The Dandy Dandelion

For some reason, the "decision makers" of long ago decided that those cute little yellow "flowers" that pop up all over our yards and our children gave us as bouquets (unless you nuke them with some herbal or chemical concoction) are bad and ugly and really shouldn't be there AT all.

I don't know who it was, but it seems like so many of those "decision makers" are people who do not know, nor care to know the benefits of God's creation. You know, kind of like those people who move to the country because they want to get away from the crowded city and then complain that the country is too . . . rural. :-/

Dandelions are really an incredible creation. They are one of the best over-all tonic herbs, especially for women from puberty through menopause. They are considered one of the most effective digestive bitters, as they help with all digestive ailments and can be taken daily to restore good health, rejuvenate and maintain all-around good health. All parts of the dandelion can be used as either a capsule, tea or tincture.

Dandelion is considered by many as the safest and most effective diuretic; cleansing and restoring (cools) the liver, urinary tract (a great urinary tract infection zapper!), relieves constipation.

It is great for vascular issues, too; vein health, releaves vascular and stress headaches.

Used as a tea or tincture, dandelion is very well known to fight infections, rashes and herpes (including "fever blisters") by drinking several cups per day either as a tea or 2 dropper-fulls of tincture in a glass of cold water. Suffering from a cold or sinus infection? Add some of the herb or a dropper-full of  tincture to your chicken noodle soup.

Every woman can benefit from dandelion at all phases of life. Dandelion strengthens this entire female reproductive system; it is so rich in vitamins and minerals and it restores over-all balance, especially if your menses are not regular. It delivers some of the highest quality calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamins A and C into your system. It also helps to maintain proper potassium levels. The calcium it supplies is especially important to menopausal women to prevent calcium loss and bone problems. And as a bonus, it helps with hot flashes.

Those little yellow "flowers" in our yards start looking prettier and prettier all the time.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#88~ Spending Time with Your Father

"I sought the LORD, and He answered me;

He delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to Him are radiant;

their faces are never covered with

shame.

This poor man called, and the LORD 

heard him;

He saved him out of all his troubles."

~Psalm 34:4-7

"He does not ask much of us, merely a thought of Him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, at other times to thank Him for the graces, past and present, He has bestowed on you, in the midst of your troubles to take solace in Him as often as you can. Lift up your heart to Him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to Him. One need not cry out very loudly; He is nearer to us than we think" ~ Brother Lawrence; The Practice of the Presence of God

Words are important. Do you have children? . . . Parents? . . . Cherished friends? How would you feel if those you loved didn't talk to you? Or what if they only spoke to you when they were in trouble, sick, mad or worse yet, only when they wanted something? Even though being ignored until "necessary" would probably hurt, I'll bet you would treasure every word your loved one said to you, when they finally contacted you. 

How is your conversation with the Lord? Do you pray regularly or do you converse with Him in your mind? Not every conversation with the Lord HAS to be "official" prayer, you can talk to Him anywhere you are. A couple Sunday's ago, I was excited that our Pastor Tom brought up how Brother Lawrence trained himself to make his thought-life an on-going conversation with the Lord. I read Brother Lawrence's book, The Practice of the Presence of God, early in my Christian walk and that was one of the first disciplines I adopted ~ to transform my thought-life into conversation with the Lord. 

Why should we wait until "the time is right" or conditions are perfect? In many seasons of our life, those times and conditions can be few and far between. Why not talk to the Lord while you are driving to work or school? While you are in the shower (by-the-way, the acoustics in the shower are great for singing praise songs :-D) . . . while you are waiting for an appointment . . . washing the dishes . . . taking a walk . . . asking for wisdom and guidance while conversing with an unbeliever . . . thanking Him for breath in your lungs and a heart that beats for Him.

Quiet time set aside for earnest prayer is vital, but the Lord treasures our conversation and any conversation will do; and like any loving Father, He LOVES talking to the children He adores.

Blessings from Ohio . . .  Kim<>< 

Bathroom Renovation ~ Part 6 ~ Cupboard Doors

I know it's been a while since we refurbished our downstairs bathroom, but as I was putting towels away, tonight, it occurred to me that I hadn't shown you my rebuilt, prim painted cupboards.

So . . . that's the last of the bathroom photos to show you ~ promise. ~lol~  The left-upper cupboard was already there, but prim painted to match the sink/vanity. The tall 2-door cupboard is new & about 6" taller that the one before it & it goes all the way to the floor.

If you want to look back at the progress of the re-do, click HERE & scroll down.

And now you know the rest of the story. '-)

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#191~ 5/27/13

For Today . . . Memorial Day 2013

Outside my window . . .partly cloudy with a lot of gorgeous sunshine. Windy & cool, mid-to-high 60's.

I am thinking . . . about the great weekend we had ~ 3 DAYS off together. Woohoo!

I am thankful . . . to ALL of those ~ from the Revolutionary War to this War on Terror ~ for sacrificing your lives so that we may live free. May we be worthy of your sacrifice & keep our country as free as you left it.

From the kitchen . . . yellow cake with whipped chocolate icing; picnic food :-)

I am wearing . . . jeans, grey top, black drapey.

