Welcome to Marmee's Pantry

Welcome to Marmee's Pantry

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#144~ 11/29/11


For Today . . .

Outside my window . . .
rain, rain & more rain . . . oh . . . & gray skies.

I am thinking . . .
some home improvements/repairs going on today. I'm trying not to be nervous while all the hammering & banging is going on. (chewing finger nails)

I am thankful for . . . FINALLY being able to do these home improvements. Praise the LORD! And for being able to listen to our dear friend preach his 1st sermon last Sunday.

From the kitchen . . .
bread baking day. Hoping it will rise alright ~ bread tends not to rise as well on raining days.

I am wearing . . .
jeans, brown & pink sweater/shirt, socks.

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

I am going . . .
to take DD#2 to work, pick up the ceramic tiles for the bathroom, work on a devotion, do laundry, go to work.

I am wondering . . .
how long will Maggie keep barking at the repair man?

I am reading . . . The Story & The Heart of the Story for church & Sunday school; & just started Being George Washington by Glenn Beck. It is AWESOME! I wish I would have had this when we were still homeschooling the high school years.

I am hoping . . .
that my brother will accept Jesus as his Savior, SOON.

I am looking forward to . . .
THE Man's up-coming 50th birthday!

I am hearing . . . the radio, the repair man doing his work; Maggie is in her cage & has now settled down to an occasional "yip" instead of incessant barking. :-/

Around the house . . .
trying to stay out of the repair man's way, unending laundry, general pick-up around the house.

One of my favorite things . . .
the satisfaction of a completed task well done.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, painting, putting up CHRISTmas decorations, practice for the CHRISTmas in the Village community event that our friend "P", THE Man & I are singing in on Dec. 4th.

Pondering these words . . .
"Wisdom is 1) the application of knowledge & 2) seeing things from God's point of view & applying it." ~from Sunday's sermon.

Scripture thought . . . ". . . live a life worthy of the LORD & . . . please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened w/all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance & patience, & joyfully giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness & brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." ~Colossians 1:10-14 [emphasis mine]

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

{Any day w/new shoes is a good day!}

Read 100's of other Daybooks at the Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Monday, November 28, 2011

Thanksgiving 2011

Just a quick glimpse of our little family Thanksgiving. With my mom having passed in September & my brother having Thanksgiving with his daughter's family, it was "just us" this year. And you know what? It was wonderful. Fun, lots of laughter, lots of good food, a little football, a little yawning after all that turkey ~ it was a great day with our family & our soon-to-be son-in-law . . .

Here's a shot of our table. I didn't use my china this year, but instead I used an old set of dishes that were my family's when I was growing up. My parents gave it to me when they got a new set of "everyday" dishes, years ago, because I always liked them so much. They are yellow print, so I thought it went well with the fall table cloth.

Here's THE Man (& Maggie) waiting for DD#1 & her fiance' to arrive.

A little after meal chatter.

THE Man . . . The heart of our home. (In front of our "Wall of Fame.")

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Marmee-isms ~#15~ False Friends


"I was very unwise to let you go among people of whom I know so little, --kind, I dare say, but worldly, ill-bred, & full of these vulgar ideas about young people. I am more sorry than I can express for the mischief this visit may have done you, Meg . . ."

". . . But it is nice to be praised & admired, & I can't help saying I like it," said Meg, looking half ashamed of the confession.

"This is perfectly natural, & quite harmless, if the liking does not become a passion, & lead one to do foolish or unmaidenly things. Learn to know & value the praise which is worth having, & to excite the admiration of excellent people by being modest as well as pretty."

Little Women ~ Ch. IX

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#47~ Thanksgiving

PASSAGE: "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters . . . He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." ~II Sam. 22:17, 20

"But to you who revere My Name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing on its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall." ~Malachi 4:2


LESSON LEARNED: There are times that I almost (almost) feel sorry to those who have grown up in a Christian family. Not that I wish ill on anyone or rejoice in a life of sin, but I can't help but think that it may be just a little harder for them to understand real repentance from a life digging their own way to hell and a life that has done a complete 180 degree turn around. I may be wrong . . . but it's an observation. There may even be a hint of jealousy on my part ~ once a group of friends and I were sharing our testimonies, one friend said, "I was basically a good kid, accepted Jesus & got better." To which I replied, "I wish I had your testimony."

