Wednesday Blessings

A Plaque That Hangs
On Our Kitchen Wall

Good afternoon, Sweet Ladies! 💗

It's not often that I get a chance to post during the middle of the week, but today is one of those rare and quiet days where I have opportunity, so I'm taking advantage of it.

How has your week been thus far? Mine has been good...busy, but I'm learning to relax and pace myself...to enjoy, and truly be thankful, for the work itself...not just be glad when a job is over and what was accomplished in the doing of it. 

After I finished my post on Monday, I went to the closet to gather hangers and grab the basket of dirty clothes so I could get the laundry started and I got side-tracked...in a good way. While there I started going through clothes. I ended up emptying the closet and sorting out, and packing up the winter clothes (most of them anyway) and pulling out the summer ones. In the process, I pulled out two bags of clothes from both piles to be taken to the second-hand shop and I know exactly what I've got and what I need before going into warmer weather. I did keep out my two favorite long-sleeved, snuggly-type shirts, and a couple of warmer nightgowns, but, other than that, the winter stuff is history! 😊 

Of course, after I did that the weather forecast changed and it's gotten colder again. In fact, yesterday afternoon it was SNOWING! Not alot...just a few big fluffy flakes, but still!!! 😲 LOL!

My schedule has changed this week somewhat (the boss needs me to work tomorrow), so I decided to go ahead and pull out the St. Patrick's Day decorations yesterday and got most of them put up. 

St. Patrick's Day is a big day around here! Actually, we always celebrate the Wednesday before (unless the 17th happens to fall on a Wednesday, of course) because that the only time our youngest daughter and her husband can make it down. In keeping with our family tradition, we have corned beef and cabbage, baked potatoes, and Emerald Isle Cake every year and the whole clan is invited. It's a fun time for the children and it always makes for a good excuse to spend a little extra time with family. 🍀

Well, Ladies, it's time to fix supper, so I guess that's it for today. You all have a great rest of the week and I'll talk to you again soon!

Love and blessings to all...
~Rebecca

Recent posts that you might enjoy reading...

Happy Homemaking Monday - March 5, 2018

Happy Homemaking Monday - February 26, 2018

Valentine's Day 2018

Tuesday Tidbits

Good Morning, Sweet Ladies!

It's a chilly Tuesday morning here in southwest Missouri and I thought I'd share a few tidbits with you over a steaming cup of hot tea. How goes things in your world this morning?

As for me...I woke up early and laid in bed for quite some time watching videos and reading the latest news articles on the church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas. What a terrible and tragic incident! Small town America...families gathered together to worship on a Sunday morning...spanning three generations, nine members of the Holcombe family...27 people in all, killed, and dozens of others injured. It's sobering. It could have been anyone...anywhere. Do we understand? No. Do we give into fear? NO! One of the the things that I watched this morning was the video of the sermon preached by the pastor of that very church the week before. If you watch it, start at about the 28 minute mark. What a timely message!

It's hard to switch gears after thinking about all that again. Things in my world this morning seem so calm...so normal. For those in Sutherland Springs it's anything but! Let's join together in lifting those folks up in our prayers. Pray for the family of the shooter, as well. I'm sure they need it just as much as all the others that were affected. So sad...all the way around!

So...here on the homefront...

Above the Sink - My Mother's Canisters and Three of
My Teapots - An Irish Blessing Hangs on the Wall 

Yesterday I was able to get the kitchen done. I took down all my glassware...teapots, cups, saucers, canisters, etc...and washed them all, cleaned the shelves before putting them back, and washed the curtains. I don't know that it really looks any different, but it sure feels better! I cleaned out cabinets and drawers, too. Today I tackle the livingroom and Van Gogh room!

More Teapots and Tea Sets

Teapots, Cups, Saucers, and More Adorn the Shelves That Run
Along and Not Far Below the Kitchen Ceiling

Teapots, Cups, Saucers, and More Adorn the Shelves That Run
Along and Not Far Below the Kitchen Ceiling

It's such a cool and dreary day today that I decided to change up my menu plan. Instead of sauce and meatballs for supper tonight, I decided to put on a big pot of ham and beans. As an accompaniment for it, I'm going to try Nuke Queen's Cornbread out of the new Trim Healthy Table (page 246). And, no, the cornbread is not nuked. You'd have to know the sisters to understand that nothing has to make sense, but everything is delicious and blood sugar friendly...so...hey! Call it what they will! I can't wait to try it! I've not tried a thing yet out of the new book that I don't like! It's allllll good! 

Well, Ladies...that's it for now! Tea's gone and I need to get to work! You all have a great day and rejoice in the Lord always! His blessings are many and His mercy endureth forever!

 "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).

Until next time...
~Rebecca

Recent posts that you might enjoy reading...

Happy Homemaking Monday - November 6, 2017

Five Minute Friday - Need

The Beauty of Jesus Revealed in the Feasts by Daniel Krebs and Darlene Schacht - A Review and Book Study Announcement

Welcome November!

