Nov. 19, 2008 - What's Going On...

In The Blogging World?

Has anyone else noticed that something weird seems to be going on in the blog world? Does it seem to you that no one seems to being blogging? What in the world am I talking about?

Well, recently, I have noticed a trend among the blogs I follow and the blogs of my friends. Their blogs are being updated. They are being left unattended. One of my favorite blogs has been shut down. I have no idea what happened there. I know, I know, we all get busy and don't have time to post every day. Life happens and our families must come first. That is not what I am talking about. It just seems to me that something seems to have come over the blogging world I follow.

Are people getting bored? Has blogging become another chore on their long list of to do items? Are they running out of ideas? Are they exhausted by feeling like they have to address every comment and answer every e-mail? Do we as readers make the feel guilty when we don't have regular updates? Are they just plain old tired of blogging, tired of trying to be interesting, tired of trying to be witty, iried of offering encouragement, tired of offering up recipes and thrifty ideas? If any of these questions seem to fit you, then you may be sick and tired of blogging.

I don't think blogging was meant to make any of us feel any of the ways listed above. It should be something that is enjoyable for you and done when it is convenient for you. If the joy of it has left you or if you feel it begining to wan, then take a well-deserved break. I will miss hearing from you and about your life, but I am not the main concern, you are.

So many times we take up a new hobby and are thrilled by it. We can't wait until we can get to do it again. Over time though, it can start to suck the very life out of you. It becomes almost an obession. Soon the thrill is gone and it begins to feel like a chore. When that happens, it is time to set it aside for awhile and gain a new perspective.

The other day, I was running around marking things off of my to do list and I thought I need to write a post. I stopped a moment taken a back by the thought, I need to write a post.  A realization hit me, I don't need to do anything. No one says I have to write a post every day. I realized I just don't feel like blogging today. So, I didn't. Know what, the world didn't stop turning and the sky didn't fall in.

This blog is my blog, no one else's. I do want it to reach and encouraging people. I do want to spread my love of the Lord through it. However, I am not looking for recognition. I am not looking for some big award. I am not looking to be the featured blog of the week. My goal is simple, to further my Titus 2 ministry and obligation. However, this goal can never replace my 1st priority and obligation which is to the Lord, and my 2nd priority and obligation which is to my family.

Dear Lord, Help me to always be mindful of where my focus belongs. I know that if anything gets in the way of meeting these priorities, I need to let it go. Lord, I ask you to bless my blog, as I use it for its intended purpose. Help me ministry to the younger wives and mothers through it and help me garnish wisdom from blogs written by older, experienced women. Help me share Your love, Your blessings, and Your simple plan of salvation through it. Help me never to see it as a chore that has to done, but as a joy to share. Help me not be envious of other blogs awards and recognition, for the only true award I need is the promised eternal life with You and the recognition as one of Your children. Amen and Amen!

Nov. 17, 2008 - The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today...Monday, Nov. 17th, 2008

Outside my window...the sunsetting on a wonderfully cold day.

I am thinking...about the laundry I have left to do. That seems to be an ongoing theme at our house.

I am thankful for...food in our bellies, clothes on our backs, and a warm place to sleep.

From the kitchen...There is a pork roast in the crock pot. Homemade baked beans in the oven. All of this will be supper along with cream potatoes and biscuits.

I am wearing...a long-sleeve turtleneck shirt, a pair of fannel pajama bottoms, and a warm pair of scoks. (I did say it was a cold outside.)

I am creating...a mess in my kitchen. In addition to the food I am fixing for supper, I have been baking salt dough ornaments we made at KAH today and dried some leftover bread to make bread crumbs.

I am going...to fold up laundry. (I am so excited.)

I am reading...the Elsie Dinsmore sereies.

I am hearing...DD doing her ironing and DH walking through the door.

Around the house...I am slowly getting things ready to start decorating for Christmas.

One of my favorite things...decorating our house for Christmas.

