Blessings From Home

Wow it's been a while...

{ Posted by ~Christian Country Mama~ }
{ 10:01 PM, Jan. 7, 2009 } { 0 comments } { Link }

I was out of a computer from the end of Sept. I think it was and just got it back on Monday! Boy did I sure miss it!!! I just LOVE Blogging!

We have moved, but Lord willing it is only temporary! We have no heat but these space heaters I bought, no stove and no hot water, they are all petroleum gas and the pipes are bad and need to be replaced!

I have no dryer so this is what my house looks like ALOT...

and it was SO

today that I thought our windows were going to cave in!!!

But I have found a cute little 3 bedroom on 8.3 acres for $75,000-$80,000 And we are praying that God will open the doors for us!!! And it would HAVE to be ALL from God, cause my ex has ruined my credit and I can get no loan. So if God wants the girls and I to get it He will provide, we want to open our home to be a foster home, especially to down syndrome and/or mentally challenged children. PLEASE pray for us, for God to give us the money for this small, but needed {and wanted} farm!!!

I would need a little extra, too, cause I want to expand it into another bedroom or two! There is a small bus here, I would like to purchase to drive all of us around, for $7,000. Plus I want to privacy fence ALOT of the land. Then some other kind of fencing for the rest...Well actually if God would just provide enough for the purchase of the house, I would borrow on it to do the rest, that needs to be done! And God is SO good and SO VERY capable of providing it, IF He wants it to be done!

Now on to another note...I just realized the last time I posted was the day BEFORE I had Esther!!! WOW! Isn't that something?

Well here is a picture of her now, at 3 months...

Well I am going to get off here, but I will post again soon and if I can get all who read this to help me pray about the house, I would be so grateful. Also we are starting revival Sunday at our Church. So please pray for souls to be saved and heart's to get right! I will post some pictures of it after our revival is done!

Good Night All,

~Christian Country Mama~

Not Enough Time

{ Posted by CandyFoote }
{ 07:16, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 } { Posted in Home Management } { 1 comments } { Link }

There wasn't enough time in the day for me to work on turning the house into a home today.

We spent our day doing school work and housework.

Oh well, at least there was a lot of laundry that got done! ;D

~Candy~

YUCKY DAYS

{ Posted by melaniedawn }
{ 07:12, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 } { 4 comments } { Link }

I WAS SICK BOTH YESTERDAY AND TODAY WITH "THE D WORD" AND SOME VOMITING. I REALLY HATE IT WHEN I AM SICK...IT MAKES ME REALLY BEHIND ON EVERYTHING AND I FEEL REALLY DISCONNECTED FROM MY CHILDREN. AND TO TOP IT OFF...TODAY WAS MY BIRTHDAY. MY SWEET ANGEL YOUNGEST DAUGHTER MADE BREAKFAST IN BED FOR ME AND BROUGHT IT TO ME ON A TRAY AND I HAD TO TELL THE SWEETHEART THAT MOMMY COULDN'T EAT IT. BUMMER!!!!!! IT REALLY GETS ME DOWN EMOTIONALLY TO BE SICK AND OUT OF COMMISSION. I REALLY USE THE WORD REALLY ALOT, DON'T I? HERE'S HOPING THAT TOMORROW IS THE BEGINING OF BETTER DAYS.

MELANIE

Hebrews 10:26...

{ Posted by HandsNHearts }
{ 05:21, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 } { Posted in From the Desk } { 0 comments } { Link }

In reading the Bible this morning, I read this verse, and now
have a question...to me this is saying that if we deliberately sin
after knowing Yahweh, that there is no more sacrifices to take away
our sin...does this mean that if we sin deliberately on something
after knowing Yahweh, that we will lose our redemption??
For example,
Susie is a Christian who kept Sunday as Sabbath, she learned that Sat
is the true Sabbath as spoken of in the Bible, but she continues to
look at Sabbath as Sunday because she doesn't want people to look at
her strange, or change her life or what have you...since she is
sinning because she knows that Saturday is the Sabbath spoken of in
the Bible, but she is refusing to keep it will she no longer have
redeption/eternal life because she essentially turned her back on the
last/only sacrifice necessary for eternal life?

That question was asked on a group I'm on. It's mainly regarding trying to understand Hebrews 10:26
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Here is Gill's Commentary --
Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully,.... Which is not to be understood of a single act of sin, but rather of a course of sinning; nor of sins of infirmity through temptation, or even of grosser acts of sin, but of voluntary ones; and not of all voluntary ones, or in which the will is engaged and concerned, but of such which are done on set purpose, resolutely and obstinately; and not of immoral practices, but of corrupt principles, and acting according to them; it intends a total apostasy from the truth, against light and evidence, joined with obstinacy.

