It’s been over a month since I last wrote. I have no deadline to meet as to when I write, which is lovely. But it bugs me when I want to write and I lack inspiration. (Writing when you have no inspiration is like yacking when you have nothing to say) And some people certainly yack without saying much, and others don’t talk much but say a lot when they do.
I don’t know what all is going to come out in this post, so beware. Don’t tell me I have nothing to write about because I am, after all, writing about my lack of inspiration.
I couldn’t tell you how many times in the last weeks it weighed on my mind to post another blog, but what?! Oh sure, I have ideas, but my ideas tend to be loftier than the realities. Some of my ideas take research, which equals time and my time kinda spins out on me with trying to keep myself, baby and family alive and nurtured. And there’s always the fun things like organizing spaces or rearranging furniture and such things I’m fond of. Of which we did both this last week. (I said ‘we’ because hubby helped with the furniture.) But I did the pantry myself, of course. I had to show him though, because he would hardly notice. And because it means so much to me to have a good-looking space again!
Back to the stalled inspiration. I wish I could inform you all on deep health subjects that sent everyone on massive clean-out-the-toxins sort of syndrome. You would throw out all the processed foods in your pantries. You would ditch all the plastics, polyesters and synthetic fragrances in your home. By the way, I’m trying to do this as much as I can, or that is reasonable. For example. I’m switching to more glass jars for food storage. (Honestly, I’ve got way too many modular mates in my cabinets than I care to admit and I don’t forsee me excommunicating those anytime soon, sad to say.) But I also have a growing collection of jars hosting dry items in my pantry, so it’s not like I’m not trying!
I am also getting rid of those plush, fuzzy wuzzy throws everyone loves. I’m replacing them with 100% cotton throws. Because there’s plastic in those things! Ya’ll! Plastic is an endocrine disruptor! Don’t sleep with plastic, you could suffocate! Possibly even die.
Instead of eating Hamburger helper and instant pudding, you would cook red beets and eat homemade saurkraut. You would burn beeswax candles and sew all your clothes out of hand spun wool or linen. There would be no plastic wrap or baggies in your kitchen drawers. Only cloth coverings or beeswax wraps. You would wake early, while it is yet dark, (Proverbs 31) and milk the cow, churn the butter and butcher a chicken for the day’s guests. You would fry up liver and onions on a regular basis for a nourishing meal. Or, you would swallow beef liver capsules in abundance. (which I do, and I’m sure some of you do too- hurray for a strand of homesteadyness in us!)
There’s moments we may dream of the slow paced days of yore. Where the homesteading Mama is doing all those virtuous chores plus more. She even made her own lye soap to scrub her family’s clothes. The wooden bowls and cutting boards were necessities, not aesthetics from the department store. But really. Would we want to trot to the outhouse 3 times in the dead of night? I bet the panthers and coyotes were real fears. What about taking only one bath a week? And draw our own water besides? Or how bout sharing the bath water?!
These sort of thoughts whip me right back into the 21st century with a high dose of contentment. I’d take the less toxic life, for sure, but some things I’ll pass, thank you.
To tell the truth, I have plans to write a long post or two on a subject of health that typically affects everyone with a beating heart. Actually, it affects the dead too. I mean, you could die from it and even dead people are afflicted with this malady. It sounds kinda deep, right? Maybe I’ll hit the clean-out-the-toxin syndrome next round?!
I’ve got accountability now, and perhaps that will inspire me to gird up my loins and write about this deep and gory topic I have long avoided!
P.s I think this Mama had too much caffeine today by the looks of this post. Starbucks is rare for me, but today hubby said ”treat yourself,” and I sure did. I ordered a grande, then couldn’t even finish it.
Oh actually, I was going to let you in on a sweet, crispy, healthy dessert for the season! I resurrected this recipe just yesterday or the day before, so I better type while the urge hits or I might lose it again.
Baked Apples
Take 4-6 apples and carve out the insides as much as you can without hitting bottom or ruining too much good flesh. I used a knife and grapefruit spoon. Then fill the cavity with this mixture:
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, 1/3 cup sucunat or coconut sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger
Bake at 375* for 35- 40 minutes. They will be piping hot so proceed with caution!
These are the filled apples before baking. They won’t look as pretty afterwards. They turn dark and the juice will cook out into the pan but they certainly are scrumptious!
We are pleased to announce we have recently launched a website for our tahor soap business! http://www.tahor.shop
Last month we took a 9 day trip all the way to Lancaster PA. We made a variety of spots along the way, visiting family and friends. Reason being for the trip was a gathering with Jerald’s family for his parents’ 40th anniversary this year. They chose Lancaster as the area to visit. We had a most beautiful Airbnb at Beechdale Farms in Bird in Hand.
With the many miles to travel, I was inspired to create bags to pass out to beggars we may see along the city intersections. I had gotten some ideas elsewhere, then we added other items we thought would be beneficial.
Here’s what we put together in a gallon ziploc:
A paper back New Testament with Psalms & Proverbs
Five dollar McDonald’s gift card
Granola bar
Apple
Water bottle
Propel packet
Our family enjoyed packing them up one evening. I prayed for the people who would receive them and we even prayed we’d find people to give them to. I know God knows where they all went, but I actually don’t know what happened to most of them. And I wasn’t throwing them blindly out the window. Just hang on.
Josie wrote, “God loves you” on a sticky note. We put the sticky note at John 3 and highlighted verses 16 & 17. We did not want these beautiful verses to be missed by someone who may not have a clue what the Bible even is!
The Box of finished bags.
Here’s what happened. We fixed 20 bags. Our first stop for breakfast on the first day, we noticed the remnants of a beggar at a corner but no person in sight. By the time we were getting back on the interstate, the person was there but was way out of our reach with lanes of traffic. We were so disappointed! So near, yet so far!
We drove on to Richmond KY to visit my parents and spent the night there. The next day in Richmond, the children spied a beggar while they were driving with Grandma. So later we loaded up and purposely drove out past him for special delivery!
We were all pleased we were able to get one handed out on our second day! My mom said she sees this man on a regular basis, so who knows if he’s really poor or making a living off of begging. But it doesn’t matter. Every soul needs Jesus if they don’t know Him yet! It felt good to know we weren’t simply handing over cash, but actual necessities as well as knowledge about God, if he’ll take time to read the Bible.
The remainder of the trip we saw only one other possibility. It looked like he was crippled and stood at the side of the road near the bushes. He was empty handed, and there was no baggage around. So we’re not sure what was up. We would have glady given him one anyway. But we were not in the lane closest to him! In fact there was much urging going on inside our vehicle towards the driver, to please just get over in the other lane so we can hand him one! And soon there was traffic which definitely made us unable to hand one out. We were very disappointed!
And that was the last opportunity we saw! I couldn’t believe it. We packed all these bags and only handed out one! (Actually 2. My parents found the bags interesting and wanted one to keep, so they could show others when they come to visit Dad in the Assisted Living)
Then before the Rhodes’ departed ways in PA, we handed out a couple bags in hopes they encounter beggars along their routes home. One or two got passed out like that.
Our trip returning home was quite eventful and full of needs of our own. I don’t think we saw any possibilities for passing out bags. Hang with me till I finish explaining the bags, and then we’ll dive into our own neediness.
