Perspective

 I'm walking along on this dry grassy hill, looking down in the coulees, wondering when things will begin to grow and get more colorful. There has been only one rainfall this spring so far...its not looking to promising of May flowers. As I walk along, the grasses are so dry that little pieces break off and poke me as they fall into my shoes.

I look out mostly over the hills and down in the coulees and the land seems so barren. The parched land looks like it has nothing beautiful to offer right now.

But when I slow down I see something. Some color. I bend down to see what looks like something similar to crocuses, soft, fuzzy, purple petals closed up pointing to the sky. Clusters of them, and some single flowers scattered over the hills. They are so beautiful and I am so happy to see them there.

 As with new eyes I look more specifically over the hills and notice these pretty little flowers scattered here and there quite frequently.

Its amazing how much more noticeable something is when you specifically look for it. It brings my thoughts to how we can look at ourselves or others. Quite often when I am frustrated by my short comings or short comings of a loved one its hard to see something positive going on. When I think about failure after failure in areas that I struggle, I just see a Big F. But when I take the time to focus in on these certain areas I cant neglect to see that I have made many wise choices and that is also why more often than not, things can go along pretty smoothly. When positive choices are made they need to be acknowledged and praise God for His faithfulness and guidance. Then it is easier to see how good choices can be made easily and its encouraging to keep heading in the right direction to see how much more beautiful its going to get! Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. (Isaiah 43:18) Remembering this helps us accept that God is always wanting to use us and our experiences to do good. He is always at work in our lives as long as we are letting Him.
(And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28)
Each choice to honor the Lord is a beautiful little flower in a dry barren land, that when each one is gathered together, there is too many to fit into any ordinary vase. And yet the flowers is all He sees in our dry barren land. 

Turns out these flowers are called Prairie Crocuses

Psalm 103
Praise the Lord, O my soul!

With all that is within me, praise his holy name!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

Do not forget all his kind deeds!

He is the one who forgives all your sins,

who heals all your diseases,

who delivers your life from the Pit,

who crowns you with his loyal love and compassion,

who satisfies your life with good things,

so your youth is renewed like an eagle’s.

The Lord does what is fair,

and executes justice for all the oppressed.

The Lord revealed his faithful acts to Moses,

his deeds to the Israelites.

The Lord is compassionate and merciful;

he is patient and demonstrates great loyal love.

He does not always accuse,

and does not stay angry.

He does not deal with us as our sins deserve;

he does not repay us as our misdeeds deserve.

For as the skies are high above the earth,

so his loyal love towers over his faithful followers.

As far as the eastern horizon is from the west,

so he removes the guilt of our rebellious actions from us.

As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on his faithful followers.

For he knows what we are made of;

he realizes we are made of clay.

A person’s life is like grass.

Like a flower in the field it flourishes,

but when the hot wind blows by, it disappears,

and one can no longer even spot the place where it once grew.

But the Lord continually shows loyal love to his faithful followers,

and is faithful to their descendants,

to those who keep his covenant,

who are careful to obey his commands.

The Lord has established his throne in heaven;

his kingdom extends over everything.

Praise the Lord, you angels of his,

you powerful warriors who carry out his decrees

and obey his orders!

Praise the Lord, all you warriors of his,

you servants of his who carry out his desires!

Praise the Lord, all that he has made,

in all the regions of his kingdom!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

To Do:

So, courage is on the agenda for this year in our home. I wanted to pick a word that had to do with being positive or looking on the bright side (I have a tendency to be negative and complain...a lot) but I couldn't find one accurate enough to describe that. Courage I think can cover a lot of angles and circumstances. Courage to face new opportunities, a new day. Courage to see a good outcome. Courage to try even when I could fail. Courage to try another way than what I am used to . I think those can describe those first ideas.
I was reading in Numbers 13 about Gods people about to enter the promised land of Canaan. They were full of fear! But when we are courageous we live out our faith to the fullest. Faith in action. And when we fold over in fear and let it take us down we loose out on Gods blessings, like the Israelites!
He leads us the way, shows us the positive outcome, but we need to do our part in the end.
Take the first courageous step and follow through the rest of the journey in faith.
Lord help me to trust you in all life's circumstances, trust that you know the whole picture and will guide me on, when I am courageous enough to follow You. Amen.
Myself - to keep my mind focused I need constant encouragement in many forms, ie. written words, motivational pictures, friends to lean on, to keep me encouraged to reach my goals.
Here we go! Funny but it just might help!

