Using The Trusted Blue Book For Preserving....

 

I have used this book for years...
Ball: Blue Book Of Preserving

This is the time of the year when the harvest is drawing near.

 It is time to get all of the produce from your own garden and pull it in.

 This is where we gather it and we're able to put it up and 

Preserve it to use those long winter months that are coming. 

I think that when women take the time to learn to preserve, to put up, to put back, to water bath, to pressure can or to make jams or jelly's even dry fruit is such wisdom. 

This is the time of year you can get many things

 For a very reasonable price peaches and plums and apples are yet to come.

 I want to encourage each of you to have a book that teaches you how to preserve. 

You can even pick these up at your local library and borrow them and even copy and print off some of the pages. There's something so satisfying about a pantry that is full with canned goods and jams and jellies and tomatoes and things that you've either grown yourself or picked up at the local farmers market or even your local store ...

I have also have been buying different fruits and cutting them up and actually freezing them, so later on after the holidays, like such as Thanksgiving or Christmas I'm able to make another batch of jam. I do hope that you can take this time of harvest that is coming very quickly is even upon us and learn to freeze and do something, maybe you have never done in the past even if it's just a small amount of a special fruit or vegetable that your family enjoys.

 I do hope you all have a lovely rest of the Seasons of Harvest.

Blessings to each and everyone of you!

Will You Make Your Boast In The Lord...

His Voice Is Like Many Rushing Waters

May His Word Wash Over You

~I will make my boast in the Lord~

I have had this word just rolling around my head;

And pondering it in my heart...

What can I do

Or

What do I have that is not from the Lord?

Absolutely nothing;

Let me say it again for those that are hard of hearing and seeing

Nothing

Zero

When I feel a proud boast coming on about anything I can feel a check in my spirit!

The flesh always wants to be noticed and set on a pedestal.

If anyone tries to place you upon a pedestal, slide right off it quickly.

If I had been taught in my younger years to not be bragging about

Something I had done, it would have been easier to see the err in my way.

We are always giving children and adults so much affirmation about,

everything and all the time. We now have a very boastful society!

I grieve over conversations that may have even been borderline of

boasting and bragging...

I desire to look and see what the Lord has done.

I know as a Godly woman we want to be wise;

But I think that as we learn humility we do become wise!

I have always loved that scripture's that says;

He does exceedingly, and abundantly

We can do all things IN Christ Jesus

I watched a little video on how others were calling themselves Christians;

There was one big problem; 

They talked about everything they embraced...

We just may be mocking the Lord, dear ones

Can I do just anything that I want to do with my life?

I bow to know one my flesh screams...

We cannot embrace all that is coming down the river***

I need to warn all those that are playing in the waters

(Beware a TOXIC spill that has just been released)

We are being set apart and the Christian is now under fire;

And the safest place to be is in His Word...

~Read the scriptures in context~

God has given us everything;

Yet, we will one day make account of how we used it!

Did I boast in my own self and strength!

Did I do it my way and not His?

Please may we give God the Glory in all we do!

Boast about who He Is and what He has done for us

God loves it when we know He alone is in charge and is the giver of life...

This boasting is not always even in an audible voice;

But a giving thanks in our hearts to Him alone...

I heard a woman tell how she had put many of her valuables in a big trunk;

So if the fire was coming her way she would load this trunk first in her truck.

She gave God the thanks that she came away with her life and a few valuables.

There is always danger in our world;

But do not make a boast of oneself.

As we can see of just how quickly things can change.

And it can happen to any one of us!

Boasting will hurt you

Boasting will hurt others

Boasting in any thing or any one is wrong!

Just for the record if someone is speaking highly of you that is another thing.

I do hope all you are doing well.

Let me know if I can pray for any of you this week!

Why The Little Things Matter...

The Little Things

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much
And whosoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
Luke 16:10

It is in the little things that make life precious and sweet!

Tiny is huge when it is looked upon as a portion as onto the Lord...

Itsy Bitsy is a joy when it is appreciated...

What do you do with the little portions of time and energy you are given?
What do you use the monies that are given you each week?
What do you do with your spare moments in your day?

I love little kisses
I love the little buttons on baby clothing
I love little muffins
I love the little notes that come in the mail
I love little notebooks
I love bookmarks
I love little tiny roses
I love soft voices and giggles in the night

May I give the little things as much attention as the big things in my life!

