Marmee's Pantry ~ For Such a Time as This

Treasure for the Generations

2012-01-27T11:39:00.005-05:00

"For the sake of Your word and according to Your will, You have done this great thing and made it known to your servant." ~II Samuel 7:21

"Your words have supported those who stumbled; You have strengthened faltering knees." ~Job 6:25

"I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word." ~Psalm 119:16

"May Your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in Your Word."
~Psalm 119:41-42

I have kept a habit for the around the last 10 years. Oh, don't worry, it's a GOOD habit! lol

It starts out that I am a note-taker. I keep a little notebook in my purse to write down ideas for articles or blog posts, & for great quotes that come up from time-to-time. I am also one of those people you might see furiously writing down notes in Sunday School or during the Sunday Sermon. I learn more by writing and seeing.

I used to have piles of notes & church bulletins with notes scribbled all over them . . . and because they were in a pile, many eventually got thrown away. So sad.

When my girls were little, the Lord put the idea into my heart that 1) why take all those notes if they weren't going to be saved and re-read? 2) His Word, along with my thoughts on them, may benefit someone ~ my family, in particular. 3) They are all written in my own hand & may be treasured just as much as I treasure hand-written letters from loved ones who have passed.

So, I started getting those blank notebooks that they sell in gift shops & book stores (there are some really beautiful ones, I especially like the ones that already look old & worn) & from there was born the habit of writing out my sermon notes, adding my own thoughts to them & writing out the words to worship songs that touch my heart. With these all being written my own handwriting, I'm hoping that they will become treasured by my daughters & for future generations. I'm hoping that they will help to lead my descendants to the loving arms of Jesus Christ (should He tarry) & also give them a glimpse into my own life, thoughts, prayers, favorite music, my walk with the Lord & how precious God's word is/was to me.

And it will all be in my own handwriting. In a world going high-tech, I'm hoping that this will be appreciated as a treasure from their past.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Homeschooling is NOT the Experiment

2012-01-27T11:22:00.005-05:00

Our dear friend, Gregg Harris, has often observed, arguments against homeschooling by parents are equally valid against home cooking by parents. (But don't tell Michelle O.)

"Parents might not balance meals properly, they might give their kids ... junk food, some might not feed their kids at all. Some might leave "gaps" in their children's dietary experience. Shouldn't we then require all parents to use meal plans prepared and approved by university educated and certified dietitians? And bring their children in at least once a year to be measured and weighed to make sure that they are following the plans properly? And if their children are not within the proper height and weight ranges on the charts, then their right to cook at home would be revoked and the children required to take their meals at state-run and -supervised cafeterias?

"I actually hesitate to spell this out in too much more detail for fear that someone will take me seriously and draw up plans to implement state-certified nutritional and cooking programs for parents. Don't laugh!

"It sounds ridiculous when applied to the matter of feeding our children, but it is equally ridiculous when applied to the far more important matter of educating our children."

As many of you know, we homeschooled our girls their whole lives ~ officially for 16 yrs, K through 12 for both. I would never have done it any other way.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Diary of 5 ~#3~ 1/26/12

2012-01-26T14:31:00.005-05:00

I am seeing . . . the driveway & yard almost back to normal after our roof was replaced.

I am hearing . . . radio, Maggie the dog barking.

I am smelling . . . chili.

I have tasted . . . the sweet & spicy taste of chili on this cold, dreary day.

I am feeling . . .

Anxious to get my little herb & little kitchen garden started. I would love to have one just like this. Come on, Spring!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#54~ But Even If He Does Not . . .

2012-01-25T12:47:00.003-05:00

PASSAGE: "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'" ~Daniel 3:16-18 [emphasis mine]

"Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him." ~Job 13:15

"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." ~I Peter 2:12

LESSON LEARNED: Hard times . . . persecution . . . outcast from the popular crowd . . . we've all struggled with being accepted for who we are. More-over, as Christians, is seems that the deck is always stacked against us.

More and more, we are faced with decisions that MUST be shaped by our walk with Jesus Christ. In the culture we live in ~ whether school or work or even with extended family members ~ there are times when we never quite know what situation we will be thrown into. Will my profession of faith & life of integrity condemn me as an outcast because I'm a "goody-goody" and won't go along with the crowd? . . . keep me from getting promoted because I won't bend the rules? . . . foster false rumors that will run through the family grapevine because of some sort of miss-placed jealousy? There will be times in our lives when things, or people, will be lost to us because of our stand with Christ.

Oh, but when we stand!

When we stand, I have no doubt that "the God we serve is able to save us from it . . . But even IF He does not . . . " And even IF He does NOT, our God is a great God. He alone will bring glory unto Himself even out of our weakness. Whether winning or losing in the Lower Story (the "earthly realm" as referred to in The Story), our walk with the Lord ALWAYS ends in VICTORY! Our obedience and integrity will ALWAYS quiet the nay-sayers. God is concerned that we handle what the world brings against us in a way that brings glory to Him. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had no guarantee that God would deliver them out of the blazing furnace or the jaws of the lions, although they knew that He could. But what they KNEW God would do ~ whether they lived or died ~ was that He would bring glory to Himself. That lives would be touched because of their faithfulness.

Our faithfulness gives those around us tangible evidence of God's glory in our good times or bad ~ that's what really matters when we face difficulties in this world. May He shine through it all.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Keystone XL Pipeline . . . Just So Ya Know . . .

2012-01-24T12:12:00.005-05:00

I just HAD to bring this up. Sometimes, those in this current White House boggle my mind & make me want to scream.

But I just wanted you to see this for yourself so that if any of your more Liberal friends or relatives tell you that B.O. did the right thing by denying the pipeline ~ & the jobs & energy independence that would have come from it ~ PLEASE show them THIS . . .

This is a layout of all the pipelines ALREADY running between the USA & Canada. Isn't it "funny" that the people who work on these pipelines & related jobs AREN'T complaining, "funny" how they AREN'T proving with photos that their "pristine" land is being destroyed (because it's not), "funny" how there are no "endangered" animals that are being disrupted or put farther into danger. BUT we can't help ourselves with our own North American resources.

By the way ~ Look at ALL those pipes going through Ohio! I have no idea where any of them are. They aren't bothering anyone I know.

OK . . . rant over . . . blood pressure going down. Thank you for your time.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#149~ 1/24/12

2012-01-24T10:32:00.005-05:00

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . . a blue tarp. Beyond that, it's gray & c-c-cold.

I am thinking . . . about errands I need to run.

I am thankful . . . for being able to get a huge home repair done.

In the kitchen . . . bread baking day. Chicken & stir-fried veggies later on.

I am wearing . . . jeans, rust-colored thermal Old Navy shirt, wool socks. It's COLD!

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

I am going . . . to run some errands, get as much done around the house as I can before I go to work.

I am wondering . . . about doing the Daniel Fast.

I am reading . . . Bible: This week's assignments for The Story are in Daniel & Jeremiah.

I am hoping . . . a certain relationship w/an extended family member will have to come to an end. "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." ~Romans 12:18. Unfortunately, sometimes "living at peace" with someone means severing the strings. :-(

I am looking forward to . . . the possibility of some day-time hours at work!

I am learning . . . not to rush a good thing.

Around the house . . . a new roof; banging & pounding . . . driving Maggie the dog crazy. :-/

One of my favorite things . . . laughing & talking about wonderful family memories.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, home repairs, cleaning house, Sunday worship w/the saints.

A favorite quote for the day . . . "Christianity is NOT a 'self-help religion;' it IS about FORGIVENESS of sin & a RELATIONSHIP with & IDENTITY in Jesus Christ. I am NOT worthless BECAUSE Jesus Christ died for ME!" ~from Sunday's sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "I will show the holiness of My great Name, which has been profaned among the nations, the Name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show Myself holy through you before their eyes." ~Ezekiel 36:20-21

A peek into my day . . .

The view outside my window as the roof is being replaced.

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Marmee-isms ~#21~ The "Baby" is Always the Baby

2012-01-23T12:51:00.002-05:00

"I want to ask a favor of you, Marmee," Amy said, coming in, with an important air, one day.

"Well, little girl, what is it?" replied her mother, in whose eyes the stately young lady still remained 'the baby.'"

Little Women ~ Ch. 26

For my youngest "baby" who will soon be 21 ~ whether I want her to be or not. :-)

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Do NOT Pass Up this Freebie!

2012-01-20T11:40:00.003-05:00

ATTENTION homeschoolers & lovers of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott . . .

Here is an opportunity to down-load a FREE (FREE!!!!) audio version of Little Women.

This is a classic radio version of the reading of the book, complete with Katherine Hepburn as Jo.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim (a.k.a. Marmee)<><

Homemade Hot Flash Remedies

2012-01-19T12:43:00.003-05:00

OK girls . . . if you haven't already experienced it, you KNOW it's coming!