A few plans for the rest of the week...DH and I will be celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary this Thursday. We are going antique shopping this weekend and I won't have to cook all weekend. (JUMPING UP & DOWN! RIGHT NOW!)

For more Daybook entries visit The Simple Woman's Daybook Blog.

Nov. 15, 2008 - Good Morning!

Good Morning! Everyone!

It is a cloudy, rainy, windy morning here in the foothills of NC. It has been foggy and rainy for the past 2 days, but the wind has started blowing today. The windy conditions are causing leaves to rain down from their branches.

I love days like this. It is as if God is pulling a warm, comfy blanket over the earth and urging us inside. He is telling us, "Snuggle under My warmth, rest, relax, enjoying time with your family, leave the hustle and bustle behind. Glory in the works of My hand. See how I make the seasons change and the beauty within those changes. Take time to acknowledge My creaton."

Dear Lord, I do glory in Your creation. I thank you for the works of Your hand. Thank You, for the rain that replinshes and renews the earth. Lord, in these troubled times the beauty of Your world helps remind us who is in control. When we falter, start to fear, and forget that You are in control; help remind us of that fact. Lord forgive me of my faliures and sins. Wash me anew once again with Your grace, mercy, and love. It is Your Son's name I pray. Amen and Amen.

A Realization

As I was going about my work as a housewife this week I realized that I really love being a Keeper of the Home.  I enjoy cleaning, cooking, and baking. I enjoy taking care of my husband, my daughter, and our home. I am so blessed to able to stay at home and do my God-given duties.

I enjoy that feeling of accomplishment you have when you have finished cleaning a room or finished a project and you stop to stare at your hard work. I enjoy the sounds of my family eating and enjoying a meal I have prepared, whether it was the homemade chili beans, cornbread, and salad made from lettuce out of our graden, or the homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade honey whole wheat bread.  I relish in their appreciation for the homemade M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies I baked for them and they love so much.

I love as evening falls. Everything is picked up in its place. The lamps are on casting a warm glow all over the house and in the yard. Supper is on the stovetop or in the oven. DH walks in the door from a long day at work. Oakley is jumping up and down and barking, waiting for her greeting. DD is standing there waiting to tell her daddy the news of the day. And I am waiting there to get my hug from the love of my life, grateful for his love and hard work. All is well and comfortable in the home I was put in charge of to keep and guard. My duties are far from over but the love within these walls and the love of my heavenly Father gives me the strength to carry on with love in my heart and a smile on my face.

Nov. 10, 2008 - The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today...Monday, Nov. 10, 2008

Outside My Window...The low afternoon sun shining on the remaining brillant fall leaves, setting them off to perfection.

I am thinking...DH will be coming home soon and I can't wait to greet him.

I am thankful for...some perspective on the outcome of the election. God is still in control.

From the kitchen...a pot of pinto beans on the stove to make a big pot of chili beans out of to eat with cornbread and a fresh garden salad. A salad made with fall lettuce from our garden.

I am wearing...capris and a t-shirt, something I could clean in.

I am creating...snowflake patterns to use for an embrodiering project I will be doing on a scarf for me to wear with my winter coat.

I am going...to fold up a pile of laundry after supper.

I am reading...The Elsie Dinsmore series for the 3rd time.

I am hoping...I can get some projects finished tomorrow since DD doesn't have classes because of Veteran's Day.

I am hearing...to hum of the computer and DD moving around in her room.

Around the house...the master bed & bath, the laundry room, the kitchen, and the dog are clean. I spent most of the day cleaning the rooms and giving the dog a bath much to her displeasure.

One of my favorite things...is the cookie jar full of delicious M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Tomorrow, I am going to clean the microwave, frig, and stove good. Wednesday will be grocery and errand day. Thursday, I have to go to work. Friday afternoon, DD is having a friend over for the afternoon. Saturday, I will work outside weather permitting. Sunday will be chapel and rest.