Good WEDNESDAY Afternoon

Good WEDNESDAY Afternoon, Sweet Ladies!

All of a sudden I felt like sitting down, taking a break, and getting in a good visit with you all. It's been a long time since I've done that and I've missed it. 

This week, like all the others, is flying by. Monday was crazy. I didn't accomplish half of what I set out to do, but, at the end of the day it didn't matter. It was a good day with a great ending! Got to go listen to several of our grandchildren recite their scripture verses as part of the National Bible Bee. Papa and I were super proud of all of them! 🐝 

Yesterday was spent at the cancer treatment center in Joplin with my friend, Laura, who is undergoing chemo for breast cancer. It's been quite a journey for her and it has been a blessing to both of us to be able to share in this journey together. Breast cancer is a terrible, terrible thing, yes, but the Lord is good; His mercy and grace abundant. Laura stands daily on Psalm 118:17 declaring that she will live and not die and will continue to declare the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. I stand in agreement with her. You can meet Laura and keep up with her progress by visiting her blog at Harvest Lane Cottage. I know that any and all prayers on her behalf would be most appreciated! 🙏

Today has been fairly quiet. I haven't gotten anything major accomplished really, but have wiped out several small jobs that have needed doing for quite some time. In addition to that, I had an enjoyable outing with one of our granddaughters in celebration of her 10th birthday. It was a lot of fun! 🎈🎂🎉

As I write this there is a torrential downpour taking place outside. It looks like more storms are on the way, so I suppose I better get a move on and get supper fixed before they arrive. You all have a great evening and I'll talk with you again soon!

Until then...
~Rebecca

Other recent posts that you might enjoy...

The Great American Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Is Happening In Less Than A Week!

Happy Homemaker Monday - August 14, 2017

My Thrifty Week - Post #6

Sunday Afternoon Ramblings - 1/12/14

Good afternoon, Dear Friends! And greetings! It's been so long since I've been with you to just sit and visit a spell.

Our whole family (John and I, most of our children and grands) have been sick with one thing or another (influenza, strep, bronchitis, etc.) since the middle of December or longer and we just can't seem to get on top of it. Plus, with the super cold weather my dad's COPD has flared up something awful which has resulted in emergency room visits and more doctor appointments. 

BUT...praise God! Despite the fact that I'm extremely weak and tired...today is a good day! The sun is shining, a strong, warm wind blows from the south, the temps are in the low 60's, and I anxiously look forward to spring!

Earlier I was looking through past posts on this blog and another one that I used to have and it amazed me how ever so slowly the color has seemed to fade from my life. It seems as though, after hard times fell on our family a few years ago, I've never rebounded. The things that I once did...the things that added flavor and color and spice to our lives I no longer do, participate in, or enjoy. THAT is going to change!!! 

I am thankful for this down time. Even though we completely missed Christmas dinner and our Happy New Year celebration this year, it has given me a chance to think about the past, the present, and future. It's given me time to reflect on what (and who) is important, what (and who) is not important, what needs to be done and what doesn't. 

As I recover from weeks of illness it is with renewed strength of spirit that I look forward to a new week and all the possibilities that it holds. I KNOW that God has a good plan for my life and I KNOW that I have not been living it. I keep getting the same verse over and over again...

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). 

I need to get back into regular, daily fellowship with the Lord, stop worrying about things that I can do nothing about, and stand strong in faith knowing that the Lord is able to make a way even in that which looks impossible in the natural.

I suppose this sounds like nothing more than incoherent ramblings to those who are reading, but there is purpose in it. If nothing else it confirms my heart in writing. 

I pray a blessing over each and every person who reads this blog today...over them, their family, their home, and their church family. May God richly bless you in all that you do and say on behalf of Him and His Word!

Love In Christ,

~Rebecca

Welcome, Autumn!

Autumn has officially arrived and, here in Southwest Missouri, we couldn't have asked a lovelier day! The sun was shining, the humidity was low, temps were in the mid- to upper-70's, and there is a chill in the air this evening as we head for an overnight low of around 50. Absolutely perfect!

We had a good church service this morning. Through the study of the scriptures we were encouraged to readily forgive others and love more. I was greatly encouraged in my own faith in ways that I have not been in ages and, in the process, personally challenged to new heights concerning ministry opportunities within the home. I am anxious to see what the Lord brings my way!

After lunch I enjoyed an old Charlie Chan mystery on Netflix while I did a little handiwork. (When I was a kid I used to love those old movies and, I must confess, as corny as they are, I still do!) I had lost a button on one leg of a pair of capris. Since I didn't know what happened to the missing button, I removed its mate and replaced the two of them with cute little matching bear buttons that I found in a box of buttons given to me by a friend recently. Here is the result...

Old Button

New Button

 I think the bears are really cute! :)

Later in the afternoon today our youngest son came over and we welcomed in the tastes of autumn with a big bowl of popcorn and cold apple cider from the Louisburg Cider Mill. It's always so good! We ate the popcorn and sipped cider while we played a rousing game of Skip Bo!