HOT FLASHES! . . . NIGHT SWEATS! Que the Psycho music!

Your own personal quick trip to the tropics whether you want to go or not.

I don't know about you, maybe it's a regional thing, but once I started having peri-menopausal/menopausal symptoms I found that there were really very few women I could talk to about it all. SO MANY women have had hysterectomies ~ including my mother ~ that I found very few who were facing this change of life naturally like me.

So, like so many other things I have faced in my life, I figure that if I need the information, someone else will, too. And, once again, like so many other things I needed information about, I researched & conjured up a few things by trial-&-error.

Here are some of my favorite finds~

HOT FLASH MIST
~10-15 drops clary sage essential oil
~10-15 drops lavender essential oil
~8 drops geranium essential oil
~2-5 drops peppermint essential oil
~distilled water

1) Nearly fill an 8-10 oz misting bottle w/distilled water
2) Add essential oils
3) Shake well before each use, to mix oils
4) Store in refrigerator.

SAGE TEA
Drink a couple of cups per day. Cuts down on perspiration & body odor. (This works for men, too.)

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL
1,300 mg per day (some may need to double the dose ~ start low & add more ONLY IF you need to). I have taken this for years & often recommend it to my customers at the health food store. Helps w/hot flashes, mood swings & breast tenderness. Great source of Gamma Linoenic Acid (GLA).

HOMEOPATHICS
~Lachesis ~ helps w/hot flashes & mood swings
~Palsatilla ~ helps w/hot flashes followed by chills
~Veleriana ~ helps w/intense sweating & insomnia
~Sepia ~ helps w/hot flashes that make you feel exhausted &/or depressed; also good for headaches, including migraines (Sepia is good for so many things)

GOOD TO KNOW . . .

Even sucking a piece of hard candy can help ward off a light/moderate hot flash. That could be a matter of diverting your attention ~ as in Lamaze during labor ~ but it seems to work for many.

FYI . . .

I have written previously, in the Women's Health category, that I elected to not go the HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) route because of it's relationship to causing breast & other female cancers. You may read in those posts that I have chosen to use Flaxseed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil & Progesterone Cream as my regimen & the reasons why.

I have been on this regimen for nearly 6 yrs, having "crossed the line" of peri-menopause to menopause approximately 16 months ago. I must give testimony that I believe this regimen has kept me sane. :-) As many of you may know, 2 yrs ago THE Man was laid off from a great job, I had to go back to working outside of the home, my mom suffered from Alzheimer's & passed away in Sept. 2011, our DD#1 is getting married this year, we've had home repairs & we have a very strained relationship w/a close relative . . . all having gone on while I was in the throws of menopause. I am thrilled to tell you that, other than a few hot flashes & night sweats (usually when I forgot my Evening Primrose Oil) I have done very well. To prove it to myself ~ so as not to think I was imagining how well I was doing while my family was suffering (HA!) ~ the other day I asked THE Man if he knew that I'd gone through menopause about a year ago & he had NO idea! I'm sure he's been gearing up for all those horror stories he's heard of other men of nearly getting eaten alive by their wives, or that I would dissolve into a puddle of incoherent cries & tears, that he was so surprised to know that he'd not noticed ANYTHING! lol

Now, I am NOT saying that prayer & the grace of God didn't play a LARGE part in all of this, but I also believe that He led me to these resources that helped me so much.

I hope that this information will help some of you. And you younger readers, might just want to copy this information to keep for later use ~ in those blessedly busy years while you are raising our children, this may be the last thing on your mind ~ it was for me ~ but it sneaks up on you before you know it. :-) And then YOU will be able to bless someone else with this knowledge.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#53~ Wonderful, Fearful Knowledge

2012-01-18T15:41:00.005-05:00

PASSAGE: "The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn . . . Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. You must speak My words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious." ~Ez. 2:4, 6-7

"Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned . . . " ~Ez. 16:49

"Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways!'" ~Ez. 33:11

LESSON LEARNED: Our church is currently going through the entire Bible using Randy Frazee's (Max Lucado's associate pastor) The Story. This week we are treading on sad, scary ground. Over and over again, Ezekiel was told by the LORD to go to the rebellious people around him and TELL THEM about the LORD.

Tell them.

Whether Ezekiel or ourselves, we are to TELL THEM. And in telling them about the salvation that the LORD has provided through the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus, that knowledge has now left them responsible before the throne of God.

They know. What a wonderful, fearful thing.

Now that they know, THEY now have the benefit and responsibility of accepting or denying God's plan of salvation. They cannot ever say that they were never told, that they never had the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Savior. The choice now is theirs. We have done our part as the LORD has led us.

I hope that we will consider one or more persons in our lives and dedicate this year to praying for the LORD to break up the hard, "fallow," unplowed ground (Hosea 10:12) of their hearts so they will be softened and receive the good seed of God's word and His love for them. And then that it will grow and bare much fruit.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Diary of 5 ~#2~ 1/18/12

2012-01-18T11:08:00.005-05:00

I am seeing . . . the remnants of last night's light snow outside my window.

I am hearing . . . the radio, typing fingers.

I am smelling . . . dirty rice simmering on the stove.

I have tasted . . . honey from the comb.

I am feeling . . .

Read other Diary of 5 entries & register your own!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Seven Lies about Homeschoolers

2012-01-18T10:55:00.002-05:00

LOVE THIS!!!!!!!

{ BE SURE to turn my music off at the bottom of the page before watching the video }

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#148~ 1/17/12

2012-01-17T13:18:00.006-05:00

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . . Rain, dreary, dark & gray.

I am thinking . . . that I hope the farm has milk today. I went out there to get milk & brown eggs yesterday & could only get the eggs. Try #2 today.

I am thankful . . . for a dry, warm, cozy home . . . especially on days like this. Lord, please take care those who don't have a dry, warm place to stay out of the rain.

In the kitchen . . . usually Tuesday is bread baking day, but I needed to make a loaf yesterday. I may make some chicken noodle soup, today.

I am wearing . . . jeans, black long-sleeved t-shirt.

I am creating . . . a peaceful, Christ-centered home. A refuge & safe harbor for my family & friends.

I am going . . . to FINALLY take our Christmas tree down today! Ha!

I am wondering . . . if I will REALLY get that Christmas tree down today. '-)

I am reading . . . Bible; The Story.

I am hoping . . . in the expectation of answered prayer.

I am looking forward to . . . 2 days off work!

I am learning . . . once again . . . that God's timing is not my timing.

Around the house . . . general pick up, laundry, making soup, finishing off a little trim work . . . taking down the Christmas tree!

One of my favorite things . . . when THE Man sweetly wakes me up every morning to kiss me good-bye when he leaves for work.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, worship practice, taking down the Christmas tree '-) & Sunday worship w/the saints.

A favorite quote for the day . . . "So many people live a 'guilt-focused life' ~ God IS NOT out to get me! If He is, then Jesus Christ died in vain. The opposite is true ~ I AM FORGIVEN BECAUSE OF JESUS CHRIST!" ~from Sunday's Sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon." ~Isaiah 55:6-7

A peek into my day . . .

Went & got milk off the farm this morning ~ the internet ~ & then the electric ~ went out before I posted the above. Fortunately, I could copy & paste what I had earlier written & then post it after it came back on. I love to go to the farm for my milk & eggs & open their refrigerator & see that line of cream at the tops of the jugs. Mmmm Mm!

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Marmee-isms ~#20~ Back to Shouldering Our Burdens

2012-01-16T13:41:00.003-05:00

"Oh dear, how hard it does seem to take up our packs & go on," sighed Meg, the morning after the party; for, now the holidays were over, the week of merry-making did not fit her for going on with the task she never liked.

"I wish it was Christmas or New Year all the time; wouldn't it be fun?" answered Jo, yawning dismally.

"We shouldn't enjoy ourselves half so much as we do now. But it does seem nice to have little suppers & bouquets, & go to parties, & drive home, & read & rest, & not work. It's like other people, you know, & I always envy girls who do such things; I'm so fond of luxury," said Meg, trying to decide which of two gowns was the least shabby.

"Well, we can't have it, so don't let us grumble, but shoulder our bundles & trudge along as cheerfully as Marmee does."

Little Women ~ Ch. 4

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#52~ Better Than a String on His Finger

2012-01-12T12:51:00.003-05:00

{Word-Filled Wednesday . . . Thursday Edition '-) }

PASSAGE: "But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children's children . . . " ~Ps. 103:17

"The LORD appeared to us in the past saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'" ~Jer. 31:3

"Before I was born the LORD called me; from my birth He has made mention of my name . . . 'Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands . . . " ~Is. 49:1(b)-15-16(a)

LESSON LEARNED: At sometime or other, many of us have had such hectic schedules, days with too much to remember, or suffered from a bout of bad memory, that we have had to enlist the old trick of tying a string around our finger so that we wouldn't forget something important.

