Manna Milling Moms

{ 08:39 , Wednesday, August 27, 2008 } { 2 comments } { Link }

Last Thursday, when we left for Maggie Valley, NC, I remebered that I left our dryer running. (N was having an emotional crisis in leaving the puppy). I said a prayer for protection due to a paranoia of dryer fires.

Monday, I put the 1st load of laundry in the dryer, walked into the kitchen, then back down the hallway ... Oh! The smell of something burning. I quickly, but cautiously opened the dryer door and was greeted by billows of smoke, thank God no flames. I told N to take Little A outside and I got both dogs outside.

Long story short, we are all ok. No fire. Just a bit of the smokey smell lingers. It's not enough to just clean the lint out of the lint screen... ALSO WASH IT!!! If you use dryer sheets, they will leave a film on the lint screen. This is what was smoldering and smoking.

Monday...A Busy Day Ahead

{ 07:30 , Monday, August 25, 2008 } { 0 comments } { Link }

It was nice to get away for a few days. Friends had invited us to Maggie Valley, NC, to the cabin they were staying. We left Thursday afternoon, enjoyed the peaceful setting, the visiting, food, conversations, etc... Saturday after check-out, we enjoyed the Mast General Store and lunch at the Balsam Mountain Inn.

When we arrived home, we were greeted by 2 doggies that were very happy to see us.

Yesterday, I had a cleaning job. Then back home to freshen-up, bake desserts for / and go to our HouseChurch Fellowship.

Today ... Little A is here and still asleep. We will get back into the swing of things ... Homeschool, all the homemaking duties, baking bread and maybe some cookies.

Thursday

{ 06:46 , Thursday, August 21, 2008 } { 0 comments } { Link }

Last night I baked a Pound Cake. This morning, there is an Applesauce Cake in the oven. Next comes the Chocolate Chip Cookies and 2 batches of Rice Krispie Treats (1 plain and 1 with peanut butter). I'll make bread on Saturday.

Little A will be here soon and the Applesauce Cake will be done soon, too...So, I'll close for now.

Wednesday

{ 06:14 , Wednesday, August 20, 2008 } { 0 comments } { Link }

What a day it has been. I had 2 little ones this morning, Little A and 2 year old "B" that Kim watches. (I kept him so Kim could get some things done) It looked like Toys R Us blew up in my house.

Oh well, at least they had lots of fun and got along very well. After lunch, Kim took B home for his nap and Little A slept for an hour

Yes, only an hour. He usually sleeps for 2-3 hours...Not sure why he woke up so soon. At least that gave me time to clean up the mess and wash the dishes. No time to get any baking done. So, I'm going to start my baking tonight and finish tomorrow morning. Not enough time to do it all before my bedtime. So, I'd better get moving!

Busy days....

{ 04:55 , Wednesday, August 20, 2008 } { 0 comments } { Link }

Well, we are on our way to North Carolina tomorrow. We will meet up with our kids, and our friends who are at a cabin in Maggie Valley. It will be nice to get away for a few days.

Hubby requested cinnamon rolls again for his crew, so besides the grocery shopping, errands, and childcare, I managed to whip up some cream cheese cinnamon rolls, and a huge loaf of bread. Now, my house is a MESS!! I still have laundry to do for our trip, and a bunch of other stuff- you know how it is when you travel- just about everything but the kitchen sink goes.

I love truth! I am so thankful that God is leading our lives, and we can just rest in Him, and live our lives striving to please Him as He shows us the Way. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light! He always prepares us for the truth He is going to give us. He makes us even able to handle it!! Tell me that isnt an AWESOME God. It is always our choise to receive it, or turn it away.

I have always found that when God shows us a truth, and we receive it and live it, it radically changes our lives for the better in some way. I love Him!

It's been a few days...