Other than that it's been a fairly quiet day. A friend dropped in and visited for an hour or so, I worked on the computer a little while John visited with our son, and I had a nice visit with our youngest daughter on the telephone.

(9/23/13 - UPDATE ON THE PUMPKIN BARS!!! The secret is let them set overnight in the fridge! It makes all the difference in the world! YES!!! I WILL be making them again! Will just do it the day BEFORE I need them instead of the day of! Please ignore my comments below!)

After supper this evening I tried a new recipe for Skinny Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars. I first saw the recipe on Facebook and have been waiting to make it. I finally got the ingredients, but, to be honest, after making it, I'm not sure that I even like the recipe. It's not at all what I expected. My husband likes it, but, to me, there's just not a whole lot of flavor. I will post the recipe anyway for those who might like to try it.

Well, I need to be going for now. You all have a great evening and a wonderful week ahead! God bless one and all!
All My Love,
~Rebecca <3

 

Thursday Afternoon Ramblings

Sunflowers Blooming Along The Roadway

Good Afternoon, Sweet Sisters!

It's been awhile since I've checked in, so, I thought that while I had some free time I'd do just that! I pray that this post finds each of you, and yours, healthy, happy, and serving the Lord with gladness!

Things are going along okay here. It's been really busy lately and things, as usual, are ever changing, BUT! It is with great joy I report that I have been more productive in the past few days than I have been in ages! And, oh! It feels so good!

For the most part the house is clean (clean to me anyway), but I'm still working on decluttering. I'm sure that this is a job that will continue on for many, many months to come, but it is nice to see progress made in the areas that I've been working on though! :)

The cold, wet, and late gardening season left us pretty much without a garden this year. We're just now starting to get some nice tomatoes ourselves, but a friend gave us a beautiful bucketful a few days ago. Yesterday I put up 5 1/2 quarts of tomatoes and I am thankful for every one of them! They will be nice in chili and spaghetti sauce this winter! I am hoping to get a few more put up out of our own garden before the season is over.

As I look out the window, I can see that there is a definite change in the weather taking place. I see that a few trees are already shedding their yellowing leaves. The sun was shining earlier, but now its getting very cloudy. I've heard that the storms to our southwest are heading our way and that heavy rains are expected overnight. The temperatures over the next few days look delightful with highs in the mid-70's and low's in the 50's are expected. It won't hurt my feelings one little bit!

Well, Ladies, I didn't really want anything...just to say, "Hello!" I pray that all is well with you and yours and I hope to be with you again soon. Have a blessed evening!

All My Love,
~Rebecca


 

Good MONDAY Morning - 7/22/13

Basil Growing In My Herb Wheel

Good MONDAY Morning, Dear Ladies!

It's going to be another hot day here in southwest Missouri, but by the end of the week they're saying that we're supposed to have cooler temperatures. I sure hope they're right about that! :)

I've not been feeling the greatest lately. Have been battling an ear and sinus infection for the past week and half or so, but, as of late last night, I felt my energy levels starting to return. I actually got the dishes done, and the laundry done and put away, before going to bed last night. This morning, I actually got up feeling half-way decent and got going right away. I'm so thankful to be feeling better!

At the moment, I've got fresh basil drying in the oven, red beans are cooking in the crockpot for use later in the week, and I've got chicken leg quarters laid out to thaw for supper tonight. My menu plan for supper tonight is broiled leg quarters, fried cabbage, and roasted carrots with blueberry pie for dessert. As you can see, although with only two of us in the home now progress is slow,  but I'm still working on getting that freezer cleaned out and am determined to use up food on hand before delving into a fresh supply of newly stocked food. The red beans, the chicken, and blueberries are all foods from  the freezer.

Well, I need to go for now. I just wanted to wish each and every one of you a nice day and a blessed week ahead! To God be in the glory!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

 

Cleaning Out The Freezer

It's July first and the weather is beautiful! Perfect for working out on the back porch and getting something done.

We've got two freezers out there. The bigger one is the one that we bought before moving to Liberal and had a family of eight; the smaller one is the one that my dad blessed us with a year or so ago. He had bought it brand new thinking that it was something that he would use, then discovered that, even though it was the smallest one available at the Home Depot, that it was still too much for what he needed, so he turned around and gave it to us. At the time, I thought, "This is great! Now that there are just the three of us (my husband, myself, and our youngest son), we'll switch out the food we've got in the big freezer, unplug it, and just use the little one!"

Shortly thereafter I bought two 50# bags of flour to run us through the winter, along with a bunch of other stuff, and guess where I had to store everything? In the big freezer...along with all our other stuff that was still in there from before...AND the little freezer! Now, all this time has passed and both freezers have remained, for the most part, full.

With the marriage of our youngest son in May, now there are just my husband and myself in the home, and the thought of running two freezers around the clock is driving me crazy. And, I'll admit, I think a lot of the problem that I've had...all the procrastination and lack of control in this area...centers around holdovers from the past.

