tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73480066735598493352024-03-14T00:44:26.087-04:00TownGirlMrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.comBlogger424125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-58111952343686270762015-03-14T23:55:00.000-04:002015-03-14T23:55:37.235-04:00What Do You Have in That Bag?!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a bag that I carry, known around here as Mom's Bible Study bag. Recently I've been asked by numerous people, "What do you carry in that bag?" So I thought I'd show you! Here's the top view. <img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4TbrjqMCHmk/VQT5XyxDiRI/AAAAAAAAUs0/RM1BY89jG9I/s1600/20150310_215028.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></div>
It's a Thirty-One bag, I'm not sure that they even make it any more? But it is super sturdy! I don't carry a purse, the red pouch is my wallet and I just throw everything else in this tote. There several pockets on the outside, this side is where I keep my nametag for Bible Study Fellowship. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6gK_tQxlWU/VQT5U3McfgI/AAAAAAAAUss/q5QZ_DZepmU/s1600/20150310_215033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6gK_tQxlWU/VQT5U3McfgI/AAAAAAAAUss/q5QZ_DZepmU/s1600/20150310_215033.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
On this side I keep my Post-It note pads and apparently my cheese sticks.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54S3dyw78oM/VQT5ab648CI/AAAAAAAAUtA/0CbKQ19K6Ak/s1600/20150310_215043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54S3dyw78oM/VQT5ab648CI/AAAAAAAAUtA/0CbKQ19K6Ak/s1600/20150310_215043.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
Front view - I should call my bag June...as in June is busting out all over. Except she isn't. All the seams are perfectly intact.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVtjI-4YkcU/VQT5Z6CPzZI/AAAAAAAAUs8/zILpYM2XZhA/s1600/20150310_215051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UVtjI-4YkcU/VQT5Z6CPzZI/AAAAAAAAUs8/zILpYM2XZhA/s1600/20150310_215051.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a></div>
Big books - I've got my Beth Moore Daniel study, a borrowed copy of <a href="http://www.diannecraft.org/" target="_blank">Dianne Craft</a>'s Brain Integration Therapy, my planner, the green folder has my Bible Study Fellowship work in it, my Sunday school teacher's guide, an old Beth Moore Living Beyond Yourself that I'm copying notes out of, and a BJUPress catalog.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2V6GUZa7XIs/VQT5fjDRjyI/AAAAAAAAUtM/RcOrLOjuFt0/s1600/20150310_215218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2V6GUZa7XIs/VQT5fjDRjyI/AAAAAAAAUtM/RcOrLOjuFt0/s1600/20150310_215218.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
I've got some <a href="http://coveredandprayingtowngirl.blogspot.com/2015/03/happy-mail.html" target="_blank">Happy Mail</a> in there, ready to mail out.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ob9VO4d19I/VQT5hQGc9MI/AAAAAAAAUtc/Qd5-PLpl5Iw/s1600/20150310_215341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ob9VO4d19I/VQT5hQGc9MI/AAAAAAAAUtc/Qd5-PLpl5Iw/s1600/20150310_215341.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></div>
Small books - my Bible, "Still Alice" (highly recommend), "A Thomas Jefferson Education" (also highly recommend), notebook, True Woman Manifesto (this always gets moved to last on my priority list, unfortunately).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jv2lgBlNiGc/VQT5hCuMwLI/AAAAAAAAUtU/lVCaqZEe2HQ/s1600/20150310_215450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jv2lgBlNiGc/VQT5hCuMwLI/AAAAAAAAUtU/lVCaqZEe2HQ/s1600/20150310_215450.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
I've got two spiral bound notecard books, for scriptures for memory work, my wallet, my earbuds, van key with adorable keychain made my talented good friend, <a href="http://www.sewafineseam.com/" target="_blank">Jill</a> and pencil pouch. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBUrPcBeLF8/VQT5nOymePI/AAAAAAAAUto/0pRoo4BDcGQ/s1600/20150310_215630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBUrPcBeLF8/VQT5nOymePI/AAAAAAAAUto/0pRoo4BDcGQ/s1600/20150310_215630.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
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My pencil pouch is a bit on the full side as well. I'm pretty particular about my writing utensils, I like a dull pencil but I really like these mechanical pencils, the lead thickness is 1.3mm, whereas a standard mechanical pencil is 0.7mm. Standard pencil lead always breaks on me, but not these. They are great! I've also got my colored pens and watercolor pencils for <a href="http://coveredandprayingtowngirl.blogspot.com/2015/02/illustrated-faith.html" target="_blank">Bible journaling</a>, lots of medium thickness ballpoint pens, highlighter, and pretty Sharpie.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ERHEEMj2ats/VQT5oFHs8tI/AAAAAAAAUt0/bMKpRvu4m2E/s1600/20150310_220108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ERHEEMj2ats/VQT5oFHs8tI/AAAAAAAAUt0/bMKpRvu4m2E/s1600/20150310_220108.jpg" height="276" width="320" /></a></div>
So, now you know, when you see me schlepping my Bible study bag around, what's in there! I enjoy having everything right in one place. If I get a chance to head to the coffee shop to work on Bible study homework, it's all in there. When it's time to drive to guitar lessons and sit for an hour, I'm prepared. When I settle in to my favorite chair to study my Bible, I've got everything I need gathered together. If I want to go to bed early, I just lug the bag upstairs. <br />
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Do you have a special space where you always read and study or do you have a basket or bag you store all of your needful things in?Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-62954726174204560292015-03-12T23:49:00.000-04:002015-03-12T23:49:05.698-04:00Happy Mail!There are lots of Happy Mail projects and blogs out there, basically bringing back the joy of receiving a real letter in the mail. I don't know about you but most days everything in my mailbox is junk and other days it's just a bill or two. No fun! I have been so, so very bad about mailing cards in the past. I have good intentions but it just doesn't happen. I've even skipped Christmas cards for the past several years.<br />
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So I decided that this year is the year of Happy Mail for me! All the birthday cards, all the thank you notes, all the "I think you're the greatest kid I've never given birth to" cards, thinking of you notes, praying for you cards, you're so hilarious notes, you're really a great mom encouragement, it-really-stinks-that-you-have-to-go-through-this cards.....you get the idea. It's only March 12 and I think I've already mailed more things this year than any other year. <br />
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When I send Happy Mail I try to focus on the envelope. I want the recipient to know when they open their mailbox there's something special in there. <br />
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There are lots of ideas on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/towngirl/happymail/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> for envelope designs. This little slobbery doggy's tail is on the other side.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcAXtXe_QBo/VQJTWftTQFI/AAAAAAAAUqs/XREcrveyrtA/s1600/20150110_170025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KcAXtXe_QBo/VQJTWftTQFI/AAAAAAAAUqs/XREcrveyrtA/s1600/20150110_170025.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgngOGDe15Q/VQJTWZHdBcI/AAAAAAAAUqo/G178RPnzRag/s1600/20150110_170142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vgngOGDe15Q/VQJTWZHdBcI/AAAAAAAAUqo/G178RPnzRag/s1600/20150110_170142.jpg" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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My middle son enjoys art and wanted to decorate some envelopes for thank you notes he was sending out. This is a waffle....do you see the butter and syrup?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BxM_3fubqc/VQJTaR_kJ9I/AAAAAAAAUrA/PxMg4k6qO20/s1600/20150112_132639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BxM_3fubqc/VQJTaR_kJ9I/AAAAAAAAUrA/PxMg4k6qO20/s1600/20150112_132639.jpg" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was also a copy off of something from Pinterest. I cut her dress from washi tape. A cheery birthday wish!</div>
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Here's another one of my son's designs. A friend of his showed him how to make this design. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCsfl3iMzp0/VQJTdTu76XI/AAAAAAAAUrQ/5-a9_xQggqg/s1600/20150112_132714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uCsfl3iMzp0/VQJTdTu76XI/AAAAAAAAUrQ/5-a9_xQggqg/s1600/20150112_132714.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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And another one by my son after he saw my jar of love notes envelope above. Imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLWw5qYBNM8/VQJTego6M9I/AAAAAAAAUrY/cMYD2ScqEzw/s1600/20150112_132723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLWw5qYBNM8/VQJTego6M9I/AAAAAAAAUrY/cMYD2ScqEzw/s1600/20150112_132723.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
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I mailed this Happy Mail out to all of my Sunday School class, including my youngest son, who was so thrilled. I mailed them their memory verse, ways to earn stickers in class, a secret mission and a candy. Side note, I have since learned that mail doesn't get treated very carefully, even if you pay extra to hand stamp it. Every single one of my Sunday School children reported back that their candy got crushed (somehow none of them seemed to care though and still ate it - ha!). I asked the postal worker about this and she said stuff gets thrown around like you wouldn't believe, with packages thrown on top of envelopes thrown on top of all those pesky bills. So the next time I mailed out candy I used padded envelopes and I think they all arrived intact. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5d9uhcTGmY/VQJTfjs89dI/AAAAAAAAUrg/Lrumbk2rcYY/s1600/20150205_095538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5d9uhcTGmY/VQJTfjs89dI/AAAAAAAAUrg/Lrumbk2rcYY/s1600/20150205_095538.jpg" height="304" width="320" /></a></div>
