~Bakinghomesteader~

Interesting thought...

2012-01-31T08:02:00.000-06:00

"Many wives do not realize that they have two powerful weapons that are far more effective than nagging, whining, or preaching. The first weapon is a godly life. The second is prayer." unknown

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A few updates

2012-01-29T08:05:00.000-06:00

My husband returned safely from the Dominican Republic Thurs night. He had a very blessed time there. He brought back a little bug/bacteria/parasite? with him though. He is taking his medicine and should be just fine soon. He doesn't feel sick or anything, just inconvenient if you know what I mean. ;)

He had a woman there he had only met minutes earlier come up to him and hug him and not let him go for several minutes despite him trying to let go several minutes in. She finally released him and told him that he was going to do great things for God. He was taken aback to say the least.

As for me, I have bone marrow edema in my upper tibia/lower femur again. As you can imagine the swelling of bone marrow is very painful. I am to be off my leg and was given a short length of steroids to bring the pain and swelling down. Seems to be working :) Also, my sleep study full report came back and it seems I wake up at least 11 times during the night. They had given me a pill to take to help keep my asleep and after a week of taking it....it doesn't work. :( So off to find another solution. There has to be something that will keep you asleep despite noises and not leave you a zombie in the morning. I also will be visiting the pain center after years of dealing with chronic pain. Hoping to have a pain free or even less pain life from now on. Wouldn't that be the cat's meow!

Hunter has to have physical therapy next month for a hip/pelvis that went out of whack while unloading wood from the trailer. He has been visiting the widow up the road (she is 85) and really enjoys her company. They are good for each other. :) She is very blessed by his visits. We started a new curriculum for him for homeschool and it is working out great. We really like it. :) Imagine finding something you like only after homeschooling for NINE years lol. I can't believe he will be in high school next year. Wow...

That's as much as my weak fingers will allow me to type right now. ;) I hope you all have a great day of worship. Let us rejoice and be GLAD. :)

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My other blog for you grain free/gluten free folks. :)

2012-01-28T08:30:00.000-06:00

I started another blog called The Grain Free Homestead focusing solely on being grain free/gluten free. I have been gluten free for a while now (yrs) but needed to go a bit farther for the healing of my intestines. So I have gone grain free. That means no rice, beans, oats, peanuts, corn, etc, but doesn't mean loss of good food. :) I have lots of recipes over there that have all been filed past my family with their taste of approval. Everything is natural and made from scratch. Go check it out!

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This thing is from Me

2012-01-26T06:46:00.002-06:00

Oh how I needed this reminder!

"....this thing is from me" (1 Kings 12:24).

"Life's disappointments are veiled love's appointments." --Rev. C. A. Fox

My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from Me.

Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, "he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye" (Zech. 2:8). You are very precious in My sight. (Isa. 43:4) Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.

I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the "enemy comes in like a flood," that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you. (This is especially meaningful to me)

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.

Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.

Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Phil.4:19). I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, "In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God" (Deut. 1:32).

Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation (2 Thess. 2:16, 17). Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of my deepest lessons. "They also serve who only stand and wait." Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all--prayer.

This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, my child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things. (And this, too)

~From Streams in the Desert

This post may be up for a while as I ponder this and really let it soak in. God knows what I needed to hear.

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Why I mostly wear skirts...

2012-01-25T14:43:00.000-06:00

I want to start by saying I am not against wearing pants. I wear jeans at times. When I do, it's usually with a nice feminine top. But, this post is simply about why I mostly wear skirts.

You can see in the above picture that my left leg is stretched out. That's because I can't bend it. My knee is very swollen again (common occurrence due to atrophy of my leg) and I have to wear a leg brace. Wearing a leg brace under jeans is very uncomfortable. I feel more free to move around in a skirt. Wearing a skirt isn't just about modesty, although that is a great thing. Sometimes, it's just more practical like in this case. But, that being said, I also like to wear skirts to be reminded that I am a lady and that helps me with keeping a soft and gentle spirit. I like to be feminine and wear feminine clothes. So even when I am able to wear jeans, I always pair it with a pretty feminine top. That's it. :) That's why I like to mostly wear skirts. I am not legalistic in dress, just modest, feminine, and comfortable. :)

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Can anyone relate?

2012-01-24T07:50:00.001-06:00

Can you say exhausted? I have been so weak lately that every homemaking task is daunting. I am losing more muscle again in my left leg which has caused knee effusion and bone marrow inflammation again. I am down to 109 lbs. (not for trying! I eat, but sometimes only can eat a little due to swallowing problems) I am finally going to go to the doctor to see about the pain clinic. I think the constant pain is causing my MG to become even more exacerbated.

Here's what I want back...

Maybe someday, Lord willing.

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Refreshing dew...

2012-01-23T07:20:00.002-06:00

Dew will never gather while there is either heat or wind. The temperature must fall, and the wind cease, and the air come to a point of coolness and rest--absolute rest, so to speak--before it can yield up its invisible particles of moisture to bedew either herb or flower. So the grace of God does not come forth to rest the soul of man until the still point is fairly and fully reached.
~Streams in the Desert

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Sausage makin' time!

2012-01-22T06:00:00.002-06:00

Our family makes sausage from the deer we get. It is so good! We make breakfast sausage, brats, italian sausage, and meat sticks. :) We did this over Christmas break.

Hunter and Ryan cutting up the pork to be ground with the venison

The beast lol

Meat sticks

Brats

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Sleep study results...

2012-01-20T16:14:00.001-06:00

Went to the doc today. The results of the sleep study were back and the good news is that I did not have any desaturation (low oxygen saturation) or episodes of not breathing. The bad news is that it showed I am not getting recuperative sleep. I did not go into REM much and had short sleep latency. That explains why I am in more pain lately and feeling horrible upon wakening like I haven't been to bed. She prescribed me a medicine that should help me sleep more deeply. I sure hope it works. I need sleep! :)

I also had to get a neck brace/support as my MG has affected my neck muscles more and my head wants to tilt back too much. That results in very sore and tired neck muscles that need a break and so the neck support was obtained. It helps.

My husband left yesterday for the Dominican and wouldn't ya know the toilet is acting up today. It won't flush right. The water comes up and then goes down real slow. I plunged the heck out of it as much as I could. That didn't do anything. It wasn't even plugged so I don't know what's wrong with it. I wish I knew more about toilets as my husband won't be back for a week...sigh.

It's been a long day with doc appt, crazy toilet, MG issues, doing the best I can to get wood to the house wood myself (my son hurt his back), so I think I am going to go prop myself up on the couch and zone out. Here's hoping for sleep and a better tomorrow...

*UPDATE: Our toilet got fixed last night! :)

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Being a godly wife...

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

My husband is leaving for the Dominican Republic on Thurs morning. I'm going to miss him. It will be lonely and life will be more difficult here without his loving leadership, but we will get by until he returns a week later. :) My son is a great young man and likes to be the head when his dad is gone. Good practice. ;)

My husband and I were watching a show the other night called Alaska: The Last Frontier. It was about a few different families homesteading up there. There was one couple in particular that he connected with. They were high school sweethearts (like us and about our age) and loved living off the land. As we were watching, he pointed out something she (the wife in the show) had said about her husband. The wife was talking highly of her husband about how resourceful he was and and how he could do anything. That there was nothing he couldn't do. My husband turned and looked at me and said, I thought you'd like how she spoke of her husband. I smiled and said I sure do. :)

It got me thinking...(uh oh)

Do I do that? Do I speak about my husband in such a way? Sadly, if I were honest, I'd have to say no. :( I could be so much more encouraging and supportive. I often see the negative things he does (or doesn't do) and that tends to cloud my judgement of him at times. I have made a commitment to God to change that. I mean it. I struggle with a pride issue and it has tainted some of my thoughts. I have a lot of maturing to do and I think I'm finally ready to be a woman. Not just a silly little girl who doesn't put much thought into things, says silly things, doesn't take things seriously, and is often in her own little world. I'm 36 yrs old after all. I think it's time to really commit my life to lifting up my husband, encouraging him, focusing more on him, and being the best helpmeet God has created me to be no matter what. No matter if he upsets me, makes a wrong parenting decision, fails at something he has tried, etc. I'm ready!

He hasn't said anything about me not keeping up on such things, but I saw how that woman saying those things about her husband affected his eyes (they were soft and loving) and I know deep down he desires me to do more of that. So with God's help, I will improve on what my heart desires...

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The breaking of the storm...

2012-01-16T06:54:00.000-06:00

This comes from the devotional I read...Streams in the Desert

"And there arose a great storm" (Mark 4:37).

Some of the storms of life come suddenly: a great sorrow, a bitter disappointment, a crushing defeat. Some come slowly. They appear upon the ragged edges of the horizon no larger than a man's hand, but, trouble that seems so insignificant spreads until it covers the sky and overwhelms us.

Yet it is in the storm that God equips us for service. When God wants an oak He plants it on the moor where the storms will shake it and the rains will beat down upon it, and it is in the midnight battle with elements that the oak wins its rugged fibre and becomes the king of the forest.

When God wants to make a man He puts him into some storm. The history of manhood is always rough and rugged. No man is made until he has been out into the surge of the storm and found the sublime fulfillment of the prayer: "O God, take me, break me, make me."

A Frenchman has painted a picture of universal genius. There stand orators, philosophers and martyrs, all who have achieved pre-eminence in any phase of life; the remarkable fact about the picture is this: Every man who is pre-eminent for his ability was first pre-eminent for suffering. In the foreground stands that figure of the man who was denied the promised land, Moses. Beside him is another, feeling his way--blind Homer. Milton is there, blind and heart-broken. Now comes the form of one who towers above them all. What is His characteristic? His Face is marred more than any man's. The artist might have written under that great picture, "The Storm."

The beauties of nature come after the storm. The rugged beauty of the mountain is born in a storm, and the heroes of life are the storm-swept and the battle-scarred.

You have been in the storms and swept by the blasts. Have they left you broken, weary, beaten in the valley, or have they lifted you to the sunlit summits of a richer, deeper, more abiding manhood and womanhood? Have they left you with more sympathy with the storm-swept and the battle-scarred? --Selected

The wind that blows can never kill
The tree God plants;
It bloweth east, it bloweth west,
The tender leaves have little rest,
But any wind that blows is best.
The tree that God plants
Strikes deeper root, grows higher still,
Spreads greater boughs, for God's good will
Meets all its wants.

There is no storm hath power to blast
The tree God knows;
No thunderbolt, nor beating rain,
Nor lightning flash, nor hurricane;
When they are spent, it doth remain,
The tree God knows,
Through every tempest standeth fast,
And from its first day to its last
Still fairer grows.

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I'm back with a video...

2012-01-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

I took some time off of blogging and now I feel a little more rested and ready to get back at it. I got my homeschooling curriculum ordered and it should be here Tuesday. The family made sausage together. Ryan got another deer and I was too tired for butchering so we had it butchered. I sadly gave my chickens new homes the other day. I cleaned the coop recently and I am just too weak to continue that. Plus my husband was ready to be done with them. Maybe I will be strong enough this spring to just put all my focus solely on gardening. (I hope so)

I wanted to post this video from a fellow MG'er. Her disease is more severe than mine is, but it gives you a good idea of some of what we go through. It's about 9 min long, but I encourage you to watch.

I just want to say that I am thankful that God has allowed me to continue to serve Him in whatever capacity I can. Serving in Venezuela even while having this disease was hard on me, but I am so thankful God allowed me that experience. I am thankful for the days when I am not in too much pain in the middle of the day (morning and night are different) I LOVE the days when I can breathe and not get winded just walking across the house. (You will understand this more after you watch the video)

We all can be used no matter what our circumstances are. I have learned compassion through pain, patience through frustration, and surrender through brokenness. God is good. (Be sure to turn off music at the bottom of my blog before viewing video)

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Put Forth...

2012-01-14T06:58:00.000-06:00

I'm baaaack! I hope you enjoy this post from Streams in the Desert. I sure did.

"He putteth forth his own sheep" (John10:4).

Oh, this is bitter work for Him and us--bitter for us to go, but equally bitter for Him to cause us pain; yet it must be done. It would not be conducive to our true welfare to stay always in one happy and comfortable lot. He therefore puts us forth. The fold is deserted, that the sheep may wander over the bracing mountain slope. The laborers must be thrust out into the harvest, else the golden grain would spoil.

Take heart! it could not be better to stay when He determines otherwise; and if the loving hand of our Lord puts us forth, it must be well. On, in His name, to green pastures and still waters and mountain heights! He goeth before thee. Whatever awaits us is encountered first by Him. Faith's eye can always discern His majestic presence in front; and when that cannot be seen, it is dangerous to move forward. Bind this comfort to your heart, that the Savior has tried for Himself all the experiences through which He asks you to pass; and He would not ask you to pass through them unless He was sure that they were not too difficult for your feet, or too trying for your strength.

This is the Blessed Life--not anxious to see far in front, nor careful about the next step, not eager to choose the path, nor weighted with the heavy responsibilities of the future, but quietly following behind the Shepherd, one step at a time.

Dark is the sky! and veiled the unknown morrowl
Dark is life's way, for night is not yet o'er;
The longed-for glimpse I may not meanwhile borrow;
But, this I know, HE GOETH ON BEFORE.

Dangers are nigh! and fears my mind are shaking;
Heart seems to dread what life may hold in store;
But I am His--He knows the way I'm taking,
More blessed still--HE GOETH ON BEFORE.

Doubts cast their weird, unwelcome shadows o'er me,
Doubts that life's best--life's choicest things are o'er;
What but His Word can strengthen, can restore me,
And this blest fact; that still HE GOES BEFORE.

