Peaceful View Acres

God's Image Bearer

2012-01-25T20:34:00.000-06:00

We were made for the praise and glory of our Creator, that we might truly know God our creator, love him with all our heart, and live with him in eternal happiness. We praise God for our redemption in Christ because it is that redemption that enables us to love and know the Lord. In turn, this should move us to glorify Him in what we say, do, think, and feel.

Our original vocation as human beings was to rule and reign over the earth in righteousness. Apart from Christ, we are incapable of obeying God as He commands, but the reflections of beauty, goodness, and truth we still see in humanity, flawed as it is, testify that we still bear God's image even if it is now broken. In redemption, the Lord is restoring this image and enabling us to take dominion in righteousness.

So although the fallen descendants of Adam come into the world with a depraved nature incapable of obeying the Lord, God did not create our first parents as sinners.Instead, Adam and all those in him lost the ability to please our Creator when they believed the Serpent's lie (Gen. 3). Today, human beings remain images of God, but we are marred images that do not, on our own, fulfill our original vocation.

Coram Deo~ Living before the face of God

Talbletalk January 2012

A Country Dance

2012-01-17T23:25:00.001-06:00

We enjoyed a country dance last Sunday. Here is Brian and Carissa doing the Virginia Reel. The next country dance is next month. These dances are enjoyed by the whole family.

I Knit

2012-01-16T23:20:00.000-06:00

I finally learned how to knit. I went to a knitting class on the 2nd of January, that really inspired me to learn. I made a simple washcloth. I went to YOU TUBE to watch some videos to help me learn too. The online videos were extremely helpful to me. I cannot wait to knit more items.

Carissa has become a very good knitter. I will show some of her items soon.

Visiting a Museum

2012-01-12T19:02:00.003-06:00

Here is Winston Churchill

Here is Winston Churchill as a boy

Inside the historic St. Mary's Church

The organ

Here is an original part of the Berlin Wall

Here is Carissa and Wilma. They just came out of the Mennonite Restaurant.

Add caption

The Big 5

2012-01-11T20:32:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Jarrett's 5th birthday last week

Jarrett opening up a gift.

Jarrett received the Mickey pillow and shirt from his uncle and aunt. He loves sleeping with this pillow.

We took the children to Chuck "E" Cheese to celebrate Jarrett's birthday. They sure had fun being the only kids in the place for about 3 hours.


Jarrett says that Poppi came to visit him for his birthday.

I think the day was a success

Back to blogging

2012-01-10T11:32:00.002-06:00


Here is a picture from Christmas morning. Sorry it has been been awhile since I last blogged but I needed to take a little break.


Here is Nathan with the blanket and hat Carissa made him.

Here is the gang again.

A Gift From Husband

2011-12-24T09:58:00.000-06:00

Here is a gift from Brian. It was purchased through Craigslist. This piece of furniture is 30 years old and is solid oak. It matches our oak kitchen table that we've had for about 15 years. Brian had to sand down and refinish the top of the buffet. He did a beautiful job. You cannot see any more water stains. It says PERFECT to me. This gift was given to me last month. Do you think it is nice? I plan to store food in glass containers behind the glass doors.

Here is what's left of 22 pounds of pears that I purchased through Azure Standard. My family has sure enjoying these delicious pears. They are organic and taste out of this world sweet. I paid $1 a pound for these organic pears. Great price!

Carissa made these cookies in the cookie jar.

My Pantry

2011-12-20T22:01:00.007-06:00

Fresh Brussels Sprouts

2 tbsp of flax seeds will give you 6 percent of iron and 4 grams of protein. 2tbsp of tahini will give you 5 percent iron and 6 grams of protein. 2 tbsp of mesquite powder will give you 30 percent of iron and 5 grams of protein. 1/4 cup of cocoa powder will give you 20 percent of iron and 5 grams of protein.

I invite you to take a look in my pantry. Yes, it is orderly. What can I say...it is me. I like everything in it's place but that is not what I want to talk about. The subject I want to talk about is IRON. I have been deficient in iron for about 25 years. I did try to take iron pills through out my life but they always made me sick. Well it never occurred to me to try to get the iron I need from the foods I eat. Yes, I know you can eat spinach and meat but what about other foods... like vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and seeds.

I have been eating more iron by eating more fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and grains. One thing I found out is that Iron is in a lot of food.

It has been about 2 months that I have not craved chocolate or sweets. It is amazing what fresh vegetables and fruit will do to you.

3/4 cup of whole grain pasta gives you 10 percent of iron and 8 grams of protein.

1/2 cup of Vegi Soup Mix gives you 25 percent of iron and 21 grams of protein. 1/2 cup of 13 Bean Soup Mix gives you 30 percent of iron and 7 grams of protein.

1/2 cup of kidney beans gives you 15 percent of iron and 8 grams of protein. 1/2 cup of black beans gives you 10 percent of iron and 8 grams of protein.

1/4 cup of Quinoa gives you 12 percent of iron and 6 grams of protein. 13 flax seed crackers (Mary's Gone Crackers) gives you 6 percent of iron and 3 grams of protein.

3tbsp of hemp seeds gives you 16 percent of iron and 11 grams of protein.

1 cup of rice milk gives you 2 percent of iron and 1 gram of protein. 1 cup of coconut milk gives you 4 percent of iron and 1 gram of protein.

Here is a list of other foods I found online.

Vegetables	Quantity	Iron (mg)
Soybeans	2 cups	30
Cooked Spinach	2 cups	12.8
Swiss Chard (cooked)	2 cups	8
Peas	2 cups	6.76
Chickpeas	2 cups	6.4
Turnip Greens	2 cups	6.4
Collard Greens	2 cups	6.2
Potato	2 large	6
Asparagus	2 cups	5.74
Parsley	1 cup	5.5
Water Cress	2 cups	4.4
Brussels Sprouts	2 cups	3.8
Cooked Pumpkin	2 cups	3.4
Beetroot	2 cups	2.68

Vegetables	Quantity	Iron (mg)
Beet Green	2 cups	3.8
Bok Choy	2 cups	3.6
Kombu	2 cups	3.2
Mustard Greens	2 cups	2.9
Kale Cabbage	2 cups	2.6
Broccoli	2 cups	1.21
Cauliflower	2 cups	0.94

Iron Rich Foods - Foods High in Iron Content

Red Meat
Red meat is a rich source of iron. Beef, sheep meat, duck, goose and horses are considered as sources of red meat, which are rich in iron content. Eating them once in a while will give you the required dietary dosage of good iron. You can try out some meatloaf recipes to make your dishes suit your palates.

Beet Root
Beetroot has high level of iron content. This helps in reactivating and regenerating the red blood cells.

Spinach
It is not just meant for Popeye, but for all his fans too! Spinach, the generously green plant is one of the popular sources of iron. A serving of 180 g of spinach, gives the body 6.43 mg of iron.

Broccoli
Broccoli is similar in structure to cauliflower. It is known for its abundance of iron. Boil with some salt and pepper and add it to your salads and other fillings, so that you do not miss out on the required iron.

Almonds
Almonds, the exquisite nuts of Middle East have good amount of iron contents. An ounce of almonds in daily diet, will give you 6% of daily iron requirement.

Dates
Dates which vary from deep red to dark brown owe their shades to high iron contents. These dry fruits provide the body with essential nutrients and are thus supposed to have multiple health benefits.

Fenugreek
Fenugreek, native of Indian land, is used both as a herb and spice. This vegetable is one of the important on the iron food's list. This natural source of iron is good for building hemoglobin and for long-term health benefits.

Asparagus
Asparagus belongs to the plant family and has over 300 species. 'Asparagus officinalis' is the edible asparagus and it has good amount of iron top. For healthy eating try incorporating asparagus soup or asparagus salad in your daily meal.

Romaine Lettuce
This high in iron food, can be eaten raw. It also provides Vitamin C, K and A to the body. For delicious preparations use it in salads and sandwiches.

Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard has innumerable health benefits. Swiss chard is recommended as improve the intake of iron for those suffering with iron deficiency and even to those who want to prevent one!

Kale Cabbage
Kale cabbage is an ultimate source of iron. You can fry it or boil it, the vegetable is sure to give you your daily dose of iron.

Corn
Corn helps in reducing iron deficiency. It is easy to cook and healthy to eat. Spinach and corn combination is lovely and a hit among kids, try it out for dinner tonight!

Potatoes
Everybody loves potatoes! Potatoes enhance iron absorption and baked potatoes with skin are foods with high iron content. So have them for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Experiment with the potato recipes for discovering its interesting flavors.

Clams
Clams are a type of a shellfish. They are freshwater and marine water seafood. They are extremely easy to cook and are found in the coastal cuisines.

Oysters
Exotic oysters are also a type of shellfish which contain, magnesium, zinc, calcium and copper, besides lots of iron.

Raisins
Raisins are a good source of iron for those who are suffering from anemia. They also act as antioxidants, which are important for protection of cells. The high iron food tastes the best with chocolates, if that's an incentive!

Fig
Figs are foods high in iron. The fruit can also be consumed as laxative and is a delicious substitute for sweets. The native of western Asia, fig can be cooked or eaten raw too.

Carrots
The benefits of carrots are immeasurable. The beautiful color of the carrot is tempting enough to include it in your diet. You can make salads, juices or even eat raw.

Bread
Whole wheat breads are iron rich foods and are thus recommended for improving iron intake. Whole wheat breads also provides the body with carbohydrates and fiber.

Watermelon
Watermelon is the 'iron fruit'. Its sweet taste is awaited by many in all round the year. The fruit rehydrates the body and provides the essential richness of iron.

Tomato
The rich red color of tomatoes is a good enough indicator that they are high in iron. 8 ounces of tomato juice in food preparation provides the body with 1 mg of iron. Tomato recipes also add to the nutritional value of the meal.

Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are iron rich foods. A 1/4th cup of sunflower seeds gives the body 1.2 mg of iron.

Apricots
Dried apricots if given to anemic people, improves the condition of the body steadily. The fruit is easy to digest and it also has nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin C.

Lentils
Lentils are native of India and hence form a part crucial part of Indian square meals. Regular consumption of lentils averts iron deficiency and provides the body with essential amino acids.

Green Peas
Green peas are also foods high in iron content. They help in blood cell formation and function, and thus help in preventing anemia.

Soybeans
Having ¾ cup of soybeans gives you 6.5mg of iron dosage. This goes to show its importance in the our diet!

Tuna
Tuna sandwiches are yummiest snacks! You can also use tuna in salads, grill it or roast it. The fish is simply a gourmet's delight and high iron food.

Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a herb and has many nutrients. The herb has a high content of iron. Having 1 cup of herb can give you .32 mg of iron.

Barley
Barley is a clear king of all nutrients. It is a must in the regular diet. The cereal not only has iron but is rich with copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc.

Chickpeas
Chickpeas are mandatory for healthy living as they are a good source of iron. Having 200 g of chickpeas will provide the body with 6.2 mg of iron.

Bran Flakes
Bran flakes is an excellent breakfast option for both, kids and adults. Bran flakes are available in various flavors, which makes the breakfast interesting. Eating just 45 g of bran flakes gives you 5.3 mg of iron.

Museli
Museli is a nutritional supplement, and is often prescribed by fitness instructors. They are toasted oats and can be eaten with milk. 60 g of museli in breakfast gives the body 2.76 mg of iron.

Tofu
Tofu, a cheese like food content is high in iron. Having 4 ounces of tofu will give you 6mg of iron. Tofu can be fried, added to salads and even to curries.

Green beans
Green beans are a rich source of iron and can be eaten fresh. Frozen green beans have a longer shelf-life and can be used all round the year. Fresh green bean recipes are mouth-watering treats for one and all.

