more to be valued than fortune or fame.

Blessed is she who sings at her work; for music lightens the heaviest load and brightens the dullest chore.

Blessed is she who dusts away doubt and fear and sweeps out the cobwebs of confusion; for her faith will triumph over all adversity.

Blessed is she who serves laughter and smiles with every meal; for her buoyancy of spirit is an aid to mental and physical digestion.

Blessed is she who preserves the sanctity of the Christian home; for hers is a sacred trust that crowns her with dignity.



American Housewife Marjorie McWeeney Cleaning House and Watching Her Children

American Housewife Marjorie McWeeney Cleaning House and Watching Her Children
Photographic Print

Buy at AllPosters.com


Friday, July 10, 2009

How to Restore and Reuse Dryer Sheets

Did you know you can extend the life of your dryer sheets? Here's how: Don't throw them away. Find a jar or container that can seal tightly. Save all your used fabric sheets. Buy a small bottle of your favorite fabric softener. Collect all your used dryer sheets and put them in your container. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of liquid softener, put the lid on tightly, and shake well. Then use them in the dryer. They will work every time. You can reuse them over and over again. Add liquid softener as needed. You will always have good smelling and soft clothes.

Laundry Day I

Laundry Day I
Art Print

Buy at AllPosters.com


Friday, July 3, 2009

Where to Pick Your Own Fruits & Veggies

Here is a great website to find out where you can pick your own fruits & veggies. It also has canning & preserving instructions & guides for fruits & veggies & picking tips.



Fruits & Vegetables Sign


Fruits & Vegetables Sign

Art Print


Buy at AllPosters.com

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Free Old-Fashioned Doll-Dress Patterns

I just was told about a site that has some free Old-Fashioned Doll-Dress patterns. If you look on the right-hand side, there are some links to free patterns. This site also has some American-Girl clothes for sale, as well as other items that might be of interest.
http://www.infinitefreedom.com/

Girl Holding a Doll


Girl Holding a Doll

Art Print


Buy at AllPosters.com

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Free Furniture for Those in Crisis

Okay, now I don't know exactly how this works...just passing along some information. Looks like this can help you if you need some furniture for your home, or if you have some furniture you don't need, you can donate it. Unfortunately, they don't have a furniture bank in my state, but hopefully this is useful to my readers!
http://www.furniturebanks.org/

Parlor Chair IV

Parlor Chair IV
Art Print

Buy at AllPosters.com


Wednesday, June 3, 2009

100 Things You Can Make Yourself

Here is a list of 100 things you can make yourself. There are a lot of recipes (which I don't necessarily recommend, but there are instructions for making other things as well, like clothing & paper, playdough & more.

http://www.blisstree.com/thriftymommy/100-things-you-can-make-yourself/


Do It Yourself, December 1963

Do It Yourself, December 1963
Giclee Print

Buy at AllPosters.com

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Free Homemaking Lessons

Future Christian Homemaking lessons are now free online! http://www.futurechristianhomemakers.com/FCHLessonsIndex.html

Housewife/Actress Mary Deegan in the Kitchen Preparing Dinner For Her Four Children


Housewife/Actress Mary Deegan in the Kitchen Preparing Dinner For Her Four Children
Photographic Print

Buy at AllPosters.com


Sunday, May 31, 2009

Laundry & Dish Detergent (Homemade)

Here are a couple of homemade cleaner recipes from my friend Tami. I have not tried them yet, but she says they work!

Laundry Detergent

"This works for me at least. I use cold water."
2 cups borax
2 cups baking soda
1 bar Ivory soap
Mix together. Use 2 tablespoons for each load.

Homemade Cascade

1 cup Borax
1 cup baking soda
1 cup salt
Use vinegar or lemon juice in rinse cycle area
Use 2 tablespoons of this when you do a load of dishes

Attractive Housewife in Modern Kitchen, Washing Dishes

Attractive Housewife in Modern Kitchen, Washing Dishes
Photographic Print

Buy at AllPosters.com


Friday, May 22, 2009

Free Needlepoint & Crosstitch Patterns

Yea! I just found a site that has 720 Free Needlepoint/ Cross-stitch Charts! Go see for yourself ladies http://www.scentednectar.com/needlepoint/

Sampler with Child and Dog
Sampler with Child and Dog
Art Print

Buy at AllPosters.com


 

blogger templates | Make Money Online