Old Fashioned Homemaking Skills

Ok, they may be known as Old Fashioned Homemaking Skills, but they are very good to know in our day and age as well.

God knows our hearts. He knows that as a homemaker I am always looking for ways to make our income stretch farther, as I am sure many of you are. If you haven't watched the news lately, things don't sound too good, but then I'm not surprised. It looks as if God has been setting the stage for end time events. He also said that the heart of many will fail with fear. I thank my God I can live in peace knowing that this world is not my home and that He is preparing a place for me and all those that believe in Jesus. I live with Hope in my heart for the things to come, glorious things that we will enjoy for all of eternity. I will see the kind face of my Jesus soon. Until then...there is much work to do. We women have work to do to carry out the plans of God. Part of that responsibility is to be like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. Proverbs 31:14

Not just with food but also with the other needs of the family. It takes a bit more searching and planning and discipline to shop the thrift stores, but it can be very fruitful.

The skills I've learned over the years have also helped.

I learned many of these skills out of necessity. There was a time when there was no money for hair cuts and I would pull out the scissors and pray and cut. There were always some guys around to eat my baking experiments so nothing went to waste. Being very tall and large has made sewing a necessity, especially since I can't find modest skirts or blouses long enough. We considered putting the children in a private school but that cost too much, so God allowed that desire of teaching to be fulfilled at home. Embroidery, crochet, typing, and baking have all been good for the home as well as in the market place. You can use your skills to make and sell things online, in front porch sales, or church craft sales, you can even use management skills to plan one before Christmas at your church or neighborhood. You can even tell others about Jesus while they visit your front porch or sales table.


But remember, there are seasons in our lives. Young mommies with little ones at home cannot do it all and neither can an empty nester. However if we pick and choose wisely, we can use some of these skills at different times in our lives to enhance the family, the family budget, and bless the lives of others.

We've all gotta start somewhere.

Here is a list of some helpful skills, along with some helpful links.

cooking and baking

raising children
cleaning
cutting hair

Urban backyard gardening

canning
embroidery
crochet

© Monika Hardy

Never Leave (Movie Trailer)

Never Leave (Movie Trailer)

Have you ever felt all alone and unloved?

Alot of our church family, kids and all, have spent the past summer learning their lines to be a part of this film. It is based on a real life story of our Pastor, Pastor Bob Davis of North Country Chapel in Post Falls Idaho.

The story has blessed many over the years when Pastor Bob would use it to illustrate the lesson of love and acceptance. I John 4:19

Jesus brings much comfort when He comes along side and puts His arm around you and tells you He loves you....when no one else does. It just puts life in a different "light".

I haven't seen the preview of the movie yet, (Grandma duty called during the cast and crew viewing as I watched our Granddaughter so our Son and Daughter in Law could go) Our Son actually learned how to play guitar for this film. I am still waiting...ok impatiently waiting, but as soon as it is available I will let you know. It's sure to be a great gift. The gift of love always is.

Simple Woman's Day Book

Outside my Window...A beautiful Fall day. The leaves are beginning to change color and the air is fresh and clean, and a weed free flower bed, thanks to the neighbor's son.
I am thankful for...the Hope I have in Jesus Christ of living forever in God's presence, washed in the blood of the Lamb.
From the kitchen..White Rice flour/tapioca flour cranberry almond cookies!
I am wearing...Black skirt, and black blouse and tan apron with brown sandals, earrings, and my hair up in clips
I am hoping...To finish many more sewing projects soon.
I am hearing...the click of the clock
Around the house...I'm going through my closets and drawers and trying to get rid of what I don't need.
One of my favorite things...Imagining what heaven will be like.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...sewing, Bible study, library, pick up my canning jars from a friend, visit with my family, help with sunday school, and help with Friday night school, write, bake something gluten free, take Grandma for a drive, and have some friends over.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Reminder...

Just a kindly reminder for those of you wishing to sign up for the contest that ends at the end of this month. You can find all the details and sign up at the 100th Post Contest before the end of the month.

A walk down memory lane

I just received this email and had to share..........

The Spoiled Under 40 Crowd
If you are 30 or older you will think this is hilarious!!!
When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; what with walking 25 miles to school every morning ... uphill BOTH ways ... yadda, yadda, yadda.