HE GOES BEFORE! Be this my consolation!
He goes before! On this my heart would dwell!
He goes before! This guarantees salvation!
HE GOES BEFORE! And therefore all is well.
--J. D. Smith

The Oriental shepherd was always ahead of his sheep. He was down in front. Any attack upon them had to take him into account. Now God is down in front. He is in the tomorrows. It is tomorrow that fills men with dread. God is there already. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass Him before they can get to us. --F. B. M.

"God is in every tomorrow,
Therefore I live for today,
Certain of finding at sunrise,
Guidance and strength for the way;
Power for each moment of weakness,
Hope for each moment of pain,
Comfort for every sorrow,
Sunshine and joy after rain."

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Taking a blogging break...

2012-01-04T07:45:00.002-06:00

I haven't been feeling the best. I am struggling everyday and I'm very tired. Exhausted so much I can barely do my duties. I want to "unplug" from things and try and regain some focus and rest. I will be focusing on our son's schooling as we are changing up our schedule to homeschool year 'round. I want to focus on our homestead life and I need to focus my efforts on getting physically and mentally rested to do that.

I go in for a sleep study on the 15th and praying that they can help me get some more oxygen in my system if needed. Feeling oxygen deprived because your diaphragm is too tired to work properly doesn't feel very good. Frankly, it feels awful. This disease is awful. But, our God is good! I will be focusing more on Him also while I'm away from the blogging world. I may be gone a couple weeks sorting things out...

Thanks for understanding and I hope to see you soon.

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Gentle leading...

2012-01-03T07:36:00.002-06:00

"I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure" (Gen. 33:14).

What a beautiful picture of Jacob's thoughtfulness for the cattle and the children! He would not allow them to be overdriven even for one day. He would not lead on according to what a strong man like Esau could do and expected them to do, but only according to what they were able to endure. He knew exactly how far they could go in a day; and he made that his only consideration in arranging the marches. He had gone the same wilderness journey years before, and knew all about its roughness and heat and length, by personal experience. And so he said, "I will lead on softly." "For ye have not passed this way heretofore" (Josh.3:4.).

We have not passed this way heretofore, but the Lord Jesus has. It is all untrodden and unknown ground to us, but He knows it all by personal experience. The steep bits that take away our breath, the stony bits that make our feet ache so, the hot shadeless stretches that make us feel so exhausted, the rushing rivers that we have to pass through--Jesus has gone through it all before us. "He was wearied with his journey." Not some, but all the many waters went over Him, and yet did not quench His love. He was made a perfect Leader by the things which He suffered. "He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust."

Think of that when you are tempted to question the gentleness of His leading. He is remembering all the time; and not one step will He make you take beyond what your foot is able to endure. Never mind if you think it will not be able for the step that seems to come next; either He will so strengthen it that it shall be able, or He will call a sudden halt, and you shall not have to take it at all. --Frances Ridley Havergal

In "pastures green"? Not always; sometimes He Who knowest best, in kindness leadeth me In weary ways, where heavy shadows be. So, whether on the hill-tops high and fair I dwell, or in the sunless valleys, where The shadows lie, what matter? He is there. ~Streams in the Desert

New Year...

2012-01-02T14:56:00.000-06:00

"The land whither ye go to possess it is a land of hills and valleys and drinketh water of the rain of heaven: a land which the Lord thy God careth for: the eyes of the Lord are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year" (Deut. 11:11-12).

Today dear friends, we stand upon the verge of the unknown. There lies before us the new year and we are going forth to possess it. Who can tell what we shall find? What new experiences, what changes shall come, what new needs shall arise? But here is the cheering, comforting, gladdening message from our Heavenly Father, "The Lord thy God careth for it." "His eyes are upon it away to the ending of the year."

All our supply is to come from the Lord. Here are springs that shall never dry; here are fountains and streams that shall never be cut off. Here, anxious one, is the gracious pledge of the Heavenly Father. If He be the Source of our mercies they can never fail us. No heat, no drought can parch that river, "the streams whereof make glad the city of God."

The land is a land of hills and valleys. It is not all smooth nor all down hill. If life were all one dead level the dull sameness would oppress us; we want the hills and the valleys. The hills collect the rain for a hundred fruitful valleys. Ah, so it is with us! It is the hill difficulty that drives us to the throne of grace and brings down the shower of blessing; the hills, the bleak hills of life that we wonder at and perhaps grumble at, bring down the showers. How many have perished in the wilderness, buried under its golden sands, who would have lived and thriven in the hill-country; how many would have been killed by the frost, blighted with winds, swept desolate of tree and fruit but for the hill-stern, hard, rugged, so steep to climb. God's hills are a gracious protection for His people against their foes!

We cannot tell what loss and sorrow and trial are doing. Trust only. The Father comes near to take our hand and lead us on our way today. It shall be a good, a blessed new year!
~Streams in the Desert

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Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T06:52:00.000-06:00

I am just going to be honest...I am glad this year is almost over...

It has been one of the worst years for me that I can remember. I won't go into all the dreadful details, but I've been crushed, heartbroken, drained, not as close to God, confused, and I am completely worn out.

I will say that despite all the awful things that happened this year, my desire to find God in all situations did not change. Yes, I drifted away in my relationship, but just last week was snapped out of my drift and my relationship grew even closer with Christ. I am ready to make some changes in my life. This year, I want to COMPLETELY surrender my life to Him. Not just in parts, but in everything.

I realized when I thought I had submitted myself to Him, in a major area in my life, I hadn't...

That area? PRIDE

Oh how I have mastered the art of being prideful. It is a major problem for me. How is my cooking? Is my house clean enough? Do people like me? My way of doing things is the best way, etc. Most of the strife that enters this house is due to my pride.

I am so thankful that God has showed me the true severity of the problem (I thought it was just a little problem) and I say problem, but what it really is is sin. Sin that is one of the hardest to let go of. But, I know with His help, I can, and He can change my heart into something so wonderful that I can't even begin to imagine what my new character will be like without pride engulfing it.

I pray that you all have a wonderful New Year. I pray it's the best one yet. I pray that God does a mighty work this year in your life as I'm sure He will in mine this coming year.

There is a day...

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Almond flour pancakes...yum!

2011-12-29T06:59:00.003-06:00

They reminded me a lot of buckwheat pancakes, which I loved so much before having Celiac. I loved the nuttiness of them. These are grain free and dairy free. Here is the recipe...

3 eggs

1 T vanilla

2 T honey

1 1/2 c almond flour (I grind my own)

1/4 t salt

1/4 t baking soda

about 1/4 c water

Mix eggs, vanilla, honey. Mix dry and add together. Add 1/4 c water or more to thin out the batter. Make SMALL pancakes as almond flour pancakes are harder to flip. ;) Yum!

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My husband, Mr. Fix It...

2011-12-28T05:52:00.001-06:00

Our dryer died two nights ago. I hadn't noticed it stopped running before it was supposed to and when I went to turn it back on, it wouldn't. My husband did some research yesterday and replaced a part. Seems to be working ok now. :)

I was encouraging to him the whole time. In the past, I would fret and hover. He has a bit of a "Tim the Tool man" reputation here at home. He wasn't shown how to fix much of anything because he and his dad didn't have a relationship until the end of his dad's life which ended when he was 50.

We are thinking about getting a new washer now. We are just not sure which ones are good (top loaders, front loaders) etc. Still trying to figure that one out. :)

We have errands to run today, doc appt, store, etc and I am not feeling too wonderful for it all. Didn't sleep much last night and I'm feeling weak today. I hope I can finish out this day successfully. I will do what I can.

I am thankful for my Mr. Fix It and I hope that he doesn't have to use that title for a while. ;)

Grain free/egg free DELICIOUS chocolate chip cookies!

2011-12-27T06:00:00.002-06:00

I can't begin to tell you how good these are! With all my issues with my disease, I am trying different things to help slow the progression. Becoming grain free is one of them. I was already gluten free due to Celiac, but now I will be cutting out all grains...rice, beans, corn, etc. These lovelies were made with ALMOND FLOUR that I ground myself. I used the almonds with the skins on for more nutrition and fiber. These stayed wonderfully soft unlike my other chocolate chip cookies made with rice flour. (they stayed soft for a day). My family scarfed these down!

Here's the recipe

5oz almond flour (1 1/4 c) (you can grind your own in a coffee grinder or get it at the store)
scant 1/2 t salt
1/4 t baking soda
1/4 c honey or maple syrup
1/8 c oil (grapeseed, coconut, macadamia)
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 to 1/2 c chocolate chips of your choice (I used scant 1/2 c semi-swt Ghiradeli)

Heat oven to 325.
Mix almond flour, salt, and baking soda well. In a small bowl, mix honey, oil, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing well. Add chocolate chips. Batter should be thick enough that you can roll a small ball between your palms and set it on the cookie sheet without it drooping or losing shape.
Make small balls of cookie dough and space them evenly on a cookie sheet. (you can press them, but I didn't)
Bake about 6 minutes. Watch closely and remove when the edges start to brown. . . they could be done at 4 minutes or at 8 minutes depending on the size of the cookie and your oven calibration.

YUM!

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This is what it's all about...

2011-12-25T16:24:00.003-06:00

Please turn off the music at the bottom of the page before viewing. :)

Christmas Poem...

2011-12-22T07:09:00.000-06:00

Not Only Christmas Day

Lord, this is my prayer

Not only on Christmas Day

But until I see You face to face

May I live my life this way:

Just like the baby Jesus

I ever hope to be,

Resting in Your loving arms

Trusting in Your sovereignty

And like the growing Christ child

In wisdom daily learning,

May I ever seek to know You

With my mind and spirit yearning.

Like the Son so faithful

Let me follow in Your light,

Meek and bold, humble and strong

Not afraid to face the night.

Nor cowardly to suffer

And stand for truth alone,

Knowing that Your kingdom

Awaits my going home.

Not afraid to sacrifice

Though great may be the cost,

Mindful how You rescued me

From broken-hearted loss.

Like my risen Savior

The babe, the child, the Son,

May my life forever speak

Of who You are and all You've done.

So while this world rejoices

And celebrates Your birth,

I treasure You, the greatest gift

Unequaled in Your worth.

I long to hear the same words

That welcomed home Your Son,

"Come, good and faithful servant,"

Your Master says, "Well done."

And may heaven welcome others

Who will join with me in praise

Because I lived for Jesus Christ

Not only Christmas Day

-- Mary Fairchild

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I won't be on much more this week as I am preparing to celebrate my best friend's birthday. ;) I pray everyone has a blessed Christmas and remembers that no matter what life puts in our path, it must first go through Him. Whatever comes your way, it was no mistake. God has a purpose for everything...May that bring you peace as it has me.

Update and a recipe...

2011-12-21T07:19:00.000-06:00

Turtle Cheesecake Bars

Crust
3 cups finely chopped pecans
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake Filling
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 large eggs
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Toppings
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
1 11-oz bag caramel candy, unwrapped
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 tablespoons milk, divided

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Line a 13x9 pan with parchment paper, so that parchment extends over long side of pan.
In a bowl, mix crust ingredients together with a fork; press mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.
Bake crust for 20 minutes; while crust bakes, prepare filling.
Cream together cream cheese, yogurt or sour cream, sugar and vanilla.
Beat in eggs, one at a time.
After crust bakes, remove from oven and immediately sprinkle on 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Pour filling over chocolate chips and return to oven; bake for 50 minutes.
Allow cheesecake to cool for about hour, then place in refrigerator to chill overnight.
When ready to serve, remove cheesecake from pan using parchment paper and place on serving platter, then prepare toppings:
Toast pecans in oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
Unwrap caramels and place in a microwave safe bowl, along with 4 tablespoons milk.
Microwave in 30 second intervals until caramels have melted and sauce is smooth.
Pour caramel sauce over cheesecake and immediately sprinkle on toaste and chopped pecans.
Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, along with 2 tablespoons milk, and microwave in 30 second intervals, about 2 minutes total.
Stir until smooth and drizzle over caramel-pecan topping.

I went to the doc yesterday and I'm scheduled for a sleep study on the 15th to evaluate my breathing at night and if the low oxygen is causing my memory problems (bad). I also found out that my intestines are not functioning properly due to the nerves not working from Myasthenia Gravis. I now take a medicine for that to help the motility. I'm really hoping the New Year brings less suffering and more energy. :)

I appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers!

Rough days...

2011-12-18T15:56:00.002-06:00

I've been having some rough days and go to the doc on Tuesday to see what we can do about sleep and possibly be scheduled for a sleep study. My diaphragm is weak and causing lots of difficulty breathing. At night is especially difficult when I sleep. It gets weaker as the day goes on and then has trouble lifting my rib cage while I am laying down. The sleep study will check to see what's going on and then hopefully be able to prescribe me a bipap for respiratory assistance. Some days (most days) I feel like I'm fading away...

On another note...Christmas is fast approaching. Such a peaceful time of year. But, it can have it's moments of sadness. I miss so many people. It's hard feeling like in some way you have been forgotten. Families gather together this time of year and you can't help but think of those who are no longer with you. Christmas just isn't the same without those people...

Despite the rough days, I will continue to rejoice in my Lord and find comfort in Him knowing He hears my heart and comforts me in just the right way. He showed me last week that even when it seems like He is far from me, He is always there....listening, watching, caring.

I am not alone.

Crockpot candy...easy!

2011-12-17T07:17:00.000-06:00

Add ingredients to crockpot in order as written...

16 oz roasted unsalted peanuts

16 oz roasted salted peanuts

1 12oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

4 oz bar german chocolate broken

1 24 oz vanilla almond bark broken

Do not stir

Put crockpot on low for 3 hours. After 3 hours stir and drop onto wax paper and let cool. :) You could substitute the german chocolate for butterscotch chips if you wanted.

Answers...

2011-12-16T07:40:00.001-06:00

Here is the answers to the questions I got :) I only had one person ask lol

Stephanie, If I could visit with you I would love to know about your life journey with church. Were you raised in one and then looked around for a new one when you became an adult?