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These were fun to make! I patterned these off of something I saw on Pinterest as well. Mr. Steady's twin niece and nephew turned 6 and a friend turned 8! These went into padded envelopes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUhJqZ4ISCU/VQJThyMlPvI/AAAAAAAAUro/koBT8hUM1fM/s1600/20150210_165828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SUhJqZ4ISCU/VQJThyMlPvI/AAAAAAAAUro/koBT8hUM1fM/s1600/20150210_165828.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another Pinterest hack - I hate for my kids to miss Sunday School but I don't mind mailing their work to them! <br />
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Sometimes I don't draw pictures but just play around with the typography. </div>
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And then there was the day two weeks ago when I opened my mailbox and got Happy Mail addressed to ME! I could hardly believe it and it totally made my whole life. <br />
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So how about you? Have you sent any Happy Mail lately? Have you received any Happy Mail? What is the best thing you ever received in the mail? <br />
<br />Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-26483282997643696682015-02-20T23:14:00.000-05:002015-02-20T23:26:35.683-05:00Illustrated FaithI bought a Journaling Bible two years ago after seeing the nice wide margins that allowed for notetaking. This is the Bible that I have, it is no longer in print but there are a wide variety of journaling Bibles available. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Journaling-TruTone-Raspberry-Chocolate-Flourish/dp/B007PMSBES/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1424484510&sr=8-14&keywords=esv+journaling+bible%2C+crossway" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/Journaling-TruTone-Raspberry-Chocolate-Flourish/dp/B007PMSBES/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1424484510&sr=8-14&keywords=esv+journaling+bible%2C+crossway" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hsDJlN_sMtc/VOfp2EqUnrI/AAAAAAAAUl0/RToEjwhhBqo/s1600/Crossway%2BESV%2BJournaling%2BBible.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
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A few months ago I stumbled on <a href="http://valeriewienersart.com/" target="_blank">Valerie Wieners</a> Instagram account and immediately fell in love with her art. I was slack-jawed that she added her beautiful art to her Bible! <br />
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<a href="http://valeriewienersart.com/blog/2015/1/3/bible-journaling-what-ive-learned-and-what-i-use" target="_blank"><img alt="http://valeriewienersart.com/blog/2015/1/3/bible-journaling-what-ive-learned-and-what-i-use" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VHaI8tdUTI/VOfwE5f2gpI/AAAAAAAAUmE/mJRr9LWM_1Q/s1600/valeriewieners.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://valeriewienersart.com/blog/2015/1/3/bible-journaling-what-ive-learned-and-what-i-use" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Valerie Wieners Bible Journaling</span></a></div>
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I am not an artist but I am a good copier and creativity is free, or really cheap, anti-depessant therapy. I am also a very visual person so the idea of reading God's Word and mulling over what I've read and putting that into pictures was incredibly appealing to me. So I tried it out.<br />
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Then I went back and tried adding some color to some of my existing notes.<br />
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Pretty fun! But the pastels I was getting from my watercolor pencils just wasn't cutting it enough for me. I unearthed my boys' watercolors and started really digging in.<br />
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I soon learned that this art form has a name, or several names, Illustrated Faith or Documented Faith. I found other Instagram accounts like <a href="http://homegrownhospitality.typepad.com/homegrown_hospitality/" target="_blank">Stephanie Ackerman</a>, <a href="http://www.illustratedfaith.com/how-illustrating-my-faith-has-changed-my-relationship-with-jesus/" target="_blank">Shanna Noel </a>and <a href="http://www.littlebitfunky.com/" target="_blank">Little Bit Funky</a>.<br />
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Everybody does it differently. This is my every day Bible but others have a study Bible and just journal and doodle in their Journaling Bible. Some ladies use rubber stamps and stickers, others use water colors and Prisma Inks. Some stick to the journaling margins, others cover their whole page. <br />
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There are websites and Facebook groups and <a href="http://www.illustratedfaith.com/illustrated-faith-goes-on-an-alaskan-cruise/" target="_blank">Alaskan cruises</a>! Oh my! For me, this is simply my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Fringe-Hours-Making-Time/dp/0800723481" target="_blank">fringe hours</a> with God. Some of my notes are from Bible studies, sometimes I write another translation, sometimes it's just my own interpretation of what I've read.<br />
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I've started carrying a watercolor palette with me and at the coffee shop I ask for a small cup of water and plop myself next to a sunny window. <br />
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Sometimes there is only enough time to get out the colored pens and pencils. <br />
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Other times I'm gifted with more time and I plug in my earbuds and jam out on Pandora. If you see me at McDonald's in full-on worship mode, don't be surprised if I'm raising my arms - just praising Jesus.<br />
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This one was a poor excuse of a hack from <a href="https://www.behance.net/gallery/Verse/3248433" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. My apologies to the original <a href="https://www.behance.net/ChristinObryan" target="_blank">artist</a> for ruining your picture!<br />
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I'm so blessed that God put this in my path and is using this to make the Bible come alive in a whole, new way for me. His Word is alive and active in me and I'm so enjoying allowing it to bubble up in whatever imperfect, humble way He allows.<br />
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If you're interested in this, Valerie, Shanna, and Stephanie all have much more concise and beautiful descriptions than I could possibly add to. I encourage you to check them out. But even more than that, I encourage you to just get started. Yes, you'll mess up (like the time I wrote Esther/Boaz when I meant to write Ruth/Boaz...still trying to come up with a creative way to cover that up), yes your pens might bleed through or dribble on your page, you might smudge your handwriting or misspell a word. But your Bible is a part of your legacy. I have my grandmother's and my great-grandmothers Bibles. They are full of four-leaf clovers and obituaries cut from the newspaper. I want my children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren to be able to look back through my Bible and see what spoke to me, where I struggled, what verses I was working on memorizing. This, to me, is a great legacy to leave.<br />
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If you don't want to doodle directly in your Bible, try buying a journal and seeing what images God's Word stirs in your mind. Above all, don't get caught up in the details. It's about drawing closer to Him and for HIS glory!Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-50038511489175536392015-01-29T21:41:00.001-05:002015-02-01T00:04:22.844-05:00Bar Barakah<!--[if !mso]>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Bar Barakah means “Son of the
Blessing”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many traditions and cultures
have a rite of passage; some at a certain age, others at a point of maturation
determined by the parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boys need to
be called into manhood and girls need to be called into womanhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus received a blessing from his Heavenly
Father in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, after Jesus was baptized and
the Holy Spirit descended on Him, God said, “This is my son, in whom I am well
pleased.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men, especially young men,
long to hear their earthly fathers say, “I love you, I’m proud of you, I’m
pleased with you”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Do you remember the particular
moment when you knew you were a woman or a man?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How about when you were married…could you point to the day you became
married?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course we can – it’s the day
of our wedding and most of us know the approximate time, when the minister declared
us husband and wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Craig S. Hill
likens a Bar Barakah to a wedding in the sense that it is an opportunity for a
father to say, in the presence of family and friends, “Today, Son, you are a man”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, all of this also applies to young
girls…my husband and I just happen to have had three sons first before we had a
daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ0g2RYSwl0/VMrbZWBqamI/AAAAAAAAUkM/XAPornyOv9s/s1600/_MG_0616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJ0g2RYSwl0/VMrbZWBqamI/AAAAAAAAUkM/XAPornyOv9s/s1600/_MG_0616.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Several years ago an Internet
friend mentioned her son’s Bar Barakah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I asked her about this and she explained to me that it was the Christian
equivalent to a Jewish Bar Mitzvah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was familiar with the term, Bar Mitzvah, I knew it was a rite of passage but
beyond that I wasn’t too sure what was involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend said they had read a book by Craig S.
