Monday, November 30, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, November 30, 2009...

Outside my window...mid 60's, sunny, warm but not hot or humid. This is why I live in South Florida. The weather is just perfect today.

I am thinking...of the wonderful Thanksgiving weekend we had. So much to be thankful for.

I am thankful for...my Savior, my daughter being home this weekend, a fun and plentiful Thanksgiving feast with family, the house already decorated for Christmas, an awesome message yesterday at church, the list goes on and on...

I am going...grocery shopping this morning. I usually go on Fridays, but there was no way I was going to the stores on Black Friday. I stayed home and decorated. Now there's nothing to eat at our house :P.

I am wearing...a grey long sleeve shirt, jeans and sandals which I will change for flats in a little while. I went to Winn-Dixie with the sandals and my feet were freezing.

I am remembering...Christmas when my older kids were little. Seems like such a long time ago.

I am creating...Christmas memories - or at least that's my goal.

I am reading...Hebrews for morning devotions, need to get back to John for SOAP devotions, Anne of Green Gables (and really getting into it), and Who is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas? by Martha Freeman with my son. It's a funny holiday story.

I am hoping...to finish wrapping presents today. I think I need one more gift to buy and I'm done - Praise the Lord!!

On my mind...the new Christmas cartoon that will air tomorrow on ABC called Prep and Landing. It's by Pixar, so it must be great. Haven't seen a new Christmas cartoon in ages.

From the learning rooms...back to school this morning. We'll be reading alot of Christmas books, both from our collection and the library.

I am noticing that...many of my neighbors have put their outdoor decorations and I've only got half of them up. Gotta get moving!

I am pondering these words..."But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." - Luke 2:10,11.

From the kitchen...tilapia today. Something fast and easy.

Around the house...all the decorating is done, so just a quick cleaning is all that's needed. Oh, and of course, laundry.

One of my favorite things...is reading to my son. We both enjoy that bonding time.

A few plans for the rest of the week: back to Awana on Wednesday and Cub Scouts on Thursday. Friday is our last small group meeting for this year, and we'll finish our study of Proverbs with the topic Justice vs. Injustice. I'll miss meeting with these lovely ladies.

From the picture journal...I'll have to take pictures of the house all decorated. The tree, which my daughter trimmed, is stunning. I just love Christmas!!


Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Let's Start Giving Thanks!

Thanksgiving is still 2 days away, but I thought I'd start giving thanks today. It's never too early.

1 - I'm thankful that I'm done cleaning the house. It looks gorgeous! Someone give me the Good Housekeeping Seal, this house looks like something out of a magazine. It was alot of work, but very satisfying.

2 - I had to run to Publix to get sugar because I hadn't realized I was almost out. While there I found Pumpkin Spice pudding! Jello only sells this flavor during the fall, so I stock up, but this year I hadn't found it anywhere. Just this morning I was telling my oldest son how disappointed I was not to have any pumpkin spice pudding this year. I bought 8 boxes. God loves me! I also found Duncan Hines cake mixes on sale. Publix has flavors Walmart typically doesn't have, so I stocked up on those too. I like to bake cakes for my neighbors as Christmas presents, and they like to receive them, so it's a win-win situation.

3 - I'm thankful that my daughter is coming home a day early! I was expecting her tomorrow night, but instead she'll be here tonight! Joy!!!

I'm gonna go make my son something to eat, and continue to thank the Lord for all His blessings. God is soooo good!!!

Monday, November 23, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, November 23, 2009 (the Monday before Thanksgiving)...


Outside my window...the sun is trying to peek out from behind the clouds, the breeze is still cool, and the neighbor's cat is prowling for lizards.


I am thinking...about preparations for Thanksgiving which will be here at our house this year.


I am thankful...for my family being together at Thanksgiving. My daughter is due home on Wednesday. To have us all under one roof is what this holiday is all about.


I am going...to wrap a few more presents, get some laundry going, change the sheets on all the beds, clean the family room and kitchen, all while listening to Christmas carols. Busy, busy, busy.


