Last year I did an extensive post on Halloween. You can view it here.
This year since we live around many people that we know well, we've decided to let the girls put their fairy costumes on and we've 'planted' candy in their homes for the girls to receive. We've never done trick-or-treating, but they are old enough to 'get it' now. I don't really view it as traditional trick-or-treating, since we're just going to people we've known for many years, but the girls are excited about the C-A-N-D-Y...I hope they don't load them down with lots of candy...we don't allow them to eat much.
Anyways, I would just repost the whole thing for today, but I just don't have the time right now. What's funny is my daughters, when we go to the store, start pointing out anything like jack-o-lanterns and all and start yelling 'Evil!Evil!"...it's sort of embarrassing because they are so loud and say it many times, but at least they did get the message...
**********************Edited after receiving a comment*****************************
Alright, the origin of Halloween is pagan.There are real witches and Satanists that do some very bad things on this night. I have a real problem with people who deck their homes out with skulls, spider web, ghosts etc. because they represent pure evil. Yet, people just think it's some other holiday- they don't understand the truth about it or don't want to.
What I don't have a problem with is decking my house out with pumpkins, fall foliage, autumn colors and smells and going to the church cookout where my children can dress up if they want in a safe environment. I don't have to worry about them seeing an awful scary mask that freaks them out. We have recently moved to a small community of friends (that are all related and go to church with us) that want our girls to come by and get some candy. So, they get to dress up in their costumes and go get some candy. We have never done this before- they were too little to 'get it'. As they get older, we will explain better the origins of this day. I have been very careful about what their little eyes see and teaching them why we don't do certain things that other people do.
Children LOVE to pretend and play dress up. Here is a fun opportunity for them to do so and show off their cute fairy costumes and get some candy that we never allow them to have as a treat.
Furthermore, I think I am done with blogging. I've enjoyed it and met some lovely people, but I am in a difficult stage of life right now and am highly emotional. (upcoming cross country move and all) I do not have the energy to explain and justify what I do and what I say. If a newcomer visits me and reads something I say, they take it wrong because they haven't read all the other stuff I said and therefore have no idea what I'm talking about. Then I get 'called' on it and have to explain myself. I have gotten to the point where I don't care what others think of me- if they hate me they hate me. More than likely, they wouldn't if they met me in person. Words on a screen just don't speak enough at times.
I am just plain tired of having to back up and re-explain my words because I've stepped on someone's toes. I am a pleaser and naturally want others to like me and want to make peace in all situations and give the benefit of the doubt. But right now I am tired. I don't know what this blog is about anymore. I don't know exactly who is reading what I say. What 'audience' do I have?
I'll be thinking on it...
*********************Edited again***********************************************
I have struggled greatly today. The reality of leaving my family and home has really hit me today. I've been crying off and on, especially when I found a bag of pictures that appeared out of nowhere of a trip I took with my mom and sister. I had a hard time being sick this week- to me getting sick is a failure on my part, and it's humbling to be in that place. I was behind on housework and laundry. So, there are a lot of things going on.
I realize, Rachel, that you weren't picking on me. It just hit me at the wrong time. I am very open minded and I too have changed a lot of things in my life by listening to others and the Lord. I cherish the ladies that come by and encourage me here- it is a real blessing. I am such a small 'voice' on the internet that the fact that anyone wants to listen to me is mind boggling :)
Your comment riled me, just because of bad timing. I am laughing when I type this, but I just carved a tiny Jack-O-Lantern for our centerpiece for dinner tonight. I was going to carve a cross in it but I am not very good with carving straight lines on a pumpkin...I bought jack-o-lantern candy bags for my girls...so, my mindset is changing a bit too. So many people have no idea where Halloween came from though, and that was my intent. My own mom was completely in the dark until we switched churches and they printed an article about it. Out went the black cats, skeletons and carving punkins. I felt kind of left out that I didn't trick-or-treat as a child, but I survived :)
Anyways, we don't watch scary movies unless you count Young Frankenstein or The Burbs, we do not condone anything with ghosts or witchcraft, except for the good fairies my girls are to be tonight...and I gotta go because dinner is burning :)
October 31, 2008
October 30, 2008
Thursday's Work
I feel so much better, praise the Lord! I prayed that I wouldn't have side effects from the medicine, because I usually do, and I haven't...only better. I've been drinking plenty of kefir in between doses to make sure the good guys are still there.
I thought I would share my work for today. This week hasn't been normal in the least because I haven't been well. I've kept up ok, but there were several things needing to be done.
This has been sitting since Monday...
This is the clutter area, er junk desk, the catch-all spot...needs some help...
The fridge got jammed with groceries yesterday as I was in a mad dash to get to the ER/direct care. Some frozen things are now thawed and stuff just needs to be rearranged.
And I need to do some cooking: I bought some whole wheat berries to try and grind in the coffee grinder for bread.
And I have some meaty beef bones to make a nourishing stock from that will turn into an interesting tomato soup for supper tonight.
The children's books are getting a bit out of hand...
The clothes overfloweth in our bathroom, oops I had to bleep something out there...I do not wish to show my undergarments to you all :)
I will post after pictures later, but as of now all is done except folding some clothes, finish the soup and straightening the books...I got tired out!
I thought I would share my work for today. This week hasn't been normal in the least because I haven't been well. I've kept up ok, but there were several things needing to be done.
This has been sitting since Monday...
This is the clutter area, er junk desk, the catch-all spot...needs some help...
The fridge got jammed with groceries yesterday as I was in a mad dash to get to the ER/direct care. Some frozen things are now thawed and stuff just needs to be rearranged.
And I need to do some cooking: I bought some whole wheat berries to try and grind in the coffee grinder for bread.
And I have some meaty beef bones to make a nourishing stock from that will turn into an interesting tomato soup for supper tonight.
The children's books are getting a bit out of hand...
The clothes overfloweth in our bathroom, oops I had to bleep something out there...I do not wish to show my undergarments to you all :)
I will post after pictures later, but as of now all is done except folding some clothes, finish the soup and straightening the books...I got tired out!
October 29, 2008
The Masterpiece
I got a revelation today. I can't remember when I got it, sometime this afternoon or evening, but it's a really neat picture.
I was thinking about how different I am now than I was before marriage. I had lots of potential and was wise beyond my years- I must have been, why else would a 29 year old man marry an 18 year old? LOL
But it got me to thinking about the verse that talks about us being the clay and God is the potter that forms us. I was a very nice lump of clay- soft and pliable, easy to work with. (easy for God I mean) But I didn't have a definite form yet.
Or as in a painting, maybe the basic scene was painted, but not the details and highlights that make the picture come alive. Lots of potential, but lacking in anything really beautiful. My husband was the same way.
I believe that marriage and later children, is a means of refinement. It is in these roles that we are pushed to our limits in many areas, causing us to cleave unto the Lord and seek His ways more. For me, I didn't know at all what it meant to be a wife. The first year of marriage was lovely and sweet, but by year three, things were getting tough. That is when I finally learned some valuable things. At the time my husband knew nothing either, and only recently in the last year or two has really 'grown up' in the Lord and in our relationship.
As the days and years go by, the painting of our life becomes more defined- highlights here, touches of unexpected color there, a blending of several colors...or the clay slowly takes shape into something recognizable and hopefully, beautiful. When my dear husband and I were married, we were nice lumps of clay. We have had to let ourselves be molded and changed, and sometimes squished all back together and start over again. I am more amazed at how far we've come in such a short time as each year goes by.
The fact that I can willingly leave all that I've ever known, into 'foreign lands' (ha,ha) for the benefit of my husband, and all of us too, can only be because of what I've learned about submitting to the Father's plan. He has used me to encourage and uplift my husband, and at times give him a gentle push and courageous pep talk into the right direction. Not that I know more than he, but there are times of uncertainty when one needs to be convinced they are doing the right thing.
In the last few weeks I've grown more in love with Matthew; he has become so much more understanding, giving, and nurturing to me and the girls. He desires to obey the Lord and His Word no matter what- he trusts Him fully. He comes home and talks to me about the things he's learned about on the radio regarding family and home, which echoes the very things that I read in books and online. God is seeing that we both get the same messages through different media :)
It is exciting to know that years from now, assuming we're still here if Jesus hasn't returned yet, I will be even better than I am now. My painting will be that much more interesting and detailed; my sculpture will look more like something valuable.
I just thought I would share my epiphany with everyone- it spoke a lot to me. I must be off to bed now.
I was thinking about how different I am now than I was before marriage. I had lots of potential and was wise beyond my years- I must have been, why else would a 29 year old man marry an 18 year old? LOL
But it got me to thinking about the verse that talks about us being the clay and God is the potter that forms us. I was a very nice lump of clay- soft and pliable, easy to work with. (easy for God I mean) But I didn't have a definite form yet.
Or as in a painting, maybe the basic scene was painted, but not the details and highlights that make the picture come alive. Lots of potential, but lacking in anything really beautiful. My husband was the same way.
I believe that marriage and later children, is a means of refinement. It is in these roles that we are pushed to our limits in many areas, causing us to cleave unto the Lord and seek His ways more. For me, I didn't know at all what it meant to be a wife. The first year of marriage was lovely and sweet, but by year three, things were getting tough. That is when I finally learned some valuable things. At the time my husband knew nothing either, and only recently in the last year or two has really 'grown up' in the Lord and in our relationship.
As the days and years go by, the painting of our life becomes more defined- highlights here, touches of unexpected color there, a blending of several colors...or the clay slowly takes shape into something recognizable and hopefully, beautiful. When my dear husband and I were married, we were nice lumps of clay. We have had to let ourselves be molded and changed, and sometimes squished all back together and start over again. I am more amazed at how far we've come in such a short time as each year goes by.
The fact that I can willingly leave all that I've ever known, into 'foreign lands' (ha,ha) for the benefit of my husband, and all of us too, can only be because of what I've learned about submitting to the Father's plan. He has used me to encourage and uplift my husband, and at times give him a gentle push and courageous pep talk into the right direction. Not that I know more than he, but there are times of uncertainty when one needs to be convinced they are doing the right thing.
In the last few weeks I've grown more in love with Matthew; he has become so much more understanding, giving, and nurturing to me and the girls. He desires to obey the Lord and His Word no matter what- he trusts Him fully. He comes home and talks to me about the things he's learned about on the radio regarding family and home, which echoes the very things that I read in books and online. God is seeing that we both get the same messages through different media :)
It is exciting to know that years from now, assuming we're still here if Jesus hasn't returned yet, I will be even better than I am now. My painting will be that much more interesting and detailed; my sculpture will look more like something valuable.
I just thought I would share my epiphany with everyone- it spoke a lot to me. I must be off to bed now.
Turn of events...
Well, I ended up at the ER this afternoon. I was pain free all of Monday, then the UTI pain hit me again. I kept at it with my natural methods but by today I could tell it was infected because my whole body was achy and the pain was worse. After awhile, the left middle of my back started hurting, which is where the kidneys are. I've never had kidney problems, but I started getting worried. Anyways, that coupled with all the sinus mess from the pollen in East Texas, well, I caved.
I felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit telling me, 'It's ok, go get some medicine, you didn't fail...'.
Sometimes our faith gets stretched or spread thin. My husband and I are really standing strong and working hard on our faith for this move, so when this came out of the blue, it was hard for me to be just as strong, especially when I was in so much pain. I have been confessing the Word, but I've also said things contrary to it.
Sometimes we need help with the pain so that we can hold fast to the Word of truth. Hey, I am human and still learning about faith and our words. I am saying this for the skeptics out there that think what I've said about our words and would try to say I'm a hypocrite or something.
So, I got the antibiotic and took it. I hate those things, but I need some relief...BAD! So I will be loading up on the kefir...
Anyways, I have a pot of chili cooking and we're about to eat Frito Pie and watch Ratatouille :)
I felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit telling me, 'It's ok, go get some medicine, you didn't fail...'.
Sometimes our faith gets stretched or spread thin. My husband and I are really standing strong and working hard on our faith for this move, so when this came out of the blue, it was hard for me to be just as strong, especially when I was in so much pain. I have been confessing the Word, but I've also said things contrary to it.