I was raised in a non-practicing Catholic home (only really went to church on Christmas, Easter, and Ash Wednesday. I always felt like something was missing. Church was very boring and ritualistic to me. There was no relationship, just saints you prayed to and the virgin Mary. When my husband and I got married, we were married in the Catholic church. The very next Sunday, we didn't return to church. Instead, we started seeking other churches that focused more on the relationship with Christ. In 1999 we were baptized together in the water and started our journey. That journey has lead to many questions, meeting lots of different people (visited a Mennonite church), several out of the country mission trips, and settling down in a wonderful church home where we have been for the last 11 yrs. We are involved in ministry and love that we have a relationship with Christ.

How many times have you changed churches? Were you ever without a church home and how long did that go on for?

We had changed churches a few times in the beginning of our marriage seeking a godly church. We were not ever really without a church home more than a couple years at the most I'd say.

Also - on a more personal note - I have wondered how your mom is getting along because I remember it was about a year(?) ago when she moved and you were very concerned with that.

My mom is now in Wisconsin and is doing ok as far as I know. She and I do not have much of a relationship...I can never live up to her expectations.

Oh and 1 more question - I really liked seeing some of the ornaments on your tree in a previous post and I was wondering if you had a moose ornament? :)

As a matter of fact I do....:)

Do you have any questions?

2011-12-14T09:16:00.001-06:00

I thought it would be fun to answer your questions. If any of you have any questions on homemaking, homesteading, being a helpmeet, natural remedies, my life, or anything else you have a question about, post a comment and I will answer as many as I can. :)

Christmastime at the Wiseley Family Homestead...

2011-12-12T20:40:00.000-06:00

These are just the beginning...I hope to post more when we get more decorating done. Was just too pooped out to keep going. :)

One of the oldest ornaments on the tree (upper right) It's about 36 years old. ;)

My 14 yr old son is getting so big!

The first ornament my husband and I got when we were first married in 96 :)

I will be doing my Christmas baking next week. :) I look forward to making more good memories...

A Pocket Full of Nickels...A glimpse into what it's like living with Myasthenia Gravis

2011-12-11T08:28:00.002-06:00

by Beverly J. Nason

On a good morning, we awake with our borrowed supply of invisible nickels in our pocket, or perhaps we find them after our first dose of Mestinon. On any given day, our nickels may add up to somewhere near a dollar. We must decide each day how to spend our precious supply.

Shall we shower, dress, make the bed, have breakfast, go to a job? Shall we recklessly spend them all at once? Perhaps, we should just use twenty-five cents, and dress without the shower or shave, leave the bed for later, and spend five to fifteen cents to have breakfast. We alone may judge from our recent experience.

Having decided, we act, and our precious payments are placed into an invisible slot, filled with invisible batteries. These batteries kick in slowly and we drain their reserve with the chosen activities. When the batteries are almost spent, we force ourselves to rest. As the day progresses, we decide to do other small chores; the shave, shower, shampoo? Five more nickels perhaps? I’ll make the bed; one nickel perhaps? Cleaning house? Going to work?

How many nickels will we have to spend today? For many of us, we can barely afford one nickel at a time, today. If we have the luxury of time for a rest period or a nap, we might awaken with a sudden new supply of nickels in our pocket. Probably our next dose of Mestinon will provide us with a fresh supply. For others, we may find we've chosen unwisely and squandered our day's wealth, or borrowed from them tomorrow, to do what had to be done, or simply what we wanted to do to improve our quality of life.

The debt of today must always be repaid, and time in bed will be the minimum price. If we spend too much or borrow too long, our debt may be required at the hospital or some medical facility.

We can squander our wealth all away, or spend it wisely and gratefully. When we awake morning after morning with pockets full of nickels in such abundance that we no longer have to count them, we have achieved Myasthenia Gravis remission. May you all have "pocket full of nickels"

Getting ready...

2011-12-09T10:37:00.000-06:00

for the baking season!

Due to my increased weakness, I have started making up cookie dough and freezing it. I don't want me or my family to miss out on the yummy treats I have made every year. My solution was to make up different cookie doughs and freeze them. When it's time to bake, then all I have to do is take it out the night before and let it thaw in the fridge and put the dough on a cookie sheet and bake! :)

We will have holiday monster cookies, sugar cookies with sprinkles, peanut blossoms, bird nests, peanut butter balls, and caramels. :)

What are some shortcuts you use during the holiday season?

Achieving the victory...

2011-12-08T06:48:00.000-06:00

This comes from my favorite devotional "Streams in the Desert"

"For this our light and transitory burden of suffering is achieving for us a weight of glory" (2 Cor. 4:17). (Weymouth)

"Is achieving for us," mark. The question is repeatedly asked--Why is the life of man drenched with so much blood, and blistered with so many tears? The answer is to be found in the word "achieving"; these things are achieving for us something precious. They are teaching us not only the way to victory, but better still the laws of victory. There is a compensation in every sorrow, and the sorrow is working out the compensation.

It is the cry of the dear old hymn:

"Nearer my God to Thee, nearer to Thee,
E'en tho' it be a cross that raiseth me."

Joy sometimes needs pain to give it birth. Fanny Crosby could never have written her beautiful hymn, "I shall see Him face to face," were it not for the fact that she had never looked upon the green fields nor the evening sunset nor the kindly twinkle in her mother's eye. It was the loss of her own vision that helped her to gain her remarkable spiritual discernment.

It is the tree that suffers that is capable of polish. When the woodman wants some curved lines of beauty in the grain he cuts down some maple that has been gashed by the axe and twisted by the storm. In this way he secures the knots and the hardness that take the gloss.

It is comforting to know that sorrow tarries only for the night; it takes its leave in the morning. A thunderstorm is very brief when put alongside the long summer day. "Weeping may endure for the night but joy cometh in the morning." --Songs in the Night

"There is a peace that cometh after sorrow,
Of hope surrendered, not of hope fulfilled;
A peace that looketh not upon tomorrow,
But calmly on a tempest that it stilled.

"A peace that lives not now in joy's excesses,
Nor in the happy life of love secure;
But in the unerring strength the heart possesses,
Of conflicts won while learning to endure.

"A peace there is, in sacrifice secluded,
A life subdued, from will and passion free;
'Tis not the peace that over Eden brooded,
But that which triumphed in Gethsemane."

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge...

2011-12-06T16:16:00.001-06:00

I attempted to make fudge today. I made this recipe. It seemed easy. I didn't have the strength to make longer processed kind. Hope it turns out...never made fudge before. *gasp*

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, an easy fudge recipe, is made with only 4 ingredients.

Ingredients:

6-ounces (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sifted powdered sugar

Preparation:

Line an 8-inch square pan with foil and butter it. In a double boiler, melt chocolate, peanut butter and butter. Stir to combine. Stir in sugar until it melts. Pour into prepared pan. Cool and cut into squares. Store in refrigerator.

Link up party! Homemade Christmas...

2011-12-05T07:45:00.000-06:00

I want to see your homemade Christmas gifts! Let share our ideas!

I love to make this for the holidays. :)

Sore Muscle Salve Recipe

This is a wonderful homemade salve you can make right in your own kitchen. It is much like Tiger Balm. It is a warming salve. Would make a great gift.

1 c Calendula infused olive oil (or cayenne infused oil for extra strength)

1.3 oz beeswax

50 drops camphor essential oil

50 drops eucalyptus/peppermint essential oil

30 drops cajuput essential oil

20 drops clove essential oil

20 drops cinnamon essential oil

1 vitamin e capsule

Heat beeswax with oil 30 sec at a time until melted. Add essential oils and vitamin e capsule. Pour into containers. I use 1 oz tins. Makes about 8-10 oz.

Here are the rules to my link party...

1. Please post something YOU made. It doesn't matter if it is crochet, quilt, clothing, baked goods, anything would be fine. I want to see it! If you use someone's idea or patterns please give them the rightful credit.

2. Link to your specific post, that way it is easier for everybody to find and read it.

3. Please grab the "Bakinghomesteader" grab button, and link back from your post. If you can mention the party in your post or place the button on your side bar, that would be great! I want more people to have a chance to come and show off their creation.

Love this time of year!

2011-12-04T06:35:00.000-06:00

I love this time of year with it's pretty lights, crisp air, wonderful old Christmas songs, beautifully lit Christmas trees, Christmas cookies, lit up nativity scenes, sharing gifts with others, celebrating our Savior's birth with our church family, decorating the house all cozy like, listening to the crackle of the woodstove, and watching snow fall softly (hasn't happened yet this year). This time of year makes me smile and brings joy to my heart. It's just very special. Lots of good memories associated with this season...and that my friends is what I cherish.

I am a wife...

2011-12-02T06:37:00.002-06:00

From Tonya at Humble Homemaker...She put into words what my heart feels.

I Am A Wife

Too often I sense myself slipping from my God appointed role as feminine Queen of my castle to masculine warden of my domain. Because this season of my life demands more of my time, energy, and patience I need to remember my priorities and put them into practice.

An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world -- how she can please her husband. ~ 1Corinthians 7:34

God is my Well where I soak up His goodness to give me the strength to go forth into my future with passion and purpose. I commune with Him to have a relationship built on true love because I know Him and spend time with Him. I can then set the stage in my home for my children to enter into genuine relationship with their Creator. Ushering them into His plan. However, I am to be about my husband's business, not second to that, but alongside that. And He is there in the depths of my intimate life, holding it together piece by delicate piece.

I am his wife. I comfort and shield his heart against lies the world may whisper to him that he is not good enough. Sometimes because of my exhaustion, my frustration and pride rise up to work as his adversary. I don't feel that I'm working as an enemy, but satan can use my indiscretion as his powerful tool. In the midst of my pity party I don't realize my husband needs a wife.

I am his wife. I am a strong tower dwelling in the power and holiness of the Lord Almighty. There is no room for pity. My husband is facing lying giants. Evil forces plot and plan for his downfall. Am I aware of the ugliness trying to use me for their side. Making their job easier to bring my husband heartache. Is heartache a word I wouldn't use for my husband's feelings. Is he too manly, too distant, too busy to feel heartache? I think not; he was made in the image of God.

I am his wife. I meet his needs. I create a warm, inviting place for him to rest. A place to feel comfortable. How many times do I mark my territory all over my house -- after all, I am here all day. It smells like my home, feels like my home, it is my home. And it. is. his. home. I must remember this more often. He needs a wife.

I am his wife. Not a maid. Coldly arranging whites and undies neatly in a drawer. The neatness is more for me than for him, truth be told. He rather a messy draw if he had to choose between rows of organized socks and a disheveled looking wife. He needs his wife to be womanly. Yes, to care for his belongings, but to care for his body and mind first. He needs a wife.

I am his wife. His body belongs to me and mine to him. Pride has no place in this love.

My womanhood, my person as a wife was knitted into the complexities of my being while still in my mother's womb. By divine appointment does my husband call me his wife. In the dark hours of a marital conflict, I must remember, I am a wife. When I'm mothering my little flock and yearn to throw in the towel at the end of the night, I must remember, I am a wife. Does that mean I will always get it right? That I will always be available? No. It means that I am vulnerable. Open to all of the ways that the Lord wants to use me as a wife. Ways I cannot possibly imagine, because life is full of wonder and so full of purpose. I am a wife. It's in the way I speak in the middle of the night. The way that I express that I am tired. Tired, but willing. Willing to love him, to want him, to need him. He needs me. His very being cries out for me. It's in his DNA. I must remember. I. Am. A. Wife.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. ~ Proverbs 31:10

Proud to be his wife

Apple Pie Bread...

2011-12-01T06:38:00.001-06:00

This deliciousness comes from Tasty Kitchen. This was fantastic. Turned our wonderful even with being modified to be gluten free. :)

This bread has the goodness of an apple pie wrapped up in a streusel topped quick bread.

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. If using a glass loaf pan bake 25 degrees lower.
In a large bowl beat the butter and sugars together until combined. Add the buttermilk and baking powder; and beat until combined. Add eggs and vanilla; and beat until combined. Add flour, apple pie spice and salt; beat until combined.
Toss the apples and nuts in a bit of flour before adding to the batter. By hand, stir in the nuts and apples. Spoon batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Prepare the streusel topping (instructions below) and sprinkle over the batter.
Bake for 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool bread in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan and cool completely. Wrap the loaf and store overnight before slicing. Makes one loaf (14 slices)
For The Topping:
In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and flour. Using a pastry blender or fork cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in walnuts or pecans.

Ingredients

FOR THE BREAD:
½ cups Butter, Softened
½ cups Granulated Sugar
½ cups Brown Sugar, Packed
⅓ cups Buttermilk
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
2 whole Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 cups All-purpose Flour Plus A Bit For Tossing The Apples In
½ teaspoons Apple Pie Spice
½ teaspoons Salt
2 cups Apples, Peeled, Diced
¾ cups Pecans, Chopped
FOR THE TOPPING:
¼ cups Brown Sugar, Packed
½ teaspoons Cinnamon
3 Tablespoons Flour
2 Tablespoons Butter, Softened
⅓ cups Pecans Or Walnuts, Chopped

Preparation Instructions

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Give thanks for suffering...

2011-11-30T06:00:00.003-06:00

Seems strange right? Give thanks for suffering? Who would want to do that?

Me...

Let me explain.

When I was young I learned that life wasn’t always easy. I was a bit thin and pale and was quickly made fun of being called albino girl, chicken legs, etc. Of course that hurt. But, it made me realize that life wasn’t always kind. I would lay in my bed at night and talk to God. A God I hardly knew. One that I created characteristics about in my mind. He was a kind person, compassionate, and loving. I would picture Him seated on a throne and me bowing down at His feet pouring my heart out to Him. I would ask for forgiveness for the bad things I did. He would reach down and take my hand and lift me up from bowing at His feet and say, “Come my child” and He would seat me on His lap and hug me. I would bury my face in His chest and cry in amazement of such a loving, caring God. He would smile.