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

I am going . . . to finish a decorating project in the downstairs bathroom.

I am wondering . . . how the Lord is going to answer a big prayer. Waiting expectantly :-)

I am hoping . . . for an answer soon.

I am looking forward to . . . getting started.

I am learning . . . to bring a lot of things together for a big purpose.

About the house . . . finishing up the bathroom project.

I am pondering . . . a great future.

I am reading . . . Control by Glenn Beck. About to finish it up, finally. So little time to read, lately. It's a GREAT book.

One of my favorite things . . . country drives & laughter with THE Man.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, appointments, hopefully some positive answers, writing an article & a devotion, blogging . . .

A favorite quote for the day . . . "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things; that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior." ~John Newton

Scripture thought . . ."Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ." ~Eph. 5:19-20

A picture thought for you . . .

Connect with, read & start your own Daybook at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Catching Up...

SO SORRY that I have posted so little this week, but I have been busy, busy with some dreaming, planning & preparing that I hope will reap MUCH in the near future.

I would appreciate your prayers that doors will be opened, favor given & that the Lord would bless it all.

Thank you, ahead of time. I will let you know . . .  :-D

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<>< 

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#190~ 5/20/13

For Today . . . 

Outside my window . . . clouds moving in, expecting storms tonight. Hoping we don't get the tornadoes that the places west of us did. God have mercy on them . . . & us.

I am thinking . . . about the family of my life-long friend who passed away so suddenly last week. Tonight is her viewing, tomorrow her funeral; please keep her family in your prayers. Sadly, I can't go b/c it's in another state. :-(

I am thankful . . . that today is my 31st spiritual birthday. I accepted Jesus as my Savior at an Imperials concert. So much sin washed away & made clean by the stripes of my loving Savior. I love You, Lord.

From the kitchen . . . chicken salad.

I am wearing . . . dark olive capris & a "Lilly's Hummus" t-shirt.

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

I am going . . . to work to late shift later tonight. Tag-team family night ~ I leave when they come home. :-/

I am wondering . . . how this week will end . . .

I am hoping . . . for some GREAT news this week. {squeal}

I am looking forward to . . . Wednesday & Thursday.

I am learning . . . to ask.

About the house . . . general pick-up, never-ending laundry.

I am pondering . . . how two friends can be so different yet love each other so much.

I am reading . . . "Control" by Glenn Beck. Usually, I could have read this in 1 or 2 days, but life has been very busy lately. I'm certainly enjoying the bits & pieces I get to read, though. HIGHLY recommend.

One of my favorite things . . . bringing a smile to someone's face.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, appointments, planning . . .

A favorite quote for the day . . . “We should fix ourselves firmly in the presence of God by conversing all the time with Him...we should feed our soul with a lofty conception of God and from that derive great joy in being his. We should put life in our faith. We should give ourselves utterly to God in pure abandonment, in temporal and spiritual matters alike, and find contentment in the doing of His will,whether he takes us through sufferings or consolations. ”
― Brother Lawrence

Scripture thought . . ."If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples." ~John 15:7-8

A picture thought for you . . . 

Connect with, read & start your own Daybook at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<>< 

A Passing . . .

"A friend loves at all times . . . " ~Proverbs 17:17

 Myself & Mollie ~ 1997

I had fully intended to write about something different today, but about an hour ago, I found out that a dear, life-long friend of mine has suddenly passed away. 

 Mollie ~ Age 10

Mollie ~ when we became fast friends at age 8, we discovered that we shared the very same birthday (I, being about 4 hours older & I always reminded her :-}). 

 Mollie ~ Age 12

Mollie ~ with the bluest eyes of anyone I'd ever met except my Daddy.

 Mollie ~ Age 15

Mollie ~ who was quick to laugh & just as quick of temper to anyone who hurt ANYONE she loved.

 Mollie ~ Age 17

Mollie ~ and her John

Mollie ~ who overcame youthful indiscretions and found the love of her life (her John) and whose husband, children and grandbabies were the foundation & loves of her life. She LIVED for her family, if ever anyone did.

 Myself & Mollie ~ 1997

Mollie ~ my birthday will never be the same. We always tried to be the 1st one to call the other on our birthday. Since she has lived out-of-state for many years it was the one day that we knew we would always hear the other's voice. 

Her family & friends are living in the fogginess of shock at her sudden loss. I ask that you would please pray for Mollie's family as they walk through this time. I will especially be praying that they will draw closer to the Lord & let His loving, comforting arms wrap tightly around them.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#87~ Establish the Work of Our Hands

"Teach us to number our days aright, 

that we may gain a heart of wisdom . . . 

May Your deeds be shown to your servants,

You splendor to their children.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest 

upon us;

establish the work of our hands for us ~

yes, establish the work of our hands."

~Ps. 90:12, 16, 17

"Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight." ~Psalm 119:35

We all have gifts and talents that God has blessed us with. It can be anything from singing . . . to always being the person who has that "entertainment" gene and always has the best parties . . . to someone who invents something to better the world . . . a gifted preacher . . . or the person that no one sees, who coordinates what happens behind the scenes that a business couldn't survive without. 