Sometimes we need help with the pain so that we can hold fast to the Word of truth. Hey, I am human and still learning about faith and our words. I am saying this for the skeptics out there that think what I've said about our words and would try to say I'm a hypocrite or something.
So, I got the antibiotic and took it. I hate those things, but I need some relief...BAD! So I will be loading up on the kefir...
Anyways, I have a pot of chili cooking and we're about to eat Frito Pie and watch Ratatouille :)
October 28, 2008
I can't sleep :( Don't have anymore sleepy time tea either...
I've been battling sinus/allergy symptoms, so it's hard to sleep with a plugged up nose. But, God's Word says that by His stripes I am healed, so I'm going with that.
Sunday morning, in the middle of church, I got literally attacked by a bladder infection. It just came up out of nowhere- fast and painful! Our church body laid hands on me and prayed, so I knew I was healed, yet the symptoms were still lingering. So, I went ahead and treated it with some natural things.
How to get rid of a bladder infection without antibiotics:
I drank 64 oz of real cranberry juice- downed it :)
I drank around a gallon of distilled water
I had to take some gas pills because I had a weird pocket of gas pain underneath my c-section scar, which was contributing to the pain of everything else.
By lunch time I was better. Later I got a quart of colloidal silver from our pastor, and drank 6-8 oz of it that evening. GONE! Colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic that doesn't kill the good bacterias and yeasts.
Plus I kept confessing God's Word over me. Thank you Lord!
Then yesterday I drank two more doses of colloidal silver. Good to go!
I thought back over the last couple of weeks and I've been drinking way too much caffeine/sugar and hardly any water. So Sunday I didn't drink any caffeine and yesterday I only drank some hot tea with honey. I also did a special lymph cleanse with a dry brush over my skin early Sunday morning, so it could have released some toxins into the bowel/bladder to be eliminated, but because I wasn't drinking much water it just sat.
So, I have been drinking lots of water. I learned my lesson.
I've been battling sinus/allergy symptoms, so it's hard to sleep with a plugged up nose. But, God's Word says that by His stripes I am healed, so I'm going with that.
Sunday morning, in the middle of church, I got literally attacked by a bladder infection. It just came up out of nowhere- fast and painful! Our church body laid hands on me and prayed, so I knew I was healed, yet the symptoms were still lingering. So, I went ahead and treated it with some natural things.
How to get rid of a bladder infection without antibiotics:
I drank 64 oz of real cranberry juice- downed it :)
I drank around a gallon of distilled water
I had to take some gas pills because I had a weird pocket of gas pain underneath my c-section scar, which was contributing to the pain of everything else.
By lunch time I was better. Later I got a quart of colloidal silver from our pastor, and drank 6-8 oz of it that evening. GONE! Colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic that doesn't kill the good bacterias and yeasts.
Plus I kept confessing God's Word over me. Thank you Lord!
Then yesterday I drank two more doses of colloidal silver. Good to go!
I thought back over the last couple of weeks and I've been drinking way too much caffeine/sugar and hardly any water. So Sunday I didn't drink any caffeine and yesterday I only drank some hot tea with honey. I also did a special lymph cleanse with a dry brush over my skin early Sunday morning, so it could have released some toxins into the bowel/bladder to be eliminated, but because I wasn't drinking much water it just sat.
So, I have been drinking lots of water. I learned my lesson.
October 27, 2008
Some fairies came to visit...
I wanted to share some funny pictures of my girls. Saturday was our church fall cookout. Since we don't celebrate Halloween, we allow the kids to dress up in 'nice' costumes. We went to Goodwill and bought all of these outfits-wings and all.
Sarah, the 'baby', barely fit in her outfit. That's why it is so funny! Poor girl, she is built just like me...
A back view of the fairy wings...
Sarah, the 'baby', barely fit in her outfit. That's why it is so funny! Poor girl, she is built just like me...
A back view of the fairy wings...
October 24, 2008
Changes
Well, thanks to everyone who was praying for my husband and I.
I can now reveal what it was were dealing with. My husband is from Michigan, the Upper Peninsula around the city of Iron Mountain. The year I was born, his family moved to Texas. He and his brothers grew up here, and then about 15 years ago, his parents felt called back to the UP. So, dh and his brothers stayed here and married and established themselves here. Unfortunately it's been difficult to see his parents and extended family because it takes two days to make the trip!
Well, completely out of nowhere, God spoke to us about moving. Up there. I repeat- moving UP THERE!!! It was really weird because I was down about some things that had happened recently. The more I got to thinking about the way things have been going the last several months, I realized that we aren't needed here- I felt done. I wanted to leave leave- and start over. My husband called me from work right as I realized this and I told him and he felt the same way. We had not talked about this at all beforehand- it wasn't on our minds AT ALL.
So, we started talking and praying. Wednesday was a terrible day. Full of turmoil- we were both barely able to function- we basically just went through the motions, because we were so torn about this. He talked to his parents and of course they were all excited, but agreed to pray for God's direction.
This is what we think. Time is short. The end is near. Now is not the time to be so focused on what will benefit me, but rather, what does God need for me to do? The harvest is ready, but where are the laborers? Are people willing to meet His needs regardless of how it affects them? Do the Yoopers need a country Texas gal to warm them up? LOL. I guarantee I'll make 'em laugh with my accent. So, we believe that God has heard us and desires to do something to bless us. Up there we can have land and farm it- land is so high here- my husband will be able to hunt and fish and ski all he wants, with people who want to be with him. Here, all of our friends have pretty much dropped us, we never see our siblings, despite numerous attempts to make our church more social, no one is willing. I have to do it all. I have been to the three different MOPS groups in three different towns around here, and no one would take my offer of friendship. Yet, while visiting up there, I met all sorts of people who enjoyed being with us and wishing we were closer.
My family is having a hard time. I've always been here, and they are so very attached to my children. They know they will miss us a lot, but they have made it very clear that they will be visiting regularly. Every time I talk to my mom we start crying.
For anyone who doesn't know, where we live now is the complete opposite in climate to where we are headed. I am still turning on the air conditioning here, and most people don't even have air conditioning up there!! We're talking 40 degrees below zero...we never even make it to zero degrees here. We haven't seen snow fall here in 5 years...they get snow sometimes in October. So, this is a big change. Like moving to another country...and for those who don't realize, we just moved here 6 months ago. We've moved now 5 times in 7 years.
One thing is for sure, I will be gathering lots of Texas paraphanalia and I really want that t-shirt that says 'Don't Mess with Texas Women'. I am proud to be a Texan, but God's plans are much more important. We must obey and He will bless us.
So for anyone who has had to pick up and move completely away from family and your hometown, please drop some helpful tips. If anyone lives up north, please give me some pointers about what to pack and what we will need. Thank you all.
I can now reveal what it was were dealing with. My husband is from Michigan, the Upper Peninsula around the city of Iron Mountain. The year I was born, his family moved to Texas. He and his brothers grew up here, and then about 15 years ago, his parents felt called back to the UP. So, dh and his brothers stayed here and married and established themselves here. Unfortunately it's been difficult to see his parents and extended family because it takes two days to make the trip!
Well, completely out of nowhere, God spoke to us about moving. Up there. I repeat- moving UP THERE!!! It was really weird because I was down about some things that had happened recently. The more I got to thinking about the way things have been going the last several months, I realized that we aren't needed here- I felt done. I wanted to leave leave- and start over. My husband called me from work right as I realized this and I told him and he felt the same way. We had not talked about this at all beforehand- it wasn't on our minds AT ALL.
So, we started talking and praying. Wednesday was a terrible day. Full of turmoil- we were both barely able to function- we basically just went through the motions, because we were so torn about this. He talked to his parents and of course they were all excited, but agreed to pray for God's direction.
This is what we think. Time is short. The end is near. Now is not the time to be so focused on what will benefit me, but rather, what does God need for me to do? The harvest is ready, but where are the laborers? Are people willing to meet His needs regardless of how it affects them? Do the Yoopers need a country Texas gal to warm them up? LOL. I guarantee I'll make 'em laugh with my accent. So, we believe that God has heard us and desires to do something to bless us. Up there we can have land and farm it- land is so high here- my husband will be able to hunt and fish and ski all he wants, with people who want to be with him. Here, all of our friends have pretty much dropped us, we never see our siblings, despite numerous attempts to make our church more social, no one is willing. I have to do it all. I have been to the three different MOPS groups in three different towns around here, and no one would take my offer of friendship. Yet, while visiting up there, I met all sorts of people who enjoyed being with us and wishing we were closer.
My family is having a hard time. I've always been here, and they are so very attached to my children. They know they will miss us a lot, but they have made it very clear that they will be visiting regularly. Every time I talk to my mom we start crying.
For anyone who doesn't know, where we live now is the complete opposite in climate to where we are headed. I am still turning on the air conditioning here, and most people don't even have air conditioning up there!! We're talking 40 degrees below zero...we never even make it to zero degrees here. We haven't seen snow fall here in 5 years...they get snow sometimes in October. So, this is a big change. Like moving to another country...and for those who don't realize, we just moved here 6 months ago. We've moved now 5 times in 7 years.
One thing is for sure, I will be gathering lots of Texas paraphanalia and I really want that t-shirt that says 'Don't Mess with Texas Women'. I am proud to be a Texan, but God's plans are much more important. We must obey and He will bless us.
So for anyone who has had to pick up and move completely away from family and your hometown, please drop some helpful tips. If anyone lives up north, please give me some pointers about what to pack and what we will need. Thank you all.
October 23, 2008
Cool weather dinner
October 22, 2008
Topsy Turvy
You know when your world gets turned upside down, the weird feelings you get? Like when major things happen such as getting married and moving off, finding out you are expecting (again!), finding out something is really wrong with a loved one etc. Your whole world view is changed. It's not comfortable and you get those red 'danger, danger!' flags coming your way.
I am there right now. My husband and I are about to make a HUGE decision, and we're both kind of shaken. We're sure one minute, then anxious the next. We are praying for a clear answer from the Lord on this. Would you mind sending a prayer for us? That we would really be able to hear clearly what He wants us to do.
Thanks my family in Christ. Blessings to you all :)
I am there right now. My husband and I are about to make a HUGE decision, and we're both kind of shaken. We're sure one minute, then anxious the next. We are praying for a clear answer from the Lord on this. Would you mind sending a prayer for us? That we would really be able to hear clearly what He wants us to do.
Thanks my family in Christ. Blessings to you all :)
October 21, 2008
Am I laboring in vain?
I am finding out more and more what it truly means to be crucified with Christ. Dying to self...becoming a living sacrifice.
You see, if my aim is to be His servant, to be used by Him in whatever way He needs me, then that means that some things won't make sense, or even seem fair. For instance, I posted awhile back, many months ago, about a friend who was my best friend growing up. She was an atheist at the ripe age of 12 and I began praying and witnessing to her when I felt the Lord leading me. Long story short, she got into drugs and alcohol and prostitution to get the drugs and alcohol, had a failed marriage and health problems. I saw her off and on throughout the years after her 'liberation' and continued to pray. Well she finally saw the light and got saved in the fall of '06. We became best buds again yet enhanced because now we were on the same side. It was awesome! Well, after a year or so, she just kind of dropped me.
So, now I see. When everyone in her life is casting her aside, she turns to me. Now, during this year she got lots of Bible teaching and fellowship; I spent lots and lots of time with her doing these things and just hanging out, driving her places, helping her in whatever way I could. I was there when she needed me even though I had a husband and children and a home to take care of.
So then I move here and get some neighbors who we become friends with. Well, they are newly married have lots of problems. Enter us- my husband and I. We've spent MUCH time staying up late at night and doing things with them etc. The wife has renewed her relationship with the Lord and we have formed a friendship. However, the husband is way messed up and basically just lies to us- he acts like a Godly Christian to us, yet goes home and treats her like dirt and doesn't even try. But see, I've just now realized this. So they are splitting up and I've lost another friend, who oddly has the same name as the aforementioned one.
What am I? Do I just fill the needs of the hurting and broken and they move on? Do I just continue to pour out my life to those who need love and attention and God, yet allow them to use me or move out of my life?
Yes. Why? Because when it's all said and done, it is worth it all to just help one person come to Christ or renew their relationship with Him. There is a song on my playlist over there called 'Worth it All' by Disciple. Listen to it.