Since those childhood days, I lost track of Him for a while. I grew up. I forgot about our nightly talks. I met my husband and we were busy getting to know one another, getting married, and then having Hunter. It was after this that I began to wonder about Him again.

My pregnancy was high risk and there was a chance that I wouldn’t be able to carry him due to my frailty at the time. I would pray about it. I did go preterm labor, but it was able to be stopped and I ended up having him on time. Ryan and I began to wonder more about God after I got sick after Hunter was born. We were saved and baptized together in 99. Soon after, I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis which is an incurable neuromuscular disease. I had a treatment for it that went bad and I was hospitalized for 10 days in pure agony wondering why God didn’t take me out of my misery. I wanted to be delivered from the pain either by death or by it being relieved. I begged God everyday and He didn’t seem to hear me. Finally, one day I woke up and the pain was graciously gone. It was then I started to learn that there is grace in suffering.

My life has had it’s share. I was sexually abused as a child, made fun of, left out, in pain, sick, rejected by my biological dad, had to deal with the pain of my step-dad being killed, dealt with cancer, surgery, and recovery, have the threat of losing my sight someday, had yet another failed treatment for my MG, and I am presently dealing with the progression of the disease with several issues that go with that. But each trial made me stronger and refined me. They taught me a very important lesson in forgiveness. I was able to forgive my abusers with God’s grace. He had molded me, shaped me, and refined me for just such a thing.

Through all these trials I learned to grow closer to the God I had pictured when I was a child. I had developed an intimate relationship with Him. Over the years of suffering, He had strengthened me and He continues to. He is shaping my character for eternity. He draws me unto Himself through suffering, our relationship has deepened, and He has allowed me to be an encouragement to others through my suffering. I give thanks for suffering because of those things.

New trials and new heartache come every year. It’s not easy. In fact it can be downright hard. But, God has been right there with me, holding me on His lap and letting me cry into His chest. What a wonderful, compassionate, loving, kind God we serve! And there is a day, when my time has come to an end here, I will get to see Him face to face and be able to bow at His feet.

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Early mornings...

2011-11-29T07:06:00.000-06:00

I get up most days between 5 and 6. It's dark, it's quiet and it gives me time to plan my day, spend time with the Lord, and just plain wake up lol.

Today is rainy and dreary. It seems weird, but it's peaceful to me. The warmth of the woodstove makes the weather so much more bearable. :)

Yesterday was a much better day for me. I was able to do more, was in much less pain, and even had some energy. :) It's amazing what a difference a day makes with this disease. It changes day to day and even more so in someone like me whose illness is considered brittle. I appreciate my good days so much more. :)

I am making gumbo for supper tonight. :) Seems like a good day to do so with the weather being the way it is. I love cozy meals.

I have so many things to be thankful for. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and our son very much and has a heart for God, a warm home in the country, a sweet little dog to brighten my day, and great friends and family. Tomorrow I will be talking about giving thanks for suffering. It may be a little different perspective than you have heard before. Come back and check it out. :)

Hope you all have a very blessed day. :)

Disappointed...

2011-11-27T12:33:00.001-06:00

If you have been following my blog for any length of time, you know that I started a treatment a while ago (sm dose chemo) for my Myasthenia Gravis. I had to come off it. I got so sick, severe stomach and abd pain to the point of almost passing out, kidney pain, trouble sleeping, and heart issues. There will be no more treatment for me...

I will only be treated with Mestinon, which I have been on for about 13 yrs. I have to learn to live with my increased weakness and pain. This disease is progressing and the only thing that will slow it down is the good Lord Himself.

I was disappointed that I had to miss church this morning. I was so weak I couldn't hold a magazine up for any length of time. I was also so short of breath that my husband said I sounded like I just ran a race...

Just wanted to update everyone about the situation. I covet your prayers for daily strength. As I sit here now, I can barely sit up in my chair and keep my head up...so weak. (So thankful for recliners! LOL) I know God will give me the strength to do what He wants me to each day...I am hanging on to that.

Perfect through suffering...

2011-11-25T06:33:00.001-06:00

"Perfect through suffering" (Heb. 2:10).

Steel is iron plus fire. Soil is rock, plus heat, or glacier crushing. Linen is flax plus the bath that cleans, the comb that separates, and the flail that pounds, and the shuttle that weaves. Human character must have a plus attached to it. The world does not forget great characters. But great characters are not made of luxuries, they are made by suffering.

I heard of a mother who brought into her home as a companion to her own son, a crippled boy who was also a hunchback. She had warned her boy to be very careful in his relations to him, and not to touch the sensitive part of his life but go right on playing with him as if he were an ordinary boy. She listened to her son as they were playing; and after a few minutes he said to his companion: "Do you know what you have got on your back?" The little hunchback was embarrassed, and he hesitated a moment. The boy said: "It is the box in which your wings are; and some day God is going to cut it open, and then you will fly away and be an angel."

Some day, God is going to reveal the fact to every Christian, that the very principles they now rebel against, have been the instruments which He used in perfecting their characters and moulding them into perfection, polished stones for His great building yonder. --Cortland Myers

Suffering is a wonderful fertilizer to the roots of character. The great object of this life is character. This is the only thing we can carry with us into eternity. . . . To gain the most of it and the best of it is the object of probation. --Austin Phelps

"By the thorn road and no other is the mount of vision won." -- Theodore Epp

~Streams in the Desert

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T07:53:00.001-06:00

I can't believe how fast this year has gone by! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving already. This year I am not cooking a meal. We were invited by some friends to come enjoy Thanksgiving with them and their family. Randy and Shawnda and some great people. They were a great help while I was in the hospital, too.

I am thankful for so many things...Christ who saved my soul, my husband and his wisdom and care, his love for me, my son who is becoming quite the young man, my home where I lay my head and care for my family, and my church family who has shown me so much love. I am also thankful for good food, woodstoves, rainy nights, the sound of frogs, the beauty of a sunset, the people I was blessed to meet in Venezuela, and fresh eggs from our chickens. :)

Happy Thanksgiving! I wish I could say that to everyone I am not able, but I'm sure they know they are thought of often. :)

I pray you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember Who to thank. :)

It's a new day!

2011-11-21T07:05:00.001-06:00

I just want to say how much I love my husband. :) This past weekend he really helped me get through a rough time with coming to terms with my disease...Myasthenia Gravis. You see, in the past, I would pretend not to have this disease and do as I pleased. I would do whatever I wanted and would push myself hard. Only in the evenings would I then be weak and tired. But that is not the case anymore...

I am weak and tired as soon as I wake up in the morning. There is no trying to pretend I don't have this disease...even though I've had it for 14 yrs now. There is also no denying it's progression.

My husband told me not to pretend I don't have this disease anymore, but rather REMEMBER I have it and in so doing be a better steward my strength and time. It's part of who I am.

I have started my sm dose chemo and so far have just had stomach pain, no nausea and a bit of heart issues with it, too. Nothing to worry about yet. Praying I will be able to stay on this medicine and get some benefit from it in a few months. I increase the dosage on Wednesday for a week and increase again in a week.

My husband helped me realize that my bad attitude was coming from not dealing with this disease properly and deep down I was bitter about it and it was coming out in different ways. Not good ways. So now that I have dealt with it properly, my attitude is so much better. :) I have Myasthenia Gravis. That's just the way it is and yes I must change some of the things I do now, but that's ok. It's a new normal. I am content. God has reminded me of His love, His provision, His help, and His mercy.

My attitude...

2011-11-19T07:46:00.000-06:00

I have found it difficult the last few days to keep a good attitude...I'm just being honest. I have been SO tired that my nerves seem to be frazzled. Every noise, irritation, etc brings tension to my body. I have had such a hard time being still in my mind and body. My thoughts go a hundred miles an hour, constantly thinking on something or other. I just don't feel settled. I haven't felt settled since I got home from the hospital. I could be that my body is just so weak and wore down and I am just so exhausted. I haven't been able to get back to things like I wanted and it makes me irritated. Can anyone relate?

I certainly don't like this attitude I have. I have prayed and asked God to release this sourness I feel in my soul. I realize it is a choice to have an unbecoming attitude and I am trying very hard to make good choices when situations arise. I want a gentle spirit...

Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

When push comes to shove, the true test of godly character is applying it in everyday situations. I have been failing at this lately. I need to refine this character and become a light instead of a wet blanket....;)

Pumpkin maple rolls...

2011-11-18T06:52:00.000-06:00

Just like cinnamon rolls, but with a few add-ins like pumpkin, maple syrup and nutmeg! Delicious fresh and warm out of the oven and perfect for fall!

Ingredients

FOR THE ROLLS:
1 package (2 1/2 Teaspoons In A Package) Active Dry Yeast
½ cups Warm Water
½ cups Warm Milk
¼ cups Melted Butter, Cooled
⅔ cups Granulated Sugar For The Dough, Plus 1/4 Teaspoon For Proofing Yeast
1 teaspoon Salt
¾ cups Pumpkin Puree
6 cups All Purpose Flour (give Or Take 1 Cup)
_____
FOR THE FILLING:
¼ cups Maple Syrup
2 Tablespoons Melted Butter
¾ cups Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons Cinnamon
½ teaspoons Nutmeg - Optional
_____
FOR THE GLAZE:
2 cups Powdered Sugar
¼ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
¾ teaspoons Maple Flavoring Or Extract
3 Tablespoons Milk

Preparation Instructions

In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast and 1/4 teaspoon sugar over the warm water. Stir and proof 5-10 minutes. After yeast has foamed, stir in milk, butter, the remaining sugar, salt, pumpkin puree, and half the flour. Stir in flour by 1/2-cup increments. When you can no longer stir, remove dough to a board and knead in remaining flour or until dough is similar to bread dough, slightly sticky but won’t stick to your hands. (For me, it took me about 5 minutes of kneading and I used 5 1/2 cups flour.) Lightly grease dough ball and place into a clean bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm, draft free area in your kitchen. Let dough rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
While waiting for dough to rise, grease a 9×13 pan and 1 pie plate or an 8×8 square dish. In a small bowl, stir maple syrup and butter together.
Punch down dough and remove to a clean, lightly greased board. Roll dough out to a 24×12 inch rectangle (approximately). Pour butter and maple syrup mixture over rolled dough and spread out to moisten entire surface. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg on top of the dough and press down lightly. Roll dough up lengthwise into a long, skinny log. Pinch edges of dough together. Using a sharp knife, cut entire log in half (to get 2 pieces). Cut those halves in half again (to get 4). Cut those halves in half again (to get 8 ) and then again (to get 16). Place rolls in prepared pans. (12 rolls in the 9×13, 4 in the other.) If some of the filling oozes out onto your board while cutting, scrape it off and place on top of the rolls to bake (we don’t want to lose any filling!). Cover rolls to rise again for 1 hour or until they have almost doubled in size. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until top of rolls are golden brown. (Check them after 18 minutes just to be sure you don’t over bake them.)
While rolls are baking, whip powdered sugar, vanilla, maple extract, and milk together until smooth. Drizzle over hot rolls and serve warm.

Don't be offended...

2011-11-17T07:22:00.000-06:00

"Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me" (Luke 7:23).

It is sometimes very difficult not to be offended in Jesus Christ. The offenses may be circumstantial. I find myself in a prison-house--a narrow sphere, a sick chamber, an unpopular position--when I had hoped for wide opportunities. Yes, but He knows what is best for me. My environment is of His determining. He means it to intensify my faith, to draw me into nearer communion with Himself, to ripen my power. In the dungeon my soul should prosper.

The offense may be mental. I am haunted by perplexities, questions, which I cannot solve. I had hoped that, when I gave myself to Him, my sky would always be clear; but often it is overspread by mist and cloud. Yet let me believe that, if difficulties remain, it is that I may learn to trust Him all the more implicitly--to trust and not be afraid. Yes, and by my intellectual conflicts, I am trained to be a tutor to other storm-driven men.

The offense may be spiritual. I had fancied that within His fold I should never feel the biting winds of temptation; but it is best as it is. His grace is magnified. My own character is matured. His Heaven is sweeter at the close of the day. There I shall look back on the turnings and trials of the way, and shall sing the praises of my Guide. So, let come what will come, His will is welcome; and I shall refuse to be offended in my loving Lord. --Alexander Smellie

Our new addition...and update

2011-11-15T07:16:00.001-06:00

We rescued her from the pound. :) She is a rat terrier mix and we named her Daisey Mae. She is checking out our other dog, Magnum, a doberman pincher.

Hunter is playing with her. :)

She loves to sleep next to you. She is 4 mos old and last night was her first night here and she did great! She slept in her crate from 9 to 5 (because I got up to let her out, she was still asleep lol). I think tomorrow I will let her (and me) sleep in and see how that goes. She makes me smile :)

I got a call from the pharmacy late last night letting me know my Cellcept (sm dose chemo) was ready to pick up...huh?

She said the pharmacist had it overrided. So I will start my first dose of treatment tomorrow night. Go tomorrow to find out if I can still switch plans that will cover it in the future. :) Now let's pray I can tolerate it. Should see some slowing in progression of this disease in 3 to 8 mos if my body can take it. :)

Arepa recipe...naturally gluten free

2011-11-13T06:51:00.000-06:00

Arepa Recipe

2 1/2 c hot water

1 t salt

2 c p.a.n corn flour (precooked corn meal)

2 t melted butter

Mix salt into the hot water

Add the corn meal to the water slowly and stir until a soft dough forms. It will feel like playdough. Not sticky, not dry. Let dough rest 15 min

After dough rests, patty it up into 3 in x 1 in circles. The dough should not be sticky nor dry, but just right.