I am wearing...a pink tank top and pink shorts. Still warm enough outside for light clothes, and it's more comfortable to clean this way.


I am remembering...that I have to go to my mother-in-laws this afternoon to pick up our turkey.


I am creating...a Thanksgiving home.


I am reading...1 Timothy for morning devotions, John for SOAP devotions, and Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I started reading Anne of Avonlea but without reading from the start it's a bit confusing. This time I'm starting from the beginning.


I am hoping...to have everything ready by Wednesday when my daughter comes home.


On my mind...it's hard to have anything but Thanksgiving and Christmas on my mind right now. I'm so excited for both!


From the learning rooms...E turns in his science project today. It's a short school week, which makes my son veeeery happy.


I am noticing that...stores have started their Black Friday specials before Black Friday. I guess the economy has hit them hard.


I am pondering these words..."Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6. I always write this verse to new moms.

From the kitchen...baked chicken, and rice with corn. Let's get the fall meals rolling!

Around the house...so much to do, so little time. This will be the only time I sit down today.

One of my favorite things...is decorating my home for the holidays. I look forward to it the entire year.

A few plans for the rest of the week: cleaning and laundry today and tomorrow. I hope to get some shopping done tomorrow also. Wednesday is dessert day; I will be baking a strawberry cake and making coconut rice pudding for Thanksgiving. Thursday is the big day. Lots to do and enjoy. Friday starts the decorating frenzy. It takes 3 days to decorate my home for Christmas. Saturday one of my dearest friends will host a Christmas Around the World party at her home with leftover pieces that she never sold. It's gonna be a busy week, but in a good way.

From my picture journal...


The Thanksgiving turkey my son E made last year. So cute!


Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Observing My Senses

For Today, November 21, 2009...

I am seeing...the palm trees swaying in the warm breeze. It's warmer today than it's been all week, but it isn't humid, which is nice.

I am feeling...happy knowing most of my Xmas shopping is done, but sad because my extended family is so far away. I miss my siblings.

I am tasting...spinach dip with crackers left over from last night's growth groups. This one was from Publix. So refreshing!

I am hearing...my boys.

I am smelling...not a whole lot, because my nose is a bit stuffy. Not sick, just allergies again.

It takes just a moment to stop and observe what's going on around you. Won't you join me?

Friday, November 20, 2009

The Week in Review

It's been a week of shopping, wrapping, sneaking and hiding. Makes me feel like I'm on some kind of secret mission! It's also been a week of preparation. Thanksgiving dinner will be at our home this year, and while we aren't expecting as big a crowd as other years, I still want everything to be comfortable for those who will be here.

Monday I spent deep cleaning my bedroom. Lots of dust accumulates in there and both hubby and I suffer from allergies, so while I clean up regularly a good cleaning once a month is necessary. I also got some laundry done which I'm trying hard to keep caught up. I'm almost there.

Tuesday I tackled the kids rooms. My daughter is away at college, so my oldest son sleeps in her room while she's gone. This makes E very happy, because he says his big brother snores and keeps him awake! This also means both rooms had to be cleaned up good, though the boys room is always messier. I think that's genetic.

I had spoken to my oldest son about Dad's Christmas present. Hubby is sooo hard to shop for! He's very picky about clothes and shoes, and as for everything else he doesn't give anyone a chance to shop for him because whatever he wants he goes out and buys himself. Well, R and I came up with a gift we're sure he'll like (not saying what it is; just in case) and since it was on sale at Costco we agreed to go buy it on Wednesday. R goes to school on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and he didn't work on Wednesday so it was the perfect day. Or so we thought.

