Anwen's Nest

Sunshine

2009-04-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

I have been reading Heidi to my class and I never realised what wonderful lessons are in it! Heidi learns that sometimes God doesn't answer a prayer right away because he has a better plan for us. What a great lesson to learn!

Anyway, while we're reading Friday, my kindergartner asks me to read aloud the hymn about sunshine that Heidi read to the blind grandmother. It's not in the book, so I take a chance and google it: "swiss hymn sunshine". I get the Swiss national anthem, which is so beautiful and moving I thought I would share it with you. (Translation from Wikipedia)

National Anthem of Switzerland

1st verse
When the morning skies grow red

And o'er us their radiance shed,

Thou, O Lord, appearest in their light.

When the Alps glow bright with splendour

Pray to God, to Him surrender,

For you feel and understand

That He dwelleth in this land.

2nd verse
In the sunset Thou art night

And beyond the starry sky,

Thou, O loving Father, ever near.

When to Heaven we are departing,

Joy and bliss Thou'lt be imparting,

For we feel and understand

That Thou dwellest in this land.

3rd verse
When dark clouds enshroud the hills

And gray mist the valley fills,

Yet Thou art not hidden from Thy sons.

Pierce the gloom in which we cover;

With Thy sunshine's cleansing power.

Then we'll feel and understand

That God dwelleth in this land.

4th verse
Towards us in the wild storm coming,

You yourself give us resistance and stronghold,

You, almighty ruling, rescuing!

During horror and nights of thunderstorms,

Let us childlike trust Him!

Yes, we feel and understand;

Yes, we feel and understand

That God dwelleth in this land.

Liquid Walls

2009-04-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

Liquid Walls

Poetry is hovering

Flitting in and out of my consciousness

Depth brushed against my elbow

As I reached for the sponge

The limits of my perception quivered

I took my pen instead

But the ink is black

Everything has darted out of reach

Except dimples

And a bit of green embroidery thread

Commitment to Loveliness: March 29th...

2009-03-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!

Here's mine :

1. Look at the rooms as I clean and think: In my dream world, how would this look? Then do one thing (or more!) towards that ideal. I did this the other day in the bathroom, and it meant mainly clearing a lot of clutter away and folding the towels carefully.
2. Be honest with myself and others--no commitments I don't intend to follow through on, etc. (To create peace!)
3. Journal.
4. Try again to have dinner at the table at least three times this week!
5. Practice ballet 3 times and ride my bike to work twice this week.

Visit Charming the Birds from the Trees: March 29th...
to participate!

The shadow

2009-03-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Discouraged in the day. Nightmares at night.

I am going to try to:

1. Focus on living in the moment according to Mt 6:34

2. Focus on others rather than myself.

3. Trust in God's providence/Pray when I feel worried.

4. Think about "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable... anything [that] is excellent or praiseworthy."

Please feel free to share one thing you do that helps you in times like this.

School Days

2009-03-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

My K-2nd class is finishing up Butterfly Week. A parent ordered painted lady caterpillars for us and they have just emerged from their chrysalises!

This is what we did: (From the Butterfly Thematic Unit by Mary Ellen Sterling from Teacher Created Materials

Read The Life of a Monarch Butterfly and Where Butterflies Grow.
Did a journal entry/drawing about the day the first butterflies emerged.
Learned about the parts of a caterpillar and butterfly.
Reviewed life cycle.
Designed flowers for bulletin board and decorated them with colored chalk.
Made butterfly life cycle books: a sentence and drawing about each stage per page. on butterfly-shaped paper.
And today at the end of the day we will release our butterflies into the 'wild.'

It was simple but very fun, left lots of room for questions and exploration!

Fear

2009-03-24T06:43:00.001-07:00

Two nights ago I dreamed I was shot in the heart. I woke up and during the day I still had a pain in my chest that came when things were stressful. In the evening I saw a dying plant my dad gave me and felt like I was about to melt down completely. How I need the peace of Jesus! Today I'm ok, but still unduly stressed.

John 6:16-27. But he said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid."

A major antidote of fear is to acknowledge the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ with you at all times. Jesus still says to you, "It is I; do not be afraid." In this passage, the disciples had a problem rowing their boat. They saw Jesus walking on the sea. As soon as Jesus came into their company, the story changed. There was calm. They miraculously reached the shore in safety. The presence of Jesus with us today will drive away all fear-and he has assured us of his presence to the end of the world.
http://www.forwardmovement.org/todaysreading.cfm

Bread and Yogurt

2009-03-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what happened to my bread. I used random grain ratios. It still tastes good though!

The yogurt turned out great! This is the recipe: (Sterilize all the equipment that you can)

1-L or 1-qt canning jar
stock pot
2-qt pot
ice
candy thermometer
washcloth or hand towel
1 qt of milk (you can add 1/3c dry milk for added protein/thickness if you want) &
1/4 cup plain yogurt (should say contains live cultures and not be more than a week old, although mine was 3 weeks old and it still worked!)

1. Fill your large stock pot with water. (Enough to submerge pieces of equipment.) Boil water, sterilize equipment. I set everything on a clean towel on the counter.

2. Pour milk into 2-qt pot and heat without scalding to 185-195 degrees F. Stir, stir, stir! Mine still turned out even though I burned the bottom.

3. Meanwhile cool stock-pot water to 115 degrees F if you are going to incubate your yogurt on the stovetop. Fill your sink with ice water.

4. When milk has reached 185-195 range, remove from heat and place in sink of ice water. cool to 115.

5. Remove from ice water and whisk (without creating lots of bubbles) in 1/4c plain yogurt.
Pour into canning jar.

6. At this point, there are many ways to continue. What I did was place my washcloth in the bottom of the stockpot full of water, set the canning jar(sealed) in on top of the cloth, and leave the stove on low. I put the candy thermometer in to float in the water so I could keep looking in and checking the temp.

7. Others have done many things to incubate yogurt. You can leave it in the oven if you have gas, and just let the pilot light keep it warm. Anything that keeps your yogurt at a temerature of 108-115 should work! My stock pot water ranged from 104 to 125 while I was stumbling through the process, and it still turned out fine. But they say temps over 118 kill the culture, so try not to do what I did!

8. Incubate yogurt for at least 4 hours. I have read of people incubating it for between 4 and 12 hours. So it doesn't hert to just wait longer if it looks like your yogurt isn't setting up/ Or if you think it got too hot, cooling it back to 115 or 110 and adding some more yogurt with live cultures.

A bit of everything...

2009-03-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

A bit of heaven is blooming outside our house.

I rode my bike to work twice this week. It feels so real to be out in the air.

Today I am going to make yogurt for the first time. I didn't know that a quart of milk =a quart of yogurt. I always thought it involved reduction! :) I am also making bread from flour I grind myself. I love homemade things.

This was last weekend's project. It must have been blessed because there were no frustrating mistakes. I have used the pattern twice in the past, but the third time is indeed a charm!

Your Style Statement

2009-03-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

I didn't read the book (Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design), but reading reviews about it made me think it would be fun to come up with my own style statement. From what I've heard, the book helps you come up with your own two-word style-statement, among other things. It may be a very silly, good, or useless book. But I liked the idea of defining your stlye. So after leaving it in the back of my mind for a month or so, I came up with Nostalgic Utilitarian. (Although some might argue I have no style!)

For me this means I like things that have meaning and a purpose. Like the little jars that make me think of a 30's kitchen. And I fill with spices to use every day. I don't like to have too many things just sitting around being decorative. I love depression-style antiques that are in good shape for everyday use! Like my sweet measuring spoons. (Thanks, Mom!

What's your style statement? Try to think of two words that best describe your style and leave your answer with a little explanation in the comments box.

Prayer request

2009-03-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

My husband's father is going in for surgery, and is not in the greatest health to begin with. If you would like to, please join our family in prayer. We want to keep him around for a long time yet. Thank you!

Journal

2009-03-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY: March 9, 2009

Outside my window... My magnolia tree is in full bloom, dropping petals on the lawn.

I am thinking... About hungry kids and homeless people. Every time I wrap up in a warm blanket or eat good food.

I am thankful for... My husband and a marriage that gets sweeter by the year.