We returned home with way too many bags. I felt let down with our minimal progress. I thought it was a great idea; but after traveling over 2,600 miles we still had 80% of them left!
So one Wednesday night, we took them to church and announced that people feel free to take bags if they’re going on trips or downtown somewhere. That took care of all but 2 bags. I was so grateful! God knows where all those bags went, and I trust many of them got handed out to truly needy people! With more people going different directions and miles, God could still bless our efforts and beggars could be reached that we never could have. And we hope we can still bless someone with the 2 leftover bags when we get to a big city sometime.
Our return trip home from PA began with lots of pain for me. At 5 A.M. as we were loading up for the 19 hour drive home, I slipped on the hardwood stairs. My left foot bent backwards and I came down on it. Talk about a tripping trip! It hurt so bad I feared it was broken. But we had no desire to wait at an ER for half the day and still possibly be unable to get satisfactory assistance. So we drove for 6 hours and located a Quick Care.
Now, we don’t keep painkillers on hand. We simply endure and/or use natural remedies. I just absolutely detest taking anything that’s hard on the body. (Unless, of course, I’m undergoing surgery, I prefer anesthesia to being awake) But in this case, we stopped for Tylenol immediately; I even took a full dose; it was that bad.
As we started off the trip, we had prayer as we generally do. Afterwards, Jerald told me adamantly that I need to ask others to pray for me. This was 5:30 A.M. I was in alot of pain, we had a long way home, and we needed wisdom to know what we should do. We had a makeshift bed in the back where I laid and kept my foot propped. I laid there praying and crying simultaneously. In between that, I sent a message on my church ladies chat, and a couple more groups and friends asking for prayer.
We can not forget the power in prayer!! And we need not think we must be close to death before we ask for prayer either. It is humbling to expose one’s need and ask for prayer. But it is good for the soul! I know I’m getting off the highway of my current traveling, but it is a passion of mine, that we ought to be more open with each other. Especially as a church brotherhood. It’s easier to ask for prayer for physical issues, but I think especially when we are facing spiritual struggles or needs, it’s too easy to keep silent. If we paste smiles on our faces and answer the “how are you” with a trite “I’m fine”, when we are actually discouraged and struggling, we are not being honest. I don’t mean you have to spill your sorrows to the first and every person you meet, but we can at least be honest and say we’re not doing so great and we could use prayer. We don’t have to go in-depth, but if a good friend asks us, please, let’s be honest! None of us have our lives so neatly packaged up in godliness that we have zero needs. We’re all broken, needy vessels. And that’s the sort of vessels that God can use best!
Back to the travels. We drove until Zanesville Ohio where Jerald had researched and found an Orthopedic quick care. He wheeled me in and they took care of us in record time. And praise be to God, it was not broken! A very bad sprain to be sure, but I felt I could manage that after envisioning a cast, maybe surgery and being laid up for many weeks. They fitted me with a bulky boot and we were off!
We felt so so blessed to be able to keep heading towards home! We stopped at Chipotle and Jerald and the children went in to order and use the restroom. We ate both lunch and supper on the road and I did not get out unless I absolutely had to use the bathroom. The first couple times I had to go in, it hurt tremendously. The last stop I could tell it was slightly more manageable. And no, I didn’t take any more Tylenol!
The children handled the traveling quite well. They were more pleasant with each other than sometimes, and I myself could hardly believe how cheerful I felt in spite of everything! Those who know me well, know that being positive in negative circumstances is a bit of a stretch. Prayers of the saints, people. We can not forget the impact of prayer!
There was two more things we were grateful for on that trip home. On our first leg of the trip, while I was weeping and praying and messaging friends, we heard sirens nearby. And what do you know, a police was stopping us!! I truly wondered what calamity would befall us next. But he was in a good mood. He stopped us for driving too closely to the vehicle in front, as well as speeding. My good man was driving as skillfully and rapidly as he dared, to make good time with getting me to the Quick Care, plus we had a long day in front of us yet. So we were super grateful he didn’t peer in the back and see me laying there, neither did he give us a fine! The cost of it could have been high, combined with the Dr bills of the week, (This was only my second visit to an Urgent Care in 3 days time; the first visit being a reason I won’t enlarge on) Thus, we had extra bills besides the usuals, besides our income in July being slim picking. Asking the Lord to supply our needs was definitely in my requests that morning as well.
Secondly we were so grateful our vehicle held up! The transmission has been sounding weird now and then, for about 6 months now. It uses too much oil, has missing pieces on the body and seemingly overall is in its last remaining days. We’ve decided to just run it till it kerplunks on us to give us time to save money for something else. It reminds me of the widow’s oil in the Bible how it just kept coming. And somehow God just keeps our rig running too! We arrived safely home soon after midnight.
I had to take it pretty easy the first week and a half. It was hard on me to not be up and active. But Josie did well in being my maid. She does good with the laundry and some days mostly took care of it herself.
I took Complete tissue and bone capsules to aid the healing of my sprain, along with the Complete tissue and bone healing salve. These capsules are definitely some to keep on hand for sprains or breaks!
Photo credits to Shannon Wittmer photography
While the Rhodes’ were together, we got a photographer to do family pictures for us. This is Jerald’s complete family, Luke and Arlene Rhodes.
It’s been over a month since I last posted. Ironically, I should have had plenty of time to write since I was laid up. But I was simply not in the mood! For the longest time, I did not feel like rehashing this trip, and just the thought of it seemed to almost trigger nausea. But I wanted to share about the beggar bags and didn’t have another post that I felt ready to write about. Pregnancy blahs going on…..
Yes, you read that right! We’re having a baby!! I could hardly believe it myself when I found out! It is a definite answer to prayer. I feel so blessed and unworthy of the privilege to be carrying a precious little life! ♥️ (This was also why I hated even more to take Tylenol for my foot)
And no, I’ve not been really sick. Fatigue 100% yes. Nausea sometimes, but not horrible, just kinda a blah feeling afternoon and evenings. Food aversions were/are a definite thing.
With my health challenges, and food allergies in the past years, there were many times that I had fatigue, stomach aches, and nausea. There was plenty times I couldn’t help thinking, “if only it was for a good cause.”So, in my current case, I could not complain. I am too grateful for the gift of life and a good reason for these minor afflictions! This gratefulness also helped me in the trial of my sprained foot. Over and over I reminded myself how much better this was than losing my baby!
Photo credits to Emmie Mae photography
This was our pregnancy announcement. When we took the family photos, we told the children it’s a surprise in the box and they will find out the next week. The box held ultrasound pictures and a riddle for Josie to read. We had them open the box at a later time. Then when they opened it, Josie guessed, and Reece was keenly disappointed there wasn’t a toy inside.😅 But they are both happy about a new sibling!
Don’t forget to give our laundry products a try if you’d like to switch to something clean, safe and scent free! Or ask to join our Telegram/CloudVeil group if you’d like more information and tips!
Tis the season for garage sales! Where one person’s junk becomes another’s treasure.