It doesn't matter if I never have another good friend again besides dh and Jesus--I must do His work. I am frustrated because of the lack of a happy ending, but all I can do is my part. Which, I am still praying hard for his eyes to be opened. Still, the realization that I was being lied to is hurtful. I must forgive and move on.
I was so disheartened this morning that I couldn't even read my Bible and wanted to look for another house to rent. But then I felt led to call my mother-in-law, who just lost her mother. I called and ended up lifting her up and encouraging her and felt uplifted myself! I talked myself up, because I was speaking the Word of God to her :) LOL
So, do not grow weary in doing His work, because great will be your reward in Heaven. He sees it all and will bless you. Right now He needs willing laborers- the fields are white with harvest, yet who will bring it in??? ME!!! Use me!!!
You see, if my aim is to be His servant, to be used by Him in whatever way He needs me, then that means that some things won't make sense, or even seem fair. For instance, I posted awhile back, many months ago, about a friend who was my best friend growing up. She was an atheist at the ripe age of 12 and I began praying and witnessing to her when I felt the Lord leading me. Long story short, she got into drugs and alcohol and prostitution to get the drugs and alcohol, had a failed marriage and health problems. I saw her off and on throughout the years after her 'liberation' and continued to pray. Well she finally saw the light and got saved in the fall of '06. We became best buds again yet enhanced because now we were on the same side. It was awesome! Well, after a year or so, she just kind of dropped me.
So, now I see. When everyone in her life is casting her aside, she turns to me. Now, during this year she got lots of Bible teaching and fellowship; I spent lots and lots of time with her doing these things and just hanging out, driving her places, helping her in whatever way I could. I was there when she needed me even though I had a husband and children and a home to take care of.
So then I move here and get some neighbors who we become friends with. Well, they are newly married have lots of problems. Enter us- my husband and I. We've spent MUCH time staying up late at night and doing things with them etc. The wife has renewed her relationship with the Lord and we have formed a friendship. However, the husband is way messed up and basically just lies to us- he acts like a Godly Christian to us, yet goes home and treats her like dirt and doesn't even try. But see, I've just now realized this. So they are splitting up and I've lost another friend, who oddly has the same name as the aforementioned one.
What am I? Do I just fill the needs of the hurting and broken and they move on? Do I just continue to pour out my life to those who need love and attention and God, yet allow them to use me or move out of my life?
Yes. Why? Because when it's all said and done, it is worth it all to just help one person come to Christ or renew their relationship with Him. There is a song on my playlist over there called 'Worth it All' by Disciple. Listen to it.
It doesn't matter if I never have another good friend again besides dh and Jesus--I must do His work. I am frustrated because of the lack of a happy ending, but all I can do is my part. Which, I am still praying hard for his eyes to be opened. Still, the realization that I was being lied to is hurtful. I must forgive and move on.
I was so disheartened this morning that I couldn't even read my Bible and wanted to look for another house to rent. But then I felt led to call my mother-in-law, who just lost her mother. I called and ended up lifting her up and encouraging her and felt uplifted myself! I talked myself up, because I was speaking the Word of God to her :) LOL
So, do not grow weary in doing His work, because great will be your reward in Heaven. He sees it all and will bless you. Right now He needs willing laborers- the fields are white with harvest, yet who will bring it in??? ME!!! Use me!!!
October 20, 2008
My new favorite drink and some recipes
Can you guess what this is??
This is called Thai Iced tea, er, well my version of it. I first heard about it here and was interested so I did some research on it. It's basically regular black tea steeped with spices- cinnamon, star anise and vanilla. Then you sweeten it, pour it on ice and top with half and half or sweetened condensed milk. (I also used milk and heavy cream)
What I did:
8 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
1 t fennel seeds
4-5 allspice berries
3 regular sized tea bags
3/4 cup sugar-I used a natural one
vanilla extract
I heated the water to a boil in a large saucepan, then added the tea and spices. I put the seeds in a metal tea ball strainer thingie. I let it steep 30 minutes. Then I took the tea bags out and reheated the liquid so the sugar would dissolve. Then you're supposed to cool it, but I just pour it over the ice warm. Next you just drip-drop the milk/cream whatever on the top and let it swirl down. At first I wasn't sure about the taste, so I put everything back in the pot and let it steep longer and added more sweetener. (I only let it go 15 minutes the first time) Then it was GOOD! Seriously, I drank a quart of it in one afternoon. My dinner guests liked it as well.
Also, I served a simple yet delicious dinner to my guests. I had originally planned to make a spicy pumpkin soup, but since I didn't know them well or their tastes, I decided to something else. I made Porkchops Pizzaola with polenta, Caprese salad (tomato-basil-mozzarella), our guest brought garlic bread, I had loads of radishes to mess with and I made some sauteed ones, and panna cotta with black berries.
Ok, the pork chops. I'll start by saying I don't cook much pork anymore. There was a time where I couldn't eat it at all without getting sick-neither could dh. But as we've been eating lots of probiotics, coconut oil and doing bowel cleanses, we can tolerate it very well now. I bought the family pack of HUGE pork chops for around $10.
In a large pot heat some olive oil on medium-high heat. Season meat with salt and pepper and sear in the hot pan on both sides. (I did this in batches because mine were so big) After all the chops are done, put them in a large glass baking pan (9x13). In the same pan add 1 medium-large onion, sliced. When softened add 1 large can crushed tomatoes, 1 regular can of diced tomatoes, 1 T herb de provence, 1/2 t crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cover and let simmer 10-15 minutes.
Then I poured the sauce all over the chops and covered the pan. I had the oven on 325 and stuck them in there for a few hours, however you could do it at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time- I was just making it ahead of time and allowing to sit in the oven till time to eat.
Polenta is basically just cooked cornmeal- three parts water to 1 part cornmeal. Then you stir it on low heat for awhile and add in the goodies. I usually do butter, cream and parmesan cheese. You can serve it creamy or spread it in a pan and let cool, then cut into shapes and fry it. I served the meat and sauce on top of the polenta.
I also wanted to include this one. My family loves my chicken noodle soup. It's very simple and easy, and nothing amazing, but since they like it so much I thought I would post it. I find that it's easier and tastier to use a leftover roasted chicken carcass with a little meat left on it than putting a whole raw chicken in a pot to make the broth. This is what I do:
Put the leftover chicken in a pot and cover with water. Simmer with the lid on for at least an hour. Then I take the chicken and bones out to cool. Next I add a bay leaf, some herbs and salt, and start adding chopped carrots, onion and celery. I use two medium size carrots and two large stalks of celery and half a medium sized onion. While the vegetables are cooking I start picking off the chicken meat and usually after I'm done with that, the veggies are getting soft and I add the chicken and noodles to the pot. When the noodles are cooked through I add about 1/2 cup of cream and taste for seasoning. Done. Saturday we ate this with saltine crackers and leftover tomato basil salad. My husband said I could bottle it and sell it :) I think the flavor from the roasted chicken and the cream is what makes it so yummy.
And it's cheap!
This is called Thai Iced tea, er, well my version of it. I first heard about it here and was interested so I did some research on it. It's basically regular black tea steeped with spices- cinnamon, star anise and vanilla. Then you sweeten it, pour it on ice and top with half and half or sweetened condensed milk. (I also used milk and heavy cream)What I did:
8 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
1 t fennel seeds
4-5 allspice berries
3 regular sized tea bags
3/4 cup sugar-I used a natural one
vanilla extract
I heated the water to a boil in a large saucepan, then added the tea and spices. I put the seeds in a metal tea ball strainer thingie. I let it steep 30 minutes. Then I took the tea bags out and reheated the liquid so the sugar would dissolve. Then you're supposed to cool it, but I just pour it over the ice warm. Next you just drip-drop the milk/cream whatever on the top and let it swirl down. At first I wasn't sure about the taste, so I put everything back in the pot and let it steep longer and added more sweetener. (I only let it go 15 minutes the first time) Then it was GOOD! Seriously, I drank a quart of it in one afternoon. My dinner guests liked it as well.
Also, I served a simple yet delicious dinner to my guests. I had originally planned to make a spicy pumpkin soup, but since I didn't know them well or their tastes, I decided to something else. I made Porkchops Pizzaola with polenta, Caprese salad (tomato-basil-mozzarella), our guest brought garlic bread, I had loads of radishes to mess with and I made some sauteed ones, and panna cotta with black berries.
Ok, the pork chops. I'll start by saying I don't cook much pork anymore. There was a time where I couldn't eat it at all without getting sick-neither could dh. But as we've been eating lots of probiotics, coconut oil and doing bowel cleanses, we can tolerate it very well now. I bought the family pack of HUGE pork chops for around $10.
In a large pot heat some olive oil on medium-high heat. Season meat with salt and pepper and sear in the hot pan on both sides. (I did this in batches because mine were so big) After all the chops are done, put them in a large glass baking pan (9x13). In the same pan add 1 medium-large onion, sliced. When softened add 1 large can crushed tomatoes, 1 regular can of diced tomatoes, 1 T herb de provence, 1/2 t crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cover and let simmer 10-15 minutes.
Then I poured the sauce all over the chops and covered the pan. I had the oven on 325 and stuck them in there for a few hours, however you could do it at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time- I was just making it ahead of time and allowing to sit in the oven till time to eat.
Polenta is basically just cooked cornmeal- three parts water to 1 part cornmeal. Then you stir it on low heat for awhile and add in the goodies. I usually do butter, cream and parmesan cheese. You can serve it creamy or spread it in a pan and let cool, then cut into shapes and fry it. I served the meat and sauce on top of the polenta.
I also wanted to include this one. My family loves my chicken noodle soup. It's very simple and easy, and nothing amazing, but since they like it so much I thought I would post it. I find that it's easier and tastier to use a leftover roasted chicken carcass with a little meat left on it than putting a whole raw chicken in a pot to make the broth. This is what I do:
Put the leftover chicken in a pot and cover with water. Simmer with the lid on for at least an hour. Then I take the chicken and bones out to cool. Next I add a bay leaf, some herbs and salt, and start adding chopped carrots, onion and celery. I use two medium size carrots and two large stalks of celery and half a medium sized onion. While the vegetables are cooking I start picking off the chicken meat and usually after I'm done with that, the veggies are getting soft and I add the chicken and noodles to the pot. When the noodles are cooked through I add about 1/2 cup of cream and taste for seasoning. Done. Saturday we ate this with saltine crackers and leftover tomato basil salad. My husband said I could bottle it and sell it :) I think the flavor from the roasted chicken and the cream is what makes it so yummy.
And it's cheap!
Rearranging priorities
Whew...I just took the girls for a walk as a means of exercise for me. We have lots of hills...I certainly need to work up to walking a long distance :)
Last week was very busy. I was working hard to finish my mom's quilt and prepare for our guests. Unfortunately I allowed my children lots of TV and computer time. What happened? Some bad attitudes cropped up in the middle child. It seemed so gradual until it reached a peak Saturday. My husband and I realized what was going on and that we were really hard on her. We were both, er, chastened I guess.
So, I have made a new, real determination. The important things will come first. People are not coming in with white gloves to inspect the cleanliness of my home. They are not checking out my closets and cupboards. No one is scorning me for piled up laundry and dishes.
My plan is to have a morning routine of getting the day started, then exercising and school, which I will be including things that make messes but have avoided because I don't want to clean it up. (glue, water colors, play-doh, board games) I am holding out from my girls because I don't want to make messes. If I can start getting up earlier then that will be Bible/prayer time for me.
Of course laundry and meal preps will have to be done, which will be part of my morning routine and then after school work. Cleaning chores will wait until my oldest gets home from school she can help. (Well, I will do mine and save their chores for then.) This way, they have something to do in the late afternoons, a dilemma I've run into lately. But, even if the cleaning and laundry get behind, at least I will have given the girls the time they needed and taken care of my body and spirit, which in turn ensures I give my best to my family.
