Inside the Sewing Case

Just a rough take of the inside of the sewing case. Still have some ends to tie up or sew up! This project will be in our spring issue. I'm playing with the camera; still trying to master the aperture and shutter! The embroidery is just french knots, chain stitches and straight stitches. Pretty. I love to sew and create lovely things!

Blessings, Theresa

Smart Find for Smart Mom?

I'm not a real gadget person. I am definitely a LIST person though. Write it down, write it down, YOU MUST WRITE IT DOWN! I own 3 gillion pens, numerous pads of paper and notebooks that I keep handy just in case I have a new revelation on life that requires it's own notebook.

I like things that make my job easier but if the price doesn't warrant the job, and is just really a frilly to have, I'll skip it.

I think I found an exception, maybe that is. It depends on how you compile your to do/grocery lists.

I walk around from bathroom to kitchen, to garage, etc., you get the idea. In comes the Smart Shopper. You simply hit the record button and speak to add an item. When finished with your list, you hit print and it prints your list. It doesn't use ink, but has a thermal printer inside, and comes with 2 rolls of paper. (You can purchase more) Oh fancy I thought. HUM.. but then I need to categorize my list. No you don't! It will categorize your list, by errands, baked goods, etc..

I found this in a magazine and the price was quite, well.. pricey. $149.99. Don't think so. I'll just write it out! When I went to check out the site, they are having a nice sale at $49.99. So, that might be worth it to some people. You can probably cut your time in half compliling instead of around with a list.

Maybe Jessica will make the pattern for the mom utility belt she has spoke of. Of course be creative: a paddle, pen, cell (for incoming dad calls only), whistle (LOL) and the smart shopper just for your to do's spur of the moment.

Find it at smartshopperusa.com You can't buy here, have to go to their site, watch the demo! : )





Blessings, Theresa

The Story..

The article is much longer than this, so I thought I would post the part of her brother's situation, for the full article go to the link in the previous post.

"My brother, Phil Howard, was a missionary up in Northwest Territory in Canada. When he first went up there, he could not gain the trust of the slave Indians, people who had seemed to receive nothing from white men except evil. So of course, my brother being another white man, they took it for granted that he was there to do them in. It took my brother almost two years to gain the confidence of the Indians.

Shortly after he succeeded, the government sent a man there to start a school. This man of course was seen in the same light that my brother was seen, as a man who has come to exploit them. So this man of course was very isolated and became very jealous that he did not have the confidence of the Indians in the way that my brother Phil did.

So he became very vindictive. He had a very powerful weapon against my brother in his two hands. The government sent all the welfare checks to John, the teacher. So John made an announcement that any Indian who had anything whatsoever to do with Phil Howard would not qualify to receive his social security check. Can you imagine how long it took for that to take shape? Well, you can bet your bottom dollar that my brother Phil did not see another Indian for a long time.

Now how do you think Phil felt toward John? He was praying one day, realizing that his prayers were bouncing back from the ceiling. He said, "Lord, what's wrong?" The Lord reminded him of that verse that says, "Love your enemies. Do good to them that hate you. Pray for them that despitefully use you."

Phil said to the Lord, "Lord, I can't love him. You're going to have to do that for me and through me. I can certainly pray for him [that's the second thing]. I will do that. But I don't know of anything good that I can do for him. Will You show me?"

It was not very long after that that the Lord showed him that the ice was coming in. John was frantically trying to get his boat out of the water down by the riverside. Of course, when the ice comes in in a place like Northwest Territory, it comes in with a vengeance. If a boat is stuck in the ice for the winter, it will be smashed to bits in the spring breakup.

Phil raced down immediately to the river, realizing that God had indeed answered his prayer. He said to John, "Hang on a minute! I have a winch. My son and I will come down and help you get the boat out." They did so.

Now do you suppose that John's attitude changed immediately toward my brother Phil? It would have been nice, but that's not what happened. But the government moved John elsewhere. My brother never expected to see him again.

But one day on the streets of Edmonton, Alberta, Phil bumped into John. John said to Phil, "Phil, I will never forget what you did for me that day. I hope that God will give us an opportunity to go back to Nahani together, so that I can tell the Indians that I was wrong and you were right."

Now what had Phil done? He asked forgiveness. He forgave the man who had trespassed against him. He prayed for him. He did good to him. And by the grace of God, he learned to love that man. The last thing, you must ask for grace to treat that person as if nothing had ever happened.

Am I speaking to someone who has been abused, abandoned, divorced, cheated, lied about, deceived by a business partner, rejected by your children, your spouse, your parents, the church people? Are you a victim of misunderstanding? Forgive, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.

Now a word about our own repentance. It is not vexation with ourselves. Repentance is not impatience. It's not wounded pride. It's not self-pity. It's not disappointment. Repentance is a complete surrender of my sinfulness to the only One who can cleanse me from all sin, and that is Jesus Christ.

