Day 4 & 5 of Our 65 Day Journey!

Day 4 & 5

Welcome new followers!  Please make yourselves at home.  I love people!

Why wish upon a star, when you could pray to the one who created it!? ~ Annie Moore

As I am writing this, it is a little after eight, Monday evening.  Since it is this late, I decided to combine today and tomorrow’s post.

Honey-hunk worked on the computer some today before going out to work on my van.  He’s replacing the radiator on the van.  I’m not sure what all he did to the computer.  I offered to call AT&T (our ISP), but he said to wait as he thinks we need to reload some of the drivers first and he’ll do that tomorrow.

All that to say, hopefully by tomorrow evening the computer will be in good shape.  The van will still need new tires.  I drive it around here – to the grocery, feed store, bank, etc., but I won’t be going on any road trips until we can replace the tires.

Thirty Days of Thanks!

November 1st – 30th  

Remember Shawn is beginning the 

Thirty Days of Thanks 

today.  I am so glad Shawn asked us to join her, because participating in something like this always reminds me of how blessed I truly am.

Shawn’s link

 So, what are you thankful for today?

(Borrowed from Linda, Prairie Flower Farm)

I am thankful for and my cherish my relationship with the King of kings, the LORD of lords.  It still amazes me, that HE would choose me to be one of HIS own.  I am always reminded of 
Psalm 8:4 ~

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him?”

Here is a great craft project that can be done in just a few minutes!  As you can see, I borrowed it from It’s a Hodgepodge Life….
(with permission).

The center of the pumpkin is a role of toilet paper that you smash just a bit.  Then place in the center of a piece of material, bring the edges up and “poke” into the center of the toilet paper role.  Add a short piece of tree limb for the stem and to hold the material in place.  Add a bow and some leaves.  After the holidays, simply unwrap and you still have your toilet paper.   

The grand “chickies” and I thought these were so cute and fun.

~ The Journey ~

I hope everyone is continuing to look at their overall plan for the next 60days.  I believe they say it takes 21 days to from a new habit…..by December 31 we should be able to improve in a number of areas!

I am still working on my lists…..and now writing out some schedules to help me achieve my goals.

In the last 5 days, I have worked on de-cluttering areas of our home, but I still have a long way to go! 

For the most part, I have eaten healthier, but I could do better.

I’m trying to drink more water.

Trying to move more, exercise, and study more. 

I have asked ABBA to help me in this endeavor and I know HE is.  I like for our home to be prepared for the weekend by Friday evening….that is sometimes difficult.  I try to prepare a special dinner for Friday, as we are entering the Sabbath, it is a joyous time.  Saturday we rest   (hahaha, we try to change our pace, enjoy family, study, spend more time in prayer, etc.)  SONday we sometimes go to our old church or to church with the grown kids…they do not totally understand the fact we are embracing our Hebrew roots…that’s okay.  And we normally have company on Sunday afternoon/evening.

We live in the country and have animals that need attention seven days a week….we milk twice a day, everyday with the exception of about five weeks in the winter.  The milk then has to be processed.

So when I prayed about what to do…..I felt the gentle leading of the LORD…to get as much prepared ahead of time as possible.  On Friday morning, I wash and prepare enough milk containers to last until Monday morning.

On Friday, I also scrub the bathroom and wash bed linens. 

Friday afternoon, I bake for that evening and for the weekend.  I try to bake something that will also work/help with breakfast on Saturday morning, such as muffins or some type of quick bread.  Saturday is the only day I let the guys eat cereal and occasionally I even let them have pop tarts.

I am trying to explain this system because, before I would make list…starting with Monday…listing what I thought needed to be done.  But now, after praying about it, I look to see what I need to have done for the following day.  Does that make sense?

When looking at the BIG PICTURE…by the month, I schedule cleaning the fridge a day or two before grocery shopping.  Why?  Because there is less in the fridge to deal with and so I know what we already have….as I have said before, no one needs a half dozen packages of cream cheese!  (Unless they are planning on making cheese logs for gifts.)

So, this is where I am on my journey…

I’ve removed five + (50 lb) feed sacks of trash/clutter since we began. 

I’ve started a rag bag for dh (because he is forever needing a rag for something.

I have at least one box of clothes for Goodwill.

I’m working on drinking more water and eating more raw fruit and vegetables.

I’m going to bed a little earlier, getting more rest.

I am making myself take my meds/herbs/vitamins each day.