Cashews
Cashews are edible nuts and a very good source of iron. Having ¼ cup of nuts gives the body 2.1 mg of iron. Cashews are ground into pastes so that they can be used to make delectable curries.

Soy yogurt
Soy yogurt has a trace of iron. However, it is a good substitute for buffalo milk. Having 6 ounces of soy yogurt gives the body 1.1 mg of iron. Soy products are wonderful in taste and healthy as they are less calorific.

Millet
Millet is a cereal crop of Asia. Popularly known as Bajri or Jowar in India, the crop tops the list of iron rich foods. Having one cup of millet gives the body 1.1 mg of iron.

Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are edible seeds, often used as a spice in Indian food. Commonly known as til in Maharashtra, it adds to the flavor and improves the nutritional value of the food by increasing the iron content. 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds give you 1 mg of iron.

Finger Millet or Ragi
Finger Millet or Ragi is a fantastic source of iron. Mostly consumed in western and southern parts of India, Ragi or nachni is cooked as bhakri, kind of a flat bread, as kheer, a sweet porridge and ladu, a sweet ball like preparation.

Sprouts
Sprouts are Kala Chana, alfalfa, moong and barley. These seeds are juicy and add to the taste of salad or any curry preparation. They are high in iron content and can be boiled too.

Lima Beans
Lima beans is ideal for anemia sufferers. It replenishes the iron content in the body, restoring lost energy levels. Lima beans are also excellent for person dealing with diabetes.

Pork Roast
Pork Roast is generous source of iron should be included as a part of diet to prevent anemia. Having 3 ounces of it gives the body 2.7 mg of iron.

Kidney Beans
Kidney beans or rajmah is a vegetarian's delight. The beans make extremely tempting curries. An icon of Punjabi dhabas, rajmah's red color is enough to talk about its high iron levels.

Egg
Egg yolks are important sources of iron and are very important part of the diet. If you are fitness conscious don't completely avoid yolks, because then you'd be missing out on the iron.

Pictures From Last Week

2011-12-12T20:07:00.006-06:00

We received our first snow of the season on Tuesday. It was a light dusting but that did not matter to the children.

Look at the snow angels.

Rockem & Sockem

Here are some olive oil lamps. These are so easy to use. They burn clean too. I could not stand the smell of the paraffin or kerosene lamps burning. So, I found this alternative at Lehman's online. My children love to use these lamps. They are nothing fancy but they work great.

Advent

2011-12-08T19:18:00.005-06:00

Advent means "coming", a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. We have been doing Advent since November 27th. This is our first year using this source and we are enjoying it. I am also reading The Adventure of Christmas by Lisa Whelchel and The Family Read Aloud Christmas Treasury to the children. We have been listening to Christmas music. My children love Christmas music and movies. It makes it special because they only watch these movies and listen to Christmas music at this time of the year.

Carissa has been busy making presents. I hope to get a picture of them when they are unwrapped.

I am behind with my decorations and we have not went Christmas tree hunting yet. The kids cannot wait to go to the tree farm.

Hope For Families

2011-12-01T21:50:00.003-06:00

We know the content of the gospel, but we fail to trust God's promises in the gospel, and we fail to apply God's gospel promises in our lives individually, affecting, in turn, our families. For example, men sometimes think that all they need to do to raise good kids is simply be good dads, when, in fact, what every kid needs to see first and foremost is how his dad loves his mother with a repentant, patient, and sacrificial love that not only swears to die for her but that strives to live for her each and every day, which is precisely what Jesus did for us. Our Lord didn't merely come to die, He lived for us as well. When we believe and apply the gospel, we will not need to pretend we are sinless but will instead be free to repent of our sins and ask forgiveness as we look to God's true and faithful Son, Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

God showed His love for us by sending His Son to live and die for us, and men are to show their love for their families by pointing them to Jesus Christ whose love for us never changes. And though I hear it all the time, there's no such thing as "falling out of love." Christan couples don't ever fall out of love, they fall our of being repentant. The gospel hope for our broken homes is our broken and contrite hearts that turn daily to Jesus Christ and His brokenness for us on the cross as our Savior and Lord.

by Burk Parsons editor of Tabletalk Magazine

I just had to share what I read today. I was reminded of my wedding vows when I read this article. I don't know why but the vows just popped into my head.

Men have a great opportunity to show their family Christ. What woman would not want to follow a man that would be patient, repentant, and show sacrificial love? I think women do long for these qualities in a their spouses but how many men are acting like Christ to their wives. No wonder women are drawn to fairy tales. The night in shining armor thing.

I leave this post today with a poem from Christina Rossetti

What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb, If I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can give him, I give my heart.

Alkaline and Acidic foods

2011-11-18T12:59:00.007-06:00

Although it might seem that lemons, limes, oranges, berries and grapefruit would have an acidifying effect on the body, the citric acid they contain actually has an alkalizing effect in the system.

Note that a food's acid or alkaline forming tendency in the body has nothing to do with the actual pH of the food itself. For example, lemons are very acidic, however the end products they produce after digestion and assimilation are very alkaline so, lemons are alkaline forming in the body. Likewise, meat will test alkaline before digestion, but it leaves very acidic residue in the body so, like nearly all animal products, meat is very acid forming.

The human body has a tremedous healing power when it is properly nourished. If the body's pH becomes acidic, it becomes harder and harder to properly take in other nutrients, such as minerals, vitamins or herbs. The key is to re-establish the proper acid/alkaline balance of your body.
An acidic pH creates a hostile internal environment, like a raging storm, making the struggle to get the nutrients it needs for optimal health. The more acid you become, the worse you will feel. As the body's pH comes into better balance (with a pH between 6.4 to 7.0), it is like a sunny spring day; your body can easily assimilate minerals and other nutrients that were very difficult to absorb at a lower, more acidic pH.

Most vegetable and fruits are alkaline, so include many fresh/raw vegetables and fruits in your diet. Add the low-glycemic fruits to your diet. Here is a list for you to view:

Alkaline Forming Foods
VEGETABLES Garlic Asparagus Fermented Veggies Watercress Beets Broccoli Brussel sprouts Cabbage Carrot Cauliflower Celery Chard Chlorella Collard Greens Cucumber Eggplant Kale Kohlrabi Lettuce Mushrooms Mustard Greens Dulce Dandelions Edible Flowers Onions Parsnips (high glycemic) Peas Peppers Pumpkin Rutabaga Sea Veggies Spirulina Sprouts Squashes Alfalfa Barley Grass Wheat Grass Wild Greens Nightshade Veggies	FRUITS Apple Apricot Avocado Banana (high glycemic) Cantaloupe Cherries Currants Dates/Figs Grapes Grapefruit Lime Honeydew Melon Nectarine Orange Lemon Peach Pear Pineapple All Berries Tangerine Tomato Tropical Fruits Watermelon PROTEIN Eggs (poached) Whey Protein Powder Cottage Cheese Chicken Breast Yogurt Almonds Chestnuts Tofu (fermented) Flax Seeds Pumpkin Seeds Tempeh (fermented) Squash Seeds Sunflower Seeds Millet Sprouted Seeds Nuts	OTHER Apple Cider Vinegar Bee Pollen Lecithin Granules Probiotic Cultures Green Juices Veggies Juices Fresh Fruit Juice Organic Milk (unpasteurized) Mineral Water Alkaline Antioxidant Water Green Tea Herbal Tea Dandelion Tea Ginseng Tea Banchi Tea Kombucha SWEETENERS Stevia Ki Sweet SPICES/SEASONINGS Cinnamon Curry Ginger Mustard Chili Pepper Sea Salt Miso Tamari All Herbs ORIENTAL VEGETABLES Maitake Daikon Dandelion Root Shitake Kombu Reishi Nori Umeboshi Wakame Sea Veggies

Acid Forming Foods
FATS & OILS Avocado Oil Canola Oil Corn Oil Hemp Seed Oil Flax Oil Lard Olive Oil Safflower Oil Sesame Oil Sunflower Oil FRUITS Cranberries GRAINS Rice Cakes Wheat Cakes Amaranth Barley Buckwheat Corn Oats (rolled) Quinoa Rice (all) Rye Spelt Kamut Wheat Hemp Seed Flour DAIRY Cheese, Cow Cheese, Goat Cheese, Processed Cheese, Sheep Milk Butter	NUTS & BUTTERS Cashews Brazil Nuts Peanuts Peanut Butter Pecans Tahini Walnuts ANIMAL PROTEIN Beef Carp Clams Fish Lamb Lobster Mussels Oyster Pork Rabbit Salmon Shrimp Scallops Tuna Turkey Venison PASTA (WHITE) Noodles Macaroni Spaghetti OTHER Distilled Vinegar Wheat Germ Potatoes	DRUGS & CHEMICALS Aspartame Chemicals Drugs, Medicinal Drugs, Psychedelic Pesticides Herbicides ALCOHOL Beer Spirits Hard Liquor Wine BEANS & LEGUMES Black Beans Chick Peas Green Peas Kidney Beans Lentils Lima Beans Pinto Beans Red Beans Soy Beans Soy Milk White Beans Rice Milk Almond Milk

I have know about these two different groups of food but did not really take it to heart until my body started to really get sick. It is never too late to change your health. Here is a good article to read at Natural News.

Trying To Eat Healthy

2011-11-16T12:08:00.005-06:00

Here are some of the books I have been reading. I feel I am back in college; while I study and doing a research.

Yes, we are eating pomegranates. Shane actually helped me with getting the fruit out. Go here for a very easy way to eat pomegranates. Jarrett and Shane kept on shoveling them in their mouths.

Here is a fresh salad I made for the family the other day.

I don't like taking vitamin tablets or capsules. I break open the capsules and put the powder in a half cup of orange juice. I do the same thing for my children. I don't like the fact that the capsules or tablets have to break down in my stomach. How long does that take? I am reading different reports about how long it takes. It doesn't matter to me, what I am doing works for our family.

Here is Jarrett enjoying a Banana Date Shake. You should try one sometime.

1 1/2 cups of coconut milk (unsweetened)
6-10 large dates
2-3 frozen bananas
ice cubes

This will make about 4 -6 servings

Banana Date Shake mustache!

Thanksgiving Traditions

2011-11-15T23:22:00.005-06:00

Does anyone out there have a Thanksgiving Tradition they would like to share? We just started a new one this year. It is a Thanksgiving Jar.

Here is what you do: Everyone in the family cuts up stripes of paper and writes down what they are thankful for. Now, you should write one down almost everyday. You can do this for a whole year or just for the month of November. Make sure you put it in the jar after you write it down. Then on Thanksgiving Day while everyone is around the table, you take turns reading the different pieces of paper from the Thanksgiving Jar.

Pictures From the Last Few Weeks

2011-11-14T12:10:00.004-06:00

I just love these peaceful farm pictures. There is just something about living out in the country.

Look at these birds that came to visit the corn field next door one day.

Shane is so proud to finish his 2nd grade math book on October 28th. He is now in 3rd grade math and is learning his multiplication facts. He is flying through this book too. If he continues on this path he will start 4th grade math in April, while he is still in the 2nd grade school year. All his subjects seem to be easy for him. On Friday, he did a whole lesson of math in one day. It usually takes 3 days to do a lesson but he is wanting to do more. I don't push him at all. He amazes me even with his spelling for his age.

It has been a few weeks since I last blogged. I have been very busy with improving my health and researching. I am enjoying what I am learning and plan to share with you what I have learned. So, stay tuned to my blog for future Healthy Living posts.