I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way I was going to do this to my kids ! But now that I'm over the ripe old age of 30, I can't help but look around and notice how easy the youth of today has it! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia! I hate to say it, but you kids today you don't know how good you've got it!
1. When I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!
2. There was no e-mail! We had to actually write somebody a letter ... with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across to the nearest mailbox & drop it in the slot, and it would take like a week to get there!
3. There were no MP3's or Napster! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself! Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and mess it all up!
4. We didn't have fancy stuff like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that's it! Can you say emergency break-thru's ... until the operators caught on!
5. And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances!
6. We didn't have fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600 with games like 'Space Invaders' & 'Asteroids' and the graphics were horrible! Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! You could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! ... Just like LIFE!
7. When you went to the movie theater there no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old woman with a hat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, you were just screwed!
8. Sure we had cable television, but back then there were only like 15 channels and there was no onscreen menu! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! And there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons!
9. We didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove or go build a fire ... imagine that! If we wanted popcorn, we had to use that stupid Jiffy Pop or a pan with HOT oil and real popcorn kernels and shake it all over the stove forever like an idiot.
10. When we were on the phone with our friends and our parents walked-in, we were stuck to the wall with a cord, a 7-foot cord that ran to the phone - not the phone base, the actual phone. We barely had enough length to sit on the floor and still be able to twirl the phone cord in our fingers. If you suddenly had to go to the bathroom - guess what we had to do ... hang up and talk to them later.
That's what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled! You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980!
Regards,
The Over 30 Crowd

"Hiz" Ladybug at 2 years old

Which made me think of my childhood and I thought I would share....

Oh that is sooooo sad...even the 1980's kids had a Utiopia! I must be over 40! HA! Back when we had to walk to school up hill both ways for at least 5 miles, with mom and a dad from Germany who thought the kids of that day had it too easy. So mom and dad made sure we wouldn't get spoiled.


1. We had to go hunting in the hills for rabbit for dinner.
2. We actually looked forward to the nights when we had liver and onions for dinner, which was alot better than when mom served eel, or octopus, or chicken gizzard goulash, or pickled pigs feet, or pickled herring with red cabbage and boiled potaotes!
3. We had to be done with dinner and bathed and in bed by 7pm so we could be up at 5am.
4. We were not allowed to use the phone.
5. TV? That was for the adults when us kids went to bed.
6. Music at our house was the Lawrence Welk Show and the Tom Jones Show.
7. Radio was only German news
8. Saturday morning was for outside chores..not Super saturday Cartoons! (except for our youngest brother...he got to watch them becaseu he was too young to help!)
9. You may spend time hanging out the at Mall...we would have family picnics at the Cemetary when dad died.
10. Phone calls, we were not even allowed to be on the phone unless there was an adult within ear shot.
11. We had to bring our lunch to school, and mom would pack liverwirst and headcheese sandwhiches on rye bread. ( Someone I know called it Prison Bread...the kind they would serve prisoners as their last meal) Of course when dad died we all got cards for free hot lunches in the cafeteria.
12. Records were only German Polka Music, until our step dad came along and we got 8 tracks of Bobby Vinton that my sister and I would sing over and over....until of course our second dad got tired of that tape and chucked it out the car window. (Roses are red my love, violets are blue, sugar is sweet my love, but not as sweet as you...Lonely, I'm still lonely, I have nobody for my oooooooown ...You are my special Angel...Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, La,la la la la la la la My melody of love)
Oh and Kathy Young...A Thousand Stars in the Sky

So now you know what is wrong with me!

You would think that we would not have had any friends at all. Au Contraire! We had kids over to the house all the time. Mom was home with us. One of the few moms that were still at home. Our friends would look at us kind of funny when we would go outside for no appaent reason, but we explained that mom just told us to. They just didn't understand her when she spoke in German. Though I don't croon to Bobby Vinton anymore, I still sing love songs...I just sing them to my Jesus now.

Whom do you seek to please?

Womanly Attire ”Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence,the richest gem in the diadem of her honor.”~Webster’s Dictionary 1828

There is much being said in regards to the clothing being worn by women these days on both sides of the spectrum. Here Paul addresses the matter, and gets to the heart of it. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. I Timothy 2:8-10 Here Paul is writing to Timothy who has remained in Ephesus.