What if the Lord had to do something like that so that He could remember us? After all, He has A LOT on His plate . . . He has all of creation ~ everywhere ~ to be in charge of, not to mention all those prayers being prayed, sins to forgive, healing to administer, comforting those who mourn and rejoicing with those who rejoice. How does the great-big, incredible God of All remember simple little ol' you and me?

Well, of course, we KNOW that simply BECAUSE He is The One True God that that's part of Who He is. But I think He purposefully stuck this precious "word picture" in the middle of a passage over-flowing with reminders of the promise and hope in His faithfulness so that we would be reminded of just how much He loves even us. God doesn't need a string tied around His finger to remind Himself of us, He loves us so much and thinks of us so often because He has "engraved you on the palms of My hand . . . " What a word-picture! How deep is His love!

So, here's something we should need no string on our finger to remember: God has said to even us ~ "I will not forget YOU!"

Glory in the highest!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

I Think of You Everyday . . .

2012-01-11T13:10:00.004-05:00

26 years ago this morning, our sweet little Jessica graced Heaven's gates. I still remember exactly how she felt in my arms & I still think about her ~ even if it's a simple, fleeting thought ~ everyday.

I did this drawing as a Mother's Day gift for myself the May after she passed. The model I used from it was from her last photo, 5 days before she passed.

If you have never read her story, click HERE.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Heavens Declare HIS Glory!

2012-01-09T10:48:00.001-05:00

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of HIS hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
~Psalm 19:1-4

{Please turn off my music, at the bottom of the screen, before listening to this incredible song}

CANNONS

It's fallin' from the coulds, a strange & lovely sound
I hear it in the thunder & the rain
It's ringing in the skies, like cannons in the night
The music of the universe plays

We're singing: You are holy, great & mighty
The moon & the stars declare Who You are
I'm so unworthy, but still You love me
Forever my heart will sing of how great You are

Beautiful & free, the song of galaxies
Reaching far beyond the Milky Way
Let's join in with the sound, C'mon let's sing it out!
As the music of the universe plays.

We're singing: You are holy, great & mighty
The moon & the stars declare Who You are
I'm so unworthy, but still You love me
Forever my heart will sing of You!

All glory, honor, power is Yours, Amen!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Bathroom Renovation ~ Part 5 ~ The Little Touches

2012-01-06T09:56:00.006-05:00

We (that being The Royal "We" ~ meaning us giving our handyman a break :-D) took some time off the bathroom renovation for the Holidays. But I just wanted to show you a little bit of the neat little extras that help w/the look.

One of THE Man's wishes were fulfilled by getting this bowed shower rod. It makes for a little more room for your extended elbows while reaching up to shampoo your hair. No more of the icky, clingy feeling of the shower curtain "grabbing" you.

The other is the matching small tile above the tub surround. It turned out much nicer than I thought it would. That's always a good thing.

Wish we could "talk" more but I have a busy, busy day today! Leave me some love!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Rosemary Infused Olive Oil

2012-01-05T12:15:00.008-05:00

One of my favorite & most-used herbs from my little herb garden is rosemary. I have it on my window sill in the fall & winter & then I replant it in my little herb garden in the spring & summer. It's by far one of the most hardy & useful herbs. I even love to run my fingers over the leaves & take a whiff of it's wonderful aroma.

My rosemary from my herb garden to my windowsill for the winter.

I use rosemary quite often while cooking ~ we eat a lot of chicken & my favorite way to prepare it is my version of "fried" chicken: a couple of TBs of olive oil ~ OR, as I'm about to show you how to make, rosemary infused olive oil ~ w/a couple of sprigs of rosemary in the frying pan, boneless/skinless chicken breast sprinkled w/a little Spike Seasoning & my Absolute Favorite Seasoning Mix. (TRY THIS: next time you grill, lay a rosemary sprig on top of your chicken!) Serve w/sides of broccoli & yellow rice . . . mm mmm! This also makes a great dipping oil.
OK . . . now that I've made myself hungry, I need to get on w/my original topic . . .

Infusing your oils w/rosemary ~ or any other herb ~ is quite easy. The recipe I'm going to share w/you is mostly for cooking, but can also be used for your hair (stimulates circulation for shinier hair) or even as a sore muscle liniment (comforts sore joints & muscles, stimulates circulation by increasing the blood supply). Besides making nearly any salad dressing, or anything prepared stove-top taste better (Italian dishes, fish, chicken, pork), the leaves are antiseptic/anitbacterial/antifungal (which is why I use it in my oily skin face wash) & the antioxidants in rosemary can aid w/digestion & weight loss.

You will need:

~8-10 sprigs of fresh rosemary
~2 c. of cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil (I recommend Hain)
~small cook pot/sauce pan
~pint-sized bottle or jar w/tight-fitting lid or cork
~enough decorative & useful olive oil bottles/decanters ~ for later use in displaying in your kitchen or for gift giving
~small funnel ~ to aid in pouring from bottle to bottle

Directions:

1) Gently wash your rosemary sprigs w/a damp washcloth; set aside to dry.
2) Pour 1 pint of olive oil into the small pot on low heat to warm ~ DO NOT BOIL ~ just warm.
3) Place a few sprigs of rosemary into your pint bottle ~ do not stuff it full ~ rosemary is very herb-a-licious, & you will have another sprig in your finished product, so a little goes a long way.
4) Pour warm oil into pint bottle w/the rosemary, seal w/lid or cork, set aside in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, for at least 1 week.
5) After that time, take out your used rosemary sprigs & either use to cook something that day or throw them away. In the bottles you will now use for your infused oil, put in a fresh sprig of rosemary &, w/your small funnel, pour the infused oil into the new bottles over the fresh rosemary. Seal w/a lid or cork.

Your new infused rosemary oil is ready to use & enjoy!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Diary of 5 ~#1~ 1/4/2012

2012-01-04T14:08:00.005-05:00

This is my 1st entry for a new "sister community" that is actually linked to The Simple Woman's Daybook; if you haven't guessed, it's called Dairy of 5 & relates to our 5 senses in present &/or past-tense. Enjoy.

I am seeing . . . my Bible on the computer desk

I am hearing . . . Maggie the dog's sighs as she snoozes in the sunshine that surprised us this afternoon

I am smelling . . . chicken noodles soup

I have tasted . . . chicken noodle soup

I am feeling . . .
2 little eyes watching

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Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#147~ 1/4/12

2012-01-04T10:48:00.005-05:00

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . . gray skies & snow. A week late . . . but we have snow. :-)

I am thinking . . . about some loose ends that need tying up.

I am thankful for . . . Holy protection.

From the kitchen . . . made a loaf of my flaxseed bread & taco soup yesterday, I think I'll make some easy chicken noodle soup tonight. Found one of those soup mixes that you add your own chicken to that tastes just like homemade. Found mine at Manard's. Mmmm . . .

I am wearing . . . purple pull-over sweater, gray merle cardigan sweater, purple socks & jeans.

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

I am going . . . to go to praise & worship practice later tonight.

I am wondering . . . how tying up those loose ends will work out.

I am reading . . . Bible; The Story/The Heart of the Story & Being George Washington. Hopefully, my schedule will calm down & I can finish the GW book ~ it's great & I hate only being able to read it in little snippets.

I am hoping . . . for the salvation of extended family members.

I am looking forward to . . . DD#1's birthday dinner this weekend! 24 years old ~ where did the time go?

I am hearing . . . the radio, typing fingers, occasional traffic passing.

Around the house . . . a few painting projects, looking into a new roof. Wow . . . this old house needs so much TLC.

One of my favorite things . . . how a simple thing like changing the paint color of a room can make it look so different.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, house projects, worship practice, Sunday worship w/the saints, DD#1's birthday dinner.

Pondering these words . . . "Do I choose to see God's potential in the person who is hardest for me to love? I am in his/her life for God's purpose." ~from our church's Christmas sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners ~ of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him & receive eteranl life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor & glory for ever & ever. AMEN." ~I Timothy 1:15-17 [emphasis mine] If the Lord can save & change a wretch like me, I have to remember to hold out hope ~ to their last breath ~ for the person who is hardest for me to love. I have a dear, school friend who grew up in a Christian home & went to church every Sunday w/her family; she once told me that she KNEW Jesus is real & re-dedicated her life to Him after she saw the the change in me. I will celebrate 30 years of new life in May 2012.

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

This is a very cool photo. See all those big camels? Now look at the bottom of each one . . . THOSE are the camels! What we originally thought were the camels, at 1st sight, are really their SHADOWS! We should all be careful to realize what is real & what is an illusion.

