I'm BACK!!!!!

We were hit by an ice storm on Thursday, December 18th. It only wiped our our electric for 35 hours, but a falling branch took down our internet antenna..... between BAD weather and the holidays getting the internet back was not so fast.......

I will be back to regular posting in the next day or two.

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Is Peace in the midst of STRESS possible?? Part ONE

I mean PEACE in the MIDDLE of challenges, stress and trials (not to mention the intensity of the holidays)????? Yes!!!
A commenter left this question for me (and I know she isn't alone with this):

maybe could you someday comment how to give it all to God? that is the one area I just don't understand, yet hear always..i pray, i ask, i give, and yet can't find how he's helping me through our troubles.. i see our blessings, but the troubles are just multiplying :(
how do i give my burdens to the Lord?

HOW?? Are you struggling just as this dear reader is? Don't we all struggle now and again... sometimes more than often?? Jesus wants you to experience PEACE, He wants you to live in peace! I am going to share with you some of my personal growth and experiences with this tomorrow, but for now I will leave you with this LINK to Charles Swindoll with insight for living. I just finished listening to his messages from December 15/16 2008 all about experiencing God's peace in times of trials and tribulations. If you ever struggle with staying in PEACE please take the time to listen to this two part message.... it will change your life if you are willing to apply the principles he talks about!!!!!!

Please know that I am praying for you! Jesus loves you, and desires for you to experience peace and REST! (two things that are very hard to find in our culture). If you have any specific questions or prayer requests please feel free to leave a comment or email me. I will agree with you in prayer!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Do not FEAR... Be COURAGEOUS!

It is easy to allow fear and worry to creep into the heart.... but don't fall into the trap! From the book The Maxwell Daily Reader, John Maxwell quotes Thomas Edison speaking during the great depression:

"My message to you is: Be courageous! I have lived a long time. I have seen history repeat itself again and again. I have seen many depressions in business. Always America has come out stronger and more prosperous. be as brave as your fathers before you. Have faith! Go Froward!"

Let's not allow ourselves to fear! Let's rise up in our FAITH in the Lord Jesus Christ! HE never fails us!!!!!!!!! With God all things are possible!!!

Today, if your heart is troubled, give it all to the one that loves you more than anything else!!! The one that created you, the one that gave His live for you!! Jesus loves you... He will be with you in EVERYTHING!!!!!!!

We can come out of any challenge stronger... if we face it with a determined and courageous heart, not with fear and defeat! If you are facing a huge challenge today, please email me (my email is in my profile) or leave a comment. I will PRAY for you and stand in the gap for you!!! When two or more are gathered together the spirit of the Lord is among us.... even if we are "gathered" via the internet!!!!! Praise be to God!!!!!


Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Mary did you know??....

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs... it tugs at a mother's heart! This Sabbath, may we focus on Jesus, the real reason for Christmas!!!




Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Raising up good Mommies and Daddies....

The next generation of parents....
My son Ethan and my niece, Kenna, spent most of Thanksgiving evening playing house. They had quiet the set up in the dining room! Listening to them talk was the best... little ears are always listening and it COMES out in life!!!! Hopefully, Ethan will be a little more careful holding his "real" babies someday, but I think they are on the right track... at least they had FUN! (I'm so glad my hubby doesn't have a problem with his sons playing with dolls!)


Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Friendship and Parenting Resource

Mmmm... a warm bowl of soup and a yummy salad.... Sharing both with a friend warms not only the belly, but more the spirit! Friendships are SO valuable, worth every effort, worth every tear and every smile!! Thank you, Leanne, for blessing me with a wonderful "night out" and wonderful conversation over soup and salad (at Olive Garden... one of my FAVORITE places)!! (Also, thank you for the FUDGE! My Robyn was SO excited... Dana's PB fudge is her all time FAVORITE Christmas treat! I even let her have a SMALL piece before she left for school... shhhhh... don't tell the "good" moms!)