Wednesday morning I got up early to get E ready for school, and hubby stayed in bed. Since his schedule varies, I didn't think too much of it. As E and I got ready to leave, hubby told me he was working late that night so he was going to sleep in. I figured sleeping in meant he wouldn't leave for work till 11:00 am or noon. He got up, exercised, then woke R up to cut the grass and do some much needed yard work. Normally I'd be very happy about this, but I wanted him out of the house so I could go shopping for him!!! I decided to keep my cleaning schedule going and deep cleaned in the living room, moving furniture, dusting everything, scrubbing the area rug clean, till it all sparkled. Still hubby didn't leave. At 1:45 I left to pick up E from school. Even my oldest son was perplexed; how were we going to get Dad's gift? The sale would end on Saturday, R had school and work both Thursday and Friday, and it was looking like we'd have to pass on this present. When E got home he told me about a report he needed to print on the computer. This posed a problem - there was no ink in the printer. That's when R came up with his brilliant plan. Go to Wal-mart to pick up an ink cartridge, then run to Costco which is only about a mile away and buy Dad's gift. R gave me cash and promised to help E with homework and keep Dad occupied while I ran my errand. It actually worked out better than I'd anticipated.

Hubby asked me to pick up some stuff for him while I was at the store. Good, that would give me more time in case I got delayed. When I got to Wal-mart, it turns out they didn't have the ink cartridge I needed. So I called R and asked him to find out what other store I could go to, since I didn't want to drive all around wasting gas just to find one item I needed. In the meantime I checked out the sale section at Wal-mart, and found something that I think R will really enjoy (again, not saying what it is). The price seemed really good; I would later find out comparing prices on the Internet that it was 90% off the actual price, so I got it for a steal!! As I was getting ready to check out, R called and said I could get the ink cartridge either at Office Max or Office Depot. Both are just blocks away from Costco, again to my advantage. So off I went to Office Max, then to Costco to buy Dad's present. While I was there I bought him his favorite breakfast cereal, since he'd run out. That way if he asked where I'd been I could answer honestly that I'd been to Costco. I got home satisfied with my shopping expedition - I'd managed to get 2 presents instead of just one.

I figured I could wrap both presents on Thursday, when R went to school and Hubby went to work. Well, only one of those scenarios became reality. R left for school, but Hubby worked all night and didn't get home till 5:30am, so he didn't have to go to work till later on in the afternoon. I didn't want the presents in the car - too much risk of Hubby going to look for something. I took E to school, then waited till Hubby was fast asleep and snuck both presents in the house. Hubby's present I put in my daughter A's room, because I knew he wouldn't go snooping in there. R's present I left in the living room and proceeded to give the dining room a deep cleaning. When Hubby got up I showed him what I'd gotten R, and wrapped it up. One down, one to go. Except Hubby didn't leave the house till I went to get E from school, and I knew I couldn't let E see the present because he's not very good at keeping secrets. So the gift stayed safely tucked away in A's room.

This morning I dropped E off at school and went to Winn-Dixie to start my grocery shopping day. I like going to Winn-Dixie early; there's less people so I'm in and out in less than half an hour. When I got home I was surprised that, once again, Hubby was still there! Not another night shift, I thought! But no, it turns out he was waiting for me to come home so I could wrap a gift for one of his clients - a very nice dress shirt that the client had admired on him. So I got a box, packed it up, then pulled out the wrapping paper. And wouldn't you know it - the paper I had saved to wrap up Hubby's gift I used up on this other present and now I was out of wrapping paper!! Can anything else go wrong?! Understand, it's very important that this gift get wrapped. If Hubby has the slightest inkling that there's a present for him in the house, he'll tear it apart looking for it. He's very much a kid in that respect. Besides, if E saw it he'd spill the beans. No problem, I was going to Wal-mart again anyway, I'd just pick up some more wrapping paper. Finally, after getting several other errands taken care of, I was able to wrap Dad's present. I have to say, all this sneaking around is not good for my nerves!

Hubby's gonna change the oil in my car tomorrow (Saturday) so I may be stuck at home most of the day. Not good, since I was hoping to go shopping at a big outlet mall before Thanksgiving. Sunday I'm teaching Sunday school, and after that we'll be at a cousin's baby shower. Plus E's science project has to be finished this weekend so he can turn it in on Monday. Never a dull moment in our house!

