Heart and Home

It's Gone Potato Soup

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

An easy dish to make and take in a crock pot.
And the pot is always empty after potluck dinner.

Peel and cube lots of potatoes (10-15)
Cover with cold water in stock pot
Sprinkle in some salt
Bring to boil and boil 45 minutes
While your potatoes are boiling away...

Fry up some bacon (4-8 pieces or so) Don't you love how specific I am with this?
I have used cubed ham instead of the bacon
Dice half an onion
and saute' in half a stick of butter...you can use a bit of that bacon grease...I won't tell

When your potatoes are finished boiling
mix in the onions and bacon

Add some salt and pepper...about a teaspoon of each

Allow to cool a bit...or not
Ladle into blender and blend a bit at a time...an immersion blender would be cool for this!
Ladle, blend, pour into another pot
(use your crock pot if you want to take it to potluck or a friend's house or wherever)

Repeat until all soup is creamy. Mmmm...

Mix in 2 cups of milk

Stir in a cup or two of cheese

Note: this filled my crock pot to the tippy top!

Washing Shower Curtains

2011-11-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

I posted this a long time ago but thought I would throw it out there again. I love having a sparkling, new-looking shower curtain liner with little effort, using common household products, and NOT having to buy a new liner.

from Mary Ellen's Best of helpful hints

"Fill the washing machine with warm water and add 2 large bath towels [and shower curtain liner]. Add 1/2 cup each of detergent and baking soda. Run through entire wash cycle. However, add 1 cup vinegar to the rinse water. Do not spin dry or wash vinegar out. This method will not work without the bath towels. Hang immediately. Wrinkles will disappear after curtain has thoroughly dried."

Nothing Between

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

written by Charles Albert Tindley (1851-1933)

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
Naught of this world's delusive dream;
I have renounced all sinful pleasure;
Jesus is mine, there's nothing between.

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor,
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

Nothing between, like worldly pleasure;
Habits of life, though harmless they seem,
Must not my heart from Him e'er sever;
He is my all, there's nothing between.

Nothing between, like pride or station;
Self-life or friends shall not intervene;
Though it may cost me much tribulation,
I am resolved; there's nothing between.

Nothing between, e'en many hard trials
Though the whole world against me convene:
Watching with prayer and much self-denial,
I'll triumph at last, with nothing between.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/372#ixzz1cxdZpPbV

PRAUTES

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Do you like words?

I do.

Do you know what that word is?

I just looked it up.

Prautes is the Greek word translated "meekness" in some translations of the Bible.

And I just have to share.

It's so good.

MEEK, MEEKNESS

...In its use in Scripture...it consists not in a person's "outward behavior only; nor yet in his relations to his fellow-men; as little in his mere natural disposition. Rather it is an inwrought grace of the soul; and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God. It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; it is closely linked with the word [humility]...it is only the humble heart which is also the meek, and which, as such, does not fight against God and more or less struggle and contend with Him. This meekness, however, being first of all a meekness before God, is also such in the face of men, even of evil men, out of a sense that these, with the insults and injuries which they may inflict are permitted and employed by Him for the chastening and purifying of His elect." ...In Galatians 5:23 it is associated with,..."self-control."

The meaning..."is not readily expressed in English, for the terms meekness, mildness, commonly used, suggest weakness and pusillanimity to a greater or less extent, whereas prautes does nothing of the kind. Nevertheless, it is difficult to find a rendering less open to objection than 'meeknes'; 'getleness' has been suggested, but as prautes describes a condition of mind and heart, and as 'gentleness' is appropriate rather to actions, this word is no better than that used in both English Versions. It must be clearly understood, therefore, that the meekness manifested by the Lord and commended to the believer is the fruit of power. The common assumption is that when a man is meek it is because he cannot help himself; but the Lord was 'meek' because he had the infinite resources of God at His command. Described negatively, meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest; it is equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all....

Quotations from Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. This essential Bible study tool is available online at no charge, and you can find it here. Highlighting is mine.

Nancy's Hospitality Book Recommendations

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Getting away overnight...

            with my girlfriends...

                   for a conference...

                           and Nancy Rolinger is the speaker...

What a treat! Beyond a treat! Downright spoiled am I. {Thank You, Sweetheart}

And Nancy brought books. *JOY*

Without further ado, here are Nancy's picks on the subject of hospitality.

The Reluctant Entertainer -- Sandy Coughlin's Book and Blog

The Hospitality Commands -- Alexander Strauch

Open Heart, Open Home -- Karen Mains

Real Love for Real Life -- Andi Ashworth

The Hidden Art of Homemaking -- Edith Schaeffer

The Shaping of a Christian Family -- Elisabeth Elliot

Nancy's talks on hospitality are available online to listen to:

   Hospitality: A Matter of the Heart
   Hospitality: Practical Helps
   Hospitality: The Personal Blessing of Hospitality

Nancy's website can be found here.

Oh, and I forgot to mention I had the cutest roommate, too.

School Photos, 2011-12

2011-11-06T10:50:00.000-06:00

6th Grade

4th Grade

1st Grade

Preschool

Whatever Happened to Me?

2011-11-04T17:20:00.000-05:00

"Okay, Carol, what is this?" he asked.

"It's Jacob's ladder, Bob."

"Umm. Why Jacob's ladder? What's the point?" he countered.

"Oh, Bob," I moaned. "All the time I've been out of the classroom I've felt I was somehow less important in God's scheme of things. I've felt at loose ends. I kept wanting God to name me and give me a career. This ladder is a message from Him to me. He has named me. He named me 'His Own.' He needs to remind me, every day, that careers are roles, but identity is found in Him. I keep forgetting this, and He's using this ladder to remind me."

"Really? All that from a pine ladder?" Thoughtful eyes found mine.

"There's more. It also reminds me that He is physically present in this house, today. When Jacob woke up from his dream, he said, 'Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it.' I see the ladder and am reminded that He is physically here."

Silence. Those intense eyes were somewhere else. Then came the real question. "Isn't that, well, isn't it a bit confrontational? I mean, on a daily basis?"

Lord, I have thought a lot about Bob's words. It is confrontational. It daily confronts my error regarding identity and jobs. But really, Lord, it's comforting too. It tells me you have named me. So even if I'm mopping the kitchen floor AGAIN, or cleaning toilets, or folding clothes, my worth is safe in your sight. My value as a person is secure in you. I am pleasing you. And I want to please you more than anything.

-------------------------------------------------------
from No Ordinary Home by Carol Brazo

-------------------------------------------------------

Genesis 28:16, Then Jacob awoke fom his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.

Isaiah 43:1, ...Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.(emphasis mine)

Colossians 3:17, And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...

Colossians 3:23, And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord...

Blog Post originally published 2006. This story from the book came to mind this weekend during a women's conference centered on the topic of Hospitality.

Novel Destinations: Library Summer Reading Program

2011-07-23T13:21:00.000-05:00

The kids and I are having fun entering our books and claiming prizes for our local library's summer reading program. Here are my eight required entries along with the short reviews I wrote. Maybe I'll win something fun in the prize drawings!

Real Love for Real Life: The Art and Work of Caring

I love this book! Its unique but quietly resonating message speaks to our great need as human beings: caring for and receiving care from one other. Andi Ashworth, the wife of singer-songwriter Charlie Peacock, connects with her readers on a deeply personal level as she shares her journey to an others-focused life, how to create a warm, hospitable home, and navigating the changing seasons of life. For the caregiver of children, family, friends, the elderly...this book will encourage and affirm you in your vital labor. Recommended.

Nick of Time

Fans of Nick Polchak will not be disappointed with the next installment of the Bug Man Novels. No one can quite conceive of the Bug Man finding a mate, but here he is, engaged to the cadaver-finding dog trainer (!) He doesn't quite believe it himself, and as he takes off just days before the nuptials are to take place, determined to help a friend with an intriguing case, we are left wondering if the wedding will even happen. Take a wild ride with Nick as he finds his bugs and bodies. Who doesn't love a good forensic entomologist yarn?

A Love That Multiplies

Much of America is fascinated by TLC's 19 Kids & Counting and will enjoy reading their newest book which outlines details about premie Josie's birth and other challenges they have recently faced. There is a lot of practical advice on child-rearing, marriage, and business. None of pop culture's ideas here. Loved the many photographs and intimate glimpses into this busy family's fun and challenging life.