{ 06:52 , Tuesday, August 19, 2008 } { 0 comments } { Link }

Busy! Busy! Busy! That is the only way to explain it. And on top of it, Kim and I have managed to strain our backs...so we walk kinda funny and lop-sided.

( As sisters, we are very good at sharing. Even our ailments.

) We do not like to take Rx or OTC medications. We are trying to learn more homeopathic / herbal remedies. Unfortunately, we are not educated enough and I had to resort to taking Aleve, along with massages (thank you, Kim and "N") and hot showers to relax the spasms. Prayer works wonders, too. I hope to be able to take it a little easier today...sit on floor and play cars with Little "A"

Little "A" will be here shortly. I think I'll go and enjoy the beautiful color of the sky as the sun rises.

Sunday...

{ 06:47 , Sunday, August 17, 2008 } { 0 comments } { Link }

My life's desire, my daily focus, my prayer...is to follow in the Lord's ways. Every detail of our lives needs to mirror in the proper context His Word. So many people pick & piece together different scriptures to back-up their own life's agenda. Oh, how sly they can be. We need to be oh so very careful that we are not lead down the wrong path, by following another person who has their own agenda.

TGIF

{ 07:39 , Friday, August 15, 2008 } { 0 comments } { Link }

I'm exhausted! These past 2 days with Little "A" (17 months old) and Baby "R" (9 months old) have worn-me-out!!! I started dozing-off at the supper table.

"N" started laughing at me.

Wednesday...

{ 08:23 , Wednesday, August 13, 2008 } { 1 comments } { Link }

I was able to get a few things accomplished today. I feel like I am forever trying to reorganize things.

I drive myself crazy. LOL!!!

"C" called and needs me to care for Baby "R" tomorrow and Friday. Little "A" returns tomorrow and will also be here on Friday.

No Friday errand day this week. I guess we will go to the Library tomorrow evening...it's their late night.

I need to confirm the plan, but I believe I start a new cleaning job on Saturday.

Psalms 23:1

{ 10:08 , Wednesday, August 13, 2008 } { Posted in Home Church Happennings } { 0 comments } { Link }

Jesus, the True Shepherd! His WORD!

{ 06:07 , Wednesday, August 13, 2008 } { Posted in Home Church Happennings } { 0 comments } { Link }

We have a wonderful promise that should be at the top of our pile of promises that we stand on.

Jesus said that He would lead and guide us into all Truth. It is something only He can do.

My husband and I have learned that we cannot drop everything and follow or learn everything from a man, an author, a speaker, or even a sister or brother. We acknowledge that God may in fact use these kinds of people throughout our lives to pastor or instruct, but ultimately, it is He, the Spirit of Truth, that is leading our families.

So many folks, and ourselves in the past, get so hungry for truth to counter the spiritual compromise and/or confusion we pick up along the way, that when we hear truth, our human nature wants to drop everything, and follow the human being that the Holy Spirit used to share it, thinking they are somehow more enlightened then anyone else. This proves time and again to be a big mistake. There is not one human being, enlightened as the may seem, that has all truth. There is somewhere that they too are wrong, somewhere that God still has to fix deep within them and lead them as well, because they, like us, are human. And, if we are always looking horizontally, we will not only believe and accept the truth that they have, but the error or misconceptions they have as well. We must be able to discern and acknowledge error, even in those we respect and even love greatly. Dont worry, though, much to contrary teachings that I have heard, discerning is not judging or condemning. Discerning- and following that still small voice, is the method God has chosen to protect us from following anothers errors or misinterpretations.

Whenever God uses someone or something to bring a precious truth into our lives, we thank Him, and keep our eyes off of the person whom He used, and continue looking towards our True Shepherd. In our NT salvation, He never said there would be one human person who was supposed to influence us constantly, rather, He said it was the Spirit of Truth, from above, that would lead us. In this day and age, with the many slants, flavors, and winds of doctrine mingled throughout denominations and christianity as a whole, it is not only wise, but imperative, that we look UP, to our only True Shepherd.