From the learning rooms... a ladybug, golf-ball "treasures," learning about us: our bodies, health, families, culture. Guppies and too-tall grass in our 'island ecosystem.'

From the kitchen... Nachos, grading papers...I wish I was making homemade shepherd's pie and the best snickerdoodles. Hmmm... maybe I will.

I am wearing... a long light-weight brown skirt edged in brown cotton lace and eyelet, and a pale pink tiny-flowered cotton blouse. I love pink and brown.

I am creating... a new habit: I've washed the dishes for 21 days in a row! Yay me!

I am going... to stay home.

I am reading... Psalms.

I am hoping... to make life more beautiful for people in my day.

I am hearing... the sound of no children.

Around the house...cleaning out a drawer (I hate to throw anything away, even if I haven't used it in 4 years!) Crunching on the carpet...I guess it's time to vacuum. Hey, it's a process. At least I'm washing the dishes!

One of my favorite things... Energy. And the images that the word, 'shimmer' conjures up.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Spend more time in prayer/Bible reading.

Bake bread.

Another shooting range outing with J.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Go visit the simple woman's Daybook and check out her encouraging website, too!
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

For Jesus

2009-03-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

After reading a book about 'radical' Christianity last night, I was reminded of this quote I copied a while ago. Sometimes it seems that salvation by grace is used as an excuse not to work as hard as we can for the Lord. But this is where God is speaking to me. I realize also the importance of rest, quiet times for reflection, holidays and celebrations, etc.

"Beware of sins of omission; lose no opportunity of doing good of any kind. Be zealous of good works; willingly omit no work, either of piety or mercy. Do all the good you possibly can to the bodies and souls of men.... Be active. Give no place to indolence or sloth; give no occasion to say, `Ye are idle, ye are idle.' Many will say so still; but let your whole spirit and behaviour refute the slander. Be always employed; lose no shred of time; gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost. And whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. Be `slow to speak,' and wary in speaking. `In a multitude of words there wanteth not sin.' Do not talk much; neither long at a time. Few can converse profitably above an hour. Keep at the utmost distance from pious chit-chat, from religious gossiping."
~John Wesley

The Quieter Life

2009-03-06T07:52:00.000-08:00

The other morning I woke, exhausted from the turbulent, anxious thoughts of the night, wrapped myself in a blanket, and settled into my chair with my Bible and a cup of pine-orange-banana juice. I was too weary to even retrieve my binder with today's readings, so I just opened up my Bible and read some verses adjacent to yesterday's.

Hebrews 3:7-8a "So, as the Holy Spirit says: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

4:1, 11-13 "Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it...Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

This also reminded me of reading about rest from C.S. Lewis.

"The real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back, in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind."http://www.civitate.org/2009/01/items-of-interest/

That was exactly how it felt as I read Hebrews and prayed that morning. The quieter life came flowing in.

What to read:

2009-03-06T07:14:00.000-08:00

I was just going to comment, but then it got too long, so....

If you are interested in self-education, and you like the idea of educating yourself classically, the easiest thing you can do is to read A Well-Educated Mind by Susan Wise Bauer. It guides you in how to read different types of books, three stages of evaluation, and keeping a reader's journal. The second part of the book is a reading list of classics in chronological order and divided by genre. Each book listed has information under it to help you in your studies.

To learn more about classical education in general, here are some places to visit:

What is classical education?
curriculum guide

The author of A Well- Educated Mind has her own blog, The History of the Whole World, which has many links that might be of interest.

A quote...

2009-03-05T06:42:00.000-08:00

...from my strongest influence to educate myself classically on educating one's self classically.

"There is a strange idea abroad that in every subject the ancient books should be read only by the professionals, and that the amateur should content himself with the modern books. Thus I have found as a tutor in English Literature that if the average student wants to find out something about Platonism, the very last thing he thinks of doing is to take a translation of Plato off the library shelf and read the Symposium. He would rather read some dreary modern book ten times as long, all about “isms” and influences and only once in twelve pages telling him what Plato actually said.

The error is rather an amiable one, for it springs from humility. The student is half afraid to meet one of the great philosophers face to face. He feels himself inadequate and thinks he will not understand him. But if he only knew, the great man, just because of his greatness, is much more intelligible than his modern commentator." ~C.S. Lewis

Sometimes it's nice to have new things...

2009-03-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

I have been eyeing this blouse since long-sleeved shirts came in last year. Today I found it on clearance for $3!

It's time to plant seeds again! Here are my finds this week. Next week I hope to get a watering can or some dirt!

I'm also taking down all my pink to decorate in green and yellow...but I think all I have are yellow things!

The lovely dishcloths my grandmother knitted for me.

The dish towels I embroidered for my hope chest.

Self-education

2009-02-28T07:40:00.000-08:00

This post, No, I Don't Think So, by Susan Wise Bauer made my day. I love to read her straightforward writing. The rest of the post is very much worth reading if education is of interest to you.

"The thread that connects all my work is this: I’m thoroughly convinced that real learning happens when a mature thinker sets out to educate herself."
(Bethgem, this one's for you!)

Paint!

2009-02-28T06:58:00.000-08:00

After longer than I care to admit, I have finished the painting requested by Grandpa Tom...

I have never painted a detialed landscape before. In the past, I used thick lines and colors, not layers. I would pretty much draw the picture and then fill it in like a coloring book. That's how this painting began. After watching a few you-tube videos, I saw that I could paint layer upon layer. I tried it, and for a first attempt, I'm pretty happy about the results!

(This painting is taken from a photo of Grandpa Tom's farm that Grandma took.)

I was in the middle of making cherry fudge delight, or something like that, and had thought I would post the recipe. Well I have to say nobody in the family relished the end result: brown sticky cherries, biscuit, ice cream, and hot fudge. Plain cherry pie and ice cream would have been lovely. But the cast-iron pots are just too dear!!! I had to post the photo anyway.

Quote

2009-02-25T10:22:00.000-08:00

“We are always getting ready to live, but never living.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

This statement is, many days, a pointed description of me...

A Good Week

2009-02-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

I always used to feel overwhelmed at the idea of taking on more than one challenge at a time. I guess something happened in my heart last weekend. It's like a switch has flipped. Peacefully, without having to flex my willpower until little beads of sweat pop out all over my forehead, I have begun eating healthfully, exercizing a bit, and keeping my home neat...every day. I have to chalk it up to it being purely the grace of God.

A healthy diet and cleaning help each other out. When I eat healthy meals and don't snack all day, I am in a better mood and my energy is excellent. I am only getting hungry enough to relish my next meal, not to get grumpy. In a good mood, it is easy to do my chores. With my dishes clean, it's convenient to make nice home-cooked meals anytime. I'm doing things with a bounce in my step! (I have been loosely following my penny-pinching version of the Maker's Diet.)

So here is a thank you to God, for gracing me with a beautiful week.

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit" saith the Lord.

I was motivated to share this post after reading Jennifer's process of learning about health, eating, and spirituality. An interesting and unique read!

Current Read

2009-02-20T06:48:00.000-08:00

If you haven't read Cheaper by the Dozen, you simply MUST! See, I'm already talking retro. If you have watched the semi-recent movie, which was entirely unworthy of bearing its title, you have been more than cheated out of an amazing story. (There are a couple rare places in the book where a word or two must be bleeped out.)

This is the story of a very unusual family of 12 children set around the time of W.W.I. I was fascinated by the educational methods employed and by the historical setting. And I don't even know how many times I've read this book and still, I am laughing! Yeah.

I don't know about the older movies...I haven't seen them yet. But every movie I've seen that came from a book was just not as good. Although I have to say The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Anne of Green Gables on DVD were quite satisfying, and remain all-time favorites!

Cheaper by the Dozen ranks on my top three list. How often do you come across a laugh-out -loud book? (I've heard Belles on Their Toes, the sequel, is quite the jolly read as well. Can't wait to buy it.) Just thought I'd put up a raving review. Absolutely fantastic!