God bless, have a wonderful pre-Thanksgiving Day weekend! :-)

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Kids Say the Funniest Things

"Shortly after our family began having nightly devotions—which isn't easy with a precocious four-year-old daughter and an impish two-year-old son—my daughter asked, "Mommy, when are we gonna get together with Daddy and Austin to talk about God and have family commotions?"

From Church Laughs at Christianity.com

Monday, November 16, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, November 16, 2009...

Outside my window...it's 67 degrees and a cool breeze is blowing. Skies are overcast but it doesn't look like we'll get any rain. Looks like what fall should look like in November in South Florida.

I am thinking...about the holidays. Alot.

I am thankful...for more things than I can list. For my Lord who gave His life for me. For the life in Him that He's given me. For the family He's blessed me with. And for friends, old and new.

I am going...to start my right-before-Thanksgiving house cleaning. Top to bottom, all around. This is gonna be big.

I am wearing...my pink "Got Jesus?" t-shirt, baby blue capri's and brown sandals. It's fall, but I can still dress light.

I am remembering...past Thanksgivings and the fun we had.

I am creating...a shopping list for Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas gifts left to purchase.

I am reading...Galatians for morning devotions, John for SOAP devotions, and A Simple Christmas by Mike Huckabee. Picked it up at Costco. It has 12 short Christmas stories, some funny, some sad, all inspirational.

I am hoping...to be productive this week.

On my mind...the women in my growth group. What an awesome bunch of ladies. I must keep them in prayer, especially one whose son was recently shot in a hold up. His spine was severed, and doctors say he'll never walk again. He's only 24 years old. I know my God can do miracles no doctor can do, and that's what we're praying for.

From the learning rooms...we'll be putting together the science project board this week.

I am noticing that...while my cold is gone the cough seems to want to stick around. It's getting annoying.

I am pondering these words...from BarlowGirl's new CD Love and War, the song is called Love is Marching: "Everyone will pass. And when we've breathed our last can we say, We have lived for more? And did we live to die for love?"

From the kitchen...the oven is cleaning today (whoever invented self cleaning ovens: Thank you!!) so I'll be making chicken stir fry in the electric skillet with white rice.

Around the house...prepping for Thanksgiving which will be at my home this year. Starting with bedrooms and working my way through.

One of my favorite things...is cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Well, truthfully, cooking any dinner that my family appreciates brings me joy.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Awana and Bible study on Wednesday. Cub scouts have a Thanksgiving feast on Thursday, and I signed up to bring the stuffing. Friday growth groups, it's the next to last study. Saturday I hope to go to the largest outlet mall in South Florida to pick up some quality yet inexpensive Christmas gifts for the young ones in the family. We have 5 little cousins ages 3 and under, and another on the way. Such a blessing!

From my picture journal...



My son E at the Cub Scout car wash fund raiser. He worked hard but enjoyed it so much he's promised to wash my car this weekend. How great is that?! Thank You Jesus for such a loving little boy.

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Observing My Senses

For Today, November 14, 2009...

I am seeing...a neater house. Had plenty of things to pick up and put away. Once that was done, ahhh.

I am feeling...a cool breeze coming in through the window. Finally some fall weather. I was tired of the air conditioning being on in November.

I am tasting...roasted red pepper hummus on roasted garlic melba toast. I could eat this stuff forever.

I am hearing...the ceiling fan above me and our neighbor's pool filter.

I am smelling...the sweet smell of outdoors, cool air and grass. Nature at its best.

It takes just a moment to stop and observe what's going on around you. Won't you join me?

Friday, November 13, 2009

The Week in Review

Ever had one of those days when you feel like you didn't stop once yet you didn't get as much accomplished as you'd like? This was one of those weeks. I've been busy but I'm still behind on so much.

One good thing for this week: the weather. This morning was a nice cool 57 degrees, and the high should stay in the 70's. No humidity either. It's so nice to be able to open the windows without it feeling like the inside of a 450 degree oven. I love this time of year.

