This absolutely gorgeous Christmas lap quilt is a surprise gift from the gals at Mentoring Moms made by Susan Davies, mother-in-law of Karen Davies a mentored mom. I feel so special! This is one of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen, and I am now the proud owner. I just had to share with you all how honored I feel. Need I say more?
I also received an anonymous gift, a huge box of Christmas Day goodies, sour cream coffee cake, Artisan Bread, Cheese, Olives, Sausage, and more! I am so blessed! Thanks to all you wonderful angels who have been so hard at work.
jueves, 24 de diciembre de 2009
martes, 22 de diciembre de 2009
Simply Perspective!
Ed Note: This Christmas season may or may not be as lavish as others for your clan. But this short story really helps us see, our many blessings are not material. I hope you will be blessed. The story was forwarded to me by a friend without any credit given.
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how “poor” people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”
“It was great, Dad. I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.” The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.”
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing?
Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don’t have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends, family and many material blessings!
Hug your children, appreciate your spouse, love your family. Merry Christmas!
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how “poor” people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”
“It was great, Dad. I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.” The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.”
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing?
Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don’t have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends, family and many material blessings!
Hug your children, appreciate your spouse, love your family. Merry Christmas!
lunes, 21 de diciembre de 2009
Holiday Open House for Neighbors
Ed Note: My 2nd Annual Neighborhood Open House was held yesterday afternoon. The following vingette is written from my daughter Laura, a 20-something's point of view. Enjoy!
12 guests arriving. 11 coats a'hanging. 10 dripping boots. 9 plates of cookies. 8 people eating. 7 cups a'sitting. 6 ladies chatting. 5 children screaming. 4 degrees outside. 3 broken ornaments. 2 spilled drinks. 1 Christmas party!
Yesterday was my mom's Christmas party for her neighbors. Since my husband and I are visiting from Tennessee, we were lucky enough to be invited along with the neighbors. And because my husband and I had been visiting friends 70 miles away, we arrived just in time for the party, and were lucky enough to escape the prep work.
My poor mother! Thankfully, she was lucky enough to have the help of a creative neighbor, who enjoys putting together parties.
My mom is always brilliant when it comes to serving food and put together a lovely mix of appetizers and snacks. She filled our tummies with pinwheels, brushettas, veggie and fruit platters, and topped it off with apple cider and wine. Neighbors also contributed with a delicious array of cookies. There are 11 months to diet from one month of Christmas for a reason!
The special part about her Christmas party was that it was made up of mostly neighbors. What a blessing to live in a place where you know your neighbors well enough to have a party with them. I think that we all lament the social isolation in neighborhood communities, but few of us have made an effort to reach out.
Of course, it takes time. My mom has lived in this community for seven years and this was her second neighborhood Christmas party. (The first one was before my dad passed away in December of 2007.) I appreciate that she was willing to step out and bring everyone together!
Some of the appetizers recipes follow in the next blog entry below. I hope that you can enjoy making some of these recipes, and perhaps even enjoy them with your neighbors. Merry Christmas!
Ed Final Note: Several neighbors mentioned that since we were having such a good time visiting together, we should do this more often! The success of the party was not the food, but building relationships with friends and neighbors. Memories created. Goal achieved.
12 guests arriving. 11 coats a'hanging. 10 dripping boots. 9 plates of cookies. 8 people eating. 7 cups a'sitting. 6 ladies chatting. 5 children screaming. 4 degrees outside. 3 broken ornaments. 2 spilled drinks. 1 Christmas party!
Yesterday was my mom's Christmas party for her neighbors. Since my husband and I are visiting from Tennessee, we were lucky enough to be invited along with the neighbors. And because my husband and I had been visiting friends 70 miles away, we arrived just in time for the party, and were lucky enough to escape the prep work.
My poor mother! Thankfully, she was lucky enough to have the help of a creative neighbor, who enjoys putting together parties.
My mom is always brilliant when it comes to serving food and put together a lovely mix of appetizers and snacks. She filled our tummies with pinwheels, brushettas, veggie and fruit platters, and topped it off with apple cider and wine. Neighbors also contributed with a delicious array of cookies. There are 11 months to diet from one month of Christmas for a reason!
The special part about her Christmas party was that it was made up of mostly neighbors. What a blessing to live in a place where you know your neighbors well enough to have a party with them. I think that we all lament the social isolation in neighborhood communities, but few of us have made an effort to reach out.
Of course, it takes time. My mom has lived in this community for seven years and this was her second neighborhood Christmas party. (The first one was before my dad passed away in December of 2007.) I appreciate that she was willing to step out and bring everyone together!
Some of the appetizers recipes follow in the next blog entry below. I hope that you can enjoy making some of these recipes, and perhaps even enjoy them with your neighbors. Merry Christmas!
