It has been several months since I've had the opportunity to write on my blog! So much has happened, from getting engaged, to being married... then moving and traveling! It's a blessing to be settling down again...

God has been so faithful to me! Jere and I are extremely happy and we rejoice in the fact that God miraculously brought us together. It is so wonderful to see His hand move on our behalf and answer the prayers we've so longed to be fulfilled.

I look forward to sharing online what the Lord lays on my heart, as He grants me the time to do so. ;) I've missed sharing with you all here! I'm sure there are many new friends to be found on Homeschoolblogger, since I've been gone! Please do feel free to leave me a comment; I'd love to hear from you!

Blessings in Jesus!
Emilee (Freie) Gettle
Titus 2 Ministry (My family's ministry)
Genteel Girlhood (Our ministry for young ladies)
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company (My husband's business)

We've had quite interesting weather at our home. I was so excited to see the first day of spring right around the corner, only to wake up the next day to snow! So, I grabbed my camera and headed out to take some pictures to share with you. I hope you enjoy them, as well as the little story I found this afternoon.

The Little Garden...

An exceprt from Memory- the Handmaid of Hope by Charles Spurgeon.

I thought this article by Charles Spurgeon had a lot of truth! As homeschooling families it is important that Christ is what others see in the home. Sure, not every day is going to be perfect, but a heart that is striving to follow Christ is hidden in His love. His grace is all sufficient for those less than perfect days. :)

"And they took knowledge of them, that  they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ... the best life of Christ is His living biography, written out in the words and actions of His people.

If we were what we profess to be, and what we should be, we would be pictures
of Jesus; yes, such striking likenesses of Him, that the world would, when they once beheld us, exclaim, "He has been with Jesus; he has been taught of Him; he is like Him; he has caught the very idea of the holy Man of Nazareth, and he works it out in his life and daily actions."

A Christian should be like Christ in his boldness. Never blush to own your religion. Be like Jesus, very valiant for your God.

Imitate Him in your loving spirit; think kindly, speak kindly, and do kindly, that men may say of you, "He has been with Jesus!"

Imitate Jesus in His holiness.

Was He zealous? So be ever going about doing good. Let not time be wasted; it is too precious.

Was He self-denying, never looking to His own interest? Be the same.

Was He devout? Be fervent in your prayers.

Had He deference to His Father's will? So submit yourselves to Him.

Was He patient? So learn to endure.

And best of all, as the highest portraiture of Jesus, try to forgive your enemies, as He did; and let those sublime words of your Master, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," always ring in your ears. Forgive, as you hope to be forgiven....

...so live that all may say of you, "He has been with Jesus!"

"And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."  Acts 4:13

I've just created a new blog... Country Simplicity, and I'm so excited about it! I'm a country girl at heart, and have been raised in the heart of the country! I look forward to sharing articles from homesteaders of the past, vintage patterns, old time yummy recipes, and more at my new blog... SO, if you have a few minutes... why not stop by! :)

Country Simplicity... misty morning walks to check on the animals, making homemade ice cream in the summer, laughter echoing through the house, and all the beautiful blessings that color country life! Click here to drop by for a visit!

Blessings on your homestead!

Emilee

There are just two days left to enter to win a FREE copy of Secrets of Happy Home Life, the little booklet that has helped save many homes, marriages and families! Just read what the publisher, Solid Ground Christian Books has to say about this treasure!

"'Secrets of Happy Home Life' by J.R. Miller is a little book that can transform every home that it enters. The Spirit of God blesses the truth and nothing but the truth, and this book is filled with truth! It was first published in 1894, and immediately found its way into homes and hearts all over the world. Tens of thousands of copies were printed and stories came from far and wide about marriages that were preserved from certain destruction by the simple, Biblical instruction found in these pages."

 

Titus 2 Ministry is giving away a free copy of Mr. J.R. Miller's book in celebration of our 7th anniversary of ministering to Christian families around the world! If you'd like to enter for your chance to win, please click here for entry details!

Blessings on your home and family!!