Hill titled “Bar Barakah” and I immediately ordered it and read it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About a
year ago my husband, Dan, and I started discussing this idea and we knew we
wanted to do something special for Ashton, our oldest son’s 13<sup>th</sup>
birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Approximately six months
before his birthday we started really praying about what to do and who to
involve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband already owned a book
called, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disciplines-Revised-Complete-published-Crossway/dp/B00E31GM54/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418618482&sr=1-2&keywords=disciplines+of+a+godly+man">“Disciplines
of a Godly Man”</a> by R. Kent Hughes so he and Ashton started meeting on
Wednesday nights, after dinner, and reading through this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We explained the idea behind the Bar Barakah
and Ashton got very interested and involved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through
our studying we realized men who are very successful in life surround
themselves with other successful people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We wanted to choose mentors for Ashton in very specific areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chose the areas of relationships, finance,
work ethics, chivalry, and ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then we spent time praying and asking God to show us men whom Ashton
already had some connection with who were strong in these areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God was very gracious and soon we had a
list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan contacted each of the men and
gave them time to also pray about this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We knew we were asking for a big commitment, to meet with Ashton on a
regular and ongoing basis, and to mentor him in a specific area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We received affirmation from each of the men
God laid on our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These men became
known as his Council.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ9WHqyT5dI/VMrbfz7d8-I/AAAAAAAAUkU/DmnrBs3i70o/s1600/_MG_0602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ9WHqyT5dI/VMrbfz7d8-I/AAAAAAAAUkU/DmnrBs3i70o/s1600/_MG_0602.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bar
Barakah is the blessing but Hill suggests parents make as big a deal of this as
a graduation or a wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children need
to know that you value this time and you are willing to make an investment for
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan thought it was important for
Ashton to be very involved in the planning so that he knows what party planning
entails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they met on Wednesday
nights they began to discuss details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ashton chose one of our ministers to officiate the ceremony alongside
Dan, colors, the menu, venue, helped design invitations, made the guest list,
and helped make many other decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We
ordered our invitations from <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/" target="_blank">Tiny Prints</a> and we were quite thrilled with their quality
and service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWEoLspExYk/VMrbnHZaDAI/AAAAAAAAUkc/OJqtQAWbF2E/s1600/Invite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWEoLspExYk/VMrbnHZaDAI/AAAAAAAAUkc/OJqtQAWbF2E/s1600/Invite.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The guest list was to be intimate,
the five men who were invited to be part of Ashton’s council and their wives,
our ministers and their wives, his Sunday school teacher and her husband,
grandparents and his closest friends and their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up having some additional 11<sup>th</sup>
hour guests that I was absolutely thrilled to share in our day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwhPk_u5U4o/VMrbvv21vqI/AAAAAAAAUkk/usCvZFvQmKs/s1600/_MG_0628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwhPk_u5U4o/VMrbvv21vqI/AAAAAAAAUkk/usCvZFvQmKs/s1600/_MG_0628.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have
to be honest at this point and say that, as the mom, I felt kind of left out in
the planning...which is kind of the point, that the son leaves the wing and
safety of his mother and steps into the world of manhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So along the way I spent a lot of time in
prayer and made a prayer garland as a decoration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I hired our most favorite photographer, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bellehessphotography">Belle Hess</a>, because I
didn’t want to miss a moment of the ceremony and I knew I’d want this day
captured on film.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly all of the
pictures shared here are her fantastic work!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABmKdqW1qFI/VMrc9qzahNI/AAAAAAAAUkw/hPyaMp5gD0k/s1600/_MG_0646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ABmKdqW1qFI/VMrc9qzahNI/AAAAAAAAUkw/hPyaMp5gD0k/s1600/_MG_0646.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ashton
wrote beautiful, scriptural commitments in several areas including serving
Jesus, submission to authority, purity and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our minister asked Dan and I to confirm
similar commitments.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eCjobXHcSA/VMrdFCddGWI/AAAAAAAAUk4/e1P8hzSZAIU/s1600/_MG_0610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4eCjobXHcSA/VMrdFCddGWI/AAAAAAAAUk4/e1P8hzSZAIU/s1600/_MG_0610.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Each family was asked to bring a
scripture, blessing or word of encouragement to share with Ashton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chairs were set up in a semi-circle while
Dan and Ashton went to each man and Dan asked, “Will you accept my son as an
equal?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the man answered to the
affirmative, Dan asked if he had anything he would like to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each man shared heartfelt words, some were
eloquent, others were short and concise, but they were all important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3b4dxsXENcw/VMrdLmO9nTI/AAAAAAAAUlA/EGkn3B6h9bA/s1600/_MG_0665.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3b4dxsXENcw/VMrdLmO9nTI/AAAAAAAAUlA/EGkn3B6h9bA/s1600/_MG_0665.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Then Dan asked the women and
children to stand on one side of the path and the men to stand on the other
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point I prayed over Ashton
and released him into manhood, while Dan and the other men called Ashton forth
into manhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ashton knelt and all the
men laid hands on him and prayed special blessings over him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35Fmaw1YK2U/VMruAngCszI/AAAAAAAAUlg/79bCxYRS9Ng/s1600/_MG_0700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35Fmaw1YK2U/VMruAngCszI/AAAAAAAAUlg/79bCxYRS9Ng/s1600/_MG_0700.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Dan and I then presented Ashton
with special gifts, an Armor of God coin printed with Ephesians 6:13-17 on it
and a wristwatch.<br />
<br />
After the ceremony we served
chocolate fondue with strawberries, Oreos, and marshmallows, summer sausage,
cheese and crackers, <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mocha-Punch-with-Ice-Cream/Detail.aspx" target="_blank">mocha punch</a> and iced sweet tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <br />
<br />
It was a very special day and I
believe Ashton felt loved, special, and blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ashton continues to meet with his Council on a semi-regular basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gave each man full discretion to do what
he sees fit, whether that means reading a book and discussing it, working in
the workshop, or going out for a mocha latte and chatting about life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dan and Ashton continue to meet every
Wednesday night and are continuing to work through “Disciplines of a Godly
Man”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ashton’s Bar Barakah also
influenced his homeschooling curriculum this year as he is reading a lot of
biographies about great men and other great books for men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_RcOTLAhLs/VMreXoqFiaI/AAAAAAAAUlQ/bJc2wWBS9UA/s1600/_MG_0676.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_RcOTLAhLs/VMreXoqFiaI/AAAAAAAAUlQ/bJc2wWBS9UA/s1600/_MG_0676.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
If this is something you think
you’d like to learn more about, let me share some more thoughts and
resources!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all, there is no one
“right age” to have a Bar/Bat Barakah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some sources suggested an age range of 12-18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One source suggested paying attention to when
the child is showing interest in the opposite sex: paying more attention to
personal grooming, showing physical signs of puberty, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted to be very proactive and we know at
some point Ashton will want to seek out advice from people outside of his
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted to surround him with
those people and foster relationships that we hope he will lean on when that
time comes, hence his Council.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Some books that we highly
recommend: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bar-Barakah-Parents-Christian-Mitzvah-ebook/dp/B005CYN4L6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418617672&sr=8-1&keywords=bar+barakah">Bar
Barakah: A Parent’s Guide to a Christian Bar Mitzvah</a> (link is to the Kindle
edition, we used the 1998 paperback edition but have since read recommendations
for the updated version)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Ancient-Paths-Craig-Hill-ebook/dp/B0058EWMY0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1X7G9Z4NSWSPBAZ7MJ7B">The
Ancient Paths</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disciplines-Revised-Complete-published-Crossway/dp/B00E31GM54/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418618482&sr=1-2&keywords=disciplines+of+a+godly+man">Disciplines
of a Godly Man</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Real-Men-Surviving-Appreciating-ebook/dp/B003DQPMS8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418617539&sr=8-1&keywords=raising+real+men">Raising
Real Men: Surviving, Teaching and Appreciating Boys</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Modern-Day-Knight-Fathers-Authentic-ebook/dp/B005MZIDIY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418618227&sr=8-1&keywords=raising+a+modern+day+knight">Raising
a Modern Day Knight: A Father’s Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Do-Hard-Things-Rebellion-Expectations-ebook/dp/B00125L8BW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1418618384&sr=1-1&keywords=Do+Hard+Things"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against
