The Difference In Lists

In April, 2009, I wrote the following article for Above Rubies magazine; Issue 76.  I came across it the other day and . . . well . . . got sorta smacked in the face.  Today I share it with you as a reminder to us both of what is important in our lives—time spent in relationship with those we love!

Deep blessings and peace as you walk with Jesus,
Robin

“It is not how much you do,
But how much love you put in the doing”

Mother Theresa’s words got me thinking. We women are famous for our daunting “could never accomplish in three days let alone one” TO DO lists. What if, instead of making a list at the beginning of the day of all that needs to get accomplished, we turn it around a bit? What if we made a list at the end of the day of all the “unseen” acts of love? I believe this list would be more telling as to how productive the day actually was.

Imagine the following…it won’t be much of a stretch, I promise :

• kissed and bandaged an invisible “owie”
• read baby his favorite book seven times
• held my tongue when the boys traipsed mud through the house after digging up all the flower bulbs along the front walkway
• officiated over a toilet funeral for the beloved goldfish
• sang a song and smiled each time a diaper was changed—that would have been 27 times
• lovingly rocked and soothed a little one cutting teeth
• spent all night cleaning up vomit since all the children decided to share their germs with one another
• made Daddy’s favorite dinner
• gently combed the tangles out of daughters hair
• softly, calmly soothed an autistic son as his frustration began to escalate
• fulfilled a request made by hubby that seemed unimportant
• stayed on top of the day’s lessons although feeling mentally spent
• set down the day’s lessons recognizing tensions were high over that math concept
• lovingly picked up a crabby baby who really should have napped longer, knowing it was going to be a long evening
• forgot about needing a shower and smelled in the sweet aroma of the new baby
• asked for forgiveness after being too quickly bothered by an act of childishness
• disciplined rightly, lovingly and firmly when an infraction of God’s or house rules occurred
• played a game instead of spending those few precious “free” minutes in a book
• got off the computer when wanting to “surf” a little longer, knowing it had been enough
• baked chocolate chip cookies and let everyone have a spoon of dough
• started up a pillow fight
• listened intently to older son explain how something works that you have little to no interest in
• opened ears and closed mouth when older daughter wanted to “talk”
• gratefully accepted a bouquet of dandelions (or swamp grass :)
• drove to Homeschool Co-op when wanting to stay in the bathrobe all day
• danced with either Prince Charming or Cinderella
• graciously accepted tea and crumpets served on plastic dishes, resembling water and stale crackers
• read a book to kids old enough to read to themselves
• made popcorn for family movie night
• cheerfully helped with a science project knowing a big mess was awaiting in the end
• drove a child to the Special Olympics event and cheered for everyone
• laughed when really wanting to cry

We still need that TO DO list. It keeps us focused, on track and accomplishing those things that are our responsibility. Maybe we could add to the top of that list, after the word “do”, the words “in God’s time”. Offering up our time to God (Psalm 32:15) to be used as He desires is a beautiful act of worship (Romans 12:1).

I’m going to make my list tonight and I encourage you to do the same. I think you’ll be amazed to see how much love you put in your doing today even if it looks like not much got done. Similarly, if you don’t have a lot to add to that LOVE list but you got a lot accomplished from the day’s TO DO list, keep that in mind when writing out the next day’s list. Maybe “love a little bit more” should be at the top of that one.

Just a thought...

Linked up with {Titus 2}sDays, Raising Homemakers, We Are That Family, Women Living Well and Far Above Rubies

Wonderful Grace Wood Serving Tray & DAYSPRING GIVEAWAY!

This Giveaway is now CLOSED

The winner, chosen by random.org, is . . .

"Becca"

Congratulations to Becca and thanks to all who entered!

wonderful grace . . .
simple joy . . .
unending hope . . .
authentic peace . . .
unfathomable love . . .

Beautiful words of our promised blessings! 

Suitable to tack up on a 3 x 5 card for your bathroom mirror, huh? 

What if they were written in lovely script on a large, hand-carved wooden tray?  That would definitely beat out the index card

. . . no doubt about it! 

And it does . . .

  

I love the DaySpring company!  I have ordered several items from them over the years and have always been pleased.  Now, through their online community {in}courage, I was sent this beautiful, wooden tray to review . . . and I absolutely love it!

If you were to visit my home, you would see “the writing on the wall”.  Words of God’s love and faithfulness, of encouragement and challenge.  I love the vinyl wall art that is popular and most all of my pictures either have a scripture verse within the picture or some godly encouragement.  

I want every room in my home to breathe Jesus!

So when this lovely tray arrived, I couldn’t be happier.  

Look at the lovely, hand-carved flowers!  