There's an old hymn that says, "What can wash away my sin?" The answer: "Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

(From A Formula For Forgiveness, by Elisabeth Elliot, Gateway to Joy: http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Gateway-to-Joy/Formula-For-Forgiveness.html )

A Challenge..

I used to love Elisabeth Elliot's program Gateway to Joy. Today I ran across one of her shows that talks about something that we have been focusing on, forgiveness. Isn't it hard? We can choose to forgive the person who hurt us, even though they won't even think of doing the right thing themselves.

I challenge anyone who is struggling to read through this broadcast. She tells a story of a situation where her brother chose forgiveness when he had been wronged. What a great example of God's goodness. And if you can read it, and still not forgive who you think wronged you, perhaps re-reading on what God has done for you is in order.

http://www.backtothebible.org/index.php/Gateway-to-Joy/Formula-For-Forgiveness.html
Be encouraged!
Blessings, Theresa

What Color Do Our Children See?

A short story has come to mind.. I went to check on the children outside one day over the summer and caught Zoe running out of our neighbor's garage out of breath and excited. Before I said anything she said, "They borned a baby, and she is brown, her name is Zoe!" I just giggled at her sweetness and praised God.

My husband and I later wondered if she ever noticed that they were not same color as we were! Perhaps, but she never thought long enough on it to comment. So we came to the conclusion that because momma's babies are not brown, it just surprised her with delight!

I grew up in a very racist area, and much of my life was centered around racism. We moved away from that area, and are happy that there are never discussions at our table pointing at color difference in people. We talk about people, and people are what people are. A color doesn't make someone moral or immoral.

The new president's agenda does not honor God. We want our children to only understand the moral issues of difference in our disapproval. We trust the Lord will allow them to see. And it's a good thing we don't have television, they'd be ruined.

Blessings, Theresa

Cookies Anyone?

Good morning to all!

I thought I would post a recipe this morning. I have already mentioned how much our family loves nuts, especially pecans. Last week, a very dear friend of mine sent me a whole box of pecans! Without wasting time, the box was opened, the children began dutifully snacking and I broke out the Bosch to make some cookies.

Oatmeal Cookies

In the Bosch mixer with the cookie paddles, place:

3 sticks softened butter

2 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar

3 eggs

1 Tbsp. vanilla

2/3 cup milk

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix on medium speed until very fluffy. Add:
1 tsp. sea salt (we use Real Salt)
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
4 cups freshly ground soft wheat flour

Mix together until well combined. Add:
5 cups freshly flaked oats
2 cups raisins
1 cup chopped pecans

Mix just until all of the ingredients are incorporated. Drop rounded tablespoons on to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Yummy!

Have a lovely Monday! ~*~Jessica~*~

Part II Forgiveness

Having some thoughts this morning.. Do you forgive easily? On the spot, take the apology, no questions asked, no rehashing of events, no accusing, wipe the slate clean, forgive?

Do you know that Jesus wiped your slate clean? Anything other than doing the same for another will make you miserable. Not only that, one day you will stand in front of the One who forgave you..what will He say to you? It doesn't matter what you think you will say to Him, as I tell my children, you will not be able to point a finger to someone else, it will be all about you only.

Have you ever made a mistake of hurting someone, although you felt they were at fault completely, and decided to drop your hurt feelings and just apologize? Again, no rehashing, no arguing... you did the right thing, even if they didn't accept it, you are free my friend. Go with a clear conscience and continue to sit at the feet of God. Be silent and pray.

Well, we are off to a family outing. How revealing the scripture is and how much power we have to love the way He loved and LOVES us now. Just wanted to share that!

Colossians 3:13

Theresa

Another Preview..

Here is a preview of the upcoming spring cover, fresh and springy for the new year. Isn't it peaceful?

Many blessings, ~*~Jessica~*~

A little preview..

Isn't smocking pretty? I love this type of hand sewing! It only took me a couple days to do the smocking (with lots of children!) This project will be in the spring issue of Seasons at Home Magazine. It isn't a dress! : )

Our newsletter list is always the first to know about sales, so stop by and sign up.

I will announce here that importer for Bosch and Nutrimill is raising their prices March 1st. Now is the time to buy if you want any of these machines at the current price. We are authorized dealers and have helped many women by email/phone/DVD make great bread. Milling grains to flour makes the best, most nutritious, bread and other flour products.

Our Favorite Spelt Bread

Melt 1 stick of butter with 1 cup of milk, just until warm, don't boil this.

Add to Bosch mixer. Now add:

5 cups of warm water

3 Tbsp. dough enhancer

3/4 cup honey

1 egg, beaten

5 cups freshly ground spelt

3 Tbsp. instant yeast (we use SAF) (put on top of warm flour)

Let this sponge (see our video clip) for 30 minutes at least; you can sponge longer, it gives the bread a nice fermented or sourdough taste.