Low Expectations</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">There are lots of great books out there in this area right now, I would
love to hear about other ones that you have read and loved!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Internet is, of course, a great resource
and we gleaned from blogs and website about how others have conducted their
son’s ceremonies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In the end, the most important thing that a parent can do is impart a
blessing to their child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe this
with every fiber of my being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be
a special day with a special ceremony and all of your child’s special loved
ones, or it can be in an intimate moment but don’t miss the opportunity to pour
a blessing out on your child and say “You are my child in whom I am well
pleased.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-89976617009628098142014-01-01T23:56:00.002-05:002014-01-01T23:56:33.881-05:00Welcome 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTKeT4slp7Y/UsTtm8s8AZI/AAAAAAAADwE/hDXqPk4ac_w/s1600/less+more+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTKeT4slp7Y/UsTtm8s8AZI/AAAAAAAADwE/hDXqPk4ac_w/s640/less+more+2014.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
I've made New Year's resolutions in the past and broke them by January 2 or, one banner year, February 1. I've tried picking just one word and trying to focus on that all year. Let's just say I was very unintentional about being <a href="http://coveredandprayingtowngirl.blogspot.com/2012/01/intentionally.html" target="_blank">intentional</a>.<br />
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I have lots of prayers for this year, lots of dreams, lots of plans, and lots of goals. But what I desire more than anything is less of me, more of Jesus. None of self, all of thee.<br />
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I am joyfully, expectantly, confidently, eagerly searching for what God has in store for me in 2014.Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-74842656632627451812013-12-05T11:08:00.003-05:002013-12-05T11:08:38.772-05:00eShakti - It's Like Having your Own Personal Tailor {$30 off Coupon Code!!!}I very rarely even look at ads on the side of blogs and other websites I visit. I'm sorry, I know that is how most of you feed your family and keep the lights on but I just don't look at them.<br />
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However, back in the spring a green polka dotted shirt caught my attention. I had just learned a lot about myself through the Dress Your Truth website and knew that this particular shirt was made for a Type 1, which is my type. Polka dots <i><u>and</u></i> asymmetrical lines? Yes, please!<br />
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<a href="http://www.eshakti.com/GiftForYou.aspx?ReferralCode=38446" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.eshakti.com/Product/CL0027103/Draped-seam-knit-tee" border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kBX7ivYV6c/UqCb-lmlGrI/AAAAAAAADvQ/vXllIuTSt8k/s640/eshakti2.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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So I clicked on the picture and found myself in the very fun world of <a href="http://www.eshakti.com/GiftForYou.aspx?ReferralCode=38446" target="_blank">eShakti</a>. Have you ever tried a dress on and wished the sleeves were 2-inches longer and the neckline were just a smidge higher? Me too!<br />
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Of course, the perfect solution would be to call up your favorite local seamstress, like <a href="http://www.sewafineseam.com/" target="_blank">Jill</a>, to start from scratch and tailor your dress to your every curve and preference. But sometimes you just really like a dress that you see on your screen and want to suit it to you a little more. Or maybe, sadly, Jill isn't a 30 minute drive away from you? <br />
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<a href="http://www.eshakti.com/GiftForYou.aspx?ReferralCode=38446" target="_blank">eShakti</a> offers dresses, tops, skirts, jackets, and even bridesmaids dresses. You can customize the neckline, sleeve, and length of most of their offerings. You can add your own measurements and save them for future shopping. You can even remove pockets and embellishments!<br />
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<a href="http://www.eshakti.com/GiftForYou.aspx?ReferralCode=38446" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.eshakti.com/customize" border="0" height="370" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ec8F5g4rnc/UqCcIX1hzSI/AAAAAAAADvY/Q7dZ_ATAeuk/s640/eshakti1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I greatly dislike buying clothes for myself but once I saw I could customize this shirt, plus as a new customer I received a $25 off code and free customizations, plus they were having a sale, plus I had a few bucks in my "blow" category, I knew that shirt was mine.<br />
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I entered my measurements, chose my custom neckline and sleeve length and waited very impatiently for my new shirt. It fit perfectly! I loved it! I wore it once a week...ok, maybe twice a week, until the weather turned cooler and now am on the hunt for a fun cardigan to layer over it.<br />
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Want to try <a href="http://www.eshakti.com/GiftForYou.aspx?ReferralCode=38446" target="_blank">eShakti</a> for yourself? <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Well, the great news is they are offering my readers </b>not a $25 off coupon like everyone else who visits their site but<b> a $30 off coupon!</b></i></span> And right now they are having a 35% off sale until December 9th which means you can get a pretty fantastic deal and maybe even have a new something special to wear by Christmas!<br />
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Just enter the code <span style="font-size: large;"><b>JENNIFERZ8CX</b></span> to get your $30 off (don't click the 'Register today for $25 off or else you'll miss out on the extra $5 off!). <u>Plus, you always get free customizations on your first order</u>! What's not to love?<br />
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So go shop around and see what unique and custom clothes you can order for yourself! <br />
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Just for fun, go take a look and then come back and tell us what you'd like to buy!<br />
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*<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Links included in this post are affiliate links and I may receive some compensation for your referral purchase.</span>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-37313449242150192312013-11-07T05:19:00.000-05:002013-11-07T05:19:00.060-05:00Poor Grandma, Part 3If you missed <a href="http://coveredandprayingtowngirl.blogspot.com/2013/05/poor-grandma-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> or <a href="http://coveredandprayingtowngirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/poor-grandma-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a>, you might want to read them first. <br />
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My head spins with all that is in it. So many contradictions, so many
opinions. So much pull to things other than Him. The devil is a cunning
and crafty adversary and has lured an entire gender of this and every
other industrialized nation into an ages old game of
compare-and-contrast and hyper-exaggerated it. Do the duos Rachel & Leah or Martha & Mary ring any bells?<br />
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One friend refuses to serve her children any soda other than diet, another searches out soda without high fructose corn syrup and yet another thinks it's child abuse for any parent to serve their children soda of any sort. Which one loves their children more?<br />
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One friend is gluten-free, another feeds her children Paleo, and a yet another is a regular at the McDonald's drive-thru. Which one is the better mother?<br />
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One friend will only buy fair-trade clothes, another says her new necklace that she bought on Etsy was "only" $60, and another friend cries as she can't find jeans at the thrift store that fit her children. How do you know which one is a better steward of their money?<br />
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One friend says she has no time to be on Facebook and the other friend's feelings are hurt because she can be found on Facebook quite often so what does that mean about the way she spends her time? And yet another friend apologizes about being on Facebook all the time and must explain her new fangled phone. Which one uses her time wisely?<br />
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Only God can see the heart of each of these women. I'm certain they are all wonderful mothers, doing the best they can. We each make decisions for our family based on the information we have available. Would it be edifying to say "Please tell me you don't feed your child aspartame?" Would it be encouraging to say "I really hope you don't buy clothes made in a sweat-shop!" <br />
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If we stop and think, do we feel judged and belittled by our friends or do the voices in our own head scream more than loud enough to make up for it all? Did my friend *really* imply that if I am on Facebook I must be sitting around lollygagging all day long or do I feel guilty and therefore interpret what she said incorrectly?<br />
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Can we just give it all up? Stop judging? Stop comparing? Stop looking at other peoples muscle mass, flower beds, children's birthday parties, SAT scores, marriages, residential square footage, on and on ad nauseum....and just live the life God wrote for me and me alone? Love God, love your neighbor, serve others, die to self? <br />
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<br />Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-76265095240815924232013-11-06T15:53:00.001-05:002013-11-06T15:53:55.742-05:00Poor Grandma, Part 2Note: Just after I posted Poor Grandma, Part 1 I could not access, edit or otherwise even see my posts. Mr. Steady was able to find & solve the problem for me...thank you, dear! <br />
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<a href="http://coveredandprayingtowngirl.blogspot.com/2013/05/poor-grandma-part-1.html" target="_blank">For Part 1, read here </a> <br />
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There are many modern conveniences, joys, and treats that I enjoy that "Grandma" never did.<br />
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For example, I thoroughly enjoy having a library tens of thousands of books a few blocks from my home. I love that books are not as expensive as they once were and my boys can visit places all around the world through the stories they read. If you've read this blog for any length of time you know how much I treasure <a href="http://coveredandprayingtowngirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Book%20Reviews" target="_blank">books & reading</a>.<br />