I've gotten a bunch of Christmas shopping done. I look for sales, then when I bring stuff home I wrap it right away so I don't have to think about it later on. The closets are getting filled, but I still have so much left to buy! Most of what I've purchased is for the kids. One present for grandma, one for Daddy, and everything else is for my children. Oh, except the Christmas shoe box. We do one or two Christmas shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child each year. You can learn more about Operation Christmas Child and Samaritan's Purse here. It's a very worthy cause and a great way to teach the little ones the true meaning of Christmas.

I did a ton of housework, yet the house isn't where I like it to be. It seems that no matter how much cleaning and organizing is done, there's always room for more. Laundry is another item on my "never gets caught up" list. How can such a small family dirty so many clothes?! There's only four of us in the house now; where does all this laundry come from? It's a neverending cycle.

I've also begun purchasing some of the food items for our Thanksgiving menu. Thank the Lord my husband, his brother and his sister all get turkeys from work. One less thing to buy! Of course I've been looking through the circulars for sales on everything else. I try to buy a little each week so I don't have a huge grocery bill during Thanksgiving week. Got the stuffing, potatoes (russets for mashing), some spices, cake mixes (I buy Duncan Hines but I jazz it up my way), aluminum baking pans which were on sale at Wal-mart, and chicken stock from Costco. I have to make up the rest of the shopping list because believe it or not, Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away! Time is flying by, that's for sure.

Tonight is growth groups, and we'll be looking at instruction verses correction from the book of Proverbs. Sunday my son's Cub Scout troop is having a car wash to raise funds. Another busy weekend. Maybe I'll be able to slow down after that? Probably not.

Have a blessed weekend everyone.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Proverbs Thought of the Day

"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but those who hate to be rebuked are stupid."

- Proverbs 12:1


I've never met a person who enjoyed being disciplined. Yes, I know many Christians will tell you they appreciate when someone tells them they are on a wrong path because this will help them get right with God. It's the right thing to say, after all.

Appreciation is not enjoyment, however. No one says, "I love it when my shortcomings are pointed out. Nothing like knowing the world can see my flaws. What better way to start the day than to have someone tell me about my faults." Let's face it, we can accept correction, we can be thankful for it, we can use it to our benefit, but we don't LIKE it.

And that's okay. Hebrews 12:11 tells us, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." We can acknowledge that we don't like being disciplined because the truth of the matter is, it hurts to be reminded of our sinful nature. We like to believe that now, as followers of Christ, we always get it right. To be shown our mistakes isn't pleasant. But as this verse tells us, when we accept that discipline we receive peace. Accepting discipline also brings us wisdom. Proverbs 19:20 tells us, "Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days." It's like taking nasty tasting medicine. Yes, it's yucky and probably leaves an unpleasant aftertaste, but once the medicine kicks in and the symptoms are relieved, we can appreciate what it did for us.

This Proverb tells us that to hate discipline is to be stupid. That's because when we don't accept discipline we can never move past the area where we struggle. Let's be open-minded and open-hearted as we accept that which hurts for a moment but keeps us joyful for a lifetime.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Time for a Laugh - Accentuate the Positive

The elderly pastor's wife was known for her ability to make positive comments about every facet of her husband's Florida ministry. The church choir, however, consisting as it did of seniors in their 70s and 80s, had defied positive but truthful comment.

She finally solved the problem one Sunday morning. As the choir members filed into the choir loft, she leaned over to me and remarked, "Aren't they walking well this morning?"

- From Church Laughs at ChristianityToday.com

Monday, November 9, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, November 9, 2009...


Outside my window...it's breezy, sunny, and beautiful. It doesn't feel like 79 degrees thanks to the cool breeze.


I am thinking...it'll be windy the next few days, as we keep an eye on Hurricane Ida out in the Gulf of Mexico. Don't quite know yet where it's headed.


