Welcome to Marmee's Pantry

Welcome to Marmee's Pantry

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Flax Seed ~ So Much Good from Such a Little Seed

I have used flax seed, in one way or another, for at least 6 years. Originally, while doing some research for natural health care for peri-menopause symptoms, I started to see flax seed, flax seed meal & flax seed oil come up again and again; most especially as it related to women's health.

So, the first way we used it is that THE Man & I started taking a Tablespoon per day of the oil. Some like it, some don't; I usually tell customers (I work at a health food market) who have never tasted it before that it tastes like a greasy nut. :-) lol. And if you don't like the taste or the texture of oil in your mouth, you can always put it in your smoothie, in your salad or cottage cheese, mix it in your hot cereal, etc. Just take it!


After THE Man and I started taking it, I wanted our, then, teen daughters to benefit from it ~ they DID NOT like the oily feeling of taking a Tablespoon of the oil! So, in looking for other ways for them to take it, THAT is when I started putting 1/4c of the flax seed meal in my family bread. By putting it in my homemade bread, not only did they like the sweeter, nuttier taste better than my original bread, but now they are getting the benefits of the flax. Problem solved. :-)

Flax seed, in various forms, can be used in several different ways for several different issues. **PLEASE NOTE** that in order to get the benefits of flax when you use it, you must take it either as a meal (ground-up flax seeds) or in the oil. Simply eating flax seeds does your body no good and wastes your money ~ they pass right through you. (FYI ~ For the rest of this post, when I refer to flax seeds or flax oil, I am ALSO including the use of flax seed meal ~ unless specifically mentioned; I simply don't want to write it out every time.)

Flax seeds are mostly known for their extremely high levels of Omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids (EFAs). In the oil form, you will get about 3x more Omega's/EFAs than in fish oil, plus you won't burp it up or taste the fishy taste. I often recommend it to vegetarians/vegans or people who are new at taking EFAs, because I trust it from personal experience.

Another great thing about flax seed oil is that it contains high amount of lignans. Lignans are cancer fighters and are increasingly known to have positive effect on breast, colon, prostate and skin cancers. AND . . . can slow down the aging process. Woohoo! 


Flax is simply amazing in the health benefits it provides 

~taking it regularly can inhibit artery inflammation and reduce plaque, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing the risk are heart disease. This same anti-inflammatory process can reduce symptoms of gout, lupis and reduce fibrous cysts in the breast by boosting the body's ability to absorb iodine. 

~being a fibrous seed AND anti-inflammatory, flax can help greatly with your elimination process. It helps with constipation and can relieve diverticulitis symptoms by keeping the "pouches" free of excess waste. And get this ~ it can actually help heal some of the damage in the intestinal tract. When your bowls work more smoothly, the whole process is less painful and stressful upon your body.

~a great benefit that I remember noticing in just a few short days was the difference in my skin. Because of the EFAs, my skin became better hydrated and smooth, plus it is also one of the things that I think helped rid me of my deep cystic acne (along with my homemade face wash and skin tonic). My hair has a rich shine to it, even as I age, and my nails are healthier and do not split and peal as they used to. You may also notice a difference in the severity of your eczema and dry eye symptoms, as well.

~as mentioned before, I started researching the benefits of flax on peri-menopausal/menopausal symptoms; it became a major part of my peri-menopausal/menopausal regime (1 TB flax seed oil, progesterone cream and 1,300 mg of Evening Primrose Oil, daily). I believe that this helped greatly reduce and control my hot flashes, mood swings and hormone levels during and after that transition. One the 1-year "anniversary" of my last mense, I asked THE Man if he realized that I had gone through menopause for the last year. He was stunned. He had no idea ~ I'm guessing he was waiting for me to mood swing right off the deep end and pull his hair out during the change! lol. I credit my little regime for my health and relatively easy transition. Also to be noted ~ flax helps greatly with menstrual cramps, heavy flow and in fighting endrometriosis. 

~and not to leave out our men-folk ~ the fiber and EFAs in flax can also help reduce inflammation of the prostate gland and even some infertility symptoms by keeping the sperm healthy and increasing blood flow.


So much good from such a little seed. God is SO GOOD in His provision for His children.