Just for Fun

2009-02-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

Check out a little story from D.r Laura....I'm not an advocate of everything she has to say, but I enjoy reading her blog!

http://www.drlaurablog.com/2008/12/09/solving-lipstick-on-the-mirror/

Valentine's Day

2009-02-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

Ten years ago we were 17, and I was finishing my senior year in high school. J and I were just friends (with an understanding) and he asked me if I would like him to take me to my senior prom. Not being the type to relish wasted tux and limo-rental money, expensive dinners that I can't enjoy in a tight satin dress, and dance music that makes me blush, I said I'd rather not. "Oh good!" said J, with obvious relief. He had the same opinion of proms as I did! We ended up arranging an 'anti-prom' which involved jeans and t-shirts, stuffing ourselves at Hometown Buffet, and swinging at the park!

This Valentine's day, about ten years after our first date, my thoughtful husband took me to our outdoor shooting range (our 'park' these days...it is out in the country near a wildlife refuge, very open, and almost deserted on Saturday). Then back to Hometown Buffet for an "anti-Valentine's day dinner!" Too perfect!

Cherry Crumble

2009-02-16T07:45:00.000-08:00

For this Sunday's cherry dessert, I tried cherry crumble for the first time...the recipe is from "More With Less," a Mennonite cookbook. I think it turned out nicely, but a cherry crunch with an oatmeal and brown sugar topping might have been better.

Blog Break

2009-02-10T06:49:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

Just a quick note to say, I'll be back next Monday. I have been a little too carried away with computer stuff, so I'm going to take a week to focus on my home, family, painting, and sewing. Hopefully when I come back I'll have some lovely pictures for evidence of a week well spent!

Notebook

2009-02-09T15:02:00.000-08:00

Click for a close-up.

Here is a valentine for my readers (all 10 of you!)
If you are interested, I am working on making some of my organizational notebook pages available to click and print. Feel free to cut and paste them into Word on your own computer if you want to tweak them. I am also adding links to printouts that I found online.

My notebook is where I organize my home life. I use a binder with a clear front and make a new collage to slip in from time to time. Inside, the dividers are labeled:
1. Calendar (just Publisher-created monthly calendar pages with holes punched.)
2. God (Daily Lectionary, prayer requests to remember)
3. Nest (housework)
4. Meals
5. Christmas
6. Dreaming (for doodles and writing out thoughts)

Have fun!

Commitment to Loveliness

2009-02-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

"It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!" Visit Charming the Birds from the Trees to share yours.

Here are mine:
1. Start exercising again! Walk or dance 15 minutes a day.
2. Folllow my cleaning routine so Sunday can truly be a day of rest.
3. Continue the 30-day Husband Encouragement Challenge.
4. Eat dinner at the table whenever possible.
5. Frame a picture that inspires me to work toward my dreams.

Cherry-O Cream Cheese Pie

2009-02-08T22:21:00.000-08:00

Last year I scanned and printed many of my mother's recipes. It is nice to be able to have them in her or Grandma D.'s handwriting! When my mother was a girl, Grandma D. would make a cherry dessert every Sunday in February to honor George Washington. Here's one of her recipes: (I would only add that it is better to make your own crust in a larger pie dish. If you buy a a little crust from the store, you will be stuck eating the extra filling out of the bowl!)

Looks a little homely, but tastes lovely....sooooo easy!

Tough Day

2009-02-07T22:54:00.000-08:00

Why have a healthy snack...

When you can have tarred and feathered cheerios?

What? I needed peanut butter and chocolate, OK?

Bathmat

2009-02-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

I watched this video on how to make a bathmat and thought I'd share. I love to find ways to save money or do things yourself. I'm not sure how I would care for the rug, though. I guess hand wash--I sure wouldn't make a white one!http://ecologue.com/ShowVideo/Eco-Bath-Rug

For a more old-fashioned look, you could take your old towels, cut them into strips, and make a braided bathmat. That might look more old fashioned.

Encouragement Challenge

2009-02-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to do the 30-day commitment to encourage your husband from Penelope's Oasis. This means I won't say anything negative to my husband or about my husband. Every day I try to find a way to encourage him through what I say and do. (I have also been praying for wisdom for my life.)

Yesterday I asked J what life is essentially about and he shared his philosophy with me (basically that life is about deciding how much you are willing to give to others). That didn't seem too spiritual to me, but James said it was. I immediately had a negative reaction. But I bit my tongue and thought about the truth of his statement instead of what I didn't like about it. It was so hard.

I woke up this morning and began to go through the motions of getting ready and was about to pour some cereal when I thought, "Feed your soul before your body." I almost ignored it, but I didn't. I got out my Bible and a verse came to my head that related to J's statement. I looked it up and found it twice in Matthew, once in each of the other synoptic Gospels, and even in John!! (Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. ) The lights went on in my head! Good grief, if God made sure it was in the gospels 5 times... Spiritually, my life depends on how much I give to Jesus and how much I save for myself, or even give to the enemy. Jesus is clear: When it comes to Him, He wants all of me!

When J was drinking his coffee, I explained how I had thought through what he said, and that it was very wise. I showed him the verses and told him how thankful I was to have him as the head of our family.

In retrospect:
If I hadn't prayed for wisdom...
If I hadn't held my tongue last night...
If I hadn't obeyed God and read my Bible before J woke up...

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Just for Laughs

2009-02-05T06:02:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the winter while you can...:)

Revival

2009-02-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

New
6-13-08

There is a darkness
too comfortable in this house
unresisted presence

but God pulls hard a soul
that has tasted Him
yearns for Him
awakens from numbness
to an aching melancholy
a soul that glows hope because
pain is a sign of life

a love song comes
like tears
and goes to the One
who re-sensitizes
leaving my lips warm and sweet
like sun-bathed rose petals

I am not clean like a wall that has been washed
I am new
like a fragrant lily blooming in the afternoon
like an uncurling fern leaf

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

2009-02-03T15:35:00.000-08:00

If you were a fairy-tale character, who would you be? Why?
I don't even get to choose...my family gave me this nickname when my tennies were still being tied by my papa. I could always feel every tiny wrinkle and bump. With socks and with life....things need to be just so!

(You can leave your answer in the comments section of this post or comment and leave a link to your own post. Just thought it wold be fun! Be honest now; I was!)

By the way.....
Emma has posted a thought-provoking story called The Singing House that is definitely worth a read.

How Kids See the World

2009-01-31T10:26:00.000-08:00

A while ago I read this article: How Kids See the World. This quote is a good example of the main gist of it: “Healthy adults" know the sun is not there for the PURPOSE of keeping us warm..."

Here is my "sickly adult" response to the article:

GOOD NEWS
The way we are taught to interpret scientific facts in school seems like part of a scheme to blind us during the majority of our lives from true understanding, to give up on the inner longing we feel that we, and everything else, are made for a purpose. We despair. And the results of despair are glaring...in art, music, philosophy, entertainment, and at home: cutting ourselves, choking games (my friends played that in YOUTH GROUP), depression is cool... depression is not cool and I can't stop, drugs, suicide.

One of the most powerful quotes in my life, apart from God's own word, is the character Marilla Cuthbert’s words in the Anne of Green Gables movie: "To despair is to turn your back on God." I first heard those words when I was a teenager composing depressing songs and writing poems about committing arson. I was unconsciously responding to, and joining with, the culture of despair around me. As one who deeply feared and loved God this sentence shook me to my core, and I abandoned flirting with the darkness in this way.

Later, as a newly married woman and for the first time living away from parents or other supervising adults, I faced the disappointments common to my situation: Finding out your spouse is only about as angelic as you are, that the dishes are not going to do themselves, and that just because God gives you a job doesn't mean it will be like going to Disneyland every day. Life was nothing like I thought it would be. In the weakness of my character I began to despair. I freaked out, crying and not being able to sleep. Even thinking about people who actually had problems (like being poor, or losing a loved one, or being mistreated) didn't change my attitude.

On one of those nights when I was curled up, sobbing uncontrollably, wishing to go to sleep and never wake up, those words came back: To despair is to turn your back on God. I was instantly sobered. I turned towards God and he has been building my character ever since.

What sweet, fulfilling, let's-go-dance-in-a-field-of-wildflowers, happy news we have for our despairing neighbors: God made you for a purpose! You know that agonizing wish you have buried: that your life (and all creation) could be deeply meaningful, maybe even that God could be real and good.....well you can leap for joy because.....it's true!

If you know Jesus but are despairing, I give you this challenge: 7 Minutes with God. He changed my life.

