Lately, things have been hard! Dreams are dreams and life is well... life. We have life so much easier than most, here in the states. But when you're in the thick of it, it's hard to see beyond it. Some days I just really feel like I CAN'T smile. Can't and don't want to. I figure I'm not alone, so I wanted to briefly share with you something that was on my heart. When you feel like this...
Turn to the word... the word of the Lord. I cannot explain how, but for some reason, at least for me. Reading the word the Father has given us seems to set things right when we're low or tired or discouraged. I know that the personal relationship we have with Him is a large part of it. But I also know there is strength given THROUGH the word. So let me encourage you, when you're feeling down, drained or just plain uninspired. Read, pray and refocus on Him. The world won't be set right in the blink of an eye, but our vision being focused on Him will help us to see our world in a right light.
"16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." John 17:16-18 KJV
Blessings, Staci
Kind disclaimer: the above photos are copyrighted, contain my children and belong to me. Please do not repost them, share them, or use them for any reason. You're welcome to share a link back to the post if you like. Thank you :-)
Blessings to any of you who are still reading, I've been gone so long I suppose I may be talking into a cave. But if not - how many blessings are we allowed to count during a storm? Some of you may remember, but for those who don't know, we have a home business, we started several months ago and it's been just slowly building. We are still pretty small, but the excitement is starting to buzz with new offerings and new ideas, AND the possibility of my hubby joining in on the adventure! The funny thing is that a lot of our excitement is really stemming out of chaos and unsettling changes in life. Some times I have to hide my excitement when things like that happen. I tend to be a "free spirit" if you will, who is always ready for the next grand adventure. However, my husband is a rock, a big bad bolder if you have to know. He does a fine job at keeping me grounded and my feet on the ground lest I fly away in the clouds. (I am truly thankful for that)
For now though, at least for a little while, he's allowing me to dream. I love having him home, so do the children. The circumstances that brought it on are difficult and painful, but he's here. So, with that in mind I'm running head long into the business adventure with him staying home for good as my final goal. Will it happen? I don't know, but for now it's nice to dream. And if it doesn't work out, he let me enjoy the idea for a time. Ultimately we want the Lords will. So we are bowing to that above all. But if it is His will for us to be successful in this business, oh what sweet success - to spend every day with the man I love! ( I really can't stifle the sappiness, I'm sorry, but I love him- what's not to love!- do you see the golden sun behind him! it truly is no accident, he's every bit a golden boy as he looks like he is)
So, what's the purpose of this post? I suppose a little bit of thankfulness. Maybe for someone else who's struggling with life, encouragement. Encouragement that there are amazing blessings even in the difficult times. We could spend our days grumbling about why he's no longer employed, or we can savor every sweet moment and soak it up, storing new memories away until our hearts threaten to burst. I, admit (unapologeticly) to being an optimistic one, and opt for the later option. Thank you. There is a reason that the Father gave a rainbow *AFTER* the storm! They would have been so busy with "life" that they wouldn't have even noticed it! But after 40 days of stinkin rain, stuck on a boat, with a bunch of stinky animals! You bet your belly button that rainbow was a sight for sore eyes!
Where are your rainbows? Are you too busy staring at the ground to notice? How is the Father blessing you every day? Please feel free to share!
Oh! and I almost forgot to share, for those who haven't seen them before, here are our store links. Our Etsy store is here. and Our Hyena cart store is here.
Both are under the name "Windy Willow Pond" and we are working on a huge stocking this week, one reason why I'm so excited, but I was really just wanting to share about my thankfulness!
"2And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God." Deuteronomy 28:2 KJV
Staci
oh- pss: a study was done that showed that the people during the Holocaust and the great depression that survived with the best health were the ones with the most positive outlook. Some were even remarkably in good health! So on a side note - a great prep for a depression situation is to start counting your blessings! :-)
HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!? Your quiver is too full! Yes, I've lost my mind now excuse me please I have a road to cross, ...did I mention that I was going to close my eyes first!?