Working on my list/schedule and seeing what needs to be changed to make things flow more easily.   I think if I ever get my days organized, everything will become more manageable.  At least that’s my prayer.

Blessings,
Cheryl

Day 3 of Our 65 Day Journey!

Welcome to

Day # 3

Wish we could all sit on the porch and visit!

 

It's a little chilly though, so we might need some cover,  but the sun is shinning and it is beautiful out.

Short post today, just wanted to share some words and ideas.....something new to think on.

The following is from Patricia Tyson.  I hope to get Patricia to do a "guest post" in the next few weeks.  She is amazing and really knows the WORD!

I want to decrease that YHWH may increase. My desire is not to be seen, but to magnify the Father! I don't want my voice to be heard, but I want Him to speak through me. When you see my face, I want you see Yeshua in me, my Hope of glory. My song must be the song of heaven, and I am only a conduit. I am the clay in the Potter's hands. Use me, Abba!

 

When you hear an accusing voice taunting you with a litany of your mistakes or shaming you with a review of your weaknesses or belittling you with your failures, it could never be the voice of Jesus. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 

~ John 3:17 ~

An idea for your home ~

Love this!

An idea for you ~

Here is a health/beauty tip I want to pass on to you….because it WORKS!

I originally rec’d this from Pam Staley, who is an awesome lady!

Face Repair Oil 

(that's what I call it)

You mix ½ tsp. of turmeric with 2 oz. of anyone of the following oils:

Olive

Coconut

Vitamin E

The one I am currently using is half coconut, half Vitamin E …..smells good!

You apply a small amount evenly to your face and leave for 2 -3 minutes.  Then clean off with a soft, warm wash cloth.

I only do this 2 or 3 times a week, usually when I am getting ready to wash my hair. After about 3 weeks, I noticed remarkable improvement.  I even had two of those little “tag warts” (I think that is what they are called.) to wipe off. 

The mixture seems to keep well.  I keep mine in a small glass bottle with a lid.  I think the first time I made it, it lasted about two months.

Simple, inexpensive, and affective ~ love it!

Praying for you to  be blessed this SONday.

May HE be high and lifted up in your life and the lives of those around you!

In His love,

Cheryl

P.S.  I visited a few of your blogs last night, but once again, I am having trouble commenting.  Sorry!

Day 2 of Our 65 Day Journey!

Shabbat Shalom!   

 (May your Sabbath be peaceful)

&

Baruch HaShem   

(Blessed be the name of the LORD)

Day # 2 of Our 65 Day Journey!

I am so glad you are here! 

Sorry, I did not get this post up last night, so it would be here for you to wake up to.  After taking care of six kids, who all seem to be in various stages of the latest “bug”, I kept falling asleep at the computer.  I’d wake up and think, what was I going to say….oh yeah!  And drop back off to sleep…..it probably didn’t help any, that when my favorite quilt had finished in the dryer, I grabbed it and wrapped myself into a snuggly burrito!  Nice and warm!  I told someone else, that has to be one of the best “poor person's” luxuries!!

This morning, I am still fighting with the computer.  I think it has a bug of its own!!!  I need my techie son or techie son-in-love to come look at the thing (and I need by not so techie honey to stay off of it for awhile)…..did I just say that out loud?

Really, honey-hunk is very smart and certainly smarter than I am where the computer is concerned.  Still, sometimes "professional" help is nice.

I did have the opportunity to visit some of you!  Wow, can’t believe how many of us are on the “same page”!  Isn’t it amazing?

I wish we could all get together and enjoy each others’ company around the dinning room table….or the kitchen table!  That would even be better.  I love “backdoor” friends!  Those who come in and make themselves at home!  Simple pleasures are the best kind!

Yes, Shawn, particularly here lately I feel I need to “wait” upon the LORD.  Just be still!  I feel like God is speaking to me, like I often speak to the boys, “Please, would you just sit still and listen for a minute!”

Reminds me of Mary and Martha, when Jesus told Martha she was cumbered about ~ careful and troubled by many things.  But that her sister, Mary, had chosen that “good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  I think most days I am more Martha, than Mary.  That is one of the things I am trying to change.

God has a rhythm to HIS Grace.  And sometimes all of our hurrying around must be somewhat annoying to HIS rhythm ~ 

 interrupting what HE is trying to accomplish in our lives.

