Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Word Filled Wednesday ~#1~ 6/30/10


Welcome to our very 1st Word Filled Wednesday Blog Hop!! Mrs A. had this awesome idea & asked if I'd like to come along w/her for a ride through God's Word. As Christian women, we can rejoice in the journey the Lord is taking each & everyone of us on. Each journey has it's joys, it's sorrows, it's trials, it's successes...but...all of our journeys begin at the foot of the cross & end worshipping at the Throne!


If you are interested in joining our journey, then all you need to do is copy/paste the cute icon & put it at the beginning of your post, tell us the Passage that spoke to you most in your latest morning's or previous night's devotion (we know that some do their devotions in the a.m. & some in the p.m.), & then share w/us your Lesson Learned.


THEN...PLEASE link back to Mrs A's blog, A Country Mom, & sign up on her Mr. Linky. There you will be able to see others who are following our new Word Filled Wednesday & you can read about their journey through God's Word!


So...Here we go!.......


PASSAGE: Mark 5:1-16 ~ The story of the demon-possessed man; I will only share a few of the verses: [6] "When he [the demon-possessed man] saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of Him. [7] He shouted at the top of his voice, 'What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that You won't torture me!' [8] For Jesus had said to him, 'Come out of this man, you evil spirit'
[9] "Then Jesus asked him, 'What is your name?'
"'My name is Legion,' he replied, 'for we are many'...
[13] "He gave them permission, and the evil spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about 2,000 in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.
[14] "Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. [15] When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid." [all emphasis mine~KW<><]


LESSON LEARNED: I LOVE the section that I have put in bold print. Imagine! This guy who had had a legion of demons inside himself (and remember, a Roman legion was 6,000!!) was sitting at the feet of Jesus! If the man had, in & of himself, had ever doubted Who Jesus is, he now had 2 proofs of Jesus as God the Son: 1) all 6,000 of the demons inside him knew EXACTLY Who Jesus is! Ultimately, they even needed Jesus' permission to leave the man b/c Jesus trumps satan's orders every time! 2) He was miraculously healed & delivered & at peace! Can you imagine?! For the very 1st time, this man was at peace, at rest, AT THE FEET OF JESUS!! What would it have been like to have lived in the confusion & sin that this man had lived in & ... then ... to suddenly be in your right mind & your 1st clear thought, your 1st clear sight, to be looking into the loving eyes of the Savior of the world! After years of no loving, physical touch, to feel the loving hands of the Savior of the world as He strokes your cheek & wipes all the putrid filth of the world you were just delivered from off of your face. Oh the joy! Hallelujah!


Enjoy other Word Filled Wednesdays at http://acountrymom.blogspot.com/
Please feel free to grab the WFW button for your blog while you're there!!

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#83~ 6/29/10


For Today...
Outside my window...a little dreary...looks like it might rain. Although, I thought the rain was supposed to have ended yesterday. :-/ Oh well, it IS Ohio: Land of the Ever-Changing Weather.
I am thinking...of all I have to do today before I go to work.
I am thankful for...the Lord's provision; that I will get my replacement cell phone ~ hopefully today ~ for the one that literally fell apart on me! Only had it 1 year. :-/
From the kitchen...coffee's on!
I am wearing...jeans, black "Healthy Alternative" t-shirt.
I am remembering…my dear friend, Sono Harris, & her family.
I am going…to take DD#2 to work, run errands & do some household...stuff.
I am reading...Bible: daily Proverb & I'm now in the book of Mark.
I am hoping...that DH's job interview goes well tomorrow & that they offer him an incredible job!!!!!!!
On my mind…things falling apart here & there & being unable to replace/fix them in a timely manner ~ since DH's layoff last year - since he's only been working temp jobs since then ~ b/c $$ needs to go to other places.
I am creating...a Christ-centered home.
I am hearing...radio, DD#2 getting ready for work.
Noticing that…I haven't polished my nails for a while. lol My hands need a little pampering. :-)
Pondering these words…"Endure difficult times in a manner worthy of God's calling."
Around the house...all the regular Tuesday things...laundry, household pick-ups...I need to make soap, if I can't do it today, maybe I can get to it tomorrow.
One of my favorite things...spending time w/our old, cherrished growth group 'family.'
A Scripture thought...Mark 4:40 ~ "He said to His disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
A few plans for the rest of the week...family time, work, Sunday worship w/the saints & July 4th festivities (while we still can).
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
A gathering of our long-time growth group. We all go to different churches now, but we consider these precious people to be our 2nd family.