It's amazing how people seem to know, even before we do, that we have too much to handle. And oddly enough it's not because they're encouraging us to keep up the good work, or offering to help in some way. But rather in their passing of judgment they manage to comment on our lives. Do we live in a fish bowl, just waiting for some onlooker to help us figure out what we're doing wrong? Well, I know many well meaning people have simlply spoken without thinking, but as the outspoken woman I am I had to say something. And since this is my blog, I figure what better place to do it. I shared these thoughts on my facebook wall:
"you need to plan on making this one your last" or so I'm told, "are you having any more?" so many have to ask and my response to them is this... "look at this sweet baby, and all the ones before, Could YOU look them in the eyes and tell them, "we didn't want more. we had a plan and you didn't fit, we'd had enough and had to quit" I know I couldn't and I know my God can decide just when we've filled our quiver full. ♥
Trusting in the Lord doesn't mean we only trust Him when it's easy. We trust Him, lean on Him, cry to Him, and let Him lead. If my life weren't in His hands another blessing could cost me dearly, but He is my all and I am His treasure and I can follow Him with my eyes closed walking in faith securely. Fear has no place where faith abounds.
Many will call me crazy. Many will try to criticize our choices. Some may turn to worry and concern. But only I will stand and face the Father for my choices. And only my husband and I can lead our children by our example. We have to stand by what we believe is right, even in the face of adversity. If we don't then we've lost our testimony and every word we've spoken falls to the ground. We have been given the greatest privilege and honor there is, raising God's army! Can we grow tired of the greatest honor bestowed. Can we concede that we have had enough of His blessings? Can our children trust the parents who say they trust in the Lord if we only do so when it's convenient, easy or affordable?
If we are to live by faith then I say we are to live by radical faith. Insane faith that defies all logic. Because logic is where we muck things up! Human logic is so small and insignificant to Yahweh's will for our life! If we are to walk in faith, then I believe we are to close our eyes and walk the road toward Him, forsaking the map, ignoring the guard rails, trusting in Him on the edge-cliff and follow after Him with a fire and a purpose in our hearts. That purpose I believe is to serve, to love, and to trust in Him and His plan for our lives, willingly following the Master wherever He leads us. For by faith we are saved. By our faith in Yeshua (Jesus) we are saved from eternal punishment and by our faith in Yahweh are we saved from ourselves.
"5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
For another related blog post that is encouraging to read, go here.
Well for those who wondered, I disappeared cause I had my baby. He was 36 weeks and we are on the mend, but it's been a wild ride. God really protected us through all of it so I want to sing His praises first. I had a massive placental abruption and the baby also had a prolapsed cord.
Thankfully my husband and I were close to the hospital, and everyone worked quickly and the baby was safe. Another blessing is that my children weren't with me to see the horrific scene. I am recovering by the grace of God. We're here, but we're slow. I may not be on as much, while we are trying to adjust to another blessing. But, I'm here. I'll post the birth story some time soon, for those who are interested. And hopefully soon I'll begin posting regular content again soon.
"My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:2
My grandmother tells me about the vouchers used during the depression, each person was only allowed to buy a certain amount of things like sugar and gasoline per month, so they had to have vouchers to purchase them. She remembers her mother saving vouchers to be able to buy enough extra sugar for a birthday cake. I can't imagine what that was like, but I know hard times happen and I try to be prepared for them.
One of the things I think we'll miss most during hard times is the occasional treat! I'm not a fast food person myself, but I do like to enjoy the occasional french fry, usually home made. You may be thinking, yeah I can make french fries! Sure, I make home made fries with fresh potatoes too. (You do NOT have to deep fry them!) But I'm going to share with you a video that teaches you how to put up potatoes when they're on sale, or abundant in your garden and then be able to use them later for home made french fries! How neat is that! There's also a tip in there about how to keep potatoes from getting starchy during the canning process! So for a great video on putting up french fries, watch this!