(I write this with a general acknowledgement to Francis Schaeffer's and C.S. Lewis' clarifying influence on my thinking)

Making Lemonade

2009-01-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

I have always had an aversion to complication. I could never feint in basketball, or dart to the side in freeze tag. All I had was momentum! And in life I try to get everything set up so that eventually work is simple. I generally hate to have something inconvenient happen that makes me change my system.

Something is changing though. I still want life to be simple in some ways--I don't want a crowded calendar or closet--but God is teaching me that taking on complex situations is a joy, such as teaching three grade levels. I am not a machine, grinding to a halt when something is thrown in my gears. I am a surfer, riding challenging waves. I am an artist, making a new composition from the blotch on my painting.

Commitment to Loveliness

2009-01-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

It's time for another Commitment to Loveliness! This is a fun way to increase femininity and beauty in our lives each week without even trying! All you have to do is choose five things that you would like to work on or do during the week that will increase the loveliness in your life!

Here are mine:
1. Keep a cheerful countenance in spite of my cold.
2. Think over this essay and Psalm 116:1-9 each night before bed.
3. Cut a new bouquet for the kitchen table.
4. Work on doing household tasks peacefully and methodically. (Montessori-inspired)
5. Catch up on the laundry so the clothes that feel lovely are available to wear again!

Once you have chosen five simple things, post them on your blog and link to Charming the Birds from the Trees: January 25th in your post, and then post the direct link to your Commitment to Loveliness post in Emma's comments section. If you do not have a blog, but have a commitment to share, please post them in her comments section.

Even if you don't participate, check out the blog archive at Charming the Birds from the Trees for inspirational, down-to-earth posts on femininity and living beautifully.

Cukate's new blog

2009-01-25T09:51:00.000-08:00

Kate's been busy, so she started this multimedia blog to keep us all up-to-date and feeling connected. Please visit her here at http://mittenstogo.blogspot.com!

Thinking mouse noticing glass walls. Or: If you're pressed for time, skip down to the poem.

2009-01-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

I checked out several books the other day from the library and realized there were about 10 Christian books. When I used to go regularly, I always found a few shelves full: Books on the different Protestant denominations, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and cults, along with several versions of the Bible. Friday I find 1/2 shelf. Either people are clamoring to learn about the Bible, or the library has eliminated some very good literature...I have to say I was disturbed not to find a single book by C.S. Lewis. I don't want to sound like a conspiracy theorist but...are they trying to brainwash the students who use the library for research? I'm sure there is a lot of nice "dangerous" literature still hiding in the library, but the overtly uplifting seem to have been sifted out.

And I think it would be easier to interpret a page of Greek that is was to find classic books in that place. What if I don't want to know Henry Q. Bosworth's interpretation of John Locke's Second Treatise of Government? What if I want to read more than two textbook quotes from Euclid's Elements?

Anybody else go to the library and then feel like they need to open one of their own so that people to get a fair chance at learning?

Anyway...I found this: Ogden Nash's There's Always Another Windmill. I read it. And guess what. I felt I would have gotten many more of the jokes and puns in his poetry if I had studied the Great Books as he had. It keeps coming back to this.

Here's a nice little (understandable) example of what I perused last night:

Experiment Degustatory

A gourmet challenged me to eat
A tiny bit of rattlesnake meat,
Remarking, "Don't look horror-stricken.
You'll find it tastes a lot like chicken."
It did.
Now chicken I cannot eat,
Because it tastes like rattlesnake meat.

No Expectations and Valentine's Day

2009-01-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

Our first Valentine's Day I made detailed plans for the perfect romantic evening. But J's reactions did not correspond to my narrow-minded agenda at all! Year by year, I have to remind myself: No expectations! Enjoy your amazing husband for who he is! And since then, we have developed our own somewhat odd tradition for Valentine's Day. We usually give each other a gift, and I always dress up and bring him lunch at work...

But by dressing up I don't mean fancy, I mean I come in disguise. One year I was a 60's movie star. Another year, I dyed my hair black and dressed as a punk-- pleated skirt, safety-pins, and all. The next year I didn't go to his workplace, so I made a costume of an warrior-elf character from his favorite computer game. And last year I was Sharp-Shootin' Sue. When J came home, I had a sort of safari/western outfit going on, a huge huntin' knife hanging from my belt, a restaurant sign on the front door, and a menu full of side-splittin' hillbilly terms.

I'm not sure what I'll do for this year. Maybe I'll go ninja-assasin. Going as a 60-year-old who needs her car fixed would be a less obtrusive disguise, though...hmmm. :)

Not a Bad Day

2009-01-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

Here I am, 76% intact. Nothing a little prayer and maybe an ice cream sandwich--um, I mean an aerobic workout--won't repair...

I spent most of the day trying to convince my brain that it was Tuesday, not Monday, which makes for some haphazard teaching experiences. Like starting out the day with a mysterious presentation designed to capture my students' interest in a science project later on, then realizing today is art and music, not science, and not having the clay, etc. ready.

This resulted in disillusioned mini-scientists, crayon drawing and random songs for an hour, an intense desire to burn the knee-socks that kept catching my cotton skirt...

At the end of the day the parent of a new student came in and I explained my homework and folder system to her. "You are just so organized! " she gushed. Somehow I kept from choking and managed a demure, "Thank you!"

FOR TODAY January 19, 2009

2009-01-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

Outside my window...frost is melting, sliding down windshields, dripping off dumpsters.

I am thinking...about willowy heroines: Anne, Emily, Rebecca, Velvet...

I am thankful that.... There is joy in our home. Something has happened: Life's charcoal veil has been replaced with pale violet. I can't explain it...it's just in the air...

From the learning rooms... Growing a mold garden, poetry memorization, sight words, growing a sweet potato plant, starting A Little Princess.

From the kitchen...just leftover stroganoff.

I am wearing...jeans, little dark gold t-shirt, grey pullover.

I am creating...a green and blue plaid skirt.

I am going...to the school to plan and prep for the week.

I am reading... for fun-- National Velvet by Enid Bagnold. For study-- Aeschylus' The Suppliant Maidens.

I am hoping...I can sew a skirt, finish my painting, and plan the lessons for the week all in one day!

I am hearing...a voice telling me that's too much!

Around the house...Order is spreading, dirt is vanishing.

One of my favorite things...Hot tea and a hug first thing in the morning!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hopefully I will be getting some correspondence out. There are so many people I need to write to, and a few packages I need to send.

Here is picture I am sharing...

Two things I love!

Visit our hostess' blog at: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

2009-01-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I began reading about Montessori again, because I would like to do Montessori-style homeschooling for preschool when we have a little one of our own. I don't completely accept Montessori theory, but the emphasis on beauty, order, reality, and peacefulness appeals to me. I also like the idea of having a child's activities on shelves organized, and taking seriously what children do. It seems to me that the sooner a child learns to wash a dish and cut his own fruit, the better! Also, I have never liked to have a lot of plastic around. In the kitchen it all hides in one drawer! I would much rather have things that look neat and are made from natural materials. Especially clay and wood.

As I was reading I decided to make my house more Montessori-friendly now! If I never had a bouquet on my own table....why would I put one on a child's? So I looked up the lesson on washing dishes and set to work. But this time my eyes were opened! I saw disorder everywhere. I ended up organizing the pantry, the fridge, going through my library and getting rid of the low-quality reading material, and making the kitchen beautiful! Or at least easy on the eyes...

P.S. The second photo was taken at our favorite vacation spot- Shelter Cove, CA.

Just found this lovely

2009-01-17T06:40:00.000-08:00

I found this book through Genine's Art Blog and thought I'd share. The photos are just so pretty!

A Little Break

2009-01-14T14:54:00.000-08:00

'The Rooks Have Returned' By Alexey Savrasov

1871  Moscow, Russia

This morning, about 5 minutes before class started, I found out I was going to have a new student today! Talk about a scramble! I am now teaching three grades and have at least one new student, so I will be taking a blog break 'til this weekend. Have a wonderful week and pray for me as I work out a new schedule and get acquainted with another set of teacher manuals!

I love these books!

2009-01-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

And they are school-books. Shows you what kind of a geek I am!