Now add 2 1/2 Tbsp. sea salt, and enough flour to clean the bowl. This maybe about 8 cups more. (Tip: My mix gets a 'chunky' sort of look when I'm just about there, and from that point it is usually 2 more cups that make around the 8 total)

Use speed 4 on the Universal plus or 3 with the older model and knead for 5 minutes. You are using the dough hook in the Universal. Gluten is developed when a nice stretch will produce an opaque window, and the dough doesn't tear. (Tearing could mean over kneaded or under, over kneaded dough cannot be repaired and won't rise.)

Separate into loaves, (4-5 depending on pan size), or make, cinnamon rolls, make pizza or Fococcia. This whole grain dough is very flexible and delicious!

Bake loaves of bread for 25-28 minutes in sprayed pans.

Blessings in bread making, Theresa

Forgiveness

If you haven't read works by Elisabeth Elliot you are missing some great encouragement. I'm not one to have a load of 'other' books to read. I have a few wonderful, oldie but goodies in my nightstand. Here is an excerpt from "All That Was Ever Ours."

"We are indeed "miserable offenders.'' We have done and left undone. We are foolish and weak and blind and self-willed and men of little faith. We run here, we run there, we form committees and attend meetings and attack the Church and its organization and its isolation and its useless machinery and its irrelevance and ineffectiveness. But all the time it stands there, holding the cross, telling us that there is forgiveness, that we have not been left to ourselves, that no matter how shocking the image that we finally see of ourselves in the light of God's truth, God himself has done something about it all.
"He was wounded for our transgressions. He was bruised for our iniquities." For the very things we've been discussing. For the things that make us moan and groan and ask, "What's the use?"

I love this. How straight and to the point. How true that we are miserable offenders. What is the use? Well, we have the ability through our forgiven, miserable self, to forgive, to love, and if at all possible for us to stay at peace, we should, no matter what the method to secure that peace without offending further (if that is the case). If it is in your hand to say sorry, please forgive me, or in your hand to overlook the one who has offended you, (carrying on of course in good heart, no grudges please) and take them back on the spot, immediately, when they come and ask, then by all means do so.

There is more to that paragraph, can you see it? Thank you Jesus..


Now, I found this great homeschool resource, what a blessing! It may have been around for a long time, but this is the first time I've seen it.
http://www.oklahomahomeschool.com/
Thank you Cindy for providing this wonderful help! Enjoy all and have a blessed day in Christ

Family Nudge Alert..

The new law concerning required testing for lead in all products for children under age 13 is going to have a huge impact on family business. Many will not be able to continue in their business due to the cost of having their products tested.

Find out more about the law here: http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.HTML

Well, what about the little home businesses that are keeping dad home? Will dad be able to continue his work at home if his sole business is providing safe, homemade toys for families who want better quality and service? How about homeschooling products? This is going to have a tremendous effect! What about mom who is making ends meet to stay home herself with her children, perhaps sewing and selling those products? Will she be able to continue? Well, most likely not.

Good, honest, small family business is going to suffer. The family unit is going to suffer if those families have been working for years together making ends meet through the small home biz.

What about the not small business but ones that help families; consignment shops, thrift stores etc.? We read an article this am by an owner who would literally throw out all children's products from her Goodwill store. I knew this would be the only option for most. I thought about yard sales too, where in the world will all this needed help go? To the landfills of course. What a lovely site this is going to be. Landfills overflowing with perfectly good items that families in need could use.

I have a lot of thoughts on this, but can I encourage everyone to pray, pray, and pray more? To me, it's a blind sided attack by the deceiver to break down the family.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Family Nudge Alert signing off... Theresa

Honey

Do you have any honey remedies that you would like to share with our readers in the spring issue of Seasons at Home? Email if so! Theresa ripe4harvest@msn.com

Antique Thoughts..

I have a real want to go antique shopping. Don't get me wrong, I hate clutter that doesn't have a purpose to it.

How many of you like to go window shopping through an antique store? Some of the items aren't really antique but only replicas (and I really don't know much about that). It's interesting to look and maybe imagine that each little piece you see has a story to it.

You see a lovely little lamp and wonder if it sat on a sturdy old dresser (no particle board!), on top of some pretty lace runner that had to be straightened every time a child turned on the lamp! How about that brass bed? We had a real one once; I always wonder if children were born in those really old beds we see. I bet there are stories to the real antiques we find in those shoppes. I bet they would sell better if the owners posted a story to go along with them!

I was thinking that for each tea we do in Seasons, I'm going to start letting the girls collect tea cups just for that tea. Wouldn't that be fun. We were just purchasing sets, but much more of a story can be told if they go and find something special. Then put the cup in a hope chest or in a cabinet with glass, just to be taken out on special days. I'm sure many of you do this anyway!

Well, just having some antique thoughts this am while I hold the fort together. I wish I were out with Jessica who is doing some of our favorite shopping (fabric) with her little sisters.

Blessings! Theresa