Our Sunday School lesson was all about me yesterday, as usual.
For some reason as I stood at the trash can this past week, the Lord informed me of a fact. No, it wasn’t an audible voice that spoke to me, but rather a scripture that was brought to mind. (That’s how it usually happens to me by the way.) I really didn’t like the scripture He brought to mind but He really doesn’t care about that. (If that’s a newsflash to ya, I AM sorry.)
The kids and I have been reading through the gospels a chapter at a time since the first of the year. The scriptures that have really been speaking to me are the ones that have to do with money and time. I have been really under conviction about how materialistic I can be. If you know me, you know I’m really not very materialistic--usually. But then there is the scripture that says, if you have two cloaks, give one away to someone who has none. What?! But, I need a brown one and a black one at least, Lord. You know I need to match. You know what? I don’t think He really cares about that either. Sigh.
So anyway, that’s where my mind has been--on things like that. Then, here I am at the trash can--the graveyard of past blessings. Let me explain that, the trash can is where I put empty food cans and wrappers, empty paper towel rolls and all types of things that show the world (or at least the trash picker-uppers) that we are indeed a blessed family. We can afford PAPER TOWELS!! Do you know where I’m comin’ from? Can I get a witness?
Okay, back to my lesson: I am standing at the trash can and into my mind pops a scripture from Amos. Well, I couldn’t remember it exactly so when I had some time I looked it up. Bummer. Now, I know why all these powerful people of old wanted to hush the true prophets! It really hurts to be told the truth sometimes. Now, don’t get any ideas about having me stoned, remember, I am talking to myself--just using this format.
The scripture from Amos (Amos 6:4-6) talks about the Israelites who were able living in the lap of luxury, being indulgent in what they ate, how they spent their time, and how they treated their bodies while other of their “brethren” went hungry and were oppressed. Well, I guess even the poorest of Americans live in luxury compared to most of the rest of the world’s population. I would definitely think that we also eat more expensively than we could and spend more money on our bodies than we should. But again, this is truly about ME.
I am in my happy place right now and I’ll be honest, I’d rather not leave it. I like having time and money, but am I spending that good stuff where I need to be? Am I concerned about the “affliction” of my brethren? I guess not. Babies are murdered by the thousands, the old and infirm are killed quietly with drugs or just left to die lonely and alone and even worse, people are dying and going to Hell. Maybe that is true because I am not the LIGHT that I need to be because I’m too worried about my own ivory couch and how nice it would feel to lie there and think about what I might need to load onto my ipod from itunes, or maybe whether The Mentalist is coming on this week or is it gonna be kicked off AGAIN!! because of the stupid March Madness. Does that sound ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS to anyone besides me???
I need to make the decision to stop being this wimpy woman who loves her comfort more than the LORD who died for her and made provision for her in heaven--the real world. Good grief! I live because He is alive in me. I’ve been saved from my bonds of sin and given life. It sounds stupid to think of an ivory couch when my loved ones are dying and going to Hell or are living Hellish lives here when I could do something to help. If it’s hard to cast off the cloak of materialism, then I could can look at it this way: I’m really thinking’ my pile of treasures up there is piddly.
I kinda do wish that the Lord hadn’t talked to me about this because my dear friend tells me I’m not responsible for what I don’t know. (Oops! Sorry. Now you know it too!!) Well, no ivory couches for this chick…they’re too expensive anyway…nope, really--I don’t even have an ipod and I don’t drink wine, but I do intend to ask the Lord to help me give up what I do consider treasures for other’s welfare. Pray for me.
God Bless, and I’m sure it’s illegal to stone people now.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Two Year Old Tantrums at 40??
I was waxing philosophical this morning and wondering if I’ll ever grow up. Sigh. A dear friend and I were discussing this the other day for some reason. She is 45 and she says she thinks she might be close to being a grown-up. I read a book about the same topic this weekend, and I have been trying all morning to understand why I liked the dumb book. It was all about growing up and never quite having your dreams realized.