The next thing I want to discuss can often be a topic of heated discussion. What is it? Canned milk. Today I'm going to share with you not only the how, but also the why. Did you know that store bought canned milk is not only homogenized, but it is also irradiated! (who needs irradiated food!?) I for one don't want that, but there are different ideas on whether or not you can safely can milk at home. On the one hand you have people who have done it safely for years with never a problem. On the other hand you have die hard ball blue book advocates and extension program studiers who swear that you can't! WHY? They never give a good reason, other than the standard: "Because you don't have commercial equipment to do it with". My response has always been "SO WHAT? Give me a real answer. What is it about the commercial process that is supposed to be better than my processing abilities?" And you know what, there is never a clear, founded reason. My ball book says that 240` is the temperature at which bacteria, mold and yeasts are destroyed. The only time I've ever heard of foods not being able to come up to temp correctly is when they're too dense. Milk definitely is not. Then there are others who say it won't taste right. Well, sure if you over cook it, which you don't have to. Thirdly, I've heard "you can't kill the bacteria in milk". Well my answer to that is that raw milk from a trusted source is safe to drink, so why not canned? I am of the school of thought that there really isn't a good reason other than money. If you can it yourself, you don't have to buy it from them, dairy companies, big AGRI- business. HMMM. Shame on them.
I've found a video in which a lovely lady teaches you how to can milk, using a clean kitchen and proper canning methods. She shares with viewers that canned milk is over a dollar a can in some places. And the cost of canning it is much lower. (try 25 cents a pint!) She also has the testimony of actual use. She said it tastes great over cereal, because it's not over processed! I think that's a smart way to prepare for the future without going broke! Here you go!
*Edited to add- On a side note, I just read an article that said you can use the same process for canning other kinds of milk too! And a woman shared that her grandmother canned fresh cream for many years, to use when they couldn't get to the market.
Will you give me a moment to tug at your ear?... It is not conspiracy theory, sensationalism, or paranoia. It is a fact of life that hard times can and will come. Whether for just your family or for the world over or somewhere in between, they do come. We can certainly trust in the Lord for all that we need, but we do see scriptural examples of God telling His people to prepare. Please learn about preparedness, for your family, however you choose to do it, keep your eyes upon the Lord, but remember to do what you can to prepare yourself and your family for hard times that you may face. It is not my wish that any of His children would suffer and that's part of the reason why I share what I can.
35"And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine."Genesis 41:35-36 KJV
The picture above is a puzzle based on a story about a whole family needing to work together to pull a giant turnip out of the ground. ~This is us lately. The original story was an old Russian folk tale. You can find many new and old versions on Amazon. The significance of the story is everlasting for any strong Christian family, or any family for that matter. When you have everyone working and pulling together for the good of the family you can accomplish a lot more. My most recent observation was of our family trying to clean house. Working independently the children were scattered and disorganized, and we as parents were frustrated. But when we coordinated our efforts we got the cleaning done in record time because we were all working together and happy to do it, since we weren't doing it alone. It's kind of a funny combination of "share your joy" and "misery loves company". The jobs we have aren't always fun, but the joy shared in our hearts can make it bearable. The best blessing of this unified work habit is that we ALL get to enjoy the relaxation time or play time together. It's really funny how the earthly mind will work.
I observed the following scene one day... Daddy was sitting on the couch enjoying his coffee while the children played roughly making chaos and mama begrudgingly prepared and served breakfast alone. Then later in the day mama rested while daddy washed dishes and the children were again in chaos. THEN the children were assigned work while mama and daddy took a brief moment to talk. In the end EVERYONE felt they had been working while everyone else sat around. In the context of timing each person was right, but in the context of work done we were all wrong. Our earthly minds had fooled us into feeling sorry for ourselves while the others "played". Then on another day we all worked together to prepare breakfast and clean up and finish chores, then we all enjoyed a happy time of playing together. All of us walked away from it feeling a sense of accomplishment as well as the joy of our play time. What a joy that day was for us. I find it so funny to think that unity is a Godly idea and yet we hear continuously "we all have our OWN responsibilities". While there is some truth to that in theory, let us put the focus on unity rather than ourselves and OUR OWN tasks. Selfishness is a slippery slope that can often disguise itself in many ways.
16"From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Ephesians 4:16 KJV
(BTW- ~ The puzzle pictured above is made of wood, hand painted, and is available atPeace Fleece.)
Blessings from our family to yours! Staci
WINNERS Please read:I'm still waiting to hear from Mary and Jessica, I'll give it another week or so for you to get back to me. For the tea winners we have Mary and Jessica! Thanks for playing! Whoever emails me first gets to pick their flavor! So don't wait!