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Marmee-isms ~#19~ The Look of Love

2012-01-02T12:23:00.004-05:00

"They [the Little Women] always looked back before turning the corner, for their Marmee was always at the window, to nod & smile, & wave her hand to them. Somehow it seemed as if they couldn't have got through the day without that; for, whatever their mood might be, the last glimpse of that motherly face was sure to affect them like sunshine."

Little Women ~ Ch. 4

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Out with the Old, In with the New ~ 2011-2012

2011-12-30T12:33:00.006-05:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you & not to harm you, plans to give you hope & a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

". . . But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind & straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 3:13-14

"Praise be to the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, & into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade ~ kept in heaven for you . . . " ~I Peter 1:3-4

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God . . . " ~II Corinthians 5:17-18(a)

If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior & LORD, as the Messiah Who has fulfilled EVERY Old Testament prophecy except one ~ His return, His 2nd coming ~ than I plead with you to do it today. Let TODAY be YOUR Day of Salvation (II Corinthians 6:2). Not one of us is promised tomorrow & WE decide our eternal future here on earth, there are NO 2nd chances, Jesus is your Savior or He is not (Hebrews 9:27). Please accept Jesus Christ as your Savior & start the new year out as a brand new creation!

God ~ the Father & Creator of ALL ~ has given you the most precious Gift in His One & Only Son ~ we just celebrated His 1st coming. There is no greater Gift & there are no hoops to jump through ~ simply ask Jesus into your heart by saying something like this:

"Dear Jesus ~ Please forgive me for my sins. Thank You for coming to earth & dying for my sins so that I may spend eternity with You in Heaven. Help me to live for You every day of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Welcome to the Family!

"He Who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!'" ~Revelation 21:5

Blessing for your New Year . . . Kim<><

Homemade Flea Powder

2011-12-29T13:00:00.004-05:00

You may think this is a odd time to post about such a thing as flea powder & flea control (it's winter at the time of this writing), but depending upon your location & the severity of your winter, you may need this all year long, or at the very least, early next spring. I would rather have information or product on-hand, or know where to find it quickly, instead of scrambling around trying to find it when I need it . . . NOW!

As often happens, I needed to do some research for a customer at the health food market I work at & I thought it was worth having for myself & for sharing with you.

Here's what you'll need:

Dried or powdered in equal amounts:

eucalyptus
fennel
rosemary
wormwood
yellow dock

Directions:

1) With a hand grinder or in a small coffee grinder (dedicated to use w/herbs ~ otherwise, your herb mixes will smell like coffee), grind these ingredients into a powder & mix well together.

2) Store in a shaker-top container; a used, clean Parmesan cheese container works very well.

3) When ready to use **USE OUTSIDE!** You don't want the fleas to hop off into your carpet.

4) With a brush or comb, brush or comb fur backwards & apply powder so that it gets onto the skin. More can be used in more heavily infested areas.

5) Use as often as needed.

Pets are family, aren't they?

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#51~ New Year, New Beginnings

2011-12-28T10:06:00.006-05:00

PASSAGE: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all y our heart.'" ~Jeremiah 29:11-13

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." ~ Lam. 3:22-23

"He Who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' . . . 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.'" ~Rev. 21:5(a)-6

LESSON LEARNED: We serve an incredible God . . . THE One True God. And the most amazing part of the whole thing is that the Creator of everything loves you and me.

And in that love He made a way ~ through His ONLY Son, Jesus Christ ~ for us to spend eternity with Him. All we need to do is simply believe and confess that Jesus is Lord. Even though, in our humanity, we fail Him in so many ways, He loves us and has allowed us to simply & sincerely from our heart, ask for forgiveness.

The New Year is a great time to start fresh, make life new again. But you can accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord ANY day . . . why wait? He has such great plans for you, His compassion for you is great and new every morning and, when you ask, He makes everything new!

What better way to celebrate this season and start the new year?

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#146~ 12/27/11

2011-12-27T15:14:00.004-05:00

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . . rain has turned to snow!

I am thinking . . . that I wish I didn't have to drive in it in a few minutes. lol

I am thankful for . . . the wonderful CHRISTmas we had. Blessings abounded. Good memories made. DD#1 & her fiance' stayed 'til 2:00a.m.! And that our music went very well on CHRISTmas Eve & CHRISTmas Day. Thank You, LORD!

From the kitchen . . . a lovely new loaf of bread. Smells wonderful.

I am wearing . . . CHRISTmas goodies: brown pull-over shirt, plum drapie sweater & jeans.

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

I am going . . . to work ~ gotta keep people healthy & beautiful. :-)

I am wondering . . . about something.

I am reading . . . Bible, Being George Washington, The Story.

I am hoping . . . that a rumor I heard about a love-one is not true.

I am looking forward to . . . New Year's Eve.

I am hearing . . . radio.

Around the house . . . everyone is at work, quiet.

One of my favorite things . . . our CHRISTmas tree. I think it's beautifu.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, finishing up some painting & staining for the bathroom.

Pondering these words . . . "God doesn't bring people into my life so much as He brings ME into THEIR lives. Everyone that comes into my life is an opportunity for me to serve God." ~Sunday's sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "In the beginning was the Word, & the Word was with God, & the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. "Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, & that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." ~John 1:1-5

Here's a picture thought I am sharing with you . . .

Our CHRISTmas table w/my new log cabin/deer dishes.

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Marmee-isms ~#18~ Home-Fesitvals . . . So Sweet to Remember

2011-12-26T11:22:00.002-05:00

"She's coming! Strike up, Beth! Open the door, Amy! Three cheers for Marmee!" cried Jo, prancing about while Meg went to conduct Marmee to the seat of honor.

Beth played her gayest march, Amy threw open the door, & Meg enacted escort with great dignity. Mrs. March was both surprised & touched; & smiled with her eyes full as she examined her presents, & read the little notes which accompanied them. The slippers went on at once, a new handkerchief was slipped into her pocked, well scented with Amy's cologne, the rose was fastened in her bosom, & the nice gloves were pronounced a "perfect fit."

There was a good deal of laughing & kissing & explaining, in the simple loving fashion which makes these home-festivals so pleasant at the time, so sweet to remember long afterward . . .

Little Women ~ Ch. 2

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Behold the Lamb ~ Prophecy Fulfilled

2011-12-23T22:12:00.004-05:00

"Therefore the LORD Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with Child and will give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel."

~Isaiah 7:14

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with Child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins,'

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with Child and will give birth to a Son, and the they will call Him Immanuel' ~ which mean, 'God with us.'"

~Matthew 1:18:23

"The next day John [the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!'"

~John 1:29

Have a blessed & merry CHRISTmas! . . . Kim<><

Bathroom Renovation ~ Part 4 ~ The Return of the Throne!

2011-12-21T10:30:00.010-05:00

Yes! The throne is back to it's rightful place & we are thankfully back to having two. :-) I don't know who "suffered" more while we were down to 1, THE Man b/c he had to put up w/2 women trying to have their "private" time, or we women just simply trying to have our "private" time! Ha!

So . . . Let's review. When this remodel adventure 1st started, our poor, tired bathroom looked like this . . . eww . . .

Now, when you walk in, it looks like this! . . .

Aren't those little lights cute? Usually, I keep an electric candle lit in my bathroom all the time (it helps during those nightly visits to have a low light on so that you don't have to turn on the bright bathroom light & blind yourself), but I found this strand of lovely, soft-glowing silicone coated lights at the primitive store where I got my paint. LOVE them! They are just "enough."

I am so happy w/how the floors look & how the distressed paint on the vanity looks. I will stain the floor-boards today or tomorrow & then they will be put down. Oh, & I even painted & distressed the light switches & electrical outlet plates.

The door to our small wall cabinet is painted & distressed & waiting to be reattached, & the hole in the wall by the tub will soon house our newly made linen closet, which will also be painted & distressed to match the vanity.

When I stain the base-boards they will match the window frame & large wall mirror. But I'm thinking of painting & distressing the new door like the vanity & cabinets instead of staining it like the wood floor trim. What do you think?

I can't tell you how grateful I am that we are blessed to get this done. This old 170+ year old house needs a face-lift & we have been through a lot together in the past 14 years. Thank You, Lord, for making this possible.

More to come . . .

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#50~ Christmas Bone to Pick

2011-12-20T10:21:00.007-05:00

PASSAGE: "Then Herod called the Magi secretly & found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem & said, 'Go & make a careful search for the Child. As soon as you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go & worship Him.'

"After they had heard the king, they went on their way, & the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, & they bowed down & worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures & presented Him with gifts of gold & of incense & of myrrh."