Leanne and I did talk about our children... and our challenges with our "strong willed" ones came up. We each have one that is more challenging than the others. Anyway, I have been encouraged and challenged and HELPED by Keven Leman over the years. His new book is WONDERFUL! You can listen to him with Dr. Dobson on Focus on the family.... VERY good! Even if you don't have a "strong willed" child you will find a nugget of truth that will equip you in your parenting journey.

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Choosing Simplicity in Christmas.....

As follow up to this post, keeping Christmas simple is going well. We have scaled back the gifts this year (even more) and have been enjoying the simple things. Following my Christmas Control Journal (see flylady for more detail) and holiday meal plan is so helpful. Keeping things in perspective and not giving in to perfectionism is wonderful. For instance, our tree is up, but not decorated! I can't find the lights!!! (I only have 2 boxes of Christmas deco and the lights are NOT in them... I have no idea what I did with the lights last year!) Oh, well, we have enjoyed it plain till I get to town today for lights.

This year we "adopted" two elderly "shut in" women in the small town near us. It has been fun and felt so good to be focused on blessing them (they live on so little) and getting to know them. The little things mean so much to them... I can't imagine being so isolated! I am thinking about organizing a group of kids to go caroling at a nursing home..... honor the "forgotten" elders with some Christmas cheer.

My sister and I took our children to a local farm that goes all out with the Christmas lights... We drove their BIG loop THREE times with the kids. We sang Christmas songs and had an all around good time. My Grandmother gave me a BIG bag of Christmas material.... I had fun with all the kids making wall hangings. (Note: My 11 year old son is almost as tall as me and I am 5'9"!!!! YIKES!)

My sister took our family picture on Thanksgiving (Thank you Melissa) so we have a great picture to mail out with cards.

I can't really post my home made Christmas gifts... don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet (in case anyone is reading), but I can say I have been busy in the kitchen. I LOVE to cook and bake and these gifts have been well received in the past.
The "boys" and I had a fun time in the kitchen making noodles.... they were yummy on

Thanksgiving and we froze a few more meals worth.

Christmas music plays in the back ground as I type up this post. Focusing on celebrating JESUS and turning our HEARTS towards Him. Go here to listen online.

I have also enjoyed listening to some Midday Connection programs about Christmas. Go here to listen to "Debt proof your Christmas". Paying CASH for all Christmas related purchases really does simplify Christmas..... no more after Christmas stress. Remembering that it is the TIME spent together, the memories made that are the real gifts that last!!!! Even "country girl" Thanksgiving memories!!!

This Thursday we will be having a "Christmas Party" with the parenting group I facilitate with a local pregnancy center. I have some home made goodies for each family. Nothing much, but just a chance to celebrate Christ. I am going to be sharing my testimony that night... so PRAY for me and PRAY that hearts are softened to Christ and that the salvation message be accepted!!!!! What better Christmas gift than the knowledge that Jesus LOVES us and that His GRACE is the BEST and only lasting eternal gift!!!!!!

Thank you, Tammi, for hosting this!!!!!!!!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

My friend, Jackie, just forwarded this to me in my email! What a GREAT reminder! Thank you, Jackie!

I AM THANKFUL:

FOR THE WIFE

WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,

BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,

AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND

WHO IS ON THE SOFA

BEING A COUCH POTATO,

BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME

AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER

WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES

BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,

NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,

WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,

AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING

I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT

BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT

I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING

AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH

WHO SINGS OFF KEY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES

AT THE END OF THE DAY

BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF

IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS

BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

AND I AM THANKFUL:

FOR THE crazy people in my life

BECAUSE they make life interesting and fun!

AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL

BECAUSE IT MEANS

I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.

SEND THIS TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT.

I JUST DID.

Live well, Laugh often, & Love with all of your heart!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Matter of perspective........

What is life all about???? As a Christians don't we want our life to matter for the kingdom of God?? Don't we want to use our talents and abilities to serve Him?? Today our pastor asked us an interesting question.... I wasn't sure just how to answer it: "Is it possible for a Christian to achieve Victory in Christ?" Well, I wanted to say yes, but knowing our paster I knew it must be a trick question. His response: "No, we can not ACHIEVE victory.... We can only RECEIVE victory FROM Christ"! POWERFUL!!!!