For now, I have used it as part of the center piece on our dining room table for our Easter Tree.  Only because of Jesus . . . is this kind of grace, hope, joy, peace and love possible in our lives!  Later, I imagine I will use it for other table centerpieces, on an end table, as a serving tray for our small group night and who knows what else.  

It is a generous 14" square!  

So the possibilities are endless.

I want to invite you to visit DaySpring and all the goodies they offer.  And the Wonderful Grace Carved Serving Tray—it’s on sale this month for 50% off!  Only $24.  You really can’t beat that price for filling your home with the words of hope that fill our hearts!  

They would also make a nice gift for Mother’s Day—

in case you need an idea there . . .

When you spend $25 this month you will receive free shipping with the coupon code SHIPDEALS or  use discount code SPRING25 for an extra 25% off on all purchases!  (Must choose one of the 2 codes as they cannot be combined).

This tray was a gift to me in exchange for my honest review, which I have honestly given—I. Love. It!  

Now {in}courage wants to gift one of you readers with $20 towards any DaySpring purchase.  They have so many lovely, well made products, I just know that you’ll find something that you will enjoy for yourself or for giving. 

For a chance at winning that $20 giveaway (shipping charges will apply), it’s easy.  Leave a comment here on my blog for each entry opportunity below. 

1.  Visit DaySpring’s site and tell us which is your favorite product. 

2.  Become of Follower of this blog. (you'll find that link on my sidebar)

3.  Become a Facebook or Twitter friend of this blog. (yep...on the sidebar)

4.  Tweet or blog or share via Facebook about this giveaway.

See—pretty simple!

Being that we are getting close to Easter, I am only going to have this giveaway open through Wednesday night, the 20^th.  

I had meant to get this review and giveaway up earlier, but my parents gifted us with a mini vacation and, well—you don’t give those opportunities up, folks! J

I will announce the winner—chosen at random—Thursday morning, April 21.

Disclosure: DaySpring provided me the Grace Tray for free for review purposes with no expectation that I would provide a positive review.  The thoughts and opinions shared are entirely my own. It is nice, however, when I love the product I've been given! J

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God Alone Sanctifies

Today I am restless.

I shake the branches looking for fruit.

In the quiet of our time together, I hear Him ask...

“Do you trust Me?  

Really trust Me?”

I think I do.  I believe I do.  I want to!

“Then feed My sheep!  What you know.  What you understand.  In what you have to offer—feed My sheep.”

So many mother better than I.

So many homeschool better than I.
So many homemake better than I.

So many disciple better than I.

So many “train up” better than I.

So many write better than I.

It is difficult to lie down and rest at His feet when my heart is frantic.

Shortcomings shout over His still small voice.

“In and out of your home feed others with blessings, love, encouragement and acceptance for where they are right now.  Feed words of life.  Feed them in prayer.  Make much of Me.  Whatever is good that you have to offer...feed them!  Then let me do the rest in hearts and minds”

You equip me, Lord.  Perfectly!  Where I fall short in my eyes is where You have chosen to not equip me more.

Not all consequences are my responsibility. 

Not all things are contingent upon human hands involvement.

Some things are meant for God alone 

and sanctification of the heart.

So I pray!  I pray for those I love.  I pray great things be done—for great things He hath done!

Much more is accomplished in my prayers than I could possibly know.

Thank you, Father!


What are you feeling restless about today?  What shortcomings are you concerned about?  You have been fully equipped for all He has called you to do!  Are you believing that today?  Are there hearts that concern you that you need to release to God's care and prayer?






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Linked up with Far Above Rubies ,  Women Living Well, We Are That Family, A Steady Rain, Raising Homemakers ... 
and

James Had Me At Bond-Servant (James 1:1)

Monday I began studying the book of James.  Only two verses a day.  And day one I couldn’t get past these first words...

“James, a bond-servant of God...” (James 1:1)

A study years ago led to the study of a bond-servant.  But that was years ago and my flesh tends to forget these things...especially when they are costly. 

This one costs!

A bond-servant was a slave who willingly gave up 

his freedom to serve his master. 

There were a number of ways to become enslaved, but the Jewish culture was kind in that after 6 years of service the slave would become free at year 7.  However, if a slave wanted to stay with his master, he could enter into a Covenant relationship to become his bond-servant.  In choosing to become a bond-servant, the former slave was making the commitment to be fully devoted—for life!  Releasing his own dreams, interests...his own will to that of his master.

Why would someone want to remain a slave?

Love!

"But if the slave plainly says, 'I love my master, my wife and my children; I will not go out as a free man.'”  Exodus 21:5

So a Covenant was made between servant and master. 

“Then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently.” Exodus 21:6

A long pointed spike would be put through the servant’s ear and he would literally and figuratively become a part of the family—with an “open ear” to the Master’s call.  This was a sign of the Covenant and, interestingly, the Hebrews symbolically linked the ear to obedience.

