Fall makeover

I know we're halfway through the season, but I realized I had neglected to post photos of our autumn decor - and we can't have that, can we?




We put this garland over the entrance to the kitchen, and I really love it! We wrapped the garland around these adorable "farm" lights I got at the after-Christmas sale at Tractor Supply last year.



Even the t.v. got a fall makeover!


See the photo of the baby surrounded by the autumn leaves and pumpkins? That's Justin, who is now 14. Hubby took this picture years ago and it quickly became one of our favorites. Now we use it as a fall decoration!



The front door got a little wreath.


And the side pieces above were recently purchased at Hobby Lobby for 50% off. The dog was purchased 10 years ago and remains a year-round decoration. Too bad he won't stay in one place!

This is war

I had just walked in the door this afternoon when I suddenly felt a sting in my side. I lifted my shirt to inspect and thought it looked like a bug had bit me. It was less than a minute later that I noticed this guy flying around my home.

I'm not sure if he somehow made it up my t-shirt or stung me through my shirt, but he definitely had it in for me. Which is why I didn't feel bad when Hubby got out a can of WD-40 and a lighter (although I was a little concerned for the house). The resulting fireball caused the vicious insect to fall on the floor, where Hubby (my hero!) graciously squashed the life out of him.


Sorry. I love animals but have no sympathy for insects - especially ones who sting me.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust... blah, blah, blah.

Two strikes, no cookies

My son Justin has been begging me for quite some time to let him bake these pinwheel cookies he found in a recipe for in a Family Fun magazine.

This recipe is intended for kids, but my kids found it a bit complicated. You have to make two different doughs, chill them, etc. They tried to make these cookies on two different days at two different times, and they tried doing them all by themselves.

The first time, they forgot the flour, of all things. Needless to say, we scratched that attempt. A couple of weeks later they decided to try again. This time, they forgot the sugar. The cookies looked good, as you can see, but without the sugar they tasted terrible. Oh well, they tried and we all learn from our mistakes!

With all the wasted ingredients, I finally put my foot down and told them that was it for this recipe. Just in case you have the guts to let your kids try it, the recipe can be found here.

Women of Purpose

Live so that when your feet hit the floor every morning, the devil will say, "Darn it - she's up!"

Book review: Eye of the God

eye of the god
Abingdon Press (October 1, 2009)
by
Ariel Allison


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Allison is a published author who lives in a small Texas town with her husband and three young sons. She is the co-author of Daddy Do You Love Me: a Daughter’s Journey of Faith and Restoration (New Leaf Press, 2006). Justin Case, the first of three children’s books will be published by Harvest House in June 2009. Ariel is a weekly contributor to www.ChristianDevotions.us and has written for Today’s Christian Woman. She ponders on life as a mother of all boys at www.themoabclub.blogspot.com and on her thoughts as a redeemed dreamer at www.arielallison.blogspot.com.


From Ariel:
I am the daughter of an acclaimed and eccentric artist, and given my “unconventional” childhood, had ample time to explore the intricacies of story telling. I was raised at the top of the Rocky Mountains with no running water or electricity (think Laura Ingles meets the Hippie Movement), and lived out the books I read while running barefoot through the sagebrush. My mother read to me by the light of a kerosene lantern for well over a decade, long after I could devour an entire novel in the course of a day. Authors such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, George MacDonald, and L.M. Montgomery were the first to capture my heart and I have
grown to love many others since.

ABOUT THE BOOK

eye of the god takes the fascinating history surrounding the Hope Diamond and weaves it together with a present-day plot to steal the jewel from the Smithsonian Institute.

We follow Alex and Isaac Weld, the most lucrative jewel thieves in the world, in their quest to steal the gem, which according to legend was once the eye of a Hindu idol named Rama Sita. When it was stolen in the 17th century, it is said that the idol cursed all those who would possess it. That won’t stop the brilliant and ruthless Weld brothers.

However, they are not prepared for Dr. Abigail Mitchell, the beautiful Smithsonian Director, who has her own connection to the Hope Diamond and a deadly secret to keep. Abby committed long ago that she would not serve a god made with human hands, and the “eye of the god” is no exception. Her desire is not for wealth, but for wisdom. She seeks not power, but restoration.

When the dust settles over the last great adventure of the Hope Diamond, readers will understand the “curse” that has haunted its legacy is nothing more than the greed of evil men who bring destruction upon themselves. No god chiseled from stone can direct the fates of humankind, nor can it change the course of God’s story.

If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of eye of the god, go HERE

A Lesson Learned

My friend Stephanie spent time a few weeks ago deciding how to categorize the donated canned goods.


Three weeks ago our church started a food pantry. It came as the vision of five ladies who got together, formed a committee, did the leg work, and got the church excited. (I am one of those ladies).