Here is a picture thought I want to share...

                       There's No Place Like Home!

For more Simple Woman's Daybook visit The Simple Woman's Daybook site.

Nov. 8, 2008 - A Week of Life on the Farm

An Update From The Farm

On the night of the 31st, we went up to my nephews' treehouse for supper by the campfire. My momma fixed a big pot of chili beans. I fixed a cake of cornbread. DH made quesdillas over the fire. All of it was delicious. For dessert, my momma made a popcorn cake with candycorn in it. We roasted marshmallows and made smores. It was cold but the wind wasn't blowing making it much nicer to be out. We all stayed out there till 9:00 pm.

The next day, DH was up early moving part of our fence. He wanted to straighten up an awkward corner of the fence and move a gate away from one of our big oak trees. He worked on that until 2:30 pm, then went and helped my daddy cut wood for my grandma.He was home around 4:15 pm. He got cleaned up and then settled down to watch "This Old House." I didn't do alot. I straightened up the house and washed clothes. I went outside and moved my flower pots that I am going to keep over the winter to the south side of our house and around the heat pump.( I didn't have much energy due to my starting of a severely heavy menstrual cycle.) I tried a new dish for supper. It was called  "Chicken and Rice Wraps." The recipe used spanish rice-a-roni in it. It was good. DH and DD thought so. DD had seconds which is unusual for her. DH had seconds and thirds. There may have even been a fourth.

Nov. 6, 2008 - More Thoughts About The Election of 2008

As if you haven't heard enough...

...I still have some thoughts to share about the election of Mr. Obama.

For the past two days, I have listened to the news and persons of color talk about the historic nature of this election. A black man was elected as President of the United States. (Some how the fact that is half-white seems to have slipped everyone's mind.) Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of people being judged on the content of their character instead of the color of their skin seems to have come true. Racism seems to be gasping its last breath. The heroic fight of the Civil Rights Movement has prevailed.

I agree that this election was historic. White people voted for and helped put a black man in office. But, did Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream really come true? Was Mr. Obama elected based on the content of his character instead of the color of his skin? With 95% of black voters and 60% of the hispanic voters voting for Mr. Obama, did the content of his character really win out over the color of his skin?

Now before you start thinking of me as a white supremacist, let me asure I am not. Have I made disparaging about other races? Shamefully, I must admit I have. Probably much in the same way people of color have made disparaging remarks about white people and much in the same way men & women make disparaging remarks about each other. Does that make it right? No, it certainly doesn't.

I have a cousin that is married to a black man. I judge him by the content of his character and the love I see reflected in my cousin's eyes. He is one of the most polite, respectful men I know. He is a wonderful provider for his family, a considerte loving husband, and a wonderfully invovled father to their children. One of whom isn't his own, but opened his heart to this child and accept him as his own flesh and blood. When I look at this wonderful man, I don't see the color of his skin. I see a man I admire and respect.

I pray that Mr. Obama was elected by the content of his character, for if he wasn't then racism is still alive and kicking in this nation.  

Nov. 5, 2008 - Like Isaiah and Jeremiah Of Old

My Thougths On The Election

What a sad day for America! One of the most liberal senators ever has been elected as President of the United States!

(If you are sick of  reading election posts, you won't hurt my feelings if you decide not to read this post.)

I struggled all day long whether or not to write this post. The tears have threatened to fall throughout the day. I am so dismayed that this country sold its soul for a few more promised dollars in its pocketbook instead of standing on its moral convictions. My heart has been so burdened by the results of this election. I finally felt like I had to unburden it by sharing my thoughts with my like-minded blogging friends.

How can people not see that Obama is leading them down the primrose path. He is not the promised savior so many people, including the biased media, have made him out to be. He is as liberal as liberal can get. He will not govern from the center. To make matters worse, he has a liberal Congress to back him up. His economic views are socialist views. What else could "spreading the wealth" mean? What else does his tax cuts for people who don't even pay taxes mean?