The benefit of becoming a bond-servant was provision.  All the needs of the servant would now be taken care of by the master. 

No striving—just obey!

The cost was self.  The servant was willingly giving up his own self interests—his will—to do the will of the master...to serve the master.  The key of being a bond-servant is obedience.

I was once a slave to sin.  

I was purchased by the blood of Christ.

When I recognized God as Lord over all and Jesus as His one and only True Son; when I recognized my sin to the point of brokenness and sought forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ—I too entered willingly into Covenant: 

A lifelong commitment to love and obey.

So how am I doing with that today?

The thing about covenants is that when you enter into covenant with one, you enter into covenant with all the others in covenant with that same person.  The bond-servant became family with the family and with all other bond-servants of that family.  The benefit was not only provision, but love—community!

Am I a servant?  A true bond-servant of Christ?

Am I willingly, lovingly serving Him and obeying Him in my home? 

Am I willingly, lovingly serving the Body and fellow believers?

Am I willingly handing over my rights and my will—to obey?

Am I willing to trust the Lord to take care of me—forever?

It’s my will, for the Master’s.  Am I willing?

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Click here for the other posts from my study of the book of James

I am joining The Good Morning Girls as we study James together. 

Participating in the link-ups with Raising Homemakers & Seeds of Faith

Diverted By Distraction

Yesterday as I was thinking on those thoughts about “Being Still”, I was reminded of how Satan’s ways are the opposite of God’s.  So if God is calling us to be still and rest our hearts with His, that would mean our enemy encourages us to do anything but that.  And the more I thought, the more I realize that...

The primary tools in the enemy’s tool belt 

are noise and distraction!

He is a liar.  The Father of lies.  Outright lies and twists of the truth.  He will always be best known for that, for sure!  But he works in various other ways as well—and getting us distracted and bothered by what is going on around us is something I need to be more aware of.

Above my kitchen sink hangs this picture:

The world is loud!  Full of distractions!  Which made me think about another loud distraction Beth Moore talked about from Luke.

“In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone!  What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are—the Holy One of God!’”  Luke 4:33, 34

I can’t remember now which study of hers this was from {and to be completely honest...I’m not 100% sure I’m giving the right gal the credit!} but...the point was that the world of evil—Satan’s domain—works by diverting our attention.

Now look at the verses above.

The man was speaking the truth, but it was his manner—the presentation—the noise of him that was distracting and not any thing any hearer would want to hear.  Now I know there are several other reasons as to why Jesus quieted him, so I don’t want to debate that and all, but think about the setting.  Jesus “was teaching on the Sabbath and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority.” (v. 32)  All of a sudden, this man completely breaks the moment with his loud noise and distracted the people from listening to and receiving deeply the words that Jesus was and had been speaking.  How many were distracted to the point of walking away...going back to their business—regardless of what they had been listening to?

Our enemy does this to us all the time!  Still!

He diverts our attention from our marriage, our children, our home, our relationships, our relationship with God over and over and over again.  We listen to a sermon—moved for the moment by truth revealed by our earthly Shepherd—then we walk away unchanged, our thoughts quickly consumed by the plans for the rest of the day.

Where or how are you being distracted in your life right now?  
Is your attention being diverted from your home, husband or children?  
From somewhere else to something else?  
Are you taking time for the quiet moments?  
Are you listening for God's whispers? 


I don’t even need to ask God to help me with this one—I know!

No defeat—Satan’s into that too! 

Just ask God to help you divert it back!




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Also shared at Raising Homemakers

Taco Soup

One of our Fall and Winter Food Favorites.  I usually just dump all the ingredients in the crockpot late morning or after cleaning up from lunch and set it on low until we’re ready to eat dinner.  Same can be done in the morning for a filling lunch.  This also doubles well to freeze or save for a few days later.  Enjoy!

Taco Soup

1 lb ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

3 14 oz. cans of beans (pinto, black or kidney—whatever you have)

14 oz. can tomatoes with chilies

14 ½ oz. can chopped/diced tomatoes

1 15 oz. can tomato sauce

1 pkg dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix

1 pkg dry taco seasoning 

2 cups frozen or 1 can of corn, drained

1.  Brown beef and onions in skillet. Drain.

2.  Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.

3.  Cover.  Cook on low 4 hours or until ingredients are heated through.

4.  Serve with a dollop of sour cream and tortilla chips.

I buy the Ranch Dressing mix in bulk through Azure Standard.  This is a healthier option as well as much, much cheaper than HV's version.  I also buy organic beans in bulk and slow cook them over night in the crockpot, portioning out in the morning to the freezer to have on hand whenever canned beans are needed.  Organic beans are quite inexpensive and they are packed with fiber and protein.  Hope this is helpful to you...as well as yummy!