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

A call to the church to respond to God's overwhelming love. How do you feel about God's love? Does it move you? Change you? It should. Francis Chan helps reawaken our awareness of God's love for His people and calls us to leave the status quo for something so much more.

Passionate Housewives Desperate for God

A balm to the woman living out her calling as homemaker and mother, Passionate Housewives gives encouragement and a challenge to embrace with gratitude the seemingly mundane and repetitive tasks required of her. Rather than take the attitude of feminist to demean the roles of homemaker and mother as a woman seeks to find fulfillment, we see a fresh vision of finding meaning and satisfaction exactly in those roles. Should I chuck the whole notion of homemaker and find fulfillment in a career? Is that the only option? Or is there something more?

Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life

An intelligent, spiritual look at the art of keeping home and nurturing others. Much appreciated and recommended.

Dirty Secret, A Daughter Comes Clean About Her Mother's Compulsive Hoarding

An honest look at life with a mentally unstable mother from the vantage point of her daughter, Dirty Secret unmasks the shame and scars buried underneath this not uncommon lifestyle. Compulsive Hoarding isn't just the Crazy Cat Lady; it affects upwards of six million people (and their families) in the United States alone. With rising awareness through "reality TV," Dirty Secret gives an inside look that an hour of television can't give you. Brutally honest, often humorous, and - warning here - sprinkled liberally with vulgarity, this book will make your heart ache for those caught in and affected by this bondage.

Welcome Home: Simple Tips for Turning Your House into a Luxurious Retreat

Quite homey and sweet with its hand-written pages, Welcome Home is packed with simple ideas to make your home an escape from the world. Recipes for homemade beauty treatments included!

1000 Gifts

2011-07-23T12:46:00.001-05:00

411. serving with the body of Christ

412. organizing

413. lists of campers

414. two weeks at camp

415. little ones choosing Christ, sins washed away, all things new

416. examples of womanly graciousness and patient giving

417. finding a wonderful dentist

418. comfort for my child facing new challenges

419. signs of maturity as these five grow...and grow...and grow!

420. laughing, splashing, evening swims

421. emotional safety

422. hanging onto these last few weeks of summer

423. God's provision

424. sweet, spiritual fellowship

425. Sonic Happy Hour

426. Peanuts obsession at my house

427. Joyriding

428. Holding the 3-day-old sweetness of Judah

429. freshly vacuumed floors

430. tomato cages

432. long-awaited Father's Day gift arriving in the post

433. new kitchen faucet with a working sprayer

434. a day at home

435. investment of others in my children's lives - letters, camp, friendships

436. groaning over lame movies with my love

437. little bitty ones in Sunday School, flannel graph, snacks, play dough, and everything that makes that class so crazy special

438. semi-permanent tent set up in the back yard

439. evening garden watering

450. air-conditioner getting a workout to keep us cool

451. the lost shoe: found (by way of a package in the mail!)

452. washing machine and dryer brimful of summer laundry

453. school planning, organizing, list-making, ordering

454. eager helpers

455. little Lego pieces

456. little friends at our house

457. renewed joy at the prospect of another school year at home

458. asking for wisdom ...James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God...

459. morning coffee

460. gifts for which to write thank you notes

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the Giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

1000 Gifts

2011-06-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

383. 2 owls alighting on the lawn in the dark hours

384. celebrating 90 years -- my grandpa's birthday

385. hugging 3 kids after a week away at camp

386. many miles traveled safely

387. talking books with friends

388. summer fun

389. camping out with daddy in the back yard

390. tears shed for the not-yet-house

391. rejoicing with friends' triumphs

392. tomato plants growing

393. more flowers

394. laughing around the table

395. wonderful week of VBS

396. hot Georgia fun in the sun with MeMaw and Pawpaw

396. Chick-fil-A cones

397. library day with friends

398. 13 years shared with the love of my life

399. our favorite Italian restaurant, just us two

400. little boys clapping for my piano "performance" -- a few moments stolen at the church piano

401. a new Tim Downs

402. making memories

403. special encouragement and fellowship -- Thank you, Pam!

404. cute little boys appreciating art

405. finding inner peace in the midst of a busy schedule

406. husband leaving for me to read an article of interest

407. a relaxing week away

408. slowing down to catch those fleeting moments

409. the graciousness of our loving God who patiently teaches and reteaches

410. celebrating a new little life due to make his appearance very soon

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the Giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

On The Bedside Table

2011-05-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

Crazy Love

Keeping House

Heaven

Thanks, Amy!

2011-05-30T21:25:00.000-05:00

If we wait for peace and the perfect moment to pray, that time will never come. The devil will make sure of it.

Read Amy's post here.

Receive the Cup of Sorrow

2011-05-20T11:06:00.000-05:00

"Shall I refuse to drink the cup of sorrow which the Father has given me to drink?"
John 18:11, Weymouth

God takes a thousand times more pains with us than the artist with his picture, by many touches of sorrow, and by many colors of circumstance, to bring us into the form which is the highest and noblest in His sight, if only we receive His gifts of myrrh in the right spirit.

But when the cup is put away, and these feelings are stifled or unheeded, a greater injury is done to the soul that can ever be amended. For no heart can conceive in what surpassing love God giveth us this myrrh; yet this which we ought to receive to our souls' good we suffer to pass by us in our sleepy indifference, and nothing comes of it.
Then we come and complain: "Alas, Lord! I am so dry, and it is so dark within me!" I tell thee, dear child, open thy heart to the pain, and it will do thee more good than if thou wert full of feeling and devoutness.
--Tauler

The cry of man's anguish went up to God,
'Lord take away pain:
The shadow that darkens the world Thou hast made,
The close-coiling chain
That strangles the heart, the burden that weighs
On the wings that would soar,
Lord, take away pain from the world Thou hast made,
That it love Thee the more.'

"Then answered the Lord to the cry of His world:
'Shall I take away pain,
And with it the power of the soul to endure,
Made strong by the strain?
Shall I take away pity, that knits heart to heart
And sacrifice high?
Will ye lose all your heroes that lift from the fire
White brows to the sky?

Shall I take away love that redeems with a price
And smiles at its loss?
Can ye spare from your lives that would climb unto Me
The Christ on His cross?'

From today's Streams in the Desert

1000 Gifts

2011-05-16T11:15:00.000-05:00

354. Titus 2 mentoring

355. giving and sharing hospitality

356. sharing good books

357. helping friends unpack and arrange living room furniture

358. birthday cakes times 6

359. thoughtful gifts for Mother's Day

360. checklists for our trip

361. counting down the last of school days

362. concert with family and friends

363. sharing ice cream and conversation

364. vibrant green grass

365. working lawn mower

366. oldest happily taking on the mowing

367. robin's nest outside the front door stuffed with babies

368. successful yard sale

369. morning coffee with a friend

370. library and lunch dates

371. celebrating others' milestones

372. phone calls from grandparents

373. girls playing with dolls

374. sewing machine getting a workout

375. appointments scheduled

376. morning prayer and devotions around the breakfast table

377. caring mentors in our children's lives

378. praying with friends

379. the One who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ

380. the high privilege and great value of caring for others

381. kindred spirits found between the pages....Real Love for Real Life

382. kind doctors

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the Giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

Chicken Alfredo with Mushrooms and Spinach

2011-05-13T13:00:00.001-05:00

Last night I didn't have any parmesan but was wanting a white sauce with chicken and pasta. I've never been in love with the alfredo sauce recipes I've used in the past, so I made it up as I went along. I was hoping for something edible for dinner. It was! Here is what I did, and it really isn't a recipe. I apologize for not having exact amounts.

Put water on to boil for pasta and cook according to directions
Cube two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Heat olive oil in skillet
Add cubed chicken to skillet
Cook for a bit and add some cooking sherry and minced fresh garlic cloves (more if you like it, less if you don't)
Slice some mushrooms
When chicken is cooked through, make room for the mushrooms (I had to move some of the chicken to a plate)
Cook mushrooms until soft
Add chicken back to pan
Sprinkle 1/3 c flour over chicken and mushrooms
Pour in Half and Half...maybe a cup or so?...add more if it needs more sauce
Add 1/4 stick of butter
Heat through
Add freshly cut parsley (YUM)
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach and heat just until wilted
Salt and pepper to taste

Arrange pasta on plate, ladle on chicken/mushroom/spinach sauce, sprinkle with a bit of shredded mozzarella, and halved grape tomatoes.