 

 

To be real honest and specific, I need to trust God that His outcome is better than what I can think up, what is comfortable for me, and stop trying to control everything (like choices that family members make).

Too much comfort in this life leads me to believe that I have it all under control.

I, most of the time hate getting out of my comfort zone, and that can keep me real isolated, and in a position that doesn't nurture growth.

My first reaction to comfort myself is with food. I felt I could conquer that with loosing a bunch of weight. I want to believe that I can let my guard down and carry on in my own strength, then I'm back sliding before I know it.

When things get hard its easy for me to think I'm a failure and God will punish me. But I need to believe, He is a merciful God. If my initial thoughts were true, when would the punishing ever really stop? Thank you Jesus that you died for the penalty of my sins!

Lastly I want to stop comparing myself to others. I believe in the back of my scar-ed mind there is a totem pole and I need to never let my guard down because it might reveal I don't measure up. This one never seems to lighten up.

That's the nitty gritty of my daily struggles. But with the Lords help I can bring all these needs to him to be fulfilled, by having the courage to let go and trust the Lord to handle it all. :)

COURAGE for 2014

Last year I was inspired to pick a word for the year 2013, to encourage us. Frustrated by my children's lack of kindness for one another, making a habit of constantly picking on each other, preying on each others weaknesses, and deliberately hurting others feelings, hu hu hu (panting)... I picked the word KINDNESS. I came up with a slogan too. Its to the point, and I made who ever disrespected an other, have to repeat it: ~Feelings get hurt like a punch in the gut. So if you have nothing nice to say, keep your mouth shut!~ This was typed out in big letters, with a picture of a guy throwing a big punch. And hung up. Needless to say this was memorised pretty well and quickly. The kids got pretty tired of me getting them to repeat this. Another one I felt I needed for slightly different situations that arose was: ~Feelings get hurt like a kick in the knee. I must be kind to others if I want them to be kind to me!~ I am happy to say that the hurt feelings were brought down significantly. To remind us of our goal I made up pretty bunting with the letters for kindness on each little flag. I kept it simple with the flags made of card paper. I painted them with acrylic. I used a sponge to cover the card with paint. Next I used a small piece of bundled burlap to dab a rough border around each flag.Then to hang it up I used brown string.
This year I know we all need to remember to step out in COURAGE a lot more often. Especially with having recently moved half way across the country. Its hard to settle in and establish a new way of life, for each of us. New surroundings, work, school, church, neighbours, friends, stores, etc.
But sadly we can all lack a degree of courage. Life can start one off with situations that can damage, hinder, or completely spoil that courage that God wills for us. I speak from experience. Sadly that rubs off on our children from our view we have of ourselves.
But here is a definition the dictionary has, that puts it plainly: the courage of ones convictions the confidence to act in accordance with ones beliefs. 
We have no excuse to act out insecurely, because if we love, believe, and walk in Christ, that goes against what you believe. That's called a contradiction. 
Courage through Him, covers most of what the christian life calls us to: Courage to love, courage to do what is right, courage to stop doing what is wrong (change is hard even when its for the good), courage to step out and stand up for Christ or a brother/sister, courage to get out of your comfort zone (get out there and join in with others), courage to be yourself, courage to speak your mind, courage to face uncertainties, courage to deal with hardships, courage to forgive, courage to put others and God first, courage to heed or consider an others loving advice...
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  1Cor. 16:13
In any situation, we should ask ourselves "IS THIS WISE IN THE EYES OF GOD?" If the answer is yes, have the confidence to do it! If the answer is no have the courage to turn away! The Lord will provide the wisdom to know the difference and what you need, to carry out His will. And doing His will is most fulfilling!
Also have you ever thought about how the word encourage comes from the word courage? Here is another dictionary definition: to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.
All this courage has a chain reaction. I don't believe anyone can say they have more than enough encouragement. We can all use a bit more.
It makes me think of the Nike slogan: Just Do It. Having a grand thought or a nice idea is useless, if not acted upon.
"Beautiful thoughts hardly bring us to God until they are acted upon. No one can have a true idea of right until he does it." -Willeam R. Inge
So this all, like most of what I write about, is my own pep talk, but my hope also is to encourage from my experiences and struggles.
Not to forget, here are the slogans for Courage 2014:

Have Courage to say

Courage to do

Gods will,

He has for you.