I have been using First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind by Jessie Wise Bauer, which is a full grammar curriculum for first and second grade. (Written for a parent to teach her child but working quite well with adaptations in my small classroom.) My students enjoy the literature and activities. I haven't had to struggle to keep their attention. It's great--they don't realize they are being challenged.

And The Well Trained Mind is one of my favorites. It gives a complete plan for educating your child from birth through high-school, with lists of books and supplies you will need and directions for how to homeschool using them. After I read this book, I wanted to homeschool myself through all the things I missed in high school, and I can't wait to teach our first child using this book!!

Educational Philosophy

2009-01-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is...I know, you didn't ask.
My educational philosophy is made up of basically two parts (referring to first and second grade especially):

First, I think it is very important to give children structure and facts so that they have the tools in their mind to understand new things for themselves. Children need to know the rules of the English language. If they have a background in grammar and phonics and stumble into an unfamiliar word, they have resources in their brain to draw upon to decipher it. Math is the same. When children can understand and rattle off addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts by heart, they won't be limping along mentally when they are faced with the deeper concepts of mathematics. They need to know their history, and read, read, read! A groundwork of understood, memorized facts is essential to a functional education, and, to me, is a natural result of the Biblical idea that truth can be known and taught.

There should also be plenty of hands-on experiences and exploration in education. And by plenty I mean daily, not just a special project here and there. There should be butter-making, leaf-classification, laying on the floor listening to Handel, and visits to farm animals. The world God created is an amazing, mysterious place, and children should be given opportunities and put in situations that allow them to experience the thrill of discovery, or give them the chance to feel, see, taste, and hear what they are learning about.

Education is not just teaching children to explore and discover, but teaching them discipline and providing the tools they can use to discover with. Classical education with bugs, dirt, fabric, glue, and paint splatters everywhere!

Curriculum Links

2009-01-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd start sharing some of my discoveries and resources as I teach school. I found websites that provide complete music and art curriculum. Everything is there and available to print out. Free. I am not following them word for word, but it is so nice to have a structure to follow.

Too inspired to blog!

2009-01-05T17:54:00.000-08:00

Embrace the enthusiasm! Go visit Warm Pie Happy Home!!

Painting in progress...

2009-01-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

After discovering Gennine's Art Blog, I had an epiphany, well, it's actually as if ever since I started reading these blogs by creative Christian women, my eyes have been opened more and more, and this art blog made it even more clear. Somethimes the people around me seem impressed that I make homemade bread or knit mittens. Then I kind of pat myself on the back. I'm satisfied and complacent. But after reading about people like this I realize: I can be SO MUCH MORE!

So I would like to say...Don't let anyone's expectations keep you down! Even though people are impressed with you or approve of you, go past that! Who cares if you make people 'sick' because you are so amazing? I don't think God wants anyone to get complacent. He has given us amazing gifts. What's your neglected talent? Go for it! Shoot for excellence!

P.S. Before taking this photo I realized I was using ugly plastic cups for water and brushes....so changed them out for jars. It's those little touches that are so easy but I don't think about. I'm learning, from all you lovely people, how to make life more beautiful. (And also I'm not saying I am on the same level as Gennine as a painter, I am just inspired to do my best with what God has given me.)

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

(This is one of my favorite posters.)

I have decided to keep the resolutions simple this year:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything that is written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:8

I know for myself I need to do devotions every morning, before everything else. When I seek God first, He gives me the strength and direction I need.

I'm using this website as a guide for my daily Bible reading.

Finally!

2009-01-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

Sixteen months after buying our 1955 foreclosure, I have painted my kitchen, dining room, and one bedroom!!!!! 10,000 nail holes and the irritating blue--all gone. Ah, the lovely, crisp, continuous white!

...and now to pick up all the junk that has accumulated.

1950's Menu

2008-12-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

This post from Like Merchant Ships is soooo cool! She found a menu planner from the 1950's and followed it for a week, blogging through it and posting the results. Very interesting!!!

Abiding Peace and Content

2008-12-29T06:04:00.000-08:00

This one has been copied out and posted in my kitchen!

A woman, therefore, needs to cultivate the habitual feeling, that all the events of her nursery and kitchen, are brought about by the permission of our Heavenly Father, and that fretfulness or complaint, in regard to these, is, in fact, complaining and disputing at the appointments of God, and is really as sinful, as unsubmissive murmurs amid the sorer chastisements of His hand. And a woman, who cultivates this habit of referring all the minor trials of life to the wise and benevolent agency of a Heavenly Parent, and daily seeks His sympathy and aid, to enable her to meet them with a quiet and cheerful spirit, will soon find it the perennial spring of abiding peace and content.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21829/21829-h/21829-h.htm#CHAPTER_V

Rules for Washing Dishes

2008-12-28T06:18:00.000-08:00

Here is another quote from A Treatise on Domestic Economy (1845). Just thought it was interesting.

Rules for Washing Dishes:

1. Scrape the dishes, putting away any food which may remain on them, and which it may be proper to save for future use. Put grease into the grease-pot, and whatever else may be on the plates, into the slop-pail. Save tea-leaves, for sweeping. Set all the dishes, when scraped, in regular piles; the smallest at the top.

2. Put the nicest articles in the wash-dish, and wash them in hot suds, with the swab or nicest dish-cloth. Wipe all metal articles, as soon as they are washed.[Pg 319] Put all the rest into the rinsing-dish, which should be filled with hot water. When they are taken out, lay them to drain on the waiter. Then rinse the dish-cloth, and hang it up, wipe the articles washed, and put them in their places.

3. Pour in more hot water, wash the greasy dishes with the dish-cloth made for them; rinse them, and set them to drain. Wipe them, and set them away. Wash the knives and forks, being careful that the handles are never put in water; wipe them, and then lay them in a knife-dish, to be scoured.

4. Take a fresh supply of clean suds, in which, wash the milk-pans, buckets, and tins. Then rinse and hang up this dish-cloth, and take the other; with which, wash the roaster, gridiron, pots, and kettles. Then wash and rinse the dish-cloth, and hang it up. Empty the slop-bucket and scald it. Dry metal teapots and tins before the fire. Then put the fireplace in order, and sweep and dust the kitchen.

Some persons keep a deep and narrow vessel, in which to wash knives with a swab, so that a careless domestic cannot lay them in the water while washing them. This article can be carried into the eating-room, to receive the knives and forks, when they are taken from the table.

Setting a table in the 1800's

2008-12-27T06:45:00.000-08:00

Rules for setting a Table:

1. Lay the rug square with the room, and also smooth and even; then set the table also square with the room, and see that the legs are in the right position to support the leaves.

2. Lay the tablecloth square with the table, right side up, smooth, and even.

3. Put on the teatray (for breakfast or tea) square with the table; set the cups and saucers at the front side of the teatray, and the sugar, slop-bowls, and cream-cup, at the back side. Lay the sugar-spoon or tongs on the sugar-bowl.

4. Lay the plates around the table, at equal intervals, and the knives and forks at regular distances, each in the same particular manner, with a cup-mat, or cup-plate, to each, and a napkin at the right side of each person.

5. If meat be used, set the caster and salt-cellars in the centre of the table; then lay mats for the dishes, and place the carving-knife and fork and steel by the master of the house. Set the butter on two plates, one on either side, with a butter-knife by each.

6. Set the tea or coffee-pot on a mat, at the right hand of the teatray, (if there be not room upon it.) Then place the chairs around the table, and call the family.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21829/21829-h/21829-h.htm#FIG_35

A Thought

2008-12-26T06:21:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a warm and happy Christmas. It's so nice to get to be at home for two weeks. My Christmas gift was paint!!! My kitchen is finally going to be fresh and white!

I began reading this book I found at Project Gutenberg and there are so many interesting quotes that I thought I would share a few with you this week. This one seemed like a prophecy to a future America.

"There are people … who, confounding together the different characteristics of the sexes, would make of man and woman, beings not only equal, but alike. They would give to both the same functions, impose on both the same duties, and grant to both the same rights. They would mix them in all things,—their business, their occupations, their pleasures. It may readily be conceived, that, by thus attempting to make one sex equal to the other, both are degraded; and, from so preposterous a medley of the works of Nature, nothing could ever result, but weak men and disorderly women." (Emphasis mine)
A Treatise on Domestic Economy
While I am one who is thankful for female doctors, voting, education, and the many other freedoms we now have, there is something to be said for a statement like this.