Ed Final Note: Several neighbors mentioned that since we were having such a good time visiting together, we should do this more often! The success of the party was not the food, but building relationships with friends and neighbors. Memories created. Goal achieved.
miércoles, 9 de diciembre de 2009
Appetizing Appetizers
Mentoring Moms created an Open House Buffet in about 45 minutes last week. Here is the fruit tray:
The BLT Bruschetta recipe below is a simple gourmet delight, very delicious, you must try it!
BLT Bruschetta
5 Slices Maple flavored Bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ C. finely chopped seeded tomato
½ C. finely chopped leaf lettuce
½ C. prepared pesto, divided
½ C. shredded Mozzerella, optional
2 Tbsp minced fresh basil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 10 ½ oz loaf French Bread, sliced thin
3 Tbsp Olive oil
Brush French Bread with olive oil and toast by baking at 400° F 9-10 minutes – watch closely- until golden brown. Mix crumbled bacon with finely chopped tomato. Spread pesto mixture on each slice.
Sprinkle with a little Mozzerella. Heat until cheese is melted and garnish with chopped lettuce and basil.
PinWheels
The red and green ingredients make these colorful and tasty for the Christmas holidays.
2 packages of cream cheese (8 oz.) softened,
1 package ranch salad dressing mix (dry mix)
1/2 cup minced sweet red pepper
1/2 cup minced celery
1/4 cup minced green onions
1/4 cup minced black olives (optional)
3-4 flour tortillas (10 inch)
In a mixing bowl beat cream cheese and dressing mix until
smooth. Add the red peppers, celery, onion, and olives; mix well.
Spread about 3/4 cup on each tortilla. Roll up tightly; wrap in
plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Slice into 1/2 inch
pieces. Yield: 15-20 servings (double or triple as needed) Make
ahead!
My neighborhood Open House will be Sunday, December 20, 2009. Remember to focus on the guests and relationships.
I hope you have a great time with your holiday get-togethers and a beautiful spread of food with minimal effort.
The BLT Bruschetta recipe below is a simple gourmet delight, very delicious, you must try it!
BLT Bruschetta
5 Slices Maple flavored Bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ C. finely chopped seeded tomato
½ C. finely chopped leaf lettuce
½ C. prepared pesto, divided
½ C. shredded Mozzerella, optional
2 Tbsp minced fresh basil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 10 ½ oz loaf French Bread, sliced thin
3 Tbsp Olive oil
Brush French Bread with olive oil and toast by baking at 400° F 9-10 minutes – watch closely- until golden brown. Mix crumbled bacon with finely chopped tomato. Spread pesto mixture on each slice.
Sprinkle with a little Mozzerella. Heat until cheese is melted and garnish with chopped lettuce and basil.
PinWheels
The red and green ingredients make these colorful and tasty for the Christmas holidays.
2 packages of cream cheese (8 oz.) softened,
1 package ranch salad dressing mix (dry mix)
1/2 cup minced sweet red pepper
1/2 cup minced celery
1/4 cup minced green onions
1/4 cup minced black olives (optional)
3-4 flour tortillas (10 inch)
In a mixing bowl beat cream cheese and dressing mix until
smooth. Add the red peppers, celery, onion, and olives; mix well.
Spread about 3/4 cup on each tortilla. Roll up tightly; wrap in
plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Slice into 1/2 inch
pieces. Yield: 15-20 servings (double or triple as needed) Make
ahead!
My neighborhood Open House will be Sunday, December 20, 2009. Remember to focus on the guests and relationships.
I hope you have a great time with your holiday get-togethers and a beautiful spread of food with minimal effort.
lunes, 30 de noviembre de 2009
12 Days of Christmas
Recently I received a copy of The 12 Days of Christmas A Guide to an Old Tradition with a New Purpose. Over the Thanksgiving week-end I had a chance to review this gem. When I opened the book all I could think about was the familiar song and 12 more good things to do before Christmas to teach my children. But I decided "OK, lets see what the authors have to say", I thought.
Well I was VERY PLEASANTLY surprised and excited to find out that the twelve day adventure begins December 26, the day after Christmas and focuses on the tenants of the faith.
The fundamentals of the faith and the Twelve Days of Christmas? Now the authors had my attention as I have become increasingly concerned about the droves of young people leaving the church purportedly because of their inability to defend the faith and their inability to articulate the foundational truths upon which the Christian faith is based. (Please read Already Gone Why your kids will quit church and what you can do to stop it by Ken Ham)
It turns out that allegedly, the 12 Days of Christmas was developed at a time when the church was being persecuted and the parents needed a "back-door/undercoverway" to teach the basics of the faith to their children. So lets see what how the faith is tied into each of the twelve days. Here we go:
Day one: A Partridge in a Pear Tree represents Jesus dying on the cross to save us from our sins
Day two: Two turle doves represents The Old and New Testaments
Day three: Three French Hens represents the three virtues of faith, hope, and love
Day four: Four calling birds represents the four gospels: Matthew, Makr, Luke and John,
Day five: Five golden rings represents: The Torah, which are the Books of Moses, the law.