The following is from a paper by a pastor I am studying:

“The Hebrew evening/morning sequence conditions us to the rhythms of grace.  We go to sleep and God begins His work.  As we sleep, He develops His covenant.  We wake and are called out to participate in God’s creative action.  We (are to) respond in faith and action.  But always grace is previous and primary.  We wake to a world we didn’t make and to salvation we didn’t earn.

Evening ~ God begins, without our help, His creative day.

Morning ~ God calls us to enjoy, share, and develop the work HE initiated.”

NOTE:  The author of this paper is Eugene H. Peterson.  I have no idea what denomination he is, but so far I like what I have read.  You can find the paper here, if you would like:   http://dukegroups.duke.edu/ivcf/files/2011/09/EP-Sabbath.pdf

I love that you all are here!!!  Blesses my heart, even you who don’t always have time to comment or like me, have trouble being able to comment.  But, please don’t feel like I am attempting to be the leader….only the encourager!  We are all in this together!  Whenever you comment, feel like the floor is yours….whatever you want to talk about is great!

Basically, we have this “theme” of becoming healthier and happier over the next 65 days…..for some, health is a real issue.  For others, just being able to restore order to their homes may be their primary goal.  Some are preparing for or facing difficult situations….but, we are all moving together, learning from each other and realizing it truly is:

“In him we live, and move, and have our being.”  

~ Acts 17:28 (a) ~

Please don’t forget, Shawn will be starting the 

Thirty Days of Thanks 

on Monday.  You will want to join her!  I know you will be blessed.  Here is the link to Shawn’s blog:

The Becker's

Also, would you pray for God to touch Shawn’s foot that it might be healed?

And during my “quiet time” this morning, I received a phone call from an older friend.  Their son was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer.  His name is Steven and his parents are Walt and Penny.  I don’t know too much about Steven’s family, but he does have children that are young adults.  If you would, remember this family in prayer.  I do not think Steven knows the Lord.

May you weekend be blessed! 

Cheryl

P.S.  I think it's finally going to post!  Please forgive any mistakes.  I have sat here forever, it seems trying to get this done!  Be blessed, everyone!

Foundations

Day # 1

I have a secret and it makes me so happy ~ even though, I am tired.

First, I'll share my secret...I KNOW this is a GOD thing, without a doubt!!!

Thanks to Angela and Shawn 

(and fortunately or unfortunately, the enemy)

First day of doing something new....and the enemy did all within his power to make me just forget it!!!  Two sick grands, honey-hunk with the same bug, computer problems, loaded a new browser and it is driving me crazy, first really cold cool day with rain...(thankful for the rain, but my bones are achy) on and on!!!

But guess what!  I am here!!!

Just for the record, I visited Shawn's blog and planned on going to both Rainbow's and Beth77's but when I try to comment, I get the message, "can't connect to the remote server".  Whatever that means.  Angela, I cannot get into my yahoo account for the same reason!!!  So, if you returned my email it may be a few days before I can get to it.

Foundations

Wichita Mtns. Wildlife Refuge

It seems to me, before you can make a plan you have to know what direction you are going.  If I was getting ready to drive to Tucson, a map of downtown Atlanta would be of little value.  I think (for me, anyway) often this is part of the problem….I make the plans, but I’m thinking short term, when I should be looking at long term.  An example would be dieting to loose twenty pounds, when I should be considering changing my eating habits so they would be beneficial to my health for years to come.

When I started looking at writing out my goals, I figured it would be best to seek guidance from my ABBA.  So after spending some time in prayer…..the word that was impressed on my heart was

FOUNDATION!

The following has always been one of my favorite verses:

“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” 

~ Hebrews 11:10 ~ 

And you know, I have actually heard this verse quoted as

“For he looked for a city whose builder and maker is God”…….

totally leaving out “which hath foundations”.  That being so, I figure I am not the only one that the enemy tricks into taking “short cuts” instead of dealing with the heart of the matter….the foundation!

Meanwhile back to making goals ~ I have decided I need to break it down into the areas of my life where I would like to see improvement.  So here is my list….

Spiritually ~ I want an even deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father.  Building a relationship takes time.  HE is doing HIS part!  Therefore my commitment needs work.

Health ~ Major improvement desired and I am learning some truths in this area….1) don’t quit taking your thyroid medicine (or herbs).  It not only messes with your thyroid, it messes with your heart.  Big mistake!  2) my eating habits have to change, which by the way aren’t all bad when compared to the Standard American Diet. Still, something isn’t working and it is my responsibility to get to the root problem.

