Home Keeper's Journal - Difficulties

Each Wednesday, The HomeKeeper’s Journal is led by Sylvia at CHK. You’re welcome to join The HomeKeeper’s Journal, too. To see Sylvia’s entry for this week and/or find instructions for participating, visit Sylvia’s entry for this week at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/homekeepers-journal-difficulties-with-linky-love/

Sometimes I feel a bit of resentment when I … work hard on something for someone and they don't even say thanks.

Why is it so difficult for me to … get over things like that and let them go?

1 Chronicles 16:11 tells me to … continually seek the Lord and His strength.

1 Peter 5:8 warns me … to be on the alert because satan is looking for someone to devour. Verse 9 tells me to resist him by being firm in my faith.

I am going to pray and ask for strength to … keep my eyes focused on Him and not myself. When I focus on myself, I get off-track and in trouble!

The difficult thing that seems to constantly catch me off guard is … that I'll do pretty good for awhile, and then BLAM!!! I stumble again.

James 1:12 says … "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

I am determined to … be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that my labor is not in vain in the Lord. I need to remember for Whom I am laboring... the King of kings and Lord of lords! To God be the glory!

Home Keepers Journal - Nesting

Each Wednesday, The HomeKeeper’s Journal is led by Sylvia at CHK. You’re welcome to join The HomeKeeper’s Journal, too. To see Sylvia’s entry for this week and/or find instructions for participating, visit Sylvia’s entry for this week at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/the-homekeepers-journal-home-with-linky-love/

This week’s Homekeeper’s Journal is all about Nesting …….

Let’s define our terms …

Nest - a snug retreat or refuge; resting place; home.

Nesting - to build or have a nest

My kitchen would be more inviting if … I could keep the counters cleared off, but it seems there's always a project going on. Right now I have a bushel and a half of apples waiting to be made into applesauce.

My best tip for making a home seem more welcoming … is to keep at least one room "company ready." Then if someone stops by, we can sit in my clean room without being completely embarrassed. However, I must admit that I tend to be a bit of a neat freak, and our home doesn't get completely cluttered very often.

To give the feeling of warmth in my home I often … have a candle burning on the kitchen table. Since we heat with wood, there are times when it's cool in the house, but not really cold enough to go through the hassle of getting a fire going. On days like those a mug of hot chocolate or tea and a candle burning warms the house enough to be comfortable.

In the cooler months, it is essential for me to … make sure we're ready for winter. The window air conditioner needs to be packed away, the canning done, the plastic on the windows, wood brought in, groceries stocked up, and just generally ready in case a winter storm comes our way.

Some favorite Autumn/Winter recipes are … homemade bread, potato soup, apple crisp

A Quick Tip for making your house more inviting … is to keep the front porch clear. I'm not very good at this, and our front porch tends to collect a lot of stuff. But it's the first thing and the last thing that most people see. Guess I better put cleaning it on my to-do list!

Home Keeper's Journal - Kidlets

Each Wednesday, The HomeKeeper’s Journal is led by Sylvia at CHK. You’re welcome to join The HomeKeeper’s Journal, too. To see Sylvia’s entry for this week and/or find instructions for participating, visit Sylvia’s entry for this week at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/homekeepers-journal-children-with-linky-love/

I can directly influence my children by: loving and respecting God and loving and respecting my husband (their father).

Some specific ways that I see my influence in my children are … My children seem to be developing a personal relationship with Jesus. I often catch them reading their Bible without being told, or they will occassionally ask to pray together throughout the day. I like seeing their helpful spirit toward others, and I appreciate the way they help me around the house.

The biggest area needing improvement in how I see my children is … they need to be more diligent in their schoolwork.

My greatest joy in my children is … to see them walking with their Creator. I also appreciate watching them play and interact together. I'm proud of how they usually all pitch in to get a job done.

The best thing I ever did for my children was … keeping them home with me for learnin'.

One thing I want to be sure to impart to my children is … a faith that will endure the tests of time. This is not mine to impart. It comes from God. But I'd love for Him to use me in this area of their lives.

