Posted By blessed mom in holiday traditions
Sunday our Church is holding an evening meeting and then a potluck meal. I'll be brining watermelon, lemon meringue pies and spinach salad. The girls are making cookies & cupcakes. We are also going to bring a pinata & water balloons! It should be a fun evening! Fourth of July is one of our favorite holidays! We sure enjoy celebrating and taking time to remember how blessed we are in this land of the brave and home of the free! I am also thankful for the freedom and perfect law of liberty thru Christ our Lord ! Jesus died so ALL men could be set free! How grateful I am for that! We are no longer under the bondage of the law -- but are free thru the grace and liberty in Christ! Thank you Jesus for your precious blood shed on calvary so all men can be free! Hope you all enjoy a blessed Holiday! Gloria |
I have been planning our weekend. Tomorrow we will enjoy a quiet day at home.. just family ( all 12 of us!). We always enjoy a special meal on America's B-day.. so this year I will be making grilled steaks ( a rare treat) , baked potatoes, homemade baked beans, watermelon & homemade apple pie! It's not the fourth w/ out homemade apple pie! Posted By Nurseforlife in Daily Happenings
Good Evening, it’s been another long week here and I for
Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. -- Spencer W. Kimball, 1976 |
Posted By Sister Lori in Country Doin's
Blessings!
Today is quite the warm one...in fact it's downright hot! First time it's been above 65* since last summer:P Today is 91* with a nice cool breeze from the river. We have been canning up the last of the cherries and decided to take a break and take a dip:) Mmmmm, that water is nice and wonderfully cooling:)
Now, I sit on the front porch in the shade enjoying the breeze that blows across it while sipping some iced suntea. The two dogs are lazing at my feet, tongues hanging out, quietly panting while their eyes slowly drift closed. The cat lays across the railing, her tail flicking now and then to ward off a fly, occasionally lifting one eye open to see what the sound is the in bush off the edge of the porch.
The girls are laying on the grass in front of the porch, each reading a little something and sharing ideas on things to sell at fair this year. They are making their lists, planning and going over supplies. Occassionally swatting at this or that in between giggles:)
Husband had to run a banking errand so he left us in the Ragtop Mustang, top down, sunglasses on and a big smile on his face as he dons his hat and drives away.
The freshly canned cherries, the sound of the lids pinging now and then, drift through the open window by my chair here on the porch. A feeling of contentment and joy wash over me as I feel the hand of our Heavenly Father resting upon my shoulder. Such a blessed feeling:) Thank you Lord for all that You provide. For the family You gave me to share my life with. For the friends You gave me to know I am not alone in my thoughts and lifestyle. For Your Son who did not come to judge us but to save us. Thank You!
God be with thee, everyone! Sister Lori |
Posted By HSB Front Porch in Homestead Garden and Farm
I know, Summer just started, and I'm talking about Fall already! But, in order to have a Fall garden, some things should be done now- planning, ordering seed, planting seeds to transplant into the garden when it is time, adding compost or any other needed soil builders, etc. In my area, July 1 was the suggested date for planting tomato, pepper, and eggplant seed. I'm a few days behind schedule, mainly because I'm trying to keep up with harvesting the tomatoes that are ripening like crazy right now! Most of the Fall planting for my area comes a little later, since July and August are always HOT Many of the same vegetables that grow in the Spring garden can be replanted for Fall, they like the cool weather and will do well if they have time to mature before a frost gets them. You can probably get a list of what grows well in your area in the Fall either online, from a local nursery, or from your County Extension Agent. Here's a little chart to show when the first predicted Fall frost date is: Zone 3 - Sept 1st - 30th If you aren't sure what zone you live in, here's a map that will show you. With that information you can see how long it takes a particular crop to mature and then count backwards to get an estimated planting date. Of course, it all depends on the weather, and it is good to give your plants at least a week or two of a head-start if your area often has early frosts. I live in Zone 8, and sometimes we don't even have a frost until close to Thanksgiving. Fall is a great time for growing here. Please share what you grow in your Fall garden and any tips you have. Those of you who live in colder climates, please share your wisdom, as this Texas gardener has never had to garden where it really gets cold
Hope you have a great holiday weekend, and maybe next week, spend some time planning (and perhaps planting) for the Fall garden!