If you don't know, Project Gutenberg has all sorts of books you can read online for free. A TREATISE ON DOMESTIC ECONOMY, FOR THE USE OF YOUNG LADIES AT HOME, AND AT SCHOOL is a book from 1845 that covers health, rising early, the American home (including floor plans) caring for the sick, etc. I love to read about historical homemaking from the sources instead of a history book that
interprets it all for me.

Here's another homemaking book from the past: Public School Domestic Science

The three most powerful words after "Jesus loves me:"

2008-12-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

I first saw the slogan on the back of a girl's shirt at a Christian concert. The lights were dim, most of the music was unbearably loud, and the room was full of 'cool' high-schoolers. Being in my later 20's, I felt a just a little out of place. Then I saw the t-shirt: Do Hard Things. As I read it I felt like someone had flipped my brain upside down and excuses were falling out all over the blue carpet. All my cherished, carefully reasoned excuses. Do hard things? Someone actually is suggesting to everyone she sees that we do hard things??!!! After a day or two, I turned my brain back over and began to return all my lovely excuses to their proper places. And other than an occasional haunting, that was the end of that.

Then this week my boss showed me a book she wanted to go through with her junior high class called Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. I was so excited. There was a book behind the phrase I had seen on that t-shirt??! That night I read about half of it, and I will just say that my evening was not the same as every other.

To read more, go to therebolution.com

Cute Flop

2008-12-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

Someone's going to get these as a Christmas gift! J won't eat them!

I was researching Great Depression Era recipes and came across this website. Tried the molasses cookies and they are ok, like graham crackers, only much grainier. I guess I needed to grind the oats more finely.

My Knight

2008-12-15T15:37:00.000-08:00

Here are a few things I love about my husband of nearly 5 years:

1. He loves the sea and the mountains.
2. He is the best shadow priest on his server. (Ok well I think so anyway!)
3. He works hard and bears much to provide for us.
4. He is an amazing lead guitarist and poet.
5. He is honest.
6. He thinks deeply.
7. He's so handsome!
8. He is very smart.
9. He listens to bands like Sigur Ros.
10. He challenges me to grow.

This Moment

2008-12-14T07:55:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I went to my grandma's house because she had had a heart attack and needed someone to make her meals and take care of her. We have already lost one person in our family this year, and it is hard for all of us, especially Grandma. It was nice to be able to do something for her. After we ate each meal we would just sit and talk.

The thing she always reminds me about is this: "All we have is this moment." Yeah, Grandma, I know, all we have is today; we don't know if we will even be here for tomorrow. " No!" You can sense the stamp of a foot in her voice, "All we have is this very moment. The one we're in right now." It made me think. Although I must plan somewhat for the future, it is true: I can only choose what I'm doing in this moment. I can only love the people near me in this moment.

(Photographs were taken at Grandma's house.)

Attempting a Sweater...

2008-12-13T08:30:00.001-08:00

Here is what I started last night:

Right now with the parties, preparing for the school Christmas play, and making gifts, it feels like time is too short to blog more! For some reason I still have time to start a knitting project ...hmmm. I am finally attempting a sweater now that I have found a pattern I can understand!

This pattern, however, is tried and true. If you know how to do three types of stitches you can knit this dishcloth. It makes a nice kitcheny stocking stuffer, or you can wrap it up as a wash cloth with a bar of sweet-scented bath soap. This is a quick one!

Square Dish Cloth

Cast on 3 stitches. Tie a square knot. Leave a 6-in. tail to weave in when you are finished.

Slip 1, knit 1, yarn over, k 1-4 stitches. Turn.

Slip 1, knit 1, yarn over, k to end. Turn.

Repeat til you have 42 stitches. Turn.

Slip 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit two together, knit to end. Turn.

Repeat til you have 4 stitches, then slip 1, knit 2 together, cast off, knit last stitch, cast off, cut 6 in.

Pull through last stitch. Weave in ends.

To anyone just trying to make it to the end of the day:

2008-12-09T18:09:00.000-08:00

Showers and Living
(A Villanelle)

I chose to walk the path where lives remain
When hollow fears and tripping blood would blend;
Another day and water fade the stain.

I set down the knife that scraped the vein,
Turned and stood and forced the thoughts to bend.
I chose to walk the path where lives remain.

For years I'd try to pray away the bane,
But fall asleep with dread of how to spend
Another day, but water fades the stain.

Though it strained and went against the grain,
With insistence from a strong, exquisite Friend,
I chose to walk the path where lives remain.

Droplets streaking, hitting start to strain
The roof and SPLASH, the covering will rend.
Another day and water fade the stain.

Monday, sloshing north across the plain
Showers fall and, hand in His, I mend;
I chose to walk the path where lives remain.
Another day and water fade the stain.

Come, Lord Jesus

2008-12-06T07:09:00.001-08:00

Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent, so I got out our wreath and found some candles for it. This is how our family participates in the Advent season: Four Sundays before Christmas, we sit down at the table after dinner to read scriptures and pray. (The scriptures are different from year to year)

1st Sunday (Hope): Light first candle. Read Isaiah 64:1-9; Mk. 13:24-37; 1 Cor. 1:3-9. Pray.
2nd Sunday (Peace): Light first and second candles. Read Is. 40:1-11; Mk. 13:24-37; 1 Cor 1:3-9. Pray.
3rd Sunday (Joy): Light first 3 candles. Read Is. 61:1-4, 8-11; John 1:6-8, 19-28; 1Thess. 5:16-24. Pray.
4th Sunday (Love): Light all four candles. Read 2Sam. 7:1-11, 16;Luke 1:26-38, Rom. 16:25-27. Pray.
Christmas Day: We always do this in the morning after breakfast and before opening our stockings. Light the Christ Candle, symbolising that Jesus is born. Read Micah 4:1-5, 5:2-4; 1John 4:7-16; John 3:26-31. Thank God for sending us Jesus!

There are so many churches with different prayers and scriptures that are traditional for Advent. I was very surprised the first year I did this and found out the scriptures weren't about the birth of Jesus, but about preparing your heart for His coming. It is as if every Christmas is the first Christmas, and Jesus is going to be born in our hearts. Is there any room for him in my inn? Has his place as Master been crowded out? And right now, is He being crowded out by the very things that are supposed to be celebrating His first coming?

Although I am not from the Eastern Church, I read this and really appreciated the message of Christians celebrating Christmas in a way that is distinct from the World. http://www.theologic.com/oflweb/xmas/precele.htm

Up-do's

2008-12-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

On Monday I came back to school refreshed from the break, and for some reason with my hair up. (I just use two bobby pins and some tiny claw clips.) It was a great combination I guess, because I seemed to be able to think more clearly with my hair pulled back from my face. And I didn't have to worry about it getting tangled because it was all rolled up. It also feels so neat and old-fashioned; at the end of the day I still felt pretty and together.

Anyway, I have put it up every day since, and I think I am a better teacher now! One stress is completely eliminated, and I didn't have to shave my head. :)

Christmas Eve Traditions

2008-11-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I asked my mother what her family's traditional Christmas eve dinner was. She said Christmas eve was always a busy night of wrapping and preparing, so they would eat pull-apart parmesan bread with guacamole and ham at the coffee table. That sounded so simple and low-key! I think I'm going to try it next year.

On my father's side, they sit down at a long, gleaming wood table in the formal dining room to have oyster stew whether you like it or not. Dad has described the meal something like this: Chewy, indigestible globs resembling clumps of white snail flesh, bobbing in a gold-rimmed bowl of scalded milk. This meal was the torment, the suffering that made one truly worthy of the Christmas presents you would open on the morrow.

My own experience is the amended version of my father's. The gleaming table and gold-rimmed bowls remained, (we had dinner at his childhood home) but the act of swallowing the chewy masses of oyster flesh was now no longer compulsory, and the broth where the oysters lay in wait was a nourishing, creamy vegetable and potato substance.

What are your family traditions for Christmas eve dinner?

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

And now, back to the pies...

My New Curtains!

2008-11-26T08:42:00.000-08:00

Before.....(notice the differing lengths!)

And after...