Number one, my dad was grew up during the Great Depression in western Kansas and he suffered real hunger as a child. As a result, when I was growing up, and even though I was an only child (there were only my parents and I in the home) the focus on having an overabundance of food in the home was always a top priority.

Secondly, after buying food for, and cooking for, a family of eight for so many years...stocking up when things are on sale and cooking huge amounts of food...it's been really hard for me to adjust to buying food for, and cooking for, only two or three people. In fact, I don't think there's ever been a time in my life when I ever even SAW portion-controlled cooking for only two or three people. I don't think I really even know what that looks like!

In addition to this, multiple times I have tried to use up the food on hand before shopping again and, due to the fact that I couldn't get past the "I've GOT to have a full freezer and pantry" feeling, I have failed every time.

BUT! With the Lord's leading and help, I am FINALLY breaking this stronghold in my life and getting a handle on things! While we've still got a long way to go, over the past few weeks we have used up a LOT of what food is on hand. My goal is to get all the food on hand used up, then plan weekly menus based on what my husband and I want in the line of good, fresh, healthy foods, and to purchase them based on servings for TWO...not four, or six, or eight people. This in turn will promote better health and weight-loss due to the fact that there shouldn't be a lot of excess amounts of food sitting in the freezer and fridge to be cleaned up at all times.

Of course, I will still be buying staples (flour, oats, oat bran, etc.) in bulk at the Mennonite store (but in smaller quantities than in times past), and I will continue to store those in the little freezer, along with what little meat we buy (mostly turkey and chicken).

Now that I've got the little freezer cleaned out, it should be getting cold enough to transfer food back to it from the big freezer. As I do, I am going to write everything down that I decide to save, and menu plan for the month of July around that. I have a feeling that, once I get down to the bottom of the big freezer, there will be a lot stuff that I can get rid of from there, too (old vegetables, frozen water bottles, etc.). I might even be able to unplug the big freezer tonight! What a blessing that will be!

Well, Ladies, you all have a great Monday afternoon and evening, and I'll be with you again soon! God bless all here!

All My Love,
~Rebecca <3

Today's The Day!

"The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come..." (Song of Solomon 2:1)

It's an annual event at our house...waiting for the first tiny, little, purple crocus to pop its head up out of the ground in anticipation of the soon to arrive spring...and today's the day...January 29, 2012! I went out first thing this morning (which I do quite often come warmer, sunny days...be it January, February, or March when they come) and discovered these little beauties standing up tall and proud all along the south side of our property. As always, I picked one to put in water on my desk and left the others to dot the south lawn in an array of purple glory. The grandchildren delight in this annual event, as well, and, after church today, were they ever surprised to find that it had already happened! It's not quite spring, yet, but the promise of it has burst forth from the ground, and I, for one, am happy to know that it's on its way! Thank You, Lord, for your lovingkindness and unfailing promises! I love You, Lord!

Happy New Year!

I'm running a bit late on wishing you a Happy New Year. The week after Christmas was spent cleaning, reorganizing, and recuperating after the holidays...then the birthdays began! Saturday evening was spent at our next-to-the-oldest son and daughter-in-law's celebrating New Year's Eve, as well as our son's January 1st birthday. Most of the family was there as we played games, enjoyed supper and ate birthday cake together. New Year's Day morning was spent at church, then we we went to our next-to-the-youngest son and daughter-in-law's to celebrate our youngest granddaughter's belated first birthday party. Again...a good time was enjoyed by all that were there. Tomorrow is another one of our grandchildrens' birthday and the day after that is one of our daughter-in-law's birthday. Next week is our youngest daughter's birthday. My goodness! What a lot of birthdays crammed into a such a small calendar space!

Speaking of grandchildren, I'm babysitting two of them right now and need to cut this post short. I really just wanted to drop in and wish each of you a Happy New Year before it got away from me. I pray that 2012 is your best year yet. A year filled with health, happiness, and a closer walk with the Lord than anything you've experienced thus far. Praise be unto the Lord for His blessings are many...His mercy endureth forever! God bless all here!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

Monday Afternoon And That Leftover Turkey Carcass

Good Afternoon, Dear Ladies!

Christmas is over and oh! What a lovely Christmas season it's been! We haven't had a lot of money and we certainly weren't able to give like we would like to have given (in fact...most of our money in December went towards fixing plumbing problems...roots in our sewer pipes...not so lovely!)...but, regardless...we've had a beautiful Christmas season spending special time with family, friends, and loved ones.

Our family Christmas (the one spent with all of our children and grandchildren) was the 10th of December. Christmas Eve was spent with our oldest daughter and her family; Christmas Day (after church) was spent at our oldest son and daughter-in-law's with two of our children and their families. Afterwards we visited with old friends from back home, then John and I spent Christmas evening together unwinding after a busy week of holiday and church activity.

To be honest...Christmas night a dark depression fell upon me, but after a good cry, a long talk with the Lord, and scripture reading I was able to rise above it. By this morning I was back on top and ready to go!