I am going to give it a good effort to include the girls in what I am doing, especially since they love to help cook and 'wash' dishes. I will have to work on my standards :) Anyways, what I've done so far:
cleaned up the kitchen
tidied bedrooms
washed the sheets from my bed
set my meat to thaw and rice to soak
Exercised
Next is- switch out laundry and fold up some from the weekend
prepare some school work and do it
then I'll do my cleaning (wipe down appliances, fridge and stove top- possibly clean the oven)
Straighten up some cluttered areas in the house
Make and eat lunch--hopefully get the laundry finished in the afternoon, then work on some charts for chores and behavior for the girls
Not sure after that...we'll see how this plan goes for a few days...but life happens and things get changed around...we are totally out of milk, almost out of butter, eggs and fruit so I may have to make a trip to the store. That's Monday!
Last week was very busy. I was working hard to finish my mom's quilt and prepare for our guests. Unfortunately I allowed my children lots of TV and computer time. What happened? Some bad attitudes cropped up in the middle child. It seemed so gradual until it reached a peak Saturday. My husband and I realized what was going on and that we were really hard on her. We were both, er, chastened I guess.
So, I have made a new, real determination. The important things will come first. People are not coming in with white gloves to inspect the cleanliness of my home. They are not checking out my closets and cupboards. No one is scorning me for piled up laundry and dishes.
My plan is to have a morning routine of getting the day started, then exercising and school, which I will be including things that make messes but have avoided because I don't want to clean it up. (glue, water colors, play-doh, board games) I am holding out from my girls because I don't want to make messes. If I can start getting up earlier then that will be Bible/prayer time for me.
Of course laundry and meal preps will have to be done, which will be part of my morning routine and then after school work. Cleaning chores will wait until my oldest gets home from school she can help. (Well, I will do mine and save their chores for then.) This way, they have something to do in the late afternoons, a dilemma I've run into lately. But, even if the cleaning and laundry get behind, at least I will have given the girls the time they needed and taken care of my body and spirit, which in turn ensures I give my best to my family.
I am going to give it a good effort to include the girls in what I am doing, especially since they love to help cook and 'wash' dishes. I will have to work on my standards :) Anyways, what I've done so far:
cleaned up the kitchen
tidied bedrooms
washed the sheets from my bed
set my meat to thaw and rice to soak
Exercised
Next is- switch out laundry and fold up some from the weekend
prepare some school work and do it
then I'll do my cleaning (wipe down appliances, fridge and stove top- possibly clean the oven)
Straighten up some cluttered areas in the house
Make and eat lunch--hopefully get the laundry finished in the afternoon, then work on some charts for chores and behavior for the girls
Not sure after that...we'll see how this plan goes for a few days...but life happens and things get changed around...we are totally out of milk, almost out of butter, eggs and fruit so I may have to make a trip to the store. That's Monday!
October 17, 2008
Radishes!
Radishes....Radishes....RADISHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My husband picked ALL the radishes yesterday. The right side of the sink is the really dirty ones straight from the garden dirt. The ones on the left are the washed ones. They are mostly green tops!
See, they were mostly greens. I found out today that you can eat the greens too. I found several pickled radish recipes, salads and a soup recipe for the greens.
However I can't deal with them today except wash and store them- I have company coming! I have to wash everything a second time as well because they're so very dirty. The best way to get all the dirt off, in my opinion since I don't have a sprayer, is to fill up the sink with cold water and let the radishes sit for 10-15 minutes, swirling them around a bit. All the dirt goes to the bottom.
Ok, well, time to scrub the incredibly hard to clean faux micro suede furniture- with baby soap and water! Ugh!
My husband picked ALL the radishes yesterday. The right side of the sink is the really dirty ones straight from the garden dirt. The ones on the left are the washed ones. They are mostly green tops!
See, they were mostly greens. I found out today that you can eat the greens too. I found several pickled radish recipes, salads and a soup recipe for the greens.However I can't deal with them today except wash and store them- I have company coming! I have to wash everything a second time as well because they're so very dirty. The best way to get all the dirt off, in my opinion since I don't have a sprayer, is to fill up the sink with cold water and let the radishes sit for 10-15 minutes, swirling them around a bit. All the dirt goes to the bottom.
Ok, well, time to scrub the incredibly hard to clean faux micro suede furniture- with baby soap and water! Ugh!
October 16, 2008
Nothing in particular...
Blogging has been rather hit and miss the last week. Sorry. I have lots of things to take pictures of and post about, just haven't gotten around to it.
I have been trying to finish two quilts this week plus do extra cleaning/decluttering and prepare for guests. When I have someone new over, I look at the house with new eyes and the clutter that I've become used to suddenly stands out :)
I have been wanting to take another set of pictures of my house since we've lived here a few months now and I've redecorated, but again, haven't gotten to it.
Another thing is that I've been soooo tired lately. My eyes feel tired and achy and like I have sand in them. This in turn as made me a bit irritable. So today I laid down with cucumber slices over my eyes for 15 minutes. Worked great! And I have an endless supply of cucumbers!!
I just checked the garden- LOADS of radishes. What do you do with those besides eat them raw?
I am having a HARD time getting myself exercising regularly. I need to so badly, but for whatever reason, my time seems taken up, or, because I'm not used to doing it, it slips my mind! Seems like something ALWAYS comes up that is more important.
So, I am working on a schedule, yet again, to really keep myself accountable. Not to the point of stressing out, but to make the minutes in my day really count. Maybe after awhile I won't need as much schedule, but right now I do, because I just can't keep things together. My priorities keep slipping out of order...
So, right now I need to be working on Leiah's quilt, then work on dinner. I need to make a last minute grocery trip to another town this evening, so I need to get things finished before I leave. We are having a lovely cool day today after a week of upper 80s, so the girls need to get out in it a bit too.
I have been trying to finish two quilts this week plus do extra cleaning/decluttering and prepare for guests. When I have someone new over, I look at the house with new eyes and the clutter that I've become used to suddenly stands out :)
I have been wanting to take another set of pictures of my house since we've lived here a few months now and I've redecorated, but again, haven't gotten to it.
Another thing is that I've been soooo tired lately. My eyes feel tired and achy and like I have sand in them. This in turn as made me a bit irritable. So today I laid down with cucumber slices over my eyes for 15 minutes. Worked great! And I have an endless supply of cucumbers!!
I just checked the garden- LOADS of radishes. What do you do with those besides eat them raw?
I am having a HARD time getting myself exercising regularly. I need to so badly, but for whatever reason, my time seems taken up, or, because I'm not used to doing it, it slips my mind! Seems like something ALWAYS comes up that is more important.
So, I am working on a schedule, yet again, to really keep myself accountable. Not to the point of stressing out, but to make the minutes in my day really count. Maybe after awhile I won't need as much schedule, but right now I do, because I just can't keep things together. My priorities keep slipping out of order...
So, right now I need to be working on Leiah's quilt, then work on dinner. I need to make a last minute grocery trip to another town this evening, so I need to get things finished before I leave. We are having a lovely cool day today after a week of upper 80s, so the girls need to get out in it a bit too.
October 14, 2008
A Food post
Well, since I came across this book about the Hunzas, I am finding that the bread recipe I tried is probably a myth :) I did make the bread and it barely rose! I baked it this morning and it tastes fine, but the buckwheat is strong. Oh well...
I thought I would share our weekly menu. I don't have much time to post today. I sat in the car at the grocery store trying to figure up a menu and grocery list. Dis-organized much?
Today, Tuesday- chili beans (pintos with ground beef, onions, tomatoes and chili spices), yooper macaroni and cheese, salad
Wednesday- Chicken with basil and tomatoes, polenta and a salad
Thursday- chicken fried rice, stir fried veggies and Asian slaw
Friday- we are having guests for dinner. I am making a spicy (as in not spicy hot, Indian spices) creamy pumpkin soup, slightly sweet pecan scones, a spinach salad with pears and feta cheese, and either panna cotta (Italian custard) or an apple tart thingie. Notice no meat :) A frugal meal I guess, however the cream and cheese can be expensive...
Saturday- grassfed buffalo burritos, chips and salsa
Sunday- usually leftovers or something quick like eggs or ramen noodles
Monday- potato soup, garlic cheese biscuits, salad
Tuesday- salmon casserole (I will try the recipe from Candy's site) and broccoli
I plan things this way because my husband gets paid on Wednesdays. Sometimes though we eat more than I thought or I didn't buy enough so I have to go on Tuesday night, or in this case Tuesday morning :)
I read some more info about food additives and have become very picky now about what I buy. The absolute worst things you can put into your body are:
aspartame
sucralose
MSG
High Fructose corn syrup
anything that says 'natural flavors' 'artificial flavors' or 'spices' -hundreds of chemicals
Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils
So, today I was very careful. I bought meat that was all natural, which cost several dollars more than usual. (1 lb of the buffalo was $6.99 and the whole chicken was around $7) The organic milk was on sale for $2.99 a gallon, yea, the butter and cheese was just too much though, so I got the best I could, which was still good quality. The organic fruits and veggies were steep too, and I already had lots of produce from last week in the fridge. I bought some organic peanut butter, some frozen veggies, all natural fruit juice for the kiddies and other stuff. I didn't need rice, beans, pasta or canned goods. We are also stopping drinking tap water (the fluoride messes with the thyroid, which I do not need) so I bought distilled. My total was $80 and some change. I still need a large container of cream, curry powder and the feta cheese.
Anyways, I totally believe that when we pray over our food, it is good for us, but that doesn't mean we don't need to choose what goes into our bodies with wisdom. Our garden isn't producing like we hoped, so we won't have lots of organic veggies this year. I did however put up 6 pints of sweet pickles and relish Saturday, so at least we have the cucumbers :) The chicken coop will also have to wait till spring- too much to do! But, we're doing the best we can.
Hopefully by getting as many chemicals out of our food as possible, I'll lose some of this weight!!
I thought I would share our weekly menu. I don't have much time to post today. I sat in the car at the grocery store trying to figure up a menu and grocery list. Dis-organized much?
Today, Tuesday- chili beans (pintos with ground beef, onions, tomatoes and chili spices), yooper macaroni and cheese, salad
Wednesday- Chicken with basil and tomatoes, polenta and a salad
Thursday- chicken fried rice, stir fried veggies and Asian slaw
Friday- we are having guests for dinner. I am making a spicy (as in not spicy hot, Indian spices) creamy pumpkin soup, slightly sweet pecan scones, a spinach salad with pears and feta cheese, and either panna cotta (Italian custard) or an apple tart thingie. Notice no meat :) A frugal meal I guess, however the cream and cheese can be expensive...
Saturday- grassfed buffalo burritos, chips and salsa
Sunday- usually leftovers or something quick like eggs or ramen noodles
Monday- potato soup, garlic cheese biscuits, salad
Tuesday- salmon casserole (I will try the recipe from Candy's site) and broccoli
I plan things this way because my husband gets paid on Wednesdays. Sometimes though we eat more than I thought or I didn't buy enough so I have to go on Tuesday night, or in this case Tuesday morning :)
I read some more info about food additives and have become very picky now about what I buy. The absolute worst things you can put into your body are:
aspartame
sucralose
MSG
High Fructose corn syrup
anything that says 'natural flavors' 'artificial flavors' or 'spices' -hundreds of chemicals
Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils
So, today I was very careful. I bought meat that was all natural, which cost several dollars more than usual. (1 lb of the buffalo was $6.99 and the whole chicken was around $7) The organic milk was on sale for $2.99 a gallon, yea, the butter and cheese was just too much though, so I got the best I could, which was still good quality. The organic fruits and veggies were steep too, and I already had lots of produce from last week in the fridge. I bought some organic peanut butter, some frozen veggies, all natural fruit juice for the kiddies and other stuff. I didn't need rice, beans, pasta or canned goods. We are also stopping drinking tap water (the fluoride messes with the thyroid, which I do not need) so I bought distilled. My total was $80 and some change. I still need a large container of cream, curry powder and the feta cheese.
Anyways, I totally believe that when we pray over our food, it is good for us, but that doesn't mean we don't need to choose what goes into our bodies with wisdom. Our garden isn't producing like we hoped, so we won't have lots of organic veggies this year. I did however put up 6 pints of sweet pickles and relish Saturday, so at least we have the cucumbers :) The chicken coop will also have to wait till spring- too much to do! But, we're doing the best we can.
Hopefully by getting as many chemicals out of our food as possible, I'll lose some of this weight!!
