Simple Woman's Daybook ~ July 26th, Summer Thoughts, A to Z

Hello, everyone!  How are you today?  

We received a little rain on Sunday night, enough to benefit the grass and hopefully enough to give the pasture a boost.  The temp also dropped to the 90's for yesterday (Monday)....hey, don't laugh...Sunday it was 110 degrees!

Welcome to you who are new.  Love having you come by, the more often, the better!!! 

This is the last day for Katharine's meme, 

Summer Thoughts, A to Z.  It has been much fun, plus I now have

26 memory verses ready for when school starts

(which won't be long)!

And thanks to our host, it has been a wonderful journey!

"Zion heard, and was glad; 

and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD."

 Psalms 97:8 

I've been thinking about it for a few days now and realize how much I have missed doing the Daybook!  It is one of those things, that helps me focus on what is important and enjoy the ordinary splendor God places in our "everyday" lives. 

Won't you join me? 

The Simple Woman’s Daybook

Outside my window...  ~ partly cloudy, warm, sticky and dark.

I am pondering... ~ something a good friend asked me earlier, "When you look into the night sky and see HIS handiwork, it seems we can look straight into Heaven's living room.  If we could, what would you see?"

 I am thankful for...  ~the sweet smell of rain, I miss it, but for a little while Sunday evening, it came for a visit.

I am wearing...  ~ old, comfortable clothes….barefoot

always, barefoot (some things just don’t change, people)

I am remembering… ~Some of the fun stuff I want to do with the boys before summer is over.

I am praying … ~ for my family, for you and your families and for our country.

I am going...  ~ to the doctor on Friday.  Not my cup of tea.

(I haven't been in about 6 or 7 years... at least not to a medical doctor.)

I am currently reading...  ~ my Bible and I just received  

Mine Is the Night

by Liz Curtis Higgs.  I can't wait to get started!  It's the sequel to Here Burns My Candle and 

I have been waiting patiently for over a year!

From the learning room... ~ beginning to pull stuff together for another school year, marveling at how much the boys have grown this summer.

I am hoping...  ~ to finish some loose ends.  Once they are done, I would like to do some painting and switching around.

On my mind...  ~ family

Noticing that...   ~ while I enjoy the easy flow of summer days,  I haven't enjoyed the high temps we have experienced this year.

From the kitchen...  ~ grape jelly!

Around the house...  ~ I am working on creating a more comfortable nest, getting ready for fall, working with ideas on how I can point my family toward Yeshua in the everyday.

One of my favorite things… ~ sweet iced tea or lemonade

A picture to share… ~

Due to the lack of rain and the high temps, I've missed the wildflowers this summer.

So here are some Texas Bluebonnets to enjoy!

Quote of the Week… ~ 

“A good laugh is sunshine in the house.”

William  M.Thackeray

Be sure and visit The Simple Woman’s Daybook for more daybook entries.

 May God be gracious to you and bless you; may He make His countenance shine upon you forever; that Your way be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.

Blessings,

Cheryl

Summer Thoughts From A to Z & Where I Come From

~ W ~

Since we are getting near the end of our Summer Thoughts A ~ Z, the verse seemed very appropriate ~ those words we all

want the hear, when we finish our course....

"Well done, good and faithful servant." 

Matthew 25:21

Beth did one of the following on her blog a few weeks ago.  I loved it and knew then, I would do my own and save it for today.

"W"

Where I’m From

I’m from tattered denim jeans with the knees out, from Dr. Pepper in cold glass bottles and peanut butter crackers.

I’m from the two story house in the middle of the block and the two bedroom farmhouse in the middle of the section.  I’m from wood burning stoves and sweet iced tea.

I’m from blackberry vines, dirt roads and Indian Blanket.  From fishing on Sandy Creek and draggin’ main on Saturday night.

I’m from pinto beans and cornbread with fried potatoes cooked over a campfire. 

I’m from going barefoot on warm summer days and country drives on moonlit nights, from Fosters and Walkers, Howards and Joneses.

I’m from “anything worth doing is worth doing right” and “I’d better not catch you doing that again.”  From swimming at Lee’s Park and riding Topsy or Prince to check the bottom.

I’m from Baptist and Pentecostal, from praying silently to lift your voices to the LORD.  I’m from Amazing Grace and Hebrew Roots.