Timothy was a timid man and Paul would write to his son in the faith to encourage him in the ways of the Lord. Here in chapter 2 Paul encourages Timothy in regards to prayer for all men, regardless of who they are or what title they hold in life, for it is a virtuous, beautiful thing to be in prayer for others.

Paul reminds Timothy that prayer should be done in purity, with faith, and without anger, decently and in order according to the ways of our God, for He speaks the truth. The life of a Christian believer should be clothed in prayer. So likewise, or in like manner, should the women be clothed in “modest apparel”.

Just as the believers life should be fully immersed in prayer, a woman dressed in modesty with sobriety, literally taken to mean as “sanity” or "soundness of mind" is beautiful and virtuous in the eyes of the Lord! (And that is who we are seeking to please isn't it?)

• Modest means clean or neat, with no vanity involved, which includes the attitude of the heart as well as the clothing.


• Apparel meant a long flowing robe down to the feet. Just as the believer is to submerge oneself in prayer so to the woman is to adorn herself in modest apparel without vanity keeping in mind the reverence of God in her life.

A godly woman is a servant to her Master Jesus, ready to love and worship and serve Him at all times. Dressing in costly garments with expensive jewelry hinders one from caring for those in need, for our children, for the sick and for the orphans. It is better to clothe ourselves with good works, as devoted servants pleasing to our Lord, for God looks upon our hearts.

As Paul reminded Timothy, pray about these things.

As you study God’s word see what He tells you, and do it.

Go ahead search the scriptures and see what God reveals to you.

Blessings, Lady

originally penned by "Hiz" Ladybug Aug, 2007

Scripture References

Tattered Old Bible, Printed in English and Published in Philadelphia, at the Gilcrease Museum


Now things are fuzzy, but soon...I Corinthians 13:12!

I was thinking Song of Solomon 5:16 this morning,

and how wonderful it will be when I Thessalonians 4:16-17 happens

and how nice it is to live out I Thessalonians 4:18

Of course, Ephesians 6:10-13 must needs cross my mind in prayer as I prepare for the day ahead,

as well as I John 1:9.

And in humility reminding my heart of Ephesians 4:30,

that I might be as God says in Colossians 1:10-11.

I was also thinking that I need to post on Nehemiah Chapter 8 on my Domestically Inclined Devotions Page,

If you haven't seen that page yet, go take a look.

And how great it is to be Logos Powered to be able to share scripture with you like this!
II John 1:3!

Simple Woman's Day Book

Outside my Window...Two pots of zuchinni with beautiful blooms, alas, no veggies yet
I am thinking...how do you know when buttermilk goes bad?
I am thankful for...God's blessings on my life.
From the kitchen..a steaming bowl of millet. (but if I were a bird it would be called birseed :)
I am wearing...tennis shoes, denim skirt, t-shirt
I am hoping...the movie "Never Leave" blesses many around the world
I am hearing...The hum of the washer and dryer and dishwasher, as my mechanical maid servants take care of the morning chores.
Around the house...I need to look into all the closets and begin deep cleaning and tossing before the days get darker and shorter.
One of my favorite things...going to bed early and listening to God.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...more sewing as the last pattern I used for a blouse was a success!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... Dear Hubby'a Honda 90.

Praying for the Gulf Coast Residents

Hurricane from outer space

Seems like IKE is going to be the biggest Hurricane to hit Texas in 80 years, almost to the day! Forcasted flooding is expected as far north as Mississippi! More info at Accuweather

Lord please have mercy, and keep Your children safe in Your hands.

Homeschoolers Celebrating Constitution Day

Constituion Day is September 17th
Some links to great homeschooling helps to celebrate the Constitution Day

Constitution Day Montage

The American's Creed
"I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the people, by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a Republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies." ~Written by William Tyler Page in 1917, adopted by the US House of Representatives in 1918.