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I enjoy my running water, my shower, my washer & dryer - especially with all those cloth diapers, and my dishwasher. I enjoy entertaining and hosting parties, it's fun to do something special for friends. But do I do it because I want to bless my friends or do I do it so they will be impressed? <br />
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"Grandma" was never able to keep in touch with so many friends and family through her computer. "Grandma" was never able to hear sounds and songs from far away countries such as Kenya, Ireland, India, or Brazil. Our world is so much bigger and more diverse than "Grandma"'s world ever was. I'm so blessed to be able to email our friends in Kenya, Haiti and Norway - to see pictures of their children and to hear about their lives.<br />
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I enjoy looking at all the different and varied crafty projects available through Pinterest. I am glad I don't have to make all of my families clothing or grow our own food. I am glad I don't have to hitch up the horse and wagon every time I leave the house (although lately I'm thinking a horse would be more reliable!)<br />
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There is nothing inherently wrong with hosting dinner parties, painting your walls new colors or wanting your children's education to be more varied and diverse than your own. But when we start comparing, judging, feeling discontent with our lives because of these things it just feels wrong. <br />
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Please don't misunderstand, I am preaching to myself here - I want to serve God, love my family, love others, acknowledge my blessings, bless others - not out of the abundance of my blessings but bless others sacrificially. I don't want to add more lists of things I must do, heaping rules and more unrealistic expectations on myself. <br />
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So because I was born for such a time as this, I will live in the moment, not pining for the past, not hoping for the future. I will embrace the things that are useful to achieve His purposes for my life and chuck the things that bind. I will not question or judge how other people spend their time, their money, their resources. I will not presume that because you do things differently that I am worse or you are better. I will add beauty and peace to my life and discard misplaced expectations and appraisals.<br />
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My value is in Christ alone. Am I pleasing Him? Is this what He desires for me? Is this how He desires I spend my time? Is what I am feeling true, noble, lovely, pure....? Dear Lord, keep my eyes focused on you & may my life and actions, decisions and words be pleasing and glorifying to You alone!<br />
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Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-81104687787866474022013-05-18T11:17:00.000-04:002013-05-18T11:19:52.048-04:00Poor Grandma, Part 1<br />
Back when my "<a href="http://coveredandprayingtowngirl.blogspot.com/2010/06/caroline-ingalls-is-my-grandma.html" target="_blank">grandma</a>" was raising children, she didn't know her arms were more toned than Mrs. Olsen's because they wore sleeves and didn't pin pictures of "6 Must-Do Exercises to Rid Your Arms of Flab Forever". Nor did she have a full-length mirror (or the privacy to stand naked in front of one if she had one) to analyze just how bad her cellulite was.<br />
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<i>And yet her husband loved her anyhow, delighted in her, and loved her faithfully until his last dying breath.</i><br />
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"Grandma" didn't realize there were "10 Things No New Mom Can Do Without", she thought her little stash of homemade cloth diapers and the wooden cradle that her husband made were just fine for bringing home another baby. She didn't know she needed a Bumbo, a bouncer seat, a battery operated swing and a special bathtub. On that note, she missed the list of "What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag" because she had homebirths and a kettle of hot water and a heap of clean towels was all she <i>really</i> needed.<br />
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<i>And yet her baby's brains and bodies developed, they adored her and grew up healthy and strong.</i><br />
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"Grandma" didn't know there was 101 books she had to read to her children before they were six or that she had to prepackage busy bags for her younger children to play with while she educated her older children. She didn't have to choose between 127 homeschool curricula, she just taught her children what she knew, how to read and write, how to add numbers, how plants grew, she taught the girls how to sew, cook and clean and shooed the boys out of the house to help their dad plant fields and do carpentry work or to manage the store or shoe horses. The list of Date Night ideas escaped her notice and since there was no time to get away with just her & the mister they surely also missed the "12 Mother-Son Dates" and "15 Daddy-Daughter Dates".<br />
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<i>And yet her children knew they were loved and valued, were well educated, had good manners, made good friends and grew up to support their own families.</i></blockquote>
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"Grandma" never found out what the words tablescape or gourmet meant. Until they were older her girls shared a cup and most days if they had meat to eat it was a pretty special blessing. She didn't fret over whether her grains were soaked and sprouted, the beef was grass-fed and their Omega 3s were in proper ratio to their Omega 6s. She didn't stage her house when her husband said it was time to move, she just packed up everything they owned that would fit in the wagon and hoped the next person who found their cabin & made it home would appreciate the sturdiness of the bed.<br />
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<i>And yet her family was well-fed and healthy, close-knit and called their mother "blessed".</i></blockquote>
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"Grandma" never knew her rooms would seem bigger or her ceilings higher if she painted the walls a certain color. She never knew her picture frames had to be hung a certain number of inches above her furniture or in odd numbers.<br />
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<i>And yet her home always felt cozy, there was always warmth in the fireplace, and memories to savor.</i></blockquote>
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"Grandma" never hosted grand tea parties for 12, made elaborate party favors for birthday parties, made seating charts for dinner parties or put mints on her overnight guests' pillows.<br />
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<i>And yet her neighbors always knew they could stop in for a cup of tea, her friends always asked for her simple recipes, her church knew they could count on her to donate homemade pies, and her extended family didn't hesitate to spend the night when the weather was too bad to ride home.</i><br />
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Poor Grandma, she didn't know just how much of a mess she was. She had no idea of her BMI or ideal weight, she didn't know how ill-prepared of a mom she was, she was unaware of how her children stacked up against other children in the state or country, she was <span class="ssens">incognizant about how simple and uninspiring her meals were, </span>she was clueless about how unglamorous her home furnishings were, and she was simply oblivious to her entertaining faux pas. And gloriously blissful in her ignorance.<br />
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As I talk to other ladies about their feelings of inadequacy, dissatisfaction with their lives, their marriages, their bodies, their houses, their children....their very purpose in life, I can't help but think of all the things "Grandma" missed out on. I am chief among the complainers. I compare and covet. I analyze and ache. It's all just too much. I agonize over comments made on Facebook, the lack of blog readers, I Pin every possible idea to help me feed, entertain, spend quality time with, impart value to my family. I check out 10 books on the GAPS diet and vitamin deficiency along with 6 books on how to impart blessings to my family and make sure my children stay in church, and on top of that stack I add a few books on the proper colors for my home and the newest designs in home decor. Many of these things are good things to think about, the food we feed our children, the coziness of our homes, the pleasures in life are not sins and may in fact be noble. But the comparison game, the constant discontentment is just too much. A little voice in my head screams "Enough!" I want off of this ride of comparisons and inadequacy. <br />
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<i>And yet, I know that God put me here for such a time as this. But He also calls me to come out and be separate. Not to look like the world, to put my treasure in things not of this world, to find my value in Him, to let Him be God and be His servant.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(All pictures taken by Mr. Steady or myself at <a href="http://coveredandprayingtowngirl.blogspot.com/2012/09/sauder-village.html" target="_blank">Sauder Village</a>)</span></div>
<br />Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-81576995781499783782013-02-15T10:17:00.000-05:002013-02-15T10:17:31.554-05:00Dying to Live<br /><span class="text John-12-24" id="en-AMP-26603"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Covenant-First Presbyterian, Cincinnati</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text John-12-23" id="en-AMP-26602">And Jesus answered them, The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified <i>and</i> exalted.</span></span><span class="text John-12-24" id="en-AMP-26603"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>I
assure you, most solemnly I tell you, <u>Unless a grain of wheat falls
into the earth and dies, it remains</u> [just one grain;<i> it never becomes
more but lives</i>] <u>by itself alone</u>.</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-12-24" id="en-AMP-26603"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>But if it dies, it produces many others
<i>and</i> yields a rich harvest.</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbVQilC9gQU/UR5IUw-G9EI/AAAAAAAAC4o/AF5FtbCshxY/s1600/IMG_8831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbVQilC9gQU/UR5IUw-G9EI/AAAAAAAAC4o/AF5FtbCshxY/s320/IMG_8831.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Covenant-First Presbyterian, Cincinnati</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /></span></div>
Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-7061857057496630422012-12-20T19:40:00.001-05:002013-04-15T16:21:23.270-04:00Advent Pockets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Several years ago {maybe four or five?} I stumbled across <a href="http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/" target="_blank">Jenny's blog</a> and fell in love with her <a href="http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2007/11/advent-calendar.html" target="_blank">Advent pockets</a>. I adapted the colors to suit my decor and love them. I'm ready to make a new set with updated colors and freshen things up a little although I'm uncertain what colors I'll use.<img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LKDlCUq0Wag/UNOiR22KxwI/AAAAAAAAC08/KS4_XxwXPwg/s320/IMG_9613.JPG" width="320" /></div>