Participating in these fun link-ups:

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

Tasty Tuesdays

Tuesdays At The Table

Mouthwatering Mondays

Domestically Divine Wife

Feasting In Fellowship Friday

This Weeks Cravings

What's Cooking Wednesday

Full Plate Thursday

I Am A Mess

I don’t love well.  I don’t default to kindness.  I don’t mother great.  I don’t complete my man.  I don’t live in joy.  I don’t serve selflessly.  I don’t believe without doubt.  I don’t pray enough.  I don’t trust enough.  I don’t smile enough.

I. Am. A. Mess!

My kitchen floor is sticky.  My dog needs a bath.  My weeds are taller than my plants.  My desk is in disarray.  My bench is covered in coats.  My floor is littered with shoes.  My dining room table is covered in “stuff”.  My coupons need to be filed to be found.

My. House. Is. A. Mess!

I should have paid my bills on Friday.  I waited until Sunday morning to finish planning my Sunday School lesson.  I have yet to watch that DVD on the next writing assignment for the boys.  I have a 7 year old who should be reading better.  I have a little boy who yells too much.  I am always late most every where, every time. 

My. Responsibilities. Are. A. Mess!

I don’t  take every thought captive.  I hear from God but don’t always do what He asks.  I can be too easily bothered.  I am more selfish than selfless.  I react more often than respond.  I talk more than listen.

I write here the Truth I believe is true—I wish I always lived Truth.

I yield to the flesh.  I enjoy this world.  I allow Satan space.

The truth is...I am a mess!

I am in need of a Savior!

I am at the mercy of grace!

His Will Power

Sometimes I get stuck in a rut of “maintaining” and then look and realize how much of my day is lost or wasted with nothing—or very little—to show for it.  No one can afford to lose any precious time from any precious day.  So I’m asking God to boost within me His form of will power to want to actively go after those things in line with His will—which is also mine!

I look at the new Habit List I’ve made—to work on those things that are important to me, but consistently get put on the back burner around here.  And when something is moved to the back burner it usually gets burnt and forgotten, wasted and fruitless!

I need will power to stop doing what I should stop; will power to do what I should do.  Desire and focus, strength and ability to do our joint wills—God’s and mine!  I eventually run out of motivation, that’s why I’m after His will power.  It is the most powerful and most sustained!

What do I want?  I have to go after what I want! 

If I want faithful, Christ following children... I have to go after that by prayer and discipleship and saying “no” when it’s hard to say, but right for the situation.

If I want a better relationship with my husband... I have to go after that with decisive actions, choice words and prayer over his life.

If I want to get healthier... I have to stop eating wrong foods, eat the right ones, be active and make other healthy wise choices.

If I want to be on top of my home educating... I have to pay attention to where we’re at, where we’re going, checking in with everyone and checking on work while seeking God for making decisions over the choices available.

If I want more substance in my day with my family... I have to move past desiring and make it reality—whether that be family meal times, prayer, time spent in the word, playing together, outings, conversations, read-a-louds—whatever!

I cannot be content with mediocrity!  Instead, I must want what I want bad enough and then go actively in pursuit of making those wants a reality.  Not in pushing and striving!  But no more passivity with my day, my activity and my family.  I don’t have time to waste.  I need to get angry with wasted time and useless activity.  Each day is precious and unrepeatable! 

To have God’s will power is to go after each day purposefully, passionately and joyfully!  In all my callings; in all areas of my life!

Form To Help Form New Habits

We’ve all heard that it takes 28 days to form a new habit, right!  But how do you go about forming a new, good habit when you have a lot that you want formed now—like right now!?  And how does one keep on top of those new ones to see how well one’s doing with it?  How does one keep track of the days making sure laziness or old, bad habits don’t pop back up again?

Isn’t there some form somewhere out there to help us in forming a new habit???

Well, hallelujah—because I’ve found one!  Actually, I found it several months ago and decided it was time to share it with all of you. 

So here ya go....

Looks simple, right?  :)

This form really is helpful and I’ve used it a couple of times.  In an attempt to get more on top of the things I should really be good at being on top of already, I’ve started a brand new list.

The information you need in making this work can be found right here.  This is also the site where you can sign up to receive this page in pdf form and get it working for you—TODAY!

There’s no time like the present, right!  And no time better than the present for getting on top of those important things in life like—reading regularly to the kiddos, drinking 8 glasses of water daily, organizing one messy spot daily, spending 20 minutes on a project, doing something honoring for your spouse daily, writing a letter to love on someone once a week.....