When I was a child, I thought that when I turned 21 I’d be grown-up and my, how old and wizened I’d be by 30! I was a bit disappointed when I reached 21 and found myself still as dumb as a stick. Actually, I was MORE intellectually challenged than a stick because I realized that my parents really did know more than I did and that I wasn’t nearly as smart as I thought. Sigh, again. (And I said ‘intellectually challenged’ up there because I didn’t know if it should be ‘dumber’ or ‘more dumb’ and neither sounded correct. Just FYI!)
So, when that much-to-be-dreaded 30th year rolled over, I thought, “Well, Lord, is this it? When will I be a grown-up?” And I as I stare my 41st year in the face, having almost concluded my 40th, again I ask, “Is this it? Will I ever feel equipped to live?”
It seems some of us mature in one area while other individuals mature in another based on life’s circumstances, on time goes as we continue maturing at different rates and in different areas. I really wonder if we ever come to a consistent, long-lasting “grown-up” feeling. We have seasons when we think things are going fairly well. We are eating the fruit of some good, wise decisions. But, alas! No fruit stays in season all year does it? (HA! Except at Wal-Mart!) This too shall pass and we again ask ourselves, “Do I really have sense enough to get out of bed this morning?” When we do find ourselves brave enough to get up, we might turn around in 30 minutes and say, “No. I don’t want to.” It makes me laugh/cry to think of the “grown-ups” I know who act like spoiled little two year old children, myself very much included.
I’m thinking of when I’m asked by the Lord, family or friends to do something I don’t particularly want to do. At times I am actually deluded enough to think that somebody cares about the fact that, “I don’t want to!” Then reality slaps me in the face and I have to decide if this is something I NEED to do. Usually, the answer is “yes” so I go and throw myself on my bed and have a screaming fit. Nah! Not all the time. Hehe.
Well, I don’t know why I’m rambling on about growing up, and telling all my secrets, except maybe it’s because I’m nearly forty and thought I’d have it done by now. Instead I have come to terms with the fact that I never will “grow up” because I will always need to depend on my wonderful Father, who gave everything to me and who wants me to depend on Him and if I grew up, I wouldn’t. So, there you have it, my conclusion. (Of course, I really don’t think He wants me acting like a spoiled two year old either, so I’ll have to try and stop doing that.)
God Bless! And, Please, don’t judge me too harshly.
When I was a child, I thought that when I turned 21 I’d be grown-up and my, how old and wizened I’d be by 30! I was a bit disappointed when I reached 21 and found myself still as dumb as a stick. Actually, I was MORE intellectually challenged than a stick because I realized that my parents really did know more than I did and that I wasn’t nearly as smart as I thought. Sigh, again. (And I said ‘intellectually challenged’ up there because I didn’t know if it should be ‘dumber’ or ‘more dumb’ and neither sounded correct. Just FYI!)
So, when that much-to-be-dreaded 30th year rolled over, I thought, “Well, Lord, is this it? When will I be a grown-up?” And I as I stare my 41st year in the face, having almost concluded my 40th, again I ask, “Is this it? Will I ever feel equipped to live?”
It seems some of us mature in one area while other individuals mature in another based on life’s circumstances, on time goes as we continue maturing at different rates and in different areas. I really wonder if we ever come to a consistent, long-lasting “grown-up” feeling. We have seasons when we think things are going fairly well. We are eating the fruit of some good, wise decisions. But, alas! No fruit stays in season all year does it? (HA! Except at Wal-Mart!) This too shall pass and we again ask ourselves, “Do I really have sense enough to get out of bed this morning?” When we do find ourselves brave enough to get up, we might turn around in 30 minutes and say, “No. I don’t want to.” It makes me laugh/cry to think of the “grown-ups” I know who act like spoiled little two year old children, myself very much included.
I’m thinking of when I’m asked by the Lord, family or friends to do something I don’t particularly want to do. At times I am actually deluded enough to think that somebody cares about the fact that, “I don’t want to!” Then reality slaps me in the face and I have to decide if this is something I NEED to do. Usually, the answer is “yes” so I go and throw myself on my bed and have a screaming fit. Nah! Not all the time. Hehe.