This needs great prayer and thought regarding my children … Their futures. How am I to best prepare them for what lies ahead? It's almost overwhelming: schools, spouses, jobs, careers, political tensions, etc. May they be found faithful to Jesus regardless of what the future holds.

Home Keeper's Journal - Autumn's Coming!

Each Wednesday, The HomeKeeper’s Journal is led by Sylvia at CHK. You’re welcome to join The HomeKeeper’s Journal, too. To see Sylvia’s entry for this week and/or find instructions for participating, visit Sylvia’s entry for this week at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/homekeepers-journal-nesting-time-with-linky-love/

Autumn in my kitchen means … canning jars, freezer bags, and using the oven again.

Autumn in my home brings … swapping out the clothes (sweaters for shorts!), putting out a few fall decorations, and baking.

I bring Autumn indoors by … keeping the windows open when I can and bringing in lots of wood for our woodburner.

A few favorite Autumn activities for my family are … resuming our studies, "snow days" at the beach on those perfect Indian summer days when all the other kids are stuck in school, jumping in huge piles of leaves, sitting by the campfire with no mosquitoes, watching the stars come out, more hiking, and maybe a local football game.

Two favorite Autumn recipes are … hot apple cider and any soup that needs to simmer all day in the crockpot!

This Autumn I would like to … get a good start on Christmas gifts so I can enjoy December a bit more, pick apples with the family, go camping with the family in the UP, and learn how to make a good pie.

Home Keeper's Journal - Simplicity

Each Wednesday, The HomeKeeper’s Journal is led by Sylvia at CHK. You’re welcome to join The HomeKeeper’s Journal, too. To see Sylvia’s entry for this week and/or find instructions for participating, visit Sylvia’s entry for this week at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/homekeepers-journal-with-linky-love-simplicity/

Simplicity means … Let's start with what it doesn't mean. It doesn't necessarily mean back to the basics because churning butter, milking cows, and doing laundry by hand may feel a bit rustic and pioneer-esque, but it would sure complicate my life at this point. To me, simplicity ultimately means keeping a clear schedule so I can spend time with our friends and family. This requires keeping daily commitments to a minimum and continually looking for ways to cut down on the time required to do things while still getting the jobs done.

I could probably simplify my kitchen by … coming up with a better way to organize my freezer space. I have my refrigerator's freezer and a chest freezer. Both are a mess. When I open the door of the first, stuff falls all over. ~sigh~ It needs more shelves, but how do you add shelves to a freezer?!?

My life needs simplifying in these areas … I'm doing too much outside the home. After this year I've dropped (or completed) two major time-consumers. I'm really looking forward to next summer because of this! Having these things behind me will really simplify my life.

I tend to go overboard with … to-do lists. There's always something else that needs to be done. But I know how forgetful I can be, too. So, I'm trying to find that balance between trying to accomplish too much in a day and enjoying time with the family.

My favorite simple dinner is … grilled cheese with a slice of tomato and basil, raw carrots, and sun tea in the summer. In the winter I prefer a a simmering pot of homemade spaghetti sauce with garlic bread.

My spiritual life needs simplifying especially in this area … I read too much. I will start a good spiritual growth book, and then put it down while I try to apply what I've learned. Because the application process takes time, I will pick up another book and start that one. I usually have half a dozen books that I'm reading at one time. I need to pick one (or maybe two) and stick with those until they're done.

Home Keeper's Journal - Struggling

Each Wednesday, The HomeKeeper’s Journal is led by Sylvia at CHK. You’re welcome to join The HomeKeeper’s Journal, too. To see Sylvia’s entry for this week and/or find instructions for participating, visit Sylvia’s entry for this week at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/homekeepers-journal-with-linky-love-struggling/

I know. I'm a bit late with this one since it was posted last week. But we were camping then and I thought this was a good topic.

I struggle in my kitchen with … keeping healthy snacks available at all times.

Struggles of any kind have a tendency to make me …… a bit frustrated. But after I cool off a bit, I usually allow God to use them as His perfect teachable moments in my life. (At least that's my goal! ~wink~)

I struggle more when …… it's hot and humid. Ugh!