We have been trained to think "What am I going to do today to serve Christ? How can I make a difference today? What am I going to do today?" We make our plans, write our lists and get busy. However, again, our pastor challenged us to stop asking that question and start living out this question: "Father, how do you want me to serve you today? How do you want my to use the skills, talents and opportunities you have given me? What is YOUR plan for my day?" How different would life be if we framed everything from the second perspective??

God, what do you want me to do today?? Who do you want me to reach out to today? What do you want me to pray about? What do you want me to give today? What do you want me to write on my blog? Do you want me to write on my blog? Who do you want me to call, write a note to, serve, help, etc. What do you want me to do in my home?? What do you want me to teach my children?? How should I help/serve/encourage my husband today? How should I spend my free time? What book should I read today? What TV show, what radio station, what internet sites, what conversations, etc. Where should I go today?? What/How should I spend my money? And the list goes on and on! If it were just a habit that before we did anything we asked God what HE WANTS us to do!!! I think this will revolutionize my life!!!!!!! Matter of perspective: "What can I do today to serve Christ vs. Father, what do you want me to do with my life, today?"

It is possible for us to RECEIVE victory in Christ.... as we live our life fulfilling what HE wants us to do... using our gifts, talents and abilities how HE wants us to in HIS strength (not our own trying to "make" things happen on our own). Living a VICTORIOUS life sounds great to me! I am going to hang up my own plans and seek his!!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

200 th post and a cozy day.....inside!

A cozy day spent at home! All day, at home!
The wind has been howling and the snow has been blowing all day, but inside the fire in the wood stove is crackling and sharing its warmth. We have used up 2 wheel borrow loads in the last 24 hours.... I woke up at 4 am this morning and realized I was hearing the furnace kick on! Oh, no... that meant that the fire had burned out and the temp in the house had sunk to 57 degrees! I jumped up and re-started the fire while the furnace warmed the house to 60.... I am going to have to set the timer for every 3 hours to feed the fire tonight!

Hubby took our oldest to his basket ball game this morning while the rest of us opted to stay home in the warmth and bake cookies. I made a new recipe for them (see below) called play dough cookies. The dough texture is very much like play dough and they bake up into simple short bread type cookies (not too much sugar). They hold their color very well.... All had fun! I made some peanut butter cups to start off my holiday baking. The baking (and eating) is one of my favorites about this time of the year.

Hubby braved the cold for a couple of hours to hit the woods to try for another doe.... he came back well before dark... just WAY too cold! I wouldn't have made it 20 minutes... I did the chicken chores in record time. The poor chickens.... they haven't given us an egg in a month... they must be like me and not like the cold!

The day has wound down, Pj's are on.... supper dishes are washed up and bed time draws near. The faint smell of hazelnut coffee and supper's sausage biscuits and gravy linger in the air. The sound of the howling wind reminds me to be thankful for the warmth of our home and to pray for those out in the cold. This time of year is the best for cuddling under the blankets to stay warm! Early bed times rule.
Have a great sabbath and know that Jesus LONGS for us to spend time with Him... He is ALWAYS there for us and yearns for time with us. He loves us so much and desires our lives to be lived for Him!!

I leave you with the "Play Dough Cookies" recipe:

Ingredients:
1 cup margarine or butter
1 cup shortening (or use 2 cups margarine or butter)
1 cup sugar
2 TBL milk
2 tsp vanilla
5 1/2 cups flour
food coloring

Directions
In a mixing bowl cream together the butter, shortening and sugar. Add milk and vanilla. Mix in flour (adding more if necessary) to creat a "play dough" texture. Separate dough and mix in food coloring. Let the kids play to their heart's content and then bake their creations at 325 degrees for 12-15 minutes - until bottom of cookie edge is lightly brown. Cool and ENJOY!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Chooisng Simplicity.... every little thing counts!