Side Note:  I suffered with migraine headaches for years…YEARS!  And it took me all those years to figure out I was allergic to raw pecans!  When I eat them baked (in a recipe), no problem.  Eat a handful raw and wait for the headache, because it is coming!

(It was a light bulb moment...but I sure was slow to find it!)

So, I really need to apply myself and work at seeing what I need to change.

Three immediate changes:

Drink the juice of one lemon in a warm glass of water each morning.

Increase my water intake.

Include more raw fruits and vegetables in my diet.  While this is easier during the summer and gardening season, I need to make it work now.  I would really like to be eating at about 60 % raw by the end of the year.

Become a better steward of time ~ I think this will become easier to deal with once I am feeling better.  Still, I need to keep moving and not give in to the desire to do nothing (at least not so often).  Most of all I must become better organized.

Define what makes me happy ~ I know it is important to do things that make one happy.  Crafts (along with a number of other things) make me happy and allow me to feel creative, but when I see all that needs to be done around the house, I feel guilty for even considering working on crafts.  I think I need to create a space for me...it can be small, but it needs to be mine.

Things I did get accomplished today (while playing nurse):

*Up at 6:00, spent some time in prayer...went back to bed, because my feet were cold!

*Worked baking and cleaning in the kitchen for a little over 6 hours.

Sent a loaf of pumpkin bread to one neighbor and a jar of pepper jelly to another.

*Did 4 loads of clothes!

*Cooked chicken and rice for supper.

 I wanted to let you know, Shawn is going to be doing a

"Thirty Days of Thanks" 

beginning November 1st.  I know she would love for you to join. 

Tomorrow I'll have all the information....like which blog (she has 4), etc.  Or you can go to yesterday's comments and click on her name and find out the information for yourself...

make a new friend in the process!

Welcome to the new followers!  So glad you are here.

Just my thoughts:  Why do we spend 364 days a year teaching our children and grandchildren not to take candy from strangers, only to dress them up on that one other day and send them out to do the very thing we spend the other 364 days telling them not to do?  Does this make sense to you?

And because I want you to S*M*I*L*E

Changes for tomorrow ~

again, up early to spend time with HIM

Juice of one lemon in a warm glass of water

Drinking more water

Eat raw for lunch (probably watermelon)

And let salad be 35% of the evening meal

Praying for each of you who come by and read, comments are nice....Friday is Fearless Friday! I am honored to pray for you.

Information is in my sidebar. 

 Blessings,

Cheryl

Finding the Right Path

Taking that first step!

For several days, I have tried to write this post in my mind.  That hasn’t worked, which means I may ramble a bit…..I do that rather well, you know?

Often  I have felt led to do something….many, many times in fact, but circumstances and/or lack of confidence would prevent me from taking hold of the opportunity God was offering me.  So, ultimately, I failed or felt as though I had.

Don’t get me wrong, because I have followed through from time to time, and experienced great success (thanks to my Heavenly Father).  So I can speak from both perspectives.  But what I have come to realize in the last few years (as I have gotten, ahem…older), that I let opportunities HE has given me, pass by more and more…I’ve become more complacent, when I would rather be like Joshua and Caleb….fighting  for that which God had given them well into their eighties!

I want to recapture the “fire” of life in all areas of my life.  Does that make sense to you?

There is a saying that has really driven this point home for me ~

“If not now, when?”

So, the next 65 days are about recapturing the zeal for living ~ not about recapturing my youth, though wouldn’t that be nice?! ~ but I’ll be happy to know I moved a step forward in being able to live the life God intended me to live.

I hope you’ll come along!  Because HE is in this, I know we will learn much as we walk this path.

(Obviously, I am writing this on Wednesday evening…..Thursday will be the first day of our journey.  I am excited.  I plan on going to bed a little earlier, so I might get up and spend some time with HIM, in HIS Word and in prayer before my family wakes and the day gets underway.  That is the first change….my schedule, making more time for HIM.)

Tomorrow's Assignment: 

Work on my list of goals I want to see reached before the end of the year!

Praying for you to have great success in all that you do!!!

Blessings,
Cheryl 

Heading Toward New Beginnings!

Come On Along!

Tomorrow begins a 65 day journey!

A journey that will be reached on December 31, 2011.  The plan is to start the New Year in a better place.

You are invited!

We are going to examine everything that affects our lives, both spiritual and natural, family and friends, what makes us feel good and what make us depressed.......

Who we are in the body of Christ

What foods give life, what foods take life away!

The list is long and I am still working on it!  You'll meet new people, who will inspire you!