In years past the pockets have held a new nativity set, one piece for each day so the nativity scene slowly unfolded, with Baby Jesus appearing last.<br />
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<img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVNSTLknuHc/UNOiuDeSZDI/AAAAAAAAC1E/HucPRwgpJOU/s320/IMG_9612.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jnHzErEVyI/UNOixem4DPI/AAAAAAAAC1M/0V1cxH0EEfw/s1600/IMG_9614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jnHzErEVyI/UNOixem4DPI/AAAAAAAAC1M/0V1cxH0EEfw/s320/IMG_9614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This year I decided to join the trend of doing activities during Advent. So each pouch holds a slip of paper with an activity and a chocolate. There are gobs of lists of activities all over the Internet, I meshed several suggestions together and came up with what worked for our family. I wanted a good mix of serving and blessing others along with fun, quiet at-home activities. <br />
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Some of the activities are things we try to do every year anyways, like caroling, baking or driving around looking at lights. This way it prevents the "when are we going to...." and also ensures we don't forget to do these favorite things. It helps to keep a master list of what you put in each pouch so you're not caught off-guard and unprepared.<br />
<br />
When an activity requires giving money, try to put the money in the pouch, that way the child feels more a part of it.<br />
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Here's some of our list.<br />
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~Put up & decorate Christmas tree, have our annual waffle & "rolly" sausage dinner<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-84Jq5pN2w/UNOjXjAapqI/AAAAAAAAC1U/v6MXuwd7xTc/s1600/2012-12-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-84Jq5pN2w/UNOjXjAapqI/AAAAAAAAC1U/v6MXuwd7xTc/s400/2012-12-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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~Write letters to a few friends, mail them stickers & small treats<br />
~Write a letter to Grandma & Grandpa telling them 10 reasons you love them<br />
~Make paper snowflakes<br />
~Tape $1 to a vending machine with a nice note <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoOrGUSVp8A/UNOmUNkXjlI/AAAAAAAAC2s/hK-B8yZtpGQ/s1600/1211121348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoOrGUSVp8A/UNOmUNkXjlI/AAAAAAAAC2s/hK-B8yZtpGQ/s400/1211121348.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
~Tape quarters to a bubble gum machine with a nice note<br />
~Family board game night<br />
~Ask a cashier what his/her favorite candy bar is then buy it for them<br />
~Write letters to Grandma and your great-aunt<br />
~Candlelight bubble bath (Grab every candle you have, place them in the bathroom and light, then turn off any electric lights. If you don't feel comfortable leaving your children with lit candles, try a small string of Christmas lights in the bathroom. I let them each have a bath on different nights)<br />
~Go Christmas caroling<br />
~Make cards for your Sunday School teachers<br />
~Leave a treat and a nice note on top of the garbage can for the trash man<br />
~Make & mail cards for our minister who lives out of town now<br />
~Go out for dinner, leave a huge tip for the waitress, then drive around looking at Christmas lights<br />
~Bake Christmas cookies<br />
~Have a Hot Cocoa party<br />
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~Write a nice note and take a treat to each of the ministers<br />
~Family Minute-to-Win-It party<br />
~Have a pizza party in the living room while watching a Christmas movie<br />
~Go to the donut shop, leave an extra $20 for the customers behind youMrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-23779490408809096872012-12-04T06:00:00.000-05:002013-04-15T16:21:23.243-04:00Ice Candle Part DeuxI know<a href="http://coveredandprayingtowngirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome.html" target="_blank"> I've posted about my ice candle before</a> but the directions were shabby at best and I thought to take pictures when I made it this last time.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lh09LmvNh68/T-I4Du3LkqI/AAAAAAAACBk/4GLObSJcpeE/s1600/IMG_8529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lh09LmvNh68/T-I4Du3LkqI/AAAAAAAACBk/4GLObSJcpeE/s320/IMG_8529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Start with two containers, the larger one is about 2 gallons, if I had to guess. I think it was from GFS Marketplace and had potato salad or something similar. The other container is about 48 ounces. I have also used the metal insert from my ice cream maker as the middle. If it is taller than your big container, that is fine...it just has to be smaller in diameter. <br />
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Start by filling your larger container with water. Only fill it about 1/3-1/2 at first. <br />
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Put your smaller container in the middle and put something inside the
small container to weight it down. Your small container will probably
shift off to the side if you don't weigh it down. </div>
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You can see
in this picture we chose to use a bag of split peas. I should share
with you that if you choose peas or beans of any sort and then
accidentally drop your ice candle while it's in the freezer, there is a
good chance your bag will crash and break and the bottom of your chest
freezer will be covered in dried peas. </div>
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Now you will need something to keep your middle container from popping up. Mr. Steady used lots and lots of tape. If your large container has a
lid - that is the best. After I made this I remembered I still had the lid. Oops.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1BNVPH9A_4/T-oI47cKUdI/AAAAAAAACFo/DbIYHjIiQxw/s1600/IMG_8625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyFn7Ik7jCc/T-oIz353RjI/AAAAAAAACFg/FOdTjXhirso/s320/IMG_8622.JPG" width="320" /> </div>
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Now, just freeze until it's frozen solid. When you're ready to use, add some warm water to the middle container to loosen it. Add a candle in a container (I like to use a pillar candle in a canning jar) and set outside on your front porch. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1BNVPH9A_4/T-oI47cKUdI/AAAAAAAACFo/DbIYHjIiQxw/s1600/IMG_8625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1BNVPH9A_4/T-oI47cKUdI/AAAAAAAACFo/DbIYHjIiQxw/s320/IMG_8625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
If the weather is cold enough and your ice candle is still in good condition and pretty solid, you can bring it back inside each night and just refreeze. I used this one four different times. This really impressed my friend who saw it on several occasions but didn't realize I had taken it inside each time and stored it in the freezer between times :o) <br />
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I am going to keep my eyes open for containers and maybe do a trio of smaller containers soon.Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-84764166303491540922012-12-03T08:48:00.000-05:002013-04-15T16:21:23.287-04:00This is Just About To Get WeirdI think I slept through the entire month of December last year because I took all these pictures to post and then didn't. Fail. Would it help if I said I actually wrote this post in June and set it to auto-publish today?<br />
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I was searching Pinterest for tiny houses and came across<a href="http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2009/12/22/tiny-gingerbread-houses-a-few-variations/" target="_blank"> this little gem</a>. Is that not the cutest thing?<br />
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<img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HpxuAeLbZ3c/T-HEgekshuI/AAAAAAAACBQ/8TBzpMl2vD8/s320/gingerbread+house.jpg" width="320" /> </div>
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That definitely looked like too much work, but when the boys and I made gingerbread men, I decided to play around with the dough and cut a slit into this little guy. Yes, he dipped a toe into the water to see how it felt prior to this picture.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VM2RAEsBJng/T-FJ6WUtuYI/AAAAAAAACA0/T-WSVZhAE_Q/s1600/IMG_8556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VM2RAEsBJng/T-FJ6WUtuYI/AAAAAAAACA0/T-WSVZhAE_Q/s320/IMG_8556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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He enjoyed sitting on the edge of the cup but was noncommittal about actually getting in.</div>
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And then Mr. Steady got involved in the fun. You can see where this is going, can't you? He influences me in bad ways. He suggested we make the hot cocoa into a hot tub. This part of the post is not suitable for children {wink}. This is our gingerbread likeness, enjoying the hot tub, except it wasn't until now I realized my doppelganger should be wearing a swimsuit. Little hussy. Oh well, at least she remembered to bring a dish rag beach towel.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6V5gZ3IJ1s/T-HE1X8hs1I/AAAAAAAACBY/5qi5vR_f6TA/s1600/IMG_8558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6V5gZ3IJ1s/T-HE1X8hs1I/AAAAAAAACBY/5qi5vR_f6TA/s320/IMG_8558.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strike>No gingerbread men were injured in the making of this blog post.</strike> Um, nevermind.<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"></a>Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-54236575505060757362012-12-01T23:20:00.000-05:002013-04-15T16:21:23.258-04:00Crate-spirationLast year when I read Monica's post about <a href="http://thehomespunheart.blogspot.com/2011/12/creative-worship-part-one.html" target="_blank">creating beauty</a> I was instantly inspired. She took an old Coca-Cola crate and filled it with items she had around her house. As an aside - am I the only one whom, after reading <u>The Help</u>, wants to pronounce it Co-Cola? Here is her original crate<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvnqpV-jP7c/T-E9k8E4qSI/AAAAAAAAB90/xrOcA9iff_A/s1600/monicas+crate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvnqpV-jP7c/T-E9k8E4qSI/AAAAAAAAB90/xrOcA9iff_A/s320/monicas+crate.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://thehomespunheart.blogspot.com/2011/12/creative-worship-part-one.html" target="_blank">The Homespun Heart</a></span></div>
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I immediately thought of a black obscure crate that I purchased for $5 at a garage sale some years ago. I love this crate but it is so large and unwieldy that I never know what to do with it. Nevertheless, I immediately got started on my own crate.</div>