Who doesn’t love a sale with good stuff and good prices?! The key word here is good. Garage sales where they’re trying to make a living off the sales are no fun. Sales with trashy, frazzled, hairy and worn out items aren’t fun either. If something has seen it’s better days, there’s no sin in discarding it. If you’re out to spend money without having definite needs, that will happen automatically. Having a mental or written list helps, but I realize sometimes you see a good priced item you hadn’t intentionally been looking for. If you have use for it, it’s fine. But don’t go to buy any little gadget because it’s cheap and you don’t already have one.
When I see something I think I could use, I like to ask myself, will I really use it? Where will I put it? Do I already have something I could use for the same thing? Is it worth the cleanup once I get home? i.e. hairy bedspread, wicker basket etc. Sometimes, in the fun of shopping, the responsibility of taking care of the items once we’re home momentarily evaporates.
I enjoy garage sales, but don’t buy much anymore. It’s still fun to shop, and sometimes you really do find a great bargain! And I like them for finding clothes for my children.
There is so much truth to this. The less you have, the easier to organize!
Just last week I participated in a garage sale with a number of church ladies contributing. Thanks to Jolene Miller for opening up her garage and managing the sales!
I always keep a spot where I put unwanted items as I come across them. I had a nice little stack, but I still sorted through my kitchen drawers and thought of various items in my house or garage to pass on. Lest anyone think it’s a once an done thing- I’m sorry, it is not. It’s a continual process to stay on top of clutter and simply stuff that creeps in!
Here I was sorting through the kitchen glasses and drawers. Over the years I have declutterd, organized and reorganized in my kitchen, and I still find room for improvement!
The finished spaces ⬇️
These are both drinking glasses/ jars as well as food/drink storage. Multiple use items are the way to go!
This divided organizer for lids is something I just implemented and love! We use these lids all the time. But I can push it back in the drawer, or pull it up front when I need a lid from the back row. We use these daily, so it merits easy access. The white lids are plastic and fit wide mouth jars. We bought them off Amazon. The small bamboo lids (also off Amazon) fit the small glass jars in the drawer, which are Oui yogurt jars.
Tips for hosting a garage sale:
* Long before you plan to have a sale, sort through your closets, drawers and cabinets. Or keep a designated box/place for putting unwanted items. This can happen regularly if you have the right mindset. You can be putting dishes away one evening and suddenly realize you haven’t used that bowl for months. Or you get disgusted how every time you try to put this dish away, you have to lift 5 other things out, to shove this item back in. Not a good feeling! Get rid of stuff until you only have what you use and love!
* Mark your items clearly and securely. In the bustle of setting out your items for display, those little Dollar store garage sale stickers easily pop off. I advise a big roll of masking tape, scissors and sharpie instead. This way you can also make your own exact prices.
* Masking tape is not only great for pricing but for wrapping items such as appliance cords, lids on kettles and such like. It holds well, but can easily be removed.
* To keep the math easier when tallying customers bill, price your items only at 25 cent increments, and even dollars. This may not bother most people, but I despise tallying up 15 cents, then 1.75, another 20 cents etc. Plus, it makes shopping easier for your customers. Most people carry quarters and dollars, but not always dimes, nickles and pennies. It saves the old ladies from scrounging around way down deep into their change purse and thus holding up the line. (Nothing at all against seniors! but you get the idea)
* If you aren’t sure it’s good enough to sell, at least put a very cheap price on it, so no one feels cheated. You can throw it away later if it doesn’t sell, but I still advise caution about trying to sell stained, or extremely worn items! It doesn’t promote a good Christian witness.
Here are pictures of a garage sale I had 2 years ago. I was always one who was quick to get rid of things, but this was at a time when I was also learning more about minimalism. Therefore, I was ruthlessly eliminating things in my house and was appalled at the piles!
This is embarrassing, but yes, this whole garage was all our stuff!
Tips for shopping garage sales:
* Start early. (But not to be greedy! And please be respectful if some sales are not yet open.) But starting early helps with heat, mood, and energy levels. If you’re planning to go, it just makes sense to get there earlier in the day rather than noon or after.
* Remember to be courteous. In shopping as well as driving. If there’s neighborhood sales going on, there’s usually lots of vehicles amid pedestrians. It’s easy for me to move at a brisk trot. I need to remind myself to slow down instead of acting as if it’s my first garage sale ever.
* Have a written or mental list. If you’re looking for specific clothes for your children, have notes as to what sizes, colors etc. It helps guard against that momentary thrill of shopping!
* Scrutinize closely before you buy. Does the zipper close properly? Are all the buttons still attached? Does the lid close well? Is it easy to clean? Do I have a specific place to put this in my house? Or any other questions to personalize it to the situation. Here’s where this quote may be beneficial- “I may be talking to myself, but I need expert advice.”
* Take a small zippered pouch or crossbody type wallet. I love this for hands free shopping! I often stick my small change purse in my pocket, then still take my phone in case I need to contact hubby about some item.
* Keep a big bottle with chilled water in your vehicle. You get parched hopping in and out and trotting up & down the streets. Cold water is refreshing, plus you won’t need to buy any bottled water or lemonades for sale! (Although I give room to purchase a cup of lemonade when there’s children with a stand)
* Remember your identity as a Christian. People watch us and notice what we buy. That questionable DVD or romance novel may only be 50 cents, but will it be a good influence for my mind? It’s easier to buy something questionable if its cheap, but that doesn’t make it a bargain! Plus, what kind of testimony does it leave when they see what we bought?
Consider what you buy and consider what you store.
Fresh strawberries are a rare fruit this part of Nebraska. Sure, we can find them in the grocery stores, but I mean sun ripened, fresh picked, juicy berries.
When I was growing up, it was a common thing to visit a local strawberry patch open for picking. And oh, I miss that! There’s just no strawberry farms locally. The few that are within an hour or two away have prices that scare me away.
Many years ago, our family picked strawberries to fill orders for Mausts Strawberry Farm in Accident, Maryland. We’d leave early and pick before it got too hot. Mom would pack cereal boxes and milk in a cooler. Breakfast was completed with a side of fresh berries. I’m the little girl in blue and suspicious I wasn’t much help🤭 This is a picture of an old scrapbooked photo, hence the caption.
L-R Faith, Jonathan, Emanuel, Nathan, Me, Millard
The first few years we lived in Nebraska, I’d get a stock pile of strawberries from Aldi, when the price dropped as low as 99 cents a box. Yet it still repulsed me to put store bought berries in my freezer! The past couple years now, they’ve never dropped that low (thanks inflation) so I’ve not put any strawberries in the freezer.
Some weeks ago I began dreaming and praying about fresh strawberries. Fresh strawberry desserts and strawberry jam…. my mouth nearly watered with anticipation! I knew of a farm many hours away that sold them for $2. a pound. My dreams were just that. Dreams. All my lofty plans to travel and see relatives while in the process of acquiring red berries, crashed down (as feared) when my logical hubby started figuring travel expenses combined with the cost of berries. He checked into other farms within a few hours drive, but like I mentioned, the price was enough to drive any budget conscious person away!
But God still answered my prayer! I was able to aquire 14 quarts of fresh strawberries without traveling anywhere! Last week, my in laws, Luke and Arlene Rhodes came out to attend the local funeral of Glenn Bender. No, it wasn’t the kind of circumstances you would ask for, but since it’s strawberry season in southern Indiana, I asked her if she could bring me some. I didn’t even have to pay for postage! Although the berries weren’t cheap at all, and were actually over ripe and on the small side, they were wonderful for strawberry shortcake, delight and jam making!