And we will be walking with Jesus/Yeshua ~

King of Kings, Lord of Lords!

Words of wisdom: 

“In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Blessings,

Cheryl

The Weekend....that was!!!

When talking about the weather in Oklahoma, Will Rogers coined the phrase, 

"If you don't like the weather just wait a minute, it will change."

That was especially true over the weekend!  

We had a storm move through Saturday evening, that included hail like I have never seen before! It started off with a light rain, that soon progressed to small pea size hail, that increased gradually to sheets of rain with golf ball size hail. The temperature dropped about 28 degrees in a period of about 30 minutes. Which caused such a difference between the air temperature and the warm ground temp, we had a thick fog form and you could not see a thing. All this happened just before sunset and continued off and on to about 9:30 p.m. During that time it hailed steadily for at least a half hour. Normally, we might get hail up front of a storm and it last 3 or 4 minutes.....this was so different, so unusual.

Sunday morning, we had

limbs down and a carpet of green leaves everywhere.

The good news (besides the fact that the rain left water puddles everywhere!!!)....

Honey-hunk had planted turnips on Friday afternoon in the pasture garden.  They really got a nice soaking!

We love TURNIPS!

And so do the deer.....it is interesting how they can jump the fence, walk through the plants, nibbling turnip greens and manage to never

step/mash a single plant!  Besides being graceful, they must be light on their feet.  LOL

I am going to be making some lists...trying to get better organized.  Do you realize it is only about 67 days until 2012?

I want to start the New Year with a clean slate (sorta speak)....at

least with a clean house!  But there are several things that we need to do, both outside and inside.

And I am also still looking for some unique gifts to make for the Holidays ...... I've already started posting a 

few ideas, just scroll down a couple of posts.

Why not join with me....we'll work together and be ready for the holidays and for 2012!

(Besides, making lists is fun....the work comes when trying to follow your lists! LOL)

By the  way, I made the quickest, easiest coffee cake over the weekend.....it was so simple and delicious!

Image borrowed from the internet!

I was in a hurry....so I did not measure very closely...I was making two and both came out wonderfully!!!

Recipe:

1 box yellow cake mix

approximately 2/3 cup of brown sugar

1 box  instant butterscotch pudding mix

liberal amount of cinnamon 

Mix cake mix according to directions on package, but use a little less water (decrease by about 2 Tablespoons).  Spray baking dish with non-stick spray.  Pour a little over half the batter into your baking dish and spread smooth.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and half the pudding mix and half of the brown sugar.

Next add the remaining cake batter (I just dropped by spoonfuls and spread the batter as best I could).  Again, sprinkle with cinnamon and add remaining pudding mix and brown sugar.

Bake according to directions on cake mix.  I baked ours for about 34 minutes at 350 degrees.  

This was so good....and smelled wonderful while baking! 

If it had just been for me and Honey-hunk, I would have also topped with a few chopped walnuts, but I have some of those critters who claim not to like nuts.

Welcome to the new followers....so glad you are here.  I have trouble imagining anyone following me, especially during the time I took a month off!!!  But, I like to run my mouth  I enjoy getting to know everyone and visiting with YOU!

This coming week, I will try to get out and come by your blogs....little by little.

Blessings,

Cheryl

P.S.  Beth, if you read this....have a wonderful time at Relevant!  Say hi to Stacy and give her a hug!  I know you two bloggers are going to have fun!
 

It's the Weekend ~

And I am glad!!

I spent part of the day cutting up HOT PEPPERS....my food processor is out of commission ....not good! 

I am getting prepared to make Pepper Jelly and Pepper Relish,

but

for now, my hands feel like they are on

FIRE!

I hate wearing gloves to do things....

I know, not smart!

So, now that the thermometer is (kind of) matching the date on the calendar, I thought it would be a great time to talk about some of my favorite things about 

F*A*L*L 

And I want to know some of you favorite things, too!

~~~~~

I love the colors of this season ~ beautiful.

I like that it is time to harvest apples and pears.

The smell of apples.....flavored with cinnamon..

Apple cider

The crisp night air....sleeping with the windows open under a favorite homemade quilt!

   

 Watching the kids play in huge piles of leaves!

      The faint smell of a wood fire in the distance.

 Sitting outside in the garden with honey-hunk...having coffee, knowing there is a huge pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove inside!

May your days of Autumn be blessed with the things you enjoy and the people you love!

Welcome new followers!  Love that you are here!

Blessings,

Cheryl