After that we have received the knowledge of the truth; either of Jesus Christ, or of the Scriptures, or of the Gospel, or of some particular doctrine, especially the principal one, salvation by Christ; of which there may be a notional knowledge, when there is no experimental knowledge; and which is received not into the heart, but into the head: and whereas the apostle speaks in the first person plural, we, this is used not so much with regard to himself, but others; that so what he delivered might come with greater weight upon them, and be more readily received by them; when they observed he entertained no hard thoughts or jealousies of them, which would greatly distress the minds of those that were truly gracious. Moreover, the apostles use this way of speaking, when they do not design themselves at all, but others, under the same visible profession of religion, and who belonged to the same community of believers; see 1Pe_4:3 compared with Act_22:3. Besides, these words are only hypothetical, and do not prove that true believers could, or should, or do sin in this manner: to which may be added, that true believers are manifestly distinguished from these persons, Heb_10:38,

there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins; meaning, not typical sacrifice; for though the daily sacrifice ought to have ceased at the death of Christ, yet it did not in fact until the destruction of Jerusalem; but the sacrifice of Christ, which will never be repeated; Christ will die no more; his blood will not be shed again, nor his sacrifice reiterated; nor will any other sacrifice be offered; there will be no other Saviour; there is no salvation in any other, nor any other name whereby we must be saved. These words have been wrongly made use of to prove that persons sinning after baptism are not to be restored to communion again upon repentance; and being understood of immoral actions wilfully committed, have given great distress to consciences burdened with the guilt of sin, committed after a profession of religion; but the true sense of the whole is this, that after men have embraced and professed the truths of the Gospel, and particularly this great truth of it, that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour of men by his blood and sacrifice; and yet after this, against all evidence, all the light and convictions of their own consciences, they wilfully deny this truth, and obstinately persist in the denial of it; seeing there is no more, no other sacrifice for sin, no other Saviour, nor any salvation in any other way, the case of these men must be desperate; there is no help for them, nor hope of them; for by this their sin they shut up against themselves, in principle and practice, the way of salvation, as follows.

Thoughts?

"Natural" GMO meds?

{ Posted by HandsNHearts }
{ 05:06, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 } { Posted in From the Desk } { 2 comments } { Link }

WASHINGTON – You've heard of making cheese from goats' milk, but prescription drugs? In what would be a scientific first, an anti-clotting drug made from the milk of genetically engineered goats moved closer to government approval Wednesday after experts at the Food and Drug Administration reported that the medication works and its safety is acceptable.

Called ATryn, the drug is intended to help people with a rare hereditary disorder that makes them vulnerable to life-threatening blood clots.

Its approval would be a major step toward new kinds of medications made not from chemicals, but from living organisms genetically manipulated by scientists. Similar drugs could be available in the next few years for a range of human ailments, including hemophilia.

Ok, I'm always on the rather outside of popular thought here I know, but am I seriously one of only a few who think this is just a bit beyond normal? I understand the medical ramifications here, and of course I'm not saying allow folks to suffer when a potential 'help' is out there. But this GMO craze the government is on is so obviously NWO.

I'm not even going to debate anything, I'm just making an observation.

We are being given Hell in a handbasket and accepting it with not only willing, but grabbing hands.

Jan 7th

{ Posted by Becca }
{ 4:59 PM, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 } { 0 comments } { Link }

Another gloomy day full of wind and rain! The winds got up to at least 28 MPH. Our garbage can got blown across the road. I had to adjust our satellite about 4 times because the wind kept moving it over!

They started running production at Jerm's job yesterday, and they're not wanting anyone to get any overtime. Thankfully he did have a lotover the Christmas season, that was nice. It is nice having him home earlier as well...it's not like I'll be buying Polar watches or anything so I think we're good!

My eczema was flared up really bad so I had to start using my steroid cream again...it's helped immensely but I hate using it...my skin is gonna get so thin I won't have any left!

Well I ned to upload some pics, have a nie evening!

Blessings,

~*Becca*~

Thoughts on children and life

{ Posted by Ashley }
{ 02:00, Wed-7-Jan-2009 } { Posted in From my soapbox . . . . } { 3 comments } { Link }

I’m getting lots done around here.