~Matthew 2:7-11 [all emphasis mine]

LESSON LEARNED: I have a nativity set. My family has had it since I was about 4 years old (so it's OLD :-)) & my parents gave it to me for our 1st CHRISTmas as a married couple in 1984. It's faded, more than a little cheap looking, chipped & cracked here & there, but I love it. It came with the obligatory Baby Jesus, Mary & Joseph (why does Joseph always look like an old man?), a couple of angles & a couple of sheep ~ all to fit into the little wooden stable.

It also came with "Wise Men" a.k.a. "Magi." And there-in lies one of my biggest pet peeves: the Magi were NOT at the manger!!!! Shepherds, yes ~ Magi, NO!!!! So . . . ever since I have had possession of the cheap little nativity set, the Magi remain in the box. I have seriously considered taking them out & putting them in some upstairs room ~ far, far away from the manger, as if beginning their search ~ but I elected to just keep them in the box.

As Scripture indicates, Jesus was around 2 years old when the Magi found him. The above verses clearly tell us that Jesus was a "Child" & that they came to "the house." Not "the Infant" or "Baby" (as in Luke 2:16) ~ but the "Child." Not "in a stable, lying in a manger" (again, as in Luke 2:16) ~ but in "the house." Matt. 2:16 leaves not doubt as it reads: "When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, & he gave orders to kill all the boys in Behtlehem & its vicinity who were 2 years old & under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi."

Two (2, II, deux, dos, etc . . . ) years old.

So . . . out of respect for the Scripture this & any other Nativity set I may acquire will only include Jesus, His family, barn animals & maybe a shepherd or 2 . . . Oh, yes, the shepherds WERE at the manger (Luke 2:8-18 ~ specifically vs. 16) . . . & all Magi will remain in the box.

CHRISTmas blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Marmee-isms ~17~ "Little Women Christmas Brunch" Give Away!

2011-12-19T10:31:00.008-05:00

"Merry Christmas, Marmee! Many of them! . . . "

"Merry Christmas, little daughters! . . . "

Little Women ~ Chapter 2

If any of you are not familiar with Jill, Clair & Elizabeth Novak, they are a precious family team of writers who publish wonderful works on mother/daughter relationships & building tight, loving bonds between the two through home-life-building projects & articles; namely through their magazine The Girlhood Home Companion & other publications from Remembrance Press.

They have graciously given all of us a terrific CHRISTmas gift! Their most recent issue of The Girlhood Home Companion is entirely devoted to Little Women & they are giving us a glimpse into that issue by gifting us all w/a FREE PDF Little Women Christmas Brunch!!! Full of yummy recipes & homey, heartfelt remembrances of the season.

Here's their invitation:

Hello Mothers, Daughters, and Grandmothers, We would like to share a complimentary copy of the "Little Women" Christmas Brunch prepared by Elizabeth Novak for this special edition of The Girlhood Home Companion. Just follow the link to download your free copy: http://remembrancepress.com/?p=1771. Merry Christmas from Remembrance Press!

I can't wait to try these recipes & I'm looking forward to ordering my copy of the Little Women issue!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><
P.S. I was blessed to have been a contributor to her book "The Gift of Family Writing."

Home & Travel Remedy Checklist

2011-12-16T09:45:00.005-05:00

My dear co-worker, Faith, found this information for me. Thanks, Faith! And if I knew where the credit went I'd list it, but most of this is from an article she snipped for me w/a few of my own additives.

These are great remedies ~ homeopathics & blends ~ many of them I have tried myself. I'm sure they will benefit your family, too.

CUTS & SORES:

Tea tree oil
Lavender essential oil
Calendula-based salve

IMMUNITY:

Echinacea
Ravenfara essential oil
Probiotics
Vitamin C

INSECT BITES & RASHES:

Citrus essential oils
Peppermint essential oil

INTESTINAL PROBLEMS:

Probiotics
Digestive enzymes (I am a BIG fan of papaya enzymes, they got me off of Nexium)
Chamomile tea
Ginger ~ raw, crystallized or tea

HEADACHES:

Peppermint essential oil
Homeopathic remedies (including: Belladonna ~ for fever, flu, headaches, sensitivity to light; Bryonia ~ dry coughs, colds/flu, joint pain, constipation, headaches, breast pain while nursing; Nux Vomica ~ nausea, indigestion &/or vomiting)

JET LAG:

Melatonin
Hemeopathic remedies (including: Arnica Montana, Cocculus Indicus, & Nux Vomica ~ Boiron has a "kit" w/all 3 in it & is sold at most health food stores)

MOTION SICKNESS:

Melatonin
Ginger (have a bag of crystallized ginger "candy" w/you)
Homeopathic remedies (including Nux Vomica)

MUSCLE ACHES, SORE FEET:

Arnica Montana (Homeopathic)
Arnica gel, cream or ointment ~ or any other salve or balm w/an Arnica base
Topical analgesic (like Tiger Balm)

SLEEPLESSNESS:

Valerian
Melatonin
Lavender essential oil (sprinkle on pillow, hold bottle under your nose & inhale deeply 4-5 times)

SUNBURN:

Aloe vera gel
Lavender essential oil

**NOTE** Do not take essential oils internally. Please see disclaimer at bottom of screen.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Christmas at Arlington Cemetery

2011-12-15T16:27:00.002-05:00

Thank you all.

God rest your souls.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#49~ The Light of Revelation & Glory

2011-12-14T12:04:00.005-05:00

PASSAGE: "Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous & devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, & the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms & praised God, saying:

"'Sovereign Lord, as You have promised,
You now dismiss Your servant in
peace.
For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
which You have prepared in the
sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
& for glory to Your people Israel.'

~Luke 2:25-32
[all emphasis mine]

LESSON LEARNED: Never look at the manger without seeing the cross.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Bathroom Renovation ~ Part 3 ~ We have Color!

2011-12-13T09:56:00.007-05:00

That's right . . . We have COLOR!!!!

The ceiling & walls are now painted & I'm so pleased w/how well the tiles look w/the bittersweet walls. Soon it will time to move the vanity/sink back in.

I'll paint the one old cabinet we are keeping & when the handyman makes a new cabinet for my sheets & towels, I'll paint that, too. They will match the paint I did on the vanity/sink.

I'm excited!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Cozy Kitchen Comfort & Joy

2011-12-12T13:27:00.008-05:00

It has been a long, long time since I've had a new set of dishes. The last set of dishes I bought was a set of blue enamel-ware dishes from Lehman's in Holmes County, Ohio ~ Amish Country; back when the girls were little & just big enough to help wash the dishes & I wanted a set that I didn't have to worry about them dropping & breaking.

So . . . I consider this purchase one last CHRISTmas gift from my mom. She was all about making your home beautiful & welcoming, I think she would be pleased.

Last week I purchased a set of beautiful winter-themed dishes called Snow Valley by St. Nicholas Square. (ALL 1/2 priced!!!) Ooh, aah! I just love them. One of my favorite things is log cabins & this set ~ which I found out is added onto each year ~ fills that bill in spades!

I got a 6 place settings ~ 4 for our family, 1 for our soon-to-be son-in-law & 1 for whoever the Lord has for DD#2's future. :-)

First, there is the gorgeous log home . . .

Then, the frisky reindeer . . .

A squared bowl w/the cabin on one side & the reindeer on the other . . .

And a lovely, homey mug w/the cabin scene, once again.

These have quickly become the family's favorite mugs, whether they are using them during supper or just for a mug full of coffee, hot chocolate, tea or soft drink.

Cozy winter comfort & joy. It's the little things in life.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Bathroom Renovation ~ Part Deux

2011-12-09T11:22:00.014-05:00

Another week of the downstairs bathroom renovation . . . but things are moving on & are starting to transform. I'm very excited.

One afternoon this week, I left for work & the bathroom floor looked like this:

When I came home it looked like this! . . .

Oooh! It's starting to look very "purdyful"!

So, while my bathroom vanity is sitting in my kitchen, I took the opportunity to paint & "age" it ~ you know, I just love that Primitive look. I'm trying to use all historic colors & most of them are coming from Olde Century Colors, but a few may be coming from the Eddie Bauer Home collection.

The under-coat for the vanity is Olde Century's Tinderbox Brown . . .

and the over-coat is Tavern Yellow.

I used a bristle brush to paint with so that the under-coat shows through like old, faded paint & then I used my fingers or a rag & lightly brushed over the places where wear would occur over time.

Looks better in person. :-/

I will also use these colors & technique to paint the new wall cabinet that the handyman will be making & my light switch plates, I will paint the bathroom walls in Bittersweet. I'm going back to the hardware store, today, to pick up the bronze drawer pulls I forgot (sheesh) the last time I was there; they will match my sink faucet & shower hardware.

Then . . . on to redoing the kitchen!