Enjoy other Daybooks at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Monday, June 28, 2010

Our 1st Blog Hop!!


Mrs A, at A Country Mom, & I are starting our very first Blog Hop! We are women of the Word and there is something absolutely precious about Women coming together to share His Word with eachother ;)

So let's dig into the Word! Every Wednesday, we will post what the Lord taught us that morning in our reading of His Word. Be as short or as detailed as you want...Share the passage, your heart thoughts, and then read and comment on other Women in the Word!

1. Sign up on the Mr Linky at A Country Mom!!
2. Grab the Button
3. Click to Follow Other Members of Blog Hop!

We will see ya on Wednesday!

In His Love,
Mrs A & Kim<><

Deviled Eggs & Getting w/the 'Beat'


Any summer picnic, carry-in, family get-together or holiday meal just doesn't seem to be complete w/o those yummy deviled eggs! And they're even more appetizing if they're served on Grandma's ~ or Great-Grandma's ~ antique deviled egg plate.

And a seasoned cook will also know the difference when a recipe calls for a 'slightly beaten' egg or 'stiff peaks'...but that will come after this awesome recipe for deviled eggs...

1 dozen hard boiled, peeled eggs; sliced in half, length-wise

8 TB. mayonnaise

2 TB. Dijon-style mustard

2-3 TB. sweet pickled relish

4-6 dashes of Kosher salt

4-6 dashes of fresh ground black pepper

8 TB. finely chopped fresh OR dried chives

Paprika

~After eggs have cooled, remove cooked yokes from the length-wize-cut whites. Place the white halves, cut side up, on a plate.

~ In a bowl, mash up the yokes. Add mayo & mustard, mash & mix w/fork until well blended.

~Add chives, relish, salt & pepper; mix well.

~W/a spoon, carefully stuff whites w/the yolk mix, rounding off the tops.

~Sprinkle tops w/paprika.

~Cover & chill at least 1 hr. before serving.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Getting w/the 'Beat'...

While making nearly any egg recipe, we come across terms that may need defined. Here's a quick tutorial for you...

SLIGHTLY BEATEN: Use a fork to beat your egg. Egg is considered beaten when white & yoke are mixed enough that no streaks are seen.

BEATEN EGG YOKES: W/a high-speed OR rotary mixer, beat yolks for 5 mins OR until they are thick & lemon-colored.

SOFT PEAKS: In a glass OR metal bowl (NO plastic!), & using either a rotary beater OR a an electric mixer on medium speed, beat egg whites until peaks form that curl over.

STIFF PEAKS: Same as 'soft peaks' BUT on high speed & beat until the peaks stand straight up.

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

Friday, June 25, 2010

You Are Blessed If...

You are blessed if...

If you own a Bible, you are abundantly blessed – about 1/3 of the world do not have access to one.

If you wake up each morning with more health than illness, you are blessed to rise and shine, to live and to serve in a new day.

If you have anyone on the planet, just one person that loves you and listens to you; count this a blessing.

If you can freely attend a church meeting without fear, then you are more blessed than over 1/3 of the world.

If you have a yearning in your heart to parent a child, you are blessed because you still desire what you cannot see.

If you pray today or any day, you are blessed because you believe in God’s willingness to hear your prayer.

If you pray for someone else, you are blessed because you want to help others also.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep; all at the same time; you are rich in this world.

If you have a brother or sister in Christ that will pray with you and for you, you benefit from a spiritual unity, bond, and agreement, which the gates of hell cannot stand against.

If you attend a church with a church family that offers you one word of encouragement, you are blessed with some form of fellowship.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or some spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the world’s wealthy.

If you can go to bed each night, knowing that God loves you, you are blessed beyond measure.

If you try each day to imitate our Lord Jesus Christ for even a minute, you are blessed because you show a willingness to grow up in Him.

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than about 1/3 of the world who cannot read at all.