We had been preparing for months, visiting other food pantries, getting donations, painting rooms, and building shelves. We started the pantry with about 3,000 cans of donated food, along with about six boxes a week of perishables that are donated by a local grocery store.

Yesterday was our third day open. Our first day we served 3 people. Our second day, we served 24 people. And yesterday..... well, yesterday we served 122 people in four hours. We were swamped.

People were lined up all on the sidewalk because not everyone could fit in the waiting room. The average wait was an hour and a half. And families towing small children and senior citizens alike were all more than willing to wait that long for a few bags of food and a prayer.

Many of us have gone through hard times in the past. But seeing that many people who were that desperate to feed their families... it was quite an eye opener. I interviewed so many people and wrote down so many families' information that my hand was cramping. But so was my heart. There are always some people who are a little rude and just take their food and go, but there are many more who are very appreciative, and many who want to talk about their lives.

From a pregnant 13-year-old girl, to a crying woman who had just been evicted, to the pastor of a nearby church whose congregation could no longer afford to pay him - the stories were heartbreaking.

I can't begin to tell you what an impact this ministry has had on me, and it is still in its infancy stage. But we were so overwhelmed with people - the food has run out. We had to shut down two hours early. The committee spent an hour last night trying to brain storm ideas about who else we could ask for donations and how we can stay open week after week. The people are in need, and I have faith that God will provide.

In the meantime, I have learned a valuable lesson. If you ask God to use you, be prepared - He will.

Please pray for the food pantry. Pray that God will allow us to continue our work.

Teapot of mums

Yesterday morning I got up bright and early and cut these mums out of the garden. They were originally some that a friend had sent over when my mother passed away in January of 2006. In order to preserve them, I planted them in a flower bed. It's been three years, so they are not doing as well now. They are scraggly and don't produce as much, but I'm happy to get them each year, anyway.

I didn't have a vase that would look good with them, so I placed them in a "corn on the cob" teapot that I picked up at a yard sale years ago. They made a cheerful addition to our pancake breakfast yesterday morning.

Gracie, the spastic one

Remember Gracie? I wrote about her here and here. Well, she's healthy and happy now. We are still giving her medication for her heart worms, but other than that she is doing great! I take her walking on the green-way a couple of times a week so she has an opportunity to see the world. When we started, she was scared to death of the van - I had to pick her up and put her in there. Now she happily jumps in on her on whenever I put her leash on and take her out there.

Check out this very short video of her. She never stands still! This behavior is typically Gracie. Pay attention and you'll see her chase her own tail a couple of times before becoming quickly distracted.

The Homestead Table

Last week my daughter and I managed to misplaced our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe - right before we needed to make them to take to my weekly Bible study group. My husband suggested that we start putting our recipes somewhere online so they would always be handy. Now why didn't I think of that?

With the help of my good friend Nancy, I have started a recipe blog called The Homestead Table. It is nothing fancy, as it is intended for our friends and family. But for the time being we have decided to open it as "public" so that anyone can see it.

I cook using recipes that I find all over the place - on Web sites, other people's blogs, and cookbooks. I'm hoping this won't be a problem, as we won't be making a penny off the blog. I am crediting every recipe (with links) as much as possible. If you ever see one of your recipes on there and don't want it on there, just let me know and I'll remove it. If I start getting a lot of those requests, I'll just mark the blog as "private."

We will never lose our recipes again, and when I need one, I can just set my laptop up on the kitchen counter.

Now that Nancy and I have set it up, the recipe blog will be maintained by my daughter and I. We will be adding two or three recipes a day until we get them all on there, then will add more as we try them. Let me know if you have a recipe you think we should try!

A ladies weekend

This past weekend I went on a retreat with the ladies of my church. I had wonderful time. Our theme was "Women of Purpose." We studied Lydia, who appears only for one chapter in the Bible, we studied Proverbs 31 to see what a woman of purpose might look like, and we studied various verses to show us how to figure out our purpose.


We sang praises, made things for our shut-ins, and pigged out on snacks all weekend. As you can see from the photo above, everyone stayed up late to play games in their pajamas.

I really enjoyed getting to know these ladies on a personal basis, many of whom I only see at church. The youngest was in her late 20s and the oldest was 93! This is the first ladies retreat I have ever been on, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I came back with my spirit refreshed, and I will be going back next year!

Book review: Leaving Yesterday

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Leaving Yesterday
Bethany House (October 1, 2009)
by
Kathryn Cushman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I graduated from Samford University with a degree in pharmacy, but I’ve known all my life that I wanted to write a novel “some day”. For me, “some day” came about five years ago, when I started writing and never looked back.

My third attempt became my first published novel.

A Promise to Remember was a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year in the Women’s Fiction category, and Waiting for Daybreak was a finalist in Women’s Fiction for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. Leaving Yesterday just arrived on scene and I’m very excited about it!