Trying To Find Balance

2011-11-03T17:42:00.004-05:00

Well, I have completed my 9th day on the juice fast. I am feeling so much better. It is amazing! Here are the fresh veggies and fruit I am juicing:

Apples
Pears
Fresh Ginger
Spinach
Kale
Carrots
Cucumber
Celery
Lemons
Romaine Hearts
Collards Greens
Parsley
Beets
Fennel Bulbs

I am not juicing all of these fruit and vegetables in one day. It is more like within a week.

I found some books at the library, which have been so helpful. Here is what I have been reading:

The Ultimate Guide To the Daniel Fast by Kristen Feola
Raw Basics by Jenny Ross
Going Raw by Judita Wignall
Ani's Raw Food Desserts by Ani Phyo
Raw Food for Everyone by Alissa Cohen

I have also been reading a book that I have from my own personal library called Get Healthy by Don Colbert, MD. Here are a few pages from his book:

Most of America's health problems today are caused by dietary abuses. Elizabeth Frazao of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that poor eating habits are linked to more than half of the deaths in the United States.

Diet is a significant factor in the risk of coronary heart disease, certain types of cancer, and stroke-the three leading causes of death in the United States, and responsible for over half of all deaths in 1994. Diet also plays a major role in the development of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. These six health conditions incur considerable medical expenses, lost work, disability, and premature deaths-much of it unnecessary, since a significant proportion of these conditions is believed to be preventable through improved diets.

There are many ways we abuse our bodies through our poor eating habits, but here are a few of the major abusers in our diets:

The average American consumes 150 pounds of sugar per year. That's the equivalent of about one to two teaspoons of sugar per hour.
Processed foods are grossly deficient in nutrients and contain food additives, sweeteners, flavorings, coloring agents, preservatives, bleaching agents, emulsifiers, texturizers, humectants, acids, alkalis, buffers, and other chemicals. Such foods provide loads of calories with little nutrition.
Our soil has been robbed of important minerals and nutrients; therefore, the food it produces is nutritionally poor.
The Fat we eat, including saturated fats and hydrogenated fats overtax our bodies with thick, sludge like, yellow-brown material that encrusts the inside of arteries, forms plaque, fattens our bodies, elevates our cholesterol, forms stones in our gallbladders, weakens our immune system, and shortens our lives.
Fast foods, fried foods, and eating far too much meat while denying our bodies healthful fruits and vegetables are ways in which we abuse our bodies through our diets.

It's easy to see why we're overfed and undernourished. We gorge ourselves with increasing amounts of food to respond to our bodies' cravings for nutrition. After we've eaten, our bodies, even though under a heavy burden of calories, still realize that they never received the nutrients they needed. So our brains send more signals, triggering hunger, which is interpreted by us as the need or desire for even more food. We end up spiraling down into a vicious cycle of overfeeding with empty food, craving more nutrition and overfeeding again with even more empty, processed, devitalized, sugary foods.

The end results is ever-expanding waistlines, thighs, and buttocks. We get fatter and fatter, forcing our bodies to groan under the burden of extra pounds. But in terms of actual nourishment, we give our bodies less and less.

We may be actually starving from a nutritional standpoint while at the same time becoming grossly obese. The end result of this merciless abuse of our bodies is disease and death. Sadly, we really are digging our graves with our forks and knives!

As a result of our overindulgence's we have an epidemic of heart disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, allergies, obesity, arthritis, osteoporosis, and a host of other painful and debilitating degenerative diseases.

After doing some more research I am leaning towards trying a raw foods diet after the juice fast. I really enjoy the fresh vegetables and fruit and I feel the benefits. You might like to view another documentary called Fork Over Knives. You can view it on Netflix or the trailer here.

Another good status is that I have lost 2 inches from my waist and 2 inches from my hips.

Whom Do You Belong To

2011-10-31T21:43:00.003-05:00

Do you belong to the Lord Jesus Christ as one of His sheep, or are you counted among the goats who serve another master?If you trust in Jesus alone, then you can be sure that He will receive you into His eternal kingdom at your death. But if you do not believe in Christ, your reward will be eternal destruction. Today may be the last opportunity you have to trust Jesus, so do not delay in bowing to Him as Lord.

Tabletalk October 2011

Choosing to Live a Healthy Life

2011-10-29T17:26:00.003-05:00

I have not felt well for pretty much the whole year. I have not taken care of myself at all. I am too busy to care about what I eat, so that was what I thought. I would eat just to relieve stress. Yes, I do have a very stressful life but that is no excuse.

Three years ago I was very healthy. I was fit and trim from working out with a personal trainer 3 times a week but all that changed when we moved to the Mid-West. Brian did make an exercise area in the basement but I have not used it much. I feel like I don't have the time for me anymore. I run a high demanding business, homeschool, try to cook, clean the house, run errands, and many other tasks. Sometimes I wonder how I get it all done.

I have known that I needed to change things but I kept putting it off. Brian would always talk to me about my eating habits but I would say, "yes, I will change someday." You see I have been addicted to sugar big time. I just did not think about what I was eating because I was so busy.

Well now my body is out of balance. I found out through some tests on October 5th that my liver, heart, and lymph system is not doing well. The doctor thinks my heart is not doing well because of stress. My liver is over tasked and is not functioning right. The doctor is very concerned about my lymph system.

When one organ in your body is not doing well, it causes your other organs to work harder and therefore start showing problems. God has designed our bodies to function as a team. I never really thought about that way. Our body needs water, vitamins, and minerals to run at an optimum level. We need to see food as vitamins & minerals. How many of us just put anything in our mouth and really don't think about what vitamins and minerals are in it.

I sat in the doctor's office and said, " I guess I would change if the doctor told me it was a do or die case." The doctor looked at me and said, "This is a do or die case." She was very serious. She gave a regime to follow, vitamins and minerals. I have to see her at the end of November to get retested again. She would like me to do a liver cleanse in about a month or so.

I am trying to get balance back in my body through prayer, juicing, organic food, and exercise. Our family plans to go back to eating vegetarian. We will still eat some dairy and eggs. We will actually eat some meat. I plan to make my own kefir cheese out of goats milk. I am not into cows milk much because it really causes alot of mucous in my body.

For the past 5 days I have been juicing. This is the start of my road to wellness and balance. This is a way to kick start me into change. I found these things documentaries helpful Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead and FoodMatters I found these websites helpful too Mercola and Ultimate Daniel Fast.

I plan to blog about my progress, so I will keep you posted.

Autumn Colors

2011-10-19T10:36:00.004-05:00

I just love the Autumn colors, the smell of hot apple cider, the crisp air, hayrides, mums, and pumpkins.

German Country Days

2011-10-18T23:35:00.013-05:00

Here are some pictures of the living history tour we did this past Saturday.

Brian and Nathan sawing a log.

This dugout reminds of something from Little House On The Prairie books. It was dark and cool inside.

This is an old fashioned mandolin. Yes, they used them back in the early 1800's.

IndoctriNation

2011-10-17T13:50:00.003-05:00

There is a new DVD coming out called IndoctriNation-Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America. You can view the trailer and some clips here.

This movie should make every Christian think about why they send their children to public school or why they don't send them to public school.

We choose not to send our children to public school because they our responsibility and not the states responsibility to educate. The parents are responsible to feed, cloth, provide shelter, and educate their children. Parents want what is best for the child not the public school system. Parents have to be involved with their child's education.

What people are Saying about IndoctriNation:

"Every Christian parent with a child in a government school should see this [movie] and be forced to confront their unwillingness to do what Scripture requires for the children on loan to them by God. A mass exodus from government schools is the only way to preserve the souls and minds of our children."

Cal Thomas (America’s most widely syndicated op-ed columnist)

"This is the most important issue facing the Body of Christ, an issue that must be addressed and put to rest forever. IndoctriNation is an extremely important movie. Every church in America should show IndoctriNation. Every Christian should show IndoctriNation to their friends."

Ted Baehr MovieGuide

Enjoying the Rain

2011-10-14T15:18:00.003-05:00

Jarrett loves to be outside when it is raining. Look at him sitting on the wet deck and looking out into the rain.

From The Garden

2011-10-07T20:52:00.003-05:00

We have alot of cucumbers.

Here are some of my purple green beans that I made Brian plant this summer. They actually turn green with you cook them.

A Movie Review

2011-10-06T23:10:00.004-05:00

Here is another good family movie to watch, it is the The Perfect Game. Go here and watch the trailer. Our family enjoyed watching this movie a few weeks ago.

Have you heard of The Case for Christ? This is a good documentary to watch. Go here and watch the trailer. I actually borrowed this DVD from the library.

A Day At The Zoo

2011-10-04T21:30:00.006-05:00

Our family went to the zoo this past Saturday. We met some friends there and had some fun for the day. We even got the chance to visit Trader Joe's, our favorite store.

This is a False Gharial, which is a cousin to the crocodile.

This lemur looks scared.

A Japanese Beetle

2011-09-28T10:30:00.004-05:00

Nathan found this Japanese Beetle swimming in the pool the other day. Japanese Beetles are a pest in our garden. They infested the raspberry bushes this summer.

It sure is cute but it's still a pest.

180 Movie

2011-09-27T10:49:00.004-05:00

Have you seen this movie yet? It just came out and you can watch it for free.

Watch Ray Comfort from Living Waters evangelize. I like his style of approaching people. After watching this, I want to go out and evangelize.

Warning some content is not for children. This movie is good for discussion with older children and adults.

My grandmother lived in Germany during WWII. She was obviously deeply disturbed by what she witnessed. How can anyone say it never happened. It is just plain ignorance to believe that it never happened.

Watch the movie here

Sewing

2011-09-26T21:41:00.002-05:00

I bought this Ann Taylor skirt for a dollar at a garage sale back in July. It is a lined linen skirt that still has the original price tag attached. I decided to add the black fabric to bottom of the skirt to give it some length. I gathered, hemmed, and serged the black fabric before I added it to the skirt. I hemmed the top where it is gathered and left the bottom showing the serged end. You cannot see the serged end because I put a narrow trim over it. I think it turned out very good.

A Heritage Festival

2011-09-22T19:53:00.009-05:00

We went to a local Heritage Festival last Saturday. We had a fun time. The kids sure loved going out to eat too.

Atlas Profilax Update

2011-09-20T23:47:00.003-05:00

Well it has been a year now since I had this procedure done. I have to say that I have been pain and headache free for the year. I do get a stiff neck if I sleep on my pillow wrong but this is nothing compared to the pain I had. I remember that nothing would take the pain away, except going to the chiropractor. It has been a year since I've been to the chiropractor. I feel like a new person.

You can view a video about Atlas Profilax here Another option is the Atlas Orthogonal. This procedure is very similar to the Atlas Profilax. You can view Atlas Orthogonal here or here.

A Week In Pictures

2011-09-14T19:41:00.004-05:00

Shane loves to play Battleship with his dad.

Nathan's science experiment.

Look what was in a nest in our front porch.... a skeleton of a baby bird.

I found this baby snake the other day. Brian just made sure it was put in the grass. He thinks it is a rat snake.

Under The Big Top

2011-09-10T17:57:00.005-05:00

We took the children to the circus for the first time this past Thursday. They really enjoyed the 2 hour show. Jarrett laughed so much while the clown was performing. It is cute the way he laughs and giggles. I will say that the clown was his favorite thing.

Labor Day

2011-09-09T20:02:00.006-05:00

A bee hive made out of Rye coils.

A honey comb

Making German bobbin lace.

A man playing a dulcimer.

An old spinning wheel

The boys getting ready to fire a cannon.

Our family went to a Folk Life Festival for Labor Day. We had a lot of fun.

