Hurricane Preparations
 Family & Friends~
I have to start this day praising God for His goodness to me. It is another cool morning, about 65* outside (maybe cooler.) This kind of weather gets me up and going. I am definately praying that it will stay this way for a few more mornings.
I am not sure that it will stay this beautifull and cool though. We have an unwanted visitor trying to make its way up the east coast. Her name is Hanna. It seems that the projections could have her on our door step by the weekend. If she doesn't directly hit us, there are also two more hurricanes, Ike and Josephine following her path. So I really believe that we will be preparing for a hurricane in the next day or two.
We have gone through hurricanes before. The last really bad one was in the mid 90's. We were without power for about a week (maybe more.) It was miserable. We lived off of pop tarts and sandwiches (YUCK!) Yes, I was not prepared as I should have been. Live and learn and be better prepared the next time.
We have a generator now, unlike the last few storms. So I can better prepare smaller, more nutritional food for the family. I am so thankful for that generator. I have a freezer full of corn and blueberries, not to mention meat that I can't stand the thought of losing. It's all in the Lord's hands though. We will just pray and prepare.
This is a list of things I will need to purchase when I go into town tomorrow in preparation for the storm:
Batteries (lots of them)
Lamp Oil (we have two oil lamps) Safer than candles
About 10 gallons of water (hubby has said that with the generator, we can get the well pump going)
Paper cups, utensils & plates
Bread
Ice
Diesel Fuel (for generator)
I also need to make up a menu of things to cook. I will start with whatever can be microwaved that I already have. I can use the microwave when hubby is running the generator for the freezer and well pump. At least that means we won't have to live off of Pop Tarts!
Well, I need to get going and get breakfast prepared for the children. Have a blessed day in The Lord !
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Quote of the Day....Abraham Lincoln
There is only one way to bring up a child in the way he should
go and that is to travel that way yourself.
-- Abraham Lincoln
Busy Summer Days
These days have been busy ones. Last week we had almost 200 broilers processed. The end of the week brought many visitors to our little homestead. We were blessed with folks wanting to buy critters! While it is hard to see them go, I realize that with winter coming and feed prices rising it is necessary. We were able to sell some extra Muscovy male ducks, all of a small breed of ducks, some laying hens, and 3 goats. The goats were ones that had problems kidding in the past, so they needed a home where they were wanted just for eating weeds and being pets. We are wanting to cut down on hens for the winter, feed costs are too high to have a lot of hens to feed when they stop laying. We have 200 chicks coming tomorrow or Thursday to replace them. They should be starting to lay about February. We need to get on a schedule in the future so we will have some pullets starting to lay about now for eggs through the winter months.
So, first thing in the morning we have to get the place ready for the new chicks. I have the feeders and waters out, but still have to wash them up. Intended to get that done today, but it didn't happen.
Today was quite warm again, but it is cool tonight. Tomorrow's high is to be in the upper 60's.............Sounds like fall doesn't it!
We picked some grapes last evening, got 2 bushels of peaches today and have apples to pick at the neighbors asap. Sounds like I will be busy for a while. Our tomatoes have really slowed down to almost nothing. I sure hope they will produce some more as I would like to do some more canning of them. Another neighbor offered me some if not.
We plan to put a few does in with Bubba our little buck this week. I don't think we should put them all in at once since he is young. All of those girls flirting with him might scare him. lol Since the sale of the does over the weekend that leaves us with 20 does, which is a good number for us. Some of them need a little more time to get into good shape before breeding anyway. Some have had worm problems over the summer and need a little extra feed.
Hubby got my clothesline poles put up recently, one little problem, he put them up at his height instead of mine! I suppose standing on tippy toes to hang things up is good exercise?? Anyway, I will enjoy using them............the smell of things hung outdoors is priceless!
The old wooden pole is shown in the picture, it now is a hanging flower pot holder...........
One more picture to share with you, a couple of weeks ago our kids were here and I happened to get this picture of hubby with the grandkids.
Country Blessings,
Marilyn~at Heritage Hill Homestead
Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Cookies
Moist and chewy, chocolate and cherries make these cookies sinfully
rich. Make the cookie dough ahead of time, freeze it and then bake
anytime for that fresh-out-of- the-oven taste
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp table salt
3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large egg(s)
2 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal
1/2 cup dried cherries
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon,
nutmeg and salt together in a small bowl; set aside. Place room
temperature butter into bowl of a mixer and mix with a paddle
attachment until smooth, or beat with an electric mixer.
Slowly pour granulated sugar in an even stream into butter and mix on
high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Pour in brown sugar, mix
until incorporated and then scrape mixture down from sides of bowl.