Emilee

While surfing the web late one night I came across Patterns from the Past. They have such cute, vintage patterns! If you're a seamstress interested in vintage clothing, this is a goldmine! It's fun just to window shop too! So, if you have a few minutes, it's well worth the visit to http://www.oldpatterns.com!

Have fun shopping!

Blessings,

Emilee

I love the old time movies where morality isn’t muddled, the bad guys are caught and the hero rides off into the sunset! Ah, those were the days when families could go to the theater and not blush by what they saw!

In those old movies it’s always easy to spot the villain, if it isn’t by his wardrobe of solid black from head to toe, it’d be by the dramatic music that followed him like a shadow. He may try to be appealing to our story’s hero, but as the viewers watch they know that the music betrays who he really is. In the end, our hero wises up and life goes on happily ever after.

I got to thinking one afternoon, where’s the music in my life? Come on, let’s be honest friends, we’ve all been in situations in life where we weren’t sure if it was of the Lord or not. Wouldn’t it be nice if when we were in that situation we heard the music—a kind of personal orchestra of harmonizing encouragement or warning? Be it the beautiful harmonies that play during the pleasant scenes or even the booming music that accompanies the bad guy? Either way, it’d be nice to clearly know… right?

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me… John 10:27

As I pondered those thoughts I’m reminded that I have something even better. I have the Lord whose word is the music of my soul! If I quiet myself and listen in those times of questioning I will hear His voice—it’s a promise He’s given to all His children!

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

When our heart’s desire is to be in the center of God’s will, we don’t have to be afraid that we will be out of His will, because He promises to give us the desires of our heart. It’s that simple!

Love in Messiah!

Emilee

When I saw this picture of my cousin, I just had to share it with you! After a recent *light* snowfall, Isaiah just had to make a snowman. His momma blessed my day by sharing his little creation with me!

Remember to enjoy the simple things in life! Sometimes those are the things that matter most! Time melts away so fast... enjoy your simple pleasures today!

~Emilee

Hello friends!

Today was absolutely gorgeous here in Missouri! It reminded me of spring! It's time to start planning my garden for this year! Our mailbox has been filled with seed catalogs! Oh, I just love browsing through them!! You may not know this, but I'm an avid gardener! I love it!

This past summer I was very late in getting our veggie garden in... I mean late... like how about July 4th and in the middle of drought late!? We had a lot going on, which delayed me. We also went to Colorado for my graduation. Still, I was determined... I wasn't going to go through a summer without some fried green tomatoes, and some tomatoes in the freezer for the winter...even if I wasn't harvesting them till fall. So, we tilled and we tilled, I prayed and I prayed, I weeded and I weeded, then I watered... and I watered... and I watered... Did I mention I watered??? Then, finally we had a storm, which was a blessing... 'cause I didn't have to water! However, the wind knocked one of my tomato cages to the ground and my promising tomato plant keeled over! Well, I wasn't going to let that get me down! So, with a bit of ingenuity I managed to piece the plant back together again with some mesh-stuff I found in the garage. Well, that little plant seemed to perk back up again and by fall it was bearing tomatoes! I planted 12 plants and asked for the Lord to bless them, even though it seemed impossible for them to survive in that drought. I thought, if only I could get 2 plants out of the twelve to survive that'd be great! The Lord was faithful and I didn't loose one plant and I did get those fried green tomatoes after all! ;)

I was thankful for my little pioneering tomatoes, but I had really hoped for some pumpkins in the fall too. But, I figured I'd be happy with whatever I had, since it was so late in the season. I didn't find any pumpkin seeds but I did find a packet of lemon cucumber seeds. Since I didn't have anything to loose, I planted them in a few little hills and prayed that God would bless them. The days of summer passed one after the other and I noticed that I had lemon cucumbers coming on the vine. However, the other plant growing on the hill beside them just didn't look quite the same! Then, to my surprise, one morning I found Jack-Be-Little pumpkins lying beside my lemon cucumbers! I was so happy... thrilled to tell the truth! I ended up with 20+ pumpkins off my one little plant!

