2010: New Adventures; 2011: Exousia

I love  picking out names!  Baby names, pet names, car names, etc.  I enjoy the challenge of picking ones that are full of meaning!  To me, it is much like picking out the perfect card for someone I love, or adding that final piece to a well themed party!  There is just something about everything coming together with purpose, and in this I delight! I just read a post the other day by Ann @ A Holy Experience that talked about how she names her years!  "What a fabulous idea," I thought!  I name everything else, why not years!?  The year 2010 would be our year of New Adventures!  Here is a glimpse at our 2010:

January:

New Years Celebration with both sets of parents, and a Hawaii powerpoint presentation.
Constuction on the house due to a busted pipe.
New Yorkie puppy named Nova (yorkie's are incredibly difficult to train!)
Snow/Ice storm gives us an extra week of Christmas break!
Megan starts giving private twirling lessons going into baton season.

February:

Skyler finishes up basketball season with the freshman boys, and they didn't win many games! 
This is new for Skyler as he is very competitve and likes to win!
We got to see a funny comedian from Branson at a fundraiser for our church's youth group on Valentine's Day.

March:

Basketball Season is officially over as well as Skyler's coaching duties.
We both begin working out more often - running and lifting weights.
Skyler helps out with baseball (just a little since he isn't really on staff - even though it was the sport he played in college)
No Spring Break :(

April:

We pay off Skyler's final student loan!  Woo Hoo!
Celebrating Easter!  Skyler shows the Passion of Christ after getting his students parents to sign a permission slip.
MAP testing at school . . .
Put rock around our front porch.

May:

Miss Majorette of Missouri held at the school where we teach!
Megan is in the wedding of her roomate from college.
Run a 5-K for Bridges for Youth in Springfield.
Bought the Maker's Diet
Found Giles Ranch, and started buying milk, eggs, and free-range chickens.

June:

We buy the steel horse - a 2007 Honda Shadow Spirit with cash!
Skyler teaches summer school, and starts giving baseball lessons.
Megan starts painting front porch.
Skyler pulls out hedge bushes in our front yard with the tractor.
Skyler is best man in a friend's wedding.
A couple from the college group get married.
Family reunion, and talk about birth control with sister-in-law and cousin.
We paint and stain the back deck.
We celebrate our one year aniversary in Branson.
Leaving for Hawaii!!!

July:

We are in Hawaii!!  What great memories!
Dogs stayed at vet, while we were in Hawaii.  Desoto had a stroke, and is struggleing when we get him.
Skyler and Megan both take their Praxis tests for additional certification. - We passed!
Canoeing trip with youth group/college age group.

August:

Kenda and Houston come over for dinner!  And more baby talk!
Weekend in Branson with family for car show.
Get ready for school as much as possible . . .
School Starts!

September:

Skyler builds a portable chicken coop!
We buy 6 hens - Tamar, Ruth, Rahab, Bathsheba, Mary and Noah's Wife!
Megan starts A Blossoming Homestead!
A neighbor offers to help teach about canning.
Kenda teaches me how to bake bread.
We purchase a wood stove.
We buy 4 more hens - Eve, Sarah, Rachel, and Rebecca!
We start a compost pile!

October:

Megan buys several skirts from thrift store and learns to alter them with a sewing machine.
Megan starts trying out homemade beauty products.
College group shoots guns with the neighbors.
Middle School football season is over with a record of 4:2.
Skyler clears up the fenceline.

November:

Happy Birthday Megan - She gets a canning set, crochet kit, an antinque washboard and birdcage for decorating, a water filtering system, several books including two on starting your family, and an amazing poem from Skyler! :)
Basketball Season starts for Skyler.
Skyler buys some grape plants, and they are in the ground before the freeze.
We start using the wood stove.
Stopped a chimney fire just in time!
We are invited to attend Healing School with Two Guys and A Bible.
Rake leaves for elderly couple at church.
Happy Thanksgiving!  We have so many reasons to be thankful!
Skyler plows up an area for our garden.
Nova goes to a new home where he can get the attention he deserves.
Megan takes it harder than she thought, but knows it is for the best.

December:

Happy Birthday Skyler!  There is a basketball game!
We celebrate Christmas early with Skyler's family.  His sister is going to be leaving to work with the African Childrens Choir.
We reflect on Christmas traditions, and decide to start some new ones next year!
Healing School continues, and it is powerful!  Wow!  What a challenge, but my how our faith has been strengthened!
Skyler's dad is in the hospital with heart problems.  Doctors say his heart is fine!  Yea!
Last Days of School before break . . . Skyler and I both show The Nativity, and talk about the story of Christmas (Jesus!)
Two chickens are killed by . . . the mystery predator!?
Celebrate more Christmas with family! 
Got amazing homesteading gifts:  Megan - Country Living Grain Mill, sewing machine, really nice pots and pans, cooking thermometer, Homestead Blessing DVDs, Natural Herb book, essential oils.  Skyler - 30X6 Mossberg rifle, bullets, homesteading book, game processing kit, muck boots, cowboy boots.
Another chicken killed by the tiller! :(
Megan learns how to make soap!
Skyler plans "Men-Tour Camp"

This year has certainly been an adventure, and I am already excited about naming our 2011!  Skyler and I thought about it together and our 2011 will be the year of "exousia."  See I was researching the power we have in Christ, and this is what I found:

"John's gospel tells us that everyone who receives Jesus receives from Jesus the power (exousia) to become his child (John 1:12).  Three words are important to this verse.  First, give.  God gives to those who believe the right to become his child.  Second, the right.  This is our word exousia.  John is not speaking of power as some ability to do a certain task but to gain status.  Jesus gives those who believe full authority to become.  He gives us the power to change status.  Finally, children.  Those who believe become children.  John uses a term that draws attention to the community or family.  As a part of the family, we become partakers of the divine nature of the Father (2 Peter 1:4).  When we believe, we are given the authority (the right) to change our status from children of Satan to children of God.
Luke teaches us through the words of Jesus that we have been given authority (exousia), which is the right to use God's power (the ability to accomplish a task) to tread on serpents and scorpions.  Think of it this way; a police officer who directs traffic does not have the power to stop a car because it is much bigger and more powerful than he or she is.  However, a police officer does have the authority to stop a car merely by raising his hand.  The government has delegated his authority to him." (http://www.sbl.org/wbs/kingdom/Week9/kgw9.shtml)

There is a difference between knowing and believing!  If we truly believe that God has given us His Holy Spirit, and if we believe that the same power and authority that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us . . . our lives and our world would change!  I believe this would radically change the dynamics of every relationship.  I believe our days would be much more productive, and we would be in prayer constantly!  We would live the abundant, victorious life God promised through his son Jesus Christ, and the world would stand in awe of the Church!  For too long, I have merely known . . . I have even known that their is a difference in knowing and believing!  God has been working, even now in 2010, and I can tell He is showing, teaching, and growing us in ways I have only known about in the past!  My faith is increasing, and my passion for him is ablaze!!

 2011 will be our year of "exousia" because this is the year we finally discover what it means to truly die to ourselves and live abundantly in the Spirit!  It will be a battle everyday, but "greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)" 

How would your lives be different this year if you didn't just know, but actually believed??

Believed that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is alive in you?
Believed that their is an enemy that seeks to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus came to give us life and life abundant?
Believed that He set us free from the curse of sin and death?
Believed that by His wounds you have been healed?
Believed that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?
Believed that Jesus is the Ressurrection and the Life, and if you only believe in him you may live!

And Jesus said, . . . all things are possible to him who believes! ~ Mark 9:23

Baptism By Fire

"Baptism by fire."  You know the phrase . . .  it's used when you are thrown into a situation which was unplanned, and in that moment you have to put your big girl pants on and get to it, ready or not!  This is the exact predicament we found ourselves in this morning.

Skyler was outside tilling our garden area, when I heard him yelling.  I looked outside, and he was holding a dead Sara!  Another hen died!  My initial thought was an animal or a hawk!  Skyler was really mad, though, and come to find out the hen got under the tiller.  I noticed that they were getting pretty close while he was working yesterday, but he did a good job shewing them off.  Today was much of the same, until he bent over to get a rock.  Sara must have seen a worm or something because she got right in the tiller, and it slit her throat! :(  Skyler felt horrible!  I knew he would be feeling guilty, especially after our loss of the two birds last week!  I prayed for that feeling of guilt to go away.  Then I went out and gave him a big hug, and told him it was alright . . . stuff just happens. 

As he was holding the bird, I asked if he would want to process it.  Just yesterday we asked Kenda and Houston if they had any birds for sale, but they were all out!  I guess this was our opportunity for some chicken meat!  And . . . baptism by fire . . . we got to it and somehow managed to process our bird the old fashioned way (without the wiz bang chicken plucker!).

Skyler drained the blood.  We put it in a pot of water around 140 degree Fahrenheit for about one minute.  We plucked the feathers.  Next came the fun part (I hope you can hear my sarcasm)!  We had to pull out the insides!  Back in October we helped Kenda and Houston process their chickens, but Skyler was slitting throats, and I was plucking leftover feathers and helping out here and there.  I wasn't sure where to begin.  So we called Kenda!  She walked us through pulling out the innards! 

We did find a little surprise!  An egg!!  This hen was about to lay!  It was a full egg, so we kept it!  I actually made french toast with it this afternoon!



Once it was all said and done, we put our little chicken in the sink full of ice cold water!  It will sit there for about four hours.  As you can see there is not a whole lot of meat on this chicken.  I will put it in the crockpot, probably make some homemade chicken noodle soup, and freeze the extra broth.

Although, we are very sad we lost another chicken it was a pretty neat experience to process it together the old fashioned way!  It's amazing what you can do when you toughen up and just get to it!  Hopefully, we will not have to do this again for awhile!

On a brighter note; here's a picture of our new chicks and rooster!  They are about three months old so it will be awhile before we start getting any eggs from them.  The rooster is the Black Astralorp!  Aren't they cute!?



A Sad Day

I have been saving this post for over a week, because I didn't want to dampen our hearts while anticipating Christmas.  However, while my husband and his father were out splitting wood that Saturday, and I was taking pictures/working in the house, we had a birdy killer on the loose!  We lost two hens, and their feathers were left in piles! 

Bathsheba, mourning the death of her friend.

Skyler did what any great man of husbandry would do to defend his animals.  He bought a live trap!