I'll do the same technique on the kitchen cupboards w/the Tinderbox Brown under but use the Goldenrod Yellow over; take off the wallpaper & paint the walls Olde Brick Red. Hopefully, we'll be able to move on to the living room & I'll paint the walls in Eddie Bauer's Pine Needle (which is really a light sage) & THEN . . . hopefully . . . those hard-wood floors we were going to put in before THE Man got laid off in '09!! Woohoo! And believe me ~ this 170+ year old house NEEDS every bit of TLC it's getting!

And another good part of the week . . . my Earth Shoe boots came in! They are so comfy, cozy & fuzzy ~ it will be such a shame to have to put them away in the spring! '-)

Thank You, LORD, for the gift that my parents left me in order to do all this. All because they loved us, their blessings are still benefiting my family. God IS good.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#48~ Tried & Tested

2011-12-08T12:12:00.004-05:00

PASSAGE: "When King Jeroboam heard what the man of God cried out against the altar at Bethel [defiled by golden calves], he stretched out his hand from the altar and said, 'Seize him!' But the hand he stretched out toward the man shriveled up, so that he could not pull it back. Also, the altar was split apart and its ashes poured out according the sign given by the man of God by the Word of the LORD . . . Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways, but once more appointed priest for the high places from all sorts of people. Anyone who wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high place. This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth." ~I Kings 13:4-5, 33-34

"They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them let them serve . . . " ~I Tim. 3:10

"He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." ~Titus 1:9 [all emphasis mine]

LESSON LEARNED: Our church just went through the annual process of praying about, choosing & then voting upon the next generation of elders and deacons. Much prayer ~ from the pastors, the nominating committee, the elders and deacons, the nominees and, hopefully, the entire congregation ~ goes into these appointments and confirmations. Why? Because we want what God wants . . . don't we?

Why would we want leaders who do not love the Lord or His Word or who do not have a heart for service in His name? We want and need those who lead us to be men of integrity, love and even bravery to lead us. But we, as a congregation, need to remember that they are simply mere men ~ sinners saved by grace ~ just like the rest of us. And that means that they need prayer. We must be those who hold their arms up as Moses' friends did (Ex. 17:10-13) so that spiritual battles may be won, right judgments may be made and so that the Word of God may be divided and preached correctly.

Our leaders need us as much as we need them. They have been and will be tried and tested, let's keep them lifted before the Lord.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#145~ 12/6/11

2011-12-06T10:19:00.006-05:00

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . . gray & cold. Oh . . . that's right, it's December in Ohio!

I am thinking . . . that I wish I had a few days off, I have so much to do.

I am thankful for . . . that the CHRISTmas shows that we sang in this past weekend went very well ~ over 700 people came to the 2 shows! The little bit of $$ my mom (& daddy) left me. What a blessing to have some extra to have home repairs done & for CHRISTmas. Thank You, Lord, & thank you Mother & Daddy.

From the kitchen . . . bread baking day, I need to make some more laundry detergent . . . & I think I'll make my Bigmom's potato soup. Comfort food on a cold, dark winter's day. Yum!

I am wearing . . . jeans, heather gray thermal henley shirt, black socks. If it's denim, thermal or flannel it quickly becomes a favorite.

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

I am going . . . to take DD#2 to work, pick up some paint for the bathroom, go to work.

I am wondering . . . if you like my CHRISTmas music?

I am reading . . . Being George Washington (excellent!!), The Story & The Heart of the Story.

I am hoping . . . that we can get everything fixed & remodeled around the house that we need to. Oh, what a glorious day! lol

I am looking forward to . . . putting up the CHRISTmas decorations. We haven't been able to w/the work going on. I've never waited this long to put them up before. :-/

I am hearing . . . radio, Maggie barking at the repairman, the repairman working.

Around the house . . . laundry, baking, general pick up, continually wiping dust off of things as the bathroom remodel goes on. :-/

One of my favorite things . . . how paint can completely change a room.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, an annual CHRISTmas dinner w/some friends, work, Sunday worship w/the saints.

Pondering these words . . . "The greatest outcome of the American Revolution was this: the indesoluable bond between the God of the Bible & government." ~John Quency Adams.

Scripture thought . . . "For NOTHING is impossible with God." ~Luke 1:37 [emphasis mine]

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

Can't wait to put the tree back up.

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Marmee-isms ~#16~ That Beautiful Old Story of the Best Life Ever Lived

2011-12-05T13:11:00.003-05:00

Jo was the 1st to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, & for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago when her little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies. Then she remembered her Marmee's promise, &, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered Book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, & Jo felt that it was a true guide-book for any pilgrim going the long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," & bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered Book appeared, with the same picture inside, & a few words written by their Marmee, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth & Amy woke, to rummage & find their little Books also, ~ one dove-colored, the other blue; & all sat looking at & talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day . . .

"Girls," said Meg seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the 2 little night-capped ones in the room beyond, "Marmee wants us to read & love & mind these Books, & we must begin at once. We used to be faithful about it . . . we have neglected many things. You can do as you please; but I shall keep my Book on the table here, & read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good, & help me through the day."

Then she opened her new Book & began to read. Jo put her arm round her, &, leaning cheek to cheek, read also, with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face.

Little Women ~ Ch. 2

CHRISTmas blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

It's Never a Good Thing When . . .

2011-12-01T11:59:00.009-05:00

. . . your bathroom sink & wall cabinet is in your kitchen!

This cabinet will soon be painted & "aged." :-)

The reason they are temporarily there is b/c we are having what I am hoping will be a gorgeous new porcelain tile floor installed in our downstairs bathroom. Woohoo! I'm so excited that the nasty, cruddy, never-looked-clean-even-after-you-cleaned-it, OLD flooring is taken up & taken away. It's taking a little longer than expected to install the new flooring b/c of the condition of the old sub-flooring ~ a problem we were not quite expecting. We're just glad we weren't showering in the cellar!

But this is a part of the "charm" of living in an older home that most people don't anticipate: almost anytime you up-date or repair something, count on finding something else that will have to be up-dated or repaired before the original plan can begin. :-/ (And since the original part of our house ~ which the downstairs bathroom is in ~ is over 170 years old, I think it qualifies as an older home.) We already replaced the old tub/shower last week & I have my lovely Venetian Bronze faucet & shower head . . . looooving it!

So . . . Here is what that bathroom cabinet & cruddy old floor looked like 2 days ago . . .

Ick :-(

And here's what my bathroom looks like now . . .

I thought it was especially funny that the repair man put the toilet in the empty hole by the tub where the cabinet goes! Ha!

I'll up-date you w/the finished project soon . . . I hope. (Gulp) :-?

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

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

2011-11-29T09:55:00.006-05:00

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<><

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T13:08:00.007-05:00

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

2011-11-28T10:59:00.003-05:00

"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<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#47~ Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T13:53:00.004-05:00

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<><

A Selfish Request...

2011-11-22T15:11:00.003-05:00

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

2011-11-22T09:47:00.005-05:00

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<><

Marmee-isms ~#14~ Watch & Pray

2011-11-21T13:24:00.002-05:00

"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<><

You Pick . . .

2011-11-17T15:19:00.012-05:00

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 . . .

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

2011-11-16T13:47:00.004-05:00

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<><

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

2011-11-15T11:56:00.005-05:00

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<><

Speak the Truth . . . Time is Short

2011-11-14T11:47:00.003-05:00

"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<><

Simple Homemade Sore Throat Remedy

2011-11-11T09:11:00.004-05:00

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!

2011-11-11T08:58:00.004-05:00

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

NEW Magazine ~ Christian Woman's Voice

2011-11-10T10:24:00.002-05:00

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<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#45~ 'Nuff Said

2011-11-09T12:28:00.003-05:00

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<><

Birth of a New CHRISTmas Tradition!

2011-11-08T13:09:00.008-05:00

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<><

Marmee-isms ~#13~ Progress

2011-11-07T13:15:00.005-05:00

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<><

Homemade Bubble Bath

2011-11-04T21:52:00.005-04:00

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<><

Outdoor Herbs Wintering on My Window Sill

2011-11-03T15:27:00.007-04:00

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<><

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

2011-11-02T12:22:00.006-04:00

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<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#141~ 11/1/11

2011-11-01T10:48:00.004-04:00

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . . bright, beautiful fall day. Still have a few golden-yellow-tinged-in-red leaves on 1 of our trees. Gorgeous.

I am thinking . . . about how much I love fall. Our area is to the point where we're down to mostly golds, a little red in the Maples & the deep rusts & burgandies of Oaks. So beautiful.

I am thankful for . . . answered prayer.

From the kitchen . . . Tuesday bread baking day. Chomping at the bit to get started painting my cabinets ~ I have my new hardware picked out, too.