IF YOU CAN GO TO BED EACH NIGHT, KNOWING THAT GOD LOVES YOU, YOU ARE BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!!

{Author Unknown}

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

Thursday, June 24, 2010

There She Stands ~ Michael W. Smith

"When evil call itself a martyr,

When all your dreams come crashing down;

Someone will pull her from the rubble,

There She Stands!"

Crock Pot Beef Pot Roast

Here's one of the easiest, YUMMIEST meals you'll ever fix! My family loves this. And now that I've had to go back to work part-time, which includes a lot of evenings, it's great to have something tasty cooking for my family that will be set to serve after I'm gone & they all start filing in from their work-places ready for their supper.

Here's all you need...

~2-3 potatoes, peeled & cut into cubes or chunks. (Red or white potatoes work equally well)
~2-3 carrots, peeled & sliced
~1/2-1 whole sweet Vidalia onion
~1-1/2 ts. sea salt
~1/4 ts. pepper
~3-4 lb. pot roast (or rump roast)
~1/2 c. water

1) Put vegetables & water in bottom of crock pot. Salt & pepper meat, place on top of veggies.

2) Cover & cook on LOW 10-12 hours OR on HIGH for 5-6 hours. (I usually cook on high)

3) Great w/noodles & homemade bread or rolls!

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

CONTEST!! Enter to Win!!

Dear Carrie @ Farming on Faith is having an awesome contest!! Especially for those of us who need a little help while reading or doing our cross-stitch or any close-up work...

Carrie is giving us the opportunity to win a $20 pair of readers from Reading Glasses Shopper!!

Simply click HERE & go to her blog & enter. And if you've never been to her blog before, you WILL be blessed.

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

1847 Oregon Trail Sour Dough Starter

Here's a GREAT way to literally touch the past! You can order 1847 Oregon Trail Sourdough starter and keep it going! Now, how COOL is THAT?!

What a wonderful way to be a part of history. You and your family will be eating something from the same starter used in 1847!!

Send a self addressed stamped envelope (donation optional) to:

1847 Oregon Trail Sourdough Preservation Society
P.O. Box 321
Jefferson, MD 21755

Photo from carlsfriends.net
In about 6 weeks (or less) you will receive a small envelope of dried starter. You may go to the website http://carlsfriends.net/ and read about the starter. Not only is this simply wonderful to have for your family, but it would make a great homeschool project, too.

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#82~ 6/22/10


For Today...

Outside my window...beautiful blue skies & sunshine after a night & morning of thunderstorms & rain.

I am thinking...that I'm SO tired of computer problems!! I'm taking advantage of this window of opportunity before we have YET ANOTHER Time-Warner tech out to see what's going on on Friday. :-/

I am thankful for...when the computer DOES work! Being on the praise team this past Sunday at our new church; that our DD#2 is excited & looking forward to getting involved w/the young adults there. That DD#1 was interviewed for a possible job promotion yesterday. :-)

From the kitchen...baked a fresh loaf of flaxseed bread; I'll probably have some sort of sandwich.

I am wearing...jeans, pink t-shirt from Ocala, FL w/horses on it.

I am remembering…that, no matter how good or bad things are going in my life, God is STILL on His throne, He loves me & wants only the best for me.

I am going…to do some house-hold chores & go to work later. The Tuesday night-shift.

I am reading...Bible: Zechariah & daily chapter of Proverbs.

I am hoping...for God's abundant provision...

On my mind…seems that several things are needing repaired all at once. Praying for the Lord's provision to supply for our needs. He's always on time.

I am creating...a Christ-centered home.

I am hearing...the radio, Maggie (the dog) sighing while she naps. :-)

Noticing that…DD#1 is making better decisions, lately.

Pondering these words…From Sunday's sermon on the prodigal son: "People forget that this parable is actually MORE about the FATHER than the son...it should be called 'The Parable of the Gracious Father.'"

Around the house...tidying up & other general house-hold 'stuff.'

One of my favorite things...my new Bible.

A Scripture thought...I Cor. 15:10 ~ "But by the grace of God I am what I am, & His grace to me was not w/o effect."