Initially, I thought it might have been a groundhog!  We have a groundhog living under the outbuilding by where the birds were killed.  After some speculation over that theory by friends, I did some research and found that groundhogs are herbivores.  It wasn't a groundhog!  After further research, I found that most of the predators are nocturnal.  However, hawks and cats love chickens!  I knew about the hawks, and had honestly, already prepared myself for such an attack and a loss of a bird.  But . . . cats?!!  We have a lot of wild cats that run around our land.  I like 'em cause they take care of the mice!  They can have the mice, but they better leave my chickens alone!! 

So far we have caught three cats and an opposom.  Skyler would have been fine with shooting them, but my sensitive heart pleaded with him, and we dropped them off miles down the road.  So far, so good!  We have not lost any other birds!  A friend did recommend getting an Alpaca to fight off the predators!  I'm just a little nervous that these cute little guys would think I was a predator and attack me!!

Alright, what experiences have you had with predators?  Is there anything more we can do, or is that just the risk we take with free range chickens?   

Merry Christmas From The AFG Homestead!

This December has been such a wonderful time around our house!  I have had a few great days of quality time with the housework! :)  It doesn't happen all that often while I'm teaching, so when I get an opportunity I sieze the moment!  Here are a few Christmas decorations that make our home a little warmer this time of year: 

 This is a sweet little center piece for our table. 

The best part:  I picked the pine cones up from our yard!

I love getting cards from our family & friends! 
PS If you are a family or friend, so sorry, but  we will not be sending out cards this year after all . . . our computer was not cooperating, and I finally gave up! 

 However, we love you very much, and I'll try again next year!

No, we do not have kids yet, but I love this little Fisher Price nativity set! 

It's not the beautiful set you might be used to seeing, but it speaks to me! :)

More Pinecones!  I used salt to make it look like snow!  This idea came from Amy at All Things Home.

This is one of my favorites!  The idea came from Amy @ Homestead Revival!

It is so lovely to have an area especially for hospitality!

Merry Christmas From Our Homestead to Yours! 

Have a wonderful weekend of celebrating Christ with your families!

AFG ~ Skyler and Megan

Ladies Night

Some ladies at our church get together once a month for a night out!  This month the hostess decided to have a girls night in, and welcome us all into her new home (lucky for me she now lives right down the road!).  It is so wonderful to have Godly fellowship with beautiful women of the Lord!  I am very thankful to have so many admirable women in my life!  Here are some pictures of the Ladies Night:

These two ladies win the fantastically festive award!

The Dynamic Dipper Award goes to this wonderful woman! 

She did such a great job, and I even got some lessons!  Yea!!

Yea!  My lessons paid off . . . this was my first work of pretzel art!

Getting the crackers and peanut butter ready to be dipped . . .

We wouldn't have such yummy snacks without your hard work ladies!

We had a fun night of dipping, and enjoying other yummy treats as well! 

Although I am trying to eat healthier and make wiser decisions about the food my husband and I are eating, it is important to realize that this is a journey.  In no way have we completely given up all food that is considered unhealthy!  We try to only buy "real food", and I plan meals accordingly.  However, when special times call for celebrating with others, we gladly enjoy the yummy treats offered to us!  I try to remember that if I am eating healthy real food the majority of the time, my body will be able to deal with the times I indulge more effectively!  So we'll go ahead and enjoy the treats, but we're trying to work on making it just that . . . a treat meant to be enjoyed for special occassions!  

What special treats do you enjoy making for Christmas?  

A Ladies Man

I realized that I haven't really given you all an update on our chickens!  They are doing wonderful!! We are getting 4-6 eggs everyday!  That's pretty good for it being winter and all!  This weekend it was pretty nice out, and I decided to take some pictures!

It was a nice day, but the water was still a little icy! 

That didn't stop our pretty little ladies!

My, how they've grown!  Their combs are getting so big and bright! 

And look, they are sharing their food . . . now that is progress!

Finally, one of our Rhode Island Reds, Eve, has a little crush on Desoto!

What a Ladies Man!

When we first got the chickens, Desoto liked to chase the ladies.  He is getting older, though, so he wasn't fast enough to catch 'em, and even if he could those teeth wouldn't do much damage!  He softened up (or gave up) eventually, and now he mingles very well with all the girls!  It seems Eve has become quite attached! She will follow Desoto anywhere he goes!  Maybe a little too clingy, but Desoto doesn't seem to mind much.  That is until she starts pecking at him to get some attention!  He never barked at her, but they did have a little showdown at one point (bottom right picture!)  Ah, love!

"Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire . . . "

No, we have not actually been roasting chestnuts. Although, it does sound pretty yummy and I should probably give it a try! I am just humming this little Christmas medley as I begin to write about our wood stove!

This past week Skyler was able to solve a dilemma with our wood stove!  He fixed the piping so that there wasn't such an angle at the top!  Hopefully this, along with using seasoned wood will help with preventing any future chimney fires!  

I must say . . . I am thoroughly enjoying our wood stove!  Our house smells so good (I have a thing for the smell of burning wood!), and I feel like such a little country girl when I go out to get wood!  I have even learned to get the fire going all by myself!! Yea!  Regardless of how insignificant it may seem to some, I consider this quite an accomplishment!