Slowly beat in each egg one at a time until incorporated. Slowly beat
in flour mixture until incorporated.
Scrape mixture down from sides of bowl and stir in oatmeal and then
dried cherries. (Note: Freeze dough at this point or continue to step
6 for baking.)
Scoop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto a nonstick sheet pan, a pan
lined with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat about 1 1/2 inches
apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are set. Cool
completely.
Either serve cookies or stack between sheets of waxed paper in an air-
tight container and freeze for up to two weeks before serving.
Homestead Snapshots...
Not sure how good these will be. I'm not what you would call tech-saavy in the least. Even joking, one probably wouldn't call me that. My 'techie' is off in Arkansas, so I'm all you have when it comes to sharing pictures here. I'm using the video camera (it takes still shots as well) and working to figure out how to upload them...it's slow-going, to say the least.
Here are some shots of daily farm life on this homestead...
 Barn chores being done this morning -- seems the goats decided they could in fact, push hard enough on the fence and make their escape. So, while the fence was being rebuilt by eldest daughter and I, Matthew started his job....mucking out the barn.
Remember the tree? This is it. Not really much of a tree looking at it this way, but it's a good tall one...just dead for the most part.
This is the life, isn't it? Just lounging around...totally centered in the walkway of the front porch, not caring one bit for those of us coming and going trying not to break our fool necks dodging kittens!
 This is our 'seeing-eye' goat....the friend we bought for the blind one. We tethered them out in the barn lot this morning after they made their escape.
 These are the newest additions to the homestead...they are supposedly pregnant, but honestly, they are the skinniest 'pregnant' sows I've ever seen. But that's ok...they'll fit in the freezer much nicer this way ;o)
Those are some of the shots of the day here. Maybe something exciting will happen here that an be shared later...not that we don't have exciting moments, but honestly, with Dewey gone, I'd just as soon keep things nice and quiet around here.
Should Christian Women serve in Government Leadership Positions -- What does the Bible have to say?
Dear Readers,
I am *not* a political person by nature. I realized a long time that God is in control of our nation, and the world at large. I do read the news and try to stay up on what is going on in our nation and in the world around me. With that said, I am not one to write about my political views or share them publically.
I truly believe God has His hand in governing the world at large.
I also believe it is our stewardship to pray for our leaders.
I have been reading the past few days and hearing on the news about the appointment of Governor Sarah Palin ( Alaska Gov) to be Senator McCain's VP pick for this year's presidential election. I have been reading and hearing "mixed" thoughts and views on whether a "woman" and in this case a professing Christian woman should be in a leadership position in our Government.
Let me start out by saying, for the most part I am hearing positive remarks in Christian circles of Mrs. Palin's appointment. But there are some Christians who are concerned and some who are even critical and feel Mrs. Palin is not fulfilling her God given role as a wife & mother.
I have given this much thought myself and much prayer.
I have prayed about Gov Palin's appt and also prayed about whether I should share my thoughts here on my blog.
I wanted to share what God has been showing me about this issue --- Women in Government Leadership--- and what has been shown to me in the Word of God, which I believe is the *final* authority in all things.
For those of you who may be struggling with this issue as well, I pray this post may be a blessing to you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christian Women in Government -- What does God have to say about the matter?
I am for the most part a believer that women have been ordained by God to be "keepers at home" .... chaste , discreet, ( Titus 2:5) and definately a Proverbs 31 woman.
I believe God has ordained us for a special ministry that only we can fulfill and that is of mother to the next generation of God's precious children. To train them up in the way they should go, and to teach them of the Lord.
That is what I have dedicated my life to for the most part.
This is where my "heart" is at.
When I read of Gov Palin being chosen as McCain's VP pick I was amazed, and suprised! Not only is Sarah Palin a woman -- she is a professing Christian, active in her Church ( Junueau Christian Center, she is a practicing Pentecostal) , a wife of over 17yrs to her high school sweet heart, Todd & mother to 5 beautiful children , the youngest of which is a little baby boy.
Honestly , when I heard of her appointment I immediately began to research and study about this woman. The more I read about her the more I was amazed. God has blessed her with many talents & gifts. She is a strong woman, head of the Alaska National Guard, a hunter, and a "hockey mom". She is an athlete but also a very feminine woman who is not afraid to embrace her femininity.
I read about her in high school, leading her sport teams in prayer before games.
I read about her committment to life -- and her living testimony of embracing and cherishing the life that God gave her at the age of 44 , with her special needs baby boy. She chose life and has been a staunch supporter in the pro life movement. She is committed to marriage -- traditional marriage defined by God.