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I am a shameless copy-cat and used dried green peas and cranberries as well. Mr. Steady cut some pine boughs from the neighbor's tree overhanging our yard which I tucked in here and there. I scoured the house for tin and galvanized containers and rounded up all my white tealights and votives. I also gathered my gingerbread cookie cutters and choose the best gingerbread man I had just baked. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhQJW5pu1nE/T-E9rb2pKbI/AAAAAAAAB98/M4GGVjgc0tc/s1600/IMG_8629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhQJW5pu1nE/T-E9rb2pKbI/AAAAAAAAB98/M4GGVjgc0tc/s320/IMG_8629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I popped three green apples into a spot on the middle and called it good. </div>
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It was so pretty sitting in the middle of the table and it made me smile every time I saw it. It had to get moved around a lot, most days we left it on the kitchen island/table to keep the dining room table free for....well, dining.<br />
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Thanks, Monica, for the inspiration! </div>
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Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-63257925050706935102012-11-28T11:05:00.000-05:002013-04-18T14:39:31.786-04:00"Touching the Sky"Hold onto your hats because I've got several more book reviews this week. Baby nurses, nurses, nurses and Momma reads, reads, reads.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkZES_CDAI0/ULY0QUvx0FI/AAAAAAAACxY/BOtqMixs8hY/s1600/Touching+the+Sky.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkZES_CDAI0/ULY0QUvx0FI/AAAAAAAACxY/BOtqMixs8hY/s1600/Touching+the+Sky.png" /></a></div>
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I recently read <u>Touching the Sky</u> by Tracie Peterson. The description from the back of the book: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Though their first encounter is hardly auspicious, Laura Marquardt
soon discovers herself drawn to the dashing Captain Brandon Reid. As an
officer over the colored troops, he eagerly supports her desire to
educate blacks and seek harmony in a town where the defeat of the South
is a bitter reality. <br />
<br />
When Laura's sister marries her Confederate beau, Laura finds herself
in a difficult situation after overhearing a discussion with
frightening consequences. In her heart she feels she should confide in
Brandon, but Laura fears to do so may endanger her sister's life. Yet as
the stakes continue to rise and Brandon's motives for pursuing her come
into doubt, Laura questions where to turn... and wonders if her own
dreams of love may be forsaken."</blockquote>
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Peterson uses rich language to describe every detail of the ladies' dresses, the house furnishings, even the dinner parties. I immediately fell in love with Laura and found myself defending Brandon's integrity. Plucky Carissa is a hard pill to swallow but through the weaving of the story I found compassion and pity for her. And Malcolm....well, let's just say no tears were spilled over him at the end of the story. <br />
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Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book by Bethany House publishers. All opinions are mine. <br />
<br />Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-90295091872291589232012-11-27T15:30:00.000-05:002013-04-15T16:21:23.290-04:00A Gift To You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u>Thriving Family</u> magazine, from Focus on the Family, has a 2012 <a href="https://focusonthefamily.webconnex.com/advent2012" target="_blank">Advent Calendar</a>, a beautiful devotional for you to do
with your family this December. <img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyv1ss2pBU4/ULUg0QaCQUI/AAAAAAAACv8/fLyvi3UhQ-E/s640/advent-cal-2012-arti.ashx.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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While you are there, grab a <a href="http://www.thrivingfamily.com/Additions/subscribe-to-thriving-family-magazine.aspx" target="_blank">FREE subscription</a> to <u>Thriving Family</u> - it's full of fun stories, yummy recipes and helpful articles!Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-4347807843232928622012-11-18T22:40:00.000-05:002013-04-15T16:21:23.252-04:00Christmas Read-Aloud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtofQJChAho/UKmmLX17vvI/AAAAAAAACuk/FNlqg4TEfP4/s1600/Nanct+and+Plum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtofQJChAho/UKmmLX17vvI/AAAAAAAACuk/FNlqg4TEfP4/s400/Nanct+and+Plum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am always in search of a good, fun read-aloud for the children. A holiday read-aloud is even better. <br />
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One set of books my boys loved was Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald. Ms. MacDonald has also penned a perfectly lovely book called <u>Nancy and Plum</u>. <br />
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Here is the description from Amazon:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>It was Christmas Eve. Big snowflakes fluttered slowly through the air like white feathers </i><br /><i>and made all of Heavenly Valley smooth and white and quiet and beautiful.</i><br /><br />So
begins the story of two orphaned sisters at Mrs. Monday’s Boarding
School. But nothing is heavenly for Nancy and Pamela (aka Plum): their
parents died in a tragic accident years ago, they’re constantly punished
by the cruel Mrs. Monday, and they’re all alone for the holidays.<br /><br />Luckily,
Nancy and Plum have each other, and though their prospects may be
bleak, they’re determined to change their lot for the better. If their
plan works, the spirited sisters will never spend Christmas at the cold,
dark boarding school again. But what will they find on the other side
of Mrs. Monday’s gate?<br /><br />Adventure, warmth, unforgettable
characters, and unexpected kindness abound in this classic story by
Betty MacDonald, which was originally published in 1952. With
illustrations by the acclaimed Mary GrandPré and an introduction by
Jeanne Birdsall, National Book Award–winning author of <i>The Penderwicks,</i> this edition introduces the spunky, beloved heroines to a new generation of fans.</blockquote>
<br />
We all absolutely adored this book, the characters were fun, the writing was exquisite and if you can get through the end without a lump forming in your throat, I applaud you! Go check it out from your library today and you can get through it before Christmas! Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-24759339377830267792012-11-14T23:17:00.001-05:002013-04-15T16:21:23.248-04:00Book Review - "A Home in Drayton Valley"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxheRREqhzY/UKRmxMhnoeI/AAAAAAAACtM/zCdMAY-2Nn0/s1600/A+Home+in+Drayton+Valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxheRREqhzY/UKRmxMhnoeI/AAAAAAAACtM/zCdMAY-2Nn0/s320/A+Home+in+Drayton+Valley.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.bethanyhouse.com/ME2/Audiences/Default.asp" target="_blank">Bethany House</a> asked me to review Kim Vogel Sawyer's <u>A Home in Drayton Valley</u>. Frail and sickly Mary Burbacher dreams of a better life for her two young children. Her husband, Joss, though a hard worker is an alcoholic who gambles away his paycheck. Mary's dearest friend Tarsie, an immigrant from Ireland, tries to nurse Mary back to health and suggests Mary and Joss move their family to Kansas and offers to finance the trip. When his debts are being called in Joss has no chance but to agree to Mary's request to move. But Mary has a secret and insists that Tarsie go along with them to see to Mary's medical needs. When tragedy strikes along the way, Tarsie makes a promise to Mary that she doesn't know if she can keep.<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were multi-dimensional, my favorite characters were Tarsie, Joss, Simon and Ruth. This story delves into many topics, marriage, prejudice, and prohibition, just to name a few. The best part of this book is seeing characters soften and change as you see God working in their lives. Good reading!<br />
<br />
Disclaimer: Bethany House provided me a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are solely mine.<br />
<br />Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-80702916145987035272012-11-14T11:36:00.002-05:002013-04-15T16:21:23.279-04:00The Chocolatiest Homemade Hot Cocoa MixIf you're a long-time reader you know <a href="http://coveredandprayingtowngirl.blogspot.com/2008/09/old-friend-grows-up.html" target="_blank">I am somewhat of a hot cocoa snob</a>. I know what restaurants serve the best (Bob Evans - but do not, under any circumstances, look up the nutritional information), I have to doctor up gas station hot cocoa (two creams plus one chocolate cream if available), and I have been known to hide the "good stuff" in the back of the pantry. I haven't seen Drinking Chocolate in any store lately so I had to resort to something else. The boys all love hot cocoa as well and while I have found some super fantastic recipes that involve heating milk and <a href="http://www.mrshappyhomemaker.com/2010/12/creamy-crockpot-hot-cocoa-best-ever/" target="_blank">melting chocolate</a> (sister doesn't lie when she says it's the best ever - try it this Christmas), my time allotment and wallet require something simpler, like heating a kettle of water. Something they can do themselves when needed.<br />
<br />
So we reverted back to the powdery packets of ho-hum. But I quickly tired of tasteless tan liquid. I searched for recipes on Pinterest, Food Network and allrecipes but who to believe? Recently I beseeched my Facebook friends for their favorite, tried-and-true hot cocoa mix recipe. And one came up a near winner!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWDeIJUv91M/UKPHNUPWmXI/AAAAAAAACqo/E6WAVlgMujI/s1600/hot-chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWDeIJUv91M/UKPHNUPWmXI/AAAAAAAACqo/E6WAVlgMujI/s320/hot-chocolate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://alllposters.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a> </div>
Now because, when drinking hot cocoa, taste and texture matter much more than calories, we tweaked the recipe a bit and added more chocolate. And if you're worried about clean eating and limit your children to real food, you're definitely going to want to skip this recipe. But if you're looking for a hot cocoa mix with a lot of flavor and a great mouth-feel....here's your recipe. Also, too, there are hardly ever powdery bits at the bottom of your cup with this recipe.<br />
<br />
The Chocolatiest Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix<br />
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If you are adventurous, add a tablespoon or two of cinnamon to the batch (I'm the only one here who likes cinnamon in my hot cocoa (and my chocolate chip cookies) so I just shake a little in my cup when I prepare it). </div>
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If you decide you have already long ago derailed the train called Self-Control, add a dribble of real cream when you prepare a cup. </div>
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And, as a side note, I always thought dry powdered milk was supposed to be cheaper than regular milk? I only buy a box every year or two but egads - it's way more expensive than I remembered. I think I calculated the total cost of this recipe to be around $11.00 and it should yield about 66 servings. </div>