This past Saturday Skyler rented a log splitter since we have several GINORMOUS (in honor of all of you who love the Christmas movie "Elf") pieces of wood, and his parents had a bunch too!  They went in together and rented this handy dandy machine to make the job go a little faster!  Boy was it worth it!  They were at it all day, and Skyler got home from his parents a little before dinner!  I love this picture of them!  We are so thankful to have such wonderful parents!

 Here is a picture of the nice basket Skyler's mom has given us to carry wood in from our stack outside.

I and my nice winter coat are very grateful! :)

Skyler, on the other hand, still just throws on the old coat and carries it in like a man!

Sunday Sweetness For Your Soul

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

~John 1:14 

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

~ Galatians 4:4-5

Organizing: Life Binder

 

Way back in November I showed you the beginnings of my homemaker/life binder.  I mentioned that I am not an extremely organized person, but I have found that keeping a binder is helpful in keeping up with the craziness of life!  Even without children, my husband and I seem to be going in a million different directions!  As a "help meet" I hope to alieve as much stress as possible, and bring joy to our family!  This binder helps me stay on task so that I am not adding to the stress!

Since I am currently teaching in a public school full time and also giving baton lessons to earn a little extra money, this could not simply be a homemaking binder.  I am looking forward to the day I can focus all of my attention on keeping my home!  However, I want to be as proactive as possible now, and remember that taking care of my family (even if it only consists of my husband and I) is my top priority.  For now, these are the "tabs" of my life:


Home:
This section is split into several smaller tabs.  Regardless of having a full time job, I want this area of my life to be my top priority!  It is my highest calling!  I am honored and excited to be given such an important station in life!  If our home were a business (which often it needs to be run as such - and I'm sure much more once we have children) my husband would be the CEO and I would be the Manager.  This binder is helping me run this "business" of ours efficiently.  The areas I try to organize fall under the smaller tabs.   They are as follows:


Menu Plan - Here I have a weekly grocery list and menu, and monthly menu plans for each season

This is a look at the tabs and weekly menu plan.

Here is a look at the monthly menu plan. I don't cook every night right now, but this gives me ideas for things I could cook.  At some point I would like to get caught up on cooking, and then freeze the leftovers.

Hospitality - This includes our vision for hospitality, an ongoing invite list, and meal ideas
Holidays - Includes family traditions, holiday recipes, decorations, gift ideas, and travel planning
Inventory - Household supplies list, and pantry/freezer inventory

Maintenance - This section includes weekly chores, monthly chores, quarterly chores, and honey-to-do list
Family Journal - To keep a log of important events that happened with our family each month
Blog Ideas - It's always nice to write down ideas so I won't foget (there are so many I haven't even written about yet!)
Resources - Websites, books, businesses, etc.
Contacts - In addition to having our address book at home, this is handy to have for those contacts I am sure to use, but don't have their info memorized.

Ministry:
This next section includes ministry ideas, prayer requests, key verses, and notes I want to remember.  Currently, Skyler and I keep info for the college ministry we help with at church, as well as ideas for the Men Tour/ Titus Two Tour Camps!

School:
I have a seperate binder at school to keep all my curriculum and school stuff organized.  This section of my life binder is primarily to keep any important things from school that I need to take home with me.  I also use it to put nice notes my students write me!  Those are always encouraging to look back at!  Finally, I often come across resources I hope to use in homeschooling my own kids someday.  These great finds go in this section!

Baton:
Here I keep track of routines and progress for each of my twirling girls! 

Misc:
Right now all that's in this section is the sweet poem my husband wrote me for my birthday, but I'm sure there will be random items I feel compelled to add eventually!

In addition to each of these tabs I also have our family mission statement/verses in the front of the binder, along with my goals, reading list, and calendar (including our weekly schedules that generally don't change.) 

My goals; I've already had to add some more!

I think this binder is a great way to help organize my life! It's also helpful in keeping my priorities straight!  When making my binder I found two websites that were very helpful:  Passionate Homemaking and Flylady.  Much of my inspiration came from these two sites! Check 'em out!  I'm sure they will be as helpful to you as they were to me!  

Do you have a homemaking/life binder?  If so, did I leave anything out that you have found to be useful?  If not, what other ways have you found to organize your life?

Drumroll Please . . . And the Winner . . .

As promised two winners have been selected for the
Creator Designs T-Shirt Give Away!

And the winners are . . .

Erica and Jamie!!!

(Ladies, please e-mail me at meganjenelle@msn.com, and give me your address so I can get these sent out ASAP!)

Thank you to all who left comments!  I am hoping to do some more give aways in the future, so stay tuned!

Merry Christmas from Creator Designs

and A Blossoming Homestead!

 

A Word From the Wise: A Visit With Amy @ Homestead Revival

Photo Credit:  Homestead Revival (used with permission)

Yea!  I am honored to have the opportunity to interview one of my favorite bloggers!  Amy is a beautiful woman of God who has a passion for homesteading!  She is a wonderful teacher, and has great insight to offer over at Homestead Revival!  I can't wait for you to meet her!  

Tell us a little about your life before homesteading? 