On the homefront, I’ve been married to the wonderful and handsome Lee for over twenty years now, and our two daughters are currently braving the worlds of elementary and high school. We’ve lived in Santa Barbara for the last seventeen years. When I’m not writing or reading or braving seventy degree holidays, you’ll find me watching the younger daughter play softball, or the older daughter building amazing high school theater sets



ABOUT THE BOOK

Alisa Stewart feels like she's lost two sons: her youngest to a terrible tragedy and her eldest, Kurt, to a life ruined by addiction. But now Kurt has checked himself into rehab and found a healing faith that seems real. It's like he's been raised from the dead.

But then a detective arrives at Alisa's door asking questions about a murder--the death of a drug dealer before Kurt entered rehab. Alisa fears losing her son again, and when she finds evidence linking him to the killing, she destroys it. Her boy is different now. He's changed and deserves a second chance.

But when another man is charged with the crime, Alisa finds herself facing an impossible choice: be silent and keep her son or give up everything for the truth.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Leaving Yesterday, go HERE

Footprints in the Sand by Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis is not a Christian artist, but this song certainly shows the message of Jesus and how He can strengthen us and help us carry our burdens.

Book review: Things Worth Remembering

Things Worth Remembering
Bethany House (October 1, 2009)
by
Jackina Stark


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jackina (pronounced with a long “i” to rhyme with China) Stark recently retired from teaching English at Ozark Christian College to spend more time writing and traveling.

Jackina says: "Although I loved my subjects and my students, I retired to do more writing and speaking, to spend more time with my family, and to travel with family and friends (including trips to encourage two missions in Cambodia). I have also spoken nationally and internationally at many retreats and seminars and enjoy running into many readers and former students. I have written frequently for both Christian Standard and Lookout, periodicals of Standard Publishing. Years ago I wrote two non-fiction books, published by College Press, but currently out of print. These days, I’m exploring fiction. My first novel, Tender Grace, was released by Bethany House January 30, 2009, and Things Worth Remembering, is the second. I’m working on new projects, including a third novel, as time permits. Whether speaking or writing, I love the opportunity to tell about Him whom Jesus called “Holy Father” and “the only true God.”

She has been married to her husband, Tony, for forty-two years. They live in Carl Junction, Missouri, and have two daughters and six grandchildren.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kendy Laswell and her daughter, Maisey, used to do everything together--until one fateful summer when Maisey witnessed something she shouldn't have, and their relationship fractured. Now, Maisey is back home to get married and Kendy realizes this is her last chance to reconnect with her daughter. Will Kendy and Maisey be able to reclaim the bond they once shared?

Maisey asked for a bride doll the Christmas she was five, mesmerized by her aunt's wedding the fall before. Since then I've been dreaming of the day, or days, we would shop for her wedding dress. A mother helping her daughter find just the right creation for that momentous walk down the aisle strikes me as one of life's happiest endeavors. The night she called to tell us she'd bought her "dream of a gown," I sat beside Luke on the couch, a striking contrast to Maisey's exuberance.
My dejection seemed a tad inappropriate. "Being hurt because I wasn't included is silly, isn't it?" I asked.

"Not so silly," he said.

Will I ever quit longing for the Maisey who was once mine?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Things Worth Remembering, go HERE

Hands on history lessons

Last week, the kids and I, and another homeschool family we know, headed on down to the historic Latta Plantation for Homeschool Day. That's the plantation home, above. We enjoyed learning how the Latta family did things in the 1830's. I love history, and I love seeing my kids get excited about history and how things "used to be." Trips like these really make history come alive!

Adam, 6, balances on a wagon next to a cotton crop. Below, a close-up of the cotton plants. If you don't live in the south, you may never have seen it growing!




Above, the Deal family (the homeschool family we went with) walks toward the slave quarters. For many people of the time, these one room cabins would have been the norm, but on a wealthy plantation they were built for slave quarters.


Adam, 6, was enthralled with this little girl, whose mother was demonstrating how the open-hearth cooking was done in a detached kitchen. The kitchen was detached so that any kitchen fire wouldn't burn down the house, as well.


Tanner, son of the family we went with, and Adam, 6, pull up grass to feed a mule.


Above, a volunteer teaches the kids how colonials had to start fires without the benefit of a lighter (I really hope we don't regret that one!).


Above, my three children, left, and Tanner, pose with one of the volunteers who was demonstrating how the slaves on the plantation may have had to make candles.



The nearby Carolina Raptor Center, a non-profit agency that saves injured breds of prey, was also on hand. One of the Center's volunteers took time to talk to the kids about the birds. Below, a hawk gazes suspiciously on all the children gathered around - and who could blame him?




Adam, 6, was more interested in looking at the various bugs on this log than listening to the volunteer explain how to grow cotton.

It was a fun - and educational - day!