We have been enjoying the great weather. I think I have every weekend booked until November with some family outing. I know it might seem a lot but a person can only take so much of being inside on hot & humid days. Yeah, Fall is coming!

Harvesting

2011-09-04T18:42:00.004-05:00

Today we went out to the garden to harvest some produce. We picked some basil, tomatoes, corn, and green beans. There are a ton of green beans growing in the garden. We still have watermelon, basil, rosemary, spearmint, peppermint, and strawberries growing. There are cucumbers and carrots growing also.

This week a friend from church gave us about 25 pounds of zucchini. I did give some of them away. Carissa made zucchini soup the other day. We still have some left.

Another friend gave us some fresh okra. I am thinking about making some fried okra and zucchini. How about I make some fresh tomato & basil dipping sauce for the fried okra and zucchini. I think my mouth is watering now.

Carissa Turns 13

2011-09-01T21:27:00.006-05:00

Cake Pops

Wow! We have a teenager in the house. It does seem strange, about how the years go by fast. I am just trying to keep up with the demands of school, let alone children growing older. Thirteen years have past in a blink of an eye.

I remember the day she was born and how she weighed 6 lbs and 3 oz. The nurses called her peanut because she was only 18 inches long. She was tiny.... She wore preemie clothes the first month of her life.

She celebrated her birthday by having some friends over. The girls made some delicious cake pops, homemade cards, homemade pizza, went swimming, and played dress up. It was a fun day for all the girls.

Carissa Sews

2011-08-24T14:14:00.004-05:00

Carissa has been on the move with her sewing projects. She has been sewing aprons for various friends. She made some bags, that she plans to give to her friends at her upcoming birthday party. I think she is talented for her age. I am going to encourage Carissa to open her own online shop to sale her aprons and other items. Maybe someday she will follow her mother's footsteps and be an entrepreneur.

Do you know of any 12 year old that sews? Sewing is becoming a lost art with the younger generations. If you are a mom who does not sew. I encourage you to find someone or a group who can teach your daughter to sew, knit, and crochet.

Encourage your child in their gifting. Be your child's best cheerleader.

True Friendship

2011-08-22T08:22:00.005-05:00

I truly value the friendships I have. I love to get to know new friends and try to take the time to get to know them. One way I do this is by inviting them and their family over for dinner. What do you do to get to know people? Do you socialize with people after church service? One thing our church is planning to do is to have a fellowship meal after service, so people can get to know new friends.

Yesterday morning, we studied friendship in our Sunday School class. I think it is a very good topic to discuss, so I want to share a little of what I read. I hope this encourages you today. Are you a true friend?

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (KJV)

We have probably all had fair-weather friends at one time or another. They're the ones who stop being a friend when things get difficult. For whatever reason, friends like this distance themselves when circumstances change.

The Bible's picture of a true friend differs sharply from this kind of person. Proverb 17:17 describes the true friend as one whose friendship endures hard times, and even grows stronger during those times.

Jesus' friendship with two sister, Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus illustrates well this type of friendship. Their relationship continued through pleasant times and difficult times. Their friendship shows us the need for true friends. It also teaches us to value the friendships we have.

Examine your own friendships. Is your friendship a constant thing to others, or do you find yourself separated from your friends when hard times come into their lives? Do not be a fair-weathered friend. Try to be a kind of friend Jesus was to Mary, Martha, and Lazarus--a friend who is steady throughout the seasons of life.

Look for opportunities to make new friends. Be especially aware of those around you who seem to have few friends. You could be the friend they wish for, or they could be the friends you need.

Above all, value your friendships. They can give you a way to show Christ and His love for everyone. Difficult though they may be a times, friendships are a gift from God. Treasure the gifts of friendship you have.

God's gift of friends sustains and encourages us in every season of life.

Here are some scriptures to study:

Luke 10:38-42
John 11:28-45

1Samuel 20:35-42 (Friends Protect)
Job 2:11-13 (Friends Share Grief)
Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 (Two Better than One)
Mark 2:3-12 (Friends Never Give Up)
Luke 15:8-10 (Friends Celebrate Victories)
Philippians 2:25-30 (Friends Share in Trials)

Last Week In Pictures

2011-08-16T21:52:00.005-05:00

Carissa got baptized this past Sunday.

Shane got baptized this past Sunday too.

Shane lost his 3rd tooth.

Our Super Hero

Here is a velvet ant. This is called an ant but it really is a wingless wasp. We found it in the garage.

The plum tomatoes are growing.

We are growing watermelon.

Here is the corn but it is not producing any ears.

My purple green bean plants.

Tomato Time

2011-08-13T13:42:00.004-05:00

This past week I made some homemade tomato sauce and salsa. A friend of ours gave us 25 pounds of tomatoes on Sunday. They are so good.

We picked our first tomatoes from the garden this week. Wow, there is nothing like fresh garden ripe tomatoes... Our garden tomatoes have such a superior taste to tomatoes in the stores.

I believe I made 9 jars of sauce from the 25 pounds of tomatoes.

Time for Peaches

2011-08-06T14:36:00.007-05:00

I have been preserving peaches this past week. We purchased about 75 pounds of peaches for $40. They are 2nds; which are still good for eating. They just have some blemishes. So far, I have made peach syrup, peach jam, peach preserves, peach cobbler, and peach pie.

Making Jam

I made some peach cobbler.

Making preserves in the crock pot.

These jars are going into the freezer.

Here are some preserves.

I just had to make some fresh peach pie.

Brian just bought another 37 pounds of peaches today. I plan to make some more preserves. Do you have any suggestions for me to make with the peaches?

Our neighbor gave us about 60 ears of corn. Carissa shucked them and put them in the freezer. We have had neighbors give us Swiss chard, tomatoes, zucchini, okra, corn, and celery from their gardens this summer. This is what neighbors do in the country. Did I tell you that we even get ground beef from grass feed cows for $2 a pound. Now, you cannot beat that price anywhere. You just got to love country living. Just think, we will never starve.

A New Year of Homeschooling

2011-08-04T11:51:00.021-05:00

Here are some shelves full of books and curriculum.

I have been consumed these past weeks with preparing for a new year. I have written lists, reviewed curriculum, and wrote out lesson plans. This is really feeding my perfectionism side...At times it has been stressful but I have to do it. This year I evaluated each child's progress with the curriculum they used. I sat down,wrote a list, and showed it to Brian. We are very satisfied with each child's progress but we will need to work on some areas of their subjects.

Schooling your children is a sacrifice for the parents involved. I don't have time to lounge around, go to the gym everyday, scrapbook, sew, and read books. These are things I would probably do if my children were in public school. My life is not me centered it is family centered now. I want to do what is right for my children. I want to provide them with an above average education. As you know, you don't need a degree to teach your child. As I once told a friend, "Do you have a brain, then you can teach". All you need is love for your child and a love for God's word. (remember this is my opinion)

It does not cost much to homeschool too. I probably spend around $300-$700 a year for all my children. I buy a lot of curriculum used from individuals and Amazon. Yeah!

I have had many struggles this year, since I took over the schooling of our children. Brian schooled them for the past 6 years, he did a great job, and I am so thankful that he had this opportunity. I 've had to adjust my schedule greatly. I juggle running a business, homeschooling, blogging, devotions, chores, sewing, exercising, the constant errands, and cooking. I sometimes feel I am working two full time jobs. Please keep me in your prayers...

Here is a schedule I am striving for:

6:00am I arise, dress, and do devotions

7:00am Breakfast, children dress, and morning chores

9:ooam Start off the school day with bible study with the children

9:30am Math, Phonics, Spelling, Language Arts, Penmanship (children work independently)

10:30am Play Break

11am A time children learn together Science,

History, Geography, and Personal Development

12:30pm Lunch

1:30pm Read Literature, Poetry, Music Study, Art, Foreign

Language, Science Experiments, and Free Time

5:30pm Dinner and Family Time

7:00pm Bath and Family Devotions

8:30pm Bedtime for the Kids

It seems like my school day runs about 5-6 hours. Here are some curriculum changes I am making:

Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends for personal development

TruthQuest for history
Rosetta Stone and Learnables for foreign language

Spelling Workout & Building Spelling Skills for spelling

Carissa will be using Building Spelling Skills and Nathan will using Spelling Workout.

The Old Schoolhouse magazine is a great resource. You can view the latest copy here.

100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy is another great resource. You can read her reviews on all curriculum online here. I have found that she is right on target with her reviews. She may save you time and a headache. Trust me, I have been there. I refer to this book a lot and she has helped me.

The Moore Foundation is another excellent resource. You can read about the Moore Foundation here.

Simply Charlotte Mason is another go to website that I frequent. You can view it here. I use their planning guide and some subject materials.

Carissa and Nathan have 14 subjects to study this year. Some subjects are studied once or twice a week. Shane will have 10 subjects to study this year. Jarrett is in preschool and Carissa is pretty much teaching him his subjects. Carissa really enjoys teaching him.

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

A Movie Review

2011-08-04T08:52:00.004-05:00

There is a new movie being released on September 30th from the creators of Fireproof. The name of the movie is Courageous and you can view the trailer here.

Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. When tragedy strikes home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Protecting the streets is second nature. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That's courageous.

It looks like another excellent Christian movie has been made. I cannot wait to watch this entire movie.

The Gospel and Stewardship

2011-08-02T22:59:00.002-05:00

Here is another article from Tabletalk Devotional Magazine .I hope this article by Dr. Donald S. Whitney encourages you. This article will make you think differently. I pray that the Holy Spirit enlightens you while you read it. God Bless.

Stewardship is the care and management of that which belongs to another. While we often speak of things as "Ours," the reality is that all we have and all we are belongs to another-God. As the apostle Paul put it, "what do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Cor. 4:7). So it is from God that we have received our lives and everything in them for which we are responsible. Temporarily-that is, until God requires them from us-we are stewards of these gifts.

Though too often associated merely with money, stewardship has been memorably described as being stewards of our time, talent, and treasure. But stewardship isn't just about being good managers of our schedules, our skills, and our stuff. The discipline of biblical stewardship calls us to use all these things in the way the Lord wants, to employ them for His glory. However, no one can be a biblical steward who doesn't first understand the gospel-the story of what God has accomplished through the life and death of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel Creates Stewards

The gospel is infinitely more than a ticket to heaven. It is a message that changes not only a person's destination in eternity but his heart and mind here and now. The gospel transforms more than a person's relationship to God: it also transforms a person's relationship to God; it also transforms a person's relationship to everything else.

That's why one of the most reliable evidences that a person has been converted is that he begins looking for way to use his time, talent, and treasure in service to the gospel. When a person eagerly begins to use his resources to serve and spread the gospel, it testifies to the value he places upon the gospel and to the fact that he treasures the God of the gospel above all.

Sin makes us selfish and wasteful with all that we have and all that we are. But "the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ" (2Cor. 4:4) helps us to see that knowing Him is infinitely more important and valuable than grasping the clock and the dollar for ourselves. It causes us to find spiritual pleasure in using these things to meet the needs of others and to enable them to hear the gospel and turn to Christ. Coming to know Christ through the gospel leads us to evaluate our resources on the one hand and the souls of lost people on the other, and to say with the apostle Paul: " I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls" (2 Cor. 12:15)

Stewards Need Discipline

The discipline to steward our resources in an intentional, God-glorifying, gospel driven way doesn't arrive fully formed with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit-it must be cultivated. Stewardship must be a discipline, for there's always something else clamoring for our resources. Without discipline, the best intentions to use our time, talent, and treasure for the gospel will be overwhelmed by circumstances and the felling of the moment, resulting in inconsistency or, worse, neglect in using our resources most effectively for the gospel.

