Keeping our eyes on Jesus....

Turn on the news and it isn't pretty. Focusing on the economic situation of our country is a sure fire way to work up a case of anxiety and stress! YUCK!! That is NOT for me!!!
I am NOT saying I am going to stick my head in the sand and act like nothing is happening... no, the Bible tells us to be wise and to prepare. However, over and over, God commands us "DO NOT FEAR"!! God will take care of us!!! HE WILL!!! Keep your eyes on JESUS!!!! Have faith in HIM to meet all your needs!

We have been preparing for a while... we have been getting out of debt and building up an emergency fund. We have been watching the spending and focusing on being WISE with our resources. I am going to do a few more things this week to prepare us a little more in case there are shortages at the store. I am going to buy some more staples to put in the pantry... we wouldn't have the biggest variety after a few weeks, but my plan is to have enough for us to live on for at least 2 months without having to go to the store. There are some additional things that we should do here at the "homestead" to prepare us for ever living "off grid" (that would NOT be fun, but we could do it). I do not want to go over board, but I do believe that having an emergency plan to feed my family, heat our home, pump water and do laundry is not being crazy. Are you doing anything different to plan for "emergency procedures" around your home?? Do you know of anything in particular that I should be doing??

I'm not sure what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future!!! God is with us!! Do NOT fear!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Five things we do to get ready for winter

"Fall" is officially here, and although we have been enjoying the warmer than usual weather, I know that the snow will be flying soon. We have some "winter preparation" to do around here to get ready. We have started working on these things and need to keep focused.

5 things to get ready for winter:

1) Cut, split, haul and stack 10 + loads of firewood for our wood stove. (We heat 90% of the time with wood. It saves us a BUNDLE.) We try to work ahead a year.. to give the wood time to dry out. This weekend we cut, split, hauled and stacked 4 LARGE truck loads! We had great weather, the kids had fun and helped and it is a wonderful work-out!!!

2) Clean up the garden and flower beds and get them ready for next spring.

3) "Tighten up the Barn" Close up the windows, re-install the side door, close up the back opening, etc.... It really makes a difference on the draft level out there...

4) Put away all the hoses.... go back to using just the hydrant, put away the summer toys, clean out the sand box, etc... get the yard ready.

5) Buy ice salt, make sure that the snow shovels are ready, and start praying for a winter without much snow!! (OK, I think I am in trouble here because my kids pray for a TON of snow!)

What about you? What kinds of things do you do to get ready for winter??

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Recipes: Money and Pumking Pie Bars....

If you have watched the news lately you are well aware that we are living in uncertain financial times. Truthfully, when haven't we? Fear is the enemy's favorite way to get us all worked up and get our eyes off of our TRUE provider, JESUS! The enemy's favorite places to stir up fear are in our health, our finances, and in our relationships. If he can cause us to succumb to fear and focus on worries and stress (or lack or sickness) he has had victory in our life! YUCK!
Recipe to PEACE is staying focused on JESUS!

I have recently been challenged in my own personal walk with Christ to focus on FAITH. Whatever circumstance or trouble I face in this world can be handled by JESUS. Where does my help come from? The maker of heaven and earth. Do I have complete FAITH in JESUS? I remind my self (renewing my mind) that in all things "I have faith in the Lord JESUS Christ"!! He will NEVER let me down! He will NEVER forsake me!! He will ALWAYS take care of me!!

Recipe for peace:

Matthew 6:25 commands us "Do NOT worry"!! (Not dwelling on challenges, focusing on the SOURCE of our provision, not looking to the world). Philippians 4 commands us to rejoice, pray and rest in HIS peace! (REST and experience peace that can only come from GOD) We now have the opportunity to share with others how we can be so calm and sure in these challenging times! We hold the secret: With GOD all things are possible!!!

In the KITCHEN
Now that we aren't focusing on fearful things we have time to COOK! Yeah!

I made these this week for the first time and they were GONE in a flash! They taste just like pumpkin pie (a personal favorite of mine), but are bars you can pick up and eat! YUMMY I found this recipe on a blog... when I remember where I will give you the link. I did make some changes... my specialty... just because I can't follow anything exactly! LOL!! I am posting it as I made it.