THE U.S. CONSTITUTION POWER GRAB GAME

You be the judge of the Constitutional powers of each branch of government by participating:
The Power Game -- Checks and Balances in the Constitution

Read the American Freedom Documents Online

“We, the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity do ordain and establish the Constitution of the United States of America.” ~The Preamble to the Constitution

Hand Motions to Memeorize the Preamble to the Constitution (pdf)

American History for Kids DVD's

by Howard Eddgar Bovett

"Highly entertaining. Thought-provoking. This series belongs in the hands of history teachers who will use it to bring the past alive." ~School Library Journal

Boston Harbour from Constitution Wharf

Lord, have mercy on us.

Come and heal our Land.

Cleanse with your fire,

Heal with Your touch

Humbly we bow

and call upon You now,

O Lord, have mercy on us.

Old Farmers Almanac

Sun Valley, Idaho, Lady Skier Looking over Town


According to an article in regards to the Old Farmers Almanac, Global Cooling is coming, not Global warming. Not to worry though, they have a suggestion to help with the rise in fuel costs for this winter.....

So, in line with the weather and economy forecasts, the Almanac includes information on using wood for heat: the best wood, how to build a fire in a fireplace, whether to use a wood stove and how to stay warm

— all winter — with a single log.

Here's the secret, popularized in 1777: Throw a log out an upstairs window, dash down the stairs and outside, retrieve the log, dash upstairs, throw the log out the window and so on.

"Do that until you work up a sweat and you'll be warm all winter," said Stillman.

I had to share, it made me laugh. Not to worry, God is still in control no matter what terms the world gives to the weather patterns. I used to live in Northern California and watched a drought dry up Shasta Lake so far that Caverns deep in the Lake were being discovered. It was definitely a site to behold as we moved from Redding to Northern Idaho. Our last drive past the Lake in our Moving Van was a sobering moment. The Lake shores were deep down the banks with dry barren land exposed. I remember praying and asking God for mercy on the people, and went on with my life. The next spring we went back to move my in laws up near us and were shocked to see the Lake FULL again, in just one winter! We were listening to the radio while driving in and one of the commentators mentioned that God did have mercy on us...He dried up the Lake slowly with a drought so that we wouldn't be flooded out by the rains and snows of ONE Winter!





Blessings, Lady

Many Thanks!

It's a major award!

I received my devotional from Marsha at Sufficient Grace for Suffering Saints this past weekend. She had a drawing for guessing her age on her last birthday, and I actually won something!

I've already flipped through the devotional and have already begun reading it, and can't wait to make my way through it. It looks like she has this devotinal and several others available on her site as well, so if you are looking for a devotional during this beginning homeschool / Autumn months just hop on over and take a look.

Many thanks Marsha for sharing!

Simple Womans Daybook

Outside my Window...and down the street is a newly painted white washed tomb.

I am thinking...the souls must need praying for

I am thankful for...my Jesus

From the kitchen...Gluten free anything! I am so enjoying the simplicity of this

I am wearing...Brown skirt, brown blouse with brown lace, and a cream colored wrap. My hair is twisted up in a clip, sandals.

I am reading...Esther & II Samuel and my new devotional by Marsha Iddings, Sufficient Grace for Suffering Saints.

I am hoping...for the soon coming of the Rapture

I am creating...new gluten free recipes

I am hearing...more and more motorcycles as gas gets expensive

Around the house...The smell of freshly baked bread, yum.

One of my favorite things...Sipping coffee in a local coffee shop waiting for God to bring me someone to speak with about His love.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Definitely a coffee shop, organize help for inlaws, sewing, library trip, Bible Study, Gluten free research.

I am sharing with you.

Roasting chopped almonds for the upcoming cooler months of Biscotti Baking. I must create a new Gluten free Biscotti recipe.

Gluten Free Brownie Bites

Hi mom! Or should I say Guten Tag Mutti! This post is especially for you since you just subscribed to my blog with a little computer help from myself. Welcome aboard, and I hope you enjoy the gluten free brownie bite recipe below. (My Mother in law and I sure did today!)
Ok, it's just been a short time scince I began a gluten free diet. The main reason I did was because of the hives and other conditions that lead me to believe it is a gluten allergy. Since there is no cure or treatment except to stay away from gluten I am learning to cook and bake all over.

Here is a recipe I just made up today, and like I said my mother in law sure enjoyed it, and if she likes it, then it must be good! She is the ultimate loveable cookie monster, and chocoholic!