Lie Still and Trust

2011-05-10T11:31:00.000-05:00

FAINT NOT!

I had fainted unless…!
Psalm 27:13

How great is the temptation at this point! How the soul sinks, the heart grows sick, and the faith staggers under the keen trials and testings which come into our lives in times of special bereavement and suffering.

"I cannot bear up any longer, I am fainting under this providence. What shall I do? God tells me not to faint. But what can one do when he is fainting?"

What do you do when you are about to faint physically? You cannot do anything. You cease from your own doings. In your faintness, you fall upon the shoulder of some strong loved one. You lean hard. You rest. You lie still and trust.

It is so when we are tempted to faint under affliction. God's message to us is not, "Be strong and of good courage," for He knows our strength and courage have fled away. But it is that sweet word, "Be still, and know that I am God."

from today's Streams in the Desert

My Birthday Girls

2011-05-07T21:26:00.000-05:00

Caught reading on their ninth birthday last week.
They light up our lives, these same-different girls of ours.

Sewing: Jersey Flower Pins

2011-05-07T13:00:00.001-05:00

I had fun putting these flower pins together this week for a ladies' event. So pretty! Check out this {easy} Flower Tutorial for instructions. You'll want one in every color of the rainbow.

Dressed Up Girls

2011-04-24T21:26:00.000-05:00

Dressed Up Boys

2011-04-24T20:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, J-Boy!

2011-04-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

Six Years Old

Candles blown out before the camera flashed

Cake baked and frosted by your sisters

Daddy's favorite childhood toys torn into with excitement

We love you so much!

Happy Birthday, Mr. E!

2011-04-06T20:26:00.000-05:00

We love you, lots!
Happy 4th!

On The Bedside Table

2011-04-05T20:39:00.002-05:00

Fun reads I've recently finished.

1000 Gifts

2011-04-04T17:25:00.000-05:00

326. seeing dear friends

327. catching up and sharing our hearts

328. little boys tearing through the house with trucks

329. sending all the children outside

330. girls' afternoon out with coffee, conversation, and window shopping

331. enjoying Bar-B-Q at the place that's been there for 74 years!

332. hose-sprayed kids in swimsuits

333. tiny seedlings

334. last year's parsley, chives, and "failed" onions poking through the earth

335. hilarious movies with friends

336. hilarious movies with my husband

337. fooling the kids April 1 (we were a good 10 minutes into the much-anticipated Tangled before the kids realized we weren't watching Rescuers!)

338. raking the black soil and scattering wildflower seeds with my daughters

339. new bird feeder

340. surprise at finding myself ready to continue waiting

341. sweet husband chipping away at his to-do list

342. amazing husband handling house, meals, kids as I fight a fever

343. winter and spring battling it out

344. birthday planning and secrets

345. girls playing with dolls

346. McCalls 4547 for 99¢ at Hobby Lobby

347. fistfuls of dandelions

348. finally meeting sweet Katie

349. kids in skates

350. dads in skates

351. kids and moms enjoying the parade

352. dads in the parade

353. Herbie in the parade

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

We Like These

2011-04-04T13:46:00.000-05:00

S Is For Sunflower

One Kansas Farmer

Kansas authors and illustrators? Check.

You just might want to check your local library for your state. These aren't your run-of-the-mill ABC and 123 books, although they've got that covered. They also include great info for the older kids. I'm becoming a big fan of books that cater to both crowds. And the artwork. Sigh.

They're a part of the Discover America State By State Series.

Book Review: If God Is Good

2011-03-24T12:42:00.003-05:00

Yet, in the maddening maze of things,

And tossed by storm and flood,

To one fixed trust my spirit clings;

I know that God is good!

--John Greenleaf Whittier

If God is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil
by Randy Alcorn, 2009
WaterBrook Multnomah

I love this book. Encouraging and challenging, part theology, part apologetic, and part anecdotal, this book is a beautiful treatise of the struggles most, if not all, confront and grapple with over the course of a lifetime.

If God is Good is dedicated to many who are "faithful sufferers," those "whose extraordinary stories touch my heart and prompt me to worship the God of goodness who forever answers our cries with Jesus."

Alcorn explores the problem of evil and suffering as well as the problems we encounter in explaining moral standards, goodness, and extreme evil. He also grapples with the purpose of evil and suffering and how to account for meaningful human choice. Arguments are addressed graciously and intelligently. What made this book such a pleasure to read is the focus given to Scripture and the poignant testimonies of those who have seen and glorified God in the midst of their suffering.

Helpful Scripture and Topical Indexes are included.

In light of current events and our common human experience in this sin-filled world, I highly recommend If God is Good.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Multnomah Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

One of my favorite sections is "God uses disabilities to accomplish his unique purpose," pg. 232-234. You can read it HERE.

Links: Nature Calendar

2011-03-15T15:28:00.002-05:00

My friend Kathy, who blogs at Just Another Day in Paradise, was looking for the Nature Calendar that Ann Voskamp has shared on her site, A Holy Experience. I just love this resource and wanted to make it easily accessible. Each day of the month has a suggested nature activity. This is a great way to encourage nature study and enjoyment of the great outdoors....all with a view to fuller worship of our Creator and Savior. The links for each month, except July and August, are listed below. The posts contain photos of these treasures that you can enlarge and print for your personal use. Each photo is taken of a page in the book, Natural Science Through the Seasons, 100 Teaching Units by J. A. Partridge. I so wish this book was in print. (I've reserved it through my library's interlibrary loan service and am looking forward to having it in my hands!)

January

February

March

April

May (and June)

June

July and August are unavailable
...if you come across them, will you comment with the links?

*Updated to add: this book does not cover July and August as traditionally these are months off from school. Yes, I ordered through our interlibrary loan and am enjoying it while we have it.

September

October

November

December

Please note: Within each post you will find a photo to enlarge by clicking and then to save (by right clicking) to your computer. These are JPG files (photos) and not pdf documents.

1000 Gifts

2011-03-14T11:44:00.000-05:00

286. red jacket

287. sunshine spilling into all the dark corners

288. seeing children's faces all framed above the wardrobe

289. phone calls from my hardworking man

290. praying through the missionary prayer handbook

291. rest for all the sick children

292. answered prayer of a friend for me

293. all the ways and in His time God provides

294. no coincidences

295. an open Bible

296. heated mattress pad

297. spring breaking through

298. more snow in the night

299. glimpsing a winter-coat-clad rabbit darting over the snow in the night

300. seed catalogs

301. spontaneous hugs and kisses from so many little arms and lips

302. poems recited

303. library day

304. a full night's sleep

305. books on CD

306. swimsuits

307. practice Scripture

308. practice math tables

309. practice thanks

310. mercy-showing God, Romans 9:16

311. drinking deeply from the Word

312. inner peace

313. joy of cooking on gas stove

314. freezer meals

315. need for dad's hugs

316. the power of God

317. the sovereignty of God

318. continual need for God's help

319. friends dropping in

320. tax return

321. the messes

322. friends coming

323. lemon tea with honey for the sore throat

324. trying everything to stop a cough, finally finding relief and sleep

325. Grandma babysitting

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

1000 Gifts

2011-02-27T14:04:00.000-06:00

254. exceptionally warm days

255. dirty, wet, happy kids hosing down the grimy van

256. unexpected encouragement

257. the perfectly round omelet filling with ham and cheese

258. an eyeful of beautiful baby

259. driving in the dark to take supper to my hard-working man

260. praying over hard decisions

261. manager's specials on beautiful produce

262. being prayed over

263. praying over others

264. Jeremiah 15:16

265. washer humming

266. Saturday morning with Jan Karon

267. multiplication tables

268. reading lessons

269. stretching exercises with J-boy

270. Bible stories, Daddy's voice

271. fun stories, Daddy's voice

272. seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and always learning, needing patience

273. laughter

274. another slow Sunday at home with sick ones, me included

275. a sweet, sick husband who volunteers to make a grocery store run

276. a warm bed

277. kleenexes

278. stack of library books

279. Grandma who picks up children for church

280. watching the movie again so Daddy can see it

281. slowing down

282. washing dishes by hand

283. little kitchen helpers

284. little snow-shovelers

285. safety on the roads

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

Everywhere: Thanks

2011-02-20T16:07:00.001-06:00

Opening a library book. Here it is again. A call to thanks in the acknowledgements.