And, oh, the horrors the innocent unborn will face and continue to face under the Obama administration. My husband and I believe one of the first things that will be done when Obama becomes presidents is the repealing of the Partial Birth Abortion Bann. Innocent babies will once again be delivered all but their head only to have their very life sucked out of them. (How is delivering a baby- feet first -all but the head in the best interest of the health of the mother.?) The next thing that will happen is the Hate Crime Legislation will be passed. This will make it illegal for anyone to speak out against homosexuality, especially from a pulpit. The third thing is the Fairness Act will be passed silencing the voice of conservative talk radio and effecting our ability to express our opinion on issues on our blogs. Then there is his grand tax cut plan and other highly praised programs that will cost this nation dearly.

Before anyone asks, yes, I voted. I let my voice be heard. I know that the majority elected Obama (although it wasn't an overwhelming majority.) I think a great choice was before the citizens of the USA. A choice between Biblical principles and worldly ones. The country has made their choice. It now has to live with the consequences of the choice.That is why I feel like Isaiah and Jeremiah of old. I saw the choice before this country and am deeply saddened by that choice. A judgement for our country could be on its way. Time will tell.

 I have refused to let the tears fall, for I know God is control. He knows all, sees all, and knew how the votes would fall even before they were cast. He has a plan. That is the hope I have clung to today. That is my prayer also.

Dear heavenly Father, on this day when all seems lost for this country that was founded on Biblical principles, I know you have a plan. I know that You are in control and that all things work for the good for those that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. So I turn my burdened heart over to you, Lord. I lay all my fears and worries in Your capable hands. Lord, I pray for the leaders of this country. I pray Lord that they turn from their worldly ways and turn to You. I pray that they will see the error of their ways and govern based on Your principles. I pray that if judgement is to come on this country that you find enough righteous people still living in this once great country to delay it. I ask these things in Your son's name. Amen and Amen!

Oct. 30, 2008 - Tafy's Recipe Thursday

Tafy's Recipe Thursday

As a young child, I tasted a wonderfully deliciously rich homemade candy called Potato Candy, at a family reunion dinner. My family left without getting the recipe and no one knew how to make this candy.  I remembered that taste for a long time.

Years later reading a cookbook on the cooking of the southern Appalachian mountains, I ran across a recipe I thought maybe the candy I remembered. I made it and it was.

The very name arouses alot of curiosity. What is Potato Candy? Potato Candy is a homemade candy made out of cooked potatoes. I know that sounds strange, but it really is very, very good. The name also causes alot of hestiancy in trying this very tasty candy, but once a person gathers up the courage to try it they fall in love with it.  It taste alot like the white chocolate peanut butter cups made by Reese's.

Potato Candy is very simple to make. Here is the recipe if you are curious and brave enough to try it.

Potato Candy

• 1/2 c. of cooked potaoes (or baked potatoes)
• 4 to 6 c. of powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 to 1 c. of peanut butter

Mash the potatoes until no lumps are left. Put mashed potatoes in a mixer bowl. Add a cup of powder sugar to the potatoes and mix. (It will be runny to begin with.) Continue to add a cup of sugar at a time until the mixture resembles pie dough and is dry enough it won't stick to your hands. Roll out the dough between 2 pieces of parchment/wax paper into a rectangular shape. (You can roll it out on to the countertop but it is easier to do between the paper.) Spread peanut butter on top of dough. (You put on as much peanut butter as you like. A cup is too much for me.) Roll the dough up as you would a jelly roll. Chill the dough until firm (for several hours or over night.) I store the candy in the frig in an airtight container or wrapped up tightly.

This candy is very rich, but oh so good. Try it and enjoy!