{ Not meant as medical advice. Please see disclaimer at bottom of this page.}

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#91~ Who are You Gonna Believe, Me or Your Own Eyes?

"You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out His requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evil-doers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.'

"Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored His name.

"'They will be Mine,' says the LORD Almighty, 'in the day when I make up My treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.'" ~Malachi 3:14-18

"But it was your own eyes that saw all these great things the LORD has done." ~Deut. 11:7


We are living in a crazy, crazy time. It can be unnerving and, at times, distressing but it's nothing that the Lord didn't say would happen. He told us that scoffers would come and taunt us with disbelief. "First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, 'Where is this "coming" He promised? . . . '" ~2 Peter 3:3-4

But we have seen the work of the Lord in our own lives. We have seen Him supply our needs when we thought all hope was lost, we have seen Him answer our prayers for a sick loved one, we have seen Him bless our feeble attempts to witness to our neighbor and lead them in the sinner's prayer. And most of all, we have seen how He has changed our own lives and led us off the road to destruction and onto the road of salvation and grace. We have seen His works with our own eyes

So when the day is hard, the news is depressing, unbelievers are taunting . . . when the devil wants you to believe that all those things you have witnessed where simply your imagination and that you are putting your faith in a fairy tale ~ "Who are you gonna believe, me or your own eyes?" ~ don't pay any attention to that man behind the curtain, turn away from his lies and bring out your own scroll of remembrance and defeat those lies with the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony. (Rev. 12:11)

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><  

Monday, June 24, 2013

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#195~ 6/24/13



For Today . . . 

Outside my window . . . Sunshine trying to stay out as the clouds move in; the temps will get into the high 80's with high humidity, today.

I am thinking . . . of what a great day we had, yesterday.

I am thankful . . . for the Dr's who are performing surgery, at this very minute, on a sweet 20yr old friend of ours. Thank You, Lord, for the skill & wisdom you have given them. Guide their hands & hearts & make all things turn our well for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

From the kitchen . . . working day-shift today so it's almond butter & grape jelly on homemade bread.

I am wearing . . . jean skirt, olive top, black drapey.

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

I am going . . . to work a long day, today, making people healthy & beautiful.

I am wondering . . . at God's timing.

I am hoping . . . for some answers, this week.

I am looking forward to . . . getting started.

I am learning . . . to not pull my hair out. ;-)

About the house . . . nothing today.

I am pondering . . . some research.

I am reading . . . Romans.

One of my favorite things . . . a great classic movie.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, research, worship practice . . .

A favorite thought for the day . . . "How can what I love to do bring glory to God?"

A Scripture thought . . . "But if I say, 'I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,' His word is in my heart like a fire., a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot." ~Jeremiah 20:9 ~~When God has laid it upon your heart to preach His word or share something He has done, you CANNOT keep it in!


A picture thought for you . . . 


 Ron DiCianni's newest painting ~ Before I Formed You in the Womb
Read 100's of other Daybooks & start one of your own at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Friday, June 21, 2013

Opinion & Tradition vs The Word of Our Tesitmony & the Blood of the Lamb

I may just start a little fire-storm here at Marmee's Pantry O:-) ~~

Generally, this blog is a place of peace, devotion of the Lord, and helping families take better care of themselves and live strong for the Lord. There's a little bit of Conservative politics here and there, but I usually save those topics for my Facebook. 

Having said that ~ and in the attitude of still hoping to draw readers closer to the Lord ~ I saw something this morning on my Facebook. It was posted by the pastor of a local church, The 1st Heavy Metal Church of Christ, which has a fantastic ministry. They reach out to what many in our culture deem as "undesirable." It's a blessed, holy mix of what many would see as the normal and the fringe. They actually meet in a bar ~ that bar is literally TRANSFORMED every Sunday into a sanctuary filled with worship and the preaching of the Word. They are actually at standing-room-only capacity and are looking for another building! PRAISE GOD

We do not attend this church, but the pastor shops in the store I work at and news of the glorious work they are doing for the Kingdom of God is getting around.

Here's where the controversy of what I'm about to share comes in . . . this morning, the pastor posted what I think is a great picture (below) and it sparked the thoughts for my Facebook that I am re-posting below. 