I was so thankful for my little garden last summer! It was very, very small compared to what we normally put in, but I learned some big lessons too! For one thing, God knows the desires of our hearts and He does answer! Nothing is small or unimportant to Him! He knew I wanted some little pumpkins for the fall. He sweetly surprised me when I found them growing in my garden! I think that lil’ garden means more to me than many of my large gardens in the past.

If you know... please, please email me!!
Thanks!!!

We want to provide you with an excellent opportunity to share with your brothers and sisters in Christ what you are thankful for!  It's a tradition for us to include "Thanksgiving Reports" in Titus 2 Ministry's November issue of Titus 2 Journal (our email newsletter). We look at it as a time to rejoice with you over what God has done through the past year for you and your family! There is always room for more praise for our sweet Savior!

...So, if you've got something to thank Him for this year... please do share! Feel free to email your thanksgiving report to us, by clicking here to visit Titus 2 Ministry's contact page! Or, you may even post it in the comments section of this entry! For your privacy, only your first name will be shared with our subscribers!

We look forward to rejoicing with you! Please have your "Thanksgiving Report" to us by November 4th!

God's Richest Blessings!

Emilee

After sewing the totebags for Katrina victims, I was inspired to pick up a sewing project myself! I used a New Look pattern, and then enlisted my Mom to help me modify it to make my own design! I was thrilled with the finished project! I was suprised to hear that my friends and family liked the design, and I even received an order from Grandma!  For fun, I thought I'd include the photo below.

Note: "Made by Emilee" isn't on the bag itself... just a graphic overlay! LOL

It's amazing what an old pair of jeans can be turned into! Yes, that's right... this purse found it's start as a pair of work jeans! I found a pair of handles reasonably at Wal-Mart, and then a magnetic snap set. It's great because with this design, I can take the handles off and put them on another purse! To dress it up a bit, I enjoy pinning a scatter pin on, to add a little sparkle. ;) Can you tell I had fun? As soon as I get some more spare time, I look forward to sewing a few more for Christmas gifts... and for myself! ;)

If you know of any other purse patterns, please do post your recommendations in the comments section of my blog!!  I'm always on the look-out for fun projects!

Thanks so much for stopping by & have a blessed day!

Emilee

If you’ve read my bio at Genteel Girlhood, you realize that I enjoy trying just about any musical instrument I can get my hands on. If my family and I go to a music store… you will literally hear about it! LOL!

Yes, my parents and I enjoy picking out a few songs. It may start as one song and turn into another one with the next note, but hey, it’s still fun! I believe in worshiping the Lord in spirit and in truth… and truthfully, I’m not “accomplished” on any one instrument. However, it’s the joy in journey that I love! Jesus has blessed me beyond what I could have ever dreamed, and continues to amaze me with each day. The least I can do is praise Him in hopes of blessing my Lord!

Earlier this year, I picked up the guitar and absolutely love it! I’m prayerfully teaching myself, under the Lord’s guidance, by using Jean Welles’ Worship Guitar DVDs! I highly recommend them! They would be the perfect compliment to your homeschool classes. Or, if you’re like me, and just enjoy trying your hand at a new instrument… give it a try! It's perfect for adults too!

I was able to play my first song just by visiting her website and watching the free online videos! Talk about instant gratification! Jean has taught guitar for years, and her love for the Lord is evident in the videos. It’s a blessing to be able to actually play songs that worship the Lord, instead of She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain or Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star!

When I was younger, I dreaded practicing my instruments. When it came time, I set my timer for an hour and sawed through a few songs on my violin.  However, I really feel there is a season to everything. Now, I absolutely love my practice time.  If I have a few spare moments, or a commercial is on TV, I pick up the guitar and play through a song or two. Since I don’t limit myself on practice time, it seems like I get even more done! A few spare minutes here and there truly does add into hours!

If you’re looking for an excellent resource for your guitar instruction, please do stop by Jean Welles’ site: Worship Guitar Class. She has such a sweet spirit and a wonderful gifting that she desires to impart, through Christ, into all who desire to play for Him!

Remember... there is joy in the journey!