I hope you find this helpful!  May God richly bless your efforts to keep in step with your callings as well as your delightings!

Robin :)

Above Rubies

My eldest daughter and I attended an Above Rubies retreat with Nancy Campbell this past weekend.  If you are unfamiliar with Nancy and her ministry, here is a link to her webpage.

She ministers to the heart of women--encouraging them in their high calling as wives, mothers and homemakers.

This was the 8^th retreat I have been so fortunate to attend.  Each time I return home refreshed (albeit tired :), built up and encouraged in the Lord.  Because of what Nancy shares, yes, but even more so from the fellowship and conversation that I have with others over the days we spend together.  Although I only meet with most of these ladies this one time a year, I count them as some of my dearest friends. 

Their faces follow me throughout my year as I am busy in my home and busy with my Jesus!

The Above Rubies magazine has been published for over 30 years now.  It is free!  The writings are authored by both Nancy and her readers.  In its pages you will find the same refreshing fellowship and Godly encouragement that would meet you at a retreat—minus the late night chatting, laughing and snacking, of course! :)

Several of you visit this place of mine from across the world—a bit of a distance from the retreat camp!  Fortunately, the Above Rubies magazine is delivered to over 100 different countries so don’t let that keep you from checking it out.

"A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman, who is he who can find her?  She is far more precious  than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls."  Proverbs 31:10

40 Minute Blink In My Day

Kari Jobe is singing over the stereo speakers. Actually, she is yelling as the volume is set a little loud from when the 15 y.o. was playing one of his CD’s earlier. I hear the words from one of my favorite songs of hers—“He is here for the broken and life to the one who is undone. Be still, my soul, be still...”

I’m singing along when...

3 y.o. boy comes in the front door crying because he fell in the rocks. I check and kiss all the owies and send him back out.

15 y.o. son asks if I read over the information on the next writing assignment on Summarizing References. “No—sorry...I forgot. Give me a minute.”

13 y.o. boy comes down. “Mom, are you done on the computer? I need to do my math.”  Well, yes—I guess I am now.

Head to the homeschool desk to find the writing curriculum.

Remind myself to go up to do the laundry first. Find 18 y.o. on my bed watching a Francis Schaffer DVD. Wish I could sit down and watch, but off I go with dirty clothes in hand.

Rotate laundry and head downstairs trying to remember what I was doing before coming upstairs.

Trip over vacuum cleaner hose that had been left out. Wind it up and put in closet.

Remember to go find writing on the homeschool desk. Desk is about 8 inches deep in books and papers. The recovering perfectionist in me cringes. I mentally make note to plan some time this week to work on this mess.

6 y.o. girl comes through the door and I hear her whiney voice before seeing her pretty face. She states that it is too cold outside to play. I tell her that it is the warmest January in years around here--she's not impressed--and “Go play!”

Find the writing curriculum notebook binders and head to chair.

3 y.o. boy is screaming outside so I ask 13 y.o. to stick his head out the window and ask him what’s wrong.

Sit down with cup of tea and writing binders.

4 y.o. girl comes in soaking wet and states that she fell in a puddle. Get her wet clothes off and usher her upstairs to put on clean clothes.

Sit down with writing material.

6 y.o. comes in asking where 4 y.o. is. “Do we get to come back in now?” “NO! Go outside and have fun!!!”

Get report from 13 y.o. on 3 y.o. yelling. Some unhappiness concerning the sharing of a Frisbee.

Walk by my kitchen desk and tidy it up quickly. Recovering perfectionist smiles and takes a deep sigh of satisfaction at the accomplishment.

6 y.o. comes in with a drawing that she completed while outside and asks can they pleeeease come in.

3 y.o. tracks mud in with his shoes. Get him changed into his boots. Send them both back outside.

Hang coats laying on hall bench up in closet and let the cat scratching at the back door in.

Sit down with writing curriculum. Tea is cold!

Hear 3 y.o. yelling outside at one of his sisters.

13 y.o. walks in the room and asks what’s for lunch? I tell him I have no idea!

6 y.o. comes back in saying she needs to help the 3 y.o. “Honey, he’s outside.” “No, he’s stuck in the garage.” Oh—that’s why he was yelling. He couldn’t get the garage door opened.

Both the 6 y.o. and 3 y.o. come up out of the garage. 6 y.o. asks once more to stay inside. 3 y.o. yells at her to go ride bikes with him. With forced smile on my face—I send them both back out the door.

I look at the clock. 40 minutes have gone by since I walked by singing along with Kari.

I sit down with a tablet of paper and take a sip of cold tea. I begin to write down all that has transpired over the past several minutes. I want proof that I actually did do something during this time.

4 y.o. comes in and asks if its lunch time yet. I can hear 3 y.o. crying.