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Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-89064661738920507342012-11-13T04:00:00.000-05:002013-04-15T16:21:23.289-04:00Fun Package in the Mail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBDeMVDdmEU/UKA43BANt7I/AAAAAAAACn4/9TgYcDPYEyA/s1600/IMG_9476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBDeMVDdmEU/UKA43BANt7I/AAAAAAAACn4/9TgYcDPYEyA/s400/IMG_9476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
While I was in the hospital I received a fun package in the mail from <a href="http://www.adelightfulglow.com/" target="_blank">Deborah</a>. This adorable dress & sweater set (can't wait until The Dimple can wear it!) and two hand knitted dishcloths. Deborah had a giveaway of a dishcloth on her blog a few weeks (maybe a few months now?) ago and I mentioned to her how much I enjoy knitted dishcloths.<br />
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Deborah is a sister in Christ, a farmer's wife, homeschooling momma to two beautiful children, and blogger from the wheat fields of Kansas. She blogs at <a href="http://www.adelightfulglow.com/" target="_blank">A Delightful Glow</a>. <br />
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I have not had the pleasure of meeting Deborah in real life (although she was mere miles from my house this summer, ahem!!! Kidding - although Jill and I are long overdue for a leisurely Bob Evans breakfast so I think the next time Deborah is in town we need to meet up!), she is the sister of a good friend of mine,<a href="http://www.sewafineseam.com/" target="_blank"> Jill</a>. We have commented on each others blogs for a while and are friends on Facebook. It is so fun to use social media to get to know people halfway across the country. I know for a fact that good friendships can blossom this way because I met Mr. Steady online over 15 years ago!<br />
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So, thank you Deborah, for the wonderful gift and thoughtful note! So fun to get to know you!Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-78075675672276061052012-11-12T09:28:00.002-05:002013-04-15T16:21:23.276-04:00Introducing The Dimple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SB690aOuubA/UKEHP4Jcl0I/AAAAAAAACpQ/Jt3asM838z4/s1600/IMG_6613-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SB690aOuubA/UKEHP4Jcl0I/AAAAAAAACpQ/Jt3asM838z4/s640/IMG_6613-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gorgeous photo taken by the talented <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Belle-Hess-Photography/364740833581842" target="_blank">Belle Hess </a></div>
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On a chilly October day at <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">8:18</span></span> in the evening, on <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">October 20, 2012</span></span>, they placed a <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">10 pound, 7 ounce</span></span> miracle in our arms. She was perfect. And after examining every inch of her beautiful body, we noticed she has a single dimple on her left cheek. And so we introduce to you....<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Dimple</span>.</div>
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I have spent the past three weeks snuggling, nursing, changing, and mostly kissing this beautiful baby. <br />
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We are so very grateful for this gift straight from Heaven and praise God for her every day. A few days before she arrived, I was reading in Job and verse 42:5 jumped right off the page at me, "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." I hope to blog more about this in the coming weeks or months but we are so grateful God's ways are so much higher than our ways. We knew He is faithful and has a plan for each of us but now we have seen with our eyes His miraculous ways and works.Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-23970376355996081572012-10-06T15:18:00.000-04:002013-04-15T16:21:23.245-04:00All in a Day's Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rbxv2lLH1vY/UG8w2Pi21jI/AAAAAAAAClQ/F2UEVGwtbwU/s1600/h-armstrong-roberts-boy-and-girl-playing-doctor-and-nurse-using-doll-as-a-patient.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rbxv2lLH1vY/UG8w2Pi21jI/AAAAAAAAClQ/F2UEVGwtbwU/s320/h-armstrong-roberts-boy-and-girl-playing-doctor-and-nurse-using-doll-as-a-patient.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Boy-and-Girl-Playing-Doctor-and-Nurse-Using-Doll-As-a-Patient-Posters_i7994783_.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source</span></a></div>
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The following job description was given to floor nurses in a hospital in 1887:<br />
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1. Daily sweep and mop the floors of your ward, dust the patient's furniture and window sills.<br />
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2. Maintain an even temperature in your ward by bringing in a scuttle of coal for the day's business.<br />
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3. Light is important to observe the patient's condition. Therefore, each day fill kerosene lamps, clean chimneys, and trim wicks. Wash the windows once a week.<br />
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4. The nurse's notes are important in aiding the physician's work. Make your pens carefully; you may whittle nibs to your individual taste.<br />
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5. Each nurse on duty will report every day at 7 a.m. and leave at 8 p.m. except on the Sabbath on which day you will be off from 12 noon to 2 p.m.<br />
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6. Graduate nurses in good standing with the director of nurses will be given an evening off each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if you regularly go to church.<br />
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7. Each nurse should lay aside from each pay day a goodly sum of her earnings for her benefits during her reclining years so that she will not become a burden. For example, if you earn $30 a month you should set aside $15.<br />
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8. Any nurse who smokes, uses liquor in any form, gets her hair done at a beauty shop, or frequents dance halls will give the director of nurses good reason to suspect her worth, intentions, and integrity.<br />
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9. The nurse who performs her labors and serves her patients and doctors without fault for five years will be given an increase of five cents a day, providing there are no hospital debts outstanding.<br />
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Courtesy of Sauder Village.<br />
<br />Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-53241338508808412552012-10-05T15:09:00.002-04:002013-04-15T16:21:23.257-04:00Rules for Teachers 1872<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OKII_PAlw4s/UG8vSTLqVyI/AAAAAAAAClI/ZXVCnqnvsCU/s320/norman-rockwell-happy-birthday-miss-jones-march-17-1956.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Boy-and-Girl-Playing-Doctor-and-Nurse-Using-Doll-As-a-Patient-Posters_i7994783_.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source </span></a></div>
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1. Teachers each day will fill lamps, clean chimneys<br />
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2. Each teacher will bring a bucket of water and a scuttle of coal for the day's session<br />
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3. Make your pens carefully. You may whittle nibs to the individual taste of the pupils.<br />
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4. Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if they go to church regularly.<br />
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5. After ten hours in school, the teachers may spend the remaining time reading the Bible or other good books.<br />
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6. Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be dismissed.<br />
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7. Every teacher should lay aside from each pay a goodly sum of his earnings for his benefit during his declining years so that he will not become a burden on society.<br />
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8. Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents pool or public halls, or gets shaved in a barber shop will give good reason to suspect his worth, intention, integrity and honesty.<br />
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9. The teacher who performs his labor faithfully and without fault for five years will be given an increase of twenty-five cents per week in his pay, providing the Board of Education approves.<br />
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Submitted by Mary Wilson, received at Sauder Village<br />
<br />Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-73823408806235434512012-09-26T04:00:00.000-04:002013-04-15T16:21:23.273-04:00AwwwwI have to brag on my honey for a minute. In the farthest stretches of your imagination you'd never call him a romantic. He's practical and for the most part so am I. So when we returned from Sauder Village I made mention that I was glad I hadn't gone into labor because I would have had no idea where the nearest hospital was. We know several families up that way so I supposed we could have called them or just asked the front desk.<br />
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Mr. Steady replied that he had already researched that before we left and knew right where to go if something had happened. Ever the practical guy, he assured me it was just because he didn't want to deliver the baby but it still touched my heart that he thought even ahead of time to figure that out!<br />
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Love you honey!Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348006673559849335.post-38983707393317186492012-09-25T12:54:00.000-04:002013-04-15T16:21:23.250-04:00McDonald's at Midnight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mr. Steady and The Reader both love to play the Monopoly game at McDonald's. The Reader has been waiting for the new game to start since mid-summer. So when he asked Mr. Steady to wake him up at midnight to take him to McDonald's because he wanted to be "among the first to play" we giggled. But then we thought, "why not?" It's fun to yes to odd requests sometimes.</div>
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Mr. Steady woke The Reader up at midnight....twice. He is such a hard sleeper! They headed to the store closest to us but they weren't handing out pieces yet. So Mr. Steady went to find another store that was open! I would have said "sorry, Charlie" and headed home! </div>
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The lobby was closed so he posed for a picture outside the window - ha!</div>
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How fun to go to McDonald's in your pajamas!</div>
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He looks pretty pleased - not sure if it's because of the pieces he got or his hash brown & OJ!</div>
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<br />Mrs. Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10385623160520451175noreply@blogger.com3