Pumpkin Pie Bars

Ingredients
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup oil
2/3 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
(I'm sure you could just use 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice)

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350
Grease a 12x8 pan OR a pie pan (I used the pie pan because I don't have a 12x8 pan)
Ina mixing bowl, beat eggs. Stir in sugar, oil and pumpkin mix well. Stir in flour and spices. Bake for 20-25 minutes (until set in the middle)
Cool (or eat warm like we did). They will hold their shape very well and are easy to eat! We ate them with cool whip on top! YUMMY!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Simply Life: 5 ways I use my timer

Timer??
What are you cooking??
Well, true I could be cooking something (I am often doing this), but I actually use my timer more for other things!

5 Ways that my timer helps keep life simple:

1. Borrowing from Flylady, I can do ANYTHING for 15 minutes!!! When I feel overwhelmed by a mess or task I don't enjoy I set the timer for 15 minutes and work my heart out and then STOP! I love to see the progress that can be made in a simple 15 minutes. I am often able to finish the task!
2. Fussing over a toy is stopped when the timer is set for 5 minute turn takings. My little ones automatically ask me to set the timer when they both want to play with a toy at the same time. They know that their own turn will come! Less fighting!!! Teaches concept of time.
3. Keeps me on track. When I have to leave the house I will start setting the timer to keep me on time. For example, I will set the timer to ring when the kids need to get their shoes on and head for the car. My older ones use the timer to signal "time to watch for the school bus".
   
4. I use the timer to help me practice hospitality. Every week there is a group of like minded ladies that meet at my house for a "mom's group" Bible study. I set the timer to ring 15 minutes before the arrival time. When the timer goes off I know that I have 15 minutes to finish anything and I start the coffee pot for fresh coffee. My little ones will often be anxious for their friends to arrive and they will ask me to set the timer for when their friends will be here (It keeps me from the "mom, are they almost here?").
5. I set the timer when I start the washing machine. I can't hear when the laundry is done, so the timer keeps me from forgetting the clean clothes in the washer. This helps me get more loads of laundry done in a day.

How do you use your timer to keep life simple??? Without my timer I would be lost! My kids just automatically ask "What does that mean?" when they hear the timer in our house. I am much to scattered to live without my timer. Now, I NEED to implement the timer when I am on the computer... time has a way of slipping by!


Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

This afternoon I was working in the kitchen while the little ones slept away and the older two were still at school. I had a lot of "rescuing" to do in the kitchen after a busy weekend. I was washing the dishes looking out my back door... I just stood there taking it all in. Savoring the moment of quiet, listening to the birds, the rooster, the dog and the silence of living way out here. I just thanked God for the moment of peace and felt my heart swell with gratitude for the wonderful simpleness of my life.

There was a gentle breeze making the swing sway to and fro, the flowers by the fence (the picture taken on the left was from the spring and now there are tall Zinnias growing along the fence) were dancing in the wind and the freshness of the air was kissing my face. The shade trees made a patchwork of sun on the grass. I could almost feel the warmth of it.

Peace. Arms in the dishwater. Peace. Taking moments to "smell the roses" (or dish soap in my case) really put things into perspective for me. It is easy to get caught up in everything that needs done that I miss out in the beauty and simplicity that surrounds me.

I thank you, Lord, for the beauty you give us in our everyday life. Thank you for creating color, flowers, birds to sing, dogs to bark and wind to kiss our face! Thank you for a family to make dirty dishes, for a family to cook supper for. Thank you for a husband that works so hard and gives me the opportunity to stay at home and focus on our family. Thank you for the simpleness of our life, for the moments of peace. Please help me to share in these moments more often!



Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Updated Website

I have done some updating/revising to my Simple Family Supper website.
Any feedback (constructive criticism welcome) would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Email me.....