So far today I've straighten house, did dishes, two loads of laundry, and have deboned the leftover turkey, and am now cooking down the carcass for broth. In doing a search I found this great article on what to do with that leftover turkey carcass and it includes a whole host of recipes...

Save That Turkey Carcass and Your Leftover Turkey And Turn It Into Turkey Soup!

Next, I'm getting ready to plan my menus out for the next week or two.

I pray that you and yours had a beautiful Christmas, as well, and I wish each and every one of you a bright, prosperous, and happy New Year! God bless all here!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

Good SATURDAY Morning! - 12/17/11

Good Morning, Dear Ladies!

I can hardly believe that Christmas Eve is a week from today and that a New Year is peeking just around the corner! Where does time go? It seems to be speeding...speeding...speeding along ever faster as we move toward that glorious day when Christ returns and His earthly reign begins! I can hardly wait!

There are so many things that I've wanted to share with you this past year and, unfortunately, have not been able to do so. Time just seems to elude me anymore. And there are so many Christmassy things that I've wanted to share, but, alas...the same. It hasn't happened.

So, I just decided to sit down this morning and visit with you while I have a cup of tea. Today is my day to clean, clean, clean! The back of the house is done and the laundry is started. I got a late start. Have been up and out super early the past two mornings (doctor appointments and food box deliveries for the elderly on Thursday and shopping with my d-i-l all day in Joplin on Friday...we walked MILES) and I was exhausted! I've not slept in in years, but I did this morning and it felt good! I didn't get up until 9:45! Wow!

Today I've got to clean house, do laundry, clean the fridge, and get my house, lists, and calendar in order for next week. Every day (and evening) there is something going on somewhere and I'm not at all ready. I still have five stockings to finish, a little bit of shopping to do (I haven't got my dh anything to speak of yet), and multiple events to prepare for...so...I guess as I finish this cup of tea, I better get off here and get busy.

I do wish each and every one of you a beautiful, wondrous, and joy-filled last week before Christmas. I pray the Lord's blessings down upon each of you...you, your family, and your home...as, together, we join in heart and spirit to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Go out there this week and be a light! Let His Light shine through you as we celebrate the most wondrous event ever!

Love and Christmas (((HUGS))),
~Rebecca


P.S. - For fun, why don't you leave a comment and tell me how you plan on letting your light shine this last week before Christmas? <3

Good SATURDAY Morning! - 8/20/11

Magnificent Double Rainbow Photographed 8/7/11

Good Morning, Dear Friends!

I can't believe that it's been over a week since I've been with you all. I've been so busy with life that I haven't even had time to sit down and post. Since it's quiet this morning, and nothing is going on (at the moment), I thought I'd grab a quick cup of tea and see if I couldn't catch up with you all. I've missed you!

This past week has been one of the most busiest (and one of the most blessed) that I've ever had. A week ago today I celebrated my 50th birthday. It's been a milestone that I've both looked forward to, and dreaded, at the same time, but, now that it's come and gone...I'm ready to move on full-steam ahead! I didn't want a big to-do made about it...no big party or anything like that, and, respectfully, my family adhered to my wishes. They did, however, honor me with lots of calls, cards, visits, and tokens of their love. I am, indeed, blessed to have such a beautiful and wonderful family! And friends, too! I am blessed with so many beautiful friends and I am truly thankful for each and every one of them. Thank you to each and everyone of you who helped to make my 50th birthday so special! I will never forget it!

As of Monday school is back in session for Tony and I. It's going to be a long, intense, but enjoyable, year for us. For Tony, if he does as well as his dad and I think he's going to, it will be his last year of  formal education at home; for me it is the last year, by law, that I have to keep school records and I am ecstatic! I can hardly believe that at the end of this year...after keeping school records for 365-day-a-year...as in accordance with Missouri State Law...for nearly a quarter-of-a-century...I will be done! Unfathomable!!! Anyway, we put in a great first week! Definitely intense, but definitely great at the same time! I think we both came away very pleased with the direction that we're heading!

Also, this week, John got the Mediterranean diet unit study sample packets done and I got them out in the mail for him yesterday. They went out a few days later than we had planned, but, nevertheless, go out they did! For those of you who are waiting on them, they should arrive within a few days. This is something that John's wanted to do for a long time and, finally, it is in the works. After he gets feedback back on these, then he can start work on the final product. At least that's the plan at this time and I wish him well with it. :)

Well, alas, I am out of time already. It's been good to sit down and chat with you a bit. I hope to get on a better posting schedule this fall and winter, but, until then, I'll just keep posting bits and pieces as I can. I love and miss you all!

Until Next Time...
~Rebecca

Good TUESDAY Morning! - 8/2/11 - Heat, Garden, 2011-2012 Homeschool Schedule

Good Morning, Dear Friends!

Just thought I'd pop in early and share a bit. I'm trying to get a jump on the day while it's as cool as it's going to be. Today is supposed to be our hottest yet with temps falling somewhere between 109 to 112 degrees. Please pray for all those that have to be out working in this, as well as for all the animals that have to endure it. It's going to be terribly hot today.