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
--G. K. Chesterton

Poetry Friday

2011-02-18T12:46:00.000-06:00

As I was finishing up dishes last night, my oldest came into the kitchen to share a poem. He had borrowed The World of Christopher Robin from the library. He read the poem aloud. I thoroughly enjoyed it! But I also treasure his desire to share something with me in which he delighted. I am reminded that I need to pause and enjoy his LEGO creations, his latest drawing, and the other things he wants to share with me. It is so easy to allow the tasks of the day to overshadow those moments when one of the children wants to show me the Hot Wheels City or the bird they spotted in the backyard or the well-made bed labored over. How often I have responded, "in a minute" to their pleading, "Mommy, come see!" May I treasure their excitement and joy and their desire to share it with me, with mommy.

Teddy Bear
by A. A. Milne

A bear, however hard he tries,
Grows tubby without exercise.
Our Teddy Bear is short and fat,
Which is not to be wondered at;
He gets what exercise he can
By falling off the ottoman,
But generally seems to lack
The energy to clamber back.

Now tubbiness is just the thing
Which gets a fellow wondering;
And Teddy worried lots about
The fact that he was rather stout.
He thought: "If only I were thin!
But how does anyone begin?"
He thought: "It really isn't fair
To grudge one exercise and air."

For many weeks he pressed in vain
His nose against the window-pane,
And envied those who walked about
Reducing their unwanted stout.
None of the people he could see
"Is quite" (he said) "as fat as me!"
Then, with a still more moving sigh,
"I mean" (he said) "as fat as I!

One night it happened that he took
A peep at an old picture-book,
Wherein he came across by chance
The picture of a King of France
(A stoutish man) and, down below,
These words: "King Louis So and So,
Nicknamed 'The Handsome!'" There he sat,
And (think of it!) the man was fat!

Our bear rejoiced like anything
To read about this famous King,
Nicknamed "The Handsome." There he sat,
And certainly the man was fat.
Nicknamed "The Handsome." Not a doubt
The man was definitely stout.
Why then, a bear (for all his tub)
Might yet be named "The Handsome Cub!"

"Might yet be named." Or did he mean
That years ago he "might have been"?
For now he felt a slight misgiving:
"Is Louis So and So still living?
Fashions in beauty have a way
Of altering from day to day.
Is 'Handsome Louis' with us yet?
Unfortunately I forget."

Next morning (nose to window-pane)
The doubt occurred to him again.
One question hammered in his head:
"Is he alive or is he dead?"
Thus, nose to pane, he pondered; but
The lattice window, loosely shut,
Swung open. With one startled "Oh!"
Our Teddy disappeared below.

There happened to be passing by
A plump man with a twinkling eye,
Who, seeing Teddy in the street,
Raised him politely to his feet,
And murmured kindly in his ear
Soft words of comfort and of cheer:
"Well, well!" "Allow me!" "Not at all."
"Tut-tut! A very nasty fall."

Our Teddy answered not a word;
It's doubtful if he even heard.
Our bear could only look and look:
The stout man in the picture-book!
That 'handsome' King - could this be he,
This man of adiposity?
"Impossible," he thought. "But still,
No harm in asking. Yes I will!"

"Are you," he said,"by any chance
His Majesty the King of France?"
The other answered, "I am that,"
Bowed stiffly, and removed his hat;
Then said, "Excuse me," with an air,
"But is it Mr Edward Bear?"
And Teddy, bending very low,
Replied politely, "Even so!"

They stood beneath the window there,
The King and Mr Edward Bear,
And, handsome, if a trifle fat,
Talked carelessly of this and that....
Then said His Majesty, "Well, well,
I must get on," and rang the bell.
"Your bear, I think," he smiled. "Good-day!"
And turned, and went upon his way.

A bear, however hard he tries,
Grows tubby without exercise.
Our Teddy Bear is short and fat,
Which is not to be wondered at.
But do you think it worries him
To know that he is far from slim?
No, just the other way about -
He's proud of being short and stout.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T12:44:00.000-06:00

Thank you for reading Heart and Home!

The Choice

2011-02-08T13:46:00.000-06:00

Nancy at ROLINGERHOME has begun sharing experiences and lessons learned over the last eight years as she continues to care for her mother. Her beautiful thoughts are an encouragement, a challenge to all of us who recognize our own selfishness. She writes especially for those with the task of caregiving.

He died for all,
so that they who live might no longer live for themselves,
but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
2 Corinthians 5:15

I have to give up my rights, my SELF. Not once, but constantly! I have chosen to sacrifice myself... If I choose to cling to my desires I will be frustrated and not do the job God has called me to... Choosing to give up my own desires has, however, filled me with joy unspeakable. Continue reading HERE and HERE.

1000 Gifts

2011-02-08T08:59:00.000-06:00

242. books on CD

243. brothers finding common ground

244. finally-mopped floor

245. one day at a time

246. praying over new little lives

247. movie marathon

248. hard-working man climbing into bed in the early morning hours

249. generosity showered on my children

250. too much noise that needs the big outdoors

251. reading aloud

252. learning -- home school isn't just for kids {smile}

253. more snow

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

Sit Still, My Daughter...

2011-02-05T13:44:00.000-06:00

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor deem these days--these waiting days--as ill!
The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,
Hath not forgotten thy great need today!
And, if He waits, 'tis sure He waits to prove
To thee, His tender child, His heart's deep love.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord's will!
While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way
Corrodingly within, because of His delay
Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move one step, not even one, until
His way hath opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!
How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet
Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!
And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
What higher service could'st thou for Him fill?
'Tis hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
'Tis hard, 'tis true! But then--He giveth grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.

--J. D. Smith

I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1

On the Bedside Table

2011-02-01T19:01:00.002-06:00

Voices of the Faithful

If God Is Good

Thanksgiving stirreth up thankfulness in the heart.

-- Richard Baxter --

When you see God at work, you don't look to blame [for suffering]; you look to credit Him.

We should repeatedly tell our Lord, "This house is Yours. This money, this body, and these children belong to you. You own the title deed, You own the rights, You have the power of life and death."

Worry is momentary atheism crying out for correction by trust in a good and sovereign God.

-- Randy Alcorn --

Choosing Gratitude

Becoming a Woman of Prayer

1000 Gifts

There is no joy without trust!

Count blessings and discover WHO can be counted on.

Anything less than gratitude and trust is practical atheism.

Are stress and worry evidences of a soul too lazy, too undisciplined, to keep gaze fixed on God?

...Isn't joy worth the effort of trust?

-- Ann Voskamp --

The foremost quality of a trusting disciple is gratefulness.

-- Brennan Manning --

1000 Gifts

2011-01-31T08:00:00.002-06:00

221. Little hands retrieving small, lost things that needed finding

222. Reading Scripture around the table with dear sisters

223. Tentative steps toward more openness, more vulnerability

224. The phone ringing with a friend's dear voice half a continent away

225. Boy hair curling over ears and foreheads

226. Sharing encouragement from much-loved books

227. Ann's book

228. Being there with the grieving

229. Learning more of catching the fleeting moments with thanks

230. Mystery boots warming my feet

231. Too long woolly scarf soft on my cheek

232. Borrowed babies asleep in my arms

233. Westward window streaming afternoon sun

234. Manna needed, gathered, partaken each day {every word that proceeds from the mouth of God}

235. Baskets overflowing with clean laundry

236. Dark night car rides

237. Enough and more

238. philandros

239. philoteknos

240. Renters for our house

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

Happy Monday!

2011-01-24T09:27:00.000-06:00

Assyrian Siege Towers from LEGOs

2011-01-12T17:36:00.000-06:00

The kids were all over this history assignment.