Well, I’ve never been a “city” girl and always longed to raise animals and have a garden. In High School I had my first chance to raise a lamb, but then didn’t get to do much while my husband and I were in college (for literally years!). We finally moved to small town in California, and tried our hand at gardening and loved it. But we wanted to be further out from town and so it took us a couple of moves, purchasing some land, and building before we even thought about doing much else. In hind sight, I realize that we COULD have been doing more, but I didn’t have a mentor and there wasn’t a lot of blogging going on at the time and therefore, little encouragement about homesteading. Now people homestead in all kinds of situations and on various size properties; many town ordinances are starting to change to allow the raising of animals inside city limits. You can do more than you often realize. 

I should mention that growing up, we hunted and fished constantly. Whatever was in season, we were doing it. I laugh about it now, but my first year in college I couldn’t figure out how the dorm cafeteria was making chili since I doubted they hunted deer for the students. I had no idea you could make it from hamburger! No joke! Growing up it was made from whatever you hunted, not beef.

When did you decide to begin homesteading, and why?

About 10 years ago, we eliminated processed foods from our diet, including additives, preservatives, and sugars, but added back in whole foods God intended for us to eat. This started us thinking about where our food was coming from and how it was processed. The further we traveled this path, the more we wanted to consume food from our own “backyard” (or locally). Then as our children got older, we wanted them to experience a homesteading lifestyle and to acquire skills that they would need when they were older. 

 Photo Credit:  Homestead Revival (used with permission)

What resources have you found to be most helpful in your homesteading endeavors?

Definitely the internet! Blogging has opened up a whole new world for most of us. I’ve always been a big reader, but if it weren’t for the internet, I might not have read some of the books that I have or seen some of the documentaries. In almost every case, another blogger has put me on the path to that resource.

Another excellent resource has been local mentors. I began to find out who in our area knew about chickens, goats, canning, gardening, and whatever else I needed help with. It’s amazing the friends I’ve made from these contacts! Some are from my church, but others I’ve met at 4H or through a local organic farm. Homesteaders are a friendly bunch and almost always open to making a new friend and sharing their knowledge.

Finally, I read just about every book I can get my hands on from Storey Publishing. They cover just about every subject and they have people write them who’ve been doing the very thing they write about for years. Even though each is written by a different author, they have all been excellent and great to have on hand just in case the internet isn’t working!

Photo Credit:  Homestead Revival (used with permission)

What kind of animals do you have on your homestead?

So far, we just have the usual 2 dogs, 5 cats, and 9-10 chickens of various breeds. However, we have been learning about keeping goats from a friend/mentor and will hopefully add two kids in the spring. Also, I’ve taken a bee keeping class and have my hive ready to go for my first bees!

 



You seem like a very well-rounded homesteader!  You garden, raise animals, mill your own grain, cook real food, homeschool, sew, etc. etc.  Which would you say is your best area of expertise?

 Oh, my! Thank you for the compliment, but I consider myself a student and learner who is just a bit excited and needs a creative outlet to share! (Do we ever stop learning?) I’m probably most comfortable teaching whether it’s to students at school, a 4H group, or blog readers. And of course, that‘s the best way to learn, too. 
 

What is your favorite part about homesteading?

Definitely my chickens. I can’t ever imagine why I waited so long to acquire any! I could watch them pecking and scratching all day long. However, it’s exciting when I actually get produce from a seed I’ve planted, bread from grains of wheat I’ve milled, or a quilt from fabrics I’ve sewn together.

More than anything else, I love what I’ve learned about God’s perfect plan for creation and how He made it all to work in harmony. (I can only imagine what the Garden of Eden must have been like!) When you think about it, the beauty and order of created things is really amazing and we can learn a lot about God when we live closer to the land.

Photo Credit:  Homestead Revival (used with permission)

What new skill are you still hoping to acquire?

Considering I know very little about keeping bees, this excites me most right now. I was so terrified of them as a child and now, they fascinate me. I feel bees are certainly a gift from the Lord because of how unique they are and the honey they provide – it really is an amazing food!

Another area that is intriguing me is the use of herbs medicinally. I’ve used lots in cooking, but very little for health care, so I hope to acquire some skills in this area soon.


 
You are passionate about encouraging women to "joyfully embrace being keepers of the home"?  In your opinion, how does this impact the family, and why is it so important? 

I was raised in the generation of career women. Very few of us who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s were taught homemaking or homesteading skills and if you look across our nation, you can see we’ve reaped what we’ve sown. Now we have a nation of people who practically don’t even know where their food comes from, nor do they appreciate what is necessary for it to truly benefit their bodies! Many have no idea how to cook from a box, much less from scratch. And parenting seems to have been swept away with the loss of the agricultural mindset. You do a lot of parenting when you teach children to care for animals and a garden as well as taking care of a home!

As desperate as the situation may seem, forcing women home by placing a burden of guilt on them will never solve the problem. They have to WANT to be at home SERVING. Women need to remember just how important their contribution is to their family, community, and nation. And when they do, hopefully they’ll catch a vision that brings joy to their souls as they do it unto the Lord. At Homestead Revival™, my goal is to help women remember and get excited about why they are doing what they are doing; I want to encourage them to not only train, but tell their sons and daughters why they are doing it (like in Deut. 6) so that the next generation won’t walk away from the gifts God has given them; and I want to give them tools to help them along the way.

 
You homeschool your daughters.  What are some of your favorite homeschooling resources?  How are you preparing them, as young girls, to be "keepers of the home"?
  