Tuesday's Tasks

{ 10:57 , Tuesday, August 12, 2008 } { 1 comments } { Link }

It's been a busy morning trying to do what I did not get to do yesterday. You see, the A/C went out

. It's true. Sunday evening, during our HomeChurch meeting, it got very warm in the house ...82* Yesterday morning when I got up, the A/C unit was running hard and it was 77* in the house. Dad came over and we cleaned out the filter, but the coils were iced-up. I had to keep the A/C off all day. So, we went to Kim's. By last night, it was 86* but it cooled down nicely after I turned the A/C back on.

So, this morning, with the temperature at a tolerable level, I made bread and muffins. "N" is doing her *school work* I've got the final load of laundry going. I used the last of the laundry detergent, so will need to make more before our next laundry day.

With Little "A" not being here, I want to get a few projects done before he returns on Thursday. This afternoon, we will work on the bedrooms.

Good Monday Morning

{ 06:48 , Monday, August 11, 2008 } { 1 comments } { Link }

It is a beautiful sunrising this morning. The Lord has painted the sky in a fantastic array of color. I don't ever want to take this scene for granted.

It was a busy one here. And last night we hosted our HouseChurch meeting. We had a Mexican food menu...a chicken & rice dish, tortilla chips with a variety of cheese dips and salsa dips, and Kim's homemade quesadilla's...It was all very good. So, with the Lord leading and guiding us in His truths, good food - physically and spiritually, and good fellowship...it was a great time.

Little "A" is on vacation. He'll be back here Thursday and Friday. We sure do miss him!

But for us, "N" will be *schooling* and I will be doing some clean-up from last night and some other housekeeping. I also need to make bread, pay some bills, and run an errand for Kim. It sounds like it's gonna be a busy day.

Friday

{ 03:45 , Friday, August 8, 2008 } { 1 comments } { Link }

Today was errand day. We went to the Library, Bank and the store. We are going to Kim's for supper.

I found a child's knitting book at the Library. This one looks easier to understand

"N" and I have been wanting to learn, so hopefully, this book will help.

I signed-up with a new Internet Provider. First month is free. We'll see how we like it for the next few weeks.

"N" is doing great with her *school* work and keeping up with her responsibilities.

Besides doing a cleaning job tomorrow, we will also be doing some extra tidying here. We always like for our home to have the extra special touches when we host the HouseChurch Meeting. Mexican food is on the menu.

Wednesday

{ 07:42 , Wednesday, August 6, 2008 } { 1 comments } { Link }

I do believe our newly revised, revamped, reorganized schedule is what we need to keep us ("N" and myself) on track. So far, so good...Even though we've just started 2 days ago. It seems to work for us. I know God hears my prayers...from the greatest need to the smallest of details. Even though I am no longer married, there are verses in Proverbs 31 that still tug at my heart (25, 26, 27). Afterall, I am a mother and a homemaker. Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer.

We are not TV watchers, but...I heard yesteray on our local Christian radio station that Steven Curtis Chapman will be on Good Morning America this morning...so,we are going to watch it. My heart still goes out to this family. Oh, the other day I received a Thank You card from them. (I had sent them a note of thoughts and prayers in the loss of Maria.) I wasn't expecting to hear from them because of the thousands of condolences I knew they received...just overwhelming.

Tuesday...

{ 06:27 , Tuesday, August 5, 2008 } { 2 comments } { Link }

Yesterday went well. "N" worked ahead in her *school work.* Little "A" slept til 9:10am and napped from 1pm -4pm. He was tired! We went to Kim's for a couple of hours. I made bread and a cake. I'm not able to share photo's because the file, here on the blog, says it's full. Many of you bloggers share tons of photo's. How do I increase the photo storage space here???

Today is a new day! We are so blessed to be given another day to serve the Lord. Hope ya'll enjoy it!

Is it Monday, already???