The more I read the more I was impressed.
I was also concerned.
How could this young wife & mother fulfill her duties and obligations?
How does she balance it all?
I decided I would turn to the word of God and see what the "final authority" has to say on this.
Can God raise up women to be mothers , wives & also lead in Government affairs???
In proverbs 31 we read about the Godly woman whose husband does not only trust in her, but is also deeply concerned about her household. She rises early to make sure her family & household is clothed and fed well. She purchases fields and property. She is a strong woman -- a woman whose arms are strong ( verse 17) . She cares for the poor and is involved in a ministry to care for them. This woman is not afraid, for she is a prepared woman. Her husband is known by all. She is wise and out of her mouth proceeds kind words. She is not an idle woman. Her children & husband call her blessed.
Wow -- what a woman!
The proverbs 31 woman is not just sitting at home, baking and keeping house!
The proverbs 31 woman is a hard working woman, who is strong, capable, kind and involved.
She not only cares for the needs of her family -- but she reaches out to the community.
Then I turned to the passage in Judges that speaks about Deborah, the Prophetess and great Judge of Isreal. ( Judges chapters 4 &5)
After the death of Joshoua, God raised up Judgest to lead and rule over Israel.
The first Judges were Othneil, Ehud, and Shamgar. And then came Deborah.
Wow -- what a woman was Deborah! She was truly a Proverbs 31 woman!
God had great trust in Deborah!
Deborah led the children of Israel.
Who said women can not lead armies or sit at heads of state and nations? Did deborah not do this same thing? Did God not appoint Deborah to do so?
Here is one of the many women God himself called & used.
She was very respected by her people.
Her leadership qualities were unquestioned.
She was also a prophetess and A MOTHER & A WIFE . ( judges 4:4 & Judges 5:7)
Marriage was not designed to hinder the ministry of women, but to enhance it.
Deborah's duties & ministry was similar to all other judges of Israel & then some:
1. She was a leader of a nation
2. She helped settle disputes
3. She was a prophetess who have gave Isreal direction from God.
4. She was called of God
5. The land had peace for 40 yrs due to her ministry ( judges 4 & 5)
6. If deborah was living in our times she would have occupied the role of prophet & teacher
God called Deborah to this stewardship --- and God knew Deborah was married & was a mother in Israel!! Her gender did not inhibit her from serving. Her duties at home did not inhibit her from serving!
Deborah told Barak to lead Israel to attack Sisera, who was the commander of the enemy forces. Barak, would not go into battle without Deborah by his side! He knew that Deborah's presense would ensure victory for God's people! ( Judges 4: 8-16) Such was the respect he had for deborah!
I think it's important to note that Deborah was a judge in a time in world history when women were very much traditionally at "home" and definately not in the fore front of politics!
God was not inhibited by the fact that Deborah was a woman.
Are we?
Should we be?
Deborah was not proud, nor did she carry a "chip" on her shoulder against men. This is an attitude that many women hold today against men. The women's lib movement are doing more harm then good today because they sow seeds of discord. They cultivate this attitude of "Women vs. Men" and this is not Godly.
Remember also, it was Jael -- a woman-- who killed Sisera, not Barak, as Deborah had prophesied.
Again, God is not inhibited by women serving Him in government.
Are we?
I asked this to myself in regards to the issue with Gov Palin --- she is a wife, a mother and a Christian.
Could God be asking Sarah Palin to serve Him in this capacity?
Yes.
Do I have a problem with it -- if God doesn't?
Hmmm................
That is what God has shown me the past few days since the announcement has been made about Gov Palin being appointed McCain's running mate.
Honestly, I had some repenting to do.
I honestly judged this woman.
I can not place God in a box and say that God "ONLY" calls women to be mothers & wives and stay home and keep home. I do not believe this because the bible tells me differently. Proverbs 31 tells me differently. The beautiful story of Deborah tells me differently.
I admit ,I was tempted to put God in a "box".
Let's not put God in a "box" ladies.
Remember HIS word is HIS final authority.
This is what God has shown me -- thru study of the Word of God and thru prayer.
I am compelled to believe that YES, God can appoint women to judge over nations.
I am compelled to believe that perhaps God has placed HIS hand over Gov Palin at this time in history.
I am compelled to pray for Gov Palin.
Want to know what my prayer is for her?
That she may be a "modern day" Deborah!
That is what God is showing me.
May you be blessed!
~ gloria ~
Gustav update for SW Mississippi
 A couple of images from my back door after Gustav paid a visit. The pictures really don't do justice to the sight of the mess that we see.