I love classical education, but I love Charlotte Mason, too, so throughout the years, I’ve pulled from both philosophies to create a balance that works well for our family. Some of the publishers we use include Veritas Press, Homeschool In The Woods, Classical Academic Press, The Phonics Road to Reading and Spelling, Apologia, Teaching Textbooks (new for us this year), and my favorite: Shurley Language (I was terrible at this subject as a student and Shurley Language has finally bridged that gap for me – see we’re always learning!) In addition to these resources, I have the girls read LOTS of older classics and Lamplighter books.

I haven’t really used a resource for homemaking skills because I’ve not found anything I was pleased with at the time. (I’ve considered writing my own, but time just hasn’t permitted!). Instead, I believe strongly in the girls working along side me until they are somewhat proficient at a skill – whether it’s cooking or laundry or cleaning a bathroom. Then I use a checklist system and when they’re finished, we go over it together to see how they’ve done. I’m pretty tough and won’t praise a poor job, but I do try to encourage them when I see an effort has been made. Then I require them to redo it until it is right.

All these things are skill oriented, but I want them to WANT to be keepers of the home. So I try to talk about what I enjoy along the way (ie: “I love folding the clothes when they’re all nice and warm, don’t you?”), point out God’s hand in something (ie: “Isn’t it amazing how God thought of everything when He made eggs? The bloom helps to protect germs on the outside from passing through the membranes so we don’t get salmonella.”), and what we would miss if we weren’t raising a lot of our food at home or caring for our family. We’re an instant society, yet this kind of training doesn’t happen overnight. It’s precept upon precept; a little here, and a little there. Before you know it, they sound like mom (whether for the good or the bad!).

Photo Credit: Homestead Revival (used with permission)

Eating healthy, real food has been a journey for you and your family.  What recommendations would you give to those who long to prepare healthy meals for their family, but don't know where to begin?

Begin by reading Rex Russell’s book What The Bible Says About Healthy Living. I can’t recommend it highly enough and it’s the perfect place for a beginner. While you’re reading it, start eliminating one thing at a time from your diet, such as sugars! (You can still have a treat, but make it just that… a treat! It shouldn’t be in your cereal, your coffee, your everything). Also, I have a series of posts on my blog for those just starting a food journey which should be helpful as well.

Photo Credit:  Homestead Revival (used with permission)

What advice would you give to a family wanting to start a homestead?
 First, sit down together and create a master plan. Think one year, 5 years, and even 10 years ahead. Otherwise, you’ll spend money and time redoing things or you’ll have your chicken coop where you need your garden, etc. Even if you don’t think you’ll ever raise a certain animal, you might be surprised to find you change your mind later on, so leave room for the “maybe” things.

Second, try one thing or skill at a time (or in a season). Don’t bite off more than you can chew at a time or you’ll get discouraged and quit. Be determined and press through failures – you’ll learn the most during these trials. In otherwords, if your tomato crop fails, don’t decide you’re never doing tomatoes. Find out what went wrong and make adjustments.

Third, find a mentor. A good mentor will train and encourage, help you when you have a problem that needs solving, and direct you to excellent resources. And usually you’ll end up with a good friend, too!

 
Is there anything else you would like to share?

An author can make his or her life seem perfect on a blog, but remember you’re only getting glimpses of their best (and occasionally their mistakes if they are humble enough to admit them). Keep your focus on the Lord and what’s best for your own life while learning to be content with whatever stage of life He has you in at the moment.

 I take the scripture seriously in Titus 2 where the older women are to be busy training the younger women and not going from house to house, causing mischief (I Timothy 5:13). We need to be busy at home so as to honor the Lord, our husbands, and families. Homesteading isn’t the easiest path, but the rewards are well worth the effort and you’d be hard pressed to gain these benefits by any other means.

Give-Away: Creator Designs Christmas Tee!

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

~Acts 20:35

Last week I blogged about Creator Designs, and the great deal they offer on holiday T-shirts!  Much to my surprise, they offered to donate several Christmas tees so we could have a give-a-way right here on A Blossoming Homestead!  This company is legit, and the owners are such giving people!  I also have to give a special thank you to my friend Danielle, who works at Creator.  She read my blog, saw the post on the tees, and asked if they could donate some shirts!  I am grateful, and I know you all will be too! 

Here is how this give away will work:

Leave a comment telling me what you would do with a box of these festive tees, and if you haven't already . . . become a follower of A Blossoming Homestead via Google Friend Connect.  I will pick two winners and announce them both on Thursday!  Each winner will receive a box of 4-5 Christmas T-shirts in a variety of sizes.

Merry Christmas from A Blossoming Homestead and Creator Designs! :)

Sunday Seetness For Your Soul

Photo Credit:  Stock.xchng

Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.  Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.

~ Psalm 43:3-4

Oh, Christmas Tree! Oh, Christmas Tree?

Skyler and I were finally able to put up the Christmas tree and decorate this week!  A little late, yes, but better late than never! . . . I think!??  Lately, I been struggling with the way our society celebrates Christmas and other holidays.  Is it ok that we have made these once pagan holidays into Christian ones?  Can they be redeemed?  What traditions should we keep? Which ones should we discard?  How can we best honor God?