{ 07:12 , Monday, August 4, 2008 } { 0 comments } { Link }

Today starts our new school year. I pray every day for His guidance in raising and *schooling* the precious gift He has entrusted to me.

I've just ground some wheat to make bread and snacks. I didn't have time over the busy weekend.

Kim called a few minutes ago to let me know that in 2 weeks, friends of ours are coming in from Maryland. We are excited!

Sunday

{ 08:15 , Sunday, August 3, 2008 } { 2 comments } { Link }

It's been a few days due to computer and internet problems. I've been doing some research, and I think I will, at some point, invest in a memory stick to store all the Homeschool forms, e-books, recipe files, etc... Hoping to free up some space. Then maybe the computer won't have to struggle so much. As for the internet, this pogram is just not reliable. (I guess you get what you pay for.) I'm not sure which service to go with. I need to do more research on that, and do it quick.

Friday we ran our errands. Yesterday, we went with Kim to some yard sales...she was looking for little boy toys. She starts childcare for a 2 year old on Monday. In her looking and buying, she bought me a real nice rolling/baking cart. (Thanks, Sissy!)

We have our HouseChurch meeting this morning at 10am. I guess that means I need to go get ready.

Good Thursday Morning

{ 07:30 , Thursday, July 31, 2008 } { 2 comments } { Link }

I called my Bank, yesterday, regarding *the issue.* They are giving me a provisional credit and *the issue* will be under investigation. I really hope they can track this back to the person who did this. It's in God's hands!

I hope to get some baking done this morning. Little "A" is already awake and rambuncious...And "N" needs to concentrate on the last of her school studies. It's suppose to storm today.

Tuesday / Wednesday

{ 06:45 , Wednesday, July 30, 2008 } { 1 comments } { Link }

Monday evening a storm formed right over us. I had checked the radar and there was nothing around us. Then all of the sudden, there it was!

Yesterday morning ... I over-slept

so I didn't have time to get on the computer. Then last night, storms again. At least we are getting the much needed rain.

The forcast calls for more storms today and tomorrow. The normal summer pop-up storms.

I've been working on the new school year's calender and lessons plans. Changing and re-organizing some things, in hopes of improving in some areas...For me and for "N."

I am still trying to get the issue resolved. The company where the purchase was made is not responding to my calls or emails. So now, I will call my Bank, again, today, so they can file the claim.

Mondays Moments

{ 04:52 , Monday, July 28, 2008 } { 1 comments } { Link }

It was a busy weekend. I did get some baking done ... Bread and Cookies. There was alot of food at our HouseChurch meeting, last night. We will have left-overs tonight for supper. Kim will, too.

We *school* year-round. This week will wrap-up our *school year.* And next week starts our new *school year.* We do not follow the PS calender, but we do follow the August - July year. I love the flexability! I will be working on some Lesson Plans, again, tonight.

Weekend Reflections

{ 06:35 , Monday, July 28, 2008 } { 1 comments } { Link }

I know God is with me every step of the way. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...(This quote from one of my favorite movies says it all)

*The truth of God's love is not that He allows bad things to happen, but it is His promise to be right there with us when they do*

The only way I can explain this... I feel like George Bailey in the movie It's A Wonderful Life - When the financial crisis hits, his friends come to the rescue.

In the midst of the yet-to-be-resolved issue, God has blessed and provided for us. It's amazing! Not that I am shocked that He did it. I did my part and then, I gave the situation to Him. That is all I could do.

Mex Mex Movie Night-

{ 02:13 , Friday, July 25, 2008 } { 3 comments } { Link }

We love Fridays around here!! Actually, Thursday is our Friday. My hubby works 4 ten hour days, so Thursday is his Friday. Anyway, now its really Friday- just another excuse to get cozy with the family and have a carpet picnic, which has always been one of our favorite family events. Actually, I think we have been doing this for about 16 years- ever since our daughter was a baby. Only then, it was just Mike and I- and it was our "date" after putting the little (screaming) princess to bed!