Emilee

Titus 2 Ministry is in the process of building a website for Christian young men, similar to Genteel Girlhood. We have had several families express that this is a need in the Christian online community. So, I thought I’d share this information in my blog in case those of you reading this would like to participate in the process of seeing such a site become a reality online! Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Your Ideas! We want to hear your ideas! Please share them with us! We cannot solely fill this need alone, and we appreciate all the input that you’d like to share! 
• Articles for Christian Young Men:  If you are a writer who would like to submit articles for possible inclusion, please email Titus 2 Ministry!
• Book reviews: If you know of any books for young men that have blessed you or your family, please let us know about them! Perhaps you’d be interested in doing a review, that would be terrific!
• Resources: We’re always looking for more resources to share with our visitors. If you know of resources that address issues Christian young men are facing, please forward them to us!
• Your Prayers: We are so thankful for Christian brothers and sisters who lift up prayers on our behalf, as we seek to follow God’s leading and timing to see this website become a reality!

We encourage you to prayerfully seek the Lord and see if this is something that He would desire you to be a part of. If so, please email us!

God’s Richest Blessings!

Emilee

"The Bible should, therefore, be the textbook of home education. Where it is not, parents are recreant to their duty. It is the basis of all teaching, because it reveals 'the truth, the way and the life,' because it is God's testimony and message, and is 'profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,' and was written 'for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope,' and be made 'wise unto salvation.'"

The above quote was excerpted from an article entitled, The Family Bible which is featured at Titus2Ministry.com. It is skillfully written with a pen, as a brush upon the canvas, painting a beautiful picture of the impact God's Word has upon multiple facets of our life. From the beginnings of education in infancy, to the last lesson learned on this earth, it all traces back to the Word of God!

"The family Bible! What sweet and hallowed memories cling like tendrils around that Book of Books! How familiar its sacred pages! How often in the sunny days of childhood, we were fed from its manna by our parents. It was our guide to the opening path of life, and a lamp to the feeble, faltering steps of youth. Who can forget the family Bible? It was the household oracle of our grandfathers and grandmothers,--of our dear parents. It bears the record of their venerated names; their birth, their baptism, their marriage. How joyfully they gathered around the cheerful hearth to read this book divine. How often their hearts drew consolation from its living springs. What a balm it has poured into bleeding and disconsolate hearts. It has irradiated with the glories of eternal day, the darkest chamber of their home. What brilliant hopes and promises it has borne. Here too are our names, and birth, and baptism, written by that parental hand which now clasps Jesus' in our Heavenly home...

That old family Bible! Do we not love it? Our names and our children's names are drawn from it. It is the message of our Father in Heaven. It is the link which connects our earthly with our Heavenly home; and when we open its sacred page, we gaze upon words which our loved ones in Heaven have whispered, and which dwell even now upon their lips; and which when we utter them, there is joy in Heaven!"

This article was written as the Civil War raged on. So, we can realize how much it meant to be reminded that Christian loved Ones were in the arms of Jesus. This article has been silenced by time for over 100 years, but we have republished it for a new generation to enjoy! I encourage you to visit this page to read The Family Bible in its entirety!

©Copyright 2005. Titus2Ministry.com

Earthly Gifts... Heavenly Rewards is a featured article from Genteel Girlhood, which is our website for encouraging young women. GG is a sister site to Titus2Ministry.com. I love the message it conveys--it's short and sweet, but says so much! We don't have to be a missionary in some far away land to impact the world for Christ, although that is a wonderful calling. ...We can impact the world by blessing those around us, which will in turn bless others and the ripple effect will continue on and our Christian influence will leave a legacy behind! ~Emilee

Earthly Gifts... Heavenly Rewards

A young girl, in one of those moments when the heart seems to overflow with devotion, wrote thus in her journal:--"If I dared, I would ask God why I am placed in the world; what have I to do? I know not; my days are idly spent, and I do not even regret them. ...If I might but do some good to myself, or another, if only for the short space of a minute each day!"

A few days later, when in a calmer mood she reread these lines, she added, "Why nothing is easier! I have but to give a cup of cold water to one of Christ's little ones."