I often tell people that I have lived two utterly and completely different lives in my one lifetime. I am truly a sinner saved by grace and when I gave my life to Jesus & felt just like that little calf who was set free and went out leaping with joy . . . and I am thankful.

And in this season of thankfulness, I appreciate the heritage of our great country and the humble, God-ordained beginnings and I celebrate right along with the rest of the country. But I am also most thankful for the Lord's saving grace. I'm thankful that He truly "reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters." That "He rescued me because He delighted in me." He delights in you and me . . . who were in our own way: "the worst of all sinners" (I Tim. 1:15-17).

Oh the joy! Oh the wonder! Oh the Thanksgiving!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A Selfish Request...


Picket Fence Blogs has recalibrated their website & has started their vote counting all over. I would be humbled & blessed if you would click on the Icon in the left-hand column & cast a vote for Marmee's Pantry. If you feel so inclined, you may vote once everyday.

Thank you SO very, very much!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#143~ 11/22/11


For Today . . .

Outside my window . . .
it's a gray, rainy day w/bare trees & puddles.

I am thinking . . .
that as much as I enjoy my job, I wish I didn't have to go in today. Much to do.

I am thankful for . . .
our warm, cozy old house. Being able to make some repairs.

From the kitchen . . . bread baking day. I hope it rises alright w/the rain ~ bread doesn't rise well on rainy days. It's also a great day for some chili. :-)

I am wearing . . .
gray yoga pants (just comfort ~ no yoga!) & my old, comfy golden-yellow Lakeside hoodie.

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

I am going . . . to take DD#2 to work, putter around the house, read some favorite blogs while my chili simmers, go to work.

I am wondering . . .
what wonderful window the Lord will open since He just closed a door?

I am reading . . .
The Story & The Heart of the Story for church & Sunday school.

I am hoping . . . Thanksgiving will go well. New family dynamics now that my mom has passed.

I am looking forward to . . .
seeing a dear friend from high school today! It's been over 30 yrs since I've seen her ~ think she'll recognize me?!

I am hearing . . .
the radio, typing fingers, the dryer, DD#2 puttering around getting ready for work.

Around the house . . . baking, endless laundry, preparing for some work to be done in the downstairs bathroom, preparing for Thanksgiving.

One of my favorite things . . .
getting the FIRST COPY of the NEW magazine: Christian Women's Voice!!! I am thrilled, humbled & honored to be a part of such a wonderful magazine. My column is "Living the Frugal Life." Cute, huh?

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, Thanksgiving; practicing for "Christmas in the Village" that THE Man, one of our best friends & I are singing 3 songs in.

Pondering these words . . .
"Scripture NEVER gives us permission to maintain the status quo; we are called ADVANCE the Gospel, not become passive." ~from Sunday's sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." ~I Samuel 16:7

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

Read 100's of other Daybook's at Peggy's Simple Women's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Monday, November 21, 2011

Marmee-isms ~#14~ Watch & Pray


"It's my dreadful temper! I try to cure it; I think I have, & then it breaks out worse than ever. O Marmee, what shall I do? What shall I do?" cried Jo, in despair.

"Watch & pray, dear; never get tired of trying; & never think it is impossible to conquer your fault," said Mrs. March, drawing the blowzy head to her shoulder, & kissing the wet cheek so tenderly that Jo cried harder than ever.

"You don't know, you can't guess how bad it is! It seems as if I could do anything when I'm in a passion; I get so savage, I could hurt any one, & enjoy it. I'm afraid I shall do something dreadful some day, & spoil my life, & make everybody hate me. O Marmee, help me, do help me!"

"I will, my child, I will. Don't cry so bitterly, but remember this day, & resolve, with all y our soul, that you will never know another like it. Jo, dear, we all have our temptations, some far greater than yours, & it often takes us all our lives to conquer them. You think your temper is the worst int he world; but mine used to be just like it."


"Yours, Marmee? Why, you are never angry!" and, for the moment Jo forgot remorse in surprise.


"I've been trying to cure it for 40 years, & have only succeeded in controlling it. I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo; but I have learned not to show it; & I still hope to learn not to feel it, thought it may take another 40 years to do so."


The patience & the humility of the face she loved so well was a better lesson to Jo than the wisest lecture, the sharpest reproof. She felt comforted at once by the sympathy & confidence given her; the knowledge that her own mother had a fault like hers, & tried to mend it, made her own easier to bear & strengthened her resolution to cure it; though 40 years seemed rather a long time to watch & pray, to a girl of 15.