We get blankets, a good clean movie, and some good food- usually something special, and have it all out in the living room like a big picnic. Tonight, we will either watch "Eight Below" or another "clean" moving I found on ChristianBook.com that lots of people raved about. I actually order it from netflix though, I hate to buy a movie, not really knowing if it is a keeper or not.

Anyway- my sissy is down. Its bad enough when a single mom is just making ends meet- then- some nit wit mis uses her debit card number and sifts money out of her account- just when the mortgage is due! Seems so amazing to me- that a company or a bank can get immediate funds from us- but when they have to return it- IT TAKES FOREVER!!! Things are so BACKWARDS!

Hopefully- a nice carpet picnic and some mexican food will cheer her up! I know God is watching out for her, and I know this will all come right in the end. In the mean time- we are just trying to cast this big fat care on Him- because we know HE cares about it- and will take care of it!

Need your prayers!!!

{ 10:57 , Friday, July 25, 2008 } { 4 comments } { Link }

Last night I learned that someone used my bank card number to make an online purchase. Whether this was an error in their typing or intentional, I do not know. I've already spoken to the Bank and to the Company that the purchase was made from. Please pray that this gets resolved QUICKLY or I won't be able to pay the bills that are due next week.

Thursday's Thoughts...

{ 06:26 , Thursday, July 24, 2008 } { 0 comments } { Link }

I am so thankful that I know Him! I could not make it through one day without Him here, by my side, hand in hand...showing me the way. There have been times in my life when I thought I knew what was best for me. Oh, the mistakes I've made and the consequences I've had to live with. Now, I've learned, I would rather be Blessed for making the right choice, than pay the consequences for the wrong the choice. THE CHOICE: Let God be God! Follow Him! No, I'm not perfect, but I am grateful that I serve a merciful God.

OK- Now I am getting so fed up with the slanted bias media!!

{ 07:46 , Wednesday, July 23, 2008 } { 4 comments } { Link }

This is way off the path of our normal topics- so read with caution dear friends!!

The Media is so clever, aren't they?? They are really propogating Barrack Hussein Obama, because that is all they will talk about.

Now, I am not a big John McCain fan- but, at least he is a veteran and fought for our country like a man. The god of this world is working hard everyday to blind the minds of people, even christian people. Some dont take a stand for anything anymore- unless it is politically correct!! The media is artful and masterful at their propoganda, they can portray things in such a way, as to do your thinking for you, and MANY DONT REALIZE IT!!

I highly recommend the book "The Marketing of Evil". We all need to ask God to remove the scales from our eyes. None of us realize what a lifetime of Barney, Sesame Street, Oprah, and government schools have done to our minds in times past. I look around at some websites, even CHRISTIAN websites, and am amazed that the VERY MAN WHO OPENLY STATED that "if the political winds blew in a certain direction, he would stand with the muslims", is now being portrayed as their top pick for the President of what was once a CHRISTIAN NATION!! Just remember Christians, the book of Revelation states that some will be beheaded for believing in Jesus and His cause. Do we really want a Muslim with ties to radicalism as our countries president!! Do you not see the connection here?

Our forefathers would turn over in their graves if they could have a 1 minute glimpse of this sold out christian country.

Most/alot/some churches are SILENT on political issue, as well as issues like abortion and homosexual rights. I grew up in churches like this, and NOW I understand why. Because the founding man/pastor made a pact with the DEVIL. They signed away their rights to speak the truth when they signed on the dotted line to "incorperate" the Lords heritage so they could have tax incentives in exchange for their VOICE in this COUNTRY!! Read the stipulations and rules they MUST adhere to in order to have 501c3 status with the GOVERNMENT. Under penalty of LEGAL ACTION, they must KEEP THEIR MOUTHS SHUT ABOUT ANYTHING POLITICAL!!! They cannot expose or enlighten anyone in their church about the candidates, or what they believe! They cannot talk political HOT TOPICS, like abortion or the homosexual rights movement.