 

Be a sample of Christ’s example.

Encourage through your courage.

Joshua 1:9 This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

 

 

 

Presents!...

 I want to write about Christmas cookies and decorations, that seems like the big thing on my mind lately. I actually don't want to deal with even thinking about buying presents and the stress that comes with being able to afford them ( even the small amount we will buy ) I really desire to write about the Savior coming to the earth as a baby to pay the price for all humanities sins. But I so easily get caught up in all that happens around me with this time of year. As a child I had a big problem with getting expectations way too high. I see that in a child of mine now. To be honest I don't think it has changed too much. The realisation of what often really happens with what I hope for has taught me too see how my hopes don't always become a reality. There is this ingrained feeling in me though, that makes me not want to miss out on all the world portrays of what really brings happiness. Its so easy to be side tracked (for me anyways). The part of me that has leaned so much, thanks to my gracious Lord makes me want to have the feelings of being truly faithful to my beliefs. But the selfish, sometimes ignorant part thinks all the world has to offer is so much more fulfilling.
I, with all honesty hate the commercialism of Christmas. I believe if it weren't for all that hoopla (yes I said hoopla) going on around us, it would make it easier to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Lets face it, Satan's job is a lot much easier these days. Most of the world is happy with doing his job.
 So I started thinking about the first Christmas more deeply. The song of the drummer boy came to mind (I know this is not a historical fact) and how all he had was a song to play for the Christ child. The kings came to bring one gift each. All that they had? I don't know. But they gave what they knew as being very precious. What did the shepherds offer? Their presence.
 What can we do, that means more then anything we could give? How about accepting a gift. Presence from the Father. His Son. He is even wrapped...in swaddling cloths.
 God wants us to un-wrap and share this gift. The gift of our time, or presence in others lives in love through Him.
Well with age I have been slowly slowly been enlightened with these truths through the Lords gentle guidance. Of course its usually, like most learning experiences...two steps forward, one step back. But I trust in the Lord that true faith in Him, will bring me closer to Him. And that is the ultimate blessing. Being able to be in Gods presence!

 

 

 

Please don't get me wrong though. I don't believe giving material gifts to show love is wrong. Or that decorating and baking in celebration is a sign of disrespect to the Lord. Its when that is our main focus, to the point of that being all that is reflected in your Christmas.

It all comes down to what your priorities are, what you consider most desirable.

My prayer for this Christmas: to put off my old self, which belongs to my former manner of life and is corrupted through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of my mind and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22)...through receiving Christ's gift.



Am I alone here?