To all our lovely ladies, thanks for playing along and don't worry, family stuff and health emergencies have kept me away from the computer and the post office, but your goodies are on their way!
UPDATE: I'm cleaning house... Previously I had the full context of a great article by Shane Conner of ki4u.com posted on here. I was happy to share it and still recommend you read it. However, due to the length and amount of graphics included in the article I have trimmed it down to just an introduction to the article followed by a link to the actual article itself...
This guide 'When An ill Wind Blows From Afar! (Like from Japan Fukushima reactor)' deals specifically with radioactive fallout that originated from afar, like a Chernobyl in the past,
or Iran in the future that's had its nuclear facilities bombed, releasing radioactive contamination into the atmosphere, or a North Korea gone mad, etc.
This guide provides panic dispelling knowledge so people downwind can more promptly initiate appropriate protective actions, as required. This is the third in the series that begins with The Good News About Nuclear Destruction! at www.ki4u.com/goodnews.htm
that debunks the myths of nuclear un-survivability and What To Do If A Nuclear Disaster Is Imminent! at www.ki4u.com/guide.htm
that details the practical methods for American families to protect themselves from nuclear explosion(s) and fallout originating here.
You can read the full article here. I do reccommend going to the site even if you're not in a current "danger zone" because education and knowledge are good to have. Especially in a situation that can be life threatening. My prayer is that you will seek the guidance of the Lord in these matters and learn without undue fear. Fear of the Lord is the only fear we should carry, all else is just fluff.
14"Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD." Joshua 24:14 KJV
If I could I would send out fliers everywhere with "FREE FOOD" in big bold letters. But a part of me wonders if the lines of people would dwindle as they realised that the free food mentioned were what most people call "weeds". There are many many free foods available. Our Father in Heaven provided them for us. I believe it is His sincere desire that none of us go hungry. Free foods are everywhere around us and are available in abundance, if we're willing to go out and find them. Sometimes that can mean a family hike. But in the case of this link I'm sharing with you today, it's probably in your own back yard. Many people think these weeds are taunting the fact that we can't get rid of them. I like to think that they are persistent because we need them. Kind of like a grandma pushing you to eat your veggies.
Another cool link is for a man, named Green Deane, who does video lessons on wild foods. They're called Eat The Weeds. He's got a funny sense of humor but more importantly is very knowledgeable and backs up his info with actually preparing and eating what he teaches you about.
So go click around, watch some videos and learn about getting some Free Food for your family!
4 "In the brush they gathered salt herbs, and their food was the root of the broom bush." Job 30:4
I know you love giveaways! I do too! It's fun to give and fun to receive! And I am so blessed to be able to give away a few totally awesome items from a new shop! Some friends of mine, a mother and her daughters have opened a neat online store called gracenotes! What is gracenotes? well I'll let her tell you...
"In music, gracenotes are those wonderful little notes that come in quickly and have no purpose except to embellish and enhance the music. They are simply there to bring pleasure to the listener. (We also think they're fun to play!)
That's what we want our products to do in your life. We hope that our body care products, salves, jewelry, teas, sewn items, and anything else we might add in the future, will be those little embellishments that make your life just a little bit nicer...kind of like a gracenote does for a lovely piece of music.
The blessing is that they're new enough to be fresh and exciting, but their doors have been open long enough to have some satisfied customers who've given great reviews! I have had the pleasure of using some of their products personally and I'd like to tell you they offer affordable luxury!
One item that has been a particular blessing to me has been theArnica Muscle Salve. My husband has bad knees and when they act up I rub his knees with this stuff and it brings him relief. It's natural and helpful! Another blessing is that many of their products are available in trial sizes so exploring their products won't cost you a fortune! (It wouldn't even with the regular sized items, but this is even MORE affordable.)
And if you're joining us from Raising Homemakers, the beauty of their business is that the mother has raised her daughters with a focus on raising Godly joyful homemakers, and this venture is just another joyful way for them to spend time together blessing others with what they do. I really love this lady and her website! So needless to say I'm just a little excited to offer these goodies up to you! So for the giveaway...