October 13, 2008
No Hunger Bread
I've got an experiment going. I had read in a book about something called 'No Hunger Bread'. Originally it was made from the 'recipe' of what the Hunzas of the Himalayas eat each day, which is known to be one of the healthiest groups of people on the planet. (many, many of them live to be over 100years old)
Anyways, the person who came up with it noticed that when he ate it, he was full for like 6 hours and eventually lost 30lbs and kept it off. Several people had the same effect. He tried to market it, but the FDA shut that down...I looked all over the internet for a recipe, but found conflicting information. So, I'm doing my own thing.
I know that it is made from whole grains, it has lots of honey in it, butter and it has some kind of leavening in it because it needed to rise for 6hrs. I just realized I forgot something important- it had herbs in it. I don't know which ones though, and I was planning to add cinnamon and other stuff to the dough, but I forgot...oops.
So, this is what I did:
1 cup sourdough starter
1/2 cup of honey
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 softened butter
2 t salt
approx. 1/2-1 cup water
I mixed these together well, then added 2-3 cups whole wheat flour, 2 cups buckwheat flour, 1/3 cup of millet and 1/4 cup raisins. I would have ground the millet, but I don't have anything to grind it with. I wanted to add other fruit too, but I don't have any right now. It's rising now, and then I'm supposed to bake it at a low temperature, and remove from the oven just as it's going from dough to cooked. I'll gather more information about it later and let you know how it turned out- I have 4 kids today-gotta go!
Edited to add pictures:
Weird looking huh? It tasted ok, but I went ahead and donated it to the compost pile :)
Anyways, the person who came up with it noticed that when he ate it, he was full for like 6 hours and eventually lost 30lbs and kept it off. Several people had the same effect. He tried to market it, but the FDA shut that down...I looked all over the internet for a recipe, but found conflicting information. So, I'm doing my own thing.
I know that it is made from whole grains, it has lots of honey in it, butter and it has some kind of leavening in it because it needed to rise for 6hrs. I just realized I forgot something important- it had herbs in it. I don't know which ones though, and I was planning to add cinnamon and other stuff to the dough, but I forgot...oops.
So, this is what I did:
1 cup sourdough starter
1/2 cup of honey
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 softened butter
2 t salt
approx. 1/2-1 cup water
I mixed these together well, then added 2-3 cups whole wheat flour, 2 cups buckwheat flour, 1/3 cup of millet and 1/4 cup raisins. I would have ground the millet, but I don't have anything to grind it with. I wanted to add other fruit too, but I don't have any right now. It's rising now, and then I'm supposed to bake it at a low temperature, and remove from the oven just as it's going from dough to cooked. I'll gather more information about it later and let you know how it turned out- I have 4 kids today-gotta go!
Edited to add pictures:
Weird looking huh? It tasted ok, but I went ahead and donated it to the compost pile :)
October 11, 2008
Hmmm....
When I started posting chapters from the book, The Tongue- A Creative Force, I knew that I might get some scoffers. I'm pretty much opening myself up to arguments, but if it helps just one person out there, then it is worth it.
I am not personally trying to convince people that this is true, I am just laying it out there and giving real life examples- you do with it what you will. I do not have all the answers- I am 26 years old, a wife of 7.5 years and mother of three little girls- I have a lot more to do than sit down and debate Bible 'doctrine'. But I do live by faith daily, and more importantly, by reading this book, have been watching what I say much better.
For you to understand the principles in the book, you must first believe that we have an adversary, better known as Satan. If everyone believes that God the Father is making good and bad things happening on earth, then what in the world is the devil doing? Where does he fit in? If we believe that whatever happens to us, good or bad, is God's doing, then what I have posted about speaking the Word is meaningless. We do have an enemy, and we do have to fight tooth and nail each day in just about every area of our lives with him. We are no match for him alone, but with our weapons, the Word of God and faith in it and the Holy Spirit to guide us, then we can actually fight and win.
"For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)..." 2 Cor. 2:10
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:..." 1 Peter 5:8
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" Ephesians 6:14-17
For anyone worried that I am being led astray, let me assure you that I have not been. I am in no way saying that you can have anything you say regardless if it's according to God's Word. No, that is not it. What I am saying, is that you have the same power in you that Jesus had on the earth. The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, since we can come boldly before the Throne of Grace, the Holy of Holies, then God the Father must think that we do now indeed deserve health, wealth and prosperity. We are no longer unworthy sinners- NO MORE! That's gone, that person is dead- doesn't exist anymore, blotted out by the blood of the Lamb, cast into the sea of forgetfulness, removed as far as the east is from the west...Because Jesus lives in you, you are worthy.
If you believe that the Bible is the absolute truth, then everything else is not. If the Bible says that you can have whatever you ask in the name of Jesus, and you ask for something in His name, such as healing in your body, then if you ask in faith, you shall have it. But you have to believe it and be fully persuaded, no doubts, no 'I hope so'. So then, you thank Him for what He has done, and move on. It will come to pass. This has happened to me too many times to count- it is the truth. When you feel bad, remember, ok I prayed this, so I am healed, so I will just thank the Lord for His healing in my body out loud. That's what Paul and Silas did in prison- sang praises to Him and they were delivered.
I preach no doctrine. I have given countless Bible passages and simply highlighted what God has revealed to me about it. In fact, what I've posted is straight from the book. This is my blog and I can say what I want. This is a 'mission field' so to speak and I am compelled to 'get the Word out' so that's what I'm doing. If others are put off by it, then just ignore it. I am a down to earth, friendly, silly, compassionate person, so don't judge me simply because I believe in something that isn't normal or popular.
Prospering doesn't necessarily mean money. You can prosper in the things you put your hands to (cooking, cleaning, gardening, sewing, child raising...) You can prosper in health; you can prosper with valuable understanding and wisdom- prospering means doing well. You can prosper in a job- doing it well with a good attitude and move up.
"What bible version is your "research" coming from? That could explain why you are being led astray. So, just to clarify, people that are not healthy millionaires leading successful careers have a lack of faith? By the way, last time I checked, Jesus was born in a MANGER, not a palace, he fled from persecution during His entire earthly ministry (doesn't seem very prosperous to me), and he rode into town on a DONKEY to show that He was king (not exactly a picture of wealth, wouldn't you say?). All of those things- and countless more- took place BEFORE His death. Look at the beatitudes in Matthew 5 starting in verse 3 if you need a reminder of the characteristics of those who'll be blessed. I'm saddened that you've convinced yourself that you DESERVE to be healthy, wealthy and prosperous while here on earth...you've degraded the one, true, holy God to a "genie in a bottle" who will give you every desire just as soon as you speak!" Anonymous
I am sorry that this person is angry at what I've been saying. But I realize that it's more than likely misunderstanding. Words on a screen simply do not convey the message nearly as well as seeing and hearing someone face to face. To Anonymous I would say, you are only hurting yourself. Why not be open to the idea that the Lord has given His power to do as He did on the earth? Why wouldn't anyone be interested in being healthy and prosperous? It's not like God is Santa Clause just throwing out gifts simply because I said it.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts." Malachi 3:10-12
Seems to me that He does desire to bless us.
"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." Proverbs 4:20-22
People must understand that He wants to bless you. He wants to give good things to His children. It's ok to live happily and prosper and be healthy. If not, why would He say it so many times in the Word?
I welcome true questions, honestly, but not accusations. I am simply passing on what I've learned, you can read it or not, or whatever. Questions will be posted, accusations will not.
I am not personally trying to convince people that this is true, I am just laying it out there and giving real life examples- you do with it what you will. I do not have all the answers- I am 26 years old, a wife of 7.5 years and mother of three little girls- I have a lot more to do than sit down and debate Bible 'doctrine'. But I do live by faith daily, and more importantly, by reading this book, have been watching what I say much better.
For you to understand the principles in the book, you must first believe that we have an adversary, better known as Satan. If everyone believes that God the Father is making good and bad things happening on earth, then what in the world is the devil doing? Where does he fit in? If we believe that whatever happens to us, good or bad, is God's doing, then what I have posted about speaking the Word is meaningless. We do have an enemy, and we do have to fight tooth and nail each day in just about every area of our lives with him. We are no match for him alone, but with our weapons, the Word of God and faith in it and the Holy Spirit to guide us, then we can actually fight and win.
"For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)..." 2 Cor. 2:10
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:..." 1 Peter 5:8
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" Ephesians 6:14-17
For anyone worried that I am being led astray, let me assure you that I have not been. I am in no way saying that you can have anything you say regardless if it's according to God's Word. No, that is not it. What I am saying, is that you have the same power in you that Jesus had on the earth. The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. You are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, since we can come boldly before the Throne of Grace, the Holy of Holies, then God the Father must think that we do now indeed deserve health, wealth and prosperity. We are no longer unworthy sinners- NO MORE! That's gone, that person is dead- doesn't exist anymore, blotted out by the blood of the Lamb, cast into the sea of forgetfulness, removed as far as the east is from the west...Because Jesus lives in you, you are worthy.
If you believe that the Bible is the absolute truth, then everything else is not. If the Bible says that you can have whatever you ask in the name of Jesus, and you ask for something in His name, such as healing in your body, then if you ask in faith, you shall have it. But you have to believe it and be fully persuaded, no doubts, no 'I hope so'. So then, you thank Him for what He has done, and move on. It will come to pass. This has happened to me too many times to count- it is the truth. When you feel bad, remember, ok I prayed this, so I am healed, so I will just thank the Lord for His healing in my body out loud. That's what Paul and Silas did in prison- sang praises to Him and they were delivered.
I preach no doctrine. I have given countless Bible passages and simply highlighted what God has revealed to me about it. In fact, what I've posted is straight from the book. This is my blog and I can say what I want. This is a 'mission field' so to speak and I am compelled to 'get the Word out' so that's what I'm doing. If others are put off by it, then just ignore it. I am a down to earth, friendly, silly, compassionate person, so don't judge me simply because I believe in something that isn't normal or popular.
Prospering doesn't necessarily mean money. You can prosper in the things you put your hands to (cooking, cleaning, gardening, sewing, child raising...) You can prosper in health; you can prosper with valuable understanding and wisdom- prospering means doing well. You can prosper in a job- doing it well with a good attitude and move up.
"What bible version is your "research" coming from? That could explain why you are being led astray. So, just to clarify, people that are not healthy millionaires leading successful careers have a lack of faith? By the way, last time I checked, Jesus was born in a MANGER, not a palace, he fled from persecution during His entire earthly ministry (doesn't seem very prosperous to me), and he rode into town on a DONKEY to show that He was king (not exactly a picture of wealth, wouldn't you say?). All of those things- and countless more- took place BEFORE His death. Look at the beatitudes in Matthew 5 starting in verse 3 if you need a reminder of the characteristics of those who'll be blessed. I'm saddened that you've convinced yourself that you DESERVE to be healthy, wealthy and prosperous while here on earth...you've degraded the one, true, holy God to a "genie in a bottle" who will give you every desire just as soon as you speak!" Anonymous
I am sorry that this person is angry at what I've been saying. But I realize that it's more than likely misunderstanding. Words on a screen simply do not convey the message nearly as well as seeing and hearing someone face to face. To Anonymous I would say, you are only hurting yourself. Why not be open to the idea that the Lord has given His power to do as He did on the earth? Why wouldn't anyone be interested in being healthy and prosperous? It's not like God is Santa Clause just throwing out gifts simply because I said it.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts." Malachi 3:10-12
Seems to me that He does desire to bless us.
"My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh." Proverbs 4:20-22
People must understand that He wants to bless you. He wants to give good things to His children. It's ok to live happily and prosper and be healthy. If not, why would He say it so many times in the Word?
I welcome true questions, honestly, but not accusations. I am simply passing on what I've learned, you can read it or not, or whatever. Questions will be posted, accusations will not.
October 10, 2008
Just some random stuff...
The last two days have been BUSY. Wednesday is my 'going to town' day. It's also not the most fun- my 4 and 2 year olds act like, well, hyper kids I guess. I can imagine going somewhere like walmart is overly exciting for a small child. So many things to see and TOUCH! And it's so big and everyone is so friendly...still, it's a trip. But that's my last grocery trip to walmart- from now on smaller grocery store chains, which would be Brookshires, which happens to be the company my husband works for :)
Yesterday I met my mom at the cemetery to clean up and plant iris bulbs around the graves of her parents. Then we went a garage sale- for two hours! I got two little school desks and lots of new toys. I'll take pictures of the desks- it's so cute. Of course I had to rearrange the whole living room.