Heat oil or butter in a skillet and fry the circles 6 min per side on medium heat to get a nice crust to form on the outside. You want them to brown a little.

Once browned, put in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 min until they sound hollow when tapped.

Remove from oven and slice open (but don't cut all the way in half) and stuff with eggs, cheese, black beans, shredded beef, etc.

Enjoy!

We ate this A LOT in Venezuela and I missed it so much I had to make my own. They turned out great and brought back great memories of my Venezuelan friends. :) I love learning about foods from other cultures. We still keep in contact with the friends we met in Venezuela and I'm so glad!

My husband is going to be heading out on another mission trip in January to the Dominican Republic. If you think about it, could you say a prayer for him and the trip. He is part of a team that will be going in for an eyewitness tour. Just him and one of our pastors will be going from our church. They will probably join up with some other people when they get there. Thanks!

Nothing is too hard...

2011-11-12T08:28:00.000-06:00

"Is there anything too hard for Jehovah?" (Gen. 18:14).

Here is God's loving challenge to you and to me today. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, worthiest desire and longing of our hearts, something which perhaps was our desire for ourselves or for someone dear to us, yet which has been so long unfulfilled that we have looked upon it as only a lost desire, that which might have been but now cannot be, and so have given up hope of seeing it fulfilled in this life.

That thing, if it is in line with what we know to be His expressed will as a son to Abraham and Sarah was., God intends to do for us, even if we know that it is of such utter impossibility that we only laugh at the absurdity of anyone's supposing it could ever now come to pass. That thing God intends to do for us, if we will let Him.

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Not when we believe in Him enough to go forward and do His will, and let Him do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve.

The only thing too hard for Jehovah is deliberate, continued disbelief in His love and power, and our final rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is too hard for Jehovah to do for them that trust Him --Messages for the Morning Watch

~Streams in the Desert

Praying for our military...

2011-11-11T07:23:00.000-06:00

"Wrestling prayer can wonders do,

Bring relief in deepest straits;

Prayer can force a passage through

Iron bars and brazen gates."

I am thankful for all my family that has served in the military. In fact, out of all the kids in my family, I was the only one who didn't serve. I am thankful for their contribution to our country.

I pray for our military and I hope you do, too. They have a lot of sacrifices they make for us all. My son told me yesterday that he wanted to join the military when he turns 18. He is 14. He gave me lots of good reasons why he wanted to join. We will see what God has in store for him. :)

I encourage you to keep our military and their families in your prayers.

Arepas and more...

2011-11-10T07:14:00.000-06:00

I was so excited to find the pre-cooked corn meal here in our town to make arepas! It is the same brand I found in Venezuela. Arepas were a staple in Venezuela and they are naturally gluten free. :) I liken them to a corn english muffin. You can put anything in them...eggs, cheese, black beans, meat, etc. I am going to make some Saturday Lord willing.

Here is a recipe

2 1/2 cups masarepa cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups hot water
2 tablespoons melted butter
Vegetable oil

Preparation:

Stir salt into arepa flour.
Pour hot water over flour and mix well with a wooden spoon. Stir in the melted butter. Cover dough with plastic wrap and let rest 15 minutes.
If preparing the thicker, Venezuelan style arepas, separate dough into 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
Place each ball in between 2 sheets of plastic wrap or two ziplock bags and flatten gently with the bottom of a pot. Arepas should be about 3 inches in diameter and almost an inch thick. Use your fingers to smooth out any cracks along the edges. Place shaped arepas on cookie sheet, covered with plastic wrap.
If making the thinner, Colombian-style arepas, divide the dough into 20 pieces, and form into balls. Place balls between 2 pieces of plastic and flatten with a heavy pot or skillet until they are about 3 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick, using your fingers to smooth out any cracks along the edges. Place arepas on a cookie sheet, covered with plastic wrap.
Heat a cast iron skillet on medium heat. Place 1/2 tablespoon butter or oil in the skillet. Place several arepas in the pan, leaving room so that you can turn them.
Cook arepas about 5 minutes on each side. The surface should dry and form a crust. They will brown slightly, but do not let them brown too much. They should look like an english muffin. If they are browning too fast, lower the heat. Add more butter or oil for subsequent batches as needed.
The thinner arepas are done when they have formed a nice crust, but are still soft on the inside. Serve them hot.
The thicker, Venezuelan-style arepas finish cooking in the oven. Place them on a cookie sheet and heat for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve hot.

On another note, I was to begin treatment last night of a small dose chemo (Cellcept), but my insurance would not cover any of it. So I am looking into switching prescription coverages next week and possibly start that treatment then. If covered, it will take 3-8 mos for the medicine to kick in. OR I may not be taking it depending on the circumstances. I realize that God is in control and if He wants me to take this, He will make a way. Otherwise, I am just going to go about living my life even if it be in a weakened state. As I have said before, I will do what the good Lord allows me to each day regardless and be content with that. :)

Now off to cook breakfast...;)

Sore Muscle Salve Recipe...

2011-11-09T08:10:00.001-06:00

This is a wonderful homemade salve you can make right in your own kitchen. It is much like Tiger Balm. It is a warming salve. Would make a great gift.

1 c Calendula infused olive oil (or cayenne infused oil for extra strength)

1.3 oz beeswax

50 drops camphor essential oil

50 drops eucalyptus/peppermint essential oil

30 drops cajuput essential oil

20 drops clove essential oil

20 drops cinnamon essential oil

1 vitamin e capsule

Heat beeswax with oil 30 sec at a time until melted. Add essential oils and vitamin e capsule. Pour into containers. I use 1 oz tins. Makes about 8-10 oz.

In the kitchen...

2011-11-07T12:14:00.000-06:00

I was poking around the kitchen today and did it feel good! I missed it. I made some apple cider donuts this morning and they were yummy! Felt good to be able to do some baking again. I am pretty tired now, but it was worth it. :)

I am hoping to make some cornbread tonight to go with supper. I froze some Italian sausage soup before my hospital visit and look forward to having that tonight. Mmmm. :) My husband is watching me like a hawk and won't let me do too much. He is off today due to the rain so I can't even fib. ;)

I go to the neurologist on Wednesday to discuss my last treatment option. (small dose chemo called Cellcept to work as immunosuppression.) Need to find out if I can take it or not due to having Chronic Espstein-Barr Virus and not tolerating it in the past. We will see. It's really in God's hands. Either way, I am learning to be content with poor working limbs, trouble getting breath, and exhaustion. God provided me with enough strength today to make donuts for my family. I am happy with that. :)

Hope everyone is enjoying this time of year. I just love it. Even these dreary rainy days. It's a great excuse to cozy up with each other and enjoy the woodstove, hot cider, and stove-popped popcorn. :)

Ah the days...

2011-11-06T14:54:00.001-06:00

I love days like these...relaxing. My husband has been making me relax since I've been home from the hospital. Tomorrow I will start back in the kitchen again baking and cooking meals...my favorite thing to do for my family. :) Apple cider donuts and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies will be coming out of the kitchen this week Lord willing.

The weather is getting dreary again and it's been woodstove weather. I love our woodstove. It keeps us nice and warm in any frigid temperature. It smells so cozy when the oaks burns inside. Simple pleasures.

I've loved watching our kittens chase after leaves on the deck. So cute...for now, until they find homes. ;) My chickens rustle up the leaves searching for that last treat of any bugs they can find before the snow flies. They are fun to watch and love the blessing of fresh eggs.

I am so thankful that God has allowed me to make a home. I love being a keeper at home and providing a warm, cozy, safe, place for my family to reside in. It brings my heart joy to make a home. I try hard not to take it for granted. I want to be able to do it even into my old age. (Lord willing) My family mean so much to me and I love taking care of them.

So sometimes, when they need to take care of me, I enjoy those days as much as I can. I love how much they love me. I love the days when they let me relax. :) Ah the days...

Affliction is not by chance...

2011-11-04T10:24:00.001-05:00

God takes the most eminent and choicest of His servants for the choicest and most eminent afflictions. They who have received most grace from God are able to bear most afflictions from God. Affliction does not hit the saint by chance, but by direction. God does not draw His bow at a venture. Every one of His arrows goes upon a special errand and touches no breast but his against whom it is sent. It is not only the grace, but the glory of a believer when we can stand and take affliction quietly. --Joseph Caryl

I love this quote. It reminds me that no affliction happens by chance. It is God's direction and for a purpose.

I want to thank you all for your prayers as of late. Dad, I know you have been praying for me even though I was not able to hear any of the words. They were felt. Thank you. I hope you are well. I want you to know that God surely did a work on me while I was in the hospital. Spiritually there was a heart change and I am now filled with so much peace and joy that I feel I can take on any affliction He directs. :) He spoke to me about this disease. He said to take my focus off of it and just live my life for Him in my weakness and live and love with all I have despite my difficulties. They will be there, but so will He.

I am resting again today waiting for some of the lingering effects of the aseptic meningitis to wear off. Hoping soon to get back at life as usual only now with more joy and sweetness. :) Our God is so good, so good. We are so blessed to serve Him. :) I hope you all have a great day and remember to share a smile with someone today. It goes a long way. :)

I'm home...

2011-11-03T08:16:00.001-05:00

I had to stop the treatments early. I only got two treatments in before my body had a reaction to it. I got extremely nauseous and then came the horrible migraine. It feels like your brain is swelling and throbbing against your skull with searing pain to boot. Unbelievable pain. (found out it's called aseptic meningitis, not contagious like bacterial meningitis) I am not a pain pill person...no pain meds with giving birth or when I had my open chest surgery, but this was different. They gave me Vicodin and Morphine to no avail. Nothing worked. The pain was relentless and I couldn't take it. I could suffer like that no longer. So treatment was stopped and I came home last night.

The pain has subsided some and is tolerable now. Waiting for the effects of the treatment to wear off. Unfortunately, because I could not do the treatment, getting better will take longer. We are going to try a small dose of chemo in pill form called Cellcept next week and if tolerated will take 3 to 8 months to see any improvement in strength. My family has been great and so thankful for a husband who loves me and is supportive.

God and I had some great talks while in the hospital. I had no idea I was undermining Him. He made it clear that He gives me the strength I need for each day and no more. Well, I was taking what He gave me and thinking it was not enough and pushing past what He provided and then paying for it. He said if He gives me strength enough to get the dishes done that day then that's what He wanted me to accomplish that day and then rest. If He gives me strength enough for dishes, cooking, cleaning, etc, then that's what He wanted me to accomplish that day and then rest. Make sense? Instead of thinking just getting the dishes done was ok, I though surely God meant to give me more strength to get more done. So I tried to do more without His blessing...doesn't work out too well. ;)

Hoping to be have some strength for the holidays. I love to bake for my family and praying for energy and strength in my arms to do so. I love to bless them that way. The smell in the house is an added bonus. :) I love this time of year. It's slower, cozier, peaceful, etc.

I still have a lingering headache, but it's manageable. I thank you all for your prayers. Please continue to pray for me and that the pain will be gone for good and that the medicine I start next week will be tolerable. Blessings to you!

Heading out...

2011-10-31T07:07:00.001-05:00

I'm heading out to the hospital today for 5 days. I am so thankful for the prayers that have gone out on my behalf. It is comforting knowing I'm being prayer for. And a prayer links the person praying with the person being prayed for together with God. Even if miles separate the two, they are still close together through prayer. I pray to be an encouragement to others while there and be a light for Him.

I will try hard to get better and pray for the treatment to be tolerated and work.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

Getting ready...

2011-10-29T10:02:00.001-05:00

Spending the day enjoying time together before I head to the hospital Monday. Ryan is cleaning the woodstove pipe so we can start our fires for the winter. I love the warmth of that woodstove. So comforting.

We are heading out later to buy new bibles as Ryan and I gave away our bibles in Venezuela. Mine was tattered, underlined, and precious to me, but I was blessed to give it away to a Venezuelan youth. They will share the english versions amongst their friends.

I will be packing a small bag to take with me to the hospital. I want to be as comfortable as I can be.

I may not be able to post while I'm in the hospital, but please know I am thinking of you all and appreciate the prayers. I will update as soon as I can.

More Venezuela tid-bits and needed prayers...

2011-10-27T07:47:00.001-05:00

We had an interesting time trying to get our coffee we bought out of Venezuela. We bought about 17 packs and they thought we were smuggling drugs with them. Oye. My husband was taken away alone with no english speaking people to have his luggage inspected. This happened twice. After poking the coffee and tasting it, they finally let him have it. LOL. Made a memory. :) We all got patted down, girls by the women security and boys by the men security.

We had lots of tasty foods like Arepas, Cachapas, and Venezuelan scrambled eggs. :) Ryan ate quail eggs and also Capybarra, the worlds largest rodent. Um no not me. ;)

The mountains were amazing. The roads were all dirt though and really rough. We got to see a large monkey in the trees on the way up to the school in the mountains. Pretty cool.

Bats. Oh the bats.

Ants. Oh the ants.

We were unable to renew our vows there. Just never had the chance. Plans kept changing. We will probably wait until our 20th now. :)

I have never laughed so much as I have on this trip. There was so much laughter it was amazing to me. I think we as Americans can be so uptight and stressed (I'm guilty) that we forget to just be happy.

Now for the needed prayers. My disease is progressing and the trip just added more to it. I have to be admitted on Monday for a treatment of IVIG. I will be there for 5 days. I am going to another town's hospital in Champaign instead of staying in our town for it. The last time I had this treatment, I was hospitalized for 14 days and was on the brink of death. I DON'T want that to happen again this time. Please go to the Lord on my behalf and ask for me to be spared from horrible side effects of the treatment and that it would help slow down the progression and give me some strength back. Thank you!