I get to offer up to you a lovely assortment of their products! I'll start the first one today, and to make things easy, I'll announce the winners next Thursday! That announcement will also have the info on the next weeks drawing. I'll be drawing 2 winners each week with a big surprise giveaway on my 30th birthday! (in just 2 weeks!) Your entries will count towards the next weeks giveaway too!
Here's what you can do:
1: Share this giveaway on your blog, facebook, twitter, or email. (1 for each thing you do!)
2: Visit the gracenotes site, explore around and tell me what item you would most like to have!
3: See her Input page and comment here about what new products you'd like to see!
So that's it for now. You have 6 chances to enter this week! Comment below to get your entries! And Check back next week for the first weeks winners and info on how to add more entries!
Let me also say this. The most important gift that can be given is the gift that is given to us by our Heavenly Father, the free gift of salvation, available to anyone who will receive it.
12"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." 1 Corinthians 2:12 KJV
I welcome you to contact me if you have questions or need prayer.
Extra special blessings on your day!
UPDATE:This weeks giveaway is for a yummy lip butter sampler and a wonderful bergamot scented Epsom foot scrub sampler! A wonderful and free way to get your lips kissable and your feet ready for sandal weather!
Why not bless your family with some warm Ginger- Raisin Bread on a cold day! This bread has an elegant combination of candied ginger and golden raisins. It's only lightly sweetened and it's got that warming sensation that's great for cold weather.
Ginger- Raisin Bread
2 c. flour (any kind) 1/3 c. oil
1 1/2 t. baking pwdr. 3 eggs
1/2 t. baking soda 2 t. vanilla
1/4 t. salt 1/2 c. Bulgarian buttermilk
1/4 c. chopped crystallized ginger
1/2 c. naturally dried golden raisins
1/4 c. sugar (I used demerara)
1/2 c. brown sugar
Mix first 4 dry ingredients well. Add ginger, raisins, and sugars, stir. Add oil and eggs, mix. Add vanilla and buttermilk and stir until smooth. Pour into greased bread pans (1 large or several small) Bake at 325' F for maybe 20 - 30 min. or so. Until a toothpick comes out clean and the bread "smells" done. Slice butter and enjoy!
Recipe created by Staci Schwarz
27 "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27
Ginger although used as a spice, is also an herb. It's useful for a wide variety of symptoms and is very easy to find. It is warming, stimulating, improves circulation, good for muscle cramps and spasms, good for colds, flu and congestion, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, supports healthy menstruation and is also good for gas and tummy upsets. My take on herbs though is to include them in my diet for my health as God gave them for.
29"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." Genesis 1:29
Though they are healing, herbs are better used to protect your health. I used 1/4 c. for this recipe, but you could certainly increase that amount. I probably will because we really like ginger. The raisins I used were naturally dried without oils or preservatives. If you use the same, you will get a much better finished product. The taste difference is amazing! You'll want to be careful not to overcook this bread because the eggs will darken it and the bread will have that burnt egg taste. You're going for banana bread texture. I used whole grain flour and demerara sugar, which is very natural, but you can use which ever you've got on hand. In case you haven't heard of it Bulgarian buttermilk is just a better buttermilk, it has a distinct flavor. But again, you can use any buttermilk. I like the moisture buttermilk lends to the finished product. The thicker consistency of this batter is what keeps the ginger and raisins from sinking to the bottom.
It is my prayer that when you use this recipe you and your family will be blessed with warmth and nourishment during these cold winter days.
Staci
We got snow around thanksgiving! Snow is such a blessed surprise!
Hello again! First I just wanted to give a gentle reminder to take a moment and enjoy the little things in life. There are little blessings all around us that have God's fingerprints on them. I see these things everywhere, things that are barely noticeable, but there just the same and they are things that only God could have known would mean so much to us. I think he likes to leave his fingerprints in our lives. Almost like a little love note, just to show he's there, loving us and providing for us. So for today take a moment to think about what "fingerprints" he's leaving behind in your life! Then take yet another moment to tell Him you noticed and you're thankful. You'll be blessed!
Now to the giveaway... A lovely lady over at a blog I read called "Grace is Blessed by God" is having another giveaway to kick off the opening of a family business she and her mom and sisters are starting. This weeks giveaway is for an 8 oz jar of sugar scrub! You don't want to miss out on this one so head on over. Just follow this LINK. They'll have another one after that too and this weeks entries will count so don't waste any time entering!