I am wearing . . . jeans, purple pull-over shirt, purple/pink/blue/green scarf that a sweet co-worker brought me back from vacation, my mom's purple bracelet.

I am creating . . . a peaceful, CHRIST-centered home. Thinking about what to make for homemade CHRISTmas gifts . . . hmmmm . . .

I am going . . . to do a writing project, check a few blogs, putter around the house, bake, go to work later . . .

I am wondering . . . as wander. '-)

I am reading . . . The Story & The Heart of the Story for church & Sunday School. This has been SO good. I highly recommend this ~ it takes your entire church through the Bible in 31 weeks.

I am hoping . . . that work goes quickly tonight. As grateful as I am for my job, today's 1 of those days that I would like to stay home.

I am looking forward to . . . our new bathtub being put in tomorrow.

I am hearing . . . radio, typing fingers, leaves skittering by the window.

Around the house . . . general pick up, preparing the downstairs bathroom for the workmen who will take it over tomorrow.

One of my favorite things . . . remembering sweet memories.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, home repairs, worship w/the saints.

Pondering these words . . . "God's wrath is getting what we deserve, God's grace is getting what we do not deserve." ~from Sunday's sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "But you have forsaken Me & served other gods, so I will no longer save you. Go & cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!" ~Judges 10:16 Are we living in a time of history repeating itself?

Here's a picture thought I am sharing with you . . .

Some oregano & rosemary I brought in for the winter from my herb garden.

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Marmee-isms ~#12~ Marmee Knows Her Girls

2011-10-31T10:44:00.003-04:00

Now, if she had been the heroine of a moral story-book, she ought at this period of her life to have become quite saintly, renounced the world, & gone about doing good in a mortified bonnet, with tracts in her pocket. But, you see, Jo wasn't a heroine; she was only a struggling human girl, like hundreds of others, & she just acted out her nature, being sad, cross, listless, or energetic, as the mood suggested . . . Jo had got so far, she was learning to do her duty, & to feel unhappy if she did not; but to do it cheerfully ~~ ah, that was another thing! She had wanted to do something splendid, no matter how hard . . .

Providence had taken her at her word; here was the task, not what she had expected, but better, because self had no part in it: now, could she do it? She decided she would try; &, in her 1st attempt, she found the helps I have suggested. Still another was given her, & she took it, not as a reward, but as a comfort, as Christian took the refreshment afforded by the little arbor where he rested, as he climbed the hill called Difficulty.

"Why don't you write? That always used to make you happy," said her Marmee, once, when the desponding fit overshadowed Jo . . . "write something for us, & never mind the rest of the world. Try it, dear; I'm sure it would do you good, & please us very much" . . .

An hour afterward her Marmee peeped in, & there she was, scratching away, w/her black pinafore on, & an absorbed expression, which caused Mrs. March to smile, & slip away, well pleased w/the success of her suggestion. Jo never knew how it happened, but something got into that story that went straight to the hearts of those who read it; for, when her family had laughed & cried over it, her father sent it, much against her will, to one of the popular magazines, &, to her utter surprise . . . Letters from several persons, whose praise was honor, followed the appearance of the little story, newspapers copied it, & strangers as well as friends admired it . . .

"I don't understand it. What can there be in a simple little story like that, to make people praise it so?" she said, quite bewildered.

"There is truth in it, Jo, that's the secret . . . You wrote w/no thought of fame or money, & put your heart into it, my daughter; you have had the bitter, now comes the sweet. Do your best, & grow as happy as we are in your success."

Little Women ~ Ch. 42

"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.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Scoop on Mineral Make Up

2011-10-27T16:08:00.005-04:00

OK . . . so, if you've read my blog for very long, you know that I've been making my own skin care, body care & certain make-up products for a few years b/c my skin has always been so oily & acne-prone. Yes, I'm 52 yrs old & my skin is still as oily & acne-prone as it was when I was in my teens. You know that, "you'll grow out of it"? . . . I haven't yet.

BUT ~ I did find recipes ~ through research, trial & error ~ that have helped me immensely. Ask any family member or long-time friend; my skin is now the best it's been in decades. After learning what works/doesn't work for my skin & getting it into shape, I didn't want to ruin everything I've over-come w/a nasty, greasy make-up. Once again . . . research, trial & error. I have come to believe that the best make-up for ANY skin-type ~ oily skin, in particular ~ is mineral make-ups. Not only has it worked amazingly well on my own skin, but it also has it's own health benefits:

"For those w/allergy-prone, laser-treated, or otherwise challenged skin or those who simply want to minimize the possible sensitizing factors and inherent toxic risks of conventional color cosmetics, micronized mineral cosmetics are the best answer. Powdered mineral foundations, blushes, & eye shadows, which are colored primarily by iron oxides, actually calm irritation, due to their titanium dioxide & zinc osides, which are anti-inflamatories . . . Mineral makeup is recommended by dermatologists & plastic surgeons for use after a peel & as the 1st makeup after laser treatment. They provide broad-spectrum UVA & UVB sun protection, which can spare sensitive facial skin the added burden & step of applying common sun-screen products . . . The microscopic crystals overlap, allowing the skin to breathe, but they don't crease or accentuate wrinkles as talc-based powders do . . ." ~The Truth About Beauty by Kat James; p. 210. [emphasis mine]

So let me recommend what I think are 2 of the best answers if you are interested in trying mineral make-up. We've all heard of "that major brand" out there; I'm sure it is a fine product but they are way out-priced for me & the amount they sell. I recommend that 1) you pay a visit to the Ponte Verda Soup Company's website & check out their mineral make-up recipes. They are excellent ~ if you have the time. 2) If you don't have the time to make your own, do the next-best thing & use the products from an awesome, home-based company that I have been using & that we sell at the health food market I work at. The company is Christina's Natural Qualities. She has a whole line of make-up's, a full spectrum of colors, mascaras, brushes. You will LOVE her products. As greasy as my face is, I can wear her make-up ALL day & barely crack a shine. She's very reasonably priced & I personally highly recommend her products.

Have fun playing in the colors!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#43~ To Fleece or Not to Fleece?

2011-10-26T13:02:00.003-04:00

PASSAGE: "'But Lord,' Gideon asked, 'how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family' . . . Gideon said to God, 'If You will save Israel by my hand as You have promised ~ look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You said.' And that is what happened . . . Then Gideon said to God, 'Do not be angry with me . . . This time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew.' That night God did so . . . " ~Judges 6:15, 36-39 [emphasis mine]

LESSON LEARNED: Poor Gideon, he must have been the 'baby' of the family. I'm the 'baby' of my family and there are times when I feel like I will NEVER be taken seriously by my elders. I know my family loves me, but I will ALWAYS be "the baby."

Gideon's whole family must have been the runts of the litter because he said they were the weakest of the clan and he was the weakest of the weak. It almost congers up images of Barney Fife in Biblical garb. But God is good and He has a purpose for everyone, even the babies of the families.

God made Gideon, and He knows that even the weak can be strong; He knew that He had given Gideon a brain and faith enough to know that God keeps His promises and will do what He says He will do. Even in our human frailties God is faithful. Even when we set out our own fleeces and ask God for some sort of proof that we have heard His call correctly, even when a situation begs to overwhelm us and our faith is only that of a mustard seed; God loves us so much that He uses us for His purposes. He uses US to be the instrument that fulfills His promises!

God must lovingly chuckle at us, His children, as He guides us into the events that serve His purposes. Gideon felt it necessary to "remind" God of His promises (see verses above) ~ I wonder if God prompts us to repeat His promises so that WE will remember them, to cause our faith to grow; after all, God doesn't need reminded of His promises. And in reminding us of what He has promised, we are strengthened and our backs become a little straighter, our shoulders roll back and our heads are held a little higher because we know that God goes before us. All we have to do is be obedient and walk the path laid out for us. Fleece or no fleece.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

An Article After My Own Heart!

2011-10-25T13:31:00.005-04:00

How often, in our quest to shed a few pounds, has it occurred to you (as it does to me) that depriving ourselves of everything we love to eat in order to lose said pounds only makes us hate the word "diet" & begrudge the day we ever started? I have said for years that if meat & bread are some of the staples of life that completely depriving ourselves of one (ex: carbs in the Adkins Diet) or the other (ex: red meat in certain other diets or adopting a vegan lifestyle) simply can't be good for us.

How many of us have gone on these diets & as soon as we meet our goal ~ or simply give up ~ we go right back to our favorite, fatty foods & gain all the weight back again? (Me! Me! Pick me!)

I have had far greater success in losing and keeping weight off AND just being healthier by trying to eat something every 3 hours (as my work schedule will allow), giving myself a "free" day & eating more of a fresh, made-from-scratch diet. Whole foods, if you will. Sooo . . .