I hope these thoughts make you think and bless your heart . . . . . . . . 
I know some very well meaning Christians have strong opinions about singing hymns only & that Christian contemporary or rock music is "bad." Well, what if contemporary Christian or rock music saved ONE person? And what if that person were ME? B/c THAT is how I was saved ~ GOD used contemporary Christian music to draw me in, win me & then He saved my soul. And I know that I'm not the only one.
To me, these very well meaning, sincere Christians need to take into consideration that if God can use a talking donkey to do His will, he can use WHATEVER HE WANTS to save a donkey of a person, like me. And He did. It's the same argument as those who think that only the KJV is the Word of God ~ well, the original writings are in Greek & Hebrew, are they not God's written Word? What about Christians in other countries who read God's Word translated in their own language? Are they not reading God's Word? I think they would argue with you that they are. When I was assnt manager of a Christian bookstore, we had to read a book that told about how each English version was translated so that we could talk to our customers about them & we found that the NIV & the NASV are the only English versions that are translated directly from the Greek & Hebrew, others are translations of translations or paraphrases. And while we're at it, some people think it's a sin to write in your Bible ~ well, I'm a sinner saved by grace & my Bible is underlined, highlighted & the margins are full of praises & notes. I don't think God minds, I think He rejoices in my love for His Word. You may not agree w/me, but that's OK ~ when we get to Heaven & stand before God's precious throne, the translation of our Bibles, the music we listened to & worshipped Him with, the color of the hymnals or the carpet in our church, the instruments we played or didn't play, whether we wear make-up, jeans or skirts, suits & ties . . . NONE of that will matter ~ OPINION will mean nothing ~ compared to the condition of our heart as we express our love toward our Savior; NONE of that will matter except the word of our testimony & the precious blood of the LAMB!
Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Too Cool For a Category

I have a Pinerest Board called "Too Cool For a Category." Thought I'd share a few of the things I think are too cool with you . . . 
 A cup of tea in a London cafe' with the London skyline reflecting in the tea.
 The farmer's alarm clock on a misty morning.
As manatees can’t survive in water below 60 degrees, they migrate to Kings Bay and the adjacent rivers every winter, which are an average 72 degrees all year round. So from November through March 2012, you can head to Crystal River, which is 70 miles north of Tampa, where it is the epicenter of manatee-watching, and go swim with these giant but affectionate creatures.
 Swimming with manatees.
Laptop case disguised as a book ~ WANT!!! 
The coolest laptop cover EV-ER.
close-up of detail art work around a window...grapes...leaves...roses...stunning...
 Incredible artwork on this building.
love this
 YES!
 might be the sweetest thing I've ever seen
 Brings tears to my eyes.
Literally takes my breath away
 Thank you, dear soldier, for your love and sacrifice.
Whoa
 Swimming with whales. Wow.
Coolest. Doorknob. Ever.
 Now, THAT'S a door knob!
Living by the sea…
The sea in winter.
Joyful calf! My big smile of the day. What a happy fellow ♥
Joy
His wedding band with her fingerprint
Put your finger print on your spouse's wedding ring.
Better Mooooove out of the way, Bessie!
Looks like Bessie had better moooove out of the way!
It's a cake!
This is a CAKE!!!
A place in Ireland where every two years on June 10-18 the stars line up with this place. It’s called heavens trail.
Heaven's Trail ~ a place in Ireland where, every 2 yrs in June, the stars line up "just right."
baby Beatles
Baby Beatles
Albino Lion ~ WOW!
Albino Lion
Dublin, Ireland.
Dublin, Ireland
careful ~ look closely!
Be careful not to get too close to the baby ~ Look closely ~ Do you see Mama?
Scotland ~ WOW!
Scotland

I hope you enjoyed these.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#90~ God's Good Purpose for You

". . . [W]e constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." ~2 Thessalonians 1:11

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." ~2 Corinthians 12:4-7


Did you know that God has a purpose for YOU? Yes, He does! How exciting that THE God of all, Who created everything that is, knows us personally and has a purpose for each and every one of us. 

Astounding. Simply amazing.

What are the desires of your heart? What talents do you have that will benefit your family . . . your neighborhood . . . the Body of Christ . . . "for the common good"? 