2"And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God." Deuteronomy 28:2
Also, keep checking back because I'll be doing a giveaway BONANZA! Again, this is to help kick off the start of their new business. It's called Gracenotes. (Click on the name to go to their page if you can't wait!) Their website is put together so neatly and these are sweet sweet ladies. I hope you'll enjoy their products as much as I do and the best part is their prices are great!
First off I want to say that I'm sorry I've been neglecting my blog. We've been in a bit of a whirl wind lately. My husband fell and broke his ankle in September and is not able to work, despite his efforts. So, I've been a busy mommy and wife. Things are starting to work out though. We're excited to announce that we're opening our arms a little more to welcome a new addition, some time next summer. We're a quiver-full family and are so thankful for the Lords blessings in our life! There is a song I love on youtube, and the link for it is here. It's a song called Little Arrow. In all truthfulness the Lord knows what our future holds and can only be trusted in times like these! We praise Him for His provision in our life and for His heavenly guidance.
In the spirit of making the best with what we have, we are working on some online business possibilities to raise some money. One of them is - (shameless plug) http://www.etsy.com/shop/WindyWillowPond As we're trying to get that going I've been spending more time on the computer and a friend suggested perhaps a little more time on the blog. I plan to and I also want to make it an exciting thing for my readers.
So the million dollar question is: If I were to direct some articles or tutorials right at my readers, what would you like to see? I have a few tutes planned and in the makings, LIKE HOW I MADE THESE ADORABLE DRESSERALLS FOR HANNAH! but I am also planning to do a couple of special requests. Let me know what you want and I'll do my best to accommodate you!
Until next time...
41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock. Psalm 107:41 KJV
Well I think you all are awesome, and it was great to get to know new faces and hear from some I didn't know were reading! What a blessing it is to be able to share my thoughts with all of you and know they're a blessing. So without further torture and delay....
The winner of the book, In God's Garden, chosen by our very own V-Hannah (2yrs) is...
Deb!
Congratulations! I hope you enjoy the book! Email me with your address at stcischwrz at aol dot com. and I'll send it off to you right away!
And everyone stay tuned! we'll have another giveaway soon!
God bless and don't forget to stay in the word so that His blessings may be fulfilled in your life!
18 “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes." Deuteronomy 11:18 NKJV
One of the things I love about homeschooling is getting to know the other parents who also home school. I have the privilege of knowing several that go to my church and I must say they are some of the nicest most generous people. Often times I've been at a church gathering and someone has brought in a box of things to share with everyone, food, books, clothes, you name it! The best part is they're just sharing to share. When was the last time you did that, just sharing to share. We know, or perhaps have learned along the way that joy, true lasting joy comes in giving to others and blessing others. God's word tells us: "12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit" Psalm 51:12 NKJV
We learn in this scripture that joy and generosity are Godly traits, they can be learned and strengthened in our relationship with Christ and then we can put them to practice by sharing them with His people. I get in a rut sometimes of thinking oh little ol' me what could I possibly have to offer someone else? But again God's word brings me back to center:
"42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites,[j] which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:42-44 NKJV
I bet you that widow did not have to pry her hands open to let go of those coins. She gave willingly of her meager means. Whether it be of my time or skills or any worldly good I possess I need to be willing to give when He calls on me. All that we do let us do it wholeheartedly with glad hearts in service to the Lord and if it blesses another let the glory be unto the Lord for He is the provider of all we have and it is through him that we can give.
Now on to the subject of a giveaway, one such wonderful mom is having a giveaway! Go to http://graceisblessedbygod.blogspot.com/
And don't forget, there's still time to enter my giveaway, scroll down to the next post to enter!