Venezuelan Blessings...Pic heavy

2011-10-26T07:57:00.000-05:00

I'm baaaaack! What an experience! Venezuela was such a blessing to me. The people there are so hospitable, loving, and kind. The travel part was very hard on me, though. We traveled for more than 24 hours and was up for 48 hours. Not so good on my body. But, I am home now and have one full nights sleep in and boy did it feel good! I will share some pictures with you that speak louder than words, but first wanted to share some of my favorite things about the trip...

Favorite things about Venezuela...Top on my list was coming out of one of the homes bathrooms and stopping to say hello to the lady of the house. She was speaking with another woman who was told at the hospital that she could find hope at the 12th of October Church so she stopped by. She confessed her sins and accepted Christ right then. It was such a blessing to be a part of that. I love how they witnessed to her and got right down to it. :) Her name is Joanna if you want to keep her in your prayers. Other favorite things...the passion and heart of the people for Christ when they worship, the hospitality, scenery in the country, love that was shared, the food, how they love each other, their music, the laughter...I just can't say enough of how blessed I was by them. So glad God was gracious enough to allow me to serve there.

Worship outside

Breakfast first morning at a restaurant.

Little girl with my same name. She was so adorable. :) Got to hang out with her the whole week.

This is how we traveled. Standing in the back of a pickup...I got to sit on a seat back there. :) It was fun!

Getting started on the roof structure.

My handsome hubby!

The half finished roof. We ran out of supplies, but they made it into a beautiful place anyway. Now they are at least covered.

We were given pins and gifts during service. This is the woman who I was blessed to witness come to Christ. Her name is Joana. She wanted to personally put the pin on me. :)

We made so many friends and formed so many bonds that will last a lifetime. :) This is Helys.

The hospitality was amazing! We were blessed to have our meals (aside from a few) in the homes of the local church members. They fixed us traditional Venezuelan food like Arepas, Cachapas, Yucca, Plantian, etc.

The music was amazing! This is a traditional instrument (can't remember the name)

We visited a school up in the mountains and this was all the students. :)

Taking a break. :)

Another worship service at another church we helped out at. We painted windows and set up electricity. The girl with the microphone was helping with translating. :)

Their passion for worship was so refreshing and encouraging!

They presented us with plaques for help. We were taken aback with their generosity. We didn't feel like we needed a plaque for doing the Lord's work. :)

We are going to miss their faces. Hated to see them cry when we left...

Leaving on a jet plane...

2011-10-15T07:56:00.001-05:00

“A woman whose heart is not touched by the sickness of sorrow and whose hands do not go out in relief where it is in her power to help, lacks one of the elements which make the glory of womanhood.”

Heading to Venezuela tomorrow morning...won't arrive there until Monday morning. I covet your prayers during this trip. We will be back home on the 25th. I hope to share our experience with you through pictures when I get home. See ya when we get back!

Just breathe...

2011-10-13T15:14:00.000-05:00

On the above map, you will see Caracas, that is where we are flying into. We will fly from Chicago to Mexico City and have a longgggg layover and then off to Caracas. After we land we have a 3 hour drive to where we will be working. Please pray for strength, that it will go smoothly, and my sanity lol.

We will be working on building a structure for the people to worship in as right now they worship outside with no shelter. I will be doing the very best I can. My disease is still acting up pretty good, but I trust He will get me through and teach me many things while there. Even if I can only hand someone a tool, I will be blessed to do so.

It seems like I will never remember everything I need to take to Venezuela. Those of you that know me, know I can be a bit scattered. Yes, I made a list...but how do I know if I wrote everything down I need to take? ;)

I did some sewing (whew, getting harder and harder) so I would have some shorts to take with me, trying to get things squared away here at home, we still have to get food to take with us, snacks for Hunter to take with him to our friends where he will be staying, oh and PACK. Just breathe...oh ya.

It's raining here today and it reminds me of times a comin' where we will be hibernating by the woodstove for the winter and enjoying our time together. But, right now, I am enjoying this time of year. Fall is my most favorite season of all. :) Pumpkins, baked goods, warm fire, falling leaves, the sound of them crunching under my feet, the beauty, crisp air...the list goes on. :)

We are leaving Sunday, so if it's quiet here don't fret, I'll be back. Lord willing and the creek don't rise. ;)

I will miss you all...

Are you an encouragement to your husband?

2011-10-12T07:43:00.000-05:00

When we get married, we come under the protection and leadership of our husbands. Let's face it, they have a big job. Being a leader, protector, and provider of a home can be stressful at times. They carry a lot of responsibility on their shoulders.

They may become discouraged some days. As a helpmeet to him, we can bring sweet peace to them in their discouragement. And even if they are not discouraged, we can still bring the comfort, softness, and ease with how we manage our home.

When he comes home from work, don't dump your days frustrations on him. Greet him with a smile and follow him to where he goes and sit next to him and ask him how his day was. Listen...

Have a warm, wholesome meal waiting for him when he comes home. Good homecooking is always an encouragement. :) Make food he enjoys. And dessert never hurt. ;)

Make sure the house is in order. Having a house in disarray can subconsciously lead to irritation. You or he may start to feel jumble inside because of the house being jumbled.

Be available to him as much as possible. Don't reject him when he initiates intimacy. Be open, loving, tender, and focused.

My husband is encouraged when I am just near him. I don't have to say a word. He just likes being in my presence. He says it comforts him. He likes it when I sit in the bathroom while he is taking a shower and talk with him. Sure, I could be doing a million other things, but he is a priority, so I make time to do what he likes.

Praying for your husband is crucial. This helps us be an encouragement to him. If for some reason you are angry with your husband, praying for them takes the focus off self and on to whom you are praying for. It's hard to be upset with someone you are praying for. Oh and don't make the prayers selfish ones...like praying for them to change. Pray for you to change and be more open to what he needs. We need to pray for their safety, that they would allow the Lord to lead them so they can lead us, pray for their jobs, and pray for their strength. They have a lot on their shoulders.

I hope this gives you some ideas as how to be an encouragement to your husband. :) It's so important! Next to serving God, serving our husbands is the next most important thing we are created to do. It's quite the blessing!

A day at the pumpkin patch..

2011-10-11T07:51:00.000-05:00

We spent some time at the pumpkin patch on Saturday. It was soooo nice out! Beautiful weather. We walked around and looked at all the different varieties of pumpkins and squash. Ryan didn't seem to be too interested...lol.

Hunter, my little photographer, enjoyed taking some pictures. He took some great shots and will be entering some of them into a photo contest this week.

He is getting so big..or should I say long/tall. :)

I enjoy spending time with family. The only thing we are going to have in Heaven that is from the earth is our relationships/people. We need to invest in them.

Looking forward to this Sunday when we leave for Venezuela. I will miss Hunter as he cannot come with us, but will enjoy serving with my husband in a country we have never been.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and remember some things never change.

Fighting...

2011-10-10T07:35:00.001-05:00

There is no victory without a FIGHT. Not all things come easy. Most things, to reach victory, require a fight. Which means we can become battle worn. It's ok...

Myasthenia Gravis requires you to get down in the dirt and fight for what is left of your strength. You must fight off negative thoughts and depression. You must fight off feeling alone where no one understands what the disease puts you through. You must fight through pain to win your day. I have done all these things and will continue to. Knowing that God is spearheading this battle, makes me fight all the harder...

22 ways to bless your husband

2011-10-08T07:05:00.000-05:00

This wonderful post comes from The Humble Homemaker. Great tips!

See him out the door in the morning. (Something very special about this. It's very hard for me because my hubby is gone by 4:30 AM, then I can't get back to sleep, but I think it's SO sweet.)
Cook his favorite meals often. (You know the old saying: The way to a mans heart is through his belly =)
Look neat and clean when he comes home from work. (Being dressed up may not be reasonable depending on the time he arrives, but combed hair and smelling nice is a sure blessing!)
Handle family gathering details with in-laws. (In our family we're a bunch of women and he appreciates not having to confuse himself in our details. There are usually many details =)
Spend alone time with him. (If you have small children, it's wonderful that you delight in raising them and care not for leaving them behind. But one day they will be out of the house, and there you will be with your husband. Do you know him the way you once did? Do you have fun together? So long as there is a trusted person who can watch your kiddies, there's really nothing wrong with stepping out with your love. We only get to do this one to two times a year, and we have great fun every time!)
Massage him. (If your husband has a physical job his muscles need to be tugged on and touched. If he doesn't have a physical job, I'm sure he wouldn't mind your hands rubbing on him!)
Wear lingerie. (Is there a man on the planet who wouldn't appreciate this?)
Take interest in his hobbies. (If you are worried about coming off hypocritical, think about it like this: You're interested in him, right? Well those desires of his heart are a part of who he is, so in essence there is a genuine interest.)
Give him alone time. (Some people don't like being alone, and if that is your husband scratch this one. But it's nice to quietly unwind in our own homes. If he needs this, don't be discouraged or take it personally.)
Discipline your children. (What a blessing for the man who doesn't have to come home to chaos. Having small children I understand what it's like for there to be a lot ENERGY in the home, but children need to know boundaries.)
Light some candles. (Candles are romantic, yes, but they also serve to relax the body and mind. Set the stage for your man to relax.)
Keep your home. (A clean home in my opinion is one of life's greatest things. There is no place like a clean home.)
Sing or dance for him. (I love how in some cultures this is the norm. In my opinion this is one of the loveliest things a woman can do for her man.)
Listen to him. (Sometimes we women talk too much. Point blank.)
Write him a love letter. (Make it juicy.)
Plan a rendezvous. (Get a baby sitter (without him knowing) and take him out to dinner, or if circumstances allow ~ a surprise weekend getaway would be great!)
Be spontaneous. (Use your imagination.)
Pray for wisdom. (The wise woman is an invaluable blessing.)
Appreciate him. (Genuinely)
Public Praise. (Not to promote pride in any way; I think it's a great way to re-affirm confidence.)
Soak his feet. (Do you love pedicures? I do! I don't get them often, but soaking right at home, sitting in a comfy chair or sofa is just as good. It's really a blessing.)
Look him in the eye and smile. (Let him see that sparkle that tells *I'm a woman in love*! Be giddy, be joyful.)

You know your husband best; some of these suggestions would not be appreciated by him. That's all they are, suggestions, to get the wheels rolling in our minds so that we can continue to be a blessing to God's precious gift to us, our husbands.

He
How beautiful you are, my darling. How very beautiful! Your eyes are doves.
She
How handsome you are, my love. How delightful! Our bed is lush with foliage. ~ Son of Solomon 1:15-16

The best whipped cream ever...in my opinion. ;)

2011-10-07T16:08:00.000-05:00

This is how I make whipped cream. PLEASE don't buy it in the freezer section...yuck! It is SO easy to make your own from scratch!

All you need is 1 c heavy whipping cream, 4 T sugar, and 1/2 t vanilla. Use your mixer to whip this up in a jiffy!

Set your mixer on high...

Mine usually ends up on 9 or so...It's about here that I add in a pinch of cinnamon. :)

You want to whip it until you get stiff peaks...don't whip too long or you'll get butter! (Another great thing made from scratch!) :)

I used it on the Pumpkin Cream Tarts I posted in an earlier post. Very yummy! This whipped cream will be great on pies this holiday season and whatever other desserts you love to use whipped cream in. :)

Homemakers and Homesteaders...

2011-10-06T18:44:00.002-05:00

If you are looking for a great place to find info on facebook, check out my Homemakers and Homesteaders page on facebook. You can find the badge on the right side of this blog above the "About Me" section. :) See ya there!

Don't fret...

2011-10-06T08:32:00.001-05:00

It is always weakness to be fretting and worrying, questioning and mistrusting. Can we gain anything by it? Do we not unfit ourselves for action, and unhinge our minds for wise decision? We are sinking by our struggles when we might float by faith.

Oh, for grace to be quiet! Oh, to be still and know that Jehovah is God! The Holy One of Israel must defend and deliver His own. We may be sure that every word of His will stand, though the mountains should depart. He deserves to be confided in. Come, my soul, return unto thy rest, and lean thy head upon the bosom of the Lord Jesus.

~Streams in the Desert

It can sure be difficult not to fret, can't it? It's true, we don't gain anything by it. Just more worry. Resting in the bosom of Jesus is the best place to be. When we are still and rest in Him, all our worries fade away. He takes them and replaces them with His peace...

Italian Sausage and Corn Chowder

2011-10-05T08:42:00.001-05:00

I got this from Tasty Kitchen and I wanted to share it because it was the BEST soup I have ever made my family. It was so flavorful! Very, very good!

Recipe Description

A hearty chowder to warm you up on a chilly day. If you like spicy food, be sure to use hot Italian sausage, but it is just as delicious with sweet Italian sausage.

Preparation Instructions

Cook sausage in a Dutch oven over medium heat until browned. Remove sausage from Dutch oven and set aside. Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add onion and saute 3-4 minutes until tender. Add garlic and saute another minute. Add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half. Bring to a simmer. Add thyme, basil, marjoram, oregano and red pepper flakes.
Add red pepper, celery, carrot and potatoes. Return the sausage to the Dutch oven. Continue simmering for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Add corn and continuing simmering 5 minutes or until the corn is tender.
Season with salt and pepper.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley and sliced green onion.

Ingredients

1 pound Italian Sausage (hot Or Sweet) I USED MILD
1 whole Medium Onion, Chopped
4 cloves Garlic, Minced
¼ cups Flour (I USED GF FLOUR)
2 cups Chicken Broth
4 cups Half-and-half
¾ teaspoons Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon Dried Basil
½ teaspoons Dried Marjoram
½ teaspoons Dried Oregano
¼ teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
1 whole Red Bell Pepper, Diced
⅓ cups Celery Finely Chopped
⅓ cups Carrot, Shredded
2 whole Medium Potatoes, Peeled And Cut Into 1 Inch Dice, About 2 Cups
1-½ cup Corn
½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
¼ teaspoons Pepper

Strong enough...