Yes, even so small a gift as that, but given in God's Name, may be of service, and gives you the right to hope for a reward in heaven. Even less than that: a word of advice; something lent to another; a little vexation patiently borne; a prayer for a friend, offered to God; the fault or thoughtlessness of another repaired without his knowledge; God will recompense it all a thousand-fold!

Last week we emailed our July edition of Titus 2 Journal. If you're not a subscriber, we encourage you to sign up today! It's free! If you'd like to view the July 2005 issue, please click here! Pssst...There is also a special offer in this newsletter for 10% off almost every item purchased at Titus 2 Books!

Kris from ClassicalEducation4Me sent me the below questions when I was tagged… They got me to thinking…

1. Where is your favorite place on earth?

I’d have to say that’s my Home. The peaceful serenity just does something to me that no other place can.

2. Do you run a home business, and if yes, then what is it you do?

I guess you could call it that. We just recently opened a new bookstore called Titus 2 Books. Each purchase helps support Titus2Ministry.com! 

3. What are some lessons in life you had to learn the hard way?

Oh, wow! That’s a deep question. Well, I suppose one of the lessons I’ve learned the hard way is being a bit too independent at times… Every since I was little I have had a “me fix it” attitude. God has done a lot of attitude adjustment on me there. I had to learn that I have to put things in God’s hands, and realize that is the absolute best place for them to be. Sometimes I can’t fix everything, but He sure can. So, after a few failed attempts at putting situations in life back together all by myself, I’ve learned that Jesus knows best, and it’s best when I know that too.

4. As a parent, what is the one thing you are (or would be) happiest to see in your children?

I’m still waiting on God to provide my future family. However, my prayer is that my children will be Christians who love Christ with all their heart and desire to serve Him with all their life. That is what would make me happiest. 

5. Who do you most consider to be your role model, the person you most want to be like?

Jesus!

6. What is the greatest blessing you have gained from home schooling?

I could list multitudes of blessings I received as a homeschooler. To name one (or two) of the greatest: A closer relationship with my family, and my Jesus. I will never regret my homeschooling experience! It has revolutionized my life!

7. What is a favorite quote, motto or verse of yours?

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations...” Psalms 119:89, 90

8. If you were not a homeschooling mom/wife/homemaker, what do you think you would be?

I suppose you could call me a home maker in training right now… so if I wasn’t that… Well, frankly, I’d think I’d be unhappy. It’s a blessing to know that I’m doing what God desires for my life right now… and lovin’ every minute of it!

9. If you are married, where were you when you first saw your spouse and what was the first thought in your head?

Looking forward to that day!

10. If you could be any pet in the world, what would you be?
LOL, that’s an interesting question to follow up #9! Well, I suppose it’d be my dog, Lady. She’s a rambunctious collie, but has her lovey moments too!

Now then, it’s my turn to tag someone… Look out… you may just be next!

Over the weekend I had so much fun designing the graphics for my blog! I'm thrilled that they turned out exactly as I pictured them. Thank you, Jesus! He's the best graphic designer's co-pilot. ;)

I look forward to posting articles that have spoken to me, insights, praise reports and just everyday occurrences! It's so good to be here and be able to share with so many like-minded families. I've already received so many kind comments; thank you to all those who took time to welcome me!

So, without further ado... with each word dedicated to Jesus, I embark upon the wonderful adventure of sharing with you, my friend!

In Christian Love,

Emilee

Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I so look forward to sharing with you and those who visit my little corner of the web. I hope that the notes of encouragement and glimspes into my life will be a blessing to all who visit!

Since I'm still in the beginning process of designing my blog, in the mean time, I'd like to invite you to visit my family's ministry online!

Titus 2 Ministry is a resource for families. Hundreds of encouraging articles are included on our website. Please do stop by for a visit and sign up for our free montly newsletter. Titus 2 Ministry Online: http://www.titus2ministry.com Through visiting the above mentioned site you'll find Genteel Girlhood, our site for young women, and Titus 2 Books, our bookstore. We look forward to "seeing" you there!

Until next time...

May God Bless You!

Emilee