6 y.o. comes complaining to me that 4 y.o. gave her part of a broken necklace and then took it back. I tell 4 y.o. to give it back and not be an Indian giver—explaining what that means. Wonder out loud with 13 y.o. where that phrase “Indian giver” originated and he goes off to Google it.

Kari is still singing—well, yelling. I chuckle at the timing of her words. “You sweep me away—sweep me away in your love...where nothing else matters!” No joke! :)

6 y.o. is eyeing me mournfully from the back deck.

I guess it’s time to let them inside and figure out what’s for lunch. We’ll tackle writing tomorrow. I have a muddy floor to clean up before the 15 y.o. who mopped it this morning comes down.

How To Do The Job You Don't Really Want To Do

by Elisabeth Elliot

Certain aspects of the job the Lord has given me to do are very easy to postpone. I make excuses, find other things that take precedence, and, when I finally get down to business to do it, it is not always with much grace. A new perspective has helped me recently:

The job has been given to me to do.
Therefore it is a gift.
Therefore it is a privilege.
Therefore it is an offering I may make to God.
Therefore it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him.
Therefore it is the route to sanctity.

Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God's way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness. The discipline of this job is, in fact, the chisel God has chosen to shape me with--into the image of Christ.

Thank you, Lord, for the work You have assigned me. I take it as your gift; I offer it back to you. With your help I will do it gladly, faithfully, and I will trust You to make me holy.

1 Corinthians 15:58

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Let's look up some of those words in the original Greek language, shall we...

steadfast: (hedraios) to be seated or settled..."present imperative" verb which means one is commanded to be seated and settled and to continue to be so.

immovable: (ametakinetos) firm, unmoveable

always: (pantote) always, ever, evermore, derived from the root word meaning "all"... "present participle" verb which means to continually repeat.

abounding: (perisseuo ) exceed in excess, more abundant, enough and to spare, root word means "sense of beyond--to go beyond what is necessary in quantity and quality"

toil: (kopos) not so much the exertion in work, but the weariness which one experiences from that exertion.

vain: (kenos) empty, hollow, aimless

God has given me a great work to do! How am I to do it?

I am to firmly seat and settle myself within my work; as a firm, immoveable force. I am continually exceeding in my work; going above and beyond. The work may be tiring, but it is not empty and aimless. My work is done in, of and for the Lord!

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily (from the soul), as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24

My Dough Boys

Jesse was in charge of entertaining Nate so decided they would make some scrumptuous chocolate chip cookies! Yum!

Here are my 2 handsome bakers.
Sharing the love with Daddy. A little light reading while the cookies are baking.
Fresh, hot baked cookies straight from the oven! Definitely loved around here!

We like to double up a cookie recipe and freeze the majority of the dough in balls to keep ready in the freezer. I have a small dough scoop that I use when making cookies. I usually bake up 2 pans and then do a flash freeze on the rest of the dough. I then pop these in a large zip-top bag for the freezer. Whenever we want fresh baked cookies (even if it is the very next day:) all I need do is put some dough balls on the pan, let them thaw for 15 min. or so and bake. It's always great to know that I have a treat all prepared if I have some company show up unexpectedly.

And who doesn't enjoy hot cookies right out of the oven! These guys sure do! Obviously, they don't even have to be cooked to enjoy. But it is highly recommended... :)

Just Downright Embarassing!

This is what I am talking about folks! Get a load of the carrots out of my garden! If it wasn't so darn funny I'd cry over these sad little guys. Do you have any idea how much weeding I did with the hot sun beating down on me and burning the back of my head! Not counting all the miracle grow I sprayed on these fellas and slug bait I meticulously spread to protect them! Protect them from what? Even the slugs would have passed these babies by! Ugh!!!

Sometimes you just gotta laugh and see the funnies in the midst of the heartbreak!

Gardening ~ Part 2

Continuing on from yesterday here...













When I went outside to take the picture of the tomato plant, I took a quick peak at the other plants I have on our deck. I noticed our basil plant. It has done wonderfully this year. I have already harvested from it and have batches of pesto in the freezer for the coming months. Basil thrives on an abundance of water—which they have definitely had.

Isn’t it beautiful! Look at its color and leaves in comparison to my sad, sorry tomato plant. This plant was exposed to the same elements, the same amount of rain. However, because of where it is positioned on my deck, in comparison to the tomato, it has received more sun. My tomato plant is in a hanging basket which I have attached to the sun canopy. The canopy shades the plant some and I’d say it was a tad too much this year. The basil plant is wired to the corner of the deck that receives morning sun, then shade as the sun goes around the house and then full sun again for the remainder of the day. I think it was that morning sun that made all the difference this year.