Little Women ~ Ch. 8


Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Thursday, November 17, 2011

You Pick . . .

OK ~ so, I had my hair trimmed today. Ahhh ~ humanness! And I thought I'd change my profile photo . . . then I thought I'd ask YOU to choose. :-)

Sooo . . . which do you like best? {Eh~hemm ~ ignore the silver, of course '-P }

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

This should be fun. Thanks for participating.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

***********************

UP-DATE ~ RESULTS between Bloggers & Facebook, in order from most popular to least ~

#3
#1
#4
#5 & #2
tied
#6

Thanks, everyone, for playing along with me, this was fun. And I think I may take the advice a friend mentioned on Facebook ~ I may change them around from time-to-time.

Blessings . . .

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#46~ Saved for Something Special

PASSAGE: "The LORD Who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand this Philistine . . . and the whole world will know that there is a God . . . All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's . . . " ~I Samuel 17:37,46-47

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things ~ and the things that are not ~ to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him."
~I Cor. 1:28-29

LESSON LEARNED: YOU are NOT an accident! The Lord created you with much love and intent. Now, you may already have an idea what His purpose for your life is or your life may be such a series of ups and downs and round and rounds and you have no idea WHAT His purpose could possibly be for anything that has come your way.

I have wondered that many times, myself. I am a surviving twin and have often asked, "why me?" Why was I
blessed to have had to opportunity to walk this earth, to experience defeat and triumph, deep sorrow and incredible happiness? Why was she blessed to have gone almost immediately into the Presence of the Lord?

Well, as we look at the family tree of Jesus (
Matt. 1:2-16), God's plan may not have anything to do with us, but might have everything to do with our children or some future descendant as they fulfill some glorious plan. What a thought! You? Yes. Me? Wow, could it be?! Could it be that everything we have gone through ~ every struggle with the "lions and bears" in our own lives has groomed us into the people God desires us to be as He uses us for His kingdom?

YES!
The battle is His & HE trains us and equips us with the "armor" we will need to do His work right where He has put us so that . . .

". . . the whole world will know that there is a God . . . "

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#142~ 11/15/11

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . .
gray, windy & drizzly w/the temps in the high 50's. I feel like I'm experiencing November in the Carolina's instead of Ohio.

I am thinking . . .
that I wish I knew what the Lord is up to.

I am thankful for . . .
my childhood & the parents that the Lord blessed me with. I hope our girls feel ~ & will feel ~ the same way about us.

From the kitchen . . .
Tuesday: bread baking day. And I'm thinking: homemade chili or taco soup!

I am wearing . . . jeans, purple long-sleeved shirt w/a fuchsia, green & blue scarf a co-worker-friend gave me.

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

I am going . . .
to go to work later today.

I am wondering . . .
how the Lord is going to answer a big prayer that is a dream of mine.

I am reading . . .
The Story & The Heart of the Story for church & Sunday School.

I am hoping . . .
& trusting in a wonderful miracle!

I am looking forward to . . . finally getting my kitchen cupboards painted.

I am hearing . . .
radio, typing fingers, Maggie's dog tags jingling.

Around the house . . .
general chores, laundry, scrubbing the cupboards ahead of painting them.

One of my favorite things . . .
good health. For our family, our friends & our little dog. We thought we might lose Maggie Friday night, but we took her to an emergency vet, got meds & now she's running around like a puppy. The Lord is SO good!

A few plans for this week . . . family time, work, a writing project, worship practice, church; practice for a community Christmas program they our dear friend, THE man & I are singing in on Dec. 4th. Busy.

Pondering these words . . .
“The longings of your heart are not incidental, they are critical messages. The desires of your heart are not to be ignored, they are to be consulted. As the wind turns the weather vane, so God uses your passions to turn your life. God is too gracious to ask you to do something you hate.” -Max Lucado/Just like Jesus

Scripture thought . . . "But the LORD said to Samuel, '. . . The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'" ~I Samuel 16:7

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

Major prayer request :-)

Read 100's of other Daybooks at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Monday, November 14, 2011

Speak the Truth . . . Time is Short


"Moses said to the LORD, 'O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant. I am slow of speech & tongue.' The LORD said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who gave him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak & will teach you what to say.'" ~Exodus 4:10-12

"I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." ~Romans 1:16

"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand firm at all." ~Isaiah 7:9


"Preach the Word; be prepared in season & out of season; correct, rebuke & encourage ~ with great patience & careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. In stead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn away from the truth & turn aside to myths . . . But the Lord stood at my side & gave me strength." ~II Timothy 4:2-5, 17

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing; but to us who are being saved it is the power of God . . . Brothers [& sisters], think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world & the despised things ~ the things that are not ~ to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him." ~I Corinthians 1:18, 26-29

"One man with God is always in the majority." ~John Knox

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Friday, November 11, 2011

Simple Homemade Sore Throat Remedy

How often have you found out that "simple is best"? Well, here's another great example . . .