I am almost convinced frugality is a dying art! Frugal...Ew, that sounds so gross! It sounds so much better (to others) if you sound like your being "green" right? I'm "re-purposing" or I'm being "eco-friendly". Whatever. I just wanna say it like it is- cheap! But it gets a little discouraging when you are the only one on the block, who knows maybe a few blocks, that doesn't get everything pre-packaged, or dare I say it...re-uses, to save money.
I understand there is a load of people out there on the net that will agree with me. But I want to see some face to face. I want to look someone in the eye and say I reuse margarine containers, and that person say "SO DO I!!". Am I from another planet because I use hankies? You should see the looks I get.
I guess I just get so frustrated because this generation's culture has been teaching, through the media that whatever is different from what is displayed in the media is not OK. Oh of course there is the misconception that's being shoved at everyone that we need to accept everyones doings or beliefs. But this only means tolerance in ones choice to do what ever "feels right". No, I'm talking about: social status, clothing style, earnings bracket, home and vehicle purchases, hobbies, slang, Face Book friend tally, and hot list merchandise purchases, (etc).
So I am just gonna let it rip, and here I am waving my hankie in the face of the opposition...
I wont buy paper towels - use a rag.
Hello hand-me-downs - Never scarred me as a child.
Bake my own...everything- Way healthier. 
Easy to make laundry detergent- Its actually pretty cool to use homemade laundry detergent!
Re-use backpacks, duo tangs, crayons and pencils, it they are still decent- Its just so obvious to me...why not. (I told my kids to even use the excuse at school that they are just helping the environment:)
Use the second hand store as your go to, first stop before the retail store- Get over the fact that someone else used it. People spend loads of money on antiques, come on, whats the difference?!?BTW you can use the word "vintage" or "retro" you could probably even fit the word "epic" in there some how, when it comes to talking about used things. It sounds so much cooler that way :)
The elastics around fresh veggies- Save them.
Milk bags, and cereal bags- Rinse them.
Used clothing with defects (stains, small holes)- Use for small sewing projects.
Shoe boxes- Storage boxes, also useful in drawers for dividers.
Those pretty little ribbons attached to the inside of a shirt for hanging on store hangers- I snip them out and save for different projects and such.
Cracked or chipped mugs, that make you sad to throw out- Cute little planter.
Expensive canned cream soup- 1/4 cup margarine, melted in pot. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour. Immediately whisk in 1 cup milk, and 2tb. soup base. Simmer until thickened.
Scrap paper- Staple into booklets for the superfluous artist!
Mountains of Laundry- Probably could be whittled down if the clothes that were only actually dirty were in there... kids need supervision when throwing stuff in there. Briefly worn sweatshirts don't necessarily always need a washing.
Reduce shelf at the grocery store has lots of bargains- Think: over ripe bananas for bread, bruised apples for pie, various veggies for stews or soup.
I could go on, and there are so many cool, creative ideas for re-using but I'm just thinking practical here. I just don't see the point in wasting money on things that will not make a difference 5, 10, 20, etc.. years from now. Will I get points for sticking with some expensive name brand? Will I be remembered for being a loyal customer of ________? Will it make a world of difference what I wipe a mess up with or will it change my future if I didn't wash my bed sheets every week? NO! But I am doing my part in saving the world. Just funning with you! No, but this does do your wallet good. And using your noggin and not giving as much $ to the big time merchandisers.
Please don't mistake me for Caroline Ingalls though! I am constantly being persuaded by the cool new things that c o n s t a n t l y come out. (And I don't even have satellite/cable to see all the commercials) And tasty new things at the food businesses. So after I've given into temptation, like with, lets just say...Starbucks (gasp) I know, its a wack of money for a darn latte or scone! I will not allow myself to constantly be swayed and giving into temptation. I will make a knock off. Maybe even better than the snazzy, scrumptious pumpkin scones they have been luring weak scone cravers with- at Starbucks this time of year. And now, I can save some moola, and out do the coffee shop, thank you.

check out the "retro" tin!!



::::::Pumpkin Scones::::::

 

Preheat oven 425

Stir together:

2 cups flour,  3/4 cup sugar,  1 tb. baking powder,  1/2 t. each: salt, cinnamon, nutmeg,  1/4 t. each cloves, ginger

Cut in 1/4 cup + 2 tb. butter. Using a pastry blender, cut in until there is coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, blend 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, 1 egg, and 3 tb. whipping cream.

Stir this into the flour mixture. Use your hands to press it into one form. Not over working the dough though. Shape into a 9x3 inch rectangle. Cut into 3 squares. Then cut each square into a triangle to make 6 scones. Place on prepared baking pan and bake for 15 min.

When they have cooled, spread a glaze over each, made from 1/2 cup of icing sugar and a tablespoon or 2 of milk.

 

So there Starbucks. I don't need you. But I want you. But now I don't have to.

 

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

Some times its hard to make the wise choice in everyday domestic decisions. But all the small wise choices add up. When your outlook is in the right direction, the greater good is more likely to turn out well.

"The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' Matt.25-23

 

50% off

Found these dried figs at the grocery store. They were 50% off. I've never baked with them before and didn't know what I should do with them. Fifty percent, half price. Because they are only half as good as before? But, they are still useful.
 I've been feeling pretty off lately, 50% off. How did this happen? With a recent big move, I find myself so discontent. I just have to admit that I don't like the change, almost, at all. There are definite blessings and advantages but I just cant see them with all the unfamiliar surroundings. The absence of the familiar (the people, things, and scenery I loved)- crowds out all the advantages. Which I must mention are the most important of this life...ie. more family time.

So I'm allowing this discontentment, to allow me to work at 50%, my mood be at 50%, discernment 50%. I realise I am human and I can feel and react to life's changing situations. And this is not wrong, but I think that when I start to let it control me in such a way, that then I'm not really trusting the Lord. But I must go back to the figs, still being useful at 50%. This situation has been helpful for me, with again seeing how the Lord works things out according to His will, when we trust Him (Rom. 8:28). I have faith that He will take care of me (Phil. 1:6), despite how I fEeL. Ugh if only those FeElInGs wouldn't get in the way of my trust, and faith I know is there in me!  Thank you Lord that you are patient with me (2 Peter 3:9,15).