In a sense, the discipline of stewardship is central to all other spiritual disciplines. If we don't develop a God-centered use of our time for example, we won't consistently engage in personal disciplines such as prayer or the intake of God's Word, nor will we participate faithfully in interpersonal spiritual disciplines such as corporate worship or Communion.

One of the classic passages on stewardship is Jesus' parable of the talents (Matt.25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27). In it, the master rewards those who stewarded well the resources he committed to their care, and he punishes those who did not. While there's much more we could apply from this text, one obvious point is that thous who were considered faithful stewards were intentional-disciplined-about using for their master the resources he temporarily entrusted to them. God is pleased with disciplined-not careless-stewardship of that which belongs to Him.

What does disciplined stewardship look like? It's using your spiritual gifts to serve God in your local church. It's designating a portion of money for the church each month before paying other bills, so that the use of your treasure is consistent with your most treasured priorities.

Discipline enters the stewardship picture because it is so easy to waste our time, squander our talents, and be careless with our treasure. But even the most scrupulous use of our resources is worthless apart from the gospel. For it's only through the gospel that we receive eternal time in heaven, glorified talents, and the richest of treasures-God Himself.

Carissa Makes Bread

2011-07-27T18:12:00.003-05:00

Carissa made some homemade bread the other day. She actually used the bread machine for the kneading part. It is a process but I think she rather likes it.

Last night she made spaghetti with meat sauce, while I made peach cobbler for dessert. Carissa put some spices in the meat sauce that made it taste excellent. I did not give her any advice, she just used her own judgement about what spices to use. She is well capable of making dinner every night without my input. Needless to say, there was just enough spaghetti left over for Brian to take for lunch.

Carissa is so different from many young girls. She values homemaking and farming. The other day, she told me she wouldn't mind marrying a farmer. Now, I don't know about that (I have nothing against farmers). I just told her that whom ever you marry will have to make it through your father first. Just think, in 5 years she will be 18. Yikes!!

Such nice conversations while working together in the kitchen.

Sugar

2011-07-26T23:48:00.004-05:00

The kids just love their horse. She is so good to them. There is just something about children and their animals. This horse is really special to them and they are making memories with her. She loves to run with them and does not mind when they ride her. Horses are social animals and this one loves attention.

Summertime Fun

2011-07-26T23:21:00.004-05:00

Last Thursday we went to a local water park.

The older children enjoyed these tubes.

Here is Shane!

Here is Jarrett!

Nathan's friend crossing the water.

The children bought this pool, so they can stay cool during this hot summer.

Nathan is enjoying the water.

Don't you just love the cows in the back ground?

Are You Arrogant

2011-07-25T17:13:00.005-05:00

I received a phone call today from someone who works for me. This person let me know how the people were so arrogant, that he met on Sunday. Yes, these people are rich and are taking over a million dollar loan. I told him that I thought he would encounter them being arrogant. Why do I assume that people who are rich are arrogant?

Then it was like the Holy Spirit speaking to me. Are Christians arrogant? Do we think we are better than the non-believer? Do we flaunt our Grace in front of people? I hope people do not act like this. We are no better than the non-believer. We are sinners, who need The Savior daily.

I know I've been sharing a lot of movies with you lately but I really don't watch hardly any movies. Here is another documentary that has some good information. This is a great documentary that should lead to discussion with other Christians. The name is Lord Save Us From Your Followers and you can view it here.

What I received out of viewing this documentary is how we should show love and compassion for people. How would Jesus witness to the unbeliever? The gospel is about love but do Christians show love? I always remind myself that I was once on the other side. I was once a person who was living for the devil and did not know I was going to hell. "Oh", how we can forget where we came from.

I'm Still Here

2011-07-20T13:57:00.007-05:00

I have been busy this week and I'm finding it hard to blog. I am in deep research about what books to use for this coming school year. I need to pray that God will lead me in the right direction. I am looking into different curriculum for Latin roots, spelling, history, Geography, and maybe science. I am trying to strictly do the Charlotte Mason approach. There is a wonderful website here, if you are instead in this approach.

Working on Shane's lesson plan book for this school year.

I have been working on this.... a chaise longue needed repairing. I have been putting off making slipcovers and Brian was kind of getting on my case about it. So, on Saturday, I decided to make one slipcover. Wish me luck, I plan to make the rest this weekend.

This is how the chaise looked before....

This is how it looks after... I am trying to go with a French country decor. I need to make some pillows.

This is the first apple we picked from our apple tree. There is nothing like a fresh apple. The apple was so crisp, just the way I like them.

Learning to Flower Garden

2011-07-16T10:27:00.008-05:00

This is my flower garden in the front yard. It is a work in progress. I plan to buy some more fragrant roses next year. There is so much potential but I am taking it slow.

Don't you just love country charm? I like having this old farm wagon as part of my garden. Brian needs to help me do some repairs on some parts of this wagon. The floor board needs to be replaced and some sides.

The flowers that you see in the containers were each purchased for less than $1.25. I like to buy flowers on clearance and nurse them back to health. It is amazing what a little TLC can do.

Anyone can garden...I just started gardening last year. It really does not take much money to garden, especially if you buy items on clearance. You don't need a big space either or a piece of land. You can flower garden in containers. Think of a balcony, a walkway, window boxes, and how about a hanging garden (like the Babylonians from the old testament history). It can be fun to create different places to have a flower garden.

Here are my beautiful roses, they smell heavenly.

Well, good morning tree frog. The children found this frog in the watering can.

Here are elderberries. I cannot wait to harvest them. I plan to make some jam out of them.

Here are some books that I've been reading about gardening. I think the library is a wonderful source to use before you decide to purchase a book.

Divided The Movie

2011-07-13T20:57:00.001-05:00

I just finished watching this documentary online. It is a great topic with some excellent information. I hope you get a chance to view it because it will only be available online for a limited time. I think we need to pass this information along to all pastors we know. Go to here to view the movie.

Is age segregated ministry multiplying or dividing the church? There is a crisis. Christian youth are rapidly leaving evangelical churches for the world. This well recognized disaster has been the topic of significant discussion in recent years for both church leaders and modern news media. Divided follows young Christian filmmaker Philip LeClerc on a revealing journey as he seeks answers to what has led his generation away from the church. Traveling across the country conducting research and interviewing church kids, youth ministry experts, evangelists, statisticians, social commentators, and pastors. Philip discovers the shockingly sinister roots of modern, age-segregated church programs, and equally shocking evidence that the pattern in the Bible for training future generations is at odds with modern church practices. He also discovers a growing number of churches that are abandoning age segregated Sunday school and youth ministry to embrace the discipleship model that God prescribes in His word.

The Curly Girl Method

2011-07-11T23:04:00.003-05:00

Have you heard of the Curly Girl Method? Well, I have been doing this method for over 2 months and it seems to work. Do you have frizzy curls? You may want to try this method. Go here to read more about it. Let me know if it works for you.

Sermon Index

2011-07-11T21:52:00.004-05:00

Have you heard of Sermon Index? A friend of mine sent me an email with some great preaching and information that I want to share.

Radical Christianity Is Normal by Francis Chan

Thoughts On That Judgment Day by Leonard Ravenhill

I hope you get a chance to hear what is said. It seems so clear of a message. The world and its cares has caused us to lose our focus. We need to get our focus back.

We need tell our children that we are a peculiar people. People should know we are different because of our faith. I don't want to fit into this world. I want to show people the difference between light and dark. The bible tells us to be in the world but not of it. What kind of Christian are you exercising?

I am not pointing fingers at anybody but myself...

Romans 12:2

King James Version (KJV)

²And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Matthew 5:14-16

¹⁴Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

¹⁵Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

¹⁶Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 6:24

King James Version (KJV)

²⁴No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

A Year Older

2011-07-09T12:38:00.006-05:00

I asked Carissa to make his cake this year, since I was sick with a cold. I am still sick but on the mend. The cake tasted wonderful. Her brothers and father just gobbled it up. Their father did sneak a piece while everyone was in bed.

I think Carissa did an excellent job. I am so proud of her. She is almost 13 and can probably cook and bake better than some adults. Some friends of mine, even say that she will make a good wife with all the cooking and sewing she does. Well, I hope she will but I want her to do many things well as a wife. It is part of her parents job to train her well. Her husband will be blessed because she will be a well rounded individual...but more of this later, on with the birthday.

The cake has a firm but moist texture.

Carissa even made a torte for Shane, since he cannot eat milk and eggs. This taste delicious too. It has smooth texture to it.

Here are some presents that Nathan received. He is really enjoying this interactive guitar book.

He loves Jonathan Park.

A Birthday Gift

2011-07-07T16:33:00.007-05:00

Here is my birthday gift from my family. It is a Husqvarna (Viking), with 105 stitches and can make 7 different buttonholes. It is a total upgrade from my other sewing machine.

I did take my two sewing machines in to get cleaned and worked on. A very nice old man (76 years old) looked at them. The one I sewed on; could not be repaired because the maker does not make parts for it any more. Darn! I really liked that sewing machine. Well, off to the sewing machine grave yard with it.

The other one Carissa sews on just needed a tune up and a cleaning. He did all this work and only charged me $35. What a bargain!! Carissa is happy that she is sewing again too.

Look at all the decorative stitches it can do.....

Remember this bag I bought for 25 cents? Well, I added a new lining and pocket. This was so easy to repair/remake.

I saved this zipper pouch from the other lining that was thrown away and just sewed it back in. Now the bag is like new.

I Have A Dream

2011-07-06T09:15:00.003-05:00

Someday, I would like to own a second business. I dream about acquiring the building and all the aspects of owning this business. Do you have a dream??I know that right now is not the right time to own this business but I walk around knowing that this dream will some day come to fruition. This dream is so close but yet out of reach.

I know that I have a plate that is full right now but in time the contents on my plate will change. Timing is everything in business.

I thank God that he has given me and allowed me to own a business these past 8 years. I love owning a business but I do have a more important job right now...and that is raising children. I sometimes wonder why is being an entrepreneur so strong in me. I can remember lying in bed as a child dreaming about owning businesses. Even to this day, I lie in bed dreaming. This is something that has been with me at an early age and may never go away. Does this seem strange?

Gardening 101

2011-06-29T12:18:00.004-05:00

This is the 1st year that I attempted raised bed gardening. I am totally new to gardening but it has been fun so far.

I have planted strawberries, peppers, marigolds, basil, oregano, chives, tomatoes, rosemary, watermelon, spearmint, and peppermint. I still have room to plant more plants. I plan to plant carrots, green beans, lettuce, spinach, and Roma tomatoes in these raised beds.

I purchased 4 blueberry bushes that need to be planted. Now we have 6 blueberry bushes.

Some apples on one of our apple trees. They taste good!! We did not spray our trees this year. You can see the beetle destruction on some leaves.

The ducks are nice to watch around the yard.

Motivational Gifts

2011-06-29T00:07:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine emailed me this link on motivational gifts. Click here to read the entire article. I thought you would like to read about this. Which one are you? My gift is giving/serving and my husband's is teaching.

At the moment of salvation, a believer receives one of seven motivational gifts: prophecy, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, organizing, or mercy. This gift of God’s grace shapes how the believer views life, relates to others, and impacts the Body of Christ. A motivational gift can be compared to a set of eyeglasses from God, given so that the believer can see people and circumstances through that particular set of “lenses.”