If your pastor isnt STRONGLY addressing the monumental issues attacking christianity today- I challange you to QUESTION WHY???

I will ask each and every person to really think about what kind of church they are supporting. If it is a church who has compromised speaking the truth in exchange for mammon, or if they have watered down the truth of Gods word for popularity or "numbers", the bible is clear what you must do. Just as some of us have pulled our children out of governement schools, we must begin to question just how "government" our churches have become. I am NOT telling you to "condemn" anyone. But sometimes following after Jesus means getting up and walking out!!

Sorry, I know this isnt very "homesteady" in topic, but I just needed to vent my frustrations and not be intimidated by the blinded, deluded masses that I see parading themselves as followers of Jesus. I honestly am not trying to be ugly- and not trying to rock our little boats- but if we do not actively follow after the truth, and stand for truth, even if it means walking away from our comfort zones to follow Christ, then it is just a matter of time before the enemy rocks our boat and we have no comfort zone left to hide away in!

""A truths initial commotion is directly proportional to how deeply
the lie was believed...When a well packaged web of lies has been sold
gradually to the masses over generations, the truth will seem utterly
preposterous and its speaker a raving lunatic"" -- Dresden James

"Those who are silent when witnessing evil, are helping to promote corruption"

"if you pay tithes to a silent/compromising church- you condone and support its message or its lack of a message. If you drop money in its offering plates, you promote ALL of its beliefs. And if you passively remain sitting the pews, you stand for all of its error" --- Kim (the little sister)

"The deepest place in hell is reserved for those people who in time of moral crisis, remain neutral." --President Kennedy

I recently made a comment about the media coverage. Like Kim says, they are a slanted biased media!!! We all need to be in prayer about this Presidential election.

Wednesday...

{ 06:46 , Wednesday, July 23, 2008 } { 2 comments } { Link }

Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord... II Cornthians 6:17

Yesterday morning, Kim called and invited us to go for walk. We were glad to get some exercise. We did several laps around in the air conditioned mall.

We hadn't been to the mall in ages! We don't shop there as there is never anything suitable, to us, to buy. They advertise small scraps of fabric (they call girls clothes), T-shirts with raunchy sayings, demonic faces and emblems. We as Christians, are called of God to be separate, to be witnesses for Him. It is my conviction to dress modestly.

We got some rain and storms last night. Thank you, Lord, for the rain! Now I have to wash-up last nights supper dishes...I don't do that when it is storming.

Today is a *school-day* for "N" We will also do some baking, hopefully, before it gets too hot.

Tuesday's Tasks...

{ 06:30 , Tuesday, July 22, 2008 } { 1 comments } { Link }

Sunday was our HouseChurch meeting, here at my house. We had assorted breakfast biscuits, eggs, a fruit platter, Kim's homemade cinnamon rolls, juice, & coffee. We are studying the *Sermon on the Mount* Oh, the spiritual food we find when we dive into His word.

Yesterday was a hot one...up near 100* So, with the heat and the grass pollen count being up (sneeze and wheeze), we stayed indoors. Except for a walk to mailbox.

Today is a *school* day for "N" Everyday is a learning day, but today is book-work-day...I'm sure ya'll know what I mean.

Plus our ususal, everyday keeping of the home.

Little "A" will be here, shortly. He is cutting some teeth, and was a bit cranky yesterday. His momma sent Tylenol, which helped.

Monday's Moments

{ 08:39 , Monday, July 21, 2008 } { 1 comments } { Link }

Hope ya'll have had a good day. It's getting ready to storm, so I'll say bye for now.

Cup Custard (an LIW recipe)

{ 03:26 , Sunday, July 20, 2008 } { Posted in Recipes from Jill's Kitchen } { 1 comments } { Link }