Day six: Six geese-a-laying represents New life, and the six days of creation.
Day seven: Seven swans -a-swimming represents the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
Day eight: Eight maids-a-milking represents the eight Beattitudes
Day nine: Nine ladies dancing represents the fruit of the Spirit
Day ten: Ten lords-a-leaping represents the Ten Commandments
Day eleven: Eleven pipers piping represents the 11 faithful disciples
Day twelve: Twelve drummers drumming represents 12 tenants of our faith found in The Apostle's Creed
After Christmas you may want to teach your children the tenants of the faith through wonderful stories, meaningful activities, and reinforce the fundamentals of the faith for both you and your entire family.
Each day has an associated scripture reading (or memory verses), a story, suggested discussion questions, points to ponder, a suggested prayer, coloring pages, games, recipes, and of course a possible field trip activity. Advance planning, to select what you will do is advised for the best success. An example of a suggested activity is Day 5: Visit a synagogue. A recipe I will try out is Golden Apple Bundt Cake, sounds easy and yummy.
I wholeheartedly recommend that you consider finishing out 2009 or starting out 2010 by taking an exciting and fun journey through The Twelve Days of Christmas. You may obtain this book at 12daysbook.com.
Well I was VERY PLEASANTLY surprised and excited to find out that the twelve day adventure begins December 26, the day after Christmas and focuses on the tenants of the faith.
The fundamentals of the faith and the Twelve Days of Christmas? Now the authors had my attention as I have become increasingly concerned about the droves of young people leaving the church purportedly because of their inability to defend the faith and their inability to articulate the foundational truths upon which the Christian faith is based. (Please read Already Gone Why your kids will quit church and what you can do to stop it by Ken Ham)
It turns out that allegedly, the 12 Days of Christmas was developed at a time when the church was being persecuted and the parents needed a "back-door/undercoverway" to teach the basics of the faith to their children. So lets see what how the faith is tied into each of the twelve days. Here we go:
Day one: A Partridge in a Pear Tree represents Jesus dying on the cross to save us from our sins
Day two: Two turle doves represents The Old and New Testaments
Day three: Three French Hens represents the three virtues of faith, hope, and love
Day four: Four calling birds represents the four gospels: Matthew, Makr, Luke and John,
Day five: Five golden rings represents: The Torah, which are the Books of Moses, the law.
Day six: Six geese-a-laying represents New life, and the six days of creation.
Day seven: Seven swans -a-swimming represents the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
Day eight: Eight maids-a-milking represents the eight Beattitudes
Day nine: Nine ladies dancing represents the fruit of the Spirit
Day ten: Ten lords-a-leaping represents the Ten Commandments
Day eleven: Eleven pipers piping represents the 11 faithful disciples
Day twelve: Twelve drummers drumming represents 12 tenants of our faith found in The Apostle's Creed
After Christmas you may want to teach your children the tenants of the faith through wonderful stories, meaningful activities, and reinforce the fundamentals of the faith for both you and your entire family.
Each day has an associated scripture reading (or memory verses), a story, suggested discussion questions, points to ponder, a suggested prayer, coloring pages, games, recipes, and of course a possible field trip activity. Advance planning, to select what you will do is advised for the best success. An example of a suggested activity is Day 5: Visit a synagogue. A recipe I will try out is Golden Apple Bundt Cake, sounds easy and yummy.
I wholeheartedly recommend that you consider finishing out 2009 or starting out 2010 by taking an exciting and fun journey through The Twelve Days of Christmas. You may obtain this book at 12daysbook.com.
miércoles, 25 de noviembre de 2009
Thankful for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday of the whole year because it lacks major commercialization and gives us a family day to spend together remembering all the blessings God has poured out, many 0f which we have either long since forgotten or easily taken for granted.
I have not always been thankful for thorns in my side as St Paul writes. My son hasn't always been the easiest child to live with, but I am so thankful for how much God has matured him into a young man this year. He truely desires to be a godly light in the dark places he finds himself and has a passion for listening to godly manhood audio CD's from Doug Phillips of Vision Forum. Without an earthly Dad to influence and encourage him, this is quite a miracle and but more importantly a great blessing to me.
I am thankful my brother-in-law has begun taking an active interest in Stephen's military career and is giving him sound counsel as he prepares for his commissioning in May and assignment in the Signal Corp of the US Army. Last year, I was thanking God my son-in-law came home safely from Iraq and dreading Stephen's potential deployments. Now I am able to rest in Gods' sovereignty and loving care for my son.
I am so thankful for my sister, Terry's, faithful friendship, hospitality, encouragement and generosity to both myself and my children.