Now next week, my Mom (from KY) is coming to visit us. Due to my Dad’s unstable health the past years, she hasn’t been able to leave him. But he’s been in good professional care for quite some time now, which makes it possible for her to leave a couple days. It’s been almost 5 years since she was last here. We are quite pleased she has a ride out here, and can you guess?! She plans to (hopefully!) be bringing me 2 or 3 gallons of fresh strawberries!!
And to be on the safe side for berries next Summer? My ever ingenious gardener of a husband went and ordered 50 strawberry plants!! And no, this is not for a ”you pick” patch. It’s for Rhodes family picking! I presented him my fears of weeds and all the work it takes to keep them alive. He calmly assures me, he’ll see after them. Check back with me next year and see if I’ve had my fill of strawberries or strawberry plants!
Here’s a few snapshots of our delightful strawberry desserts we’ve enjoyed the last couple days. They can’t be eaten in silence. There’s always some noisy groans of “mmmmmms” erupting somewhere!
This strawberry shortcake was out of Hope’s Table but substituted with gluten-free flour mix.Strawberry delight. Everyone already has a recipe right? I kinda thought so, so I won’t bother sharing this one.
Strawberry Lemonade
Doesn’t the very name suggest a sort of summertime tea party kissed with dappling sunshine? An old quilt thrown on lush grass beneath the stately maple. Little girls in pig tails scamper outside clutching plastic cups and the bag of pretzels Mama gave them to enjoy. Inside, the remains of the lemonade making are still strewn on the counter. Their patient mother kindly ignores it and wipes up the sticky spills. Now, if she can have ten minutes of silence and an iced coffee to collect herself, she will be most grateful! Doesn’t that sound refreshing?!
I don’t really have a cut and dried recipe. (How would it be possible to have a cut and dried recipe for liquids anyway?!) Don’t ask me!
Basically, make a gallon of Country Time Lemonade mix according to directions on canister, but go scant on the water.
Thaw frozen strawberries (or use fresh) and blend until a nice puree texture. Add 1 to 2 cups puree per gallon of lemonade. Recently, when I made it for a bridal shower, I did 2 cups puree. It was really good but was more red than pink in color. Using less puree allows the yellow of the lemonade to shine through better.
Unless your strawberries already have sugar, then I suggest adding in a bit more to the lemonade to help combat the sourness of the berries. I don’t know how much I added…. maybe 3/4 cup? Or you can totally use stevia to round out the sweetness.
This lemonade is delicious and so fun and easy to dress up!
When I made this for the bridal shower, I threw in whole, frozen strawberries to help keep it chilled. And you gotta add in a couple lemon slices!
For a healthier version of this, make your usual fresh lemonade with juiced lemons, then stir in the pureed strawberries. I’ve made it both ways.
Strawberry Jam
This is another one of those nostalgic recipes. I mean, if you grew up Mennonite, did you even eat bread without homemade strawberry jam?! What’s better than a piece of toast from homemade bread, slathered in butter and a well rounded spoonful of Mom’s strawberry jam?
Because Jerald and I don’t handle gluten, we haven’t been eating bread for years (to speak of- here and there a bite or two). Thus, we also eat very little jam. I do make sourdough bread for the children. But very recently I began dabbling with organic, fresh milled wheat for bread making. The flour being fresh milled is key to the vast expanse of vital nutrients found in it. Flours on the shelf are bleached and stripped of nutrients, then synthetic vitamins added back in. A far cry from any health benefits.
All this to say, I’m holding my breath to see if we can handle this kind of bread! And if we can, bring on the strawberry jam!
There’s massive amounts of ‘gluten intolerance’ around these days. I don’t say that lightly because I know for a fact how it affects me if I eat regular flour. But stay with me here- I’ve heard it explained that there are other things in store bought flours that can irritate the gut more than the actual gluten content. So, for many people, organic, fresh milled flour may just be tolerated by them! 🤞
What a long bunny trail to go down to get to the strawberry jam! Today’s jam recipe is quite healthy compared to the normal versions. I just couldn’t stand to make jam for my family using atrocious amounts of sugar, or the boxed Surejell or Certo. Some years ago I saw a recipe using Granny Smith apples for pectin, but since I never made jam anymore, I finally deleted the email. That’s all it took to need it. Gratefully, Gina Martin sent me the recipe link when I asked her for it. Here it is.
To 3 lbs strawberries, I used 1 ¹/² cup raw sugar and 3 teaspoons Sweet leaf stevia. I wanted it to be sweet enough that you don’t think of it being a healthier version. Plus, I think Sweet leaf brand stevia isn’t super sweet, so it took extra. Pardon the lighting in these pictures. I made the jam in my basement kitchen which is significantly darker. Use an extra large kettle to cook the jam because it bubbles up a lot. Here you can see how far it’s come up. I scrubbed labels off these old jam jars because it was more thrilling to fill clean looking jars. Make a paste of baking soda and oil, rub over sticky labels, let set a few minutes, then scrub off. I also used essential oil and a scrubby. It was hard work, but it made my brain a lot happier. Clean jars of healthy strawberry jam bring so much satisfaction. Try it!
And to clarify, since the jam is in jars, this is still freezer jam, not canned. I happen to have an affinity with glass for most food related storage.
Guest post written by Jerald Rhodes i.e. my husband 😍
Have you ever pondered the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus’ head on this day several thousand years ago? If you’re like me, you read it in the crucifixion story, make a mental note that it would’ve been painful, and then move on. Recently, I acquired a crown of thorns through the dispersal of my grandfather’s estate (the late Jonas N. Schrock) and decided to do a study into the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus’ head at his trial. Following is a brief synopsis of what I discovered in that study (followed by the back story on the crown of thorns that was my grandpa’s).
The day of Christ’s trial could be summed up in one word- horrendous. I have read a book or two that go into detail on what actually took place that day and I always come away in awe of what Christ endured physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually; all areas of life that we face! For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin- Hebrews 4:15. If you are interested in reading in depth on the subject, I recommend starting with Lee Strobel’s The Case For Christ.
Thorns are mentioned various times in the Bible and are introduced very quickly. We find them already in the third chapter of Genesis and we learn that thorns are a consequence of sin. You will find this theme fairly consistent throughout the Bible (Paul’s thorn in the flesh is from a different Greek word used only once in the Bible and carries the thought of a bodily annoyance or disability). Genesis 3:17-18 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; Numbers 33:55 But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. Proverbs 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. Hebrews 6:8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned
Thorns are an outworking of sin, the very thing that Christ came to earth to conquer! Did the soldiers who made the crown of thorns fully understand that? It is evident that this crown of thorns was to mock Jesus as being a king as well as the purple robe and the reed placed in His right hand. But this crown went way farther than just mocking Jesus for being a king. These thorns were a part of the very curse placed on the devil back in the garden, and he was using them with all his might. While the Roman soldiers were likely happy to see a Jewish king (earthly in their minds) being taken care of and humiliated, the old devil was using these thorns to take another swing at Christ in retaliation for that curse placed upon him.