What are your gifts? What are your dreams? Have you lived out your dream? Did you use your gifts and talents for pursue your dream? Do you use them now? Was it easy?

Most likely, the pursuit of your dream will not be easy. It will come with some gain and some loss, but lessons will be learned along the way. If you don't let adversity or disappointment extinguish that fire in your belly, if you totally rely upon the Lord to direct your path (Prov. 3:6), then He will make all of your work, your dreams and your prayers worth all that struggle. He will establish the work of your hands. In plain English, that means that He will give you success. 

When we fully rely upon God's leading and timing (which generally is not our own) He uses the wisdom we have gained and the talents we have honed as testimony to His workmanship in our lives. 

Just one more way that the world will see God's glory shine through us. 

Blessings from Ohio . . .  Kim<><  

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#189~ 5/13/13

For Today . . . 

Outside my window . . . beautiful sunny skies. A few clouds & cool, but lovely.

I am thinking . . . that life is full of disappointments but God is STILL on His throne.

I am thankful . . . that I am one step closer to a dream come true. For a GREAT Mother's Day! <3 font="">

From the kitchen . . . chicken salad on croissant.

I am wearing . . . jeans, purple shirt.

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

I am going . . . to regroup & look in a different direction.

I am wondering . . . about timing.

I am hoping . . . it's SOON :-)

I am looking forward to . . . open doors.

I am learning . . . to keep my eyes open.

About the house . . . general clean-up, research . . .

I am pondering . . . where to look ~ near or far?

I am reading . . . "Control" by Glenn Beck. I highly recommend it.

One of my favorite things . . . friends who pray.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, research, magazine article submission for up-coming issue, planning . . .

A favorite quote for the day . . . "Can't never did anything." ~my dear Daddy

Scripture thought . . . "'Where is your faith?' He asked His disciples." ~Luke 8:25

A picture thought for you . . . 

 DD#1, DD#2, Son-in-Law ~

These beautiful people make my 

Mother's Day possible.

Connect with, read and start your own Daybook at Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><       

A Mother's Prayer for Mother's Day

Dearest Lord ~ 

I ask that You would . . . 

 DD#1, DD#2, Son-in-law

Teach my children to fear You;
~Psalm 34:11

Surround them with Your divine favor;
~Psalm 5:12    

Bring Godly friends & influences into their lives.
~27:17

In Jesus' mighty Name ~ Amen.

Mother's Day blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<>< 

Easy-Peasy Homemade Oil Candle

Saw this on Pinterest & HAD to share it with you.

The simplest candle EV-ER :-)

You will need:

~as many oranges as our want to make candles out of; each orange makes 2 candles 
~essential oils of your choice (orange, rose, ylang ylang, clove, cinnamon, peppermint . . . )
~cooking oil (safflower or grapeseed oil will burn clean)

Directions:   

1) Gently score a circle around the middle of an orange, CAREFULLY peel so that the middle "string" that goes through the middle of the orange slices remains in the orange "cup" & sticks up; this will be your wick

2) carefully add 20-25 drops of your favorite essential oil to the orange halves

3) carefully, slowly pour oil into the orange halves ~ DO NOT cover the "wick" 

4) light your candle & enjoy

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><  

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#87~ Does the World See Christ in Us?

"He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him." ~John 1:10-11
"Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 'What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know Who You are ~ the Holy One of God!'" ~Mark 1:23-24

"You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ . . . written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." ~2 Cor. 3:2-3

I have noticed something while working with the public: Christians have a sort of radar ~ we can almost sniff each other out. (Homeschoolers have the same radar :-) ) Gladly, it seems that many of the customers who are Christians come to me to wait on them, when they visit where I work. Many of the regulars and I have had quick conversations about things of the Lord, how He has led them to things and people who have helped them with this-or-that malady, how He is working in our lives and we've shared prayer requests and answers to those prayers.  I'm sure you probably patronize businesses where you know there is a Christian or two working there, and with whom you feel a little more comfortable.

When Jesus came near the demoniac, it was the demons who knew ~ beyond a shadow of a doubt ~ Who they were talking to. It was the learned and pious ~ those expecting the Messiah ~ who didn't recognize the Son of God for Who He is. Now, why do you suppose that we can recognize Jesus in other Christians and those of the world cannot? Or can they? 

I am of the belief that they can. I am of the belief that the Lord has set us in their midst to be His "letter" to the sphere of influence that we live in ~ in our neighborhood, our work or school environment, with extended family members. Jesus puts us right where He needs us to penetrate the darkness.   

We are put in a position where those around us that see Jesus in the way we interact with others, with themselves; how we handle stress in work or school related difficulties, how we celebrate the good times; how imperfect people can still live lives of integrity. But most of all, when the opportunity arises, that we will be able to tell them the difference that Jesus Christ has made in our lives. That what was lost has now been found ~ and that they can be found, too.

They can find out that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners ~ of whom I am the worst." (I Tim. 1:15) We are living letters of Christ to tell the world that if He can save us, He can ~ and will ~ save them.

And the world will see.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><