Thursday, July 30, 2015

Love yourself for you child's sake.

                I sat at the red plastic coated metal picnic table enjoying lunch with a wonderful group of young ladies.  There were five young ladies under the age of 13.  We were famished from our adventurous day of play in the amusement park.  I looked around the table at the diversified bodies in all shades and sizes. Each lovely face was a beautiful sight to behold; an amazing work of art to behold and created by God. I was asked to say a blessing over our food and was glad to do so.  I bowed my head to pray and caught a glance at the plates of food, equally diversified.  Some of us had full sandwiches and fries, some just fries or a sandwich, and lastly, glasses of water and a pickle. My mind was puzzled at the food choices before me but the food had to be blessed first; questions would soon follow.
  I said Amen but I didn’t eat just yet.  I asked why my companion did not have more than water and a pickle.  She replied that her Grandma and Mom thought she was getting fat. She was eating light so as not to gain more weight.  I told her that was ridiculous. She was thick and muscular and she needed to embrace this body God blessed her with.  She smiled and looked away.  I knew she would believe the lie from her family over the truth of the Bible; body and soul, she is marvelously made (Proverbs 139:14)
My eyes moved around the table to another young lady. I asked her why she had her t-shirt sleeves pulled up and the legs of her shorts rolled back.  She replied with this, “I am very white. I need to tan because I have a nice body and should show it.”  My mouth dropped open but only for a second.  I told her to be comfortable in the skin she was in and to avoid skin cancer while she was at it.
Another young lady wore wedges to the park because she needed to look taller.  She believed it made her appear skinny, but her feet were hurting.  She was also practicing wearing heals so she can be presentable before a king.  I asked her “what king?”  I heard back, “I don’t know, my Mom tells me this all the time.”
            Another young lady barely talked. I knew her story.  She felt dumb so she rarely said a word.  Lastly, a seven year old feels that everything is her fault and carries the weight of the world on her shoulder. She angry even now, as we eat lunch. 
Are you in tears yet?  I was just sitting there. I, after all, am the mother of the seven year old.  Ladies and Gentlemen, Youth leaders, Pastors, Moms and Dads, Aunty, Uncle, and Grandparents too, we should be ashamed of ourselves for teaching these young ladies the very lies they believe to be truth.  Yes, this is our fault. 
            Before I get the hate comments, I shall explain. The children of today look to the adults that matter most in their lives for direction.  Society doesn’t help by plastering the fake bodies all over the magazines, TV shows, and social media.  However, it is our job to tell these girls the truth for their lives.  They are made perfect in the sight of God. They are unique, beautiful, and smart.  But instead, as adults, we put on our fake hair, fake nails, fake eyelashes, and fake makeup daily. We tan our skin if it is too white and lighten our skin if too dark.  We buy a new wardrobe every few months because we have to stay with the fashions to look good.  We obsess over the mirror on a bad hair day and condemn our bodies in front of these girls. The men look at younger scantily dressed women, and secretly wished for their bodies. We are always on a fad diet instead of just eating healthy and moving, just as our bodies were created to do. We are so uncomfortable in our own skin that there is no way we can expect our children to be comfortable in theirs. 
            I am sicken by all this.   I made a decision long ago to change the way I feel about myself, simply because I saw my daughter call herself ugly.  She didn’t look like her friend: tall, dark skinned, and perfect hair. My daughter had light skin and freckles.  She told me she never wanted to get as big as I was.  I told her that I loved my body the way it was.  It was a lie.  I lied to my child.  My heart broke, not at the comments she made but at the lie I told her.  I didn’t love my body.  I am not sure many of us do.   Why would someone put up a fake self when the real self is good enough? 