Praise God those thorns did not prevail and Christ rose victorious from the grave- defeating sin, the devil, and the thorns! What a wonderful gift available to each of us- salvation! For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord- Romans 6:23
When I think of the humility it took for Christ to allow those thorns to be placed on His head, enduring the mockery of his Kingdom, and the curse of sin those thorns represented I am reminded that I have not attained and that I need the continual sanctification process in my life.
Grandpa’s Crown of Thorns
Now for the story on the crown of thorns from my grandpa! I well remember as a boy going to grandpa’s place on a regular basis. Grandpa was a bishop of Mt Joy Mennonite Church in Daviess County Indiana which is where I grew up and attended church until moving here to Nebraska. Grandpa loved to study and there was a room in their house that doubled as a work office and library/study. Above his desk was a library full of books mostly religious in nature that he would use in preparation for his sermons. They covered a wide range of subjects- Bible numerology, eschatology (he was an amillennial), cults, Anabaptist thought, and Bible history to name a few. I am honored to have some of those books in my possession- The Archko Volume (reprinted archeological writings of the Sanhedrin), a 3 volume set of Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament, and a reprinted Handbook by Dietrich Phillips.
At the very top of this library hung this crown of thorns. I don’t ever remember it not being there. I don’t ever recall it being taken down and looked at by anyone. In fact I don’t ever recall any conversations around it other than the occasional reference to the fact that it may have been similar to the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. The memory of it hanging there is embedded my mind.
I never really knew the history of where they came from until I met my wife! This crown of thorns was put together by Homer Yoder of Sparta TN who is an uncle to Violet. Soon after we started dating, Homer approached me and asked if my grandpa still had them, which was the first I knew of where they had come from.
Recently, I decided to get some additional history on them, so I called up Homer. For those of you who don’t know him, he’s an unassuming older man residing in the hills of Tennessee. He spends his time making jam there and also has his “mule shed,” where he has an assortment of antiques collected. He answered the phone in his slow, usual drawl. I have only known him part of my life, but the few interactions I’ve had with him have proven him to be the perfect candidate to assemble a crown of thorns in memory of our Savior.
He shared with me that he assembled the crown of thorns in approximately 1965 or 66 while a youth living in Morrison, TN. After listening to a compelling Communion message one Sunday, he then went out into the woods and assembled the crown of thorns in memory of what his Savior had gone through! The crown of thorns then took a place on a shelf, and he went on with life.
There were only 3 families living in that small Mennonite community at that time- Denver Yoders (Homer’s dad/Violet’s grandpa), Henry Yoders, and Levi Millers.** Being a small community, they did not have a resident bishop, so my grandfather was filling the role of bishop for them at the time. Grandpa made numerous trips down to Tennessee, and on one such trip, he went to baptize a class of applicants, Homer being one of them (as well as Violet’s dad Millard). Homer then presented the crown of thorns as a gift of appreciation to Grandpa for baptizing him!
The crown of thorns is approaching 60 years of age. I plan to hang it above the desk in my office as a remembrance of Grandpa, Homer, and most of all, my Savior.
**The settlement in Morrison, TN only lasted 3-4 years before it disbanded with Denver Yoders and Henry Yoders moving to Altamont, TN and Levi Millers moving to Foxworth, MS
Gratefully, our family has been spared severe sickness this winter. When I hear of the flus and fevers ravaging other communities while we were hardly touched with illness, I feel blessed indeed!
We are, however, coming down with fever. Spring fever that is. Dappling sunshine and 70ish temperatures beg us to be outdoors. This weather has teased us with pleasantries of summer. With this sort of malady comesthe mood for outdoor parties…. fire up the grill and bring on the sweet tea! But common sense tells us to “hold our horses“; I dare say we will have a cold snap or two yet.
And so it is, I’ve been dreaming of a tea party. This one would be served in our grainbin gazebo. In that respect, it will be some time before I accomplish it, since the weather and wind must comply, along with my schedule. I certainly don’t get half the dreams accomplished that enter my head, but if I can put into action one-fourth of them, I’ll call it good.
It’s always a great idea to connect with friends. But it takes intentionality on both parties to connect on heart levels. Hosting a tea party is one way to interact and learn to know people better outside of the “after church small talk.”
Tea parties are not something I do often, but always find it to be a blessing! It is work, for sure, but the benefits of giving and good conversations are worth it. I also love seeing friends enjoy the benefits of my labors. It is like therapy for me to decorate. And yet another big percentage of the enjoyment is searching for recipes and decor. Musing on what delicacies to put on the menu and how to improve the aesthetics of my table without breaking the grocery or time budget. Now don’t get me wrong here- I’m not advocating wild, exotic menus! It’s fun to dream, of course, but I’m well aquainted with reality, which tends to keep me on ground level. Making doable foods look delectable is more like it. Something like crepes with fruit glaze, avocado toast, or yogurt parfaits. Even serving soup is fine! It is better to keep the food simple and enjoy your friends than to have such high ideals you never get around to hosting.
Here’s a few tea party pictures to get you inspired.
I hosted this for my prayer partners group a little over a year ago. This was extremely simple, yet fresh and spring-like. The flowers weren’t exactly what I wanted, but it was what I found and made do. The candles and runner were things I had on hand.
It was a chilly evening, so I served Zuppa Toscana soup, artisan sourdough, individual toss salads, and punch. It was nothing fancy and time-consuming like cheesecake or scones, but that is always fun if you’re up to the challenge!
Zuppa Toscana
I used the recipe in Hope’sTable. It’s a simple chicken broth/ground sausage base with diced potatoes, seasonings, cream and kale. Hearty and filling and definitely one of our favorites!
The punch was simply one cup Countrytime pink lemonade mix, one 48 ounce pineapple juice and one 2 liter Sprite or 7-Up. Stir together for a beautiful and refreshing drink!
The following tea party I hosted one year in September or October. I served fresh grapes, avocodo toast with bacon & cheese, crepes with a raspberry sauce and pumpkin scones. I’ve not made scones much at all, so did a practice run the night before. They were drool worthy! So I made another batch, formed and cut them, then refrigerated overnight. The next morning, I could pop them in the oven for quick, yummy goodness!
This next party was not one I hosted or helped with. Last October, I was invited to this backyard party, ate delicious food and completely enjoyed the evening!
Renita Plank hosted this in her backyard underneath their lovely pergola. Credits to her and Jolene Miller for this rustic and gorgeous party. And yes, they told us to wear white or ivory dresses!
Photo credits Jolene Miller
They had put down a tarp of sorts and then set up the pallet table on that, with pillows for seating. Dried flowers/weeds and random lanterns scattered down the center, turned this into a delightful scene!
They made these huge bread bowls for serving the broccoli cheese soup in. We also ate veggies and dip and skewers with basil, tomato and fresh mozzarella cheese. Then scones and coffee for dessert. The drink was a mixture of apple juice and Sprite/7-Up. I’ve also made this drink a few times. If I recall correctly, I mixed 1 can apple juice concentrate to one 2 liter Ginger Ale. Sprite or 7-Up works too. This is such a simple, but over the top delicious drink! Not that I’m a soda drinker, but you can always get the sugar free soda versions to cut back on sugar! 🤫
How are you feeling by now? Are you too plagued with spring fever? Get yourself a big bouquet of daffodils or tulips. While you’re savoring their beauty on your table, share them with friends! Throw on a cheerful tablecloth, get out your pretty dishes, bake some muffins, brew the coffee and have somebody over. It doesn’t require perfection at all! A willing spirit will do. And you just might find it therapeutic to arrange those flowers and candles. To garnish the muffins and serve tea in China cups. I definitely hope you find the therapeutic benefits of heart to heart chatting with friends! 🤍
This week marks the anniversary of our first date!❤️ Come along for the story….