I’m from Indian Territory and black dirt farmers, from cab drivers and stay at home moms.  I’m from knowing when Alan Shepherd circled the Earth and hearing Neil Armstrong’s famous words, "That's one small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind,” to watching the catastrophes of Apollo I, Challenger and Columbia.

I’m the big sister of the girl who ate mustard sandwiches, fed Queen with a spoon and took naps on the picnic table.

I’m from Fiesta dishes and Friday night football.

From chicken fried steak and sunshine dills.  From watermelon iced down in wash tubs, homemade ice cream and catching lightning bugs.

I’m from falling off the church roof, falling out of trees, and wrecking at least one motorcycle.  I’m from cutting class in the early spring and going to Arbuckle Lake ~ or better yet, Turner Falls.

I am from the metal bread box full of back and white pictures, eight millimeter home movies, and hide and seek after dark.  I am the girl whose cousins were all boys.  I learned to ride on a hand-me-down boys’ bike, learned to out shoot the guys (ask my husband), and how to unlock the gears on a 59 Plymouth….another hand-me-down.  I’ve put my feet in the Pacific, the Atlantic, Mexico, Canada, the Mississippi and the South Canadian Rivers.

I’m from gas wars, looking for four leaf clovers, Roy and Dale and drive-in movies!

I’m wife to one, mama to five and mamaw to eleven.  I am an Okie, part Cherokee.  I am the rag muffin who learned to crawl in the bottom of a boat.

The outline for the above was a poem by George Ella Lyon.  You can find the original poem, plus a template to use to do your own poem here.

This was a fun exercise in both memory and writing.  I think I will have the boys do it, once school has started.  Then do it each year afterward to see how their thoughts and perceptions change as they approach adulthood.

We only have three letters left in Summer Thoughts, A ~ Z.  Why don't you join Katharine and the rest of us?  X, Y, & Z should 

prove to be a challenge!

Wherever you are from, may you be blessed along the way!

Cheryl 

Building Our Holmes Together With JESUS and Summer Thoughts A ~ Z

Building Our Homes Together

With Jesus!

Hello ladies and hello to my new followers!  I have to tell you though, due to internet problems, I cannot see who my new followers are. :(  As a matter of fact, I can't see any of my followers.  I've tried on Internet Explorer and on Firefox.  Neither one are completely loading the page.  I get this "done but with errors" thing.

We will be attempting to get this repaired....

I need my techie son or son-in-law to come to my rescue!  I think honey-hunk and I have exhausted our technical knowledge.....who am I kidding, I am technically challenged from the get go!!!

How has your week been?  Can you believe this is the

8th Building Our Homes Together? 

That's pretty awesome!

I am enjoying getting to know each of you a little better and I think it is wonderful that we are beginning to see the results of our Wednesday's post, not only in our homes, but in serving others, both those who live near by and those we can help who live far away.

(Linda always comes up with the neatest ideas for serving others.  And she is a great encourager!)

Wednesdays and Fridays are my favorite days to blog ~ Building Our Homes Together, With Jesus and Fearless Fridays ~ love them both, because they lift up the LORD. 

But Satan isn't likeing either one, so the battles have been interesting!

But this just confirms my suspicion, that we are doing something good and worthwhile.  It reminds me of this verse:

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

Galatians 6:9

Today, I thought we might look at a few ways to save money.  I know it is a subject I am always interested in and it is good to be a wise steward of that which the LORD has given us, particularly when it concerns money (and time).

I buy on sale.  If dishwashing soap is on sale, I buy several.  The same with flour, butter, whatever.  If it isn't on sale, I don't buy unless I absolutely have too.  At first, this was a little difficult, but after a few weeks, when you have some reserve built up, it becomes the natural thing to do.  And you will reap big savings and a full pantry.  In the beginning, I would buy 3 of everything on sale...now, I am able to buy more, depending on what it is and how often we use the item.

Many ladies make their own laundry soap, including myself.  This is another real money saver and the cost of doing laundry is reduced to pennies a load.  I love it!

Making your own beauty products is also a money saver, as is making your own breads (and mixes).  Kim at Marmee's Pantry is an excellent source for both of these money savers!  Just click on  "Frugal Living" under her Post Categories.  She has a 104 posts on frugal living.  Definitely worth your time to check it out.

(Tell her, I sent you!)