            If we are good enough for our Jesus to offer his life up, then that should be enough to love ourselves. Let’s start loving our bodies.  Let’s vow to never say a negative thing about ourselves.  While we are at it, let’s be natural and perfect in the skin we are in.  You and I were created to be unique and wonderful works of art.  So no more bashing God’s creation.  Our future generation will be beautiful because of it, just the way they are. 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Consumed with
 Sorrow or Joy?
“I’m Tired, I’m worn.  My heart is heavy, from the work it takes, to keep on breathing.  I've made mistakes. I've let my hope fail.  My soul feels crushed by the weight of this world. (Tenth Avenue North, Worn). These lyrics exemplify the burden of depression felt by many Christians across the globe.  If you battle this monster too, then let me show you how to win with Jesus.  “I know that you can give me rest.  So I cry out with all that I have left.”  
I had just come from the doctor.  I was tired of crying in secret. I had a strong and seemingly happy persona that I couldn't maintain any longer.  I left that office with a script for antidepressants.  Surely there was hope and happiness in this little pill.  After months of taking this, I felt no sadness, nor happiness. One day I sat on the side of my bed and stared at the tiny elixir. I thought, “Is there anything better than this?”  A gentle and kind voice answered, “Yes, my child, let me show you.”  It startled me to the point that the white concoction fell from my pale hand and onto the floor, never to enter my body again.  Jesus sent me on a journey that I pray you will take. 
I battled moderate depression from childhood.  I also did not believe that the Savior of the world understood anything about depression or could deliver me of it. But that morning led me to a way out.  The answer was in Matthew 26: 36-42.  Jesus went to the garden with his disciples to pray.  He was about ready to pay the ultimate price for our sins.  Jesus, in his flesh, didn't want to do it. Let’s look at verse 38. “Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (NIV) The Amplified says he was sad and deeply grieved. New Living says crushed with grief and the King James says exceedingly sorrowful.  Depression is defined as a state of feeling sad, unimportant, and hopeless.  Jesus was depressed about what he had to do.  However, Jesus didn't stay there. 
I had to know. What did Jesus do to get out of this heaviness, this worrisome state of mind? Read on to verse 39. “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  Oh, did you catch that?  Let me show you again.  “GOING A LITTLE FARTHER, HE FELL WITH HIS FACE TO THE GROUND AND PRAYED.”  If you were sitting with me now, we could jump up and down with excitement and thankfulness.  The answer to this battle is so simple.  Fall on your face; fall on the grounded Word of God and pray!
Jesus was given grace. He wasn't delivered from the cross and persecution that you and I put him through.  He asked for deliverance and was given peace, comfort, love and grace. These last for eternity.  Our circumstances are temporary. Remember Psalms 30:5, “Weeping may come in the night but joy comes in the morning.”
Don’t stay in your sadness.  Jesus fought the battle of depression already.  Walk by his example.  Get on your face in the Word of God and pray often.  Then dance, sing and get ecstatic.  Because of Jesus, I will never be the same again. Peace and joy will always be mine.  It can be yours too!


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

This is what we (might) eat this week!

I have to return to menu planning.  My budget couldn't handle our eating out so much; the waistline doesn't care for it either.  I try to stick to the plan but this doesn't always happen.  Honestly, menu planning is a least favorite activity. But it works, I helped dig ourselves out of debt in the homemaking department by menu planning, as well as homemade cleaners and other money savers on the home front. Next goal for saving money is.....comp shopping.  Ugghhh!


Breakfast                                                      

Oatmeal and leftover oatmeal muffins                                               
Cereal and Fruit                                                      
                       
Eggs, sausage (or bacon), toast and jam                                            
Pancakes and sausage                                                                    
Muffins                                                                                          
smoothies

Snacks

Pb and J
Popcorn and Chocolate
fruit 
Veggies and Dip
Toast and cinnamon honey and butter


Lunches and Dinners

Chili (x2) from dried beans, tons cheaper
Chicken & homemade noodles
Beans and Dumplings
Bacon Burgers and homemade seasoned fries
Potato Soup
Red Beans and Rice from scratch
Stroganoff(no idea how to spell that, neither does spell check) from scratch (Sunday dinner)
Week night lasagna
Pasta with white sauce
Tuna Mac
Chicken nuggets 
Grilled ham and cheese and tomato soup

This meal plan includes a lot of bacon.  It is very expensive but we are in love with bacon.  It is our splurge. Every one has to have a splurge. Otherwise, we'll all go crazy. 
 It also includes two dinners out. Let's face it, Zack and I love to eat out.  We will be one of those old couples that eat breakfast and lunch at our favorite diner (D-Dubs better still be in business in about 40 years), order enough for leftovers, then go home and eat that.  No need for a kitchen in the retirement home....just kidding. 
I didn't list sides.  Those will consist of in season veggies and some frozen veggies.  Sometimes a side is a one pot dinner instead. Our breakfast and snacks are usually the same weekly.  Those meals may also be leftovers .  Oh so crazy, we know!
So here it is. I have to do it.  With four kids, four pets, and a trip to save for (Georgia here we come), this is what needs to be done. 
What are you eating this week?



Friday, December 6, 2013

A new tradition

Today we celebrate St Nicolas Day! It is his birthday.  My family choses to focus Christmas on Jesus birth, not Santa! In fact, we don't even believe in the Santa. My husband and I were convicted for telling our children a lie about the big fat man in the red suit, sneaking in on Christmas Eve and leaving gifts that we gave.  We knew that one day, they would be crushed to find Santa a farce and Mom and Dad had been playing along.  I never will forget the Christmas year I found out Santa was fake.  Crushed I tell you, I was utterly crushed. 
That being said, we wanted to have fun and know that Saint Nicolas was Santa, a real person and a blessing from God to all he encountered.  Enter today, December 6th, Saint Nicolas Day.  This holiday is celebrated by Catholics mostly but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate.  If you know us at all, my family finds reason to celebrate just about anything.  So this morning, the kids woke to find goodies and toys in a stocking, activities to do, movies, books, and fun all day.  Today we started a new tradition to honor St Nicolas and bring the season back to Christmas truth, Baby Jesus!
Under my tree is an empty basket, a small nativity, and a basket full of "hay". We are to prepare a bed for Jesus by doing acts of love and kindness randomly. This will include my kids, Zack, and myself.  Each time one of us does a random act of love for anyone else, we write our name on a piece of hay (paper strips) and the deed.  Then we put the paper hay in the empty basket.  On Christmas Day, baby Jesus will be placed in his manger and have a soft comfortable place to dwell.
My kids are worried that the bed will not be full and soft enough.  You should see them today.  On the table is their activities for St. Nicolas day but they care not about it. They have made the beds, done extra chores, changed the baby, and made sure not to argue and fight. Their main goal is to please Jesus.  For this is the reason for the season, even on St Nicolas birthday!
Will you join us to prepare a bed for Jesus?
 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

TurT: Coming buy to say hello as I write and peck a few ants under the big ole Tree.

   I really enjoy siting in this particular spot on Mom and Dad's farm.. It isn't a very big farm or a very big spot. The farm is just 6 acres but full of kids, chickens, and sheep.  This spot is just under 6 feet squared between two big American Oaks that have secret hide outs for the many animals and bugs that live here. On the bottom of the largest tree (to the South East) has hollow spots all over it. There is one in the bottom with tree roots shooting in and out in every direction. I guess they have a place to go but can't make their mind which way.  There is a hollow haven about 3 feet up from the base of the tree. An owl lives in another hollow hole about 6 feet up from that. This tree is my favorite because of all the animals living in it, the big shade it provides and the soft breeze that rustles the leaves at just the time I need it. The bark on the tree has some green moss which interest me because green is a scarce color these days. The old Oak I am leaning on now is a bit younger but not as healthy.  It has been struck by lightening I think and half of the tree is bare. It one day be blown down by a gust of wind or cut down by human hands. This little spot on this little farm is surrounded by buildings, orchards, barns and streets. To the South East is the prison and leaning against these trees is a barb wire fence.  It keeps the people away but the animals like to cross their boundaries every chance they get.  I wander what purpose the fence really has because it seems to serve as only a reminder that nature left alone is few and far between. Just South of me is an orchard. It provides a wonderful scent of pear and apple for my nostrils, as well as fruit for the residents in the corrections facility. To the West is the paved road this spot resides. The whizzing sound of passing travelers only blends in with natures songs.  The birds chirping and the chickens clucking seem to sing in rhythm with passing cars. When I look North serene hideaway, I see three barns, 16 sheep, several chickens, and 6 rolling acres.  TurTee, my parents old turkey bird, waddles over to join me as I watch the bugs and ants dig around the bottom of the Old Oak.  They hurry for food as TurTee hurry's for food.  She pecks the ground once, twice, three times then looks my way as if she just did the best bug pecking job a girl could ever do. I lean in to pet her soft old feathers and know that one day, nature will take her too.  God made all of this just for me and my sisters and brothers who wish to take care of it.  I lift my eyes to see specks of green and blue. The leaves rustle now as I thank Him for this serene piece of nature.  It makes the best place to talk to God. In this small 6 foot space, nature meets man, and man meet nature.  One day, both will die and new birth will arise.  God created it all. I am thankful. I am blessed to enjoy all that is before me. 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Paper, and too much of it!

Wow! It has been almost forever since I posted anything on my blog.  I am cleaning and decluttering my home and realized that I have a lot, TONS EVEN, of papers.  I have recipes, homeschooling records and portfolios, magazine clippings, to do list, books I have read, ect. ect. I have got to cut back on how many paper items sit around my desk and clutter my table.  I love having a beautiful table to work at.  That is the reason for going electronic. My beautiful work area, my dining table, is the central hub in my home.  When you walk into my home, you are greeted by my dining table and two Jack Russell.  Right now, my jack's are more inviting than my dining table.
See what I mean.  YIKES!
So today, I will begin to throw away the wonderful, precious paper.  I love paper, particularly pretty looking and pleasant smelling paper.  Tomorrow, I will post a better picture of an inviting table.  It will be great.  You are going to want to come over and have tea and scones at my table.  When I make those, I will let you know.  I will be posting some of my helpful ideas that are currently on scraps of paper.  I hope you enjoy.  Here is one to start with. I am not sure where I came up with it but it is my go to for laundry soap.  

Liquid Laundry soap
1/2 bar Fels Naptha, grated
1/2 c wahing soda
1/2 c borax
2 gal Bucket

Add soap and 6 c water to pot. Heat until soap melts. Add washing soda and borax. Stir well until dissolved. Remvoe from heat. Pour 4 cups of hot water in bucket. Add soap mixture. and stir. now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of cold water. Stir. Let sit for 24+ hours to gel up. Then break up gel mixture. Add
 to old laundry containers. Shake well before each use.. You only need to add 1/4 to 1/2 cup per load. This takes longer to make than powder but you get more than and it is inexpensive. If you want a scent to your soap, add an essential oil (health stores have them) to the hot water before adding cold water to the pail.


BTW, I am not tech-y.  Those of you that know me understand why.  I have a tendency to short electronic, battery operated, and light bulb things out over time. My mom just told me a few weeks ago that she stopped replacing so many light bulbs since I moved out. Guess who replaces them now?  You got it, me.  I still put blame on the old house.    And this is why I am not tech-y.

I can't believe I posted my cluttered table/work station/ prayer place/ craft spot.... OK you get the point.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Save on Food cost

I have decided to become Debt Free a little over two years ago. I am almost there. It hasn't gone fast enough for me. I never claimed patience either. While Zack tries to get all the OT he can, I save on costs at home. This website gave me a great start to save on food, cleaners, and other areas of the home. Here is a link to their ebook. It has valuable information. I suggest it to anyone who wishes to do the same.

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