It seems I am questioning many areas of my life lately.  Anyone who knows me well will agree that I tend to be more of a questioner (I realize there is a lack of eloquence in this word, but all the other words just sounds so harsh - doubter, skeptic, critic . . . maybe inquisitive would be a better word.)  I don't usually just take something and believe it without fully examining the issue from all sides.  In some ways this is really good!  I like to do my research, and this helps me to stand firm when I finally do reach a conclusion on the matter.   Also, I believe this helps me understand and respect the opinions of others.  I can see their side, and as I try to make sense of the topic at hand I keep them in mind.  Although, this can be a blessing . . . it seems often our blessings can be our curses! 

During these times of contemplation I struggle hard!  I ask questions that I'm sure some would deem heretical!  I know there must be answers, and I am determined to find them!  Why must I do this to myself!?  Why can't I just say yes, the Bible says it and that is all I need! Fortunately, my husband is much more this way!  In the past when I've struggled with something it seemed so difficult, but in the end my faith grew because of it!  Sometimes I wish I were more like Skyler.  Rather than building a case against something, I wish I would just build a case for something.  If the Bible says Jesus was born of a virgin (this was something I looked into last year, and am happy to say I feel quite content on the matter now), Skyler will find any evidence he can that supports this truth.  I on the other hand am a "What about . . . " sort of girl.  We both want to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks [us] of the reason for the hope that [we] have."  We just reach this point in different ways.  Ok, where am I going with all this?  I am sure you are asking this question by now! Here it is:

Lately I feel challenged more than ever with questions!  Topics have been brought to my attention that I never would have thought about before.  These topics don't just come up once, but it is as if God is wanting to show me something by bringing them up over and over in different places and by different people! The kind of thinking this provokes is overwhelming to the point that some days end in headaches!  Now this is where the test comes.  Will I give up, say it doesn't matter, and continue doubting?  Or will I continue in the struggle knowing that God is faithful, and the day will come when the matter at hand is resolved in my heart, and my faith has grown because of it!  Well, I am not giving up!  Here is a list of things I have been researching and thinking about:

 - Eating pork,other Jewish dietary laws, and what the Bible has to say about eating healthy.  Would we be wise to still follow these laws?  What exactly did Paul's dream mean?  What about Col. 2:14-20?

- Birth Control, Natural Family Planning, and what the Bible says about Children being blessings?

- Remembering the Sabbath?  Could this benefit us as well? Wasn't it's purpose for our benefit?

- Healing?  Is it really God's will to heal us physically?  Does he sometimes say no to our requests because He knows what is best in the overall picture?  Or, do we just need to "believe to receive"?

- A Women's veil?  What is Paul talking about with this?  Is it really just a cultural thing like I have always been taught? Or is it simply convenient for us to leave this symbol behind?  Are we missing out on the blessing it could be?  This subject also brings up vanity - who am I trying to please, and where is my focus?

- Finally, Christmas/holiday traditions?

By now some of you are probably thinking I am going a little overboard!  Others may wonder why I haven't come to a conclusion yet. These are just some things I have been challenged with as of late, and Skyler and I are working through them together.  I realize that it may sound legalistic to some, and I have asked myself that question as well!  It's a fine balance. I think this quote sums it up perfectly what I am thinking.

"We must see that every obedience is a work of grace.  We would have no desire to obey, or even bother with obedience, if we were not born again.  Obedience by grace naturally follows salvation by grace."
 ~ Renee Ellison

God wants us to go beyond outward obedience!  He has cleansed us from the inside out, and he wants heart obedience! "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you." (John 15:3)

The question I ask myself is "am I trying to please God or man".  I am really being challenged with what I believe, and WHY I believe it.  Is it just because of cultural norms, or am I seeking out what God wants in ALL areas of my life?  As hard as it may be, I pray that God will search my heart and get rid of anything that is not of Him!

This Christmas as we decorated our tree, I tried to focus on Christ and celebrating Him.  The tree represents the trinity and eternal life.  The ornaments are decorations in honor of my King!  The crown of thorns on top of the tree reminds me of the true meaning of Christmas and all Christ did for us!  Maybe, after further prayer, research, and questioning I will change my mind (not about Christ . . .but about the tree).  For now, I am going to rejoice in the struggle, and praise God that He is right here with me through it all!

Happy Birthday "To My Dear and Loving Husband"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SKYLER!!!

27 years old!  I am glad he is two years older than me; it gives me some time to get used to the age!  I know I have talked exceedingly about my husband and how amazing he is!  However, as we commemorate his birth today I would like to list a few reasons we have to celebrate this wonderful man God created!

1) He is a man after God's heart!  From the time he was in Jr. High, he has lived to serve the Lord wholeheartily!  Not being swayed by others opinions, he has truly found his identity in Christ!  His life phrase and verse since he was a freshman in high school has been:  "Therefore, whether you eat drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." ~ 1 Corinthians 10:31

2)  My husband is a leader, and he leads by serving!  He has a personality that draws others to him, and he uses his influence for God's glory!

