The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#165~ 9/3/12

For today . . . 

Outside my window . . . grey & rainy. Can't complain because we need it so badly. And the temperatures are going down a little ~ ahhh ~ fall is in the air!

I'm thinking . . . that THE Man & I are soon off to a movie.

I am thankful . . . for a day off with THE Man. I have always highly valued my time with him.

I'm thinking . . . of so many plans that may soon come to fruition that it makes my head swim. :-)

From the kitchen . . . my special BLT's ~ I add a slice of cheese & some alfalfa sprouts, yum.

I am wearing . . . jeans, black tank w/black drapie.

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

I am going . . . to take advantage of my extra day off.

I am wondering . . . when?

I am hoping . . . that it will be soon? :-)

I am reading . . . certain chapters in "Cowards" for a 2nd time. Great book.

I am looking forward to . . . another lunch date w/DD#1 later this week.

I am learning . . . that my husband, THE Man, takes care of me in ways I wouldn't have thought to do.

Around the house . . . some general pick-up; it's a day off, so not much.

One of my favorite things . . . the way our little dog, Maggie, whines & barks & yips & jumps around when one of us comes home. We should all be that happy when our love-ones come home.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, lunch w/DD#1 & a final fitting on her wedding gown (that was supposed to have happened last week), a couple more homeschool assessments, putting up fall decorations!!!! Yippee!!!!

Favorite quote for the day . . . "Sin is sin. Only man categorizes sin."

Scripture thought . . . "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." ~I Peter 4:7-8

A picture thought for you . . . 

 Fall is in the air

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><


 

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Please forgive the lack of posts this week. It has simply been a busy, busy, busy week.

Please go to the Post Categories list & help yourself to reading some older posts & trying out some of my frugal recipes that you've always wanted to try.

Leave me some LOVE by leaving a comment!

See you on Monday.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Sept/Oct Christian Women's Voice Mag Now Available!

The NEW Sept/Oct issue of the Christian Women's Voice magazine is NOW available! Both on-line & hard copy.

My frugal living column is on comfort foods & herb mixes.

Find out more here . . .

 

                 

     

               Christian Women's Voice Sep/Oct 2012      

   

     CW Voice is created and written just for YOU by women who love the Lord! Join us as we usher in the glorious season of Autumn with helpful tips, recipes and articles that offer encouragement!    

   

             http://www.magcloud.com/resource/Image/medium_widget_foot" alt="Find out more on MagCloud" style="margin:19px 0 6px 0;border:0;" />      

   

 Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#164~ 8/27/12

For today . . . 

Outside my window . . . gray, dreary, rain. But I rejoice in it because it is so needed.

I am thinking . . . about the great weekend I had as some of my co-workers & I represented our health food store at the health & wellness conference in Indy. I had so much fun & the vendors were more than generous to us. PLUS ~ a lovely hotel room. Wow. A little bummed that I forgot my camera :-/ BUT the COOLEST part . . . I received a FREE microwave oven!!!!!!!! WooHoo!!!! So blessed.

I am thankful . . . for that new microwave oven :-) AND that my precious DD#2 cleaned the whole house for me while I was gone. Once again . . . so blessed.

From the kitchen . . . DD#2's yummy meat balls & sauce.

I am wearing . . . let's just say that I'm in "post-convention grunge" until I have to get ready for work.  Ha!  **blushing**

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

I am going . . . to sort through all the paper-work I brought home from the conference.

I am wondering . . . when the Lord's timing & mine will intersect.  
I am hoping . . . that it will be soon. :-)

I am reading . . . some favorite blogs that I've fallen behind on.

I am looking forward to . . . going to DD#1's final wedding gown fitting. Her big day is getting closer & closer.

I am learning . . . that, once again, my faith & belief in God's mighty power is my strongest gift.

Around the house . . . unpacking, laundry, sorting through conference paperwork.

One of my favorite things . . . being reunited with my family after being away.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family, work, homeschool assessments, DD#1's final wedding gown fitting, worship practice, worship with the saints.

A favorite quote for the day . . . “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 . . . "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed . . . Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised." ~Romans 4:18, 20, 21

A picture thought for you . . . 