It's still raining but the strong winds have died down. I just got phone service back on so I was able to get on the computer. I also called Kitty in S. Louisiana but didn't reach her. I did get her answering machine and left a message. (I found it reassuring that her machine was working.) As for us, for the first time that I know of our entire city and county are without power. You can't even buy gasoline. My husband talked to someone with the power company that said this storm hit us harder than Katrina. We were without power for about a week then so I'm wondering how long this time. Our weather radio is going off every time I turn around warning of tornados. But we are safe and all our children are safe and we have had no damage to our house and we are thankful to God for that.
Thank you so much to everyone who has been praying for us. God heard and answered.
Recipes to share...
These are from one of the LDS Cannery recipes....sounds like something I definitely will have to try!
Breakfast Cookies
yield: 48 cookies
2 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 3/4 cup oatmeal (not instant)
2 cups Grape Nuts cereal
1 Tablespoon flax seed meal (optional suggestion)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, softened ** (see note below)
1 3/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple
2 cups raisins
Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine flour, oatmeal, Grape Nuts, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Stir to mix. Set aside.
Beat together butter and sugar; add vanilla and eggs, beat well. Stir in crushed pineapple (including juice) and raisins. Add flour cereal mixture and stir until blended. Drop by large spoonful on lightly greased baking sheet or use a #30 ice cream scoop. Slightly flatten cookie dough. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack. Store cookies in closed container. Freeze extra cookies until ready to use – reheat in microwave, if desired. Makes 48 cookies.
**NOTES: Try substituting 1 cup crunchy peanut butter in place of the butter
Apple Pie Tarts (yum...cherry and other fruits as well!)
1 sheet refrigerated pie pastry (I'll use my own recipe here)
1 tablespoon sugar
Dash ground cinnamon
FILLING:
2 teaspoons butter
2 cups diced peeled tart apples
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons fat-free caramel ice cream topping
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface; cut into twenty 2-1/2-in. circles. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of miniature muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Prick pastry with a fork. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over pastry. Bake at 350° for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.
In a saucepan, melt butter. Add apples; cook and stir over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in the sugar, caramel topping, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice and salt. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until sauce is thickened and apples are tender. Cool for 5 minutes. Spoon into tart shells. Yield: 10 servings.
Homemade Yogurt
Yogurt is expensive to buy in the store but SO EASY AND INEXPENSIVE to make at home. Give it a try and I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised. It costs less than 50 cents to make a quart of yogurt. I use the cannery dried milk.
4 cups very warm water (not over 120 degrees)
1 3/4 cups regular nonfat dry milk (3 cups instant)
1/3 cups plain yogurt with active cultures, no additives (if bought from the store to use as a starter)
OR 1 packet of yogurt starter (I buy mine at Good Earth or Wild Oats )
Mix well with a hand mixer or in a blender at the lowest speed. Pour into a ceramic or glass dish with a lid. Put a heating pad on your counter and turn it on low. Cover it with a kitchen towel, put the yogurt mixture on the towel and cover the entire thing with a large bath towel so it retains the heat. I do this just before I go to bed and it is perfect when I get up in the morning.
Do not disturb the incubation. During the incubation period the cultures multiply and thicken the milk.
I then refrigerate the incubated mixture for 2-3 hours until it has cooled completely and is cold clear through. Divide it in half or as you wish and flavor each in different flavors with cannery jams. Mix the yogurt and the jam together with a hand mixer until well blended. You can add chunks of fruit it you wish.
Set aside 1/3 cup plain yogurt before flavoring to "start" your next batch.
Oatmeal Breakfast bars
Submitted by Marilyn Park
I particularly liked this recipe, easy and quick to put together. The bars you buy at the store are loaded with sugar and have preservatives and things I don't want in my food. Plus these are high in fiber! Love that! Try this recipe.....I think you will really like them.
2 3/4 cups old fashioned oatmeal or 1 cup 6 grain rolled cereal and 1 3/4 cups oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons honey
1/3 cup applesauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup dry milk
1/4 cup water
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 to 1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup almonds
1/4 cup golden flax seed ground
1/2 cup palm shortening (or whatever you use)
1 grated apple with skin on
Cream egg, shortening and brown sugar and applesauce. Add all other ingredients and mix well, add raisins and nuts and grated apple last and mix in. This is a thick batter. Spread evenly on a non-stick 9X13 pan with a heavy spatula. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-16 minutes. 12-15 good sized bars.
Tuesday Visit
The news I've heard so far sounds very good, considering. Gustav didn't beat down on New Orleans as the thought for a while there. Our prayers are with the million plus folks throughout Louisiana without power and still bearing up under the remnants of heavy rain and winds.