The Lord put those talents and gifts into your heart for a reason and it's our job to discover what that is. Max Lucado, his book Just Like Jesus said, "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.” [emphasis mine]

Yes, the Lord coupled the desires of your heart with the talents and skills that He has blessed you with. Now . . . What are you going to do about it?

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><  

Monday, June 17, 2013

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#194~ 6/17/14



For Today . . . 

Outside my window . . . gorgeous, lovely, sun-shiney day! Pleasant temperature, light breeze, just a nip of humidity ~ like being at our friends' cottage on Lake Erie.

I am thinking . . . that I wish I didn't have to work on this gorgeous day; my weedy little yard garden is calling me.

I am thankful . . . for my godly, loving husband, THE Man, who is such a godly, loving daddy. And that I had a precious, loving Daddy. Had a great Father's Day, yesterday.

From the kitchen . . . a loaf of my flax bread is about to come out of the oven. The house smells yummy.

I am wearing . . . jean skirt, olive top, brown drapey.

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

I am going . . . to work a different schedule today.

I am wondering . . . when everything will fall into place for my plans & project.

I am hoping . . . it's SOOOOOON!

I am looking forward to . . . getting started.

I am learning . . . different options.

About the house . . . general pick-up, laundry.

I am pondering . . . dreams of my plans coming true.

I am reading . . . all sorts of websites for my project.

One of my favorite things . . . what great "friends" my daughters are. It's truly a blessing to see.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, planning and seeking, writing project . . .

A favorite quote for the day . . ."Sin is a joy-buster." ~From Sunday's sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." ~1 Thessalonians 5:21

A picture thought for you  . . . 




 These are the photos our girls put up on their respective Facebooks 
for THE Man for Father's Day.
Love AND lots of humor.
Connect with and read 100's of other Daybooks at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Thursday, June 13, 2013

I Have Nothing . . . Except All That is Necessary

The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, 'Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.'

"Elisha replied to her, 'How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?'

"'Your servant has nothing there at all,' she said, 'except a little oil.'"
~2 Kings 4:1-2 [emphasis mine ~ KW<><]


Bad economies effect everyone ~ and even in the best of economies there are people who, for whatever reasons, struggle with providing for their families. 

Saving money and wanting to take care of my family the best that I could on one income is the biggest reason I started cooking for from scratch and making my own house-hold products, skin and health care, and home remedies. Then, when my husband was laid-off and our finances where devastated in '99, my homemade everything . . . was in large part why we still have our home, today (before I went back to working outside the home). (You can read about this and my thoughts on handling hard times HERE.)

One of the things that is so appealing and convenient about making your own house-hold, home-care goodies is that on any given day, you already have the ingredients on-hand to make what you need. Just like the woman who came to Elisha for help . . . 

She was in dyer straights, for sure, but it took Elisha to make her focus on what she already HAD rather than what she DID NOT HAVE. And don't forget that we serve a mighty God Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills! (Psalm 50:10) He ultimately supplies all of our needs and sometimes it takes someone who has once walked in our shoes to help us SEE what we actually have.

So, when Elisha asked her, "what do you have in your house?" all she could think of was "nothing . . . except a little oil." A little oil. To her, that little bit of oil and maybe a pinch of flour was all she had to feed her family with; but . . . Elisha was about to give her a great lesson in how God can make our faith into something tangible.
God caused that little bottle of oil to flow until it filled every jar in her house! "They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full . . . " (2 Kings 4:5[b]-6) Did you get that? "When ALL the jars were full"! We don't know how many jars she had, but it was enough that after she sold some to completely pay off her bills that Elisha told her "You and your sons can live on what is left." (2 Kings 4:7[b]) She already had all that was necessary.


What do you have that is necessary? A few herbs and spices? Then you can make tasty seasonings to change-up a tired old recipe; you can make healing herb tea blends
 
Do you have any baking soda and liquid castile soap? Then you have the makings of the best soft scrub cleaner you've ever used. Do you have aloe vera gel and tea tree oil? Then you will never have to make hand sanitizer again. Do you have liquid castile soap, tea tree oil and a water source? Then you can make the best disinfecting spray cleaner ever. Add several drops of your favorite essential oil (or blend) to distilled water in a little spray bottle and you have just made your new favorite air freshener. Do have coconut oil and arrowroot powder in your cupboard and an empty deodorant stick? Then you have the makings of homemade solid deodorant. Do you have a hand-full of dried chamomile and coconut oil? Then you can make a very simple, soothing, healing chamomile salve for your family's boo-boos and dry skin. 