Here we are going for height to scale a wall with a warrior at the ready.

Here we see an aesthetic focus with a monochromatic color scheme and a hinged bridge.

A miniature version: very cute

The First Big Snow This Winter

2011-01-12T17:26:00.000-06:00

Then we all went to play in it

I Know That God Is Good

2011-01-08T17:28:00.001-06:00

Yet, in the maddening maze of things,

And tossed by storm and flood,

To one fixed trust my spirit clings;

I know that God is good!

-- John Greenleaf Whittier --

Today

2011-01-08T17:20:00.000-06:00

Dust Bunnies and Friends from Under-Dresser-Land

Library Sale Treasures

Sickie Rations

Cool New Stuff from the Library

Her Turn on the Wii

A Little Reading Material

Smelling the WHO Bread Baking

Laundry, Laundry, Laundry

Awww...Clean Dishes and Hot Coffee

Hitherto

2010-12-31T19:05:00.000-06:00

from today's Streams in the Desert...

"Hitherto hath the Lord helped us" (I Sam. 7:12).

The word "hitherto" seems like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. Twenty years or seventy, and yet "hitherto hath the Lord helped us!" Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health; at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea; in honor, in dishonor, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation--"hitherto hath the Lord helped!"

We delight to look down a long avenue of trees. It is delightful to gaze from one end of the long vista, a sort of verdant temple, with its branching pillars and its arches of leaves. Even so look down the long aisles of your years, at the green boughs of mercy overhead, and the strong pillars of lovingkindness and faithfulness which bear up your joys.

Are there no birds in yonder branches singing? Surely, there must be many, and they all sing of mercy received "hitherto."

But the word also points forward. For when a man gets up to a certain mark, and writes "hitherto," he is not yet at the end; there are still distances to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, death.

Is it over now? No! there is more yet--awakening in Jesus' likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fullness of eternity, the infinity of bliss. Oh, be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise thy "Ebenezer," for,

"He who hath helped thee hithertoWill help thee all thy journey through."

When read in Heaven's light, how glorious and marvelous a prospect will thy "hitherto" unfold to thy grateful eye.

--C. H. Spurgeon

1000 Gifts

2010-12-27T19:33:00.000-06:00

200. Little hands tearing into much-anticipated packages with squeals of joy and excitement

201. Children pass Scripture back and forth, reading of shepherds and angels, stable and manger, and her firstborn son

202. House full of family

203. Table full of food

204. Handmade gifts

205. More Christmas cards and pictures from dear friends filling the bowl on the side table

206. The bitter that makes the sweet all the sweeter

207. My parents

208. My brothers and their lovely wives

209. Sick children recovering quickly

210. Time with friends

211. Caroling with our chapel family

212. Witnessing a rare smile

213. Being challenged in my walk with the Lord...knowing, learning, finding He wants deeper intimacy

214. Good books

215. Sharing good books

216. Sweet childhood memories

218. Thoughtful, generous husband

219. Child-prayers before bed

220. Enjoying the Christmas decorations just a bit longer

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

Eyes to Believe

2010-12-27T09:00:00.001-06:00

Providence is wonderfully intricate. Ah! you want always to see through Providence, do you not? You never will, I assure you. You have not eyes good enough. You want to see what good that affliction was to you; you must believe it. You want to see how it can bring good to the soul; you may be enabled in a little time; but you cannot see it now; you must believe it. Honor God by trusting him.
~ Spurgeon

Send the Messiah

2010-12-26T18:52:00.001-06:00

courtesy of Photoree

Words and music by Dr. Daniel Perrin

The cry of generations echoes in the heart of heaven.

The call for God to comfort broken lives in isolation.

Send me a friend who will embrace the very soul of me and

Comprehend my broken features and still want to cherish me.

I need a Savior who will walk the earth down here with me,

And I want a father who will tell the truth and never leave me.

Send me a keeper who will guard me safely through the night,

Pray my spirit into heaven, save me from the hell of my life.

Send me a light because the moonless midnight in my soul

Is blind to every gesture shown it, as I shiver in aloneness.

I need a warrior to win the war with fear in me

And I want a King forever who will lead from here to glory!

Send the Messiah, I need his hand to hold me,

Send the Messiah, I need his love to own me.

Send the Messiah.

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus,

for he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

Send the Messiah on YouTube.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T23:25:00.000-06:00

1000 Gifts

2010-12-20T11:21:00.003-06:00

176. Struggling, questioning, hanging on tightly

177. Snuggling inside on a cold evening

178. Stringing up the Jesse Tree Ornaments, one by one

179. Tears

180. Children decorating cookies

181. The joy of celebrating the Lord Jesus' birth with our chapel family

182. Working together as a family

183. All spiritual blessings in Christ

184. An eternal perspective, our hope of glory

185. Finding just the right gift

186. Scripture from the lips of children

187. My oldest starting his eleventh year

188. My husband's parents; their love, their prayers

189. A mailbox bringing cards and family letters

190. Violins singing in and out of tune

191. The love of music we share as a family

192. Unexpected gifts

193. The tender conscience of a child

194. The power of the written Word

195. A date at home

196. Planning for a Christmas Eve family dinner

197. Comfortable silence

198. Christmas bonuses

199. Learning, modeling, teaching, sharing gratitude

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

I Want to Remember

2010-12-17T21:13:00.000-06:00

Crawling up on my Dad's lap today, my youngest says....

"I love you."

"You're not my daddy, but you're family. Can I call you Grandpa?"

In Which He Cracks His Face and Other Adventures

2010-12-08T08:46:00.000-06:00

From our youngest....

...tearfully, when he fell off the bunk bed ladder and sustained a skinned chin: "I cracked my face off."

...gratefully, when I swung him, suspended in his blanket: "Thanks for the lift!"

...and I love his "air guitar." But during Christmas program practice? Not so much.

1000 Gifts

2010-11-28T12:42:00.000-06:00

151. Thoughts scratched down with pen to paper

152. Changed plans...His plans

153. Bacon miracle...I will have to tell you about it soon

154. Unexpected quiet days at home

155. Tiny white lights

156. Embracing dear friends who have etched deep, achingly beautiful marks on my heart

157. Impromptu Thanksgiving meals

158. Sharing my testimony and hearing the children's as part of our Thanksgiving week

159. Preparations for the cold...plastic covering windows, inventory of boots, hats, scarves, mittens, coats

160. Coloring books

161. The harmony of life and learning

162. Hum of the sewing machine

163. The excitement of my children choosing and wrapping gifts for each other

164. Candlelight

165. Protection

166. Simple preparations and traditions bringing us closer as a family

167. Sharing, giving, lending, receiving

168. A kind gift...you can have one, too

169. Breaking Bread in the place where I learned to do so

170. Moving from fear to faith {a daily exercise}

171. Tiny bits left of my herb garden

172. Music of the season

173. All of my Facebook friends who share Scripture {what an encouragement}

174. Special occasion dress...found at the thrift store

175. Shared suppers

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

Happy Thanksgiving To All My Readers

2010-11-24T19:05:00.000-06:00

photo courtesy of Photoree, creative commons

Is there anything that can touch our hearts as the power of stillness?

--Streams in the Dessert

May you all find that stillness this Thanksgiving as we consider afresh all the blessings bestowed by our loving Heavenly Father. Thank you for reading Heart and Home.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

2010-11-22T11:37:00.000-06:00

MaMa M's famous southern recipe. Enjoy.

3 c cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1/3 c margarine (I use butter)
1/2 c milk
1 tsp vanilla

Combine these and pour into 9 x 13" dish.

Top with:

1 c coconut
1 c brown sugar
1/2 c self-rising flour
1 c chopped pecans
1/3 c melted margarine (I use butter)

Blend and sprinkle over top. Bake at 300º for 20 minutes.

On the Bedside Table

2010-11-21T18:59:00.000-06:00

Above all, I like to think my domestic style is a statement of my ultimate aspiration to create a welcoming, lived-in, loved, used and abused space for living.
from the Gentle Art of Domesticity

the Gentle art of Domesticity


simplify your space

The Lost Art of Real Cooking

Real Love for Real Life*

We need to ask, what happens in the context of home that doesn't happen anywhere else? where do feelings of security and insecurity come from? Where do we find out if our lives have significance and purpose? What stays with us for the rest of our lives, helping to build and shape the people we become?...