Following are simple descriptions of the seven motivational gifts, explaining how a person with each gift would “see” his or her role in the Body of Christ:

Prophecy: Reveals truth by exposing sin, so that fellowship with God can be restored and/or maintained
Serving: Demonstrates love by meeting practical needs, usually through tangible work
Teaching: Discovers and validates truth so that the Church maintains accuracy
Exhorting: Encourages Christians to grow spiritually by teaching, discipling, and counseling others
Giving: Conserves and shares resources in order to meet needs
Organizing: Carries out projects by recruiting workers, organizing tasks, or delegating responsibilities
Mercy: Demonstrates God’s love and compassion by responding to hurt

God works through the spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ to help the Church grow and remain healthy. By God’s grace, prophets warn believers of sin. Servers guard against slothfulness. Teachers steer us clear of heresy. Exhorters watch out for hopelessness. Givers stand against selfishness. Organizers ward off chaos. Mercy-givers demonstrate God’s tender love.

Although each person’s behavior will vary according to factors such as temperament, background, age, gender, culture, and circumstances, it is not unusual for those who share the same motivational gift to demonstrate common characteristics. Also, especially as believers mature, they may act in ways commonly associated with other motivational gifts, but this does not mean that their motivational drive has changed. For example, if a teacher-motivated person demonstrates the characteristics of a mercy or giver, he is still motivated by a desire to affirm truth even in his mercy-like or giver-like actions. His inner motivation has not changed; he is simply developing other God-honoring qualities.

Sewing for Fun

2011-06-24T00:14:00.006-05:00

The other day, I decided to make a square bottom shopping bag out of two t-shirts. I used 2 XL men t-shirts. This bag can even be used as a beach bag.

A very simple bag to make. Sew the shoulder seems together. Sew the bottom of the t-shirts together. You may need to cut them to make the bottom even. Cut off the sleeves and the neck line. I did serge the ends.

Here is the inside of the bag. It can hold many items. Next time, I am going to make a bag out of 2 large men t-shirts.

Look what I did here....I took a pair of Jarrett's size 3T old jeans and cut them.

I added some fabric and rick-rack. I think it turned out cute.

This is actually a dark denim skirt but for some reason it looks black. I sewed this a few weeks ago.

My sewing machine broke the other day. Now, Carissa and I are without a sewing machine. I hope I can buy a new one soon. I guess I could try to take it in to get repaired but is the machine worth the $75 fee just to look it over. I paid $50 for this used sewing machine and it was well worth the amount I paid.

A Father's Day Weekend

2011-06-18T10:33:00.003-05:00

For the man who works hard to finish my "to do" list for him and who does not tire of it. I am so thankful he enjoys being married and being a father to three active boys and one preteen daughter.

I appreciate his love for me, it never fails. He is devoted to God and family...he makes sure to pray with and for us everyday. He pours out his life to see that his family is taught the word of God by being the high priest of his home.

He is a real man, with the fear of God, integrity, honor, respect, and love.

Happy Father's Day!

Something To Think Upon

2011-06-17T06:47:00.003-05:00

I read this the other day from the Tabletalk periodical.

Without the word of God, we do not have access to the teaching of the Savior, and so Christians must always be known as people of the Book: men and women who believe and proclaim the teachings of the Old and New Testaments. Understanding this teaching is a lifelong process of reading scripture, hearing it preached, encouraging other believers, and more. Are you doing all that you can to learn the Word of God?

Visiting Another Blog

2011-06-16T17:42:00.002-05:00

Debt, Saving Money and Large Families Don't Have to Be on Food Stamps

I really like this post from Generation Cedar. What she has to say is encouraging and so true. I hope you like reading her blog. Click on the title above in bold to view her blog.

Two Dvds to Watch

2011-06-16T10:54:00.004-05:00

Have you seen the movie The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry? Our family enjoyed it very much. I think I will even purchase this DVD. It is based on a true story. Click here to view the trailer.

The other documentary we watched was Noah's Ark Thinking Outside the Box. This is a very interesting documentary and is great for the whole family to watch. Click here to view the trailer. I was able to borrow this DVD from our outstanding library. This DVD is a good teaching tool.

I hope you enjoy watching these DVDs. You may be able to find these DVDs on Netflix.

Look What Is Growing

2011-06-15T22:10:00.004-05:00

Here is what is growing in our berry garden. Aren't they gorgeous? They taste fabulous too.

We will not be eating any blueberries from our own bushes this year because Nathan's ducks ate them all off the bushes. We actually had to make a fenced garden just to keep them out of the berries bushes.

Carissa picking raspberries.

The grapes are getting bigger. There is nothing like growing your own food. It even taste better....

Here are some jars of mulberry jam that I made from our own mulberry trees. I need to go pick some more berries off the tree. The family is going through these jars fast. I need to hurry before the birds get to the berries first.

Here is Jarrett with a mulberry mustache. I made him a mulberry smoothie. This kid is the only one who will ask me to make smoothies for him. He will eat any kind of smoothie.

Treasure Hunting

2011-06-14T20:58:00.008-05:00

This past Saturday was the city wide garage sale. I hit everyone of them and brought back some treasures.

I found a bed table/tray that was never used for $4, a boom box that you can play Cd's & tapes for $5, five yards of teddy bear fabric $4, Outburst for $5, twelve adorable note cards for $1, six white linen napkins for 25 cents, a Mary Engelbreit tin for 25 cents, four cherry dishtowels for $1, a pair of boy jeans for $1, two pair of boy shorts for 75 cents, 10 skeins of yarn for $2.50, a Blue Clue's DVD for 10 cents, and a serving bowl for $2.

I think that when you go shopping at a garage sale, it is like treasure hunting.

I bought this purse for 25 cents. The only thing wrong with it was the lining. The lining was made of thin fabric that was torn. I had Carissa take out the lining because I plan to put in a new lining in it. I will show you that project another time.

I bought this picture for $2. Some of the items I purchased I will resale.

I bought this twin sheet set for $1. I like the design and plan to make aprons and other items with the fabric.

I bought this clothesline picture for 50 cents. I think this will go on the wall in my sewing room.

This cross stitched picture was $1. I will be keeping this picture. I have not decided where I will put it.

This was the find of the day because it only cost me 10 cents. Nothing is wrong with it either....but there is nothing wrong with anything I purchased. Let me tell you a little story about this 10 cent item. I have been wanting to buy this very item for Carissa because she has a habit of cutting out fabric on her bedroom carpet. I even went to the fabric store and they want $18 for this very same item.

Upcycle

2011-06-11T19:55:00.007-05:00

My friend's 11 year old daughter found this size small dress at a garage sale. The dress was free and the zipper was broken. The dress had no stains or rips.

I told her that I would make a skirt out of it for her.

First, I had Carissa detach the bodice from the skirt. Second, Carissa sewed the seam closed where the zipper was on the dress. Third, I took the tulle off from the attached slip under the skirt. I thought it would be nice the keep the attached slip for the skirt. Fourth, I serged the top edge of the skirt. Fifth, I cut out fabric for the new top part of the skirt. I then serged all the edges. Sixth, I attached the new fabric to the skirt. Seventh, I added a top hem. Eighth, I added the elastic. Now, this skirt is finished. This skirt probably took a half hour or less to complete. Very simple.

I say it's country charm!

Practice Makes Perfect

2011-06-10T12:51:00.006-05:00

Carissa has been practicing this piece from Beethoven for next years home school presentation night. She is practicing Fur Elise by Beethoven.

I think she is coming along quite well.

A Movie Review

2011-06-09T10:15:00.003-05:00

Here is another review. Brian and I watched this DVD this past weekend. We both like this movie/documentary. We watched The Book That Changed The World KJB. The Amazing Tale Of The Birth of The King James Bible

It was fitting to watch, since we just finished world history and the reformation with our children. This is a great tool to use to educate yourself and your children. It is amazing to know how and why the King James Bible came about. I encourage you to watch this movie/documentary. Go here to watch the trailer.

We actually borrowed this movie/documentary from our library. I just love our library!

Another Update on Shane

2011-06-06T23:01:00.003-05:00

Shane has been on a dairy and egg free diet for almost 3 weeks now. He has shown signs of improvement. He does not have any dark circles under his eyes, he is breathing better at night, and he is not having nasal drainage while sleeping.

Before he started this diet his breathing seemed labored while sleeping. We thought that he had a tonsil problem. Well, he did have a tonsil problem but it did not require surgery. It is amazing what allergies will do to one's body.

By the way, Shane did not like the vegan cheese. Well, it looks like he will have to just live without cheese. Wait there is hope, the doctor did say that he may be able to eat goat cheese and milk. The doctor told me that goat milk has less proteins than cow milk. It seems that these higher milk proteins are harder to digest.

The Gospel Leads to Evangelism

2011-06-01T13:27:00.004-05:00

I read an article this past weekend in Tabletalk magazine by Donald S. Whitney and I just have to share it.

It does little good to encourage people to discipline themselves to evangelize if they do not know the gospel. Try this experiment in your church, class, or small group to reveal one's level of preparedness to share the gospel. Distribute paper and then ask people how many times they think they've heard the gospel. Some, if they've professed faith in Christ for many years, may answer that they've heard it hundreds or even thousands of times.

"Good", you say. "Now, please write the gospel on that piece of paper".

Then watch people freeze and stare at you as though you've asked them to list the names of every member of congress.

Be prepared for an uncomfortable silence and many blank sheets of paper--despite the presence of some your most devoted members.

By repeating this exercise, I've become convinced that a great percentage of even the church's most committed members are so unclear on the gospel that they cannot write it in their own words and in the simplest terms, even in the comfortable context of a gathering of believers. And if they cannot communicate the gospel in such a friendly situation, how can we expect them to share the gospel in the world?

The gospel must be clear to believers before they can share it clearly with unbelievers. This is not to say that a person must be able to articulate every nuance of the gospel before they can effectively witness, nor is it to imply that God cannot use an imperfect presentation of His gospel to save people.

Wow!! This is only part of the article but it delivers a punch. While I was reading this article it made me think. I had to dig in my mind about what the gospel message is...and I was rather taken back with how laxed I've become. I know the gospel message but it was like it was not readily available in my mind. I had a brain freeze. I or we need to be ready at all times to present the gospel to the world.

How about if you were in the recent tornado disaster and needed to share the gospel message to a fellow human being. Would you know what to say?

Well, this would be a good exercise to do with the children to make sure they are equipped and ready to evangelize. I will incorporate it into their home school schedule. I am so glad I came upon this article because it was like the Holy Spirit talking to me and waking me up out of a slumber. Now, you know what the bible says about slumber?

Storm Clouds

2011-05-28T00:41:00.006-05:00

We've had some storms this past week here in the Midwest. Here are some pictures of some very unusual storm clouds from Sunday. We came home from church about 8:30pm and noticed these clouds.

We had tornado sirens go off on Wednesday and had a EF2 tornado touch down on a town about an hour away from where we live. This tornado destroyed about 65 homes and a number of businesses.

Update on Shane

2011-05-25T21:29:00.005-05:00

Shane had a doctors appointment this week. We found out that he is allergic to other foods besides casein, whey, and eggs. He is also allergic to crab, halibut, strawberries, corn, wheat, gluten, almonds, cashews, pistachios, mustard seed, olives, onions, spinach, and zucchini. We also found out that he is extremely low in vitamin D. Also, his histamine levels in his body are high, which means he is fighting allergies in his body.

Shane is now taking a vitamin D supplement. He is on a dairy and egg free diet right now. I plan to put him on a gluten free diet starting in July. Right now, I am gathering info from the Internet and ready books from the library. I have some cookbooks that I will start cooking from. The pastors wife from the new church we are attending gave me two cookbooks to borrow.

Shane was crying last night because he wants to eat cheese. I ordered some vegan cheese from Vegan Essentials that was given very good reviews. I will find out how good or bad it is... I have tasted vegan cheese before and did not like the taste but that was years ago. I would think that someone out there has improved vegan cheese since I tasted it long ago.