Gluten Free Brownie Bite Cookies

1 cup softened butter
1 cup brown sugar
stir
beat in 2 eggs
and 2tsp vanilla
Add
2 cups Brown Rice Flour
¼ cup cornstarch
2tsps baking powder
1 tsp salt
¼ cup Cocoa
2 cups chocolate chips
stir well
drop by teaspoon on cookie sheet
bake at 350 for 12 minutes
do not over bake.

Let cool and enjoy....and hide them from Mother in Law :)

as with any gluten free recipe...check ALL ingredients and labels for any trace of gluten.

Frugal Friday

It's Frugal Friday!

A paint mess brought to mind some frugal ideas.
Come take a look.

100th Post Contest!

100th Post and over 5,00 visitors! I'd say that calls for a bit of a celebration!
Let the Drawing begin!

There will be not one.....not two....but three prize packages!

Package #1

Biography: "Evidence Not Seen" by Darlene Deibler Rose

One of my favorite Biographies! Newly married American missionary Darlene Diebler Rose survivied four years in a notorious Japanese prison camp set deep in the jungles of New Guinea. Thinking she was never to see her husband again. Darlene Rose was forced to sign a false confession and face the executioner's sword, only to be miraculously spared. This book will truly build your faith in Jesus, as you see how God can and use anyone willling to be used.

Ladies Handkerchief: For when you read the Biography!

Music CD: My dear husband and I wrote and produced a cd with many different styles of music, all with a message from God's word.

Package #2

Homeschool mom help: I've given this one away many times over the years. It is a great help for homeschooling moms or not. "Wise Words for Mom" by" Ginger Plowman. A chart style help filled with Biblical reproofs, encouragements, and verses to help you raise a child in the way they should go, and help deal with your child's not so biblical behavior. It is a great tool to help probe the heart of your child, and fill it with the truth of God's word.

Starbucks Card: Well we all know what to do with this one! Homeschooling mom or not!

Music CD: My dear husband and I wrote and produced a cd with many different styles of music, all with a message from God's word.

Package #3

Bag Bag: This is a pretty cream and rose cloth bag to hang in the kitchen to hold all those pesky plastic bags that get stuffed into the cupboard and fall out! The plastic bags can be easily put into the top and pulled out from the bottom, and can hold many!

Devotional: "Because of the Cross" by Beverly Courrege...because of the cross you have been offered forgiveness, purpose, joy, peace, eternal life, strength, and so much more, because of the cross you will never be the same!

Music CD: My dear husband and I wrote and produced a cd with many different styles of music, all with a message from God's word.

Ok this is how it all works....

There will be entry for each of the following, with a total of three points possible per contestant.

1. Leaving a comment on this post.
   
2. Putting a post on your site about this drawing using the graphic above with a link back to this post. (Just right click and copy the graphic and save to post to your site)
   
3. Subscribe by email to this blog.
   (when you leave your comment let me know what you did. I would love to take a look!)
   
   This drawing will continue till Midnight on September 30th, 2008. On catch... I can only mail to the lower 48 Sates, I apologize to so many of you around the world. Perhaps another time, another drawing.

Three winners will be picked out of a hat, and I will post the winners here on my site shortly thereafter. If you would like to be notified my email, please send your email address to me at
Hizladybug@gmail.com
Have fun, and thanks for blessing me so much over this past year with your kind comments and prayers. And welcome to you new comers as well!

100th Post Drawing!

Time for Tea

Thank you to all who so faithfully stop by to read this blog!
This marks the 100th post and over 5,000 visitors!
When I began sharing my heart with you about a year ago,
I had no idea it would turn into this. It has been such a joy getting to know many of you through your blogs as well, and to see so many stop by from all over the world! So I would like to try to bless you as you have blessed me.
I am still gathering the drawing package together,
and will have a drawing in honor of the 100th post.
(well technically it is much more if you count all my blogs, but on this one it is officially 100!)

I will be posting the details soon,
for the drawing so please stay tuned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fall is finally here!

I hear those school bells ringing all across our land. Many homeschool families are sharpening those pencils and hitting the books and moms are planning field trips.

May you all remember to ask God for mercy on this Nation

as we prepare to choose

our new President.

May you look to Jesus to supply all your needs!

School Days