Just when we start to panic, just when we think, "I have nothing;" that's when we discover that we actually have all that is necessary.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Monday, June 10, 2013

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#193~ 6/10/13



For Today . . . 

Outside my window . . . rain & gray skies.

I am thinking . . . about all I have to do this week.

I am thankful . . . for my awesome DD#2 who stood up for herself against a workplace bully & a manager & owner who wouldn't do anything about it ~ again ~ & she gave her 2-weeks notice. Prayers for a new job appreciated.

From the kitchen . . . almond butter & grape jelly on homemade bread.

I am wearing . . . dark olive capris, dark olive tank top, black drapey.

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

I am going . . . to work a different shift today.

I am wondering . . . when a prayer will be answered & a dream come true.

I am hoping . . . it's SOON.

I am looking forward to . . . getting started on the dream.

I am learning . . . to lead in a different way.

About the house . . . general pick-up, schedule change.

I am pondering . . . plans.

I am reading . . . Country Sampler magazine's new issue.

One of my favorite things . . . helping people learn that they CAN take care of themselves & their families w/home remedies, homemade home care products, homemade skin care products, etc.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, doing some homeschool assessments for local homeschoolers, research . . .

A favorite quote for the day . . ."Jesus Christ redefined greatness as SERVICE" ~from Sunday's sermon, regarding the Scripture below. . .

Scripture thought . . . "Not so with you. Instead whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." ~Mark 10:43-45

A picture thought for you . . . 


Connect with & read 100's of other Daybooks at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Friday, June 7, 2013

Homemade Deep Tissue Oil



According to my stat reader & the Popular Posts (near the bottom of this page), one of my most popular posts has been the Mustard Poultice for Chest Congestion. Below is an oil recipe that will do much the same thing and is a little less messy.

Now, keep in mind that this will take 6 WEEKS to cure. So, be sure to make this in plenty of time so that you will have it on-hand for winter colds and seasonal allergies.

Also keep in mind that this is strong and very effective. Just as some may not be able to tolerate the mustard poultice on their skin very long, some of you may have to dilute this oil with just a bit (a ts or so) of olive oil.


You will need:

~a glass pint canning jar
~1/4 c dried habenero peppers
~1/4 c grated ginger root
~1/2 c calendula flowers
~St. Johns Wort flowers
~Arnica flowers
~olive oil
After 6 weeks you will need:
~1 oz botanical menthol crystals
~4 oz wintergreen essential oil
~2 oz peppermint essential oil
~strainer or cheese cloth
~small food funnel
~glass bottles with good lids, a gasket lid or dropper bottles ~ preferably amber-colored bottles

Directions:

1) In the canning jar, put in the habenero peppers, ginger root, calendula flowers, ST. Johns Wort flowers and Arnica flower
2) Cover with olive oil; at least 6 oz
3) Let set for 6 weeks; giving it a few shakes once per day
After 6 weeks:
1) Strain out herbs
2) Heat the oil until just warm, add the botanical menthol chrystals ~ cover the pot for just a moment in case it fizzes, then . . .
3) add the wintergreen and peppermint essential oils; stir well
4) using a small funnel, pour the oil into your desired glass bottles, make sure they have a good lid. 

This wonderful oil will keep for years. Again, for children or people with sensitive skin, you may want to dilute it with just a little bit of olive oil.

This will be your new "go-to-fix-anything" oil :-)

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
{See disclaimer at bottom of this page}

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Sweet Scottish Scones



I so enjoy exploring my Scottish heritage. Although MUCH time has passed since my Scottish ancestors crossed The Pond, there is an old saying that says: "A Scot is a Scot, even unto an hundred generations."

I'm counting on it. ;-)

Every culture and country has it's own favorite foods ~ one of the most fun ~ & fearsome ~ things to try!

I don't make these as much as I used to, but a real favorite of mine are Sweet Scones.