Our garden is just about gone. The only things left are tomatoes and peppers. I put up another 6 quarts of tomatoes yesterday and will work on peppers today. They are small, compared to usual, but they're big enough to work with and they're flavorful. My husband still holds out hope for a nice fall garden, but we'll just have to wait and see. According to our weatherman these excessive temperatures are supposed to continue through August. I pray that he's wrong.

I can hardly believe that we've been at it for 23 years now, but today I start planning our 2011-2012 school schedule. Tony and I are both excited about the subjects that we will be covering this year. They include Kings of the Old Testament, Literary Lessons From Lord of the Rings,  Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, biology, and World History and Cultures. Today my plan is to lay out a tentative schedule for the first month or so of lesson plans, so...bring on the tea! It's going to be a long day!

Well, Sweet Sisters, I suppose I should get busy. You all have a wonderful day and I will talk with you again soon. God bless all here! And, for those of you in the drought and excessive heat areas, stay cool! I love you all!

Love and Hugs,
~Rebecca

Good FRIDAY Afternoon! 7/15/11

Good Afternoon, Dear Friends!

How are you? And how has your day been? Do you and your family have anything special planned for the weekend? And how's the weather where you are? Here in southwest Missouri it's another extremely hot day with temperatures hovering in the upper 90's.

Despite the heat I'm managing to get a few things done that have needed doing for a long time, while, due to finances and other restraints, other things have to remain on hold indefinitely. I have to keep reminding myself to just slow down and take it easy. God is in control and everything will come together in His timing. It just feels so good to get things done and get them marked off my list. I love that feeling of accomplishment!

The past couple of days have been fairly productive. Yesterday I got my lower kitchen cabinets cleaned out and organized, and last night we got some mowing and weed-eating done. I made up another batch of Greek yogurt overnight and first thing this morning I separated the whey from the yogurt. The yogurt came out perfect and the whey will be added to smoothies and other items to gain the full nutritional benefit.

As part of my 'use it up' campaign, I am menu planning around the older items that I have moved forward in my cabinets, freezer, and pantry. Two of the 'older items' that I found in my cabinet last night was a can of crushed pineapple and a package of sugar-free vanilla pudding. It just so happened that, my friend, Laura, over at Harvest Lane Cottage,  had just posted some of her favorite summertime recipes yesterday and one of them was her Pineapple Cream Pie. It called for those two ingredients, along with a pint of yogurt and a graham cracker crust. I didn't have the crust, but I did have the fresh-made yogurt, so, I mixed those three ingredients together and put them together into a crust-less pie (which is what I normally do anyway because my husband prefers them that way and I sure don't miss the extra calories). We haven't tasted the pie yet, but am sure looking forward to serving this cool, low-cal, summer treat as a dessert this evening.

Other things that I've accomplished today have included cleaning house (straightening, dusting, shining the mirrors, spritzing the bathroom, scrubbing the toilet, doing the dishes, and vacuuming), washing and hanging out three loads of laundry, and putting up today's garden produce (green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers, and banana peppers). Supper is in cooking in the crockpot and bread machine (fresh green beans, potatoes, onions, ham, salt, and pepper with plenty of broth and French bread) and the last load of laundry is ready to be put away. I'll be glad when the after supper hours arrive and I can spend the evening relaxing with my family.

Well, I better be going for now. You all have a great evening and a nice weekend! God bless all here!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

Good THURSDAY Morning! - 7/14/11

Good Morning, Dear Friends!

What a beautiful morning it is! Hot, yes! But beautiful nonetheless!

I've got so many things...have had so many things...to share over the past few weeks and have gotten around to next to none of them...including the latest edition of HEARTH AND HOME. I keep hoping that opportunity will arise and I will do so soon, but, thus far, it hasn't happened. So, I just decided to pop in here and share what I can in the few minutes that I have while I drink my morning cup of hot tea and enjoy an English muffin spread peanut butter. Yum!

So...how are you? Are you enjoying your summer?

Here we're in the midst of a six-week break before the new school year begins and there's a lot that I hope to accomplish within it. Of course, things don't normally go as planned and, for that, we must make allowances, but, thus far, things are going well. So far, I have managed to start my deep cleaning (something that rarely happens) and I've managed to make lists of what I want to do, what I hope to do, things we need, things I hope to look for at yard sales and thrift stores, etc. I've even managed to mark a few things off of some of those lists! YEAH! 

I've had several people write and ask me how our holiday (Independence Day) weekend was. It was good! We were waiting on the baby, so we didn't actually buy our fireworks until the morning of the 4th, because we didn't know for sure that we'd even be able to shoot them off. Our daughter technically started into labor on Saturday the 2nd, but the baby didn't arrive until Tuesday the 5th. We spent Sunday afternoon and evening in Springfield with them, but by the time the baby was born, our daughter and our son-in-law had spent most of the weekend at the hospital in Springfield (although she wasn't admitted and given any relief at all until...like...three hours before he was born!!!), but Grandpa and I just ended up just keeping the children up here with us over the 4th.