I am thankful...for my family, my home, and my God who keeps us all together.


I am going...to the post office to send out a package, possibly Costco for some more Christmas shopping.


I am wearing...a navy blue polka dotted sleeveless blouse, light blue capris and sandals. Not your typical fall attire, I know, but it still isn't cool enough in South Florida to break out the warmer clothes.


I am remembering...people I went to elementary school with who have found me on Facebook. It's great to see how well they've turned out.


I am creating...hopefully a Thanksgiving menu this week. I like to get that done ahead of time so I can buy all the supplies.


I am reading...1 Corinthians for morning devotions, John for SOAP devotions, and Anne of Avonlea just for fun. I never read this book as a child and I've always been curious about it. Found it at the library.


I am hoping...to get all my Christmas shopping done soon.


On my mind...Christmas music. I can't wait till the radio stations start to play Christmas carols!


From the learning rooms...finishing up the science project, and lots of writing assignments.


I am noticing that...despite having such warm weather, this is the first hurricane this season to come near us. Thank the Lord they've stayed out in the Atlantic and haven't disturbed us.


I am pondering these words..."I am only a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel, and my family is the humblest of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin. Why then have you spoken to me in this way?" - Saul, 1 Samuel 9:21. God uses those whom we least expect Him to use, because it is for His glory, not ours, that we are chosen.


From the kitchen...ham steaks and rice with peas.


Around the house...there's plenty of laundry to do, yet again.


One of my favorite things...is Christmas carols. Oh, did I already mention that? ;-)


A few plans for the rest of the week: no school on Wednesday which is nice. Gotta see about finishing up as much Christmas shopping as possible.


From my picture journal...

We call this Trick or Treat cake. In the fall Duncan Hines comes out with a fudge marble cake that's orange and chocolate. It's so yummy and pretty, I make one every year. This one disappeared within a day or two.



Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Proverbs Thought of the Day

Chapter 7 of Proverbs is the warning against adultery. The last verses of this chapter stand out to me:

"Now then, my sons, listen to me;
pay attention to what I say.
Do not let your heart turn to her ways
or stray into her paths.
Many are the victims she has brought down;
her slain are a mighty throng.
Her house is a highway to the grave,
leading down to the chambers of death."
- Proverbs 7:24-27


This brings to mind the story of Stephen Phillips, the ESPN sportscaster recently in the news. Stephen Phillips was married for 19 years, lived with his wife and 4 children and had a great career. He had an affair with a co-worker, a 22 year old young woman who was not willing to end the relationship. She began making harrassing phone calls to Mr. Phillips' wife, and even showed up at her door. Once the story broke out, the wife filed for divorce, is asking for custody of the 4 children, and Phillips has lost his job. He may not be literally dead at this point, but he'll probably say he feels like his life has ended. Too bad he didn't heed the words of these verses.

A few moments of pleasure has led to a lifetime of pain, a family destroyed. When we give in to our desires for illicit pleasure, the consequences are devastating. How can we avoid a similar tragedy? Stay in the Word daily. Stop and think: what does God say about this? Make the right choice, and live with a clear conscience. Because no one wants to be in Stephen Phillips' shoes right now.

Observing My Senses

For Today, November 6, 2009...

I am seeing...the sun shining and the palm fronds blowing in the breeze. It's starting to feel like fall (finally!) with the cool breezes.

I am feeling...excited because we're going to the movies today to see Disney's A Christmas Carol.

I am tasting...a toasted buttered bagel and my morning cup of coffee.

I am hearing...the whirr of the computer motor and cartoons in the background.

I am smelling...not a whole lot; my nose is a bit stuffy this morning. Allergies, I think.

It takes just a moment to stop and observe what's going on around you. Won't you join me?

Friday, November 6, 2009

The Week In Review

I guess it's been a pretty quiet week, if you don't count THE YANKEES WINNING THE WORLD SERIES!!!! Sorry, I'm a native New Yorker, from the Bronx no less. I'm so happy for them.