You will need:

SCONES
~8 c. flour (I use bread flour for a higher, flakier rise)
~a pinch of sea salt; to taste
~1/3 c. sugar
~4 ts baking powder
~1-1/2 sticks of butter
~3 eggs
~1-1/2 c. milk (if you have dairy problems, vanilla-flavored rice milk works well)

GLAZE (if desired):
~1 egg, beaten with a pinch of salt blended in
~Sugar
~Butter, jam, jelly, honey, whipped cream for your desired topping

Directions:

1) In a large bowl, with a whisk, combine flour, salt, sugar and baking powder.
2) Make a "well" in the center and pinch in the butter.
3) Beat the eggs with the milk and pour into the the flour mixture. ~IF you add berries, currants or nuts of any sort, this is where you would fold them in.
4) Mix to form a soft dough and turn out onto a floured bread board; knead light, just until you can shape the dough into a ball.
5) Place dough ball either into a lightly sprayed 10" cast iron skillet OR onto a baking stone; take a knife and "cut" across the dough ball to make 6-8 wedges. 
6) IF you use the glaze, this is the time to brush the tops with the egg mixture & sprinkle with sugar.
7) Bake at 475* for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
8) After you take it out of the oven, break apart at the "cut" and serve with your favorite topping.

There are so many variations of this, feel free to try your own. I have to admit that more often than not, I will skip the glaze and add blueberries to mine. "Yum" only BEGINS to describe it.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#89~ Entertaining Angels?

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." ~Hebrews 13:2


Have you ever struck-up a conversation somewhere ~ in line at the grocery, a visitor at church, a customer at your work-place ~ and thought to yourself: "There was just something different about that person." Maybe it was something in their eyes, something in the calmness of their demeanor, something in their conversation that brought it all back to the Lord

Something

You may have been talking to an angel of the Lord. An angel sent to encourage you or to strengthen your resolve to step out and do right. An angel sent by the Lord just for you

Just for you.

The Lord IS so good to us. He knows what ALL of His children need and when we need it. He sent His angels to attend to Jesus' needs after He was tempted by the devil (Matt. 1:13), an angel was also sent to strengthen Jesus while He was agonizing in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). And He sends His ministering angels to serve all of us who are Christians (Hebrews 1:14).

What a blessing to know that God loves us so much that He sends His children heavenly reminders of His love, encouragement and comfort. 

One day, when we are escorted to heaven (Luke 16:22), maybe all of those encounters will be revealed to us. I'll bet there were more than we ever imagined

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Monday, June 3, 2013

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#192~ 6/3/13

 For Today . . . 

Outside my window . . . cloudy w/the occasional peek of sun. Unseasonably cool ~ high around 70* today.

I am thinking . . . that I can't believe my Daddy passed away 14 years ago, today. At time, it still seems like yesterday; at other times, it seems like forever.

I am thankful . . . that my children knew my parents & were able to enjoy them.

From the kitchen . . . yogurt w/cherries.

I am wearing . . . jeans, black tank top, black drapey, black scarf.

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

I am going . . . to go to work when my family comes home from work. It's a "tag team" kinda day.

I am wondering . . . which doors will open.

I am hoping . . . that I find them soon.

I am looking forward to . . . heaven.

I am learning . . . to move past the closed doors in search for the open ones.

About the house . . . general pick up from a messy weekend, laundry . . .

I am pondering . . . what's next.

I am reading . . . I Peter.

One of my favorite things . . . Oreo's dunked in milk.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, planning & exploring, fact-gathering, researching for some up-coming blog posts . . .

A favorite quote for the day . . . "REALITY CHECK for those who say they don't like church because they have been hurt by someone in the church: on THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN you WILL be hurt by the church! BUT as the priesthood of believers, we are called to step out & help our brothers & sisters 'get right.' The Body of Christ is about redemption, forgiveness & sanctification." ~Notes from Sunday's sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him Who called you out of darkness into His glorious light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy . . . Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." ~1 Peter 2:9-10, 12

A picture thought for you . . . 


 I LOVE this kitchen ~ the sink, the colors, the style ~ 
it calls my name. *sigh*
Connect with, read & start your own Daybook but going to Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
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