Things in life that are meaningful take time and effort to produce. But as we continue to adapt our thought process to and organize our efforts around what gives immediate gratification, we become more impatient and unwilling to take the long view of what we're creating. The demanding spirit that wants everything immediately leaves no room for a slow but steady undercurrent that carefully builds good in the human heart and mind...

What we take in through our studies will be given away in everyday conversations and in more formal teaching avenues...

True caring is a choice. True caring sometimes means choosing to be with someone in hardship rather than without them in prosperity. It is loving over the long haul, loving through disappointments, and loving in the midst of losses that may not be redeemed until heaven...
from Real Love for Real Life {*highly recommended reading}

Creativity

2010-11-19T21:16:00.000-06:00

We had a lovely afternoon. After quiet hour, each one settled into their creative endeavors.

cutting pictures of birds for our science unit

writing and illustrating a Mo Willems-inspred story


J-boy loves to create these miniature cards. This one has a door that I'm supposed to tape on.

My Take: Couponing

2010-11-19T17:18:00.000-06:00

Just a short, short overview. I have been asked on occasion how I coupon. There are many fantastic coupon blogs out there that will expertly guide anyone interested. I do save some money and taking time to clip and sort coupons makes a difference in our budget. I splurge on a treat once in awhile when I find a good deal. I don't avail myself of every deal out there. I rarely visit CVS or Walgreens, but many of my friends get fantastic deals.

These are the basics of what I do at this point...

Over the course of a normal week, you will see me clipping coupons (a thousand thanks, Mom, for sharing your newspaper coupon inserts and scavenging from the recycling bins where you work),

...sorting them into my coupon binder (similar to Rachel's coupon binder),

...studying the grocery store ad online

...and the current local blogger post matching coupons with deals,

...then matching up my coupons with the deals and

...writing out a list.

I'll make my way to the grocery store, usually on a weeknight without children. Think: alone time, ability to focus on making the deals, quieter store.

I scan each area for Manager's Specials as I go through.

The grocery store also has a designated spot for marked down items. If I can match these items with a coupon from my binder, I can score something for free or almost free. I've become less brand-loyal as I've stocked up on these items.

I also receive high value -- and sometimes free product -- coupons (and fun samples) through signing up with websites such as VocalPoint and Pssst...

To learn more about couponing, click HERE.

To find local deals, click HERE.

I follow my favorite coupon/deals blogs and get updates via Facebook as well. I have two. Anymore than that, and I get overwhelmed. Keeping it simple makes it work for me. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I will do my best to answer or direct you to someone who can.

Book Review: Really Woolly® Bible Stories

2010-11-18T19:17:00.000-06:00

Really Woolly Bible Stories is a sweetly illustrated padded board book for very little ones. Overall, the poems are easy to read, and my three-year-old contentedly snuggled on my lap as I read through the entire book in one sitting. The stories are nice and basic and serve as an introduction as well as a jumping-off point for a young child's questions. What I especially love are the charming illustrations. Who can resist? This would be a great board book to keep in the car or church book bag for quiet time that can stand a bit of abuse.

My favorite bit?

[Jesus] The One God sent to save us came

Because He loved us too.

Jesus is the Son of God

Who gave His life for you.

Note: The introduction clearly states that the Bible is true. However, the book is more universal in nature than Scripture, as the general statement, "You are His child" indicates. The Scripture clearly teaches that prior to faith in the finished redemptive and justifying work of the Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf, we are lost and at enmity with God. (ex. Eph. 2:5)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Why "HopiQ?"

2010-11-17T14:31:00.000-06:00

Click HERE.

Love You Forever and Forever

2010-11-07T21:49:00.000-06:00

Being three is an awful lot of fun, isn't it?

I love you, E-baby; aka: snuggle bug, Spider-Man, thumb tucker.

Late Harvest

2010-11-06T15:28:00.000-05:00

Tiny and Tasty

My Take: Burlap Wreath

2010-11-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

My Burlap Sorta-"Nonna" Wreath

Jones Design Company has a great tutorial for her wreath which uses a wool blanket and a styrofoam form. She uses a hot glue gun exclusively to attach the woolen strips. Mine is a bit shabbier. I used some burlap I had leftover from my table runner last year, string, and a straw wreath 50% off at Hobby Lobby. If you want to make this wreath, read her tutorial first. It has much better pictures and is much better at explaining the steps!

Cut the burlap into 2 - 3" strips the length of the burlap. It takes quite a bit. Wrap the form with burlap strips, overlapping the edges as you go around. Attach the end with hot glue.

Next, thread a large needle with a length of string and run through the center of the rest of the burlap strips in huge, random stitches. I used my really wimpy glue gun to attach the ruffle to the wreath.

Stitch several inches, gather, glue down, repeat.

Stitch

Pull string to scrunch up burlap

Glue every 4" or so

I started with one ruffle around and ultimately added two more inside the other.
*Now I wish I had just scrunched it all in and not made rows*

Stitch and glue, stitch and glue

You can see the string...but I like it

And here is the shabby result!

Beware In Your Prayer

2010-11-02T14:41:00.001-05:00

free creative commons photo courtesy of Photoree

Beware in your prayer, above everything, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, above all that we ask or think. Each time you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, of how He delights to hear Christ, of your place in Christ; and expect great things.

--Andrew Murray

Children's Books I Have Loved Late

2010-11-01T17:55:00.002-05:00

Make Way For Ducklings


Blueberries For Sal {My 1st McCloskey}


One Morning In Maine

Time of Wonder

Homer Price

I picked up a copy of Make Way for Ducklings at a thrift store this weekend. Not because we haven't read it before (the library has a copy) but because it is the kind of book to be read over and over and kept to read with the grandchildren as well. I didn't grow up with books by Robert McCloskey, and I don't know how we missed them! Several years ago I found a copy of Blueberries For Sal at a library sale and fell in love with the pictures. They're the kind I want to frame and hang up in my imaginary vintage kitchen. And I've learned that it is the pictures that really make the story.

Robert McCloskey used to describe his writing career as "sort of an accident." The two-time winner of the Caldecott Medal (for distinguished children's literature) never intended to have stories accompany his pictures: They just happened on their own. "I really think up stories in pictures and just fill in between the pictures with a sentence or a paragraph or a few pages of words."

from Ohio Reading Road Trip

from Blueberries For Sal

It's such fun to read a book and see your children's delight in it. The younger boys and I read Make Way for Ducklings before nap time this afternoon. I have my suspicions that all the kids were listening in.

from Make Way for Ducklings

The Burdern Which The Prophet Habbakuk Saw

2010-10-25T20:07:00.000-05:00

Sixty-Six Clouds

Visualizing Word Frequency in the Bible

Sixty-Six Clouds is a visual exploration of word frequency in the Bible where the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and twenty-seven books of the New Testament were individually imported into Wordle.net to create a unique word cloud for each one.

I'm involved in a ladies' Bible study, and we are studying the Old Testament book, Habbakuk. I stumbled upon this beautiful artwork highlighting the main words used in this encouraging and highly relevant book.

1000 Gifts

2010-10-25T19:48:00.001-05:00

127. Wonderful visit from my husband's parents

128. Bathtime

129. Shared enjoyment with my children

130. The One who does all things well

131. Little by little, step by step, precept upon precept

132. Phone calls and shared mommy advice

133. Impromptu hospitality

134. A crowded table

136. Beautiful fall weather and foliage

137. Supper supplied by my mom

138. Boys and their guns

139. Doll dress-making and the luxury of time to sew

140. Messes

141. Willing helpers

142. Handmade quilts and blankets to find coziness

143. Daughters busy in the kitchen

144. Grace that picks me up and keeps me going

145. The hard-working man in my life

146. Sunday School

147. School break

148. Shared discovery and learning with my children

149. New steps to my door

150. Brick border around my flowerbed (Thank you, sweet N)

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

Mulling it Over

2010-10-06T17:11:00.000-05:00

"Sentimental” is different from emotional or moving. The OED adds the helpful qualifier “exaggeratedly or superficially sensitive or emotional, excessively prone to sentiment.” A book can be properly emotional, perhaps even moving us to tears in its account of something true, beautiful and good. We are confirmed in our love of what is good, and given renewed resolve to incarnate it. Or it can be mawkish and sentimental, appealing to us on a superficial level and making us believe we’ve had some deep experience when in fact all we’ve done is have our feelings stroked. We dry our tears and walk away essentially unchanged – or, possibly changed for the worse. (A prime example: a romantic film that encourages sympathy for adultery.)