On a side note, we have been attending a new church as of May 8th. The whole family is really enjoying the new church and I do feel it is the church we have been searching for. It has not been easy finding a church where we live.

Poetry or Devotions

2011-05-25T15:38:00.005-05:00

While Jesus is representing me in heaven, may I reflect him on earth,
While he pleads my cause, may I show forth his praise.

Continue the gentleness of they goodness towards me,
And whether I wake or sleep, let thy presence go with me,
thy blessing attend me.
Thou has led me on and I have found thy promises true,
I have been sorrowful, but thou hast been my help,
fearful, but thou hast delivered me,
despairing, but thou hast lifted me up.

I hope you have enjoyed what you just read. I took these words from The Valley of Vision, A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions. I have been using this book the past two weeks, to instruct the children in poetry lessons. I am really enjoying this book.

Around the Farm

2011-05-23T17:02:00.005-05:00

Here is Carissa holding Nathan's ducks.

I enjoy looking at the ducks.

Here is my raspberry bush. My garden has some very good soil. I am growing raspberries, blueberries, and grapes. I hope to add some more plants this year.

Here is my grapevine.

My lovely compost and its contents.

We are Dead in Trespasses and Sins

2011-05-21T10:42:00.007-05:00

Ephesians 2:1 is were this title comes from. Paul reminds us of the profound change this has wrought in us. The apostle draws a contrast between life before Christ and life after Christ.
Here is some food for thought that I am posting. This post I am sharing is from the magazine Tabletalk. Here is the rest of the article.

In using terms trespasses and sins, Paul emphasizes the totality of sin's dominion over Adam's naturally conceived and born children. Jew and Gentile alike are born in Adam; wickedness pervades our thoughts, actions, and emotions as we reflect the character of our first parents. We emerge from the womb wholly inclined to break God's law. From Adam we inherit guilt for his sin because, in a real sense, we were there with him in the garden when he ate the forbidden fruit-since he was the representative of humanity, when he sinned, we sinned. As his progeny, we also receive a nature that makes it all too easy for us to transgress the Lord's law, for mankind suffers the degeneration effects of this primal sin. In sum, we are dead upon arrival into this world, spiritually speaking, and we hate God, the Lord and giver of true life.

We must understand our deadness in sin in order to understand regeneration-the work of the Holy Spirit to make us alive spiritually, giving us a love for God, God's law, and God's people. Most evangelicals today believe that we are actually alive before the Spirit gives us life, assuming that in salvation we first have a desire for Jesus, then we believe in Him, and then the Spirit makes us new creatures. But as this passage reveals, we are born dead. We can have no desire to love God before regeneration, for Jesus alone saves us; being dead, we cannot resurrect in ourselves this desire. Apart from the Spirit's gracious initiative, we stay dead. Dr. R.C. Sproul comments. "Even though we have the power to choose, we are dead to the things of God, and as a result we have no desire for the things of God. Rather, we follow a different course. We follow it willfully; we follow it freely, in the sense of doing what we want to do. But with respect to spiritual things, we are dead." We do not believe in order to come alive-the Spirit makes us alive in order that we would believe.

John Calvin says that "while we remain in Adam, we are entirely devoid of life; and that regeneration is a new life of the soul, by which it rises from the dead." We do not come into the world sick but rather dead on account of our being in Adam. The Spirit displays the greatness of His power in the He brings dead men, women, and children to life, giving them a desire to please God and the ability to trust in His Son for salvation.

Congratulations Amanda

2011-05-21T09:34:00.004-05:00

Our cousin Amanda is getting married today. We pray that God will be a part of her marriage. There are many blessings in being married. Being and remaining married takes work. Remember, when trials come, you need to rely on God.

Therefore, shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be on flesh. Genesis 2:24

A New Diet

2011-05-17T14:15:00.003-05:00

Remember a few weeks ago I mentioned going Vegan. Well now, our family will need to change our diet. I don't think I will be going vegan but will try another diet.

A few weeks ago Shane really had some severe symptoms to something. I finally had enough of this and took him to a specialist. We have been witnessing issues for the past few years with his health. The ENT doctor that saw him in February said that he has allergies. He had a very extensive blood test done two weeks ago, which tested him for over 120 allergens.

The doctor called today and said that Shane has a significant allergy to whey, casein, and eggs. Whey and casein is found in milk. Effective immediately, Shane has to be put on a milk and egg free diet.

Casein is a milk protein found in the solid part of the milk, the curds. Whey is a protein found in the liquid part of milk, often referred to as milk plasma. If you have a casein or whey allergy, you are essentially allergic to milk. This is different from lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerant people do not have the right enzymes to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk. They experience extensive digestive issues because of it. A milk allergy is the immune system reacting to the proteins in milk, like casein and whey, as if they were infectious agents.

Now, I really have to read food labels. The doctor wants Shane on a strict diet for the next 30 days.

Making Homemade Items

2011-05-16T22:53:00.003-05:00

I love sewing with my serger. If you sew, you just have sew with a serger. The seams look finished...like an item purchased from a store.

Here is a purse that Carissa made for me for Mother's Day. It is very nice and rather elegant. What do you think?

Carissa made some homemade hamburger buns last week. She did a good job and they tasted very good. Carissa was inspired by watching Homestead Blessings.

Playing Instruments

2011-05-11T09:10:00.004-05:00

Here are Nathan's instruments a bugle, penny whistle, shepherds flute, and a jaw harp. He also has a guitar that he picks. He would like to have guitar lessons. Brian has a guitar too and I think it would be good if both of them took lessons together.

Here is Carissa's new instrument. She bought this violin with her own money, this past Saturday. She has wanting a violin for the past 6 months. Now, she needs to take lessons to learn how to play it. Carissa also has a lap harp that she plays too.

Shane likes to play the piano. I would like to play the piano and the violin. While I was in junior high and high school, I played the viola and clarinet. I prefer the viola over the clarinet. I would not mind playing the viola again but they are expensive to buy.

Screams in the Night

2011-05-06T11:51:00.004-05:00

Twice this week, Brian and I have been awaken around 2am by some creepy screams. The screams were right out side our house. One night it sounded like the animal was on our front porch. Well, we found out what animal is making the sound...it is a fox. We know we have 2 foxes around our home because they have killed so many of our ducks and chickens.

Go here and listen to the vixen screams that we have been hearing this past week.

Our Oldest Son

2011-05-04T09:28:00.005-05:00

Nathan is mowing our lawn now. Yes, he is slowing graduating into more responsibilities. Currently, he is responsible for taking out all the trash throughout the house, mowing the lawn, taking care of ducks & chickens, feeding our miniature horse, cleaning his bathroom, he helps clean up after every meal, and puts away clean dishes from the dishwasher every morning. He does share most of these responsibilities with his siblings. Mowing, taking out the trash, cleaning his bathroom, and emptying the dishwasher are solely his responsibility. He must make his bed every day and make sure his clothes in his drawers/closet are in order. He must make sure the animals are taken care of before breakfast.

I must say that he surprises me with making lunch for himself and his siblings. Children can be responsible if parents give them responsibilities while they are young.

I remember that I basically had no responsibilities, except for keeping my room clean. But I also was a spoiled brat and expected everything to be catered to me. I was very selfish and self centered as a child. I hate to admit this but I did get everything I wanted. I knew how to manipulate my family into getting my way. I was very mean and did not care who I hurt. My own cousins could not even stand me. I thank God that he saved me in my early 20's from these sinful ways. I do not want to imagine where I would be without the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Think about how you are raising your children. Are you creating selfishness and self centerness in your children? It would benefit you and your children if they are given responsibilities.

Here are some pictures that Nathan has drawn in the past few weeks.

This is a post about our son, who is growing up quickly before our eyes. He is such an interesting child. Carissa calls him the science guy or the fix it man. Recently, he fixed his broken shower, while waiting for Dad to go to the store to replace some parts. He fixed our ice maker that was not working at all. Now the refrigerator is making ice again.

An Accomplished Daughter

2011-05-03T19:17:00.003-05:00

Here is what I read today from the Beautiful Girlhood book revised by Karen Andreola. This is the book that I read to Carissa for personal development.

Do you call a young woman accomplished because she plays well upon the piano, speaks three languages, and is involved in clubs?
First of all a girl should know how to keep house. She should not only know how a room should look after it is put in order, but she should actually know the work necessary in bringing the condition about. She should know how to make beds, sweep and dust, and other hard work necessary to keeping a house in order. It should not be below her dignity to know the use of the scrub-brush and mop. Though she may not do the work regularly, she should know how, and be able to do the tasks when necessary.
A girl should learn to cook good and nourishing meals. It is not enough that she can make fudge, salad, and cake. She should be able to cook vegetables and meats in an appetizing manner.
A girl should be able to launder her own clothes and do it nicely. She should not leave all to her mother when she is able to do it herself.
It is also a good idea to know how to sew and to mend. It takes time and patience to learn these things but it pays in the long run. Much more wear can be gained from a garment if you can mend and alter it when necessary.
She may be in a family that is able to hire these things out. But chances are this will not always be the case when she has a home of her own. Some girls become quite accomplished on other lines but had not learned these household arts, and never began to learn them until they have small children to care for.
These things constitute a real foundation for true accomplishments, and all that a girl can learn over and above these is that much more to her honor and credit. A girl should know how to entertain. She should be able to be a hostess to her friends and those who come to her home, and do it with ease and grace.
While many girls are entering lives of business, teaching, and other occupations that lead them out of the home, now as always a majority come in time to be housewives and mothers. And since this is a lifework of the many, shouldn't they all learn to be accomplished in those things that they will need most? It seems foolish to hear a woman spoken of as accomplished, who is not a good housekeeper, cook, able to alter and mend her own clothes, and make them, if necessary. These are old fashioned, domestic accomplishments, but what every girl will need the most.

Wow, think about your grandmother...perhaps she was given this type of instruction. I had the privilege of being raised in my grandparents home. My grandmother taught me to clean, mend by hand, and how to be a hostess. I taught myself how to sew on a machine and I did not learn how to cook until I was in my 20's. I was taught that you need to rise early in the morning because you never know who will be coming over to visit in the morning. Believe me there were many morning visitors in my grandparents home. What memories I have of those times. My grandparents were not rich monetary wise but they were rich in hospitality. My grandparents always had people in there home. Well, it is sad...no one seems to do this anymore. We have to call before we can come over...this does not seem as neighborly. Being a true homemaker seems to be a lost art. Well, I am one to try to gain it back. How about you?

Do you have any thoughts about this subject?

Items Sewn

2011-05-02T12:24:00.004-05:00

Here is a dress that Carissa made in April. This is a very cute pattern.

Here is a bag that she made. Now, the pattern read easy on the front but it was far from easy. Carissa did complete the project but not without complaining. I think it will make a good knitting bag...

Carissa did a very good job making this skirt.

I actually made this dress for Carissa for Easter. She wanted an old fashioned dress. For Easter, Carissa wore her hair up with a pink flower. She also sang a duet at church for Easter at sunrise service. She got many complements for her singing. Some people would like her to sing some more duets at church. I think the duets would be good for her and her friend to perform.

Growing Ducks

2011-04-25T14:59:00.002-05:00

The ducks are growing.... They sure are cute and fun to watch.

Resurrection/Easter Weekend

2011-04-23T15:49:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone is having a nice Resurrection/Easter weekend. We have been reading books and watching movies about Jesus death and resurrection.