When it comes to people, I struggle … when they know the best thing but make poor choices and choose something second-rate (or even much worse). I want what's best for everyone involved, and I get frustrated when they don't seem to want the best for themselves or their children. For example, I struggle with people who spend their time living for themselves while their children are growing up to be spoiled brats because it's easier to throw money at them than to spend time with them and train them.

When it comes to struggles, I believe the Lord wants me to know …. that He is in control of all things at all times. He allows struggles into our lives to cause us to grow and to lean on Him. May I be faithful in allowing Him to mold and shape me.

Home Keeper's Journal - This summer

The Homekeeper’s Journal is a way to keep track of your thoughts, in journal form, online. Normally, new topics are posted weekly, but since nothing was posted this week, I thought I'd pull from a prior week.

In my yard… This year we put in a square foot garden. I love it! We made our own dirt (as the book recommends) from compost, vermiculite, and peat moss. I love that combination! As a result of that, I have very little weeding to do in the garden. (I did use some regular topsoil for a strawberry bed, and I'm weeding that constantly.) We also put a nice chicken-wire-lined picket fence around it to ensure that we eat more of our garden's bounty than the local rabbits! I love going out to sit on the swing and watch the garden grow!

On my grill… This summer we're learning the art of making pizza on on the campfire. I've enjoyed that. It's not nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. It makes for a relaxing dinner. We tend to sit around the campfire and chat while the pizzas cook. Good times!

With my children… The boys enjoyed their time at camp. Alicia is there now. We are all looking forward to church camp in a week or so. Always a good time. We've spent time swimming in the pool and riding bikes. The summer slips by way too quickly for me.

On my mind… Working on writing the lessons for our church's Wednesday night program. I enjoy doing that, but sometimes I think it may be on my mind too much.

The book of the Bible I keep finding myself turning to lately… Acts. That's the book I've been studying all summer in preparation for writing the lessons for Step by Step. (We're finishing the NT this coming year.)

I am reading... Andrew Murray's "With Christ in the School of Prayer" and "Desiring God" by John Piper.

I am looking forward to… Having the Step by Step lessons all written. (Although that's awhile down the road yet!) And I'm hoping to be able to do some camping this fall with Wayne and the kids. I'd like to spend a week or so in the UP during color time.

Home Keeper's Journal - Being a Christian

Each Wednesday, The HomeKeeper’s Journal is led by Sylvia at CHK. You’re welcome to join The HomeKeeper’s Journal, too. To see Sylvia’s entry for this week and/or find instructions for participating, visit Sylvia’s entry for this week at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/homekeepers-journal-july-27-with-linky-love/

The ways that being a Christian has made a difference in my life ….. There's a quote I have hanging by my desk, "God wants us to experience hunger so deep that it drives us to forsake physical, relational, and circumstantial fulfillment and finally find our satisfaction in Him." How true that is, and how neat it is to know God is at work doing that in my life! I am learning that He is the only One Who can satisfy. Oh, what contentment and peace that brings!

I believe that knowing Jesus and being a Christian has made me a better mother because ……. I try to follow the principles the Bible lays out in raising my children in the way they should go. I may not always be the most patient, but when Christ works through me, He accomplishes so much more than I ever could, whether that be in parenting or anything else.

I know that being a Christian has made me a better wife because ….. Knowing that divorce is not an option has forced Wayne and me to work out our differences. It's not always an easy road, but we agreed eighteen years ago that divorce is not an option. We're stuck with each other for life. And personally, I'd rather work on a relationship than feel "stuck" in that relationship. Also, as I submit to Christ's will for my life, that affects all areas of my life, marriage included. And so I can honestly say that yes, I am married to my best friend! ~smile~

The way I respond to others is affected by my relationship with God through Jesus and is obvious when …. I try to encourage people in love, even when encouraging them means confronting them. That's not always easy to do, but Christians are commanded to do so. Sometimes it'd be much easier just to let that person have it, but we are to respond in love, and that makes all the difference.