Blessings, |
. The bulk of planting comes from September to November. But, if I don't at least make a plan now and make sure I have seeds ready, I may miss my planting date when it arrives. Posted By amanda in On the Homestead
Good Friday afternoon Friends and Family~ I pray this day finds you all well and healthy. We are doing well today but some of us are not so healthy. This has been a *germy* week around our house. There is a nasty cold going around and it all of the kids have it. DD (18) picked it up from the camp she is working at. She said that there were A LOT of sick staff there last week. Some so sick that they couldn't get out of bed. She just managed to to get the sore throat and cold symptoms from it. She was able to keep going the rest of week with it and did a good job of not complaining. The other 2 kids have had a harder time with it. Dd (15) has been really tired and just wore out from it. DS (10) had a really bad night of it last night with his asthma. All head colds always end up in his chest and it just brings on the asthma.I took him to the Dr. this morning and they gave him some antibiotics for it. Prayerfully he will be better soon as well as DD (15). Hubby is off today. A good thing and a bad thing at the same time. It means less money for next weeks paycheck, but more time with his family. I'll take the time with us over the hours lost. GOD will take care of our needs and always does. Hubby is also out visiting with some shut ins from our church. He took them some butter and milk. The lady he is visiting is about 80 years old and always had a cow when she was able to get out and about. He thought she might like some *old fashioned* milk and butter. Nothing is better than that in my opinion. I've had to change my plans for the 4th. We were to go to the beach tomorrow (a 4th tradition.) With 2 sick kids, we will have to forgo the beach for the weekend. We are blessed though in the fact that we can go when they are feeling better, seeing we live about an hour away. Here is what the rest of the day holds for me: ~Cook and debone chicken for Sundays dinner Have a blessed day in THE LORD! Stay safe this July 4th weekend! Pray for our country and for our President's salvation!
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We'll just stay home and take care of some *undone business* around the house (there is ALWAYS UNDONE BUSINESS AROUND HERE.)
Posted By Chas in Notions for Sewing
Some new things have been added to my shop as of this morning...
Positively Patriotic Quilted Tote  Simply Beachy And I am working on one now with a vintage flour sack. I think it is going to be adorable! :) Just added! Vintage Flour Sack Bag of Thistles  Thanks for looking and may you have a Fabulous Fourth of July! |
Posted By Sister Lori in Putting Up The Harvest
Blessings! Well, it's that time of year again...time for CANNING!!! I didn't take any pictures of our Strawberry and Strawbluey adventure (that was last week) but I DID take pictures of todays Cherry-ganza!:P
First we have 67.8 lbs of cherries (yep you read that right:P) Miss Sarah mixes in the pectin and sugar Time to fill the jars (me giving "the look":P) Needless to say we are exhausted! But wow what yummy stuff this will be in the winter months when we begin yearning for spring once again:) A bounty of provision. A blessing from the Heavenly Father. Thank you Jesus! God be with thee! Sister Lori |
After washing them they are pitted. Here is Miss Mary-Ann taking care of that sticky chore:P
Love my cherry pitter:)
Once pitted they are put into a large bowl and sent to the cutting station
I had a little help from Miss Sarah (she did a little cutting but mostly did the cooking part)
All cut and measured to send to the cooking station
Then the sugar needs to be measured out.
The jars are heated up while the fruit is cooking down
Not sure it will fill the last jar
Yay! it fits!!
So pretty:)
Posted By In His Hands in Inside My Home
Simple Hospitality......It really can be simple!! I have been reading the book written by Jane Jarrell, titled, "Simple Hospitality". I thought I might share a little of it with you. I really enjoyed reading this one thing that she wrote about using the letters that spell out the word "hospitality". So today we look at the H. H--Hospital for the Soul Why does one go to the hospital? To visit, maybe, or to welcome a new person into the world. But oftentimes it's because our bodies are broken. A hospital can be a place to go for healing and repair. So the word hospitable is taken from the word hospital, which means a charitable institution, a repair shop, a hospice, or a shelter. Hospitality is a shelter for the soul, healing for the spirit. So when we open our home in the true spirit of hospitality or when we bring our gifts of hospitality outside of our homes, we are offering hospitality!! The Bible states it this way: Romans 12:9-13, "Let love be without dissimulation.....v10, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;. .vs12, Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; vs13, Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." So real Christian hospitality isn't an option, it is what God commands. O-Obedience Some may think focusing on hospitality is frivolous or a waste of time. But in reality it is nothing less than obeying God's clear command in Scripture. Hospitality was not Martha Stewart's invention; it was God's!! Romans 12 paints an incredible picture of what it means to truly give our lives to God......In these selfless acts, we serve not only those in need but Christ Himself. Hospitality is obeying God by cheerfully serving others. S-Simplicity If we don't approach hospitality simply, most of us won't do it at all. When we exchange the harried hoopla for the heartfelt, everyone is blessed. Can we be comfortable when everything is not perfect, or do we always need to put on a show for people? As one lady states "I don't want to buy your house, I just want to visit." Simplicity brings us closer to having authentic relationships. Our focus is on our guests, not on the "stuff" that surrounds us. P--Prayer Hospitality involves prayer. Ask God to show you who and how to show hospitality to. God will show you the when, the how, and what that someone might need. I may not know what a person needs at the time but God knows!! You should always ask God for His blessing on the gathering you are about to have with someone, no matter how small or large the number will be. I--Intimacy Intimacy is sharing who you are and what you are to others. You need this type of relationship with your husband, your family and your friends, but nurturing genuine intimacy takes time and effort. Cell phones and emails are nice, but we need to take time to sit quietly with a friend sometimes. You never know where they are at or what they may need.. Time plus realness plus genuine caring equals intimacy.