I finally have the camera up and running again, so here are the pictures of my kitchen curtains before and after. they are very simple, I know, but that plaid sure makes me happy! And it was easy to sew since it had straight lines to follow.

My new blog background was done with a photo of my huband's kilt and a photo of bare trees. If you are new to blogging like I am and would like to try doing a background, here is a great site with step-by-step instructions for putting up a background or even making your own like I did.

http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/blog-secrets/144-how-to-make-your-own-background

Also--I was just reading blogs today and came across the neatest idea: making simple aprons out of vintage pillowcases! Check it out:

http://simplythisthatandtheother.blogspot.com/2008/11/aprons-vintage-pillowcases.html

Commitment to Loveliness

2008-11-25T17:08:00.001-08:00

Here's my list for the week (a little late!):
1. Send a real letter to my sister.
2. Work on Amish quilt(I've been procrastinating with this on and off for 5 years!)
3. Put together an outfit for Thanksgiving.
4. Work on having a gentle and quiet spirit...
5. Switch to lavendar soap instead of Irish Spring!

What I Believe

2008-11-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

In case anyone is wondering where I stand, this is what I believe! (This is a picture of the swing I spent so many hours on as a young girl, singing my songs to Jesus.)

I believe in one God the Father Almighty; Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds. God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN. (Nicene Creed)

Beauty: Day 5- Heaven on Earth

2008-11-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

"In the Lord's prayer, you ask that God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. You can bring a reflection of the kingdom of heaven to earth in your heart and in your life by your attitude, acts of kindness and love, and willingness to worship God in beauty, simplicity, and holiness.

~ I will...try to create a little bit of heaven on earth wherever I am.

~ Things to do: Here are a few suggestions for making a little heaven on earth today:

Pamper your loved ones today. Make a special meal. Grant a longed-for wish. Cuddle and hug them. Whisper words of love in their ears. Your husband, your children, your parents--all whom you love--need to be reminded in practical ways that you care.

Wear a beautiful dress, make home a haven, and create beauty and order wherever you can. Beauty is a blessing that speaks of heaven without words.
Take a long walk in God's creation and savor the earthly beauties that remind you of God's love and creativity.

Light a candle and worship God in the beauty and silence of prayer.
(From Checklist for Life for Women)

Beauty: Day 4

2008-11-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

"Beauty is God's handwriting. Welcome it in every fair face, every fair day, every fair flower." Charles Kingsley

~I will... be compassionate and empathetic toward others.

~Things to do: Write in your journal what makes you feel feminine.

These are the things that make me feel feminine:

wearing a long skirt that goes out when I twirl
wearing tea rose perfume
quilting, sewing, baking

What makes you feel feminine?

Beauty: Day 3

2008-11-18T07:04:00.000-08:00

"Characteristics which define beauty are wholeness, harmony, and radiance." Thomas Aquinas

Yesterday I tried to sit for 15 minutes and think about what God is doing in my life. I went into the bedroom but my mind kept wandering. I talked to God, texted my sister, and checked blogs. All in 15 minutes. At the end of the fifteen minutes I looked around me and laughed at myself. I couldn't leave my computer and cell phone in another room while I sat to think??!! This being-still-and-listening thing is going to take some practice. I am certainly not the serene, feminine woman I want to be. Not even as serene as I thought I was.

~I will... enjoy my femininity.

~Things to do: Take a fragrant bubble bath.

(Well at least the cell and computer can't take a bath with me!)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-11-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY, November 17, 2008...

Outside my window...green and gold leaves that remain shiver in the light breeze.

I am thinking... How can I be hungry after all I have eaten today. I am sooooo hungry.

I am thankful for...Flylady! I began following the evening and morning routines, beginning last night, and I feel so together, leaving the house in the morning on time with the dishwasher unloaded, the bed made, and the bathroom neat!

From the kitchen...honey whole wheat bread.

I am wearing...an ankle-length navy blue skirt, a short-sleeved white blouse, and a short-sleeved grey cardigan.

I am creating...a pink, white, and lavender variegated dishcloth. (knitted)

I am going...to teach my second grade girls knitting after school. We started today and they are catching on so quickly.

I am reading...Emily Climbs by L. M. Montgomery. It is my T.V. since we have no cable!

I am hoping... we will be getting a puppy soon.

I am hearing...a rooster crowing.

One of my favorite things...a big bowl of hot steamed vegetables.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Begin sketches for black-eyed-susan painting

Try to keep doing the flylady schedule

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

If you would like to take part in the Simple Woman's Daybook or would just like to read a lovely blog, visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Beauty: Day 2

2008-11-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

A woman who is at home in her own skin is able to be a comfortable and compassionate companion, helping others become comfortable with themselves....she surrounds herself and those she loves with beauty and thoughtful comforts. When you walk into the home of such a woman, you can sense a spirit of peace and sacredness immediately. (From Checklist for Life for Women)

I will...stop comparing myself with others. Have a peaceful and quiet spirit.

Things to do: Sit quietly for fifteen minutes and reflect on what God is doing in your life.

Beauty Checklist

2008-11-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

I was reading Checklist for Life for Women this morning and came across the devotional on beauty. It inspired me to devote my blog to beauty this week. Each day I will share a quote or thought about beauty along with two of the items from the checklist in the book. Here is the first quote:

"Strident voices may tell you that you that you are not good enough and will never measure up to today's artificial and airbrushed standards of female beauty. But you can cultivate gentle strength, love of beauty, and a quiet nurturing spirit instead of trying to fit into the world's mold....remember Esther's brave spirit and never forget that lasting beauty comes from a heart that is at peace with God, ready to offer a womanly touch to heal a hurting world."

I will...remember that lasting beauty begins in the heart.

Things to do: Ask God today to reveal to you what special feminine gifts you can develop.

Applesauce at Mom's House

2008-11-12T06:15:00.000-08:00

Mom harvested Grandma's apple tree. Peeling those tiny apples cramped my hands, but they smelled like heaven.

Mom in her home-sewn apron.

Ice cream and pecans can only make hot homemade applesauce better!

1893 Home Economics Final

2008-11-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

This is an excerpt from THE EASIEST WAY IN HOUSEKEEPING AND COOKING BY HELEN CAMPBELL. Can you pass the final?

QUESTIONS FOR FINAL EXAMINATION AT END OF YEAR
1. How is soup-stock made?
2. How is white soup made?
3. What are purées?
4. How is clear soup made?
5. How is caramel made, and what are its uses?
6. How is meat jelly made and colored?
7. How is meat boiled, roasted, and broiled?
8. How can cold meat be used?
9. How is poultry roasted and broiled?
10. How are potatoes cooked?
11. How are dried leguminous vegetables cooked?
12. How is rice boiled dry?
13. How is macaroni boiled?
14. How are white and brown sauces made?
15. Give plain salad-dressing and mayonnaise.
16. How are beef tea and chicken broth made?
17. Give receipts for plain omelet and omelette soufflée.
18. How are bread, biscuit, and rolls made?
19. How is pie-crust made?
20. Rule for puff paste?
21. How should you furnish a kitchen?
22. What are the best kinds of cooking utensils?

I am afraid I have a lot to learn! To read the rest of the book go to http://www.gutenberg.org/files/15360/15360-h/15360-h.htm

Therese

2008-11-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some clips from one of the most inspirational movies I have seen. If you haven't seen it, go out and rent it. Her prayer for charity/agape love has become my prayer.

Finishing School

2008-11-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

Many months ago I was wandering around on the internet researching my latest whim...finishing school. Some older books I had read mentioned it but I wished I could find a detailed account of the subjects and methods used to "finish" young ladies...and I was feeling rather rough-hewn myself.

I found many useless and some aweful sites before coming across the loveliest blog--Charming the Birds From the Trees. It exactly fit what I was looking for...anyway, if anyone is interested, this is a fun read--with homework, too! (Can you tell I'm a teacher?)

http://charmingthebirdsfromthetrees.blogspot.com/search/label/Finishing%20School

An I believe this is the Blog where it all started: http://elizabeth-themerryrose.blogspot.com/

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-11-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

I saw this post on The Simple Woman and thought it might be fun to try.

Outside my window...The sky is cloudy-blue...the evening sparrows aren't out yet.

I am thinking...How can I get all these children through even one rehearsal of the Christmas play?