How many of you caught your first glimpse of your future spouse at an international airport? And then boarded the same flight for the far north- The Last Frontier?
That was Jerald’s experience. I never saw him until baggage claim in Anchorage. And I thought he looked a little fierce. 🤭 I had never, in all my 23 years, ever saw such blonde eyebrows and eyelashes like this fellow had!
In September of 2008, I flew with my parents to Anchorage, Alaska, with our final destination being at a small church in Sterling. My dad had pastoral responsibilities at that church, and this weekend, they were having baptism. Jerald was also there that weekend so that he could be of assistance in flying with his elderly Grandpa, who wanted to attend the baptism of his two grandchildren, Jaden and Jessica.
Jerald immediately noticed this young lady from Alabama. As for her, she thought he was an average fellow. Wasn’t inspired by him or anything. Jerald flew home feeling sad because he wondered what chance will he have to ever meet her again?! I was Beachy, he was Mennonite. Not much chance for interaction. But he certainly didn’t forget! Instead, he prayed about her nearly every day for a whole year.
Almost a year later, August of 2009, the girl from Alabama was headed up to Sterling, Alaska once again. This time to teach at the small church school.
And how I remember that eventful trip! To be sure, I was in tears be-times. First off, our plane got way laid in Huntsville for whatever reason, thus missing my connecting flight in Atlanta. As I de-planed in Atlanta, I forgot to pick up my carry-on that was stowed under the aircraft until I was a good many steps away. Retrieving rapidly, thank God I found it! Then rushed on to my gate, wondering how in the world I’ll manage finding my way, besides re-booking a flight, all by myself! Atlanta Airport is not for the faint-hearted such as I, but what could be done?! Navigating trams and walkways and bustling humanity, I sped through the airport, trying to look dignified as possible, while anxieties clamored my brain, and the strap on my bag almost murdered my shoulder! I had way overstuffed my large duffle bag and was certainly paying for it! But I had a Heavenly Father who was watching over His flustered little girl. I don’t remember how long I waited, but my next flight was rescheduled yet for that day. And I flew firstclasswith no extra charge!
Now I had never flown in first class before, so was quite unaccustomed to the flare. There was more than enough space to stretch my weary legs. I don’t remember the food that was served, but I do remember, partially through the flight, the attendants brought out warm, wet rags. I discreetly observed the man next to me as to how or what this was for. He washed his face, so I did the same. He tried visiting with me earlier and much as I endeavored to be social, the tears kept coming in my weary, emotional state. As I sat comfortably in my spacious seat, I remember opening cards that home folks had sent with me and money kept falling out. This brought tears as well because I certainly did not have financial security. But God was showing me, He will supply my needs!!
It was around midnight by the time I arrived in Anchorage, if I recall correctly. My cousins, Luis and Savilla came to pick me up in his dark green, crew cab diesel Ford, which was supposedly a cool truck. We had 2 hours to drive to Sterling. Fatigue was rampant and Luis got stopped by a police for weaving! Once again, God granted safety, and in the wee morning hours, we finally arrived at my uncle’s place, Calvin and Judith Yoder.
I remember entering the dark house and being shown where I would sleep. The cookstove put off a cozy warmth. Coming from the humid South, I marveled at needing heat in late August!
As I prepared for bed, I noticed my shoulders were black and blue; thanks to the overstuffed, aforementioned bag! But what was that to me? At last, I had arrived and could sink under the cozy covers.
And what do you know?! Once again Jerald and I met, but just barely. He was up there for a month or so that summer, helping build his uncle Marvin Schrock’s house. Particularly, he was working on finishing out the apartment above their garage for my co- teacher Norma Troyer and I to stay in. Hmmm, isn’t that sweet?? He was already preparing a place for me to live, long before we were married!
Jerald was scheduled to fly back home to Indiana about 2 days after I arrived. His intent was to ask me out when I arrived to the area. But the timing didn’t feel right. So he went home, more discouraged than ever. But still, he kept praying. I, of course, was completely oblivious to this all.
I honestly am not even sure I saw him that time. Perhaps a glance from a distance… I do remember Norma taking me over to Marvin’s that first evening. I think we toured the apartment, but it wasn’t totally completed yet.
There was a hub of activity around there with men putting in water lines or some sort of underground pipes. Children slopping around outside. I had to pay close attention to where I stepped because there was mud everywhere! Not an understatement. I was wearing new white sneakers, not muck boots! Everything was all so back-woodsy and down to earthish.
About nine-thirty or ten, someone suggests running out to town for McDonald’s ice cream cones. I believe they were 50 cents a cone for the summer. Whoever heard of striking out for town at this time of the night! But hey, we were in the land of the midnight sun, so why not! This was all jolting me into the, what have I gotten myself into, type of thoughts, but I joined in with a smile on my face and a tiredness within.
In about a week I settled into the newly finished apartment, and into the school routine. I had enough to keep me occupied and aside from getting homesick, I loved my life up north.
Mid-January (2010) rolls around and here comes Jerald Rhodes again, working for his uncle for another month. He had definite motives this time. After seeing him a couple times and listening to him having devotions at church once, I finally noticed him and began praying about him. I was always rather peeved at these young guys who would try so hard to act cool. I knew I didn’t want any of the sort. But this fellow had more to him! He seemed like a straight shooter. I enjoyed youth activities while he was there, but still, we basically ignored each other. My idea for this was, if I flirted with a guy before dating, how could I be sure this was really God’s will for me? Or was it only our infatuation of each other that was bringing us together? I didn’t want a lifetime of doubt to nag me if I had made the correct decision. I can confidently say I was not doing anything to get his attention. This was the Lord’s doings, and it was marvelous in our eyes!
And then it was February and Valentine’s day!
Now you must realize something. Jerald was not about to write a letter to ask me out. He would ask in person! And he didn’t need anybody’s help! He kept waiting for a chance to catch me alone. He so badly wanted to ask me on Valentine’s Day, which was also on a Sunday. But it didn’t work out! Remember, no help needed- he would not arrange anything through another person for me to meet him so he could ask me!
So he keeps waiting. And the time of his departure crept closer!!
At last! Tuesday morning he caught me!
He lived with Marvin’s in their shouse, while I lived in the apartment above the garage in the new house that was being built during this time which was just up the hill from their shouse. Jerald was up there working on the house every day. It always gave me a little adrenalin rush if I caught a glimpse of him whenever I arrived home from school.
On this morning, he heard my Jeep start up and knew I’d be leaving for school very shortly. I always let it run a bit to warm up while I ran back upstairs to finish my morning routines.
After brushing my teeth and gathering my bags, I hurried down the stairs. I thought I heard someone come into the garage while I was up there; I sorta hoped it was him. Not that we’d talk or anything, but maybe we could say hi.