Anyway, we didn't buy our fireworks and holiday foods until the morning of the 4th. I cooked a small holiday meal for us here, then we went over to our son and daughter-in-law's that evening. They had invited us and the children over to their house to shoot off fireworks and share ice cream and cake with them. Audrey and Silas had a great time, but they were exhausted by the time we got them home and in bed. The next morning we took them down to be with their mom and dad and meet their new little brother (we were actually on the road headed to Springfield when we got the call that he had arrived). We spent the night with them in Springfield.

Over this past weekend the family gathered at our daughter and son-in-law's house to celebrate our granddaughter's birthday and, as much as anything, to see the baby, I think. It was wonderful to have all of our grandchildren together under one roof. I don't think that that's happened since our family Christmas get-together back in December.

The garden is producing, but not like it should be. The weather has been extremely hot and most days lately have been hovering around the 100 degree mark or above and it's wreaking havoc for plants and animals alike. Our chickens have slowed their egg production, the cucumbers and green beans have about played out, and the onions and potatoes are rotting in the ground. We've been getting a few tomatoes along and a couple of zucchini here and there, but for the most part, things aren't going as well as my husband would have liked. He is hoping for a better garden in the fall.

Well, I've rambled on long enough for one sitting and I need to get to work. You all have a great day and I'll talk to you all again soon. God bless all here!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

Good WEDNESDAY Morning! 6/15/11

Good Morning, Dear Friends!

I pray that your day is off to a good start, that your week has been productive, and that your mouth is filled with praises unto God for His blessings are many! Our week has been good here...busy...a lot of it spent on the road.

Sunday afternoon we rode up to Harrisonville with Amber. John and Tony visited with Amber's uncle while Amber and I attended a baby shower for her sister-in-law, Ashley. We had such a good time! The atmosphere was joyful, as were the people, and it was truly relaxing. Afterwards we visited with family...some of which we (John and Tony and I) hadn't seen in over 12 years! It was such a blessing to see what God has done in the hearts and lives of those who truly seek after Him! Amazing!!!

Monday was spent in Springfield. Tony had a morning appointment with the hand surgeon to see about getting the BB out of his finger, and Pat had her final a leg appointment in the afternoon. It was a very long, very hot day and I don't think any of us thought it was ever going to end. Pat was finally released from her doctor (she doesn't have to go back unless she has a problem) and Tony's surgery is scheduled for Friday. I don't know what time yet. They're supposed to call us Thursday afternoon and let us know. I just know we'll all be glad when it's over. The surgery will be more complicated than what we thought it would be. The BB is buried in the sheath that the tendons run through and the tendons are damaged. They will have to be repaired and that will require microscopic surgery in a surgical suite. Please pray that all goes well. Tony is pretty nervous about the whole procedure.

Yesterday was spent cleaning house and preparing for a visit from our youngest daughter and her friend, Heather. They will be in town shortly, and plan on spending the day at Prairie State Park...visiting the nature center, hiking the trails, etc. Their plan is to spend the night here before returning to the city tomorrow. It will be nice to see them both and I look forward to their visit.

Well, I guess that's it for now. I need to get busy. I want to get the bread machine going early and make my plans for the rest of the day. You all have a great day and I'll be with you again soon! Take care and God bless!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

Monday's Musings - 3/21/11

What a beautiful day it is here in southwest Missouri! The birds are singing, the spring flowers are blooming (daffodils, forsythia, and quince), the sun is shining, and it's supposed to get up to around 80 degrees this afternoon. The weather is absolutely PERFECT! I wish it would stay this way year 'round! (smile)

Today has been a crazy day. I'm trying to get as much done as I can today due to the fact that I'm going to be gone much of this week, but things aren't going as smoothly as I had hoped that they would...but do they ever? (smile) I have accomplished a few things, however, one of which is putting together some new homemade cleansers and I'm anxious to share them with you. If all goes well, I will be sharing them with you in just a few minutes while I take an afternoon hot tea break.

I wasn't feeling at all well yesterday morning, but by yesterday afternoon I was feeling somewhat better. I was experiencing dizziness and a lot of pain across in my neck and back. By this morning I was feeling quite a bit better, but was still experiencing some dizziness if I moved too quickly or bent over. Hubby was rubbing my back while ago and there was a loud pop. I think he got whatever was out in and praise the Lord! The dizziness is gone!

A couple of things that we've been working on here...

1) Our kitchen floor was about to fall in in front of the sink. Last weekend John and I (with a little wisdom and input from a couple of people that are a whole lot smarter with these things than we are), cut a hole in the kitchen floor, built it back up, and laid a 1 1/2 x 4 foot section of flooring which we tiled. We've still got to grout, trim, and seal, but it's so much nicer! And so sturdy! It's probably the sturdiest section of flooring in this entire house! Here is a picture of the 6" tiles that we used...