"Stuck on" food in a dish or pan?? In my quest for a simpler life I have made several changes. One thing that works for us is making our cleaners. I have found a dishwasher recipe that is fantastic with our water (hard, we use a softener, with a VERY high PH level) AND it is the BEST solution to stuck on dishes that need hand washed! Many people do not find that home made dishwasher soaps works well with their water in their dishwashers, however this recipe is PERFECT for soaking stuck on dishes! Works like a dream.... No more frustration!

Home made Dishwasher soap AND "stuck on" eliminator:
Ingredients
2 cups WASHING soda (I know that our Meijer and Kroger carry this found next to the Borax in the laundry soap section)
1 cup BRORAX
1 pkt lemon flavored koolaid (non sweetened)

Directions:
Simply mix all ingredients in an air tight container and store for use. For dish washing I use 2-3 tsp in my closed lid soap dish. That is all. To get "stuck on" food off of a pan or dish I just put 1-3 tsp of the mix and fill up with hot water. You can add a little bit of dish soap, but it isn't necessary. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes and wash.... so EASY!!!!!!!!! For REALLY stuck on things I just let it soak over night and in the morning everything just RINSES of!!!!

My husband and I are continually looking for ways to become more self sufficient and less reliant on store bought items. We are learning new things all the time. Go here to read about our experience last weekend butchering our first PIG! Go here to read an encouraging article by the Eclectic Farm. They are completely OFF GRID!!! I actually could do that.... now to convince the hubby! For more Frugal Friday tips go to Biblical Womanhood!

One BIG thing that simplifies life is having a menu plan and saving money at the grocery store. Visit my other site, Simple Family Supper!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Fun follow up to you know you are a country girl when.....

Go to Homemakers Homestead to read how others answer this! (This is what started this for me.)
I'm glad to know I have MANY "country gal sisters" out there! Isn't life GREAT??!!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

You know you are a country girl when.....

You have a great thanksgiving weekend and it includes butchering a pig!!!! Yeah, we did it! We butchered our first pig (we have always butchered our own deer and other game my husband brings home)! This has been on my "I want to do in my life" list! Check! We will be doing many more, I'm sure. It really wasn't much different then a deer. ( I will spare you the graphic pictures, but we decided that 75% of the American population would become vegetarians if they ever saw this process that gets the meat from the animal to their table!)

We have some friends that have a large hog farm... this particular pig had a pinched nerve and couldn't load the trailer so it was going to have to be put down..... My sister and her husband helped us butcher and they were able to take home the meat. Praise the Lord for the ways that he provides!!! Thank you, Dave and Sara!!!!!!!!









Here is my sister, Melissa on the left, and myself... we were a good team at wrapping!


















My sister's husband, Reuben on the left, and my handsome hubby, Chris on the right!









We even made sausage! It turned out great!

With some deer meat we made summer sausage and other sausages...We made 11 rolls.... 9 are tucked in the freezer, some will be included as Christmas gifts.

I told my hubby if he ever needs another job he should consider becoming a butcher... He is good at it! We are quite the team and you really know you are a country girl when you consider an evening spent together butchering a great "date night"!! Seriously, folks, it is a couple of hours working, talking and bonding... you should give it a try! My sister and I agreed that we must be a rare breed to have enjoyed the time we spent together doing this.... I think we were born in the wrong century... we would have been great pioneer wives!!!!

If you want the sausage recipe just let me know... It was EASY!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

I have been swept up in.....

CONTENTMENT!!!!!!!!
Seeking God is an awesome thing... He ALWAYS comes to us! He LONGS for us to seek Him and He never fails to draw us close! He has filled my spirit with a renewed peace and a heart full of CONTENTMENT!

I think that is why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday... it encourages us to look at all of our blessings and focus on all that we have to thank God for.

The sun is shining, we had our first snowfall of the winter, we are all healthy, the wood stove is casting it's glow of warmth and supper in the crock pot smells delish (pork chops and gravy).
ENJOY today! It is a gift from God. Seek Him with your challenges, stresses and troubles... Rest in Him... He is FAITHFUL!!!


Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather