Have you started thinking about Christmas shopping? Did you know there are only 10 Fridays until Christmas? (and the 10th one is Christmas Eve!) It's probably time for those of us who haven't already, to start making lists and planning our gift giving.
Would you like to buy gifts that can bring the hope of Christ to a hurting world? If so click here: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/
Through Samaritan's Purse you can feed a hungry baby for a week for $9, or rescue a child from exploitation for $75, or provide specialized instruction, basic obstetric supplies, or even antiviral medicine to protect newborns from contracting HIV from their mothers for $35. You can help with wells, or missionary hospitals, or hot meals, or life saving mosquito nets, or a host of other things! Another fun way to get involved is through Samaritan Purse's Operation Christmas Child, also known as the shoebox ministry. This is a great family project that children love helping with. Instructions can be found on the website. This is a great way to share the joy of our Savior's birth with the world's poorest children. I encourage you to take a look!
For other shopping ideas, here is a short list of some of my favorite places to shop.
timberdoodle.com
visionforum.com
gooseberrypatch.com
thecountryhouse.com
christianbook.com
To get started with my planning, today I'm going to make a list of everyone we are buying for. This is step one for me. I usually make up a Christmas notebook starting in October and that helps me keep all of my lists and other stuff in one place. I tape an envelope inside the cover to put receipts in. I keep the notebook with me all the time during October, November, and December and jot things down as needed. I have a list of names of who we are planning to buy for, as well as the kids' wish lists, a page where I write down everyone's sizes, an idea section, a place to write down prices that I'm comparing, and a section with recipes I'll be making and the necessary ingredients. I have a section where I can plan for company we are having (like meals to serve, etc) and a section for planning any traveling we are going to do (like when we're leaving, where we are staying, and what to pack). Having everything in one notebook has helped me to stay organized during the holidays. You can pick up an inexpensive spiral notebook at the store and tape a regular business size envelope inside the cover and you are ready to go! It's not fancy but it is helpful for staying organized! For fun you could get a red or green notebook and pick up some Christmas stickers and let the kids decorate the cover. That's what I'm going to do!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
THE KEY TO A GENTLE AND QUIET SPIRIT
1 Peter 3:4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
- mild of temper
- soft
- gentle
- not easily irritated
- not giving offense
- contented
- peaceable, rest in the Lord
- not turbulent
Jesus is our ultimate example: Matthew 11:29 "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Moses as an example: Numbers 12:3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.
The Key - Personal daily alone time with The Lord
Luke 10:38-42 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Robbers of a meek and quiet spirit
- Fear
- Worry
- Anger
- Depression
- Disorganization
God can teach us how to deal with fear, worry, anger, disorganization and depression. The key is daily time with Him. As we work at home there are many important things that we must do to take care of our husbands, and children, and homes, but the good portion that cannot be taken away from us is the time when we are sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- mild of temper
- soft
- gentle
- not easily irritated
- not giving offense
- contented
- peaceable, rest in the Lord
- not turbulent
Jesus is our ultimate example: Matthew 11:29 "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Moses as an example: Numbers 12:3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.
The Key - Personal daily alone time with The Lord
Luke 10:38-42 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Robbers of a meek and quiet spirit
- Fear
- Worry
- Anger
- Depression
- Disorganization
God can teach us how to deal with fear, worry, anger, disorganization and depression. The key is daily time with Him. As we work at home there are many important things that we must do to take care of our husbands, and children, and homes, but the good portion that cannot be taken away from us is the time when we are sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Pumpkin Cake
My daughter and I made this the other night and our whole family loves it! It is quite delicious, and so easy my 4 year old did almost all the work! We baked this in a 9x13 but I have also done this as cupcakes. We serve each slice with Cool Whip and for the cupcakes you could put a dollop of Cool Whip on the top of each one - cute!
(I hear canned pumpkin is hard to find this year. I have some in my pantry but noticed today at the store that the shelves are bare. If you see some you might want to pick up a can or two.)
Pumpkin Cake
1 yellow cake mix
1 15oz can pumpkin (100% pumpkin)
1/2 c. water
3 eggs
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
Mix for 2 minutes. Bake according to cake mix box directions. Serve with Cool Whip. YUM!
(I hear canned pumpkin is hard to find this year. I have some in my pantry but noticed today at the store that the shelves are bare. If you see some you might want to pick up a can or two.)
Pumpkin Cake
1 yellow cake mix
1 15oz can pumpkin (100% pumpkin)
1/2 c. water
3 eggs
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
Mix for 2 minutes. Bake according to cake mix box directions. Serve with Cool Whip. YUM!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Cheeseburger Pie
This couldn't be easier to make and it's a guaranteed winner with the kids!
1-1/4 lbs. ground beef
1 c. sliced mushrooms
1/4 c. onion, chopped
1 c. sour cream
2 c. shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
8-oz. tube refrigerated crescent rolls
Brown ground beef with mushrooms and onion; drain grease, and let cool. Add sour cream and one cup cheese; mix well. Line the bottom and sides of an ungreased 13x9 baking pan with crescent rolls, sealing seams; layer with beef mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top; bake at 375 for 35 to 40 minutes. Serves 6 to 8.
1-1/4 lbs. ground beef
1 c. sliced mushrooms
1/4 c. onion, chopped
1 c. sour cream
2 c. shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
8-oz. tube refrigerated crescent rolls
Brown ground beef with mushrooms and onion; drain grease, and let cool. Add sour cream and one cup cheese; mix well. Line the bottom and sides of an ungreased 13x9 baking pan with crescent rolls, sealing seams; layer with beef mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top; bake at 375 for 35 to 40 minutes. Serves 6 to 8.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Where Have I Been? Getting Organized!
After a couple of weeks of not blogging I am ready to get going again. Life has been challenging recently and I needed some time to get myself moving in the right direction. (more to come on that later.....)
Currently I am reading MORE HOURS IN MY DAY by Emilie Barnes. I'm excited about all that I am learning (in some cases re-learning). I want to share some of what I am learning since I think it is helpful to all of us who are working at home.
One of my favorite chapters is "A Daily Plan". Ahh.....that's what I need to keep up with everyone and everything! And with that plan, I need a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious to God. (*re-learning, AGAIN! God is patient with me.)
Here is a Sample Daily Routine:
A. Start your day the night before
"She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night." Proverbs 31:17-18 (She is energetic, a hard worker, and watches for bargains. Go couponers!! She works far into the night...that doesn't leave time for laying around at night watching tv!)
Gather, sort and wash laundry. (my washing machine only sleeps when I do)
Set the breakfast table. (I have found I love doing this before I go to bed)
Lay out vitamins in individual cups.
Set up coffeepot for the morning.
Make a "To Do" list for what must be done for the next day.
B. Get up early
"She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens." Proverbs 31:15 - (Getting up just one hour earlier makes a HUGE difference. If you normally get up at 6:30, try 5:30. You will be surprised at what a difference that one hour makes in your day. By the way, I am still working on this!)
Make the bed.
Shower/Get dressed.
Do hair and makeup.
Personal devotion time.
Put in first load of wash.
C. Advance to the kitchen
"She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27 - (She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household, and is never lazy.)
Rejoice that the table is set!
Cook breakfast.
Call everyone to the table with a 2 minute warning.
Serve everyone once and sit down yourself (Don't be a short-order cook.)
Remind everyone to take vitamins.
Review each person's day.
Have everyone take their dishes to the sink.
Put all the dishes in the sink to soak in hot water (or load into dishwasher).
Quickly put away all perishables.
D. Say farewell to the family (Or, say farewell to your husband! Emilie Barnes did not write her book with homeschooling in mind but I think this part of the daily plan is still useful for those of us who are homeschooling.)
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26 - (When she speaks, her words are wise and kindness is the rule for everything she says. I want the children to remember me as a smiling mother and not a screaming shrew.)
See if your husband has any needs.
Check each child's room with him or her. (Remember it's not what you expect, but what you inspect!)
See that the bed is made and clothes are hung up or in the hamper.
Check the bathroom for dirty clothes and for cleanliness.
Compliment the kids on how well they have done something.
(Here Emilie Barnes says to send them off with a loving hug. I would send my honey off with a loving hug and get the kids started on their morning chores.)
E. Get to work
"She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong." - She is energetic and a hard worker!
Put in a second load of wash.
Do the dishes.
Do any advance dinner preparation - here's where I am pulling out my crock- pot most days!
Clean up the counters
Water plants
Spend 15 minutes doing general housecleaning in some area of your home. (It's surprising what you can do in just 15 minutes!)
Start children with morning devotion/school work. (The school day schedule is going to look completely different for each family so I am going to let you fill in here what yours would look like. My opinion is that school functions the best when there is a schedule of exactly what we are doing and when. We've tried it different ways and we are the most productive with a detailed school day schedule.)
F. Prepare the home for the evening
"She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:27-29
Light a fire and candles (seasonal)
Prepare munchies if dinner is a bit late: veggies & dip, crackers & cheese, etc.
Set the table.
Prepare yourself: freshen makeup, check hair. (This may seem funny but I have had several older ladies share this advice with me and Emilie Barnes suggests this as well.)
Start thinking toward a quiet and gentle spirit.
Organize the children as best you can.
Be ready for husband's arrival.
Always meet him. Get yourself to the door with a hug and kiss and a smile.
Do not share the negative part of the day with him until after dinner.
Enjoy your family dinner!
Bath routine for younger children.
Family devotions/Games.
Bedtime routine (Different for each family, we read books and pray.)
Currently I am reading MORE HOURS IN MY DAY by Emilie Barnes. I'm excited about all that I am learning (in some cases re-learning). I want to share some of what I am learning since I think it is helpful to all of us who are working at home.
One of my favorite chapters is "A Daily Plan". Ahh.....that's what I need to keep up with everyone and everything! And with that plan, I need a gentle and quiet spirit which is so precious to God. (*re-learning, AGAIN! God is patient with me.)
Here is a Sample Daily Routine:
A. Start your day the night before
"She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night." Proverbs 31:17-18 (She is energetic, a hard worker, and watches for bargains. Go couponers!! She works far into the night...that doesn't leave time for laying around at night watching tv!)
Gather, sort and wash laundry. (my washing machine only sleeps when I do)
Set the breakfast table. (I have found I love doing this before I go to bed)
Lay out vitamins in individual cups.
Set up coffeepot for the morning.
Make a "To Do" list for what must be done for the next day.
B. Get up early
"She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens." Proverbs 31:15 - (Getting up just one hour earlier makes a HUGE difference. If you normally get up at 6:30, try 5:30. You will be surprised at what a difference that one hour makes in your day. By the way, I am still working on this!)
Make the bed.
Shower/Get dressed.
Do hair and makeup.
Personal devotion time.
Put in first load of wash.
C. Advance to the kitchen
"She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27 - (She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household, and is never lazy.)
Rejoice that the table is set!
Cook breakfast.
Call everyone to the table with a 2 minute warning.
Serve everyone once and sit down yourself (Don't be a short-order cook.)
Remind everyone to take vitamins.
Review each person's day.
Have everyone take their dishes to the sink.
Put all the dishes in the sink to soak in hot water (or load into dishwasher).
Quickly put away all perishables.
D. Say farewell to the family (Or, say farewell to your husband! Emilie Barnes did not write her book with homeschooling in mind but I think this part of the daily plan is still useful for those of us who are homeschooling.)
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26 - (When she speaks, her words are wise and kindness is the rule for everything she says. I want the children to remember me as a smiling mother and not a screaming shrew.)
See if your husband has any needs.
Check each child's room with him or her. (Remember it's not what you expect, but what you inspect!)
See that the bed is made and clothes are hung up or in the hamper.
Check the bathroom for dirty clothes and for cleanliness.
Compliment the kids on how well they have done something.
(Here Emilie Barnes says to send them off with a loving hug. I would send my honey off with a loving hug and get the kids started on their morning chores.)
E. Get to work
"She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong." - She is energetic and a hard worker!
Put in a second load of wash.
Do the dishes.
Do any advance dinner preparation - here's where I am pulling out my crock- pot most days!
Clean up the counters
Water plants
Spend 15 minutes doing general housecleaning in some area of your home. (It's surprising what you can do in just 15 minutes!)
Start children with morning devotion/school work. (The school day schedule is going to look completely different for each family so I am going to let you fill in here what yours would look like. My opinion is that school functions the best when there is a schedule of exactly what we are doing and when. We've tried it different ways and we are the most productive with a detailed school day schedule.)
F. Prepare the home for the evening
"She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:27-29
Light a fire and candles (seasonal)
Prepare munchies if dinner is a bit late: veggies & dip, crackers & cheese, etc.
Set the table.
Prepare yourself: freshen makeup, check hair. (This may seem funny but I have had several older ladies share this advice with me and Emilie Barnes suggests this as well.)
Start thinking toward a quiet and gentle spirit.
Organize the children as best you can.
Be ready for husband's arrival.
Always meet him. Get yourself to the door with a hug and kiss and a smile.
Do not share the negative part of the day with him until after dinner.
Enjoy your family dinner!
Bath routine for younger children.
Family devotions/Games.
Bedtime routine (Different for each family, we read books and pray.)
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