Anyways, today has been a 'catch up' day- lots of cleaning and food preparations for the weekend. Tomorrow I am canning the little cucumbers that are growing in our garden. Lots and lots of them...
Quilt #2 is coming along, s-l-o-w-l-y, I have to sew each square with an 'X', then sew the squares together, then sew the whole thing together...
Also, I decided to get my hair trimmed to the way it was when I first got it cut...well, I went to some cheap hair salon in a tiny town, I now have the worst haircut ever! I basically have an afro!!!! How am I gonna fix this? I gotta go to a good hairdresser tomorrow and see if she can fix it. Blech. Sorry, no pictures of it till it gets fixed :)
Yesterday I met my mom at the cemetery to clean up and plant iris bulbs around the graves of her parents. Then we went a garage sale- for two hours! I got two little school desks and lots of new toys. I'll take pictures of the desks- it's so cute. Of course I had to rearrange the whole living room.
Anyways, today has been a 'catch up' day- lots of cleaning and food preparations for the weekend. Tomorrow I am canning the little cucumbers that are growing in our garden. Lots and lots of them...
Quilt #2 is coming along, s-l-o-w-l-y, I have to sew each square with an 'X', then sew the squares together, then sew the whole thing together...
Also, I decided to get my hair trimmed to the way it was when I first got it cut...well, I went to some cheap hair salon in a tiny town, I now have the worst haircut ever! I basically have an afro!!!! How am I gonna fix this? I gotta go to a good hairdresser tomorrow and see if she can fix it. Blech. Sorry, no pictures of it till it gets fixed :)
October 8, 2008
Creative Power in You
This is the second chapter in Charles Capps' book, The Tongue- A Creative Force
"Man was created in the image of God and His likeness. There was creative power that flowed out of the mouth of God, and you were created in the image of God. Then, according to the Scriptures and what Jesus said, you have the same ability dwelling or residing on the inside of you.
Adam gave man's authority over to Satan. Jesus got that authority back. He was born of a virgin.
The way He was born of a virgin was the way that God created the universe. God said it will be done. And it is not impossible for God to perform His every declaration.
When He found a woman who agreed with Him, it could be done, ' Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?' (Luke 1:34)
She didn't doubt it could be done. She just asked, "How?" and He said, "...the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee...' Luke 1:35
In verse 38 Mary said, '...be it done unto me according to thy word...'
She agreed with the WORD, establishing that fact upon the earth, and it came into being. Now is it so unreasonable to believe that?
God said in His Word that we are '...born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever' (1 Peter 1:23) The Word of God implanted into your spirit caused you to become a new creation that never existed before, born again of the Spirit of the living God.
The re-birth of the human spirit took place because the WORD OF GOD LODGED IN YOUR SPIRIT. It caused you to act upon THE WORD, and you were born again. You became a new creation. You were once a sinner, but now YOU'RE BORN AGAIN, THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD fully able to stand in the presence of the Father in holy boldness and say, 'Father, I come to You in the name of Your Son, Jesus without fear of condemnation because I am the righteousness of God in Christ,' not a poor sinner, crawling around in the dust, begging and pleading, 'Dear Lord, help me please," as some songs say. No, we are the righteousness of God, joint-heirs with Jesus Christ!
That Word, planted in your spirit caused you to become a new creation, because the Word of God declared it.
THE WORD MADE FLESH
************************************************************************
Now, I want you to see how God caused a virgin to conceive and bear a child. The virgin said, 'be it done unto me according to your Word.'
The Bible says, ' And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...' John 1:14. Now the Word was in the beginning with God. The Word came unto Mary and said, ' It will be so.'
Mary said, ' I receive it, be it done unto me according to your Word.' She first received the Word into her spirit (heart) then it was manifested in her physical body. THE WORD OF GOD was implanted into her womb, it was the embryo, the seed, and it took upon itself flesh, just as the living Word of God placed in you spirit took upon itself new creation- life. The Word of God literally formed within her womb and took flesh upon it. The Word of God became alive, living, walking, and talking on this earth. He came here to destroy the work of the devil that was done in Adam.
The work that was done in Adam was destroying the creation of God and the ability of God to work through man. When Jesus came He took the authority back, and He delegated it back to man, to the believer.
Jesus stood on the mountain before He ascended and said, '...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth' Matt. 28:18. He had it ALL. Then He turned to the believers and said, '...these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover' Mark 16:17,18
Jesus is saying, "Now, you go in my name. You cast out demons. You speak with new tongues. You lay hands on the sick and they WILL recover.' Now you see God's power. God's authority, delegated back to man. So man is not restored to his original state, (which he was); he is in better shape than he has ever been! Thank God! The born-again man is a joint-heir with Jesus. PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD! If Jesus is the righteousness of God, then you are the righteousness of God in Christ.
We need to quit praying and saying, "Lord, I'm unworthy.'
Thank God - if Jesus is not unworthy, you're not unworthy. You have the right to stand in the throne room of God. We've been beaten down, and the devil has just trampled us in the dust because of a sense of unworthiness. I'll tell you, when this WORD gets in your spirit, you'll never be the same. Lay hold on this Word, rise up and enter into it.
The enemy knows there is power in your words. That is why he tries so desperately to get you to confess doubt, fear, and unbelief. You see, confessing that you are unworthy after being born again is contrary to the Word. You were unworthy, but that old man died with Christ. You are now a new creation in Christ. Anyone in Christ cannot be unworthy.
******I will continue this later, my wrists hurt :)
For anyone interested in hearing Charles Capps talk about this go here. This is the first video in a two week series and Kenneth Copeland talks for a few minutes before Charles Capps gets started, so stay with it :)
"Man was created in the image of God and His likeness. There was creative power that flowed out of the mouth of God, and you were created in the image of God. Then, according to the Scriptures and what Jesus said, you have the same ability dwelling or residing on the inside of you.
Adam gave man's authority over to Satan. Jesus got that authority back. He was born of a virgin.
The way He was born of a virgin was the way that God created the universe. God said it will be done. And it is not impossible for God to perform His every declaration.
When He found a woman who agreed with Him, it could be done, ' Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?' (Luke 1:34)
She didn't doubt it could be done. She just asked, "How?" and He said, "...the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee...' Luke 1:35
In verse 38 Mary said, '...be it done unto me according to thy word...'
She agreed with the WORD, establishing that fact upon the earth, and it came into being. Now is it so unreasonable to believe that?
God said in His Word that we are '...born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever' (1 Peter 1:23) The Word of God implanted into your spirit caused you to become a new creation that never existed before, born again of the Spirit of the living God.
The re-birth of the human spirit took place because the WORD OF GOD LODGED IN YOUR SPIRIT. It caused you to act upon THE WORD, and you were born again. You became a new creation. You were once a sinner, but now YOU'RE BORN AGAIN, THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD fully able to stand in the presence of the Father in holy boldness and say, 'Father, I come to You in the name of Your Son, Jesus without fear of condemnation because I am the righteousness of God in Christ,' not a poor sinner, crawling around in the dust, begging and pleading, 'Dear Lord, help me please," as some songs say. No, we are the righteousness of God, joint-heirs with Jesus Christ!
That Word, planted in your spirit caused you to become a new creation, because the Word of God declared it.
THE WORD MADE FLESH
************************************************************************
Now, I want you to see how God caused a virgin to conceive and bear a child. The virgin said, 'be it done unto me according to your Word.'
The Bible says, ' And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...' John 1:14. Now the Word was in the beginning with God. The Word came unto Mary and said, ' It will be so.'
Mary said, ' I receive it, be it done unto me according to your Word.' She first received the Word into her spirit (heart) then it was manifested in her physical body. THE WORD OF GOD was implanted into her womb, it was the embryo, the seed, and it took upon itself flesh, just as the living Word of God placed in you spirit took upon itself new creation- life. The Word of God literally formed within her womb and took flesh upon it. The Word of God became alive, living, walking, and talking on this earth. He came here to destroy the work of the devil that was done in Adam.
The work that was done in Adam was destroying the creation of God and the ability of God to work through man. When Jesus came He took the authority back, and He delegated it back to man, to the believer.
Jesus stood on the mountain before He ascended and said, '...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth' Matt. 28:18. He had it ALL. Then He turned to the believers and said, '...these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover' Mark 16:17,18
Jesus is saying, "Now, you go in my name. You cast out demons. You speak with new tongues. You lay hands on the sick and they WILL recover.' Now you see God's power. God's authority, delegated back to man. So man is not restored to his original state, (which he was); he is in better shape than he has ever been! Thank God! The born-again man is a joint-heir with Jesus. PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD! If Jesus is the righteousness of God, then you are the righteousness of God in Christ.
We need to quit praying and saying, "Lord, I'm unworthy.'
Thank God - if Jesus is not unworthy, you're not unworthy. You have the right to stand in the throne room of God. We've been beaten down, and the devil has just trampled us in the dust because of a sense of unworthiness. I'll tell you, when this WORD gets in your spirit, you'll never be the same. Lay hold on this Word, rise up and enter into it.
The enemy knows there is power in your words. That is why he tries so desperately to get you to confess doubt, fear, and unbelief. You see, confessing that you are unworthy after being born again is contrary to the Word. You were unworthy, but that old man died with Christ. You are now a new creation in Christ. Anyone in Christ cannot be unworthy.
******I will continue this later, my wrists hurt :)
For anyone interested in hearing Charles Capps talk about this go here. This is the first video in a two week series and Kenneth Copeland talks for a few minutes before Charles Capps gets started, so stay with it :)
October 7, 2008
Yesterday's Frugal Meal
Yesterday's dinner was very frugal- for us. I already had everything on hand, which is why I ended up making the meal in the first place. Normally the sweet bell peppers aren't cheap, but they were on sale last week when I bought some. I also have a HUGE basil bush growing in my flower bed. I always keep coconut milk in my pantry as well. The two things I went to the store for were cilantro and ginger root.
This soup is so easy to make once you've prepped the ingredients. It's also very nourishing.
Chicken Coconut soup, adapted from the coconut soup recipe in Nourishing Traditions
Approximately 2-3 quarts chicken stock, preferably homemade
1.5 cups brown rice
3 cloves garlic
1 inch grated ginger root
1 can full fat coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more or less to taste
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
salt and pepper
2 cups cooked chicken, cut in bite size pieces
Obviously, the easy thing to do is put a whole chicken in a stock pot, add a couple of carrots and celery stalks, some garlic cloves, bay leaves and some salt and fill the whole pot with water- then simmer on the stove top at least 6 hours, and up to 24 or more hours.
Then you have loads of healthy and nourishing chicken stock and cooked chicken meat. The rest of the soup is easy now.
Ok, so put the stock in a pot. Add the rice and everything but the chicken and cilantro. Cover the pot and bring to a boil, then turn down to a slow simmer. Allow to cook until rice is tender, then add chicken and cilantro and seasonings. Done.
I also made some sandwiches to go with it. I got the idea here, and just adjusted the recipe to what we had on hand.
Roasted veggie Sandwiches
2-3 bell peppers, any color, I used a yellow and two half green/half red ones from the garden
1 zucchini
1 onion- yellow one
Slice the peppers into strips, the zucchini into discs and the onion into chunks. Place on a baking sheet and douse heavily with balsamic vinegar. Let marinate 30 minutes. Preheat the broiler to 400 degrees. Sprinkle salt and pepper and drizzle olive oil on the veggies, then mix together. Broil 15 minutes, checking often that they don't burn. You might need longer or less time.
Next you need 1/3 cup mayonnaise (I use Helmans'), 4-5 leaves of fresh basil, finely chopped, one clove of garlic minced and some salt to taste. Mix everything together. Toast some whole wheat buns, spread with mayo and pile the veggies on top. This was so good- the flavors go really well together. My husband loved it. I am actually planning to make them again on Friday- they were that good!
This soup is so easy to make once you've prepped the ingredients. It's also very nourishing.