Can I be faithful in the portion that has been given to me?

Will I love my Husband above myself?
Will I grow old with grace and beauty?
Will I esteem others above myself?
Will I be a true friend to those ladies God has given me?
Will I give honor where honor is due?
Will I be honest in my daily dealings?

"May I not fudge on the truth
May, I not allow a slip of my tongue
May, I not neglect good habits
May, I not have covetness in my heart towards anyone"

These are all little things in themselves;
But in the Lords eyes, they are what show Him that we can be trusted!

It's in the small matters of everyday life that the true witness
Of Christ in us is lived out!

When I think that this little blog does not matter;
I am reminded that it is for His glory!

Little words of wisdom can help change the course of ones thinking!
Little changes can bring restoration back into a marriage.
Little changes can change your life in a big way...

My Circle Of Trust...

The Circle Of Trust

Who likes to feel safe?

Why that is really a silly question;

But I will take the liberty to say a few things concerning this matter!

Trust is an invisible element in a way;

But trust is very real and comes in many different forms of action and response's.

We have all been wounded over this thing called trust.

Trust is something that once it is broken becomes very hard to repair.

We have heard and seen or experienced where it is never restored!

As I have gotten older and maybe a bit wiser my circle has gotten smaller.

I guess I would of thought that it would of gotten larger.

NOT

I am not a suspicious person by nature, but discerning would better describe what

I feel and see when it comes to my fellow persons of acquaintance.

Evil does seem to abound in our culture today,

But this trust is not what seems to be forsaken in that way.

But rather within the marriages and friendships.

These relationships are the very core of a healthy nucleus of society.

Who can we trust?

Well the best answer I can give is this,

 Only those that can past the test of time and seasons and longevity.

When we are hurt by words and actions from the very ones we believe,

Have our backs and our hearts.

I am not speaking from my own personal situation here,

But rather from so many I have watched in their home life and the church.

Many in their own families...

I would rather have just a few people in my circle of trust;

Then so many that could cause pain and sorrow.

The only real safe place is under the Lords protection...

But please be watchful and keep an eye open when in a new environment!

When meeting new people!

Well, I know there are still some wonderful God fearing people to meet!

So I look for the Lord to put them in my path or life.

But I do feel that so many have the means or the desire to live

a dual life...

The word warns us that we will know them by their fruit,

But at times I feel like how could we be so duped?

I believe in all that is good and kind;

But I have been told too many things that make me think;

I better keep my discernment on a high setting...

~May each of you find comfort and trust in those in your own lives~

~Pray for those to keep themselves honest and true~

~It is so important to practice self discipline~

Diligent In My Home Making...

Diligent Buisness

Making a bed, washing the dish's, sweeping a floor!

Being at home is required to do the large and small things that keeps a 

Home tidy and clean and organized!

When I go through my days I pray and talk to the Lord;

No time is spent that is not giving Him honor and thanksgiving!

I am a steward of all He has given me...

When you take or make the time to keep your Home cleaned

And lovely, it sends a big message to those we love and serve!

Why give your best to the outside world of jobs and such,

When they do not care if you are well loved and taken care of!

We made a covenant with one that has given us the privilege to

show how  much we care for them!

Men feel honored when we keep things clean

 (Especially the bedroom and kitchen)

A bedroom is where we spend so many hours sleeping;

And you might say what is the big deal??

Where it is this one place that you do not share with others

~The secret sanctuary~

The kitchen says to a man "Food"

Men are hungry...

Feed Him!

You care more about what kind of hair day you're having as important,

Instead of thinking what yummy meal can I prepare for my Hubby and children.

I feel sorry for the men that marry these women today;

They do not cook

They are always on Facebook

They do not wash and iron shirts for their own husbands

They have not learned how to run a household

Golly gee 'These girls say; I am not their Mother!

Well, maybe these guys are just out of luck any more.

Or feminism has finally worked, we are all equal!

So what's the prize?

Divorce after two kids and a cold, messy bedroom!

And no one to cook for...

Well, I hope it is all worth it to make your way!

We make the choice to either serve outside the home and give strangers

are best. Or give our best to our own loved ones.

Serving is a powerful ministry and it starts in your OWN HOME!

When doing laundry, do smaller loads as it dries faster and is not so overwhelming.

Cook up rice and noodles and some potatoes, each week!