This has been a mostly stay-at-home type of week, for which I'm so thankful because I needed time to get stronger after having bronquitis. I'm doing much better now, thank the Lord, though I still have a bit of a cough. Nothing could beat my daughter coming down for the weekend to help in the healing process! She and her roommate were homesick and decided to surprise everyone, and what a pleasant surprise it was! I miss my little girl so much. I only wish I'd been able to give her lots of hugs, but I didn't want her to catch my virus. Still, just having my whole family under one roof made being sick all the more bearable.

I spent the days catching up on cleaning and laundry. What with jury duty one week and being so sick the next, my chores fell way behind. It feels so good to look around at my house and it's back to the way it's supposed to be. I spent alot of time on the phone with a dear friend of mine who I'd been trying to get a hold of. She was traveling and called me when she got home. It was so good to hear from her.

Yesterday I baked chocolate chip cookies. The weather is getting back down so that it's in the low 70's in the morning and low 80's in the afternoon, with little humidity and light breezes. This sounds like summer to some but it's typical fall for us. The winds are picking up too, which makes it feel even more like autumn, so baking is definitely on the agenda. I loooove how the house smells when I'm baking! And chocolate chip cookies are my family's favorite. Yum!

I went grocery shopping today and started buying for Thanksgiving. I don't like to buy everything the same week, because then my grocery bill seems astronomical. Instead, I look for sales and buy a little something each week. Today Wal-mart had Stove Top stuffing for $.78 a box, which is great since it had been $1.68 for the past few months. I take Stove Top stuffing and jazz it up with extra onions, celery, sage, rosemary, thyme, raisins, and ground beef. Man, does it taste good!!! I also bought oven bags for the turkey, and coconut milk for my coconut rice pudding. This is a typical dessert in Puerto Rico (where my family is from) for the holidays. My daughter loves it. I can't wait till Thanksgiving - my daughter will be home, we'll have a feast with the family, then decorating for Christmas!! It's my favorite time of the year!

This weekend we'll be going to see Disney's A Christmas Carol. Matter of fact, if we get out of Bible study early enough tonight E and I might just go catch it at 9:20pm. Oooh, I just love this story! I hope everyone has a blessed weekend. God bless.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Proverbs Thought of the Day

"Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of evildoers.
Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
they are robbed of sleep
unless they have made someone stumble.
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flows the springs of life."
- Proverbs 4:14-16, 23


Advise for my children.

Monday, November 2, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, November 2, 2009...

Outside my window...it's a balmy 77 degrees. Weatherman says we'll be seeing temps go back down to normal in the next few days. I hope so. It shouldn't be 77 degrees in the morning. Maybe at noon, but not now.

I am thinking...about the myriad things on my to do list.

I am thankful for...my daughter's surprise visit this weekend. I was sick with bronquitis, but I can't think of a better remedy than to have my children home with me. What a delight!

I am going...grocery and Christmas shopping this morning. I didn't go grocery shopping on Friday because I was feeling so sick, so I need to get that done today. And as for Christmas shopping, I'm a bit behind. I usually start in September but this year I didn't get started till October. I've got some catching up to do.

I am wearing...a church t-shirt, jeans and sandals. Comfy stuff for my shopping trip.

I am remembering...a great teaching about the occult and how the enemy is making his agenda popular in our culture today. Great stuff.

I am creating...my Christmas shopping list. I want to be done shopping before Thanksgiving so I can enjoy the holidays at home, not in the stores.

I am reading...my Bible and nothing else right now. I need to go to the library and get some reading material.

I am hoping...my son E doesn't catch the virus going around our home. He's the only one who hasn't caught it.

On my mind...Thanksgiving. It's less than a month away!

From the learning rooms...we've done the 3 trials for the science fair project, and so far the anti-bacterial dishwashing detergent is in the lead with the most long lasting suds.

I am noticing that...I went past the 300 mark of posts on this blog. Woot!

I am pondering these words..."Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see." Thank You Jesus.