I am thankful for...my new Bible. I love how smooth it is, the new smell, the larger print and how every story seems different and new.

From the kitchen...Pacific northwest salmon chowder and rolls.

I am wearing...Soft brown corduroy pants and a home-sewn red calico top with tiny pink, white and blue flowers on a winding brown leafy vine.

I am creating...a white knitted blanket.

I am going...to ask about a German Shepherd puppy and to water my winter garden of romaine and spinach.

I am reading...Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John. It is a novel for children, but I love to re-read it every now and then. It is such a vivid invitation to make room for Jesus. And just GOOD READING.

I am hoping...to finish the chores on my Monday list. Then I can spend some time knitting and baking.

Around the house...it is empty and quiet, waiting for the evening family life.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Visit my Mom to make applesauce.
Work on a homemaking resource binder to give to my friend for her wedding.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

If you would like to participate or just read a lovely blog, visit:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

New Curtains

2008-11-09T09:04:00.000-08:00

I have new curtains! I haven't been able to get the picture on my computer, but I am excited about the change in my kitchen. I had white, uneven, skimpy curtains. Now I have neat, full, gathered, winter-plaid ones. So nice! And plaid is easy to make curtains with since it has straight lines to work from. Now for finishing the Amish quilt... and painting the kitchen... and-

2008-11-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

God is paying attention to our lives:

Yesterday I came home from work and my husband said I needed to return a phone call from a friend. I called her and she said she had extra food she would like to give us. Now, we are not starving by any means, but what a blessing to be given two bags of food on a week that was going to be unusually meager. This kind of thing happens too often for it to be a coincidence!

Thursday it was two lamps. Someone at church was replacing their old lamps with new ones and wanted to give the old ones away. They asked me if I had any use for them...do I ever! ( I have two bedrooms with no real lighting in them...unless night lights count.)

Sometimes God, in his perfect wisdom, asks me to wait. But sometimes he seems to drop what is needed into my life right when I need it!

Things I Love

2008-11-05T17:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of things I love:
peas raw from the garden,
snow,
backpacking, fire, mud,
buttercups, dandilions, little birds,
butterflies, broccoli cheese soup with blueberry muffins,
cold days, candle light,
guitars, piano, strawberries,
swings, singing, ice outside in the morning,
huskies,
paint, paint, paint,
showers,
rocks, leaves, leather sandals,
red,
children, babies,
dancing for Jesus,
creamed honey and homemade bread,
green,
wet woods, rain, dark clouds, the moon,
the morning while it is still dark,
running

In my weakness He is a twenty foot tall iron-fisted warrior!

2008-11-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

Whenever I am wondering what to read for my devotions and my husband is not using the computer, I go to The Daily Lectionary page at the CriVoice website. It is a lot to read, but I just read what I have time to.
I don't always read and pray as much as I should, but reading 7 Minutes With God was the catalyst for the most significant change in my life. I had been overcome with fear, depression, and panic to the point that I was ruining the friendships I had with the people I saw every day. This article was just what I needed at that time, and I began reading and praying many mornings of the week. (Even Sundays!) Soon I realized that God was changing me, and giving me stability. And I was beginning to get to know this Jesus, the one who was supposed to be my friend, but I didn't really even talk to. So here is the link to it in case you need a little inspiration or know someone else who does.

Library Book Sale

2008-10-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

I went to the library to pick up Brambly Hedge and never got past the entry. There was a book sale: 50 cents an inch! Oh the raptures of a library sale! It was torture trying to confine my purchase to the 3 dollars in my purse.

I found Poets of the English Language (1950) Langland to Spencer, Studies in Grammar (1924), Old English Handbook (1935), and The Best Behavior--The course of good manners from antiquity to the present (1970).

This last book explained in the introduction why it is good manners to break your bread rather than bite into it.

Boke of Curtasye (c.1340) Bite not thy bread and lay it down, This is not
curtesy to use in town; But break as much as you will eat, The remnant to
the poor you shall lete (leave).

Hobbit Soup

2008-10-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

I am just thrilled that it is beginning to feel like fall. Creamy chicken- or sausage-mushroom soup is one of my favorite things to cook on a chilly evening. The earthy color and flavor of brown mushrooms, the scent of thyme, stirring with a wooden spoon in a cast iron pot. I always feel like a little hobbit wife in a subterranian home at the edge of the woods when I make this.

This recipe is a favorite with my family:

3 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. butter

1 1/2 lbs. sliced mushrooms (I use crimini)

1/2 c. chopped scallions or onions

3 Tbsp. sherry

5 Tbsp. flour

1 tsp. dried thyme

4 1/2 cups of water

4 1/2 tsp. bullion

salt and pepper to taste

2 sausages sliced and browned in a skillet

(or add chopped cooked chicken)

heavy cream (to taste) 1/2 to 1 c.

1. Cook mushrooms & onions over med- high heat in melted butter/olive oil about 5 min.

2. Add sherry, flour, & thyme, reduce heat to low & cook, scraping pan constantly for 5 min.

3. Add water, bullion, salt, and pepper, bring to a boil, reduce heat to med and simmer 20 min.

4. Take off heat and add cooked meat & cream.
5. Ring the dinner bell!

Sunshine

2008-10-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been feeling that I should turn off the radio and put down my books for a while. I was feeling down the other day so I reached to turn on the radio but something said in my heart, "Make your own sunshine."

Maybe it was from the Lord; I believe it was. As I considered that thought, I saw myself as a dark room with a cold hearth. That may be the way I felt, but it was not accurate. I had forgotten what a luminous Love lives in me.

Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Winter Garden!

2008-10-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I planted my "winter garden"--a couple square feet of romaine and spinach... (the thyme was here already) and they are actually popping up! It seems like such a miracle every time a little seedling appears.

#1

2008-10-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

I finally did #1 in my commitment to loveliness. It feels so nice to have a warm afghan on the couch and fall colors in the room.

A Stout Heart

2008-10-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

I picked up The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew as I was looking for the next book to read aloud to my class. I think it would be a little difficult for 1st and 2nd graders to grasp because it is told with many terms that are outdated. But I am having fun reading it to myself!

This little passage inspired me with its description of Mrs. Pepper:

But she had met life too bravely to be beaten down now. So with a stout heart and a cheery face, she had worked away day after day...and she had seen with pride that couldn't be concealed her noisy, happy brood growing up around her and filling her heart with comfort, and making the little brown house fairly ring with jollility and fun.

Tortillas

2008-10-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

I love it when my hands are floury and I'm kneading dough! It's such a nice homey feeling.

Tortillas:

2c self-rising flour

1/4c Crisco

3/4 c warm water (about 130 degrees)

Combine ingredients untill dough comes together.
Knead 4-6 minutes on a floury surface. (Add flour as needed until dough is soft and moist but not too sticky.)
Divide dough into 8 equal balls.
Place balls of dough back in bowl and cover with cloth.
Let rest 20 min.
On a floured surface, roll out each ball into a very thin circle. Keep stack of uncooked tortillas covered with a cloth as you cook.
Heat skillet to about medium-high. The tortillas should take about 10 seconds on each side and when a side is done it should have browns spots, so adjust heat accordingly.
Fill with garlicy shrimp, cheese, lettuce, a bit of lime juice, and sour cream. Enjoy!

To make self-rising flour, thoroughly sift together:

8 c white flour, 5Tbsp baking powder, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp salt.

Feminine Workout

2008-10-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

The New York City Ballet workout video, although it shows a bit too much skin, has beautiful classical music and graceful movement. No awkward "C'mon girls, get your booty moovin!" The narrator is never shown, and has a proper Austrian accent.

I was surprised at how well it worked. The first time I did it, my posture was improved, and in two weeks I had a nice flat stomach! Just thought I'd share what worked for me. (And I couldn't do most of the moves correctly!)

Budget version: Turn on your favorite classical or worship CD, close the curtains, and free dance! (Then do crunches and stretches.)

Commitment to Loveliness

2008-10-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

I think the commitment to loveliness is such a great idea! Here is mine:

Make a fall decoration for the coffee table.
Buy mousse and style my hair.
Turn the covers back before bed.
Smile while I do housework.
Clean my prayer corner.

http://charmingthebirdsfromthetrees.blogspot.com/2008/10/october-5th.html