The way I respond to pain and/or bad things coming into my life is different from non-believers in these ways ….. Even in the worst of circumstances, I know He is still on the throne. I know He will always love and care about me no matter what. I know He will never leave me or forsake me. And I know that nothing can happen to me (or my loved ones) without His permission. So, when pain/bad things come into my life, I accept them as from His hand. I check to see if I'm in sin. If so, repentence is in order. If not, then I accept the situation as an opportunity to lean on Him and learn from Him.

Home Keeper's Journal - Beginnings

Each Wednesday, The HomeKeeper’s Journal is led by Sylvia at CHK. You’re welcome to join The HomeKeeper’s Journal, too. To see Sylvia’s entry for this week and/or find instructions for participating, visit Sylvia’s entry for this week at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/homekeepers-journal-july-20-with-linky-love/


This week’s Journal is all about ……… Beginnings!

Something new I would like to attempt in my kitchen ……….. It's not really in my kitchen, rather it would be outside, but it has to do with cooking! ~smile~ A few years ago I bought a cast iron pot with a lid and legs. It's for cooking over a fire. I seasoned it, and it's all ready to go. (Or it would be once I wiped the dust off it!) But I lack the confidence to actually take it to backyard and give it a try. We've been working on our cooking over the fire on a tripod skills, and we're getting better there. But I would like to try the Dutch oven cooking, too!

When the newness wears off a relationship you find ………. out if the friendship will stand the test of time.

The new school year starts around here on ……. Well, we don't really have a date. I ease the kids into the schoolyear by starting math one week, and the next week we add writing. The next week we'll add science, etc. We've been working on geography for a couple weeks. Nothing intense. Just going over states and capitals as we work on the puzzle of the United States.

I need to start …….. Exercising more, especially riding my bike! I wanted to ride my bike 500 miles this summer, and I'm not even at 100 miles yet! ~yikes!~ Needless to say, if I'm going to meet that goal, I've got to get pedalling!

I also need to start working on lessons for Step by Step more fervently. I've got them started (barely!), but I'd like to be at least half-done by the time we start in September. ~sigh~

God’s mercies are new every morning so ……….. every morning I have something for which to be very thankful! I'm so grateful that my God is merciful. Thank You, Jesus!

Home Keeper's Journal - Food

Each Wednesday, The HomeKeeper’s Journal is led by Sylvia at CHK. You’re welcome to join The HomeKeeper’s Journal, too. To see Sylvia’s entry for this week and/or find instructions for participating, visit Sylvia’s entry for this week at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/the-homekeepers-journal-with-linky-love/ .

This week’s Journal is all about ……… food, planning and healthy eating ….

In my kitchen this week ………. I'm trying something new: I started my first batch of sourdough starter. I'm hoping to get the hang of it and use it for pancakes, waffles, English muffins, bread, pizza crust, etc.

I think we do/do not eat healthily because …….. Hmmm... What's healthy?!? Someone says it's only meat, and someone says it's only veggies. So, who really knows anymore?!? I figure as long as most of our food isn't processed stuff and that we're eatting seasonally, we're doing okay. If we don't eat healthy, it's usually because I didn't plan ahead or time is short.

My family is/is not resistant to healthy eating because …….. My family isn't really resistant to it. Around here, broccoli is treated like some people treat chocolate! They just can't get enough of it. I think that's because the kids have known no different. They've grown up eating fruits and veggies. My husband had to come around to it though, but he does fine now. (Although he's been known to bring home a carton of Pringles or a box of "chocolate logs" from time to time.

Choose one………..

I do have a garden ………. We put in a square foot garden this year, and it's growing very nicely. We've enjoyed zucchini, summer squash, green beans, broccoli, kolrabi, swiss chard, romaine, lettuce, and chives. The beats are almost ready. The tomatoes, green peppers, chili peppers, muskmelon, carrots, green onions, and eggplant are coming along nicely. Although my eggplant doesn't have a lot of flowers on it. Hmmm?!?!

I don’t have a garden ………

The hardest part about eating healthily for me and my family is ……….. when other people bombard us with junk food. That and when I'm feeling lazy (or hot, as the case may be!) and reach for a box of mac and cheese. ~sigh~

My favorite thing about preparing and serving healthy foods is …… picking them fresh out of the garden and having my kids REALLY love them.