(Makes for an easy side dish)

Vacuum quickly every few days

Keep a dishpan in the sink filled with soapy water

(Helps with keeping dish's from becoming impossible to clean)

Sweep kitchen floor...

Keep the crock pot on the counter and use it!

(Buy a cookbook for the crock pot)

(Buy those slow cooker liners from Reynolds for easier clean up)

Keep a Shopping List for needed essentials

Make up a dinner idea list...

Now, If you have to work outside the home, then you must

Try to say no other outside activities. So you can be home in the evenings.

Please, Feed your man and love him tenderly...

Show him respect and kiss him regularly

~Happy Home Making~

"Diligent in business, serving the Lord.”

 There is no period, dividing these.

 I long ago discovered that I could make a bed and sweep a room for His sake,

 As surely as I could speak a word for Him."

(A Quote From Somewhere)

I feel that keeping a home is a very important business,

And I take great pleasure in being a good steward of it.

What are a few things you have learned to keep things

Running smooth and efficient?

Why Baking Keeps You Happy And Cupcakes Are The Perfect Treat And How To Make Chocolate and Coconut, Pecan Frosting...

 

Tiny And Yet Complete...

Now, you all know me well enough by now to know that this post;

"Will not just be about cupcakes"

A lesson learned is a powerful thing...

How do we learn?

By living our days in such a way that we are teachable and not stiff necked!

If you know everything, then just stop reading now;

As I do not want to waste your time (smile)

I have been graced to be in a learning curve my whole life;

I am not ashamed to ask for clarification in any given moment.

I do think one very valuable lesson is that we cannot read each others minds!

What grace and room abounds when we realize this and respond correctly.

That is why being a good student of the word and life is so valuable.

You have all heard this phrase;

How do we eat an elephant?

Well, one bite at a time...

This is how we can become wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove!

Learning comes in teeny tiny bite's

May I ask you this question?

What have you learned recently?

I find as I enjoy other sister's in the Lord, and glean from their wonderful tips and advice,

Then I am able to pick up and assimilate some really great things...

When a sister in Christ shares something that they do or they show me a technique,

that they use in their lives and in their homemaking, it always inspires me.

I have found that even changing one little thing can make something seem new

And also appealing to our senses and atmosphere!

I have enjoyed baking most my life;

But there are times that just making one big sheet cake is just too much.

So I have enjoyed making a smaller version of the cake into of course;

Cupcakes...

We all enjoy something sweet as a treat at times,

So I have been making these cupcakes!

You can make a healthy version from scratch, or a boxed cake mix.

The frosting can be the sweet touch, but the sprinkles make them pretty.

I have often seen children just want a certain doughnut in a display case,

Just because of the sprinkles.

I did make some german chocolate ones a few weeks back, 

Of course the frosting is what makes them so yummy!

I used coconut and pecans in it and it was delicious.

Chocolate And Coconut-Pecan Frosting

I egg, slightly beaten

2/3. Cup evaporated milk

2/3 Cup sugar

1 1/3 Cups shredded coconut 

1/4 Cup butter

1/2 Cup chopped pecans

1 Tablespoon cocoa powder

In medium saucepan slightly beat egg.

Stir in evaporated milk, sugar and butter and cocoa powder.

Cook and stir over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until thick and bubbly.

Remove from heat- stir in 1 1/3 cup coconut flakes and 1/2 cup chopped pecans.

Cover and allow to cool, then frost your cupcakes!

(My Sweet Daughter in law shared this recipe with me)

I added the chocolate powder to make it look and taste like a rich chocolate flavor.

Gods, Grace Overflows is the name of her blog!

I hope all of you ladies are enjoying and moving into a new season;

Learning and growing in all things pertaining to Home...

How To Embrace Everyday Love In Your Marriage...

Everyday Love

After being  married for many years, it can bring about such a soft and comfortable love.

Some may even call this a boring love;

Not, I

Love in the beginning is young and is exciting, everything seems new.

But really you don't even know one another!

When we are courting or dating we are putting our best foot forward.

We are always seen at our very best...
We have not been tried or pushed out of our comfort zones.
Having conflict and issues in our differences allows us to grow.
One thing my husband and I have said is this;
We can agree to disagree...
We are not cookie cutter people,
We allow each other to have a difference of opinion!
We allow each other to have the space and a portion to speak
(What is in our hearts, without interrupting them)
A good marriage is not a dictatorship...
But rather a team that has to have a good leader!
In our God given roles, it has been given to him to make the last or final decision.
But I am so blessed that he inquires of me as to my thoughts,
An opinion on every major decision in our lives!