Now, I'll tell you a couple of things I do.  I save all my empty peanut butter jars.  The plastic is heavy and see through, so they make great containers for the freezer!  And they are free!;)

I save my empty cottage cheese containers (I buy the large) to freeze blackberries in.  It is just the right amount for a cobbler and the berries keep well (without leaking juice like when they are frozen in plastic bags).

During cooler weather, I keep a half gallon container in the freezer.  When we have leftovers, but not enough to save for another meal....such as a couple of tablespoons of corn, a slice or two of roast beef, beef or chicken broth, leftover chopped onions, I add these leftovers to my container....my soup container.  It really doesn't take long to fill up.  When it is full, I add a fresh chopped onion, some cubed potatoes, celery, and put a great pot of (free) soup on the stove!

This one is one of the boys' favorites!  What to do with leftover hamburger or hotdog buns?  Open them up, spread with a little tomato sauce (I add a generous helping of garlic), top with grated cheese and toast.  We call them "pizza quicks."  Leftover garlic or French bread works well, also.

We also have a change jar.  All the change I find around the house, goes into the jar....including the change that falls to the bottom of the washing machine.  In three months time, we had over $30.  We use this for something special for all the kids or to help someone.  I let the boys help decide.  It builds character.

Hope some of these ideas will be useful.  And if you feel like sharing some to the things you do to save money, I would love it!

“The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.”

Psalms  16:6

For more Building Our Homes Together posts, visit Linda at Prairie Flower Farm.

And for more Summer Thoughts A ~ Z, visit Katharine by clicking on the A ~ Z button.

May the Shalom of God be upon your homes and in your lives!

Blessings,

Cheryl

P.S.  It late and I did not proof read this....sorry!  If you have a prayer request, be sure and let me know, either in the comments or you can email me.

Building Our Homes Together ~ July 13th and Summer Thoughts A to Z

Good Morning, Ladies!  I love Wednesdays, because it is

Building Our Homes Together With Jesus!

But before I get started visiting, I need to do this:

 (And I want to tell you, this has been fun!  You could join us, starting anytime!)

“Summer Thoughts” is brought to you by Katharine.  Just click on the button and you can read all about it.  We are blogging through the Alphabet during the first 26 days of July.

~ M ~

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.”

Psalm 100:1

Can I just say, I wish I was out making MUD PIES, but I am not!  Last night’s rain came so close.  Still I will (choose to) make a Joyful noise unto the LORD!

(BTW, Katharine, you should join us on Building Our Homes Together! *Smile*)

Also, welcome to my new followers!

In one of my feeble attempts at getting organized, I rushed around and had a post ready to go!  It was good, too.  Divided into to topics, instead of being all over the place, like I normally am.  And I did this two days ago, because as of about 9:30 this morning, we are booked solid with grand kids and it will be this way until the end of the month.  I am taking donations for the grocery bill.

However, yesterday I felt impressed that what I had written was not what the Lord wanted.  So once again, I am flying by the seat of my pants and praying the Holy Spirit gives me something of value to share.

Let me just say, this is hard....a hard message.  Please do not be offended, some times what I receive from the Holy Spirit is for me, occasionally it is for others.  What I am going to write is for your good, not to upset you in any possible way.  So, if you feel I've written something that is offensive, just consider the message was real, but perhaps not meant for you.  It could be, ABBA is speaking only to me.

There is good news and there is not such good news.

The good news is, our time here is growing shorter by the day.  Things, people, and governments are moving into to position for the end of days, in the way which you are currently familiar with "time".  This is indeed good news!  Soon you will see the deliverance of the LORD in all HIS mighty splendor!  You should feel excited to be alive at this time.....need I remind you, 'You were born for such a time as this.'?

The bad news, in the natural circumstances are going to appear very rocky, but do not let fear overtake you.  Many have taken my Word and come to conclusions that are not mine.  When things begin to happen that do not line up with how you have been taught, remember 'My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD.'

Just as I protected my people in the Land of Goshen, so I will be with you.  You will see great and mighty works, but you will need to trust in ME, not in yourselves and not in man.

As for storing food, medicine, items of clothing.....this is fine, but do not get attached to that which you have stored.  If you see someone who has a need, you must help meet that need if you are able.  When I call for you, you must not look back on that which you have accumulated.  That which I will give you, will be greater than you can now imagine.  Again, do not be tempted by what you now have, do not let what you have and can touch, become a millstone around your neck.