A few plans for the rest of the week...errands, work, worship w/the Saints on Sunday!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

How blessed we are to be reconnected w/old friends & partners in ministry!!

Enjoy other Daybooks at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Monday, June 21, 2010

REVIEW: Prairie Primer by Margie Gray

Have you ever felt like you may have been born in the wrong century? I always wanted to be a pioneer girl. When I was growing up my favorite books were the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Then, in my early teens I was able to watch the Little House on the Prairie TV show.

When my daughters were in Kindergarten and third grade I found the Prairie Primer unit study by Margie Gray. I don’t know who was more excited to dig into it, myself or my girls!

In one year we traveled through all 9 of the Little House books…from the Big Woods of Wisconsin to De Smet, South Dakota…from about the time Laura was 4 years old to the First Four Years of Laura and Almonzo’s marriage. And all the joys and tears in between.

Margie has done a great job in incorporating all the things we love about unit studies into one of the most enjoyable, fascinating studies our family has ever done. The topics are interesting and varied. They range from: Bible Concepts and Building Character (Comparing Ourselves, God’s Umbrella of Protection, Struggle with Sin Nature…), Bible Memory (various verses), Crafts (Candle Making, Moccasin Making…), Health (Causes of Diseases, Effects of Tobacco and Alcohol, Food Groups, Rabies…), History, Government, Social Studies and Geography (American Folk Songs, Family History, Geographical Terms, Indians, Louisiana Purchase, Presidents, States and Capitals, Woman’s Suffrage…), History – Biographies (Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln, Noah Webster…), Literature and Language Arts (Composition, Foreshadowing, Vocabulary…), Living (Cooking, Guns and Gun Safety…), Science (Bacteria and Viruses, Electricity, Simple Machines…), Science – Animal Kingdom (Animal Classification, Leeches, Grasshoppers…), Science – Human Body (Blood, Eyes, Genetics…). It’s a very full year!

This study is most appropriate for grades 3 – 6; but our family has done it twice…as mentioned above, our girls were in K and 3 the first year we did the study and in 4 and 7 the last time. It was quite easily adapted to lower or upper grades. Very easy to work with. When our girls were in the upper grades there was so much time that had passed, and since the subjects were covered more deeply, it seemed like a whole new study.

The Prairie Primer was by far one of our favorite studies.


Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

Friday, June 18, 2010

Wedding Traditions

Have you ever wondered why brides do the things they do? Where the wedding day traditions came from? As this is June ~ 'the wedding month' ~ I thought I would share a few of the traditions, and their reasons, that my girls discovered when they researched them for a homeschool projects.

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Tradition of the Bridal Shower?

Tradition says that the first bridal shower was given to a poor couple in Holland who was denied the bridal dowry because of the groom's lowly miller status. The miller's friends showered the bride with gifts to help them set up housekeeping.

Why a Matchmaker?

For centuries, the matchmaker enjoyed the honored, if occasionally ridiculed, position of ensuring ethnic identity and compatibility. Groups that wanted this assurance regularly employed the services of a matchmaker, whose commission was a certain percentage of the dowries. Today, the modern version of the matchmaker is found as easily as turning on your computer. Computer programs can allegedly match individual backgrounds and traits so accurately that two people brought together for a date can be assured of "common interests" at the very least. In any event, it is only the dating that can be arranged, not marriage. So matchmaking of a sort has not disappeared; it has merely changed its appearance and emphasis, as is the case with any custom that expresses enduring human needs.

Why an Engagement Ring?

In the early days of "Marriage by Purchase," the betrothal ring served a twofold purpose. This twofold purpose included partial payment for the bride and was a symbol of the groom's honorable intentions. The diamond was found first in Medieval Italy, and because of its hardness, was chosen to stand for enduring love.

Why Does the Bride Wear White?

The color white has been a symbol of joyous celebration since early Roman times. At the beginning to the twentieth century, white stood for purity as well. Today, with the renewed interest, if not necessity, of staying pure until marriage, more Christian brides are electing to wear white instead of the recently trendy 'champagne'.

Why Does the Bride Wear a Veil?