Just a reminder to myself to spend some of my morning in the sunlight with Him. When I get that morning sun, it seems to make all the difference in my day and—I believe—in my personal, godly growth.

Please don’t get so frustrated with the lack of spiritual growth that you may be seeing that you forsake your growth altogether. Kind of like how I have grown frustrated with my vegetables and have given up on them for the most part.

Lack of attention will never fertilize the roots, nor care for the weeds that are likely to sprout.

My basil does not get THAT much more sun than the tomato, but it was enough. You don’t need to spend hours in the Bible to see a difference.

May I suggest asking God to lead you to a specific Bible study or to a certain book of the Bible and taking just one or two chapters...even just a few verses...read over them, think over them, ask questions of them and then ask God what He would like to show you today from His word.

Sit quietly at His feet for awhile and just soak Him up. That’s all it takes, really.

Having cultivated ground, a willingness to let His seeds of truth be planted, standing confidently in the rainstorms, tending to the weeds and the “slugs”. Then always facing the Son. That’s how the garden of our soul grows...

“Sow with a view to righteousness,
Reap in accordance with kindness;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the LORD
Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.”
Hosea 10:12

By the way, things are looking up around here for my vegetable garden. The weather man changed his prediction to include some sunny days in the 80’s! I may get a little more produce out of the ground yet! Although, I think my kids would just as soon see the slugs devour the beets... :)

Putting It Up With Honey

Talking with a friend today about canning and she was surprised that I used honey instead of sugar. Yep...I did! :) But with a little help...

Miraculously I found the book "Putting It Up With Honey" at the thrift store a few years ago for 79 cents! Now, this is not a commercial for the book nor is it an endorsement of all of the recipes--as we have only tried a few. But, I have loved the option of making some of my homegoods with honey as a full or partial substitute for sugar.

The peach jam made with all sugar is preferred in my home to the peach jam made with honey. So I do make both to make everyone happy. (The honey recipe also calls for cinnamon and nutmeg so I refer to it as "spiced peach jam"). The one made with honey calls for 2 cups of honey to 6 cups of fruit while the other is 5 1/2 cups of sugar to 4 cups of fruit. Now you see why I like to try the honey recipes?

For the peaches and pears, I just make my syrup with honey instead of sugar. You can try to find the book at your library or do an internet search to see what comes up for canning with honey. I'd write out the recipes, but I don't think the publishers would smile kindly on me for doing that.

Hope this is helpful information for someone. Happy canning! :)

(A couple side notes~~I use raw honey so the natural nutrients have not been destroyed from pasteurization. Also, if you have a little one under the age of one--it is recommended that you not give them honey or products using honey)

Gardening ~ Part 1

This summer has not been an ideal year in our area for gardening. We have had a shortage of sun and an excess of rain. It has been quite discouraging for this novice gardener.

With my father-in-law’s great help, I planted quite a variety this year. I have spent hours upon hours pulling weeds, as my garden patches are new and the ground is used to growing grasses and weeds—proficiently I may add! I have spent quite a deal of time searching the internet for planting/growing tips and fertilizers for each plant. I have spent an abundance of hubby’s hard earned dollars on miracle grow, slug bait, deer netting, plants themselves, replacement plants for the ones that the deer ate, pots, dirt, gloves and I can’t even remember what else right now. All that to say, I sowed much in time, money and effort to my garden, but the reaping has been quite sparse.

This is a picture of one of my cherry tomato plants this morning. Sad...sad...sad...!

I sent Jacob out to see what he could find to add to our days menu. To be quite honest, I don’t even like going out to the garden now. It frustrates me! He came back with one spindly little cucumber and a zucchini the same size. Now if you know much of gardening, you know that zucchini’s are supposed to take the place over and overnight quadruple in size so that one alone can put out enough for 12 loaves of bread! Not so this year with my garden.

For my garden, it seemed I constantly battled the lack of sun, truly obnoxious weeds, and the appetites of the deer and slugs. All of those factors, no matter my own attention to the plants, did little to alter the finished outcome of our horticulture experience for the year.

During some seasons on this journey, we struggle in the midst of the elements surrounding us. Perhaps these bring upon our world a feeling of fatigue or fear, anger or apathy, depression or dependence, hurt or helplessness, worry or want. Life’s circumstances come upon us and try as we like, we don’t always respond to them the way we wish that we would. We want to have hope in a situation that seems to be hopeless. We want to have faith in place of the fear we may be experiencing. Perhaps we are not worried about anything in particular at all, until outside influences change and we find our heart slips back into that place it habitually knows to go and once again we find ourselves wrapped up in worrisome thoughts.

I wonder today if my plants grow weary of the rain. They were created to grow. The rain definitely helps in that. Rainwater is far more superior for them than anything that I could give out of my faucet. So if their lack of growth isn’t because of the rain....that leaves the sun.

