The simple things are most precious

:: I am in awe at the daily accomplishments of women homesteaders

I was reading "random blogs" last nite and this morning.  It truly amazes me what these women accomplish in one day with a number of children underfoot, chores, homeschooling, husbands, farms to tend to.  They live days of schedules and organized rhythm that I pray I can acquire a small part of.  I've never been good at "self-control".  Especially in my BC days.  Probably, had I been a child in this day and age, I'd have been put on ritalin or some other ADHD drug.  I was such an impulsive, talkative child and it was very hard to stay on task.  Not that I wasn't smart.  I was very smart but I was so easily distracted.  As I grew up, this impulsivity got me into lots of trouble.  Add to that many dysfunctional things going on at home and it was a perfect atmosphere for abuse and addiction.  But the day that God heard my cry and sent two women of God into my path to share Jesus with me, my life changed forever.  Self-control, however, is something that I've had to struggle with, battle for, and I must admit that the grace of God has brought me far.  As this new year began, I once again, made a commitment to my Lord, to be self-disciplined, to stay on task, to spend time with Him each morning and each evening.  As a part of this commitment, I pray each day for the grace of God to be the women He designed me to be. 

This time, the adventure seems different.  God's call for our family, especially as I know to me, of Simplicity is a new one.  I've not felt a call this strong, this vigilant, this deeply in my heart except for a couple of times before.  And this time there is no "me striving" to do for God, to work for God, to be.  It is simply putting one foot in front of the other each and every day, developing the habit of spending time with Him, and with the comfort and love that I receive back from Him, as I sit at His feet, draws me back daily.  Bye Bye to the Martha spirit in my life.  Bye bye and good ridance to the Jezebel spirit in my life.  Such remarkable changes took place, immediately, when I read Created to be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl.  It wasn't an easy word to receive and one which I would have fought tooth and nail had it come to me at any other time.  But when I got to the chapter about being a Jezebel, there was no denying that this was in fact me.  Trying to control every situation, undermining my husband with controlling.  Resenting my husband, living in regrets.  The list can go on and on.  I repented without even thinking about it.  The tears flowed freely and with repentence came great joy.

If you've not read this wonderful book, I urge you to go to their website, No Greater Joy, click on the link in the right margin, and you can order it direct.    Your life will change.  And if you are already a good helpmeet for your husband, but maybe you know someone who could profit from the message, buy one and keep it on-hand for the proper timing.

Off to start my day.  I have many, many boxes to go thru still from the move.  It feels great though.  Getting rid of years of junk, making the best use of the storage space we now have.  And I must get this stuff done now, while it's winter, for spring is just around the corner.

Planting time will be upon us and I can't wait.  So let me get my house in order so I'll have lots of time to spend in my garden, with my God, working the ground with my own two hands, sowing seeds and reaping a wonderful harvest of organic food and flowers to enjoy.  I can't wait to figure out what fruit and nut trees we already have here.  We know we have at least one pear tree and two or more walnut trees.  This is a very old homestead, back to 1910, and I can still see the original garden plot.  I can't wait for spring to see what comes forth. 

Living simply and for Him,

Sherri

Untitled Comment

11:08 AM, 2006-Jan-19 .. Posted by kayinpa

Thank you for sharing your testimony. I was raised in Christian household, the youngest of seven children and I still struggle with self control! :) Debi Pearl's book is awesome and I second the recommendation....It is very convicting though.

Thanks Kay

3:09 PM, 2006-Jan-19 .. Posted by karatemom

Yes you are right about Debi's book being convicting. I had to stop and put it down at times because it was a two-edge sword. But I was drawn back to it quickly after. Had this word come to me at another time in my life, I don't think I would have received it. The book would have set on my bookshelf, unread. But God had prepared my heart to the point of desperation and I was crying out for help. Nothing was working anymore, I couldn't trust myself to make decisions any longer, everything was falling apart. We'd lost our home to foreclosure, which I'm not proud to admit but I share to give an idea of how far to the bottom I had to sink. It was then that I was ready to hear just how vile my inner man was. Jezebel is not a pretty picture.

Thanks for your kind words. I can't wait to visit your blog.
Living simply and for Him,
Sherri

Untitled Comment

5:29 PM, 2006-Jan-19 .. Posted by busyozmum

What a blessing to read your entry today. I have this book but have not read it yet. I will be starting it today. I have flicked through various parts and it looks SO good. I will prayerfully work my way through the pages as I too need to do a lot of work and recognise the ways in which I might be stifling God's work in me.
Thank you, Dot (Australia)

Untitled Comment

8:51 PM, 2006-Jan-19 .. Posted by karatemom

Thank you for your kind words. It always blesses me so, and encourages me to hear that something I've written has helped to encourage another. I look forward to reading your blog, and hearing your reaction to Debi's book. Be prepared. If there is fallow ground this book will till it up.
Love,
Sherri

Thanks

9:46 PM, 2006-Jan-19 .. Posted by CaretakersCottage

Your book sounds wonderful! I am looking forward to attempting to find it in the library this weekend. Your entry spoke to my heart which tells me that I believe the book will too.

Hi Sherri!

10:45 PM, 2006-Jan-21 .. Posted by NewHarvestHomestead

Sounds like we have walked along the same type of path in our lives. God is so good.

I'm dropping in on all my blogging buddies to let them know I am having a little contest over on my blog, just for fun! Come on over and check it out!

Lisa

Untitled Comment

6:41 AM, 2006-Jan-22 .. Posted by karatemom

Thanks lisa. It's not encouraging to know that another has lived the trials like mine but...it is encouraging to know that sharing my trials, and God's Grace in me, is of benefit to others when we come out on the otherside. Headed over to your place to see what wonderful game you've added.
Living simply and purposefully for Him,
Sherri