I was slipping into my shoes when Jerald pounces on me with a hearty “goodmorning!” Immediately, he broaches the subject- “I was wondering, would you liketo begin a specialfriendship with me?!“
And I- startled by this heavy question at 7:30 A.M. tried to keep my composure and calmly replied that I’d like to pray about it. I skiddled out the door, absolutely shocked and still reeling from the question! I mean, I had no idea! How could this be?!
I called my Dad as soon as I was headed out the lane. I started in on what just happened and burst out crying. Dad quickly assured me he knew all about it. Jerald had already asked for his blessing for a close friendship with his daughter. Dad felt comfortable in letting the decision up to me.
Throughout that day, I replayed that tiny interchange between Jerald and I dozens of times! I was thrilled! Somehow, it just felt right! Yet I hardly knew him! Definitely prayed much about it.
Nervously, I gave him my “yes” the next afternoon. I also gave him a poem that I had written about God’s unique ways of leading us together. We didn’t have much time before he would be flying back home. We had our first date very soon.
Now let me interject here. You may think that only a day and a half is a very short time to consider the quest for courtship. But when we are earnestly seeking God’s will for the unknowns in our lives, He will give clear answers at the appropriate time. Unbeknownst to either of us, we had both been doing just that. He had been praying about me every day for more than a year! And I had been praying more in earnest the previous year or two that if there was a decent fellow out there for me that God would bring him into my life. After talking with my dad and feeling a strong leading from the Lord, who was I to prolong the situation or the suspense of the fellow inquiring?! Now your situation may be different! However, when after seeking counsel from others and feeling a strong sense of God’s guidance (in any situation), why prolong the hours, days, or weeks to accomplish His plan?
It was exhilarating to be taken out for supper, who cares if we were driving my Jeep. He didn’t have a vehicle up there. We chatted but I soon figured out he wasn’t overly talkative. I was nervous in the silences. But he soon figured out when I get comfortable, is when I get really talkative.
After we ate our supper and went to pay, Jerald discovered his debit card would not work and he had no cash. Humbly, he asks me if I had any money. Grateful to be of service, I assured him I did! And so it is, I paid for our meal on our first date!! I can’t recall if he returned the money later or not, but we were in love just the same!
A week later, I sadly bid him goodbye after I dropped him off at the Keni airport. Now, we would simply write letters or possibly call once every week or two. I did not have texting on my phone. Yes, I assure you, it is possible to court without constant texting/messaging or seeing each other several times a week!! Reading his letters and cards, I constantly kept wondering how it could be that this nice fellow actually liked me?! I marveled when he told me how long he prayed about me before he ever managed to ask me!
The next time we saw each other was mid-May after I was back home in Alabama from teaching. Of course we were thrilled to see each other again!
Summertime dating days
It was a definite God thing how He brought us together. We dated a little over a year until we got married in May 2011. I moved to his community in Southern Indiana.
So there’s kinda alot of states involved in our situation. He from Indiana. I from Alabama. Met and began dating in Alaska. Got married in Alabama. Settled in Indiana for the first 7 years. And now we’re raising our family in Nebraska! (.. for I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content! Philippines 4:11)
Who can know the mysterious ways of God?!
On a different note- the winner of the tuberoses was Mckensey Wise of Barbourville, KY! 🤗 Congratulations!!🎊
And a special thanks to all those who participated in the drawing! I always enjoy hearing from my readers! ❤️
We just survived some massive winter weather last month! We had subzero temperatures and copious amounts of snow blowing into substantial drifts. Our barn doorway was almost completely drifted over. County roads were unpassable. The snow plows finally quit going because the wind blew drifts stronger and faster than they could keep up. Most people who were housebound or should’ve been housebound! It was unwise to risk being caught off the road in this kind of weather. It wasn’t safe to be out longer than 10 or 15 minutes with the wind chill at 20-30 below zero! But we still went out for chicken chores and fresh air every day. I feel it’s a version of excitement to experience dipping temperatures for a short time.
Our barn doorway
To be sure, it was the kind of winter to keep in the memory department for storytelling to grandchildren. You know how grandparents always survived epically dramatic times. Well, we are now prepared for those kind of stories!
And now here we are; just a couple weeks later, with sunny skies and a warm 60 degree breeze that hints at spring! I know it can’t stay but we’ll enjoy it while it lasts! I’m airing my house at the moment – it feels absolutely delicious to replace those stale, germ laden particles with fresh, new sustance!
I’m not a garden geek. However, the freshness of earthy soil and spring flowers popping up are some of the simple pleasures in life that I think every soul loves. (At least, I’ve never heard one say, “Oh,those yellow tulips are soooo depressing! When I see them, I know winter is about gone, and it makes me weep to see those snow piles melting!”)
Back in the good old days when I was a spry, young bride, a friend graciously gave me a start of some of the most beautiful bulbs! Well, let’s say flowers. Bulbs aren’t necessarily lovely; we simply like what they promise!
Unless you’re from the south, I know we’re all a long way from planting flower bulbs! But virtuous gardeners always plan well in advance, don’t they? I’m attempting to be virtuous in getting this post out long before Spring.
Have you heard of tuberoses? Some might call them tubelilies. They are little pearl type of blooms, clumped together on a stem. The bottom ones always open first, while the top blooms are still squeezed shut. It’s a sorrow they don’t all bloom at once! But I pluck them anyway, discarding the bottom blooms as the upper ones open.
The tuberose is actually a southern flower that grows well in hardiness zones 7-11. Here in Nebraska we are zone 5b so they have to be dug up each fall or they will freeze in the winter. They take the heat well but do enjoy frequent watering and will grow to a height of 2-3′. Be sure to plant them where you can conveniently sniff the luscious fragrance!
Each summer, I highly anticipate these delicate, fragrant blooms! I go out in the golden, evening sunlight, sniffing and snipping. I promise you, they always smell strongest in the evening! Even when I have bouquets in my house, they give off the most fragrance at night. I’m not wise enough to give the science behind that, though.
I have given starts of these tuberoses away multiple times. It’s one of those things in life that keep multiplying as you give it away. Kind of like Love. Which reminds me of Valentines day, which tells me it’s already February!! Who’s sad to see winter disappear? Anybody? See, what did I tell you?! Silence gives consent. Let’s get on to the Spring topic at hand.
If you would like a chance at growing some, then you’re at the right place! It’s been a while since I did a giveaway, so I have decided to bless someone with a start of these through a drawing. To participate, please take the following actions-
Send an email to jeraldsflower@gmail.com with your full name and mailing address.
Share with me what you enjoy most about the blog.
Do not put your info in the comments section of this post. If subscribed via email, do not respond to this email. You will need to send your name and address to the email above.
I will only ship to a US address.
All entries must be submitted by February 10, 2024
Some weeks ago, I was shopping in Hobby Lobby. This is one store that can rapidly bring on ‘needs’ that we were quite unaware we had before entering. The store also has a sly way of bringing on discontent, if we’re not careful. (Yes, discontent, not discount as my auto correct thought I wanted!) Although they have that as well, which tends to increase the ‘needs’!
I wasn’t looking for much; I wanted to browse their Christmas decor and look for placemats to make pillow covers for the couch. I was pleased to find some on sale with a touch of Christmas color.