My plants would actually be thriving this year if only the sun was a much greater aspect of the growing season than it has been. My plants are left wanting not because of being watered, but because they are not receiving the sunlight that they need.

So it goes with me.

When the rains come, how I face them is dependant upon whether or not I am facing the Son...the Light of my spirit. His Words, His Light, His Life, His Sufficiency is all that I need to thrive during the downpours. I do not seep into despair because of the abundance of rain (or difficulties) but because of a lack of sunlight (or God).

The best way to care for a garden plot during the off season is to get the rototiller out to break up the ground in the fall and in the spring. Spread fertilizer, compost, and/or manure over it all to feed the ground nutrients. If the weed seeds go deep, controlling them during this time is essential so that their hold in the ground doesn’t take over and repopulate the area that you’ve been working to keep weed free.

Not too different from our own lives is it? In fact, I am chuckling right now as I write this at the awesomeness of God and how He so indelibly interchanges our lives with His creation around us.

Our hearts need to be broken up just like the ground does. We need the growing nutrients of the word of God. We must stay on top of any developing weeds of sin in our lives. And we have to keep the nasty critters out!

We cannot grow without the rain.

Some areas of the country are having poor harvests just for that reason—not enough rain. The trees, flowers and grass of this area where I live wouldn’t be so beautiful—we wouldn’t be called the “Evergreen State”—without the rain. It is because of the rain that we have the beauty, the bountiful crop. But we also cannot grow without the sun. We need both.

My garden is probably pretty much done for this year. The next 2 weeks call for cool days in the 60’s and several accompanied by sprinkles. I wish I could change those elements. I would so much like to get more out of the ground than I have for my investment over this summer. But I have no control over the sun.

In my own heart and in my own world, I do! I may not be able to control the amount of rain that my life sees, but I can control the amount of Sun that I give it. That Light makes all the difference! Whether I grow and thrive or stagnate, wither and die is dependant upon this Light.

If, as a gardener, I expect the most out of my patch of ground I must attend to it and let the rain and sun come and do what they do knowing that I have done all that I can for a rich harvest.

As a follower of Jesus Christ I can trust in the same!

I must attend to the garden of my soul and trust that whatever rain God sends will only cause me to grow and thrive because of the righteousness that has been cultivating in my life. I may not be in control of all of the elements, but I am of the most important—the time I spend with the Son!

It's time for me to go do just that! Spend time with the Son.

But please come back tomorrow. There is another plant that I want to show you--a happier plant! :)

Grateful Bounty

God is so very good to us! He is so good to me!

My past few days have been spent busily putting up yummies that, through the hands of God by others, our family has been so generously given.

I mentioned in the peeling apples posting a few days ago the bags of apples that a friend gave to me. Then this Monday my sister stopped by after a weekend visit with her husband’s family in farmland country. In the back of her truck, her family proceeded to pull out a bag of sweet onions and boxes of peaches, pears, apples and walnuts—yes, I have a box full of walnuts!

Never saw so many walnuts at one time in my life before...goofy little side note—I found it intriguing that they don’t look like walnuts while they grow on the tree. They come covered in a green, outer peel-like shell that then cracks and has to be pulled off. Hah! I didn’t know that! It was a learning day for Mom as well as for the children.

God IS the great provider. He provides us with opportunities to learn something new of His creation, get down and dirty in the kitchen, teach or learn new skills, say “thank you...we appreciate your kindness” and He provides us with the food to care for our families. For this time and for this family, it is enough for several meals.

We are so very grateful!

For this food, yes, but even more so for our bounty of family and friends and our Father. Our family journey is accompanied by some truly special people. Each one is necessary for who we are or for who we are becoming. That is what I am most grateful for this day, this morning—the bounty of love I enjoy as I travel this path.

If you are one of those friends or family...know today that you are loved and appreciated. We are so glad that God chose to have you walk alongside us!

And Father...please know today that you are loved as much as I know how to love you this day! I grow daily in the knowledge of just how very much You love me...Bountifully!

~picture’s contents; from l to r; peach jam, pears, applesauce, spiced peach jam, peaches and pear butter~

Home Decor Idea

This "wall art" is made from matte finish, vinyl letters with a sticky back. They are pretty easy to put up (after you get the hang of it with the first one :) and look like someone painted them on your wall. These were created by my dear friend, Myra. You can find her work on ebay or at her website EZWordArt. These, along with some bible verses and and the John Piper quote: Desire that your life count for something great! Long for your life to have eternal significance. WANT THIS! Don't coast through life without a passion! which I have up in the children's bathroom :), are my favorite home decorations--other than family pictures, of course. :)