Read the full post here at Aslan's Library.

BOOK REVIEW: Love Is A Flame

2010-09-18T20:19:00.001-05:00

Love Is A Flame, compiled by James Stuart Bell, contains story after story of actual marriages transformed, some in small ways and and some that seemed beyond repair. It is an easy ready, and by the time you are finished, I'm convinced you'll come away with at least a few ideas that would add a spark to your own marriage. If you are facing difficulties with your spouse, you will be encouraged in your efforts to remain faithful. Some of the stories related in this book are of couples who face seemingly insurmountable difficulties yet find the answers to remaining faithful to their spouse and the ability to fan those flames once again. Hardened hearts, love gone cold, anger, bitterness, sin, even boredom...there are many reasons marriages aren't what they could be...or even end. Yet these stories give hope in a divorce-ridden world. The only complaint I have with this book is the short application/lesson section at the end of each chapter. Perhaps some would appreciate being told the "moral of the story." The stories truly speak for themselves.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

BOOK REVIEW: Beyond Opinion

2010-09-18T19:00:00.001-05:00

In Beyond Opinion: Living the Faith We Defend, Ravi Zacharias understands Christians must connect on a personal level with others of differing opinions and offers this volume addressing the many current streams of philosophical and religious thought. We need to understand what we believe and internalize the why. We need to understand what is behind the thinking of those with differing viewpoints and the problems a skeptic might have with Christianity. "This book responds to the opinions of people with the convictions that the gospel and its imperatives commend. " (p.xx) Intelligent and thought-provoking, Beyond Opinion gives much food for thought and is not meant to be read in a sitting or two. The book brings together essays related by different authors from their own area of expertise, (e.g. youth culture, eastern religions, science) each speaking with a sincere desire to reach individuals, to answer hard questions, and to remove stumbling blocks to salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. This book will encourage, challenge, and equip you. If you haven't given much thought to an apologetic, this is a wonderful book to get you going. If you are an experienced apologist, there is much here to be gleaned. Not only does it address having a ready defense for your own faith, this book gives a higher vision of reaching others because we deeply care about them. Highly recommended.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Happy Birthday, MeMaw!!!

2010-09-10T12:46:00.001-05:00

Just for Fun

2010-09-07T17:15:00.000-05:00

My friend Kathy tagged me in this "Just For Fun" meme ... here are the questions she asked ...

1. What’s your favorite holiday, and why?
Christmas...getting together with family and continuing traditions.

2. If you had a candy jar, what would be filling it regularly?
Stacy's Pita Chips

3. What month of the year is your favorite?
I love Springtime and four of the birthdays in this house fall in April

4. Which of the chefs on the Food Network would you want to cook you dinner, and what would you ask them to make you?
I don't know who they are, but they can come cook for me anytime!

5. What store would you love get a $50 gift card to?
Pottery Barn!!!

6. What’s your favorite way to pamper yourself?
A soak in the tub with a good book.

7. What color are your toenails painted right now?
Chipped deep red. Gotta fix that!

8. If you could live in one other state besides where you live now, what would you choose? (Or what would be your second choice?)
I would love to live on the beach in New England. Not sure which one I would choose!

OK, here are the friends I'm tagging ... Anyone who wants to jump in!

There is no effort in overflow...

2010-09-03T12:57:00.000-05:00

Free Artistic Photography

A beautiful, calming reminder from Streams today...

Walk Without Strain
"And he saw them toiling in rowing" (Mark 6:48).

Straining, driving effort does not accomplish the work God gives man to do. Only God Himself, who always works without strain, and who never overworks, can do the work that He assigns to His children. When they restfully trust Him to do it, it will be well done and completely done. The way to let Him do His work through us is to partake of Christ so fully, by faith, that He more than fills our life.

A man who had learned this secret once said: "I came to Jesus and I drank, and I do not think that I shall ever be thirsty again. I have taken for my motto, 'Not overwork, but overflow'; and already it has made all the difference in my life."

There is no effort in overflow. It is quietly irresistible. It is the normal life of omnipotent and ceaseless accomplishment into which Christ invites us today and always.--Sunday School Times

Be all at rest, my soul, O blessed secret,
Of the true life that glorifies thy Lord:
Not always doth the busiest soul best serve Him,
But he that resteth on His faithful Word.
Be all at rest, let not your heart be rippled,
For tiny wavelets mar the image fair,
Which the still pool reflects of heaven's glory--
And thus the image He would have thee bear.

Be all at rest, my soul, for rest is service,
To the still heart God doth His secrets tell;
Thus shalt thou learn to wait, and watch, and labor,
Strengthened to bear, since Christ in thee doth dwell.
For what is service but the life of Jesus,
Lived through a vessel of earth's fragile clay,
Loving and giving and poured forth for others,
A living sacrifice from day to day.

Be all at rest, so shalt thou be an answer
To those who question, "Who is God and where?"
For God is rest, and where He dwells is stillness,
And they who dwell in Him, His rest shalt share.
And what shall meet the deep unrest around thee,
But the calm peace of God that filled His breast?
For still a living Voice calls to the weary,
From Him who said, "Come unto Me and rest."
--Freda Hanbury Allen

"In resurrection stillness there is resurrection power."

My Sweet Students

2010-09-01T17:28:00.000-05:00

5th Grade

3rd Grade

Kindergarten

Preschool

Our 10th Day of School Pictures in lieu of 1st Day Pictures

{A Selection of} My Favorite {and Free} Online Printables

2010-09-01T15:58:00.000-05:00

I ♥ Living Locurto

I ♥ bookplates

I ♥ coloring pages

I ♥ cute little illustrations to add to printed forms

I ♥ ABCs and 123s

Please share online resources you love in the comments!

1000 Gifts

2010-08-23T20:59:00.000-05:00

110. Online library book reservations

111. Holding a newborn

112. Breakfast food for supper

113. New school year

114. An excited kindergartner!!!

115. Thrilled children looking through new books

116. A health problem resolved

117. Time spent with my dad

118. Purging

119. Golden sunshine pouring into the house each morning

120. Encouragement from my husband

121. The forgiveness of my children

122. Laughing at this movie

123. Morning coffee

124. Reading Scripture with my children as I drink that morning coffee

125. Tears

126. Awaiting the news of the arrival of my dear friend's daughter...tomorrow's the day!

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

School Days

2010-08-21T19:19:00.000-05:00

Story of the World*

Christian Kids Explore Biology*

Latin*

English - 5th grader (free to download)

English - 3rd graders

Spelling*

Great Composers

Free notebooking pages of Composers here and Famous Artists here

(There are a lot of wonderful resources to find on this site!)

Grammar*

Handwriting 3rd & 5th*

K Reading

MEP Maths - Reception, 2nd & 4th Levels*

My Nature Journal*

* New to us

Yes, there has been a huge learning curve this week for me as we implement many new books. Overall our first week ended up going really well as we slowly added subjects as the packages arrived at our door...so fun!

Jones Design Company: Giveaway

2010-08-17T16:28:00.000-05:00

I think you will want to head over and enter this giveaway. This girl has way too many gorgeous ideas. Love it!

Summer 2010 in Pictures

2010-08-15T11:21:00.000-05:00

Learning how to garden: sq. ft. style

Family Conference Weekend = Family Fun and Sweet Fellowship

Family Conference

Swim Lessons

Star Wars Fun

Playing at the Park

Planting with Grandma

Fun With Friends

Boy at Camp

Girls at Camp

Day Camp

Speaking of Twins...

2010-08-14T11:15:00.000-05:00

For the first time in their little lives, they are sporting different hairstyles. Like.

photo taken after their very first week of summer camp ever: sunburned, dirty, and happy

Not At Home

2010-08-13T15:22:00.001-05:00

A surprise visitor at the storage building

We don't always end up where we thought we would be.