T--To Go Are you ready to take your kindness on the road? Do you have a plan or list of ideas that will work in a hurry? Keep a few recipes with the ingredients on hand so that you can prepare a meal or a welcoming treat for someone in need. There is something extra-special about busy people who take the time to reach out and help others. A--Acknowledge and Appreciate We all have our own gifts, but what about those who are known for the hospitality? They also need a "dose" of hospitality sometimes. They need to be acknowledged for their kindness, appreciated for the efforts and recipients of the hospitality of others. Most of us are "takers' by nature and unless we make a conscious effort, we’ll always take and forget to give back. Those who are more "givers", either by nature or intent, often get taken for granted. In our busy lives, gratitude is often felt yet not expressed. L--Lifestyle Hospitality is a lifestyle, a ministry lifestyle. God weaves it into our hearts. We all need each other to make the body of Christ its best. You are making the commitment to a lifestyle of opening up your heart to others on a regular basis. You will need to start small, perhaps by committing to one act of hospitality each month. Gradually you will see how easy it is and move towards once a week and before you know it you will be asking God to show you someone in need every day!! Take time to ask God to show you how He might use you today, this week or this month. You are allowing God to work through you and when He is working, we cannot fail. I--Ideas When looking for ideas for hospitality, scan your favorite magazines, talk with your friends or keep a simple notebook or card file with your favorite recipes, holiday decorating ideas, party themes, or anything else that spurs your hospitality thinking. Just keep it simple, and honest. Let God's love show through you and that will be all that you need to make any time a good time to visit. T--Time We are all short on time for the things that we want to do or need to do. That is why hospitality is such a valuable gift to others. It means we gave them our most precious resource: our time. Think of things to do for hospitality for others when you are doing for your family. Double a casserole for dinner one night and freeze the one for a family that may be in need, or a mother who may be sick at the time. When baking cookies for your family, bake a few more to brighten someone's day. Out buying groceries? Cut back on one thing or two for snacks and make up a meal for a new mom. If your time is limited, begin your quest to hospitality with small things and think about other ways that you will want to show it when your time allows for it. Y--You To show hospitality to others, you must first love yourself so that you are capable of loving others. This means taking care of yourself so that you are able to take care of others. When we've taken the time to put our own hearts in order, we are freed to reach beyond ourselves to meet others where they are. |
Posted By Donna
"The Homesteading Mindset Anywhere" is my guest Blog for 'The Dollar Stretcher'. Today's topic is a pictorial tutorial about reusing what might look like 'trash'....I think y'all will like it for your homesteading ideas. You can follow my blog here: http://community.stretcher.com/blogs/homesteadmindset/default.aspx If you are not familiar with The Dollar Stretcher - I'd suggest you go check it out. The tips range from directly fiscal repair all the way to saving on weekly menu items. It's wonderful! They even have a newsletter with helpful articles, Just click on the Dollar Strecher's Logo when you go to my blog, for direct links to whata ll else they have to offer. Happy Homesteading! Donna |
Posted By amanda in On the Homestead
Good Thursday Morning Fellow Homesteaders! What a beautiful day it is today. Not too humid but still pretty hot. We will be in the lower 90's again today. Such is the season here in southeastern NC. The harvest here at Piney Woods Homestead is in. The corn is all picked and put up. We ended up with about 200 ears. I left it all on the cob because the ears were so small. It is a far cry from the 500 we were expecting. It is on the other hand the most corn that has come out of our garden in at least 5 years. I am most thankful indeed. I am praying that the guy down the road from us will have a good supply of corn up for sale soon. I got about 3 bushels from him last year and it was really good corn. I will be thankful for whatever comes my way. A little or a lot. The beans are also gone now. I ended up with about 10-12 gallon sized freezer bags. That is also the most our beans have produced in years. Again, I say," Thank you LORD!" for meeting our needs. The tomatoes we planted have just started getting ripe enough to pick. I chose Romas this year because I wanted to learn to make my own spagetti sauce with them. Well, they seem to be getting black spot on them just as they are ripened. We have managed to pick a few, but not many. What we are getting will be used just to eat with dinners.Again, we have learned A LOT from this garden. The taters are great! I picked some over a month ago and they are still on my cabinet with none rotting or sprouting. I am seeing how long they will last in my house without having to can them. Once I get a good idea of how long they wil last, we will dig the rest of them up and store them in our *tater box*. Here is what didn't do so well at all; Peanuts (A few plants came up, not enough though.) Our field corn that we wanted to use for chicken feed turned into squirrel feed! All in all I can say that this is the best garden that we have had in years. It has also taught us A LOT in the way of farming for a small family. Oh well, its now time to start thinking about the Fall garden. Thank you LORD for meeting our needs and thank you LORD for all that YOU have taught us this summer season! Blessings,
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The little buggers dug up the kernels and ate them as the stalks were first coming up. We thought it was the birds at first. I found out it was the squirrels when I went down there after hearing crows in that area.( I thought they were the problem.) When I got there, I saw the little buggers feasting on the small stalks (seeds.) THAT little experience has also taught us a lot. Live and learn has become the motto for this Homestead. Experience really is the best teacher.