2011-10-04T07:57:00.001-05:00

Bearing the sting...

2011-10-03T07:36:00.001-05:00

"He opened not his mouth" (Isa. 53:7).

How much grace it requires to bear a misunderstanding rightly, and to receive an unkind judgment in holy sweetness! Nothing tests the Christian character more than to have some evil thing said about him. This is the file that soon proves whether we are electro-plate or solid gold. If we could only know the blessings that lie hidden in our trials we would say like David, when Shimei cursed him, "Let him curse; . . . it may be . . . that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day."

Some people get easily turned aside from the grandeur of their life-work by pursuing their own grievances and enemies, until their life gets turned into one little petty whirl of warfare. It is like a nest of hornets. You may disperse the hornets, but you will probably get terribly stung, and get nothing for your pains, for even their honey is not worth a search.

God give us more of His Spirit, "who, when he was reviled, reviled not again"; but "committed himself to him that judgeth righteously." "Consider him that endureth such contradiction of sinners against himself."--A. B. Simpson

~Streams in the Desert

Discovering the spoken Word...

2011-09-30T08:42:00.002-05:00

Our family started reading the bible again together last night. We tend to read individually, but not together. So we started last night. Some of our problem of doing it together was that we could only do it in the evenings when my husband comes home, which is sometimes later. We would read a chapter and take turns reading verses and we would end up yawning, being distracted, and tired. Sooooo, last night we discovered that the bible app we have on our smart phones has a feature that you can click to have someone read the scripture.

My first reaction last night to this was "oh this is going to be computer animated and drive me crazy!" But, when my husband clicked on the NIV version to be read, a nice male voice with some sort of comforting accent started to read. I got goose bumps. The Word came to life! We followed along in our own bibles (not on the phone) and underlined what jumped out at us. It was great! The voice made the stories come to life and I could easily visualize myself in the stories. It made me think of how the Word was read in Jesus time in the temples. There is just something about hearing the Word spoken.

It was a new discovery for us and it will make bible time so much easier, especially on my eyes and voice, which both tend to get weak in the evenings. :)

My group on facebook...

2011-09-29T11:53:00.000-05:00

I have created a group on facebook for like minded people who are homemakers and/or homesteaders. Come check it out and share your experiences. :)

Homemakers and Homesteaders Group on Facebook

Thank all!

Which way would you choose?

2011-09-29T08:03:00.000-05:00

There are two ways of getting out of a trial. One is to simply try to get rid of the trial, and be thankful when it is over. The other is to recognize the trial as a challenge from God to claim a larger blessing than we have ever had, and to hail it with delight as an opportunity of obtaining a larger measure of Divine grace. Thus even the adversary becomes an auxiliary, and the things that seem to be against us turn out to be for the furtherance of our way. Surely, this is to be more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
--A. B. Simpson

Fall cooking...

2011-09-28T07:39:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was my husband's birthday and I cooked one of his favorite meals. Stuffed acorn squash.

These were pretty ones that I picked up at the farmer's market. I like them better than the green skinned ones. :)

I simply cut them in half and seed them. Put them in the microwave cut side down for 5 to 7 min until tender. Take out and put on cookie sheet. Stuff with cooked sausage of your choice. I use a natural sausage and add a bit of real maple syrup to it. Sprinkle the flesh of the squash with salt and pepper and pop in a 350 degree oven for about 30 min or so. Take out and enjoy!

Happy Birthday!

2011-09-27T07:56:00.000-05:00

Happy 34th birthday to my wonderful husband! He is such a hard worker and a blessing to our family. He is the head of our house and I'm so thankful for him. He is my cheerleader and encourages me when I need it and is firm when I need it, too. He is a man of steel and velvet. I can't wait to serve with him in Venezuela next month. I hope to celebrate many more birthdays together.

Choose the right thing...

2011-09-26T07:25:00.002-05:00

Oh how it seems that I have struggled with this lately...:( I am being honest with you when I say, that I can have a tendency to be selfish. Here is an example...

Last night, at the end of church service, we found out that Ryan's grandpa was taken to the hospital and we needed to go there. I was exhausted, weak, and hungry. Those were the first things that came to my mind. I am ashamed to say I didn't immediately think of his grandpa. :( I didn't choose the right thing...I chose self. We went to the hospital and found out he has pneumonia and is ok.

I repented from that selfish behavior and strongly desire not to repeat it. I am working hard on not being selfish. It's not a character trait I want to have. I am so thankful for God's grace and forgiveness and another opportunity to chose the right thing...

Pumpkin Cream Oreo Tarts

2011-09-24T08:30:00.001-05:00

These come from Tasty Kitchen. I am hoping to make these this weekend! Yum! Of course, mine will be gluten free. :)

One of my new favorite pumpkin recipes, just in time for fall!

Ingredients

FOR THE CRUST:
16 whole Original Oreo Cookies (mine are gluten free)
4 Tablespoons Butter, Melted
FOR THE FILLING:
8 ounces, weight Cream Cheese, softened
¾ cups Plain Pumpkin Puree
½ cups Granulated Sugar
½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
¼ teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
⅛ teaspoons Ground Nutmeg
FOR THE CREAM:
½ cups Heavy Cream
3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
¼ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
Chopped And Toasted Walnuts, For Garnish (optional)

Preparation Instructions

For the crust, in a food processor, grind Oreo cookies. Pour in melted butter and pulse to mix. Spoon mixture into 4 individual tart pans (mine were 4 inches x 1/2 inch) and press mixture down and up the sides of the pans. Place into the refrigerator.
For the filling, in a large bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla and spices. Whip 1 minute on high. Scrape sides and mix again another 15 seconds or so until smooth. Divide mixture evenly between tarts and smooth the tops. Return to the refrigerator.
For the cream, whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Divide evenly between the four tarts and spread over top. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Keep your face to the sunshine...

2011-09-23T09:02:00.001-05:00

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. ~Helen Keller

If we keep our face towards God, we will not see the shadows in our life. Keeping our eyes on Christ allows us to keep our eyes off self.

If you are suffering, keep your face to the sunshine...let everything else fade away.

Still have lots to do!

2011-09-22T08:49:00.005-05:00

It feels like I will be getting ready for Venezuela right up until we leave. :) I have a lot of sewing to do. I couldn't find any decent long shorts to wear there, so I have to make some. I'm really just improvising and making some pants I found at the thrift shop into shorts. I can't sew for very long anymore. I get very weak and sore and my eyes, because of the damage, just aren't what they used to be. The material goes blurry a lot. To think a few years ago I made all my clothes. (granted I only wore cape dresses then)

I am still trying to get the house organized before we leave. Fall cleaning is underway, but it's very slow. I am still having to work on business things until it's sold in November and that takes a bit of a toll on me. But, I enjoy being a keeper at home so much. :) I look forward to sparkling windows, cakes in the oven, cookies in the jar, and warm winter nights in front of the woodstove.

Please keep us in your prayers as we ready ourselves for Venezuela. We leave Oct 16th. :)

Our "little" buddy...

2011-09-20T16:48:00.003-05:00

This is our "little" buddy, Magnum. He is a Doberman and we love him. He's 4 yrs old now. He was about the size of his head when we got him lol. He's a great dog, albeit lazy. :) His normal day is going outside to potty, eating, laying on couch or floor, repeat. He does love to take walks though. Hunter takes him up to the widows house a few times a week. He really likes that. We chose not to crop his ears and I'm glad we didn't. I like him like this. He is a very laid back dog. :)

I went thrift shopping today and was disappointed in the selection. I really wanted to find some sweaters for me and work pants for my husband. Just wasn't to be. I did find a great mini muffin pan that I can use to make my apple cider donut holes. :) I will make those this week. Can't wait. :) We are having chili and cornbread for supper tonight. Yum!

I'm thinking about Venezuela every day. I am anticipating something wonderful and divine appointed. I want to be prayed up and I want to have a servants heart. They say one way to know if you have a servant's heart or not is to be treated like one and see how you react. I am ashamed to say that sometimes I don't react to well, but it does depend on the circumstance and motives of the other person. Still, it's something I want to be aware of. I want to be humble.

I am desperate for energy, less pain, strength, etc that I have been praying about it a lot. I just want to get back in the saddle so to speak. I cannot wait until my last two shows are done for the business! I have been reminded that God didn't create me for that...He created me to be a keeper at home. Something I am longing to get back to completely. Please, Lord, let my body recover enough after starting treatment that I may be a blessing to my family...

It's winding down...

2011-09-19T07:35:00.002-05:00

Saturday was our last market day for our business. It was a great day there, the best we had all year. Nice way to end the market. We are selling the business as of November 7th. We had 3 people approach us about selling, which made me proud of my products. :) We chose the first person who had interest in buying. She will be using my recipes, but not our name. :) Sooo, Wiseley Used Herbs will live on in someone else's life and my former customers will have a place to purchase the products they have come to love. I still have two shows to do before we sell.

I will be glad to be able to focus my strength and energy on my home. I miss it. Being a Keeper at Home is very important to me. Not having the strength and good health to do both my business and things at home was discouraging, but I know my heart lies at home. Anyone that knows me, knows that. :) I am praying that when I start treatment next month, it will do the trick and I will be able to get back to what I love with more strength and energy...providing yummy homecooked, made from scratch meals, canning, sewing, keeping home, homeschooling more focused, making our groceries, making our own medicine, and making soap just for my family.

It brings my heart so much joy to do those things for my family. So much that it's hard to express it here. Today I will focus on volunteering at the church, homeschool, doing what cleaning I can, cooking supper, and writing up thank you letters for our wonderful donors for Venezuela. So blessed to share that experience with my husband. :)

I pray you all have a great day. It's a bit dreary hear weather wise, but it helps me relax. ;)

Perfection OF suffering...

2011-09-16T07:39:00.000-05:00

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me" (Ps. 138:8).

There is a Divine mystery in suffering, a strange and supernatural power in it, which has never been fathomed by the human reason. There never has been known great saintliness of soul which did not pass through great suffering. When the suffering soul reaches a calm sweet carelessness, when it can inwardly smile at its own suffering, and does not even ask God to deliver it from suffering, then it has wrought its blessed ministry; then patience has its perfect work; then the crucifixion begins to weave itself into a crown.

It is in this state of the perfection of suffering that the Holy Spirit works many marvelous things in our souls. In such a condition, our whole being lies perfectly still under the hand of God; every faculty of the mind and will and heart are at last subdued; a quietness of eternity settles down into the whole being; the tongue grows still, and has but few words to say; it stops asking God questions; it stops crying, "Why hast thou forsaken me?"

The imagination stops building air castles, or running off on foolish lines; the reason is tame and gentle; the choices are annihilated; it has no choice in anything but the purpose of God. The affections are weaned from all creatures and all things; it is so dead that nothing can hurt it, nothing can offend it, nothing can hinder it, nothing can get in its way; for, let the circumstances be what they may, it seeks only for God and His will, and it feels assured that God is making everything in the universe, good or bad, past or present, work together for its good.

Oh, the blessedness of being absolutely conquered! of losing our own strength, and wisdom, and plans, and desires, and being where every atom of our nature is like placid Galilee under the omnipotent feet of our Jesus. --Soul Food

The great thing is to suffer without being discouraged. --Fenelon

"The heart that serves, and loves, and clings,
Hears everywhere the rush of angel wings."

~Streams in the Desert

Crockpots and hair cuts...

2011-09-15T17:22:00.004-05:00

I woke up this morning looking forward to getting my hair trimmed. I've been trying to go every other month to keep my hair in better shape, plus it's relaxing. :) Well, all I wanted was a trim...She did a bit more than that. :( I don't know why hairdressers take so much off when you just want a trim...they must learn that in school. lol

I gotta say, I sure like my crockpot. :) I put chicken in it this morning and love how it smells up the house with it's wonderful aroma. It makes things easier on me with being weak right now. I hope to find some more recipes for it.

I had a friend stop by today with a gift card for us for Cracker Barrel! It was super nice and very appreciated. :) Saving it for difficult days...

Hunter got 100% on a math quiz today! He was so proud of himself. I think it's the first time he's gotten a 100% and it was in fractions (his worst section). I am glad he is getting some confidence in math. :)

I have been in much better spirits today.

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. ~Helen Keller

I have really come to understand what trials are, what they mean in my life, and what kind of person they shape me to be. I am more compassionate, open minded, and patient now than I have ever been. I am so thankful for God opening up my eyes to see things the way He does. It is my desire to grow closer to Him and become the person He is shaping me to be. I never want to be disappointing to Him...

My husband is home early tonight and I am soooo looking forward to cozying up to him on the couch tonight. It is pretty chilly here in central Illinois and I can't think of a better way to spend my evening. :) God has truly blessed me with him. He has grown so much from our high school days...we both have.

I am a blessed mother...

2011-09-14T08:01:00.000-05:00

Having a son who loves you and loves the Lord is such a blessing! He is growing up so fast...

He has a heart for those that are hurting, the underdog...much like I did/do when I was his age. He will make a good husband someday. :) He visits the widow up the road who is 85 yrs old and spends hours talking with her, helping her around the house, and just being a joy to her.

He loves little kids that "aren't quite right." He has compassion for them and spends time with them. He likes to be around the outcasts and give the the benefit of the doubt.

We may have a future missionary on our hands...only God knows.

I am thankful to have him around this old homestead to help me...

I am so blessed to be loved by such an awesome son! I pray God continues to work in his life and that we continue to raise him up with a love for God and His people...

Pride and not picking up the pieces...

2011-09-12T14:58:00.000-05:00

I've heard that when bad things happen and we seem to crumble, that we should "pick up the pieces" and move on...

I have discovered that I don't want to pick up those pieces...let me explain.