But we keep trusting. Waiting on the One who works all things for good.

Life can stretch. Bend. Hurt.

But we continue one. Holding onto the Giver of strength, joy, peace.

Like the insect lost in a sea of metal, this world proves inhospitible.

But we look ahead. For he [Abraham]looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11:10

One and the Same

2010-08-13T13:00:00.001-05:00

My Life as an Identical Twin and What I've Learned About Everyone's Struggle to Be Singular
author: Abigail Pogrebin; her twin's name is Robin

recording here some interesting thoughts I want to keep...my daughters are identical twins. Something that still astonishes me. My thoughts in italics.

"...I hated it: the presumption that someone understood me because I was born two minutes before my sister...That made me crazy." hmmm...this drives me crazy, too. Also the comments about which one is shy/outgoing, which is bossier, etc.

"I have always told people, much to their skepticism, that Robin and I were not competitive. It seems the first thing nontwins assume about twins is that we collide or try to outdo each other. But that misses the nuance. We saw each other's triumphs as reflective, if anything, and our stumbles were suffered vicariously... a girl thing? identicals not as prone to the same level of sibling rivalry as fraternals/nontwins? It will be interesting to see how this plays out for us.

Robin's feats prompted me to try harder--not just to match her but because she showed me it was physically possible...

I found there were two schools of twinship: the kind that begets a kind of interconnectedness that means one twin's success is shared, and the other kind, which yields a kind of zero-sum equation--one twin's trophy is the other's defeat. Either way, the simultaneity of twinship--always being in the same place at the same time, always fodder for endless comparisons and checking, like a mirror you can't help looking into--can spur twins either to great accomplishment or to massive frustration, to a firm confidence or to a pesky insecurity."

"The labels are created in order to convince yourself you have a separate attachment. And if you don't do the work and really have the separate attachment, then you've just created sort of a myth that helps you define one child in relationship to the other....That's the difference between being known and being noticed. If you're not known through your attachment to your parents, then you're noticed because you're like your twin or you're different from your twin. It's not about who you are, but how you compare to this other person." (Joan Friedman)

"Being known versus being noticed...Friedman tells me that not feeling 'differentiated' can make a person feel lost..."

Spending time with each of my children on their own is so important. Knowing them as individuals. It's important for the nontwins, too.

My Summer Reading

2010-08-13T10:46:00.001-05:00

Her Mother's Hope

Even Now

One and the Same

Voices of the True Woman Movement

Beyond Opinion

Love is a Flame

Note: the last three are up for book reviews here at Heart and Home. Got to get cracking!

Similar Tastes: Another Girl's Summer Reading

2010-07-09T14:25:00.000-05:00

One Girl's Summer Reading

2010-07-09T14:09:00.000-05:00

...so far.

The Watch Goat Mystery
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain
Paul Revere: Rider for Liberty
So You Want to be President?

Invisible Stanley (Flat Stanley)

Meet Molly: An American Girl
Happy Birthday, Molly
Molly Learns a Lesson
Kit Learns a Lesson
Kit's Surprise: A Christmas Story
Nellie's Promise
Changes for Samantha: A Winter Story
Happy Birthday, Samantha: A Springtime Story
Meet Samantha: An American Girl

Flat Stanley
The Upside-Down Day
Lost in the Woods

Face to Face With Lions
Pieta and her Pink Pig
Helen Keller (Scholastic Biography)
Treasures of the Snow - A Story of Friendship and Forgiveness

The Magic School Bus Hops Home: A Book About Animal Habitats
Curious George and the Pizza

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?
The Boxcar Children
Fancy Nancy's Favorite Fancy Words: From Accessories to Zany

My daughter E is eight years old and loves dolls, riding her bike, and most of all, babies. She had a great time at her first week of camp this summer with her twin sister.

A Little Bit Addicted

2010-07-09T12:43:00.000-05:00

Ever heard of Japanese sewing books? I hadn't until recently. Now I'm itching to get one (or many) for myself. I stumbled upon a website of projects from these books aptly named Japan Couture Addicts. FYI: it is a French website devoted to pattern books written in Japanese. I love the natural fabrics and simple designs. All the projects (and there are so many) are organized by the book from which they were taken, so you can click on the books in the left sidebar and see what people have made from different books. Here are some pictures from the site:

If you get interested in these books, here are some great blog posts on how to interpret Japanese sewing pattern instructions.

1000 Gifts

2010-07-05T16:06:00.000-05:00

87. odometer passing 100,000 miles

88. the Getting-Back-Man*

89. fellowship with dear friends

90. tears

91. fresh animal tracks

92. torrential rain

93. the Lord does not disappoint

94. does not distress

95. nor disturb

96. the transparency of a woman relaying truth that became life's reality

97. road trip snacks

98. Christ in me, the hope of glory

99. life's memorial stones

100. camp

101. watching this with my husband

102. garden produce in my salad

103. clean kitchen (thanks, Mom!)

104. washing machine churning out clean laundry

105. five sweet, laughing faces

106. encouragement on this parenting road

107. beautiful music (the harp and cello duet; congregational praise)

108. drawing lesson pictures

109. intercessory prayer

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

* "I believe that the Getting-Back-Man paid my sin debt. He spilled his blood and bought me back..." Testimony given by a Bagwido believer of Papua New Guinea, p.10, NTM@work, Aug. 2009

To read about how a tribal group in New Guinea was reached with the gospel, click here.

A Hard Place...or A Place of Eternal Springs

2010-07-05T14:44:00.000-05:00

We never know where  God hides His pools. 

We see a rock, 

and we cannot guess it is the home  of the spring. 

We see a flinty place, 

and we cannot tell it is the hiding place of a  fountain. 

God leads me into the hard places, 

and then I find I have gone  into the dwelling place of eternal springs. 

--Selected

From today's Streams in the Desert.  To subscribe via email, visit Back to the Bible. 

Off

2010-07-01T11:08:00.000-05:00

We are packing up for a long weekend away. Don't miss out on the posts in my share box -- scroll down and look to the right. Lots of encouragement along the way. Have a lovely weekend!

Agatha Christie Fans?

2010-06-28T19:57:00.000-05:00

The first two new Miss Marple mysteries can be seen online here.

1000 Gifts

2010-06-28T17:02:00.001-05:00

71. in His presence there is fullness of joy

72. anticipation -- weekend trip, seeing old friends

73. new outdoor spot to relax

74. God's complete, total, unconditional, unwavering, loving acceptance

75. laughter

76. day camp planning

77. root beer floats

78. the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit: faithful, purposeful

79. twitter and chatter of birds

80. spur-of-the-moment get-togethers

81. cozying up with a good book

82. the ways of a fun daddy with his children

83. being challenged out of areas of complacency

84. thoughtfulness and generosity of others

85. waking to prayer

86. the path to contentment

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join us.

Lovely post on gratitude by Ann today... Gratitude is the culture of the sinners made saints.

Summer Break (?)

2010-06-26T07:07:00.001-05:00

Bible Camp

VBS

Day Camp

Daily splashing in the pool

Swimming lessons

Gardening

Bible Study

Science Unit: Space

Violin practice and lessons

Reading

Art Lessons

Art lesson with friends: drawing with colored pencils

Is your summer turning out to be a lot of fun? and nearly as busy as the school year?

Please Pray: Ken and Joni

2010-06-25T12:38:00.001-05:00

We can bring a huge blessing to others by living openly and believingly and lovingly within our weaknesses. -- Joni Eareckson Tada

Yesterday Joni Eareckson Tada announced that she has breast cancer and will be undergoing surgery. Please pray for her and Ken. The Lord has used Joni to touch countless lives, including my own. Joni continues to encourage others on her radio show. You can hear today's program here.

picture from Joni's blog

Firstfruits

2010-06-25T11:23:00.000-05:00

Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth,

that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

James 1:18

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;

and every branch that bears fruit He prunes,

that it may bear more fruit.

John 15:1,2

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,

unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

“I am the vine, you are the branches.

He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit;

for without Me you can do nothing.

John 15:4,5

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22,23