Chicken Coconut soup, adapted from the coconut soup recipe in Nourishing Traditions
Approximately 2-3 quarts chicken stock, preferably homemade
1.5 cups brown rice
3 cloves garlic
1 inch grated ginger root
1 can full fat coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more or less to taste
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
salt and pepper
2 cups cooked chicken, cut in bite size pieces
Obviously, the easy thing to do is put a whole chicken in a stock pot, add a couple of carrots and celery stalks, some garlic cloves, bay leaves and some salt and fill the whole pot with water- then simmer on the stove top at least 6 hours, and up to 24 or more hours.
Then you have loads of healthy and nourishing chicken stock and cooked chicken meat. The rest of the soup is easy now.
Ok, so put the stock in a pot. Add the rice and everything but the chicken and cilantro. Cover the pot and bring to a boil, then turn down to a slow simmer. Allow to cook until rice is tender, then add chicken and cilantro and seasonings. Done.
I also made some sandwiches to go with it. I got the idea here, and just adjusted the recipe to what we had on hand.
Roasted veggie Sandwiches
2-3 bell peppers, any color, I used a yellow and two half green/half red ones from the garden
1 zucchini
1 onion- yellow one
Slice the peppers into strips, the zucchini into discs and the onion into chunks. Place on a baking sheet and douse heavily with balsamic vinegar. Let marinate 30 minutes. Preheat the broiler to 400 degrees. Sprinkle salt and pepper and drizzle olive oil on the veggies, then mix together. Broil 15 minutes, checking often that they don't burn. You might need longer or less time.
Next you need 1/3 cup mayonnaise (I use Helmans'), 4-5 leaves of fresh basil, finely chopped, one clove of garlic minced and some salt to taste. Mix everything together. Toast some whole wheat buns, spread with mayo and pile the veggies on top. This was so good- the flavors go really well together. My husband loved it. I am actually planning to make them again on Friday- they were that good!
October 6, 2008
Quilts, and er, quilts
***all images are clickable***
Well, I don't have a picture of the finished quilt yet- I will wait till it's on Leiah's bed and you can see the whole room. Still tying knots on it! But here it is ready to be 'sandwiched' together.
A close up of the Sues'.
Ok, I am also working on yet another quilt for my mom whose birthday is on the 13th. I am making a rag quilt, which is pretty simple, it's just cutting out all the squares. I am AWFUL at cutting straight edges!!! Help me please!! Somehow I've got to get all of the squares perfectly square and I am failing miserably. It may have to be a crazy quilt...
I can't decide which pattern I like best, so feel free to vote on which layout looks the best.
(I have to cut out more squares, I just laid it out with what I had to figure out how many more squares I needed)
Well, I don't have a picture of the finished quilt yet- I will wait till it's on Leiah's bed and you can see the whole room. Still tying knots on it! But here it is ready to be 'sandwiched' together.
A close up of the Sues'.
Ok, I am also working on yet another quilt for my mom whose birthday is on the 13th. I am making a rag quilt, which is pretty simple, it's just cutting out all the squares. I am AWFUL at cutting straight edges!!! Help me please!! Somehow I've got to get all of the squares perfectly square and I am failing miserably. It may have to be a crazy quilt...
I can't decide which pattern I like best, so feel free to vote on which layout looks the best.
(I have to cut out more squares, I just laid it out with what I had to figure out how many more squares I needed)
October 4, 2008
It's ok to let them roam around a little
I've been under a lot of guilt/condemnation, or well maybe not a lot, but for a long time. Like, two or three years now. Since I started connecting with other women and homemakers on the internet via blogs and websites and then reading books, I've been introduced to the idea that your children must be with you at all times. Tomato staking it is called and child training, where you involve them in everything you're doing.
While I think that is very noble, for me it was bondage. There just wasn't a way for me to do that with my three. I have to battle my perfectionist side, and it's getting better, but I just can't deal with being in the kitchen trying to cook and all three of the girls up under me. Even if I put two at the sink and one by me, the two at the sink get out of hand and get water all over and soaking wet and while I'm dealing with them, I worry about the other one messing with my knife or the stove top.
Now, don't get me wrong, they know how to clean up. My middle one knows how to clean bathrooms, dust, wipe things down like mirrors/screens, the older ones can fold some clothes and put them away etc. But they're only 5,4, and 2...
A week or so ago my dad said something very freeing. We were talking about childhood and he got to telling some stories about when he was a kid. He said that at any given point during the day there would be kids at every house at the door crying for mom to let them in the house. Mom had locked them out! LOL. Everyone seems to put that time period (1950s) on a pedestal regarding family values. Which, it is true that most people had good morals then and brought their kids up well. Still, that just cracked me up. Then he said something really profound: "You know I think the main difference between kids today and back then was that when I was a kid, parents didn't care if you were bored." LOLOLOL!! Yeah, we're all worried about our kids getting bored with things...my dad and his sister would ride in the car for 8hrs every month with NOTHING to do- no TV, no music or games, and pretty much nothing to look at because it was through the panhandle of Texas. No fighting was allowed- my grandpa had been a Sergeant in WWII- and he meant business. And then he said there was no way we'd ever complain about being bored, because then mom would put them to work. He said parents weren't too worried about the kids getting hurt either. His dad would make wooden stilts for all the kids in the neighborhood and my dad said there were some fantastic wrecks! They would all have splinters in their hands and stuff but they didn't care :)
It really set me free you know. Children need to be able to explore and discover things on their own; work out differences between siblings on their own, as long as it's not hurtful, although sometimes if they're fighting I just let them settle it. When they ask to be involved, I try to let them, but if it's not a good time I'll try to create a situation where they can help me. Alexa, the 4 year old, loves to be given jobs to do. So I'll say, "Ohh, the plant needs water again Alexa. " She jumps up and runs to get a cup full of water and then asks if there are more plants that are thirsty. Sarah and Leiah both love putting things in the trash or away, or bringing me the phone. So, they can be involved without being plastered to me all the time :)
Sometimes if they are running and being loud and won't quit I make them go outside and stay! Then they don't want to act wild of course.
Anyways, I just thought that was funny, and helpful :)
While I think that is very noble, for me it was bondage. There just wasn't a way for me to do that with my three. I have to battle my perfectionist side, and it's getting better, but I just can't deal with being in the kitchen trying to cook and all three of the girls up under me. Even if I put two at the sink and one by me, the two at the sink get out of hand and get water all over and soaking wet and while I'm dealing with them, I worry about the other one messing with my knife or the stove top.
Now, don't get me wrong, they know how to clean up. My middle one knows how to clean bathrooms, dust, wipe things down like mirrors/screens, the older ones can fold some clothes and put them away etc. But they're only 5,4, and 2...
A week or so ago my dad said something very freeing. We were talking about childhood and he got to telling some stories about when he was a kid. He said that at any given point during the day there would be kids at every house at the door crying for mom to let them in the house. Mom had locked them out! LOL. Everyone seems to put that time period (1950s) on a pedestal regarding family values. Which, it is true that most people had good morals then and brought their kids up well. Still, that just cracked me up. Then he said something really profound: "You know I think the main difference between kids today and back then was that when I was a kid, parents didn't care if you were bored." LOLOLOL!! Yeah, we're all worried about our kids getting bored with things...my dad and his sister would ride in the car for 8hrs every month with NOTHING to do- no TV, no music or games, and pretty much nothing to look at because it was through the panhandle of Texas. No fighting was allowed- my grandpa had been a Sergeant in WWII- and he meant business. And then he said there was no way we'd ever complain about being bored, because then mom would put them to work. He said parents weren't too worried about the kids getting hurt either. His dad would make wooden stilts for all the kids in the neighborhood and my dad said there were some fantastic wrecks! They would all have splinters in their hands and stuff but they didn't care :)
It really set me free you know. Children need to be able to explore and discover things on their own; work out differences between siblings on their own, as long as it's not hurtful, although sometimes if they're fighting I just let them settle it. When they ask to be involved, I try to let them, but if it's not a good time I'll try to create a situation where they can help me. Alexa, the 4 year old, loves to be given jobs to do. So I'll say, "Ohh, the plant needs water again Alexa. " She jumps up and runs to get a cup full of water and then asks if there are more plants that are thirsty. Sarah and Leiah both love putting things in the trash or away, or bringing me the phone. So, they can be involved without being plastered to me all the time :)
Sometimes if they are running and being loud and won't quit I make them go outside and stay! Then they don't want to act wild of course.
Anyways, I just thought that was funny, and helpful :)
October 3, 2008
Answers
To Broken,
I am so sorry for the consequences of your past. Honestly, reversing words is easy. The next chapter of the book goes into more what we say, but I will just tell you what I would do. First of all. you have repented for what you said. Believe that you are forgiven and that it's all gone now. Start walking in confidence that there is no condemnation on you for that. (Romans 8:1)
Find scriptures that talk about children and that they are a gift and a reward. Find the verse in Psalms about God giving you the desires of your heart. Find the verses in John 14 about 'whatever you ask in my name, I will do it" Infertility is now your 'mountain' so to speak. You have faith as small as a mustard seed, so you can move mountains. But it is up to you- God can't make your mouth speak His Word. But you can speak what He would speak, which is His Word.
Start confessing these scriptures each day. Make a confession( saying the Word) like this and say it several times a day, write it on paper and stick them around the house.
"Father, your Word says that You will give me the desires of my heart, that children are a blessing and reward and that by His stripes my body is healed. I thank you for perfect health from the top of my head to the soles of my feet and that every cell is working just as it was designed to. I thank you for the work you have done in my body and for the children that you have for me. I will now rest in Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and praise You. I thank You that in the name of Jesus, I have all these things."
See, you have to say with your mouth the scriptures and confessions because faith comes by hearing (with your ears) the Word of God. After you say it over and over again, it will become part of you and strong faith will rise up within you. I have experience it, a lot lately :) You set a new plan in motion, and stay with it regardless of what you see with your physical eyes.
It may sound weird, but it is the truth and it works. The world was made with words, this is how we operate in this life. WORDS!! God said it and that settles it, but it can take time for it to be manifested physically. I now think that if I had known then what I know now, I would have prayed that baby live again- be raised up inside my body. Is that such a radical thing? Lazarus was dead 4 days in the tomb, yet he was raised up. Jesus said we would do even greater things that He did on the earth.
So Broken, let's not call you broken anymore. Let's call you a miracle. Start saying it now and forever. It will be tempting to 'call it like it is' and to say negative things, but DON'T DO IT! I have worked hard, almost to the point of tears, to keep my mouth shut when my flesh wants to speak- I stop myself immediately and think of what God's Word says about the situation, then I say that instead. I do NOT care who is around when I say it either. The truth is what God says, not what you see with your eyes, saying what He says really is calling it like it is!
To anonymous- thank you for you kind words about the baby I lost. However I wanted to address something you said that I've been told many, many times. People are always saying God won't give you more than you can handle. It is meant to be comforting, but for me, it is irritating.
You see it gives me the impression that God is up there trying to see how much He can put on me before I break. Then when it's just heavy enough that I don't fall over, He leaves it there. God is not the author of sickness and death and poverty. We live in a world where the evil one runs rampant, and truly hates us all because we are God's creation, so he wreaks as much havoc as he possibly can. I don't know everything, but I do know that God didn't take that baby away to give me rest. My words set an evil plan in motion for that baby. I didn't realize it until several months ago what happened. God did not cause my oldest to be born with genetic abnormalities. We've already called her healed and are standing firm on that. She will awe everyone one day soon.
So, I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but Satan will make sure to apply as much pressure on me as he can. He wants me to fall and be defeated- I can't be a good witness for Christ if I'm barely able to get along can I? I'm not jumping down on you anonymous, just bringing to light what it means when someone says 'God won't give you more than you can handle'.
Sarah- I am sooo overjoyed that what I say has helped. Sometimes I feel like I don't really have anything to say, but I realize I am 'reaching the world' a bit through the blog. So, the best thing I could do is pass on what I've learned. We are the body of Christ, and I want to help whomever I can live a victorious life on this earth till Jesus comes back.
***********To Everyone Else****************************************************
I have pictures to post of the quilt- yes it is done. I have already cut out a dress for my middle daughter and am cutting squares for another quilt. Crazy huh? Looks like I'll be sewing for quite awhile, but I am getting faster at it so that helps. Anyways, I am babysitting my niece today so the pictures will have to wait.