I love to laugh, and I love to visit LAF a site that is dedicated to promoting Godly womanhood. LAF stands for Ladies Against Feminism. Some misunderstand this as being a degradation of women's rights and raise eyebrows at the term. But what we're talking about here is not the women's basic human rights, but rather the feminist attacks on society and the values of the family as it was designed by God. I am not a door mat! But I LOVE being a homemaker! I am eternally thankful for my role as wife and mother and teacher to my children. A homemaker can have many different roles, and as their life changes so does their role in the home. Some picture a woman slaving over a hot stove and laundry piles with bags under her eyes and a baby hanging off each hip. I won't lie, there can be days like that, just as there are "days like that" for my husband at work, but there are also days of sunshine picnics and stories in the park. We make surprise trips to daddy's work or play in the rain till we're shivering then run inside and take hot baths and sip cocoa! I rock my baby to sleep while "the man of the house" fights traffic in a hot non-air conditioned car. I love what God made me to be. I am perfectly equipped, perfectly made, and perfectly happy to be the nurturer of the family.
The feminists can have their stuffy offices and stiff trousers! I'll keep my aprons and butterfly kisses and crayon masterpieces and soft breezy skirts!
What legacy have you left or are you leaving behind. There are so many different kinds of legacies, each one having their own value. Some people don't even know they're leaving one, but leave it none the less. My great grandmother and great great grandmother were both midwives. They probably did it out of necessity, but also out of their desire to help. I doubt they did it to "be remembered by", and yet when I came to a moment in my life of realizing God had called me on this path, their legacy was a blessing to me. I hadn't known that they were, but when I shared my my feelings with my mom, she told me how they had been midwives and it encouraged me.
My mother in "love" makes quilts. Not your fancy, expensive machine stitched ones, the hand sewn, hand quilted scrap quilts. Sort of a crazy quilt you could say. She started a long time before I ever knew her, but we have watched her quilting grow and evolve, but it's still "her style". The interesting thing is that it was also her grandmother's style, possibly her own grandmother's legacy. The quilt in the picture was made by her (mom) and each of my babies have one. Hannah and Jr. have 2. My husband and I also have a wedding quilt, which she makes extra special with fancy fabrics and such. One of the most fun things to do with these quilts is look through and find fabrics that you recognize, a favorite shirt or a leftover piece of fabric from a maternity dress. Our wedding quilt has scraps of fabric from some of the dresses worn in our wedding party.
When thinking about this idea of a "legacy" I ponder on the other side of things too. When I relive my day today, I think about my behavior and my lack of patience and self control. I know we all have days, good and bad, but I am keenly aware of the unintended memories. I myself remember things about my childhood that reflected my parents in less than ideal light. Am I unintentionally leaving my children with a legacy that will darken their future or am I blessing them. We all do our best, but I think on these things and it inspires me to do better.
"5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves." 2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV
I like to use this scripture to remind me to think of anything I can possibly pray for that God would help me lay down the old so that I may pick up the new (habits). I also pray "Help me die to myself so that I may live for Christ". Every day is a new chance, every moment a new moment. It only takes a second to crack a smile on a cranky face, and it only takes a few minutes to pray over and ask forgiveness for bad behavior and attitudes. People only loose relationships in an instance after a death. But all other lost or broken relationships are lost one missed opportunity at a time. Our lives are filled with opportunities to love and laugh and leave lasting legacies of joy and God given inspiration for our families to remember us by.
"28Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her." Proverbs 31:28 NKJV:
What legacy will you leave, what will your family remember about you?
Just what is that anyway? It is the journey He leads us on as we place our lives and our trust and our faith in Him. He changes us, transforms us into a creature worthy of awe, not because we're awe inspiring but because we bare his mark. Once we have been touched by God we carry with us a mark on our soul that says "I can never again be content unless I am walking in His perfect will because I have known the Master and have felt the peace He brings." The amazing thing is that this mark is visible to all mankind, saved and unsaved. Even the lost know that God's children have something they want. On this journey to becoming what He wants us to be we fatten ourselves on His word, shed the old ways of the flesh, feel the embrace of His care and eventually spread our wings and fly. But an interesting note about this Schmetterling journey, a butterfly who cannot find food is a dead butterfly. Let us seek the feeding of the spirit so that our wings may soar like eagles and let us all use our gifting to feed the new Schmetterlings we find along the way. "17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Cornithians 5:17 NKJV
While my posts may range a broad spectrum of biblical and practical topics, my desire is that God would be glorified in my words and that I would encourage all who come to embrace their own Schmetterling Journey with their Lord and Master.