From the kitchen...easy chicken and stuffing in the crock pot that didn't get made last week.

Around the house...the work never seems to get done. Always something to keep me busy.

One of my favorite things...is holiday recipes. I love seeing what other people serve on the holidays and copy the ones that sound yummiest!

A few plans for the rest of the week: the usual. Grocery shopping, library run, Awana and Bible study, Cub scouts, growth groups. I can't see fitting anything else into this busy schedule.

From my picture journal...I tried to download one but Blogger is not working with me today. Maybe later.

Wanna join in the fun? Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook. God bless.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

How Do I Want To Be Taught?

Picture this: A firefighter is invited to an elementary school assembly to teach the children about fire safety. Parents and teachers are present also. The firefighter begins talking about the importance of owning a fire extinguisher. He explains what they are, how they work, and even has several fire extinguishers, in different sizes, to show the children. He teaches them how to operate a fire extinguisher and gives a demonstration. Everyone is amazed and pleased with the presentation; but you notice something is missing. The firefighter never spoke of the dangers of fire. So you approach the firefighter and ask why there was no explanation of how to avoid fires, the damage a fire can do, and ways to escape a fire if you don't have a fire extinguisher handy. The firefighter says he doesn't like to talk about those things; they're negative and if the children don't find the presentation fun he may not be asked to come back to the school. Would you accept this as a reasonable answer?

Would it be wiser instead, if the firefighter taught that playing with matches is okay so long as you have a fire extinguisher handy? Because, after all, he wouldn't want children to be deprived of the lessons they can learn from fires. Keeping them too far from fire and not letting them experiment with it won't help them with lifes lessons. After all, fire is everywhere, right? Since it can't be avoided we might as well let the children investigate it for themselves, so long as they're careful. Would a parent be more comfortable with this concept?

Of course, if the firefighter brought in pictures of severely burned children, and screamed at them about how fire is evil and they should stay as far away as possible from fire or they might get third degree burns and die, many parents would become furious. Kids would be so traumatized they wouldn't want to go to a barbeque ever again.

None of these scenarios would be correct. The proper approach would be to instruct children in the dangers of fire if not used correctly. They would be told NEVER to play with matches under any circumstances. That while fire can be of good use, such as for cooking, it is not a toy to be played with. Yes, teaching a child the proper use of a fire extinguisher is good, but so is explaining that they must leave the premises and call 911 immediately in the event of a fire. Parents would agree that this is a well rounded teaching, one that the children would benefit from.

So why is it so many people go to church and only want to hear the good things the Bible tells us? If the preacher tells them each week that God loves them and wants the best for them, that's enough. If every Sunday is filled with beautiful pictures of heaven and God handing out blessings and keeping His children out of trouble, the church is packed. The preacher needs to be careful what he says, otherwise his flock will be offended and won't come back. No one wants to hear anything negative.

And if the preacher says it's okay when you sin because God forgives, that's even better. All you have to do is remember to say you're sorry every night, and God is faithful to forgive. If that same sin keeps popping up day after day, well what do you expect? God knows we're not perfect. He knows we make mistakes. He loves us and forgives us and that's all that matters.

But is this a well rounded, balanced teaching? It's not to say that God doesn't love us; He does. He wouldn't have sent Jesus to die for us on the cross if He didn't. It isn't that God doesn't want to bless us and keep us safe. He's our Heavenly Father. He wants to shower us with His best. But as our Father He also expects obedience from us. We aren't perfect, but He expects us to do our best for Him. We need to hear about the good AND the bad. We need to accept that we are sinners.

Instead of getting angry at the preacher because he pointed out something in your life that needs fixing, take that word as one coming from the Lord, and start making changes. Don't just live life as a free ride with a God that is handing out blessings and forgiveness. Acknowledge what He's done for you and show your appreciation by living a life worthy of being called His. Hearing all the "pretty" messages won't help you become the person He wants you to be. Listening to the good, the bad and the ugly, will teach you to appreciate who you are in Him.