I am here, but not *here*!
The last few weeks I have really been feeling the Lord pulling at my heart...
You know the kind of pulling, the kind that you want to ignore!
Well, I am glad that God doesn't give up on us!
Sometimes God has to SHOUT at me!! Yesterday's message at church really confirmed what I have been hearing from God. I can't ignore Him, I really don't want to ignore Him! I really want my life to be HIS vessel!!! During the message yesterday our paster had us write down one of our major worries/stresses/things that consume our thoughts. I wrote down "Trying to be good enough. Trying to make things work." Then he made a BOLD statement: "This is the way that you try to create your own righteousness." OUCH!!! Self righteousness, self importance, being good enough.

For now I will not be blogging. Blogging feeds my approval addiction issues.... I need GOD to provide all of my needs.... not try to have the bloggy world meet some underlying need I have. GOD loves me. Period. I have "tried" to make things happen, and I can NEVER be in peace when I am my own god. I really want my life to be used by God.... HIS way, HIS timing, HIS plan. I need to GET out of the WAY!!! LOL!! I'm sure that you can relate at some level.

I have struggled with "being good enough" my whole life.... frankly I am SICK of it!! I am going to be spending a lot of time soaking up GOD! My internet is going to be used in a different way... I will be listening to GOD'S word... listening to wonderful teachings as I work around the house.

I have some favorite blogs that I will be checking in on.....I have met many wonderful "imaginary friends" (as valleygirl's husband calls bloggy friends) and do plan to stay in touch.
I don't know how long I will be "gone". If God gives me the green light I will be back blogging about what HE wants.
Please feel free to contact me via email.

Bottom line: I want to serve GOD, not myself, not some approval addiction!!!! There are WAY too many COOL people and blogs out there! If I judge myself based on how I "measure up" compared to other blogs then I will NEVER measure up!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Victory Garden!

We have been ENJOYING the produce from our garden. If feels so good to eat food that God grew right in our own yard. We have had TONS of cucumbers, peppers, green beans and broccoli. The tomatoes are just starting to turn red... soon I will be busy canning tomatoes for winter. We LOVE chili! However, I have one problem: My garden is out of control!!!! Somehow it all ways happens... the weeds get the better of me!!!!!! YIKES!!! You know what I will be doing today...... gaining victory over the weeds!!!!

The oldest kids are back to school today! Wow, summer goes by fast. It is always bittersweet to see them go back to school. They are really growing up and it can be hard on a Mama.... but I am also so proud of them!!! We went in for open house last night... took in school supplies and met the teachers. We are going to have a great year!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Wordless Wednesday!!!!!

If I could just SEW....

This would be on the top of my list!!!
One for me and one for my daughter!
There is just something wonderful about feeling like a pretty girl! I love pretty night gowns!!!
I might just have to learn how to sew one of these days!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Good Morning!!!!

Good Morning!!!
I heard a quote once (don't know who said it): "Laughter is the closest distance between two people". I am going to share some laughter today!!! My oldest two go back to school on Thursday... want summer to go out with a fun bang!
Life is hard, but CHOOSING to enjoy it makes it SOOO much better!!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Appreciating each other!!

Saturday night the kids spent the night with my Mother-in-law.... they had a wonderful time and hubby and I enjoyed a nice evening out and came home to an empty house.... strange, but wonderful!
Sometimes in the business of everyday life you forget that you love being together! It is easy to loose sight of the romance that brought the two of us together... it somehow gets lost in work, bills, dishes, mowing and kids! I'm so glad we had this time.... I need to make it a greater priority focus on my marriage.... God has given me some ideas, now I need to implement! What kinds of things do you do to keep the fire burning???? Suggestions are always welcome!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

Anything....

ANYTHING!!!!!
Anything is Possible with GOD!!!!
Don't give up... Don't be discouraged!!!


God will never leave you or forsake you!!!
Give it over to GOD and believe that he will indeed take care of it!!!!
Nothing has to make sense to the human eyes.... it makes sense to GOD!!!
YEAH!!!

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

picture from allposters.com

Broken down walls....part THREE... with a Frugal Friday twist!

Financial walls:
WALLS! To recap: They provide protections (by keeping things in or out), create boundaries, create an identity. They provide safety, security and freedom. The strength of my walls is directly related to my self-control!!! Start with the first in this series for more on the important "walls" in our lives.

Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self control."

Self control is the BALANCE of the NOT and the DO.

I am in NO way qualified to teach on finances... I will leave that up to the experts! However, I have learned some valuable lessons relating to self-control and money!!!!!

Over the past few years our family has been attacking our debt and changing our outlook on money. We discovered Dave Ramsey and our life has not been the same since! I do believe what Larry Burket said for years "The way you spend your money says a lot about the condition of your heart."

God, how is my financial wall?? Am I balancing the NOT and the DO? Are my motives right and pure?? We have made so many mistakes in our past! God is full of GRACE and has been with us each and every step of the way as we learn to line up our finances with HIS word!

The SPENDING PLAN requires CONSTANT self-control. It is so easy to fall to weak moments and chip away at the "wall". I have those days that I just don't FEEL like cooking.... I have those days I don't FEEL like paying the bills.... I have moments that I just FEEL like buying a new whatever.... I have days that my thoughts are full of the "If I only had", "If I could just get..", "If only I had more money" "I WANT", "I need", or "I wish...". Retail therapy is a hard habit to break (even if yard sales and goodwill are my shopping of choice)!! Little chips add up to big chunks.

Financial "Walls" need constant PROTECTION.... Self-control is a key way of protecting it. We can't control all of life's curve balls, but we can use wisdom to be as prepared as possible. Eliminating debt, saving up an emergency fund, paying off the house and investing for the future are all things we can do! Walking with self-control is the ONLY way I am going to accomplish these goals.... Exercising self-control in the area of money will make me look different than the rest of America.... Like Dave Ramsey says "Live like no one else, so that later I can live like no one else"!!!

God, continue to give me wisdom each day relating to our finances. Help me to walk in self control. Thank you for being faithful to meet ALL of our needs. Open my eyes to see more clearly the difference between a NEED and a WANT!

For more frugal living posts visit Biblical Womanhood for Frugal Friday.

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather

One BIG way we save money is having a menu plan.
www.simplefamilysupper.com
Sign up for the free Simple Family Supper Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SimpleFamilySupper/

Broken down walls...... Part TWO....

WALLS! To recap: They provide protections (by keeping things in or out), create boundaries, create an identity. They provide safety, security and freedom. The strength of my walls is directly related to my self-control!!! Read the first in this series for more on the important "walls" in our lives.

Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self control."

Self control is the BALANCE of the NOT and the DO.

How can we practice self control in our daily lives to keep our walls strong??

My day is filled with choices from the moment I wake up till the moment I fall asleep.... choices of what I will NOT do and what I will DO. Will I choose to follow the example of the Proverbs 31 woman who "brings good and not harm, all the days of her life" or the fool that breaks down his walls with his lack of self control??

How does all of this relate to "walls" and self-control???? My flesh wants to do what feels good. My flesh is all about my "feelings". If I don't feel like getting up, if I don't feel like doing the dishes, if I don't feel like balancing the check book, if I don't feel like exercising am I going to do it?? What is it I "feel" like doing..... spending time on the computer? Watching TV?? Reading a book?? Sleeping in or staying up late??

As I look back and read in my journal from January's entry I read: "When I fall into idleness and don't get my routines done this starts to weaken the walls. After enough neglect the walls will fall. The walls are connected and one wall being weakened will weaken the others...domino effect."

Each moment I have a choice: What am I NOT doing? What am I DOING? Is this action bringing good and not harm to my family and home? Is this Idleness? Is this worth my limited amount of time? If the way I spend my time was measured the way financial wealth is measured how would my accounts stand? Am I storing up treasures in heaven or am I filling up my life with earthly pleasures?? Daily, moment by moment I have these choices to make.... self- control... Having control over my self! When I stand before my maker am I prepared to be accountable for the time HE has GIVEN me to invest?? What are the rewards of my "investments" going to be?? What condition are my walls in??

These can be hard questions to answer.... God do I really have to answer this??? I don't FEEL like it!!

Part THREE

Have a BLESSED day, BE a BLESSING!
Heather