I am prideful. I think a lot about myself...well at least my illness anyway. It's a focus. It's become all about me. "I" hurt today...again, "I" am tired today...again, "I" am weak today...again, etc. "I", "I", "I"...it's not fitting for me or becoming in my mind to be that focused on "me." Of course it comes naturally to think of "me" when it's "my" body that is constantly reminding "me" of it's ails. But, it's become too much. I crumbled today...

And I don't want to pick up those pieces...Instead, I think I will leave them there on the floor. I will embrace the "new" me. One that looks soberly at the situation and has to learn the new "normal" of my life comes with limitations, but not defeat.

Myasthenia Gravis is not who I am. It's an ugly, at times debilitating disease, but it's not me. I am a child of God. I am a helpmeet. I am a mother. I am a friend....

I will use this ole weak body for the Lord's work in whatever way I can. I will not let this body use me in whatever way it can...I want my focus to be on Him and His kingdom, my family, my friends, and my home.

I realize this disease is not me, but a part of me that I have to learn to love.

September 11...

2011-09-11T07:06:00.002-05:00

"Where were you when the world stopped turnin' that September day?" ~Alan Jackson

I can't believe it's been 10 yrs already...

Test results and stuff...

2011-09-09T08:42:00.000-05:00

The neurologist called yesterday to inform me that I DON'T have another muscle disease. My current one is progressing as we thought. I will have to start treatment when we get back from Venezuela. I will do as much as I can there. I'm looking forward to God using me regardless...

I will listen to my husband while we are there and slow down when he tells me to. Frankly, I don't think slowing down will be a problem as my muscles are so much weaker and even typing this post is difficult.

I made my last batch of soap for the business yesterday. Bittersweet. It was a hard day of soap making, making lip balms, salves, cutting soap, labeling products, etc. I am so exhausted this morning. I will be glad when I can rest. It is so difficult to do the normal chores around here. Last night I realized that I took slicing a pizza for granted...

The other day my husband said to me, "I know this disease will eventually beat you physically, but I don't ever want it to beat you emotionally." I don't want it to either...

It has rained here finally and it's so peaceful. I love fall weather! I can't wait to be strong enough to bake, clean, and decorate for fall. :)

Hope you are all well and enjoying life. :)

The Home...

2011-09-08T07:26:00.000-05:00

"Home is the true wife’s kingdom. There, first of all places, she must be strong and beautiful. She may touch life outside in many ways, if she can do it without slighting the duties that are hers within her own doors. But if any calls for her service must be declined, they should not be the duties of her home. These are hers, and no other one’s. Very largely does the wife hold in her hands, as a sacred trust, the happiness and the highest good of the hearts that nestle there. The best husband—the truest, the noblest, the gentlest, the richest-hearted—cannot make his home happy if his wife be not, in every reasonable sense, a helpmate to him.

In the last analysis, home happiness depends on the wife. Her spirit gives the home its atmosphere. Her hands fashion its beauty. Her heart makes its love. And the end is so worthy, so noble, so divine, that no woman who has been called to be a wife, and has listened to the call, should consider any price too great to pay, to be the light, the joy, the blessing, the inspiration of a home.

Men with fine gifts think it worth while to live to paint a few great pictures which shall be looked at and admired for generations; or to write a few songs which shall sing themselves into the ears and hearts of men. But the woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies."
~J.R. Miller

2011-09-07T07:38:00.001-05:00

These come from Tasty Kitchen and look delicious!

Giant Brookies

Recipe Description

Think about it, the best chocolate chip cookies meeting the best brownies ever. Magical.

Preparation Instructions

For the brownie layer, in a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Pour into a 13×9 pan that is lined with parchment paper.
For the cookie dough, beat Crisco together with the brown sugar. Add in vanilla, milk and egg. Slowly beat in flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix in chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto the brownie layer.
Bake in a 375 degree F oven for about 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely. I refrigerate them to speed up the cooling process. Enjoy!

Ingredients

FOR THE BROWNIE LAYER:
1-½ cup Sugar
¾ cups Flour
¾ cups Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
3 whole Eggs
¾ cups Butter, Melted
1 cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Morsels
FOR THE TOP COOKIE LAYER:
¾ cups Butter Flavored Crisco
1-¼ cup Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
2 Tablespoons Milk
1 whole Egg
1-¾ cup Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
¾ teaspoons Baking Soda
½ teaspoons Cinnamon
1-½ cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Morsels

Time sure does fly...

2011-09-05T08:53:00.000-05:00

I can't believe my son is 14! His birthday was the 3rd. He is growing up taller and getting more mature. He is becoming a young man.

We took him out to eat on his birthday at a Hibachi grill place. He liked that a lot. We took him canoeing yesterday and he really liked that. He and his dad did the paddling while I rested in the canoe. It was nice to look at the scenery and float down river. Pretty relaxing, although today I am very tired and sore from it all, but it was worth it. :)

Today we are going to celebrate with a giant cookie "cake." He got a new phone, a couple Dr. Who books and some money to spend or save.

I hope everyone is having a great Labor Day weekend. I am enjoying our weather now. It is MUCH cooler and my body prefers that. :)

Doctor's visit...

2011-09-02T15:08:00.001-05:00

My disease is progressing.
We are still waiting for results to determine if I have another muscle disease. He is considering IVIG treatment (no fun and requires me to be admitted) and I will start immunosuppressives after I return from Venezuela (which he told me to make sure I rest and don't overdo there). He also increased a dosage on a current medication. I am a bit disappointed that my disease has/is progressing, but we will try and slow it down as much as possible.

I appreciate your prayers. I will be closing Wiseley Used Herbs at the end of December. I am just too worn out and need to focus on my family and have energy for them.

There is a day...

Home...

2011-09-01T08:47:00.000-05:00

"A true home is one of the most sacred of places. It is a sanctuary into which men flee from the world’s perils and alarms. It is a resting-place to which at close of day the weary retire to gather new strength for the battle and toils of tomorrow. It is the place where love learns its lessons, where life is schooled into discipline and strength, where character is molded.

Few things we can do in this world are so well worth doing as the making of a beautiful and happy home. He who does this builds a sanctuary for God and opens a fountain of blessing for men.

Far more than we know, do the strength and beauty of our lives depend upon the home in which we dwell. He who goes forth in the morning from a happy, loving, prayerful home, into the world’s strife, temptation, struggle, and duty, is strong--inspired for noble and victorious living. The children who are brought up in a true home go out trained and equipped for life’s battles and tasks, carrying in their hearts a secret of strength which will make them brave and loyal to God, and will keep them pure in the world’s severest temptations."
~J.R. Miller

We met our goal!

2011-08-30T12:38:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the generosity of several donors and the generous tripling of donations from another donor, WE MET OUR GOAL! We are so excited for this mission trip to Venezuela!

Even in my weakness, these are exciting times for me. I look forward to learning more about the culture, being part of a team that is serving Him, helping with building a place to worship, being a witness for Christ, and seeing another part of the world that God created.

The joy that this brings me helps me forget how much pain I'm in, how weak I am, etc. :) I will do what God ables me to do and do it with joy in my heart! Hurry up October! :)

Trouble teaches...

2011-08-29T07:12:00.002-05:00

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

The question often comes, "Why didn't He help me sooner?" It is not His order. He must first adjust you to the trouble and cause you to learn your lesson from it. His promise is, "I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him." He must be with you in the trouble first all day and all night. Then He will take you out of it. This will not come till you have stopped being restless and fretful about it and become calm and quiet. Then He will say, "It is enough."

God uses trouble to teach His children precious lessons. They are intended to educate us. When their good work is done, a glorious recompense will come to us through them. There is a sweet joy and a real value in them. He does not regard them as difficulties but as opportunities.
--Selected.

Not always OUT of our troublous times,
And the struggles fierce and grim,
But IN--deeper IN--to our one sure rest,
The place of our peace, in Him.
--Annie Johnson Flint

We once heard a simple old colored man say something that we have never forgotten: "When God tests you, it is a good time for you to test Him by putting His promises to the proof, and claiming from Him just as much as your trials have rendered necessary."

There are two ways of getting out of a trial. One is to simply try to get rid of the trial, and be thankful when it is over. The other is to recognize the trial as a challenge from God to claim a larger blessing than we have ever had, and to hail it with delight as an opportunity of obtaining a larger measure of Divine grace. Thus even the adversary becomes an auxiliary, and the things that seem to be against us turn out to be for the furtherance of our way. Surely, this is to be more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
--A. B. Simpson
~Streams in the Desert

Love, anniversaries, and Venezuela...

2011-08-25T20:59:00.002-05:00

Hmmmmm....what do all those things have in common? Vow renewal! My husband doesn't know it yet (don't worry, he NEVER reads my blog lol) but we will be renewing our vows in Venezuela for our 15th wedding anniversary in October. Our anniversary is October 19th. I wanted to surprise him with this as he would never expect me to do something like this. We have come very far in our marriage and I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man. A man who has grown so much closer to God in the past few years, even the past few months.

I wanted to celebrate our love by renewing our vows and rededicating our marriage to God. What a blessing to do it while we are serving Him in Venezuela. We are so blessed to have one of our best friends to the honor. I called our friend who happens to be the pastor that is taking us on the mission trip to Venezuela and asked if he would do the ceremony for us. He said yes. :) We get to renew our vows in front of our friends on the mission field and I'm excited that they get to be a part of it (even if my husband won't know until it happens) :)

We never know how much time we have on this earth. I want to make the most of whatever time we have together working toward the same goal, winning the lost and disciplining the winners. In sickness and in health....

Gearing up...

2011-08-24T07:17:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again. :) We are gearing up to start back homeschooling on Sept 6th. I'm pretty excited about this year. It's our 9th yr homeschooling and Hunter will be in the 8th grade. My how time flies!

My husband will be more involved this year, which excites me. Because of my declining health at this time, he has stepped up to help me with lesson plans and other ideas to implement. He will be doing wood working with him and helping me with experiments.

I love how flexible we can be with homeschooling. He can visit the widow up the road in the middle of the day and help her with things around her house, we can take vacation whenever everyone else is in school, and are free to go on mission trips without disrupting school. :)

I am thankful for a husband who cares deeply about us and is willing to take time and help us keep going with schooling during this difficult time of my health. On that note, I have been resting quite a bit this week so far (hard for me to do) and I'm feeling a bit better today. :)

Hope you all have a great week. :)

Needed prayers...

2011-08-22T15:44:00.000-05:00

My health is declining and I will soon need to make a decision whether or not to start treatment or continue without it. Treatment consists of a small dose of chemo to suppress my immune system and it makes me feel yucky most days. No treatment will probably mean a declination in progress, continued progression of weakness (diff to hold phone up, swallow, sit up at times, etc), muscle atrophy, and fatigue.
I am functioning ok right now, but I am extremely weak and tired. Normally, I would be admitted to the hospital for a treatment, but I cannot tolerate them anymore. I have adverse reactions and have previously lost my sight, had heart issues, etc with them.
I need prayers for wisdom of what God would like me to do. I go back to the doc on Sept 2nd and have another test to see if I have another muscle disease. I would like to be prayed up to be able to tell him what my choice is.
I know He has given me strength enough to go to Venezuela and I am looking forward to serving there in any way I can. I can't wait to see what God has in store. :)
I appreciate your prayers in advance.

What a blessing!

2011-08-21T06:37:00.000-05:00

We were given these and many more yesterday from a neighbor at the farmer's market. I was happy to have them. :) Our garden has failed and I have failed in keeping up with it...

My husband took these and some peppers and onions and turned it into salsa. A whole huge stock pot of it! We will freeze that and be able to enjoy it over the winter.

I hope you all have enjoyed your weekend. :)

Dreams...

2011-08-19T07:33:00.000-05:00

There are two different kinds of dreams. One is when you sleep and the Lord allows "movies" to play in your mind. You sometimes get to see people you haven't seen in a while, or watch your life play out, or enjoy an evening by the ocean, or even possibly see things that have not yet occurred, but will. I dream a lot. Last night I dreamed of my "dad" and he picked us up to go to dinner. He said he missed us and wanted to see how we were doing. He drove, my husband sat in the passenger seat, and Hunter and I sat in the back. It was nice actually. As he drove, he told me how proud he was of me and he was sorry he couldn't tell me. He said he loved me and wanted me to keep seeking the Lord and what He wanted me to do in this life. I'm sure he talked to my husband and son, but in the dream, I only heard what was spoken to me. After supper, he gave me a giant hug that I could still feel when I woke up. :) I'm sure I dreamed this because I've been missing him. But, I also believe I dreamed this because I need to be praying for him. You see, whenever I dream about anybody at all, it is my cue to pray. Sometimes it doesn't even matter what the dream was about, it is about the people in it. So whomever is in my dreams, I pray for them. So I prayed for my "dad."

Other dreams are what I call aspirations. I talked a bit about this in a previous post. I have lots of dreams. I dream of one day traveling to different lands and being a witness for Christ. I dream of living a very simple life when my son moves out and has his own life. Like getting a motorhome and living in that and just moving from place to place seeing this country. My husband would work odd jobs in whatever town we stopped in so we could have groceries and gas, etc and moving to the next town. :) (that one will probably stay a dream lol) But, seriously, I do dream of being a missionary, either permanently or part-time where we go somewhere once or twice a year. I also dream of one day having a whole day without pain. Hey, I can dream, right. ;) I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, I'm not. Just dreaming...I'm not one to complain about the pain I go through everyday. Instead, I push through it on a daily basis. My family knows how much it hurts just by my eyes, no need to speak a word. :) Those are just some of the dreams I have. :)

I am thankful for both kinds of dreams. In one, I can see and hug loved ones that I wouldn't normally be able to. I can sit and talk with them and share things going on in my life and get that in return. In the other, I can picture what God could do with my life.

How 'bout you all? Do you have dreams of either kind?