The bride's veil and bouquet are of greater antiquity than her white gown. Her veil, which was yellow in ancient Greece and red in ancient Rome, usually shrouded her from head to foot, and has since the earliest of times, denoted the subordination of a woman to man. The thicker the veil, the more traditional the implication of wearing it.
According to tradition, it is considered bad luck for the bride to be seen by the groom before the ceremony. As a matter of fact, in the old days of marriage by purchase, the couple rarely saw each other at all, with courtship being of more recent historical emergence.

The lifting of the veil at the end of the ceremony symbolizes husbandly leadership. If the bride takes the initiative in lifting it, thereby presenting herself to him, she is showing disrespect to her groom.

Veils came into vogue in the United States when Nelly Curtis wore a veil at her wedding to George Washington's aid, Major Lawrence Lewis. Major Lewis saw his bride to be standing behind a filmy curtain and commented to her how beautiful she appeared. She then decided to veil herself for their ceremony.

Why a Bride's Handkerchief?

Early farmers thought a bride's wedding day tears were lucky and brought rains for their crops. Later, a crying bride meant that she'd never shed another tear about her marriage. Today, we carry a handkerchief to dab away the tears of happiness and joy. How special to keep your wedding hanky and pass it down from mother to daughter capturing all the love and emotion of such a special event from one generation to another.

Why the Blue Satin Garter?

Why this "Something Blue?" In ancient Israel, brides wore a blue ribbon to signify "fidelity." The garter-throwing itself derives from a bawdy ritual called "flinging the stocking." In Britain, the guests would playfully invade the bridal chamber. The ushers grabbed the bride's stockings; the maids took the groom's. They took turns sitting at the foot of the bed flinging the stockings over the heads of the couple. Whoever's stocking landed on the bride's or the groom's nose would be the next to wed.
Today, many brides will wear two garters. The one she wishes to keep as a memento of her wedding day, possibly to be displayed on her grooms rear view mirror, and another, to be retrieved and tossed by the groom to all the young unmarried men attending the event. The "toss garter" is likely to be in the color of the wedding, and not as elaborate as the more decorative garters kept by the bride. Whoever catches the garter will be the next to marry.

Why Something Blue?

Brides of ancient Israel wore blue ribbons on the border of their wedding cloths to denote, love, modesty and fidelity. These are ideals still associated today with that color. Blue is also the most popular wedding color. Also see, "Why the Blue Satin Garter."

Why Does the Bride Carry Flowers?

For centuries, flowers have stood for a variety of emotions and values. Roses for love, lilies for virtue and so on. In ancient marriages, the brides carried herbs beneath their veils to symbolize fidelity. Greek brides carried ivy as a symbol of never-ending love. Orange blossoms, (the world renowned wedding flower) were chosen by the Spaniards to represent happiness and fulfillment, because the orange tree flowers and bears fruit at the same time. During even earlier times of "primitive marriage," when the fear of demons was most prevalent, the brides carried stinking garlands of herbs and spices for the purpose of frightening off evil spirits.

Today, brides carry flowers in the color scheme of their wedding, bringing beauty and elegance as well as old world customs to their special day. Have you considered spelling out the name of your groom in the flowers of your bouquets? [The center of my bouquet was made so that it would come out and become my going-away corsage! KW<><]

Giving the Bride Away?

In times when women were granted few privileges and even fewer personal rights, the bride was literally given away to the groom by the father, usually in exchange for monetary gain. Today, it is seen as symbolic of the blessings and support of her union as a promise of continued trust and affection. Often when the question is asked by a clergy during the ceremony, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man," the father's response is, "Her mother and I."

Why a Wedding Ring?

The circular shape of the wedding ring has symbolized undying, unending love since the days of the early Egyptians. A primitive bride wore a ring of hemp or rushes, which had to be replaced often. Durable iron was used by the Romans to symbolize the permanence of marriage. Today's favorite is of course, gold, with it's lasting qualities of beauty and purity.

Why Do the Attendants Dress Alike?

Who hasn't noticed that the maids, ushers, and entire bridal party dress very much like the bride and groom? It was once common for the bride, her groom and all their friends to walk together to the church on the morning of the wedding. Afraid that someone, maybe a rejected suitor, would spot the happy couple and put a curse on them. The groom's friends wore clothes almost identical to his, and the women costumed themselves like the bride. These disguises tricked evil wishers into letting the real bride and groom live happily ever after. Of course, today we dress our attendants alike for the beauty and pageantry of the event.