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Chickweed & Simple Chickweed Salve & Tea

Working at a health food store, it doesn't take too long to find out what Dr. Oz has talked about on his show on an given day (since I'm at work when he's on, I don't get to watch him). And, yes, he is a blessing AND a curse. lol

Something that seems to have struck a chord with many viewers has been his discussion that Chickweed herb is good for weight loss; preferably in a tea. So, if you would like to make you own simple Chickweed tea ~ & not spend $8 per box just to have someone else put it in a bag for you ~ all you need to do is go to your nearest health food or bulk food store & buy 1-2 oz of Chickweed & . . . 

You will need (per cup):

~1 to 1-1/2 ts Chickweed herb
~ boiling water

Directions:

1) boil water
2) put 1 to 1-1/2 ts of Chickweed in your tea ball
3) steep for 5-10 minutes
4) sweeten with honey, if desired

My favorite way to use Chickweed is as a salve for severe itching ~ as in eczema, psoriasis, rashes. You can even use it as a joint balm for arthritis AND as a on of the better drawing salves for splinters.

You will need:

~1/2 c Comfrey
~1/2 c Chickweed
~Extra Virgin Olive Oil
~Bees wax, grated
~1/8 ts Vitamin E oil
~small crock pot; the type used for pot pourri works well
~cheesecloth for straining

Directions:

1) put herbs in the crock pot & cover with enough olive oil to stand about 1" above the herbs
2) heat on LOW for 3 hours
3) after heating, let stand for cool for about 1/2 an hour
4) arrange cheesecloth in a measuring cup (for liquids) with a pour spout, pour herbs & oil through. When most of the oil has drained through, pick up the cheesecloth & gently squeeze out as much of the remaining oil as you can back into the crock pot
5) add your grated bees wax & melt through
6) add the Vitamin E, mix well
7) carefully pour into your container(s) & let it set up into a semi-hard balm

You'll LOVE it, especially for itching skin & as a drawing salve.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Homemade Herbal Freeze Pops

I'm always looking for more pleasant ways to keep ourselves well ~ or to get better from an illness. Especially since having kiddos & with a daughter about to get married, we'll be nearing grandparent-hood. (woohoo!) So this ol' Marmee recently discovered a fun, refreshing way for the whole family to better enjoy any "wellness" tea that we need . . . Herbal Freeze Pops!

Google

So, whether someone has a fever & is looking for a cool, healing refreshment, or a mom-to-be or family member with an up-set tummy wants a cool, tummy-settling way to take their healing herbs or simply a fun, cool way to "drink" your healing tea blends in the summer ~ Herbal Freeze Pops might just be the way.

As a reminder, here are links to some of my own herbal tea mixes:

*this link has recipes for up-set tummies, nursing mommies, sage tea (for mouth sores & sore throats), peppermint for digestion & fever reduction, chamomile/lavender for relaxing & soothing a fussy, teething baby . . .
*click here for a lovely, red hibiscus tea

Google

You will need:

~the herbal ingredients of your favorite tea blends at triple strength, depending upon the effect you desire or need (or your favorite bagged tea)
~water
~strainer
~freezer pop molds with handles or wooden sticks

Directions:

1) bring to boil enough water to fill your freezer pop molds
2) once water boils, take off heat & add your herb mix; let steep for 15-20 minutes **NOTE, again, that the pops work better with a TRIPLE STRENGTH tea**
3) strain tea into freezer pop molds
4) freeze

Enjoy!

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#69~ The Mercy of a Choice

"But the LORD God called to the man, 'Where are you?'

"He answered, 'I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid . . . so I hid'

". . . 'have you eaten from the tree I commanded you not to eat from?'" ~Gen. 2:9-10

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God . . ." ~Romans 3:23

"Praise be to the God and 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, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade ~ kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time . . . Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." ~1 Peter 1:3-5, 8,9 [all emphasis, mine]

Often, I hear those who are unsaved ~ searchers and doubters, alike ~ ask the question: "Why would a loving God make faith in Jesus Christ the only way to heaven?" 

My answer is ~ Why not?

Adam and Eve, the first man and woman of God's beautiful creation, broke the ONE RULE that God gave them: ". . . you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." (Gen. 2:17) One rule ~ just ONE RULE, and they chose to disobey. 

My question back to the searchers and the doubters is ~ Why should God have even given us a second chance at all? He made us, he had every right to just wipe us out and start from scratch . . . but He didn't. Praise God, He didn't!

In His love for us, He has mercy on us. He sent is only, precious Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our foul sin and, in His loving mercy, He adopts us as His children to spend eternity with Him in heaven. 