As cold, sinusitis & flu season descends upon us, I have found a truly amazing, blessedly simple sore throat remedy with ingredients that are probably already in your cupboard. Only 2 items: honey & tumeric.

{Photo credit ~ Casey Reed}
Always buy local honey whenever possible. Honey is not only the preferred sweetener of many, but it is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial. (**Got a terrible cystic blemish? Before you go to bed put a drop of honey on it, cover with a band-aid & wake up in the morning with NO pimple!!!)

Tumeric is also antisecptic, anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial. Many take it for their liver, arthritis, as a paste or in a salve for healing wounds & even for up-set stomachs.

But for a sore throat there are 2 ways you can take it:
1) 1 ts honey completely covered with a thick dusting of tumeric. Swallow all at once.
2) 1 ts honey & 1/4 ts tumeric mixed into a sort of paste. Lick the spoon slowly so that it can coat the throat.
~Repeat as often as you need, day or night.

Which ever way you use this, it is a wonderfully powerful throat soother, healer & actually heals & builds immunities.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Thank You, Dear Veterans!



My grandpa's flag & photo ~ Army WWI
My daddy's dog tags & photo ~ Navy WWII

Thursday, November 10, 2011

NEW Magazine ~ Christian Woman's Voice


I wanted to share a new blessing that has come my way. One that will also bless your heart ~

I have been hired to write a column, in keeping with what I write about here at Marmee's Pantry, for a NEW magazine called Christian Woman's Voice. I am SO excited!

The publisher is NOW taking subscriptions for on-line OR hard copy. You will LOVE this new magazine. The publisher prayed over her leading of the Lord to start this magazine & who to bring on-board to contribute ~ & I am blessed & honored to be a part of it.

I hope you will look into this ground-floor opportunity to subscribe because I KNOW you will be blessed by it's content.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#45~ 'Nuff Said

PASSAGE: "The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power . . . and you will be changed into a different person." ~I Samuel 10:6

"'Do not be afraid,' Samuel replied. 'You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. For the sake of His great name the LORD will not reject His people, because the LORD was pleased to make you His own . . . But be sure to fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.'" ~I Samuel 12:20-22, 24 [all emphasis mine]

LESSON LEARNED: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect." ~I Cor. 15:10

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Birth of a New CHRISTmas Tradition!

Got this in an e-mail & thought it was such a great idea, I HAD to share it with all of you! K~

As the holidays approach, the giant foreign factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in foreign produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin$ on a foreign made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this about big National chains -- this is about supporting your isn'thome town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater? Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand foreign-made lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, this holiday season is no longer about draining
American pockets so that foreign countries can build another glittering city. This holiday season is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American tradition.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Monday, November 7, 2011

Marmee-isms ~#13~ Progress


Mrs. March [Marmee] broke the silence that followed Jo's words, by saying in her cheery voice, "Do you remember how you used to play Pilgrim's Progress when you were little things? Nothing delighted you more than to have me tie my piece-bags on your backs for burdens, give you hats & sticks & rolls of paper, & let you travel through the house from the cellar, which was the City of Destruction, up, up, to the house-top, where you had all the lovely things you could collect to make a Celestial City."

"What fun it was, especially by the lions, fighting Apollyon, & passing through the Valley where the hobgoblins were!" said Jo.

"I liked the place where the bundles fell off & tumbled downstairs," said Meg.

"My favorite part was when we came out on the flat roof where our flowers & arbors & pretty things were, & all stood & sand for joy up there in the sunshine," said Beth, smiling, as if that pleasant moment had come back to her" . . .

. . . "If I wasn't too old for such things, I'd rather like to play it over again," said Amy, who began to talk of renouncing childish things at the mature age of twelve.