I made some diaper rash ointment for the boys yesterday in my baby crock-pot. I don’t remember who gave it to us when we married, but it’s the perfect size for my herbs and salves and tinctures. The four of us have pretty much out-grown it, though, and it never EVER was big enough to hold a whole roast. Back in my more primitive days, I once sawed a roast in half to wedge it in there.

That’s okay, though. In a step of faith that our family size will one day be worthy, I now own a 22-quart roaster. Did you know these work as mini ovens? You can even make bread in them. And they can also serve as a really large crock-pot for big families? One of these days, I’ll have three teenagers (or possibly even more!!!), Lord willing, and I have a feeling that the capability of making three gallons of chili at a time might come in handy! lol

I’m getting so much de-cluttered that it’s wonderful! I might actually get to some deep cleaning soon. Or even surface cleaning. I don’t like clutter, so cleaning is what gets pushed to the back burner around here. Who cares what the mirrors look like if I can’t walk for toys?

When I first came off of bedrest, it really seemed to stress my body to “do stuff”. Several times I had contractions 5 minutes apart for hours. At this point, things have calmed down to the point that “Hey, you want to work hard? Go for it!” and I might get them 15 minutes apart.

So, yes. It feels as if I could be pregnant forever. But, also, it’s lovely to get caught up and reign as Queen of My Own House again.

Last I knew, about a week ago, the baby was only a -3. I must carry my babies really high, or at least this one; because the little feet haven’t been under my ribs for a while now. It was kinda a neat feeling – and it was unique to this pregnancy. I miss it. I almost wonder if the baby is a -2 now, but I’m too nervous to hope. I go back to see my midwife tomorrow – I’m sure she thought I’d have this baby by now, but like I said, my body seems to have adjusted to the strain of going from comatose to active. It’s been the calmest week ever! *sigh*

Still, I trust God’s timing. And I’m willing to wait for it, really. That actually has something to do with why I’m due with another munchkin when my sweet Elijah just turned 15mo yesterday. His spacing, not mine. I do happen to think it’s delightful to be expecting a baby just when my last baby is suddenly becoming very Mommy-independent! Would I be as happy if I thought their spacing was just a fluke? Maybe, maybe not.

Of course, there are those that would say that he’s becoming independent because suddenly I’m not going to have the time for him like I used to; bosh! I’m with my babies 24/7. I do all the clothing, feeding, kissing boo-boo’s and wiping noses, singing, reading, counting, laughing, scolding, praising . . . they get a whole lot more of me than they would if I were working!

So, soon there will be three of them sharing me. Oh, the horror! But how many share one teacher in school? How many children share one day-care worker? Honestly, is a one-to-three ratio that dreadful?

Maybe it’s the close spacing that’s bad. Who can cope with three little ones pulling in different directions? But it’s closer to the spacing which is “ideal”, which is all the 5yo together, all the 6yo together, etc. It means they have very similar interests. Surely it’s somewhat easier to have one almost 3yo, one 15mo, and one newborn rather than 3 newborns, or three 15-month olds, or three 3yo?

Yes, no? These are just thoughts I ponder occasionally. Where do we get the idea that a young mother of three little ones is a stressed out mess (not to say I’m sometimes not) but that a child-care specialist with 8 of the same age is somehow more capable?

Here is an excellent blog that puts so much more into perspective than I can. From a mom of fourteen:

“. . . you may have gotten the impression that I think that having a large family has been the driving force in my life. This is so far from the truth.

The message, if any, that should be drawn from the testimony of who I am is this: She trusted God and surrendered, and it was good.”

Amen. That’s what it is all about . . . . it isn't about hitting a certain number of children. It's about letting go of my ideas and plans. Finding joy in God's design - surrender. Trust. Faith. Hope. The whole article is so good. You should really take the time to read it. I want to be like her when I grow up! *smile*

~Ashley~

The Meeting- download

{ Posted by Amy W }
{ 1:17 PM, 2009-Jan-7 } { Posted in God is Good } { 2 comments } { Link }