Why a Wedding Cake?

Beginning in early Roman times, the cake has been a special part of the wedding celebration. A thin loaf was broken over the bride's head at the close of the ceremony to symbolize fertility. The wheat from which it was made, symbolized fertility and the guests eagerly picked up the crumbs as good luck charms. During the Middle Ages, it became traditional for the couple to kiss over a small cluster of cakes. Later, a clever baker decided to amass all these small cakes together, covering them with frosting. Thus, the modern tiered cake was born. From a Christian perspective, the couple feeding each other a piece of cake & serving each other a the drink from a toast, this service symbolizes their first communion as husband and wife. Maybe more couples should be more respectful of this tradition.

The Groom's Cake

The groom's cake is a smaller cake that is served at the wedding reception.Young women (unmarried) would take a piece of the groom's cake home to place under their pillows and the old wive's tale says "they will marry whomever they dream of that night."

Why Old Shoes and Rice?

The throwing of rice on the couple has always been symbolic of wishing prosperity and good luck. In the Orient, throwing rice means, "May you always have a full pantry." Wheat and other grains are sometimes thrown in addition to rice, thereby also wishing prosperity and lack of want. Each shower bestows "Goodwill Traditions" of wealth upon the newlyweds. To this day, rice remains a token of a life of "plenty."

Why a Trousseau?

The word trousseau came from the French word, trousse, which meant bundle. The trousseau originated as a bundle of clothing and personal possessions the bride carried with her to her new home. This was later expanded upon into a generous dowry. Today, the trousseau includes all of the new items for the household, as well as for the bride herself.

Why the Honeymoon?

In ancient times, many of the first marriages were by capture, not choice. When early man felt it was time to take a bride, he would often carry off an unwilling woman to a secret place where her relatives wouldn't find them. While the moon went through all its phases, (about 30 days) they hid from the searchers and drank a brew made from honey. Hence, we get the word, honeymoon.

Why Carry the Bride Across the Threshold?
During the days of "Marriage by Capture," the bride was certainly not going to go peacefully into the bridegroom's abode, thus, she was dragged or carried across the threshold. In even earlier times, it was believed that family demons followed the woman and to keep her family demons from going into the groom's home, she was carried across the threshold upon her entering for the first time. After that, the demons could not enter as she would come in and go out of the home.



Thursday, June 17, 2010

Chicken Salad

Here's a favorite of mine. This recipe is good in warm or cold weather...serve it warm, just after you've made it, in the cool months or let it cool in the frig for a couple of hours & enjoy it on a hot summer's day.
2-3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked & either cubed or finely chopped

1 c. sliced almonds; if desired, crush the almonds

3/4 c. mayonnaise OR Miracle Whip (according to your taste)

1 stalk of celery, finely chopped

1 ts. sea salt

1/2 ts. garlic powder

1/8 ts. dried OR fresh dill weed

1/8 - 1/4 ts. dried rosemary, lightly crushed

~ Mix together all ingredients; refrigerate for at least 2 hours, if you prefer it served cold.

~ Slice open large cressants & load w/chicken salad!

~ Serves 4.

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#81~ 6/15/10


For Today...

Outside my window...grey wanting-to-rain skies, puddles from the over-night storms.

I am thinking...that I am not sad that the embarrassing giant statue of Jesus ~ known around the area as Touch Down Jesus ~ was torched by lightening & burned down last night. I feel badly for the people at that church, but I thought it was a monstrosity & was embarrassed, as a Christian, everytime we passed it on I-75, south of Dayton. All I could ever think of when I saw it was how much $$ was wasted. It was huge, it was ugly, it was embarrassing.

I am thankful for...after 1-1/2 yrs of trying to fit in at the church we've been attending, we've spent the last 2 weeks at the church of on 'old' pastor/friend of ours (they had gone to a church in Illinois for 2 yrs & came back to Ohio 2-1/2 yrs ago). We feel that we are home again. What a blessing!!

From the kitchen...I'm here by myself for lunch & I'm thinking...ummm...something w/eggs. I have a taste for eggs today.