To transform from placemat to pillow cover, simply rip open one of the narrow ends, zigzag the two edges to keep from fraying, sew velcro at the opening, insert pillow and voila’, you’ve got a new look for your pillow!
As I strolled the aisles, the Christmas grinch was all over in the decorations. How disgusting. As if Santa and the reindeer, trees, ornaments and socks aren’t enough to distract from the real reason of Christmas, now there’s the ugly, old grinch yet too! Ok, he was around before, but this is the first year I noticed him. I can certainly make do quite well without him!
Satan doesn’t care what distracts us from Jesus. As long as he distracts us, he’s pleased. Maybe we don’t have all the fanfare of Christmas displays as our neighbors do, but what about the fanfare of overloaded schedules and dining tables? The overload of gifts, the stress of baking every single kind of cookie because that’s just how we’ve always done it!
For far too many people, Christmas has become a god of pleasure seeking, inordinate gift buying, (and may I say inordinate food making and eating?!) stress, discontent, hurry and worry. Certainly, we can enjoy special foods we only make for the holidays, but we don’t need to make every kind of special food every year, do we?!
It’s not my intention to cause guilt for anyone. There are circumstances that we can not control. But there are things we can control, and one of those is the issues of our own heart. Guard your heart with active intentionality! Cut out unnecessary activities and senseless decorating. If you’re feeling irritated at the overloaded schedule, ask Jesus what you could cut out. What is most important to Him? He will give wisdom and direction if we ask.
It saddens me how much Santa, gifts, lights, trees and festivities have become the focus of Christmas more than that of Jesus’ birth!
Christmas is Jesus leaving His heavenly throne; coming to earth through the miraculous virgin birth, as a tiny, helpless babe, to save His people from their sins!
Jesus is the Redeemer of hearts! He’s the Bringer of peace, the Healer of the sick, the God of all Comfort! There’s no greater gift than the gift of Jesus, our Saviour, redeeming sinful man! Praise to God for this gift of all gifts!
With the rapid approach of the biggest holiday of the year, how many thousands of people are spending millions of dollars on gift giving?
Gift giving is not wrong. In fact, a giving heart is a character trait of God’s children. Giving gifts doesn’t automatically make one a Christian, but as God’s children, we will be giving people. Who doesn’t love kindhearted, generous people?
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17
Our heavenly Father loves to bestow His children with abundant gifts. He is truly the best gift Giver there ever was or ever will be! He gave His absolute best gift when He sent His only begotten son into the world. Let’s never forget the sacrifice He made when He sent heaven’s best and allowed Him to die for us poor sinners! He’s done so much for us; can we not pass His love on to others?
It’s the lavish hoarding of things here in the ease of the American lifestyle that repulses me! When there are millions of people around the globe living without the bare necessities! Could we, instead of spending so much money on things nobody really needs, give that amount of money to go towards the needy around us or in other countries? The Lord sees your heart and will bless you for giving!
In today’s post, I would like to explore two methods of giving that will not break the bank and will not add more clutter into the life of the receiver. Far too many of the gifts given today are simply unnecessary gadgets, toys, etc that we don’t really need and only add clutter to our homes and lives (minimalism anyone?) Read on to find new ways of giving that will truly bless the lives of others!
Acts of Service
Acts of Service are small (or large) deeds of kindness that only require a loving heart and physical effort. They don’t break the bank and often times these gifts are far more appreciated than material items that are so often given. And don’t forget these are not limited to the holiday season; they can be done year round!
Give someone a compliment.
Give someone an encouraging card. Yes, take time to write it out and send it the old-fashioned way. Postal service still works!
Bless someone with encouragement in a text message.
Offer to take another person’s turn cleaning the church house.
Bless a Mama by offering to babysit her children for a day or a couple hours. Not because she’s busy but because she’s a mama. (You won’t be turned down!)
Make a list of things you appreciate about a person and give it to them.
Offer to take the children to school for a busy family for a week or couple days.
Clean windows for an elderly couple. (Or anyone!) Who wouldn’t enjoy clean windows without exerting the energy involved!
Offer to babysit your minister’s children some evening so they can enjoy a date night. The hassle of lining up a sitter or feeling guilty for bothering someone is a real thing.
Print or design (if you’re good with creative writing) a Bible verse on card stock. Bless someone with an inspiration to display in their home or work place.
Bless someone with a casserole or main dish just because. Don’t procrastinate because you don’t have time to make a full meal. When you are preparing a meal for your family, just double the recipe and you have a gift ready for giving! You could even stick it in the freezer to give to someone at a later date. To make it more special, buy a pretty casserole dish to put it in and tell them it’s theirs to keep.
Consumable Gifts
Consumable gifts are a great way to gift someone with a tangible gift that does not create clutter or require storage for long term (ever think about that gift you got that you didn’t need so you put it in storage where you don’t even use or enjoy it? Minimalism anyone?!) Consumable gifts can often fulfill an immediate need in the life of the receiver. Again, these ideas are not limited to the holiday season, you can give them year round.
Drop off a special drink for someone going through a difficult time, or just because
A box of groceries for a family struggling financially
Order pizza for a family and send it via pizza delivery or door dash. Have fun texting them that their supper will be delivered!
Fill a gallon size ziploc with water bottle, gospel tracts, McDonald’s gift card, toothbrush and toothpaste, pair of socks, pair of gloves, granola bars etc. Keep these in your vehicle and pass out to the homeless beggars on the street corners.
Give gift cards and/or cash to a family with a loved one in the hospital. It takes a lot of gas and food for being in and out of a hospital for an extended time.
Another idea is to give a basket filled with easy mixes/quick meals and fun foods (for the children) if there’s a family member hospitalized.
Ask a friend (or anyone you want to improve relationship with) to meet you for coffee/breakfast/ lunch to simply chat and listen to what’s going on in their lives. Then pay for their food.
Give money or gift cards to a missionary family for use on their furlough.
If you do your own butchering and have plenty of meat on hand, bless a needy family (or anyone) with a few pounds of fresh beef, sausage, or venison.
Give money to pay a seamstress for new dresses (or sew them yourself) for a struggling or busy family
Tell your neighbor to meet you at the gas station and you will pay to fill their tank.
Christmas Plates
Do you like to give your neighbors and friends a Christmas food plate? There’s already an endless supply of sweets and chocolates this time of year, so why not give something “outside the box”? Many elderly are diabetic or have special diets so keep that in mind and try to give accordingly.
Basket of fresh fruit
Jar of homemade granola
Jar of homemade soup
Jar of homemade (or boughten) relish or pepper jelly, along with a box of crackers
Homemade bread or dinner rolls along with a jar of jam
Jar of mixed nuts- although be considerate of the elderly or someone with false teeth. This will not be a good gift for them.
Homemade casserole in foil pan
Special spices – someone who enjoys cooking would love this!
Body products such as sugar scrubs, soap bars, lip butters, bath bombs, etc. Homemade always makes it special, but if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of safe, clean body products available without the typical synthetics.
Sweet tea, green tea, or iced coffee concentrate
The ideas in this post are collected from a couple different resources, with some of them my own experiences. But just to clarify, although I enjoy practical, consumable gifting, I’ve certainly not done all these. Just so nobody thinks I’m this astronomical giver!😂
of windowsills and breezy hills 