Oct. 29, 2008 - Works For Me Wednesday

Creative & Cheap Halloween Costumes

Although we aren't big fans of Halloween and don't go over board with it, we did allow our DD to go trick-or-treating from the time she was 2 until she was 11. We live in a rural area so there is no trick-or-treating door to door. We drove door to door. We mostly went to her grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-aunts/uncles' houses. Not having the money to buy costumes, I all came up with something for DD to wear using things we already had. We got great compliments on them. Since it is only 2 days from Halloween night, I thought I would share a few ideas with you.

For her first Halloween, she was our version of "Casper the Friendly Ghost". I took one of her daddy's white t-shirts, drew big rounds eyes on in, and a wavy smile with a permanent black marker. She had very curly hair, just long enough to gather some at the very top into a ponytail. We used a white scrunchy to put her hair up. She wore a white jogging outfit underneath the t-shirt with white tennis shoes. We taught her to say "BOO!" For her candy bucket, she carried a ghost bucket we got with a happy meal from MacDonalds. Simply, easy, and too cute.

Another Halloween, Minnie Mouse inspired us. She had a Minnie doll and a dress that looked just like her doll's. She wore that. I took a black headband and attached Minnie ears made out of cardboard. She wore a long yellow pearl-like necklace made out of plastic. She carried her doll with her and a plastic jack-o-latern for her candy bucket.

Another year, she wore the dress she wore at my brother's wedding. We fixed her hair up to look like Cinderella's. I added a hairbow to her hair, which made it look like she had a tiara in her hair. She had a pair of glass slippers that had come in a dress up box so she wore those. We added some of her fancy play jewelry that completed the look. She carried a tin pail lined with some fancy material for her candy bucket and we tucked in her Little Golden book of Cinderella.

She carried the tin pail next year and it served as our inspiration. We dressed her as a farmer girl. She wore her pair of denim overalls on top of a turtle-neck shirt. She wore some type of boots. We braided her hair in to 2 braids and she wore a Ford baseball cap. I took a brown eye-liner pin and put dots on her checks for freckles. Again, simple.

Her last year of trick-or-treating, we dressed her up as a black cat. She wore a black turtle-neck shirt, black jeans, black socks, and black shoes. We left her hair down and pulled it back with a black head band that I had attached cat ears made out of cardboard. Her daddy got a piece of furniture tassle from where he worked for her tail which we attached to her belt loop on her jeans. I took a black eye-liner, colored her nose black, and drew whiskers on her face. She carried a plastic jack-o-latern for her candy bucket.

All of these were simple ideas and simple to put together. I hope these ideas will help inspire someone this year. Another thing about these ideas is that they didn't cost much or anything at all. I know all homeschoolers like ideas like that. Also in these unsettled times, all of us are trying to save a few dollars.

For more Works For Me Wednesday visit Shannon.

Oct. 27, 2008 - The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For today....Monday, Oct. 27, 2008

Outside My Window...A cool fall breeze is blowing, making this sunny day on the cool/cold side. I am seeing leaves in all their autumn splendor.

I am thinking...How the Christmas season is fast approaching.

I am thankful for...a day that we didn't have anywhere we had to go. We were able to stay at home all day.

From the kitchen...roast beef, rice-a-roni, crowder peas, and green beans for supper.

I am wearing...denim capri pants, a long-sleeve  plaid shirt embroidered with birdhouses and sunflowers.

I am going...to put away clothes as soon as I finish this post. That means, I will have washed, dried, folded, ironed, and put away all the clothes in one day.

I am hoping...I can get back to eating better and watching what I eat.

I am hearing...an old movie DD is watching as she finishes up her ironing.

Around the house...I have a stack of old Christmas cards to cut gift tags out of.

One of my favorite things...is the angle of the sun at this time of year. There is something comforting about the long shadows created by the sun.

A few plans for the rest of the week...to stay at home as much as possible after our week of running around last week. I have cleaning to do since I was unable to do heavy cleaning last week. We are having a cookout at my nephews' treehouse Friday night.

For more Simple Woman's Daybook visit Peggy's blog.