I am wearing...jeans, butter yellow shirt.

I am remembering…that we & our friends we JUST talking about Touch Down Jesus at lunch on Sunday. Freaky coincidence.

I am going…to work later today. The Tuesday late nighters! :-)

I am reading...Bible: the Minor Prophets; just finished Habakkuk & will read Zephaniah tonight. Other than that, I'm trying to finish a monsterous workbook for work this week so I can get a bonus!!!

I am hoping...I finish that workbook today or tomorrow!

On my mind…up-coming property taxes. Argh! And what terrors tonight's POTUS speech will bring. :-/

I am creating...a Christ-centered home.

I am hearing...the radio.
Noticing that…the Joy of the Lord is different & far more strengthening that 'happiness.'

Pondering these words…From Sunday's sermon: "Even though other religions SEEM to be growing, Christianity IS growing in the least expected places. 1,400 churches begin every week, worldwide!! 70,000 new believers, WORLDWIDE, EVERY DAY! Just b/c we don't see it, doesn't mean God isn't working!!" ~~AMEN!!

Around the house...laundry, tidying up the house, workbook.

One of my favorite things...reading a Bible passage that I've read 100x & finding something new & up-lifting that I never saw before!

A Scripture thought...Matt. 13:9 ~ "He who has ears, let him hear."

A few plans for the rest of the week...Doing a few homeschool assessments, work, praise team practice at our new church (ALREADY!! PTL!!), worship w/the saints on Sunday!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
PLEASE don't be offended, but this is my favorite photo of the embarrassingly monsterous 'Touch Down Jesus' in front of a very ostentatious church along I-75 between Dayton & Cinci. It was struck by lightening last night & burned to the ground. BEFORE...(O-H-I-O!)...
AFTER...last night, after being struck by lightening...

Blessings from Ohio, Kim<><

Monday, June 14, 2010

Congressman Assaults Student on Washington Sidewalk


I'm not a lawsuit-happy person, but this guy needs to be brought up on charges & be expelled as NC's rep in the U.S. Congress. Disgraceful & thoroughly unprovoked!

Breitbart.tv » Congressman Assaults Student on Washington Sidewalk

K<><

Friday, June 11, 2010

Cucumbers, Anyone?


1) Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2) Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3) Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4)Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5) Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6) Want to avoid a terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7) Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8) Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9) Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10) Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11) Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemicials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12) Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13) Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><


Friday, June 4, 2010

Trail Blazers & Mentors

{Originally written in 2007}

I Cor. 1:1&2 – “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you.”

Have you ever stopped to take the time to thank the person(s) who first educated you on the subject of homeschooling?

Where would we (and our families) be without them and the concern they showed us by taking the time to explain this godly plan of education?

Think of all the things you would have missed in your children’s lives. Wasn’t it wonderful to watch that light come on in their eyes when they finally realized that the numeral 3 represented three things? Wasn’t it exciting when she was so inspired by a book she had just read to sit down and write a story of fiction herself?...And it was good! Wasn’t it incredible when he found that cicada shell on the tree, got out his magnifying glass and really got excited about pointing our that he knew where the head, thorax and abdomen were without being asked? Wasn’t it thrilling when your family went to the beach for the first time (remember, I’m from Ohio!) and your kids couldn’t collect enough seashells because they finally, fully realized that God made each and every one of them and that there were no two alike? Oh, the things we would have missed if not for these faithful friends who told us that our kids could stay home for school!

Think of the relationship you have with each child that you would not have if they had spent 6-8 hours a day, over 24,000+ hours, away from you each day during their school career. Aren’t you grateful that you could instill your values and the teachings of Scripture to them instead of “de-programming” them every night? Or that they are not caught “between the rock and the hard place” of having to “divide allegiances”? By that I mean that they don’t have to be seduced by the pressure of believing that “cool” socialist Humanities teacher or that smug, self-assured atheistic Biology teacher vs. Dad, Mom and the Bible. Think of the heartache, and possible harassment, they have been spared so that they can be nurtured in the Truth of the Gospel and taught to defend their faith in the proper time. (I can find no place in Scripture where God sent a child out to evangelize.) By the time they complete their home education, by God’s grace, they will be mature and secure enough in their faith that they can defend themselves against the “cool” socialist and the smug, self-assured atheist. I must be frank and tell you that I know very few Christian kids in public schools who are secure enough in their faith that they can properly defend it. Thanks to God’s faithfulness and those dear friends who told us about homeschooling, you and I have had the opportunity to instruct our children “in the way they should go.” (Prov. 22:6 & Deut. 6:4-9)