Also a good disagreement can even be healthy to clear up little
Irritations that can just start mounting up in our daily lives!
We must always be ready to resolve conflict and work together!
We always try to pull for the best outcome!
I believe God has used a marriage to teach us so many things.

Years of walking side by side, we have experienced many landscapes.
Valleys, and plains and mountains.

We are not wise to run away from the little tougher seasons or just a day or two.

In our walk with Christ it is in the very valleys we run from that we can

Become better acquainted and intimate with Him.

If You have not walked any valleys as yet;
May I tell you this dear ones,

 The valleys will come...

It is in the valleys that we are placed in the shade of the Mountain

The weight of His Glory can be seen in the shadows.

Being in a marriage for a long time is what makes a marriage vow grow
 and presses out the wimpy within us.

What started out as a wrinkle free wedding license surly can become
Wrinkled...
These wrinkles begin to show up on
 our wrinkled brows and our bed sheets,

Our wrinkled tummies from bearing the babies, we held within a once firm tummy.

Slowly you will blend and compliment one another

One day you will become familiar with what his sighs might really mean!
But only if you take the time to really listen...

You will learn that when they are silent
It does not mean that, they are angry or mad at you!
Maybe they have just had a hard day.

Marriage will change you!

But, I give you this bit of advice
 if you will love and forgive and roll into each others side

(Every night and hold each other tight)

You will live to grow comfortable and warm and not critical...

Love has many hues of color;

But it is in the dark of night or in a valley you must trust instinct.

~ keep your eyes on the Son~
Not each others faults;
For you both have many...

Real life has real challenges...

But if you resolve to love your spouse!

God will help you to become comfortable with old fashion love everyday!

May we learn to embrace Everyday Love;

Not what a romance novel might portray it to be!

God has written the greatest romance of all!

He gave it all, He held nothing back,

Why should you?

~Loving is the prize dear ones; even if it is not returned~

Love is truth in action and in words and deeds daily...

Do not become hard hearted dear ladies;

Keep your heart tender

Think the best of him always

Finding his faults will make yours grow!

Do you want to be found irresistible?

Keep loving even if it becomes hard as we are all being molded into His image.

The Gift Of A Good Memory...

 

Why memories are so powerful

We have one of the greatest gifts!

Our memories are a portion of us that has been tucked away into

In the recesses of our minds.

Firstly, I want to address so many of you out there that have had to 

live with a terrible memory, my heart cries out for you.

I do know the sorrow of those memories also.

But, What I want to share is the real love and the power in a good memory!

I was a little girl sitting on my mother's lap while she is visiting with her

Girlfriend and neighbor. Even as a child, I know this was a special time.

I remember the smell of the coffee aroma and the sound of it as it percolates in the kitchen;

Momma pours two cups of coffee into two of these lovely

Rose coffee cups, they are placed upon the little saucer that match.

Each cup is doused with cream and sugar...

~I can still hear the tinkling of the spoon as it mixes the cream and sugar~

My mother is so busy chatting away that she only has one sip of her coffee;

She kisses the top of my head and tells me this

Sweetie, why don't you drink the rest of mommy's coffee...

I do this very thing that she has spoken to me;

And I remember that moment and memory forever!

It was tender and sweet as the sugar made my little mouth happy.

I am sure I was not even five!

What's love got to do with it?

Everything...

I do hope when I have finished my days here on earth,

That my dear ones will hold a memory of love, that I showed to them!

God gives us strength and grace to create sweet memories.

May we learn to ask for more of them in our prayers.

Being a mother of influence does not have to consist of huge or big things!

This one gesture has been tucked in my heart for years...

God Bless each of you amazing women of God,

Stand your post, guard your loved ones.

Never turn back...

Run to win the prize.

Be sure to leave a memory to someone that will always bring a smile to their face and

Warm their hearts and keep them tender for what really matters in this life!

Find as many little opportunities to create a good memory...

Trust me it has a huge impact for little or big people;

When we see in this world that so many have lost their memories;

So much is truly lost for all of us!

I have heard that when the elderly have shown signs of dementia,
Many can not remember  many things. But can recall facts and memories
from their childhood. I think this is so amazing,
Many can remember scripture and songs.

Think of a memory that brings a gentle tug of happiness to your hearts today