Well, I don’t know why I’m rambling on about growing up, and telling all my secrets, except maybe it’s because I’m nearly forty and thought I’d have it done by now. Instead I have come to terms with the fact that I never will “grow up” because I will always need to depend on my wonderful Father, who gave everything to me and who wants me to depend on Him and if I grew up, I wouldn’t. So, there you have it, my conclusion. (Of course, I really don’t think He wants me acting like a spoiled two year old either, so I’ll have to try and stop doing that.)
God Bless! And, Please, don’t judge me too harshly.
Ha,ha! I haven't been able to be on here although I do have some things ready to post at home. (I'm at my brother's shop now.) I have been out of a phone line since Sunday because our sweet, horse-size puppy chewed the phone box off the outside wall while we were at church Sunday!! Can you believe it? That is so funny.
I'll post more tonight hopefully.
I'll post more tonight hopefully.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Laundry Soap Recipe
Several people have asked me for the laundry soap recipe. Let me tell you that it has no scent so if you like scented clothes you will have to use some sort of fabric softener.
Here is my recipe:
2 bars of Ivory soap (Fels Naptha is also recommended) shredded (I have an old grater that is dedicated to soap shredding.)
8 C. Hot water
Mix the soap and water and simmer on the stove, stirring gently until the soap is melted completely.
To a 4/5 gallon bucket add 3 1/2 gallons of hot tap water, 1 C. borax and 1 C. washing soda. (The only place I've found washing soda is Kroger's in Shreveport and it's very inexpensive. You can call the number on the washing soda and they will tell you the nearest place to buy. I will try and get that number posted.) I used regular baking soda until I was able to buy washing soda. Stir all the ingredients together until it is mixed well. As this cools it will congeal, once it does congeal it needs to be restirred probably just once. This is supposed to be concentrated soap and use about half a cup per load. I actually use an old scoop from a detergent box but you could use a coffee cup or jar.
I have heard of people using half the water and then half the soap amount for a more concentrated easier to handle size container. I haven't tried it.
I hope you enjoy the savings from this as much as I have. It is a little investment at first but then with the money you save, you can take your hubby out for supper. :)
I actually gave Catie the ingredients for her first bucket as a wedding gift.
Here is my recipe:
2 bars of Ivory soap (Fels Naptha is also recommended) shredded (I have an old grater that is dedicated to soap shredding.)
8 C. Hot water
Mix the soap and water and simmer on the stove, stirring gently until the soap is melted completely.
To a 4/5 gallon bucket add 3 1/2 gallons of hot tap water, 1 C. borax and 1 C. washing soda. (The only place I've found washing soda is Kroger's in Shreveport and it's very inexpensive. You can call the number on the washing soda and they will tell you the nearest place to buy. I will try and get that number posted.) I used regular baking soda until I was able to buy washing soda. Stir all the ingredients together until it is mixed well. As this cools it will congeal, once it does congeal it needs to be restirred probably just once. This is supposed to be concentrated soap and use about half a cup per load. I actually use an old scoop from a detergent box but you could use a coffee cup or jar.
I have heard of people using half the water and then half the soap amount for a more concentrated easier to handle size container. I haven't tried it.
I hope you enjoy the savings from this as much as I have. It is a little investment at first but then with the money you save, you can take your hubby out for supper. :)
I actually gave Catie the ingredients for her first bucket as a wedding gift.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sewing News
With bated breath I say, my sewing machine is WORKING!! I am so thankful that all seems to be well. I am hoping to sew some more things this afternoon, so I will know more then, but so far it works. (For those of you who do not know, my sewing machine has been "sick" since before Christmas.)
I was hoping to have at least 4 baby quilts finished by this time, and I have none. I have one quilted and one almost quilted but none with binding yet. I am way behind schedule and wondering if I've made a poor choice of "girdle". (reference to Proverbs 31) However, the quilts are REALLY cute if you are in the market for one. hehehe. I hope to get some aprons made soon, I bought the cutest fabric the other day...wait til you see it.
Catie seems to be doing well as she has made quite a few batches of soap and sold quite a few bars. I absolutely love the soap and don't mind marketing it at all. It is lovely.
Hope you all have a productive week!!