Titus 2:7 says, “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about you.” Now it’s our turn. If you have a year or more of homeschooling under your belt, then welcome to The Example Club! Just as those who blazed the trails ahead of us, just as those who lovingly mentored us, just as those who set that godly example for us to follow…let us not miss the chance to encourage a nervous mom full of questions, hopes and dreams. Don’t be afraid to be used by God!...If God used Balaam’s donkey, I KNOW He can use me…and you, too! Someone is watching and wants what you have, just as you watched someone else at one time.

Thank the dear ones who God used to get you on the road to homeschooling and don’t be afraid for Him to use you in the same way.

Blessings from Ohio...Kim Wolf<><

P.S. Thanks Sono and Gregg!!
1983 ~ Ty & I w/Josh Harris...WAY before he "Kissed Dating Good-Bye"!
2002 ~ Ty, me, Gregg & Sono at a "family" reunion at Sono's mom, Lily's, home.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

PLEASE PRAY...

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DEAR FRIEND!

{Sono is the beautiful lady w/the happy smile, middle/top row.}

http://www.joshharris.com/2010/05/prayer_for_sono_harris.php

In case you don’t know, Gregg & Sono Harris (parents of Josh Harris [I Kissed Dating Good-bye]) are MAJOR pioneers in re-introducing homeschooling to America. They are originally from my hometown of Dayton, Ohio & were major influences in my acceptance of Christ as my Savior in May of 1982; Gregg was my 1st pastor at Grace Fellowship Church, Sono patiently discipled me as a new Christian & told me all about homeschooling as I watched her teach then 7yr old Josh, they introduced me to my wonderful husband & they led a young adult’s group at Wright State Unitversity called The Event & opened their home to all of us crazy young adults & allowed us to make some of the very best friends we’ve ever known. So, as you can see, they are very, VERY special to our family & so many others.

Please pray for the whole family & that the Lord’s glorious will be done. Thank you, SO very much!
Blessings from Ohio...Kim<><

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#80~ 6/1/10


For Today...

Outside my window...clouds trying to take over the sunshine.

I am thinking...of my sweet Daddy. I can't believe that he will be gone 11 years on the 3rd. I miss him everyday.

I am thankful for...the wonderful weekend we had. Full of friends who have known us & loved us for years. Sunday: Great church service & worship w/wonderful friends that we've had for years. Monday: Dear friends, family, BBQ, picnic-style food, DVDs, laughs galore!

From the kitchen...left-overs from all the BBQ & picnic food! :-)

I am wearing...bibb-overall shorts, tan shirt & a shawl over my shoulders. DH loves a cool (COLD!) house.

I am remembering…My sweet Daddy. Can't help it, it comes w/this time of year.

I am going…to go to work later this afternoon.

I am reading...Bible: daily Proverb & while reading the Minor Prophets I'm now in Amos.

I am hoping...that we will be making a wise family decision...

On my mind…the family decision we must make. In some ways it's hard (b/c it involves a 'leaving process') & in others it's a no-brainer.

I am creating...a peaceful, Christ-centered home.

I am hearing...the radio, road work outside the house.

Noticing that…God is good to us ALL the time. He never changes even though our circumstances do.

Pondering these words…"We live in the ocean of God's generosity & IT IS worth celebrating!" ~~From Sunday's sermon.

Around the house...the laundry is calling to me! General clean up, re-arranging my antique/reproduction tin collection.

One of my favorite things...old hardwood floors.

A Scripture thought...Joel 2:25(a) ~ "I [God] will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten..."

A few plans for the rest of the week...family time & work.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

In honor of Memorial Day...military photos of my Gr-pa (left/Army/WWI) & my Daddy (right/Navy/WWII) along w/my Gr-pa's flag w/my Daddy's dogtags draped over it.

Enjoy other Daybooks at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><