So, once again, God gives us a choice of ONE simple rule to follow to wipe away our sin ~ just ONE RULE ~ we must accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. That's it. That's all. The spiritual chains will be broken and your future will be secure.

O, what a Savior!

Blessings, Kim<><

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#163~ 8/20/12

For Today . . . 

Outside my window . . . a lovely, sunny day. A few clouds but sunshine & pleasant temperatures to be enjoyed.

I am thinking . . . for my sweet husband. He has problems w/his legs, but he took me to a local country fair yesterday & walked around until he simply needed to sit for a while. Just for me. God bless him abundantly.

I am thankful . . . for a great family weekend. DD#1 came over Saturday night for pizza & an old movie; Sunday was great worship, great sermon, yummy fair food for lunch & another old movie w/the the family that night. It went by far too fast.

From the kitchen . . . comfort food ~ chicken noodle soup.

I am wearing . . . jeans, black tank w/a black drapey.

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

I am going . . . to work the late shift at the health food store.

I am wondering . . . how the Lord will bring Himself glory in a particular situation.

I am hoping . . . that it is soon.

I am reading . . . Bible ~ Ezekiel.

I am looking forward to . . . Wednesday.

I am learning . . . that the Lord loves to amaze me.

Around the house . . . not a whole lot of picking up today, had 2 homeschool assessments come over this morning.

One of my favorite things . . . the homeschool community.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . family time, work, attending a convention for work; I will miss my family while I'm away.

A favorite quote for the day . . . "Christianity is both PERSONAL & PUBLIC; & though my faith is PERSONAL, it is NEVER to remain PRIVATE." ~from Sunday's sermon.

Scripture thought . . . "'Is not this the kind of fasting I [God] have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter ~ when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?'" ~Isaiah 58:6-7

A picture thought for you . . . 

DD#1 & her fiance'

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

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Horse Chestnut ~ For Vein Health & So Much More

 Horse Chestnuts

I love learning about new home remedies. One of the best I've found, since working in the health food industry, has been Horse Chestnut. This little bud & it's properties are used quite often in Europe & the UK but are often over-looked in America.

It is best known for it's ability to help with varicose veins & general circulation issues, including hemorrhoids. Horse Chestnut can be taken orally ~ in capsule form, as the seeds are toxic ~ & is widely used in a cream.

To help even more, you can use the cream AND take the capsule form, together. I often recommend that, if possible, to attack a problem from the inside-out ~ such as with Arnica Montana (a homeopathic remedy) ~ if you can battle an issue two ways, your healing time will be cut down & your comfort level will increase.

Natural cosmetic companies are catching on & are including Horse Chestnut in many of there "mature" skin products. Because it helps with vein health, helping to repair & prevent vein & capillary fragility, it can offer anit-aging benefits.

Whether by capsule or in a cream or both, be sure to check it out next time you visit a health food store. It's amazing what a little dab'll do ya.

Horse Chestnut Tree

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#68~ Does the Condition of Your Bible Reflect Your Life?

"Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like abundant rain on tender plants" ~Deut. 32:2

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless . . . " ~2 Samuel 22:31(a)

"A person whose Bible is falling apart, usually isn't" ~Frank A. Clark

My old Bible ~ I used this one for 14 years ~ pages falling out, notes abound

 

Today, I have a few questions for you: What is the condition of your Bible? What does it "say" about you? If someone broke into your home, what would the condition of your Bible tell them about you?

~ Is it easily found?
~ Is it out where anyone could see it?
~ Do you leave it open to the last place you were reading? 
~ Do you underline and high-light?
~ Are the pages torn or falling out?

 Held together with masking tape

~ Is your well-used Bible's binder held together with duct or masking tape . . . yet?
~ Is it stuffed with markers, important papers and old sermon notes?

OR

~ Is it dusty?
~ Is it even left out or available?
~ Do you even know where your Bible is?

I'm not asking these questions to shame anyone ~ I'm as flawed as they come ~ but simply to make us think. There are so many in our world who are forbidden to own a Bible and to worship the One True God and His Son, Jesus Christ. We are blessed more than we deserve by being "allowed" to hold God's Word in our hands. To be able to let it mold and shape us. Let the condition of your Bible reflect your life.

Let's not waste the opportunity.

 I hope my newer Bible (2 years old) will someday be as worn as my old Bible

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><