So this is what was presented to me the day this was all coming to me -

We must take the world as we find it: it is a happiness permitted to very few to choose their company.

-Susanna Wesley

If I steadily allow my feelings to control my mood and such, I am choosing to let myself be half as useful and I'll miss out on all the good that the Lord is doing! I need to be patient, the Lord knows what He is doing.

Fig Spice Cake

1 1/2 cups figs, stems removed

1/2 cup half and half
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. each baking powder, salt
1/2 tsp. each baking soda, cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 10"tube pan. Place figs in sauce pan and cover with water. Simmer for about 5 min. Drain and cool, reserving 1/2 cup of the liquid. Cut the figs into small pieces and set aside. In a bowl, combine the reserved liquid with the cream. In separate bowl sift together the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, cream the the butter and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, add the vanilla. Beat in a third of the flour mixture then the cream mixture, keep alternating until all is combined. Pour into the pan and bake for 50-60 min.
This is a comforting smelling cake. Yummy too.

 





 

Quiet in Gods Presence

 

Though I have felt stressed to the max lately with all that needs to be done with the upcoming move, I have seen how the Lord has been using this stressful time to have an outcome of growth, already. Also reaffirming what I know to be true. And we haven't yet moved!

:: I reluctantly admit that for me, its hard to be nice when I am overwhelmed and stressed.

::Don't rely on self confidence. Have confidence in the Lord!

::Trials test your faith. When faith withstands those trials, growth is inevitable.

::Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He with make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6

This verse keeps coming to me lately.

 

 

I come back to again realising how a quiet moment, between just me and God, is what truly brings me relaxation, peace, and clarity. NOTHING beats that. I went for a walk when the sun was getting low. I was confronted with this truth: I need time alone quietly in Gods presence.

What book is all About Ckicken?

  Hencyclopedia! (groan) The kids told this one and it made me think about this yummy meal I made the other day called  Lemon-Dill Chicken Popover. It was so delicious and not a bad idea to make for a warm summer day. You only use the oven for about 25 min. and you microwave the rest.
  For the popover:
3 tb. butter, melted and divided.
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
6 eggs
1 cup milk

For the filling:
2 cups frozen mix carrots, broccoli florets, cauliflower
1 med. onion, chopped
1 tb. butter
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 med. red pepper, diced
1 tb. lemon juice
1 tsp dill weed
 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese


Brush the bottom of a deep dish pie plate with 1 tb butter, set aside. In a bowl combine the flour and salt, mix in the eggs, milk and remaining butter until smooth. Pour into prepared pie plate.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20 min. Reduce heat to 350; bake 5-10 min. longer or until golden brow and centre is set.
In a microwave safe bowl, combine veggies, onions, and butter, cover and microwave 5-10 min. Add the remaining ingredients except cheese and microwave another 4 min. Stir in cheese.
Spoon the mixture onto the top of the popover, cut into wedges and serve immediately. (This does reheat well too)

It was so nice to sit on the veranda this evening while we ate. It made me slow down the pace. Taking the time to take the meal outside, I was able to hear the birds chirp, feel the breeze, and I could smell the flowers that are blooming all around. Taking the time to be in the moment and enjoy it, has been difficult lately. You see, my family and I had decided to make a big move, some 3,300 km away in another province. This has brought on a lot of work in preparation with big time purging. To be honest I would definitely call us "pack-rats". And having a house that is much too big for our family of 5 has made it more than easy to fill it up. "You never know when you might need it" - has always been our motto.
And here is another one that I followed with out wanting to admit it:

Found this in the window of a store, last month!

"A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist."  -Franklin P. Jones. That would be the blame of all my books. I had shelves lining every wall in my upstairs hall.  About 3 book shelves as well, with not enough time to read them all. Too many cook books, not enough time to make every meal. Too many clothes with only one body to wear them on. Cd's that I knew I didn't want to listen to. More mugs than I would ever need to drink out of. All this and it doesn't even get to my husbands tool hoarding issues. When we had to face all this clutter it made me think -  O Lord, are you leading us to move, in part, that we would deal with this over crowding of stuff? I keep telling myself - LEARN FROM THIS... We can have a fresh start. I now truly realise that this is an issue, and here is the perfect chance to deal with it. But I can't fool myself. I can foresee that its probably like dropping a bunch of weight. It's not the hardest thing to loose the weight its keeping it off.