I was hoping to have at least 4 baby quilts finished by this time, and I have none. I have one quilted and one almost quilted but none with binding yet. I am way behind schedule and wondering if I've made a poor choice of "girdle". (reference to Proverbs 31) However, the quilts are REALLY cute if you are in the market for one. hehehe. I hope to get some aprons made soon, I bought the cutest fabric the other day...wait til you see it.
Catie seems to be doing well as she has made quite a few batches of soap and sold quite a few bars. I absolutely love the soap and don't mind marketing it at all. It is lovely.
Hope you all have a productive week!!
Good-Bye, Goaties!
We have all our Nubian dairy goats sold now. It is sad to have to get rid of them, but it is what is best for our farm/family. It is my sincere hope that they have “gone” to good homes. (We are keeping two Nubians for one buyer until the doe has her kids. We all think that will be what is best for her and the buyer. And we still have our dairy Nigerian Dwarf goats.)
It is amazing how attached you can get to animals and feel so responsible for them. We lost a goat last year to sickness, and I researched for two months so I could try to keep it from happening again. I felt that we had somehow failed her and, I was right.
Feelings like those are what makes us want to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. We are to be GOOD stewards, not just stewards. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, however, He has handed it to us to keep. What an awesome responsibility! I know that I don’t take that responsibility seriously enough, because honestly, it’s easier not to what needs to be done.
Don’t misunderstand, we don’t litter, we don’t pollute if we KNOW it, we try to grow our own groceries and enrich the soil, but there are a lot more things we could do if we would. We could recycle our glass and plastic. We could spend $10 on reusable grocery bags and then use them. We could drive around less and save gas more. We could be a little cooler in the winter and a little warmer in the summer. The list could go on and on, huh?
If we think about it, most of the time, being a good steward saves money. The less ‘lectric’ty we use, the less money I have to pay the electric company, etc. etc..
Are there some better-for-the-environment things that you do that save you money that you would like to share with my meager, but WONDERFUL, list of followers? If so, please comment below.
Here is our “thing” : we make our own laundry soap. I think it is detergent free and therefore better for the environment, AND for about $1.50 I can make enough laundry soap to last for about a month!!! If you would like the recipe that takes about 20 minutes to make, let me know. We also hang out our clothes in the warm months and that helps A LOT on our ebill. It is also for therapeutic thus saving you money on doctor bills. Hehe.
I’m not a green peace kind of gal, I just want to be a good steward of my God’s planet so that He will be pleased and so that my great-grandchildren (if I’m so blessed) will have a beautiful place to live.
It is amazing how attached you can get to animals and feel so responsible for them. We lost a goat last year to sickness, and I researched for two months so I could try to keep it from happening again. I felt that we had somehow failed her and, I was right.
Feelings like those are what makes us want to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. We are to be GOOD stewards, not just stewards. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, however, He has handed it to us to keep. What an awesome responsibility! I know that I don’t take that responsibility seriously enough, because honestly, it’s easier not to what needs to be done.
Don’t misunderstand, we don’t litter, we don’t pollute if we KNOW it, we try to grow our own groceries and enrich the soil, but there are a lot more things we could do if we would. We could recycle our glass and plastic. We could spend $10 on reusable grocery bags and then use them. We could drive around less and save gas more. We could be a little cooler in the winter and a little warmer in the summer. The list could go on and on, huh?
If we think about it, most of the time, being a good steward saves money. The less ‘lectric’ty we use, the less money I have to pay the electric company, etc. etc..
Are there some better-for-the-environment things that you do that save you money that you would like to share with my meager, but WONDERFUL, list of followers? If so, please comment below.
Here is our “thing” : we make our own laundry soap. I think it is detergent free and therefore better for the environment, AND for about $1.50 I can make enough laundry soap to last for about a month!!! If you would like the recipe that takes about 20 minutes to make, let me know. We also hang out our clothes in the warm months and that helps A LOT on our ebill. It is also for therapeutic thus saving you money on doctor bills. Hehe.
I’m not a green peace kind of gal, I just want to be a good steward of my God’s planet so that He will be pleased and so that my great-grandchildren (if I’m so blessed) will have a beautiful place to live.
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