As planned, Mr. Steady and I met with our Pastor yesterday evening.
As to be expected, my pastor was understandably surprised that I desire to step down from youth ministry.
When we presented him with our proposal of working less hours (which by the way was extremely difficult to come up with and instead of it being a 10 hour proposal it was a 12 hour proposal which was really a 14 hour proposal without 2 hours on--- extremely difficult for me to find a way to be productive and effective on 10 hours- impossible really to do what needs doing . . . .). He did not accept the proposal because he felt I was cheating myself because I would continue to work the hours anyway. He wanted to clarify to me that I am salaried and that means if it takes 5 hours or 10 hours or 30 hours to do what I do my pay remains the same. He asked that I stop worrying about the hours. He also wanted to ease my mind about the money- that the church is becoming more financially stable with the pay cuts already in affect and some other changes and there is no need for me to take less pay to do the same amount of work.
Mr. Steady explained that I can’t do the same amount of work and he and Pastor discussed what Pastor wants to see in the ministry and what I have been doing- which according to my pastor was above and beyond. He encouraged me to cut back and not worry. He also encouraged me that when others in the church give me flack that I should let it go and/or forward them to him- telling the person(s) “Pastor and I have discussed this and you can take it up with him.”
Pastor was hoping by alleviating some of the stress of hours and pay and other people’s expectations that I would “keep on keeping on” but Mr. Steady and I remained firm on the fact that God is calling me to step down. I shared that I have been feeling this nudge from the Lord for months but felt I needed more clarity from the Lord and He has now given that clarity to me.
I could tell from snippets and body language that my pastor is concerned with how they will replace me. I shared that I felt God would fill the position. It has to be God- not just because the church is so low on volunteers you couldn’t get someone to hold a door open or because the church really can’t financially afford to bring someone in (as they would definitely want more money than I am making)- it’s not about those seemingly insurmountable obstacles- it has to be God-led no matter what. I have to believe that God’s will will be done and am praying for him to send someone.
How the meeting ended: My pastor would not accept a formal resignation but acknowledged that I want to phase out of paid ministry by early May. We both want my last few months as youth ministries director to be joyful- that I would spend time teaching and enjoying the kids and with that in mind, He asked that this stay between us at this point and not involve the church board as he feels it will quickly leak out and do harm to the youth ministry during the transition. He stated that I did my part and it is now in his hands to see it through (which I take to mean finding a replacement?).
So this is a beginning to an end. I have to say that I still have questions and concerns about how the next few months will go and just how this is going to end but I am doing my best to set that aside and remind myself that God is in charge, not me. I’m not borrowing worry for the next 4 months, but want to do as directed- teach and enjoy.
Harder said than done for me.
Just one more thing that God wants to work in me is my guess.
And so- should you ask, “Do you feel relieved? A great weight lifted off of you?”
Umm.
Yes.
and No.
But God is God
And I’m more than okay with that.

Make your own butter

{ Posted by HSB Front Porch }
{ 12:10 PM, Jan. 7, 2009 } { Posted in Homestead Kitchen } { 0 comments } { Link }

One day last week I remembered that I had bought some heavy cream over the holidays for Moma's Favorite Cookie, which I am GOING to post the recipe for! REALLY! :) Well, I thought with this much cream, it would be a good time to show the children how to make butter... well the easy way to make butter.
We pulled out the ole food processor.

Poured in all that cream and turned it on...

There were a few different stages that I told them we would see...
First of all we saw it just as a liquid, as it is as cream.
We would start seeing the cream slowly becoming thicker, until we had it at the whipped cream stage.
They all tried it at this point and sneered... sadly they thought it would taste like cool whip. Pitiful, huh? I told them at the enormous amounts of 'stuff' added to cool whip and this was so much better, and that we could add a little sweetner if we wanted whipped cream, but we want butter!

Keep it moving, keep it moving...
FINALLY!
BUTTER! :) HURRAH!

Please forgive the skunk stripes down my child's hair... our New Years Party got a bit crazy! :) haha

Mmm... this butter is good, Mom!
We even took the buttermilk and put it in a jar to use later and washed the curds with ice water to help get all the milk off so the butter would last longer.
Now a solid. How crazy are we? Doing school when we are supposed to be on holiday? haha... so is the life of a homeschooler.
I hope you have a great day friends.
From My Homestead to Yours,
~Chas~
Chasity L. Burrell
Heritage Acres Farm

Happy New Year

{ Posted by Couponqueen }
{ 11:18, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 } { 0 comments } { Link }

Gosh, I havent wriiten in awhile, My job at kroger is going well, I really like it. I even get a 20% discount on all my food I buy there. My chickens are laying about 10 eggs a day now, So im happy about that.

Its snowing again here in Indiana, I hate the cold so i spend most of my day cooking up soup and putting it in the freezer.

Tonights supper will be Venison Roast, potatos, green beans, salad and blueberry cobbler for desert

Have a great day

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