I worked on my Bible class lesson last night. Our Pastor was teaching verse by verse on Wednesday's from the book of Acts. He asked me if I would be willing to take his class for the rest of the year. I sort of agreed, tentatively, and said I'd pray over it.
No, I don't believe in women teaching Bible. Well, I certainly don't believe in women teaching men/boys. If it were a child's class, I probably wouldn't have the reservations, but this is teens.
The reason I agreed, for now at least, is that our church is incredibly small...on a really good week we have all of 25 faithful attend (truth be told, we have all of only 37 on the rolls right now altogether). Our teen class was started after we arrived....there were only 2 other children. We came to church and bingo -- youth explosion :o) Right now, for the 'teen' class, we have those 2 daughters of a friend, my two eldest girls, and my middle son. Once in a blue, blue moon, another friend of ours comes to church, but he is never able to be counted on. It just depends on what he feels like doing, and his family doesn't push otherwise. So, I would be teaching my own children...well, my own son. I don't have a problem with that at all. If the class were to grow to include other teen boys, I would not keep teaching.
Either way, I didn't stay with the book of Acts. I might change my mind, but right now, I went with a short study, 'introduction' as it were, to the 12 Apostles instead. Then I have something we had started here on the final days of Christ and His Resurrection. I'm just not sure what to do with the teens. I know my own children will follow and understand the study I have, but I'm not sure about the others. The 2 daughters are both saved, but their level of actual comprehension I don't know about. There is one more girl who comes every so often -- an elder's daughter -- but you can't count on her, either. It's Fair season throughout the Mid-South and she does alot of shows and demonstrations (she does rodeo stuff and barrel racing, plus her family runs a livestock sale and auction service).
Well, we'll see what happens.
On another note, Dewey and Christopher headed out early-squirrely this morning for the job in Arkansas. Straight into thunderstorms and rains. We are pretty sure we have forgotten to pack him something, but that's typical. You always feel like you are forgetting something when you don't really want to leave in the first place. But, we loaded his new truck to the gills...he might forget something, but he certainly won't lack for much of anything! The children each tucked drawings and such into his bags and toolbox for him to find. Right now, we are planning him back next weekend. This week they will get settled into the lease house, and start the process of hiring locally -- something that might be difficult. Everyone on this job must have their Arkansas Electrical license. If they can't man the job that way, it will go Union. Not a problem for Dewey as technically he is still Union, but Christopher won't be able to work the job then as he isn't in any of their schooling. Let's pray they can man the job themselves.
Question of the day -- if a tree falls in your yard and you aren't there to witness it, does it make a sound?
Yep. It does. Just after finishing on the grill yesterday, we were all sitting inside getting dinner ready at the table and we heard a whoooooosh and a light sort of thud. We al stared at each other like goofs...as if any of us had a clue what that noise was...and someone finally got the bright idea to get up and go look. There at the end of the trailer laid our pine tree. It wasn't the prettiest one we have by a long shot, but in the spring it was covered with a solid mass of wisteria up one side. Now, it's just lying there in the yard like...well, like a fallen tree.
I knew we shouldn't have mowed the side yard. We'd let it go for thee longest time (ok, so it was more out of laziness than any other reason...still...) but here we just mowed on Saturday and now Monday comes and down it goes. Could be all that tall grass and weed was holding the old tree upward.
And wouldn't you know it, but the chainsaw isn't working. So...next question of the day will probably be this:
How many homeschoolers does it take to drag a tree to the back pasture?
Fall Is In The Air!
Family & Friends~
It is such a beautifully COOL Tuesday morning here in the southeast. I have all of the windows and doors open in the house and it is only 6:45 in the morning. There is just something about cooler fall weather that makes me so happy. It has to be the reality of being able to open up the house after keeping it shut up all summer due to the heat. I LOVE this mornings touch of fall that is in the air!
We had a lovely day yesterday here on the homestead. I spent most of the day cooking and cleaning. (Monday's require extra cleaning around here.) After all of the chores were done, we spent the evening outside with our first camp fire of the year. It was actually cool enough to have one.
The kids made Smores and roasted marshmellows. It was so nice to have all of the family together enjoying God's creation at the end of a long day.
I am so thankful for the time we are able to spend together as a family. Hubby's hours may have been cut, but I know that the time we have with him being home is such a blessing. Time is something that cannot be bought.
Time just goes by so fast, that I just want to soak up every little bit of time that I have with my family. I am so blessed and I thank my Lord for my family! We may not have much in monetary value, but we have one another. Thank you Jesus for all that you do for me.
To God be the glory now and forever! Amen!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
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