Take care of your earthly Tabernacle, guard your hearts and watch always.

That's it, girls.

I know (better that anyone) this is not my normal post.  Sorry, wish I knew something to say, I'm empty.

Be sure and go by Linda's and checkout the other "home builders" who have linked up.  Linda also has a marvelous party going on!  And if you would like a copy of The Ball Blue Book (the best canning book on the planet), she now has them available.  I've worn out two copies over the years!

It rained at our oldest daughter's yesterday, about an hour away.  Their tempt was 74 our's was 104.  I am glad they received rain ~ 3 inches of wonderful rain!  The danger of fires is always a concern during a drought. 

Our air conditioner went out, yesterday.  Honey Hunk is working on it.  (Pray)  DS#1's went out last month, DD#1's central unit went out Sunday evening.  I'm sure they appreciated the break in the temperature!  

I spent much of yesterday looking online for hay.  Many, many ranchers/farmers are hurting, many are selling out.  (I found a sweet looking horse yesterday for a dollar, already broke and gentle.  The girl who owned him, said she could no longer afford to feed him and just wanted him to go to a good home.  I cried.  I thought about our own horses.  I cried some more.)  I made the boys take our horses extra treats yesterday.  And they also gave the neighbor's horse some treats.  They are tenderhearted.  (I cried some more, but it was good.)  My point of this is, pray for our country's farmers and ranchers.  What affects them, will also affect you.

Linda asked for canning/preserving recipes.  I am including my (great) Aunt Sula's sweet pickle recipe.  I love them!  They are sweet and crisp and so good cold.  And other than the sugar, are extremely beneficial for you.  When canning, the cucumbers get a super infusion of the herbs and spices (celery seed, cinnamon, clove) that are so healthy for our bodies.  I do not remember Aunt Sula or Uncle John ever having a cold or the flu and these were always a staple on their table.  (The recipe is included at the end of this post.)

If you like my new look, (my new blog look*smile*)

you need to talk to Beth Zimmerman!  She is so sweet to work with and goes above and beyond what she is asked to do.

Praying you have an excellent week and that our Heavenly Father meets your every need! 

Blessings,

Cheryl

My Aunt Sula’s 14 Day Sweet Pickles

       4 pounds cucumbers

       ¾ cup pickling salt

       2 tsp. celery salt

       2 Tbsp. pickling spices

51/2 cups sugar 

4 cups vinegar, 5%

Cucumbers can be canned in chunks (large slices) strips, or whole.

Wash cucumbers and trim the blossom end, leave a little of the stem on the stem in, about 1/8 of an inch.  Place whole cucumbers in suitable 1 gallon container or crock.  

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil and add ¼ cup pickling salt.   Pour over cucumbers.

Weight the cucumbers down, so they stay in the solution and cover with clean towel. On the seventh day, drain salt water and discard. Rinse cucumbers and re-scald the containers, cover, and weight. 

Slice cucumbers or cut into strips if desired, and return to container. Place celery seed and pickling spices in small cheesecloth bag. Combine 2 cups sugar and 4 cups vinegar in a saucepan. Add spice bag, bring to a boil and pour pickling solution over cucumbers. Add cover and weight, and cover with a clean towel.

For the next six days (each day), drain syrup and spice bag and save. Add 1/2 cup sugar (each day) and bring to a boil in a saucepan.

Remove cucumbers and rinse.

Scald container, cover, and weight daily. Return cucumbers to container, add boiled syrup, weight, and cover with a clean towel.

On the 14th day, drain syrup into saucepan. Fill sterile canning jars leaving 1/2-inch head space. Add 1/2 cup sugar to syrup and bring to boil. Remove spice bag. Pour hot syrup over cucumbers, leaving 1/2-inch head space. Adjust lids and process in a water bath for 10 minutes for pints and 15 minutes for quarts.

(Before this last step, I have used the food processor to chop the pickles up, then added the hot syrup and sealed.  It makes a great sweet relish. ~ Cheryl)

My great-aunt and uncle, were my "grandparents".  They took my mother and her sister in when their own mother passed away.  She was Sula's sister.  The girls were 2 and 5 years old.  Aunt Sula and Uncle John had a 10 year old daughter at the time.  This was prior to the depression and the time dust bowl - times were hard, but Aunt Sula and Uncle John were loving care givers.  Growing up, I spent every chance I could on their farm.