He is despised and rejected of men;a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgression, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:3-5 (KJV)

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree. Galatians 3:13 (KJV)

You should also read Psalms 103. Jesus has redeemed us spirit, soul and body. Do you believe this?

Happy Easter to you!

A Collection of Art

2011-04-22T18:10:00.006-05:00

Here is a collection of art from Carissa during the month of March and April. I think she did a pretty good job. She does enjoy drawing. I don't have to ask her twice to do art.

Practicing the Piano

2011-04-21T23:45:00.004-05:00

I happened to film Carissa while she was practicing on the piano today.

Detox

2011-04-20T14:04:00.005-05:00

I started a detox yesterday. I try to detox twice a year. It is not easy to detox but it does make me feel better. Dr. Marshall has some detox programs at www.heathline.cc I've been using some of his products for about 7 years now. Have you ever tried to detox? I believe that detoxing helps you to keep your body healthy.

I will be reading about the Vegan lifestyle soon. I have been thinking about eating raw foods for awhile, ever since I bought a Vita Mix. I am going to try to pick up some Vegan books up at the library tomorrow.

UPDATE: It has been 7 months since I had my Atlas adjustment. I am still doing very good. It is so good not to be in constant pain and to have headaches everyday. I think that the adjustment has benefited me greatly.

A Documentary

2011-04-19T15:21:00.004-05:00

I watched a good documentary yesterday about organic food. It is called Food Beware. It is a french documentary with English subtitles. Here is what the back of the DVD says:

For the first time ever, children are growing up less healthy than their parents. As the rate of cancer, infertility, and other illnesses linked to environmental factors climbs ever upward each year, we must ask ourselves: why is this happening? Can modern society feed itself without contaminating land and livestock?

Food Beware visits a small village in the mountains of France, where the town's mayor has decided to make the school lunch menu organic, with much of the food grown locally. Will this experiment in safe food work?

This documentary features interviews with children, parents, teachers, health care workers, farmers, elected officials, scientists, and researchers. We learn about the abuses of the food industry, the challenges, rewards of safe food production, and the practical solutions that we can all take part in.

What can we do to save our children's health and our own? This moving testament of one community's answer, is food for thought-and a blueprint for a growing revolution.

You may want to view a clip of the documentary here . I found another clip that you may like to watch too. It is called The Truth About Organic Food from David Getof.

Happy viewing~

What Is On My Mind

2011-04-17T13:39:00.003-05:00

I am listening to John Michael Talbot today. His music ministers to me. Brian and I actually saw him in concert in the mid 90's, when we lived in California. You can hear his music here or here His music is soothing to the soul.

Quiet Reflections part 1 is here, if you want to listen to his music. I love music that the moves my spirit. How do you like John Michael Talbot's music?

Have a blessed Sunday.

Celebrating Another Year Completed

2011-04-15T19:47:00.005-05:00

Here is a dress that Carissa made for Presentation Night. I only helped her with the collar and buttons.

Shane is so excited to start his 2nd grade math book. He actually came upstairs this morning while I was washing my face and asked if I could correct his math. Well, I was a little shocked because I told him that he would start his new book on Monday. He did a total of 7 pages of math today. I tell you, this kid really enjoys school. At the rate he is going he will be in 3rd grade math in August and he starts 2nd grade in August.

Here is a page of his language arts that he completed. Shane had to unscramble the sentence and then had to read & write the correct sentence.

Last night was Presentation Night. This is a night that the local home school kids come together and present their accomplishments from the school year. Carissa shared 2 poems that she wrote and a table full of all her sewing & crocheting creations. Many children participated. It was nice to see a variety of talents the children have.

Blossoms

2011-04-13T15:15:00.005-05:00

A peach blossom

The peach tree

The apple tree

Here are some pictures I took yesterday of our peach tree and apple tree that are blossoming. I cannot wait to have fresh fruit growing on these trees. In fact, I would like to plant some more trees.

Brian planted these trees last April while his parents were visiting us. Brian has said, "every time I look at these trees, I remember planting them with my Dad". What a memory to have...

Make memories while planting trees or a garden with your family this spring. Happy planting!

Little Ducky

2011-04-12T00:50:00.005-05:00

I think our ducks are so cute. Nathan really enjoys taking care of them. Ah, but who wouldn't?

These Peking ducks are sure getting big.

This little brown guy is adorable.

A Birthday

2011-04-11T13:20:00.009-05:00

Shane turned 7 on Sunday. The only thing he requested from his parents for his birthday was an ice cream cake and for his mom to make some homemade lemonade. This request was simple enough...but we surprised him by taking him to a fun center the day before his birthday.

Shane received many birthday cards.

Nathan having fun.

Everyone had fun at Shane's birthday party.
The place had 3 obstacle courses, a bounce house, and 2 different maze tunnels with ball pits. You should have seen how much the boys sweated.

Here is a shovel and a Mickey pillow case for Shane. I made the pillow case for him. We bought him this shovel, to help around the outside. We also bought him a kite.

Shane bought some Lego's with his birthday money.

Shane got a fishing pole from his friend William. He wanted to go fishing on his birthday but Brian was too sick to take him. He asked to go to Mr. Gerry's house to go fishing. I said, he does not have a lake. Shane said, "he has a river". We will have to visit Mr. Gerry soon.

Shane used his money that aunt Kelli sent to buy this Star Wars Lego.

Carissa made Shane this pouch for his cars or other trinkets.

A Book Review

2011-04-07T14:31:00.004-05:00

I just finished reading a book called Upgrade 10 Secrets to the Best Education for Your Child by Kevin Swanson. Here are some things he said in the book: Education is not neutral. The minds and souls of children are at stake. If we refuse to give our children an education that is firmly rooted in a biblical worldview, eventually we will lose our families, our churches, and our cultural, economic, and political institutions. They will drop into the ash heaps of history.

The words of God must be a part of every aspect of the child's life. It should be the desire of all parents that they communicate their faith to the next generation. Are your children receiving a basically humanist education thirty hours per week and a Christian education for two hours on Sunday?

The goal of education is not to increase knowledge, but to learn to properly apply knowledge in the living of life. About 90 percent of life is relationships, and about 90 percent of relationships are family relationships. Relationships is really how to change the world. A successful education will include excellence in communication. A child must learn to communicate clearly and persuasively. Education should prepare a child to think, read, write, and speak. Children learn better/well when they are nurtured, when you hold them on your lap and kiss them. The most profound progress in education is achieved when parents or mentors have gained the hearts of their children.

Well, this book is loaded with some great information. I actually checked this book out from the library. You can go here to check out the reviews on the book. Here is a funny video by Kevin Swanson.

Reflecting On My Children

2011-04-06T17:18:00.007-05:00

Well, my plate is full these days. I am writing this post today to help me, when I am in need of a little refreshment.

The school year will be ending soon but it does not matter, since we home school all year long in this home. I have been noticing a few things about my children. They are showing signs that will direct them toward their future. I've read books about this but I am just realizing it is happening within my children.

Our oldest will not be taking the college route. She has stated that she wants to be a wife, mom, homemaker, and to home school her children. She enjoys anything that has to do with sewing. She is a very independent learner. I just have to tell her what I expect from her and she gets it done. She is very easy to home school. She is an avid reader and reads high school level books. I have to watch what books I leave around the house because she will read every book I bring into our home. I am surprised with how many Latin words she knows. Math and science are not her strongest subjects. She puts pressure on herself to maintain herself at grade level math. She loves to play the piano and would love to start taking violin lessons. To be honest with you, I have no doubt that my daughter could handle cooking and cleaning if I was not home. She has already made plenty of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. I truly believe that she enjoys her farm life.

Our middle student might go to college but I can see him attending a Tech school. He is a challenge to home school because he is not interested in most subjects. The only subjects he seems to enjoy is science and art. He will take an encyclopedia book off the shelf and have no problem reading it from cover to cover. He reads for information not for pleasure. It takes him forever to read chapter books. I have to hunt for books that will keep him interested in reading for pleasure. He listens to a lot of classic books on tape/CD. He will talk your ear off about technology and science. I hope that he will learn to enjoy Writing, Spelling, Math, and Latin someday. Well, he may never like Latin. He really loves taking care of his ducks. This little boys has something special for ducks. I also think he is gifted in photography and video making. He sure makes the funniest videos.

Our third student is an eager beaver learner. He loves school and seems he cannot get enough of it. I can definitely see him going to college. He is very easy to home school because he loves to learn. He is showing signs of an independent learner. I cannot believe that he likes to write too. He already does his math assignments without me telling him to do them. He loves words of affirmation. He seems to pick up things fast. He is already memorizing Latin words. He can quote to you the ten commandments from memory, the complete verses from the KJV. He amazes me.

All children are so different. I think it is kind of fun to try to figure them out and to discover what gifts God has given them. Do you know your children? What have you discovered about them? What an adventure we parents are on.....

Modesty

2011-04-03T16:13:00.004-05:00

This is a very interesting topic. I don't think many women and girls really think about what they wear. Men are definitely effected by what women and girls wear.

Watch this interesting perspective from men on modesty. Click here.

I know I have changed the way I dress within the past year. My daughter is the one that helped me to change my thoughts on modesty. I remember when my daughter came to me and said that she does not want to wear pants anymore. I am glad that Carissa has a heart to be modest. What is your daughter learning from you?

Ladies, what do your clothes say about you? Click here to view a message about this.

I am not here to judge anyone but to share information with a motive of love. May the Holy Spirit speak to us as we choose our clothing.

Play-Doh

2011-04-01T13:56:00.004-05:00

Shane's creature

Jarrett's creature

Here are some play-doh creations that the boys made. They are so funny. The little ones love to play with play-doh. I need to buy some more of it. "Oh no", the boys only have 2 containers of it left.

Personal Development

2011-03-31T14:03:00.005-05:00

This is the book that I am reading to my 12 year old daughter for personal development. This book is full of wisdom. I just read the 11th chapter to her. This chapter is labeled Ideals. You may want to ask your daughters these questions. Here is excerpt of what we read today:

What is an ideal woman? What kind of woman is most to be admired? Who among your acquaintances seems the most admirable to you? Consider her dress, her lifework, her manner of speech, her influence upon those about her. Think of her as a housewife and as a mother. Is your ideal woman loud-spoken, or is her voice pitched low and sweet? Does she criticize others quickly and sharply, or does she always have a good word for everybody? Is her dress quiet and becoming, or "loud" and bold? Is she a teacher, a housewife, a business woman, or a woman of ease and pleasure? Is she an actress or a movie star? Whatever she is , you admire her, and deep in your heart you want to be like her. Out of these many traits let us choose together the ideal woman. First, she must be pure and noble. A truly ideal woman must not be one who is silly or frivolous, nor shall she be guilty of actions that appear vulgar or unfeminine....

Now, you can add to the list of traits. I am not going to give you all the answers from the book. Anyway, this book ministers to me also. So many times it seems that when I teach others, I am receiving instruction too. A wise person must remain teachable. We have not arrived to knowing all things yet.

This is what the back of the book reads: What can be more beautiful than the budding and blossoming of girlhood? Those years of transition from childhood to womanhood are filled with wonderful interest and promise. But the young feet that travel this way may be unsteady and unsure. Each could use guidance, a helping hand along the way. To encourage our girls to a nobler life and truer ideals is the task of this book.

You can find this book here and here

An Amish Bonnet

2011-03-30T16:42:00.008-05:00

On Saturday, I bought this Amish hat and hat stand at a local store for $6.50. The hat is in excellent shape and so is the stand. I bought the hat with the intention of
upcycling it.

I took off the hot glued on moss and sewed on some ribbon.

I decided to give Carissa the hat, since she likes anything vintage. I kept the hat stand for myself.