3)  Skyler is passionate!  He gives all of himself in whatever he does!  Whether it's obedience and love for God, love for his wife and family, sports, academics, etc.  He gives his all, and God has blessed him for this! Allow me to brag a bit . . . my husband is the most Godly man I know and he goes to our Lord daily in worship and to seek wisdom; he honors his family and myself everyday by being so loving and patient; he is an all star athletic stud -  He was All-State while in high school for football and baseball, he went on to play baseball in college and won the highest honors for an athlete at SBU, he even got offers to play for some independent teams after college, but God had other plans; he was valedictorian of his high school class and graduated Summa Cum Laude from SBU; currently he is the lead teacher at Diamond's Alternative School - he is most definitely the man for the job!  He has a way with students that is unlike any teacher I have ever known!  I am learning so much from him, and he didn't even go to school to be a teacher! We don't know what God has planned for our future, but with Skyler's perseverance I am sure, no matter what it is, he will go above and beyond!

4) Skyler is Mr. Steady.  Where my emotions tend to jump around, Skyler remains steady throughout each circumstance that comes our way.  He seeks the Lord first, and doesn't make rash decisions based on feelings.  I love this about him, because I can trust that he will always lead our family in the right direction according to God's will.

5) While Skyler is steady, he also has big dreams!  He is always thinking of inventions, or better ways to do things.  He dreams of reaching the world for Christ, and how God might use us to further His Kingdom!

. . . I could go on and on . . . I know he is my husband, and for that I feel very humbled and blessed!  Truly I do not deserve such a great man!  However, we are all very blessed to have Skyler in this world!  If you know Skyler and have been touched by his endearing and fun personality you will know exactly what I am talking about.  If you have not had the opportunity to meet him, this post does not really do him justice.  I hope you will all keep Skyler and me in your prayers!  Pray that God will use this incredibly talented man to further His kingdom! 

 Finally, a poem by Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672).  Anne "was the first poet in America to have his or her works published.  She was one of the Puritan settlers who established the Massachusetts Bay colony with John Winthrop in 1630.  Her husband was an important figure in the government of the colony, serving for several years as governor.  The Bradstreets had eight children.  A collection of her poems was published in England in 1650 as the book The Tenth Muse Lately Sping Up in America.  Most of Bradstreet's poem reflect her love of God and family." (Ray Notgrass, American Voices). 

To My Dear and Loving Husband

If ever two were one, then surely we.

If ever man were loved by wife, then thee; 

If ever wife was happy in a man, 

Compare with me, ye women, if you can.

I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold, 

Or all the riches that the East doth hold.

My love is such that rivers cannot quench, 

Nor aught but love from thee, give recompense.

Thy love is such I can no way repay, 

The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.

Then while we live, in love let's so persevere

That when we live no more, we may live ever. 

God's Will For My Life

I have often found myself asking this question:  God, what is your will for my life?  I try to figure out what He has planned for my life, and how He wants to use me.  I believe I have found the answer!  It is so simple, and laid out directly in His Word.  Allow me to quote one of my favorite authors, Elisabeth Elliot:

"You can't make proper use of a thing unless you know what it was made for, whether it is a safety pin or a sailboat.  To me it is a wonderful thing to be a woman under God - to know first of all that we were made ('So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.') And then that we were made for something ('The rib which the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man")

This was the original idea.  This is what woman was for.  The New Testament refers back clearly and strongly to this purpose: 'For man was not made from woman but woman from man.  Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.' Some texts are susceptible of differing interpretations, but for the life of me I can't see any ambiguities in this one."

 ~ Elisabeth Elliot (Let Me Be A Woman, 1976)



What is God's Perfect Will For Your Life?

To Be A Good Help Meet.

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

 ~ Genesis 2:18

God has an ideal, perfect plan for women -- I am NOT an exception to His plan! 

My focus should be on serving the Lord by serving my husband. 

"But a married woman is concerned about how . . . she can please her husband."

~1 Corinthians 7:34

Most women (who are influenced by the feminist movement) have a negative conotation when it comes to serving a man or being his help meet.  This is where Satan has deceived us! The word for "help" in the Bible is translated "ezer" in the Hebrew.  When we look at other places in the Bible where the word is used you will find the following verses:

Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers
the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
Our help [is] in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.-Psalm 124:7,8 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD:
He is their help and their shield.-Psalm 115:11
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills,
from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD,
which made heaven and earth. -Psalms 121:1 and 2

God created us for a specific purpose!  An important purpose!  There was a problem . . . "it is not good for man to be alone."  As women, we are the solution to the problem!  I was created specifically for Skyler - to be his help meet!  You were created specifically for your man - to be his help meet!  Wow!  What an honor! 

"It is a high honor for a woman to be chosen among all womankind to be the wife of a good and true man.  She is selected to be a crowned queen.  Her husband's love laid at her feet exalts the throne of his life.  Great power is placed in her hands.  Will she wear her crown well? Or will she fail in her holy trust?  Only her married life can be the answer." ~J.R. Miller, 1882

We do have a choice in how Good our marriage will be!  Unfortunately, there are many women out there who laugh, and joke about how they "will never serve a man."  These are also the same women whose marriages are struggling.  The very thing that could turn their marriage around is the very thing they mock.  This pains my heart!

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

~ Proverbs 14:1

Ask yourself this question.  What do I want my marriage to look like 10-20 years from now?  We need to take the necessary steps today to create the kind of marriage we want for tomorrow!  Heavenly marriages don't happen on accident!

"It will take real effort to make a Heavenly Marriage . . . A good marriage, just like anything worthwhile, takes doing the right things every day . . . every hour . . . every moment." ~ Debi Pearl