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

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

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

OK . . . so, if you've read my blog for very long, you know that I've been making my own skin care, body care and certain make-up products for a few years b/c my skin has always been so oily and acne-prone. Yes, I'm 52 yrs old (as of this writing) and my skin is still as oily and 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 and 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 and 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 and error. I have come to believe that the best make-up for ANY skin-type ~ oily skin, in particular ~ are 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, and eye shadows, which are colored primarily by iron oxides, actually calm irritation, due to their titanium dioxide and zinc oxides, which are anti-inflammatories . . . Mineral makeup is recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons for use after a peel and as the 1st makeup after laser treatment. They provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection, which can spare sensitive facial skin the added burden and 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. 

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 and the small amount they sell. I recommend that 1) you pay a visit to the Ponte Verda Soup Company's website and 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 and use the products from an awesome, home-based company that I have been using. The company is Cowgirl Dirt, out of Montana. The line is completely organic and they share an ingredient list of every product ~ nothing to hide when you make a superior product. They have a whole line of make-up's, a full spectrum of foundation colors, mascaras, lip and eye liners, blushes, eye shadows, brushes. You will LOVE their products ~ this is what I use when I don't make my own. As greasy as my face is, I can wear this make-up ALL day and barely crack a shine. The line is very reasonably priced and I personally highly recommend their products.

Have fun playing in the colors!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

"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<><