{The diagram on this shirt says: "Delicious . . . Tasty . . . Scrumptious . . . Mmm Good . . . Yummy." Love it}

Here's an article after my own heart ~ all those "bad foods" that "the experts" say are bad for us turn out to be good for us. Whoot! So, cook up some steak, eggs, whole wheat bread & spread on a little peanut butter while you're at it.

OF COURSE, this is all in moderation, a little goes a long way. Hope this gives you a little freedom & relief & brings a smile to your day.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#140~ 10/25/11

2011-10-25T10:17:00.004-04:00

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . . beautiful sunshine making the remaining red/yellow/orange leaves glow like fire.

I am thinking . . . this would be a great time to go camping or spend some time in a cabin.

I am thankful for . . . treasured friends who have known me for years; our history draws us closer & makes the laughter more enjoyable.

From the kitchen . . . bread-baking day, I haven't even thought of what to fix later. :-/ I'm preparing to paint my kitchen cabinets & "age" them. Did a little experiment w/a couple of colors & decided on Olde Century Colors' Goldenrod Yellow over Tinderbox Brown. Can't wait to get it done! Then on to the walls.

I am wearing . . . jeans, green long-sleeved t-shirt.

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

I am going . . . to take DD#2 to work, run some errands & go to work later this afternoon.

I am wondering . . . when a certain parcel will arrive.

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

I am hoping . . . & trusting that the Lord has an incredible purpose for a certain little baby I know about that was born into hard times this week.

I am looking forward to . . . up-dating & fixing up some rooms in my house.

I am hearing . . . radio.

Around the house . . . general pick up, baking, never-ending laundry.

One of my favorite things . . . time spent w/family & old friends ~ laughing . . . praying . . . eating good food . . . shedding a few tears ~ both happy & sad . . . the comfort of having history together.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, a writing project, hopefully a little painting.

Pondering these words . . . "If I am not different from the world 1) how will others KNOW the difference from the world & godliness? 2) how can I bless others?" ~from my Sunday sermon notes.

Scripture thought . . . "For you are a people holy to the LORD you God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession . . . Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him & keep His commands." ~Deut. 7:6 & 9

Here's a picture thought I am sharing with you . . .

Dear friends at Cracker Barrel. I love these women.

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Homemade Salt Scrub ~ For All Skin-Types

2011-10-21T09:58:00.005-04:00

One of the quickest ways to look & feel a little younger, a little prettier, a healthier is to get rid of those dead surface skin cells & flaky skin. In the summer, we like to have smooth skin b/c ~ well, let's face it ~ we show just a little more of it; in the winter we like to have smoother skin so that we don't suffer so much from "winter itch." And whether on your face or on your body ~ exfoliating is one of the easiest things you can do for yourself & see & feel the difference immediately.

I make this scrub with grapeseed oil because even oily skins can use this w/o clogging our pores, causing break-outs & getting that icky feeling that anything oily gives to those of us w/oily skin. Plus, depending what you use it in, it soaks in quickly w/o residue OR, like w/this scrub, it washes off easily.

This recipe is for your BODY ONLY. It's very simple & exquisitely effective. You will love this!

You will need:

~2 c. finely grained sea salt (not the chunky kind)
~4 c. grapeseed oil (there are brands made especially for the body, but you can use your kitchen grapeseed oil just as well)
~25-30 drops of your favorite essential oil ~ EX: lavender (relaxing), sweet orange (clean, rejuvenating), grapefruit (clean, rejuvenating), peppermint (stimulating, opens sinuses ~ use only a SMALL amount), eucalyptus (stimulating, opens sinuses) . . . etc.

Directions:

1) Use a wide-mouthed jar w/a good lid so that you can get to the product easily & any left over can stay fresh.
2) Put the entire 2 c. of sea salt in jar, cover w/the grapeseed oil, add essential oil; stir gently to mix.
3) In the shower, wet your entire body, turn shower off.
4) Scoop out a good amount & gently massage the scrub all over your skin in a circular motion. AVOID any cuts, scrapes of back or chest acne.
5) After you are good & scrubbed, rinse off off w/warm water; towel dry.
6) Apply your favorite body lotion to keep your new, fresh skin nice & soft.

Enjoy!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#42~ Christianity: It Ain't For Whimps

2011-10-19T10:25:00.003-04:00

PASSAGE: "Be strong and courageous . . . Be strong and very courageous . . . Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:6,7,9 [emphasis mine]

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness & soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." ~Titus 2:7-8

LESSON LEARNED: Have you ever had someone tell you that Christianity is a "religion" for whimps? That immediately makes me think: How have you lived so long as someone so uninformed?

Some of the bravest people I know are/were Christians. These committed Christians also understand that Christianity isn't a "religion," it's a relationship. A relationship with THE God of all creation; THE One True God. And when you are in a relationship with THE One True God, you know that He is always with you ~ and He is not only your Salvation, but He is your Strength and your Source of courage to face everything from disaster to all your wishes coming true. Both ends of the spectrum begin and end with the Lord. (Rev. 1:8; 22:13)

Now, knowing that the Lord is always with us, how should we live? God told Joshua to be strong and very courageous . . . and he was about to face a fierce battle! We may not face an enemy army everyday, but we do have an enemy who puts snares in our way to try and trip up our walk of faith. Paul told Titus how to handle those snares (above) and Randy Frazee, in The Heart of the Story, tells us, "He is calling us to live distinctive, wholesome lives that stand out from lives characterized by selfishness, greed and materialism . . . We need to remember that more is unfolding than what we can see . . ."

As Christians, we represent God and His plan in a fallen world. That doesn't mean that we are to be super-pious and dower in our countenance, but be joyful in the journey. Whom do we have to fear if God goes before us in all of our battles? So don't be whimpy in your walk, Christianity ain't for whimps! Be strong and courageous! And ask yourself: Has God failed me, yet?

No? I didn't think so.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#139~ 10/18/11

2011-10-18T09:47:00.007-04:00

For Today . . .

Outside my window . . . a little grey, but it just makes the colors of the trees stand out that much more.

I am thinking . . . why do some people have a propensity toward drama & then want to drag their extended family into it w/them? *sigh*

I am thankful for . . . having the balance of more common sense than "book larnin'"; & for the work of missionaries.

From the kitchen . . . Tuesday is bread baking day. Dirty rice sounds good for today.

I am wearing . . . jeans, black tank top under a gray cardigan sweater.

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

I am going . . . to take DD#2 to work, run by the farm & get some milk, putter around the house, go to work.

I am wondering . . . about resolving an issue.

I am reading . . . The Story & The Heart of the Story ~ Bible study for church.

I am hoping . . . that we can do some home repairs soon.

I am looking forward to . . . hearing, "Well done, good & faithful servant."

I am hearing . . . the radio, typing fingers, DD#2 puttering around the house.

Around the house . . . general pick-up, cleaning, baking, laundry . . .

One of my favorite things . . . my hubbie's beautiful hazel eyes.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, worship practice, worship w/the saints on Sunday.

Pondering these words . . . Faith is not passed on from parents to children; it is demonstrated, chosen & then lived out generation by generation. (KW<><)

Scripture thought . . . "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your soul & with all your mind.' This is the first & greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law & the Prophets hang on these two commandment.'" ~Matt. 22:37-40 ~~The WHOLE LAW is summarized in: 1) love God, 2) love people.

Here's a picture thought I'm sharing with you . . .

A Scottish cottage kitchen

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Marmee-isms ~#11~ Character: The Best Possession

2011-10-17T09:48:00.002-04:00

"He bore it as long as he could; but when he was appealed to for an opinion, he blazed up with honest indignation, & defended religion with all the eloquence of truth, ~ an eloquence which made his broken English musical, & his plain face beautiful. He had a hard fight, for the wise men argued well; but he didn't know when he was beaten, & stood to his colors like a man. Somehow, as he talked, the world got right again to Jo; the old beliefs, that had lasted so long, seemed better than the new; God was not a blind force, & immortality was not a pretty fable, but a blessed fact. She felt as if she had solid ground under her feet again; Jo wanted to clap her hands & thank him.

"She did neither; but she remembered this scene, & gave the Professor her heartiest respect, for she knew it cost him an effort to speak out then & there, because his conscience would not let him be silent. She began to see that character is a better possession than money, rank, intellect, or beauty; & to feel that if greatness is what a wise man has defined it to be, 'truth, reverence, & good-will,' then her friend Friedrich Bhaer was not only good, but great."

Little Women ~ Chapter 34 [emphasis mine, KW<><]

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Another Year of "What If's..."

2011-10-15T10:20:00.003-04:00

Today would have been our Jessica's 26th birthday. I was expecting her on my 26th birthday.

Her birthdays always make me think of all those what if's . . .

You can read her story HERE.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><