2) Ear candling - Have you ever done it? We had our ears candled for the first time last week and what an interesting (and relaxing!) experience. If you've never tried it, it's a real treat. I even noticed an immediate improvement in hearing in the ear that I had previously been having a problem with.

Well, I had better go for now. If I don't I'm not going to have time to post those recipes for the cleaning supplies that I made today before the tea is gone, and I want to do that. You all have a beautiful day and God's blessings upon all!

All My Love,
~Rebecca

In Times Of Trouble

St. Patty's Day is over and the company gone. As I settle myself down from a few days of silliness and fun, my thoughts now turn to the real issues of life...home, family, finances, etc. There's always so much going on that sometimes...most of the time, in fact...it's hard for me to even know where to begin with any of it. 

I get tickled...I read these gals on-line who seem to have it altogether and I'm sure a lot of them really do. I oftentimes, in them, see reflections of my younger self when I was more on top of everything and full of zeal. I seemed to have it altogether back then...but I really didn't! I probably had it more together then than I do today, but I was in a different season. Our children were all at home then, our parents were younger and still able to do everything for themselves, and it was just us...John and me and our children. It was easy. We prayed together and struggled and, somehow, with the Lord's help and guidance, we worked it out and we made it.

But now we're in a different season...we're older (with age comes a whole new set of problems), most of our children are married and have families of their own (now we worry about their problems....aging parents, financial responsibilities and difficulties, job changes, health issues of their own, the list goes on and on) and we still have our own issues to contend with...financial struggles, trying to finish up the education of the last of six children (which school has been almost impossible to keep up with lately), elderly parents and other family members that need the kind of help that we simply are not able to give (and with that, of course, comes guilt), and the list goes on and on.

Then, you add to that all that's going on in the world around us...wars, famine, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, the threat of nuclear meltdowns...

Where does it stop? Can't we get off this crazy merry-go-round yet?

The answer is, no! The truth is...it doesn't stop! Life goes on and, contrary to popular theory, things are NOT evolving and getting better! This old world is slowing down and decaying...and it's going to continue the decaying process until the one constant in our lives...the one thing that, no matter how crazy life gets, always stays the same...comes...and that is Jesus Christ!

No matter how crazy life gets, it is to Jesus we must cling, for besides Him there is no other. He is THE Way...our rock, our shield, our buckler, our help in times of trouble, and it is to Him that we must run to and cling to...in good times and in bad.

Troubles? Yes! We all have them. Answers? No! Not always. But Jesus? YES! ALWAYS! Always the same...YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER!

Do you know Him?


"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, be the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and the kingdom against kingdom: and tehre shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:6-8).


"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).


"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8). 

If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour...if you've never had that personal relationship with Him and would like to...it's not too late. Ask Him into your heart today, then commit your life to following Him and the teachings of His Holy Word. If you need more information, help, or someone to pray with you, feel free to e-mail me proverbs31heart@yahoo.com. I am here and I am praying for you even as I write this. In Jesus' name...

All My Love,
~Rebecca

Good TUESDAY Morning - 2/22/11

It's hard to believe that it's only been a year since our son-in-law's father, Fred, passed away. So many things have happened since then. My husband and I have lost three very special, very close uncles, a grandchild has been born to us, another is in heaven, we have had ups and downs, gains and losses, joys and sorrows. Through it all God has been there. During the times of sorrow His love has sustained us. During the times of joy His presence has moved us to even greater depths of love and appreciation for those He has put in our lives and bound us to in His infinite wisdom.

So often, especially in times of trial and testing, we question the Lord. We ask, "Why is this happening to me?" "Why is this happening in our family?" Over and over again we question the Lord, doubting His promises and even His very presence in our lives.

But, you know, it is through these hard times that we grow. It is in these 'hard times' that we go running into the arms of our Heavenly Father and they move us ever closer to Him. It is in these 'hard times' that we seek Him out and commune deeply with Him, because it is in these hard times that no one else can ever truly know and understand what we are going through deep down in our hearts and spirits. God can because He is our creator and we are created in His image. God, and God alone, knows us better than anybody on this face of this earth ever could or will.

If you are going through hard times right now...physically, financially, spiritually...if your marriage is in trouble, or if you have suffered loss and are having a hard time healing...keep this thought in mind...

God knows what you're going through...and He cares!


"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end" (Jeremiah 29:11). 

If you are questioning God and His infinite wisdom concerning the place you find yourself in today, consider these words of the Psalmist...

"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word" (Psalm 119:67).

"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn they statutes" (Psalm 119:71).


"I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me" (Psalm 119:75).

Instead of asking negative questions that lead to self-pity and the undermining of our faith in God, why not try a new thing? Why not ask positive questions of the Lord?

"Lord, what are you trying to show me in this situation?" "What are you saying to me, Lord?" "What are trying to tell me through these current circumstances?"

Then...take time to listen to His answer.

"Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, What hath the Lord answered? and, What hath the Lord spoken?" (Jeremiah 23:35)