"We never are too old for this, my dear," said Marmee, "because it is a play we are playing all the time in one way or another. Our burdens are here, our road is before us, & the longing for goodness & happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles & mistakes to the peace which is the true Celestial City. Now, my little pilgrims, suppose you begin again, not in play, but in earnest, & see how far on your can get before father comes home."

Little Women ~ Ch. 1


Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Friday, November 4, 2011

Homemade Bubble Bath


Google Photo

A Facebook friend of mine asked me if I had any recipes for bubble bath & I realized that I hadn't posted any. So . . . in honor of my friend's request . . . AND . . . since we JUST had a new bathtub/shower installed yesterday . . . here's a bubble bath recipe for you ~

You will need:


~1/2 c. UNscented liquid Castile soap
~3/4 c. water
~1/2 ts. sea salt

~15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil . . . EX:
**Lavender for relaxing & taking away tension, stress & headaches
**Eucalypus for colds & opening sinuses
**Chamomile for softening skin & relaxing
**Rosemary for sinuses, brain stress, headaches
{Here's a little secret just between you & me . . . simply adding several drops of your favorite essential oil in a bottle of UNscented liquid Castile soap is great all by itself!}

Google Photo

Directions:

1) Pour soap into a medium-sized bowl & SLOWLY add water so it won't bubble over; stir GENTLY until mixed.
2) Add sea salt & stir until it thickens into a light gel.
3) Add essential oil of choice & stir until well blended.
4) Pour into a pretty bottle w/a good cap OR into a wide-mouthed jar w/a gasket lid.
5) This can also be used as a body wash.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Outdoor Herbs Wintering on My Window Sill


The other day, before our 1st big frost, I re-potted my oregano & rosemary & brought them in for the winter. They are now in their winter home upon my window sill. I will replant them in my herb garden in the summer.

That same day, I made some cuttings of sage, dill & rosemary & hung them up to dry. They will soon be crumbled & put into re-purposed glass seasoning jars. There's nothing like fresh ~ or from your own pot or garden ~ herbs in your food (sage for stuffing) or for your soaps & skin care.

Here's a little bit of information that you may or may not have known about oregano & rosemary . . .

~Oregano~


Even though most of us enjoy oregano in our Italian & Greek recipes, it's also known to be soothing & calming. It makes a wonderful tea for insomnia or nervousness & even to reduce muscle spasms.

~Rosemary~

Not just for chicken anymore! Rosemary actually stimulates your brain; whether simply breathing in it's wonderful aroma ~ I like to run my fingers over a strand of rosemary & smell that delicious fragrance ~ or using it in cooking, a tea or making your own capsule from some dried & crunched rosemary. Taking rosemary internally helps w/your liver & digestion. It helps w/all sorts of brain activity: nervousness, intake of oxygen, memory.

The more I learn about herbs, the more I want to know.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#44~ In the Shadow of His Wings


PASSAGE: "He [God] will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; . . . 'Because he loves Me,' says the LORD, 'I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name.'" ~Psalm 91:4 & 14

"'I am your servant Ruth,' she said. 'Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.'" ~Ruth 3:9


LESSON LEARNED: Poor Naomi. Her husband had taken her and her family to a pagan land and had died while they lived there. Not only that, but now her sons had died and left her in that foreign land, hostile to Israel, with only two foreign daughters-in-law. But they loved Naomi as their own mother. Ruth loved Naomi so much that she couldn't bare to leave her, even if it meant that she, this time, were to live in a strange land with only One God.

Who
would love them there? Who would take care of them since all of their men-folk were gone? Three women alone would be in real danger.


As
it turned out they were under the loving wing of God. The very best place to be. They didn't know it, but God had very special plans for them; Ruth, in particular. Ruth is in the very blood-line of our Lord, Himself.


Sometimes, even a place very familiar to us can seem very unfamiliar, especially when we are under stress and facing hard times. In those times it is so good to remember that we are not alone. The Lord of all is with us to shelter and guide. Just as Boaz covered Ruth, protected her and then took her as his own, so the Lord does with us. God shelters us under His wings. How precious is the thought!

One
other thing that the story of Ruth tells me is that even though the Lord blesses us with His love and protection, He sees the whole, broad spectrum of His plan . . . while protecting
us, His is also protecting our descendants. If the Lord tarries, someone in our future generations might just be another Moses, a missionary, a pastor, a godly world leader . . . a Sunday school teacher who touches precious lives by teaching of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, our Kinsman-Redeemer.

God
has mighty big wings. Let Him cover you as you walk your walk of faith.


Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
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