Maybe later I can post something on a new topic :)
I am so sorry for the consequences of your past. Honestly, reversing words is easy. The next chapter of the book goes into more what we say, but I will just tell you what I would do. First of all. you have repented for what you said. Believe that you are forgiven and that it's all gone now. Start walking in confidence that there is no condemnation on you for that. (Romans 8:1)
Find scriptures that talk about children and that they are a gift and a reward. Find the verse in Psalms about God giving you the desires of your heart. Find the verses in John 14 about 'whatever you ask in my name, I will do it" Infertility is now your 'mountain' so to speak. You have faith as small as a mustard seed, so you can move mountains. But it is up to you- God can't make your mouth speak His Word. But you can speak what He would speak, which is His Word.
Start confessing these scriptures each day. Make a confession( saying the Word) like this and say it several times a day, write it on paper and stick them around the house.
"Father, your Word says that You will give me the desires of my heart, that children are a blessing and reward and that by His stripes my body is healed. I thank you for perfect health from the top of my head to the soles of my feet and that every cell is working just as it was designed to. I thank you for the work you have done in my body and for the children that you have for me. I will now rest in Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and praise You. I thank You that in the name of Jesus, I have all these things."
See, you have to say with your mouth the scriptures and confessions because faith comes by hearing (with your ears) the Word of God. After you say it over and over again, it will become part of you and strong faith will rise up within you. I have experience it, a lot lately :) You set a new plan in motion, and stay with it regardless of what you see with your physical eyes.
It may sound weird, but it is the truth and it works. The world was made with words, this is how we operate in this life. WORDS!! God said it and that settles it, but it can take time for it to be manifested physically. I now think that if I had known then what I know now, I would have prayed that baby live again- be raised up inside my body. Is that such a radical thing? Lazarus was dead 4 days in the tomb, yet he was raised up. Jesus said we would do even greater things that He did on the earth.
So Broken, let's not call you broken anymore. Let's call you a miracle. Start saying it now and forever. It will be tempting to 'call it like it is' and to say negative things, but DON'T DO IT! I have worked hard, almost to the point of tears, to keep my mouth shut when my flesh wants to speak- I stop myself immediately and think of what God's Word says about the situation, then I say that instead. I do NOT care who is around when I say it either. The truth is what God says, not what you see with your eyes, saying what He says really is calling it like it is!
To anonymous- thank you for you kind words about the baby I lost. However I wanted to address something you said that I've been told many, many times. People are always saying God won't give you more than you can handle. It is meant to be comforting, but for me, it is irritating.
You see it gives me the impression that God is up there trying to see how much He can put on me before I break. Then when it's just heavy enough that I don't fall over, He leaves it there. God is not the author of sickness and death and poverty. We live in a world where the evil one runs rampant, and truly hates us all because we are God's creation, so he wreaks as much havoc as he possibly can. I don't know everything, but I do know that God didn't take that baby away to give me rest. My words set an evil plan in motion for that baby. I didn't realize it until several months ago what happened. God did not cause my oldest to be born with genetic abnormalities. We've already called her healed and are standing firm on that. She will awe everyone one day soon.
So, I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but Satan will make sure to apply as much pressure on me as he can. He wants me to fall and be defeated- I can't be a good witness for Christ if I'm barely able to get along can I? I'm not jumping down on you anonymous, just bringing to light what it means when someone says 'God won't give you more than you can handle'.
Sarah- I am sooo overjoyed that what I say has helped. Sometimes I feel like I don't really have anything to say, but I realize I am 'reaching the world' a bit through the blog. So, the best thing I could do is pass on what I've learned. We are the body of Christ, and I want to help whomever I can live a victorious life on this earth till Jesus comes back.
***********To Everyone Else****************************************************
I have pictures to post of the quilt- yes it is done. I have already cut out a dress for my middle daughter and am cutting squares for another quilt. Crazy huh? Looks like I'll be sewing for quite awhile, but I am getting faster at it so that helps. Anyways, I am babysitting my niece today so the pictures will have to wait.
Maybe later I can post something on a new topic :)
October 1, 2008
Explanation
Ok I realize that what I posted down there is a bit, different. But I wanted to give some practical examples of how to live this out.
1. A few weeks ago I started feeling really bad. Like dizzy and weak and just plain bad. I laid down on the bed thinking "Oh no, what's wrong, what's going on...." And then I remembered, this is when I have to walk by faith in the Word of God and not by my senses. So I said," well, the Word says that by His stripes I was healed. So that means I am healed and that nothing is wrong with me; that I am perfectly healthy and whole from the top of my head to the soles of my feet, so body, get in line with the Word. "
And I got up. It was a fight though. I still felt shaky and dizzy and weak. I finished cooking dinner and doing dishes. We sat down to eat. After a few minutes I felt TOTALLY BETTER! One reason was I was just getting overly hungry, but if I had confessed with my mouth, I must be getting sick, then that would have opened the door for me to get really sick. Make sense? You pray the answer, not the problem.
2. A friend was going through great emotional turmoil; spiritual warfare everywhere. It looked real bad. But, me, my husband and his wife, all stood on the ground that we had prayed for deliverance, we had prayed for healing in his heart, we had rebuked the enemy from him in Jesus' name, and that was it. We kept thanking the Lord for what he had done in him and that a miracle was taking place. Well, it did. He has made a 360 degree turn around in a matter of a few short hours. (after watching Fireproof)
3. Looking at the numbers there was no way we could afford to move into this house. No way. But, we felt that God wanted us here and that we should step out in faith. Everything went together so perfectly, that we knew it was God's direction. So we stepped out. Since then we've not had to go into more debt, we've gotten awesome free beds and clothes and many other things, we have a large garden site to grow things and a place for chickens, which we've been wanting to do, the house has a large garden tub which I greatly missed and a lovely sunny eating area surrounded by windows. ALL things that I desired anyways, and by obeying Him, we were blessed. So many other things have happened that I can't even remember. We spoke prosperity and abundance with our mouth and it came.
"My God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Phil. 4:19
Here is a personal story of how words can give you exactly what you say.
When my older two girls were 23 months and 11 months, I became pregnant. Now, my husband and I were in disagreement on birth control- I thought you should let God have complete control and dh didn't. So in order to 'keep the peace' we didn't use any. (bad un-submissive wifey) The day we decided to not control, I got pregnant. When I found out, my husband was not happy at all. He was mad. This made me feel terrible as well. It took all day to get him to talk to me about it and he expressed his anger. Then I said this, "Well, maybe something will happen and you won't have to worry about it anymore." What I meant was, maybe I would miscarry. I felt in my gut/heart/spirit that I shouldn't say it, but I was hurt and mad too so I did.
I had hard pregnancy- I felt bad. Much worse than just morning sickness, I could barely get up and take care of my other two. I just felt like I was going to faint all of the time. After two months I had the church lay hands and pray for me. I started feeling better each day. I went to the doctor, we had the ultrasound which showed a healthy baby at gestation 11 weeks. One whole month later, I felt great! I was planning for the baby and getting excited. Then one night I noticed some dark blood spots on my underwear. I didn't think much of it. The next day, more blood. I called the doctor, they just told me to lay down and rest. As the day wore on I start bleeding heavier and bright red. I knew in my heart what was going on. I finally got a doctor to talk to me and I went up there. They did an ultrasound and found no heartbeat. The baby died shortly after the first ultrasound, yet I carried it another month before my body did anything. Once I realized it, then my body started to miscarry with cramping and bleeding.
Many people think that it was God's will that they baby should not be born. From what I've learned I honestly think that my words opened the door for the Destroyer to come in.
"The thief comes to steal, and to kill, and destroy. But I've come that you might have life and more abundantly." John 10:10
God brings life not death. It was my words. They started things in motion to bring about what I said. Think of all the times people say "I just about died I laughed so hard." "You almost gave me a heart attack!" "That just tickles me to death." We are speaking of death all the time!!! How can that be good??
I know that there are several other factors involved in my child's death, such as the state of my health, but if I had spoken differently, I truly believe that we would have that child. So, after learning much more, and after deciding to wait several months to a year before trying for another one, we got pregnant! Now we have our sweetheart Sarah.
The next chapter goes into more detail about the things I've just said. No one has really commented at all, but I am going to continue posting the book. It's for yours and my own good :)
1. A few weeks ago I started feeling really bad. Like dizzy and weak and just plain bad. I laid down on the bed thinking "Oh no, what's wrong, what's going on...." And then I remembered, this is when I have to walk by faith in the Word of God and not by my senses. So I said," well, the Word says that by His stripes I was healed. So that means I am healed and that nothing is wrong with me; that I am perfectly healthy and whole from the top of my head to the soles of my feet, so body, get in line with the Word. "
And I got up. It was a fight though. I still felt shaky and dizzy and weak. I finished cooking dinner and doing dishes. We sat down to eat. After a few minutes I felt TOTALLY BETTER! One reason was I was just getting overly hungry, but if I had confessed with my mouth, I must be getting sick, then that would have opened the door for me to get really sick. Make sense? You pray the answer, not the problem.
2. A friend was going through great emotional turmoil; spiritual warfare everywhere. It looked real bad. But, me, my husband and his wife, all stood on the ground that we had prayed for deliverance, we had prayed for healing in his heart, we had rebuked the enemy from him in Jesus' name, and that was it. We kept thanking the Lord for what he had done in him and that a miracle was taking place. Well, it did. He has made a 360 degree turn around in a matter of a few short hours. (after watching Fireproof)
3. Looking at the numbers there was no way we could afford to move into this house. No way. But, we felt that God wanted us here and that we should step out in faith. Everything went together so perfectly, that we knew it was God's direction. So we stepped out. Since then we've not had to go into more debt, we've gotten awesome free beds and clothes and many other things, we have a large garden site to grow things and a place for chickens, which we've been wanting to do, the house has a large garden tub which I greatly missed and a lovely sunny eating area surrounded by windows. ALL things that I desired anyways, and by obeying Him, we were blessed. So many other things have happened that I can't even remember. We spoke prosperity and abundance with our mouth and it came.
"My God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Phil. 4:19
Here is a personal story of how words can give you exactly what you say.
When my older two girls were 23 months and 11 months, I became pregnant. Now, my husband and I were in disagreement on birth control- I thought you should let God have complete control and dh didn't. So in order to 'keep the peace' we didn't use any. (bad un-submissive wifey) The day we decided to not control, I got pregnant. When I found out, my husband was not happy at all. He was mad. This made me feel terrible as well. It took all day to get him to talk to me about it and he expressed his anger. Then I said this, "Well, maybe something will happen and you won't have to worry about it anymore." What I meant was, maybe I would miscarry. I felt in my gut/heart/spirit that I shouldn't say it, but I was hurt and mad too so I did.
I had hard pregnancy- I felt bad. Much worse than just morning sickness, I could barely get up and take care of my other two. I just felt like I was going to faint all of the time. After two months I had the church lay hands and pray for me. I started feeling better each day. I went to the doctor, we had the ultrasound which showed a healthy baby at gestation 11 weeks. One whole month later, I felt great! I was planning for the baby and getting excited. Then one night I noticed some dark blood spots on my underwear. I didn't think much of it. The next day, more blood. I called the doctor, they just told me to lay down and rest. As the day wore on I start bleeding heavier and bright red. I knew in my heart what was going on. I finally got a doctor to talk to me and I went up there. They did an ultrasound and found no heartbeat. The baby died shortly after the first ultrasound, yet I carried it another month before my body did anything. Once I realized it, then my body started to miscarry with cramping and bleeding.
Many people think that it was God's will that they baby should not be born. From what I've learned I honestly think that my words opened the door for the Destroyer to come in.
"The thief comes to steal, and to kill, and destroy. But I've come that you might have life and more abundantly." John 10:10
God brings life not death. It was my words. They started things in motion to bring about what I said. Think of all the times people say "I just about died I laughed so hard." "You almost gave me a heart attack!" "That just tickles me to death." We are speaking of death all the time!!! How can that be good??
I know that there are several other factors involved in my child's death, such as the state of my health, but if I had spoken differently, I truly believe that we would have that child. So, after learning much more, and after deciding to wait several months to a year before trying for another one, we got pregnant! Now we have our sweetheart Sarah.
The next chapter goes into more detail about the things I've just said. No one has really commented at all, but I am going to continue posting the book. It's for yours and my own good :)
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