My daughter Mary has had the opportunity to further develop her musical skills this year after I had Duane's "collectible" high school clarinet rehabbed. She is involved in not only the school concert band but in a Girl's Swing/Show Choir as well as weekly piano lessons and practice. The school Christmas Concert and performance is coming December 17 and her older sister Laura and new husband Brandon will be able to attend.
When Laura got married last year on Jan 3, I really wondered how I would hold up without her father at my side to say nothing of her cross country move to Tennessee. Now, nearly a year later, I can see that God has developed her into a very godly wife to Brandon and they have grown so much together, I can hardly wait to have them home in a few weeks for the Christmas holidays. Yes, I am thankful for cell phones and skype so we can talk almost daily.
Managing The Urban Homemaker without Duane has been a major challenge to me this past year especially when I lost the entire data base of fifteen years, right before Christmas, last year. I struggled with not knowing how to do any of the technical computer things , fill-in-the-blank, and got down on myself. Now, I can look back and see the faithfulness of God to provide a gifted computer guy, Marc, to carry us through the hardships and step-by-step into a new system.
I am thankful that I was able to replace the badly rotting steps at my back door with a superior porch made of synthetic material made to look like wood so I won't have to ever seal or stain a wood surface. Besides it looks beautiful. On top of that, I now have a patio beside the stairs between my house and shop under a shady walnut tree to enjoy the beautiful summer outdoors.
I am thankful that Mary and I were able to go to Florida to visit my 88 year-old folks for a week last June and enjoy their company and the Florida sunshine.
I am so thankful for all the new friendships I have been able to make through my Norwex business. I have had so much satisfaction to be able to move forward in this area.
This Sunday, a bunch of ladies in my town and I are going to travel to Montrose to watch the Nutcracker ballet. I am so thankful they thought of including me in their plans.
I am humbled to have the opportunity to teach a parenting of teens Sunday School class based on the book Age of Opportunity by Ted Tripp. We have had a hilarious time of fellowship and learning each Sunday morning, again I am having the opportunity to develop more friendships. Our class has lovingly renamed our class, Age of Opportunity, Growing Parents Gods Way. I hope some of you get the "play on words" and can appreciate it.
God has been so faithful to provide for me in small and large ways in the last year when I despaired of being able to be financially solvent. He is such a great provider and faithful husband.
So many new doors have opened for me after loosing Duane, but it has not come without months of physical, emotional, and spiritual pain and grieving. In the last two to three months I feel like I can jump out of bed each morning and embrace the day, I couldn't do that last year. Healing comes, memories sweeten, my recognition of God's lovingkindness and goodness has grown exponentially through the painful loss of my husband.
I despaired of ever producing a catalog again. I agonized over the countless calls and requests from people wanting a new copy of The Urban Homemaker catalog and now it is done, at least for a few months until it is time to revise it again.
My daughter and I are in the process of planning and building a new website to encourage a new generation of homemakers in their high callings. We are excited that God keeps opening new doors of ministry.
I know there is so much more I could write. God is a God of details (and I am not) so there is lots of I have overlooked and not mentioned. Perhaps, as the day goes on, more things will come to my mind and I can revise my little essay.
Take time to think of how God turned difficulties into good this past year, how he has not forsaken you even if and when you forsake Him. He is a Great and Mighty God.
Today, my children and I are gathering together to spend Thanksgiving with friends to ask the Lord's blessing, to praise his name, to rejoice that He is on our side, He will always be triumphant, His word never changes and is always there to guide and direct us, He delivers us from tribulations as He refines us into pure gold. May His name be praised forever and ever AMEN!
I have not always been thankful for thorns in my side as St Paul writes. My son hasn't always been the easiest child to live with, but I am so thankful for how much God has matured him into a young man this year. He truely desires to be a godly light in the dark places he finds himself and has a passion for listening to godly manhood audio CD's from Doug Phillips of Vision Forum. Without an earthly Dad to influence and encourage him, this is quite a miracle and but more importantly a great blessing to me.
I am thankful my brother-in-law has begun taking an active interest in Stephen's military career and is giving him sound counsel as he prepares for his commissioning in May and assignment in the Signal Corp of the US Army. Last year, I was thanking God my son-in-law came home safely from Iraq and dreading Stephen's potential deployments. Now I am able to rest in Gods' sovereignty and loving care for my son.
I am so thankful for my sister, Terry's, faithful friendship, hospitality, encouragement and generosity to both myself and my children.
My daughter Mary has had the opportunity to further develop her musical skills this year after I had Duane's "collectible" high school clarinet rehabbed. She is involved in not only the school concert band but in a Girl's Swing/Show Choir as well as weekly piano lessons and practice. The school Christmas Concert and performance is coming December 17 and her older sister Laura and new husband Brandon will be able to attend.
When Laura got married last year on Jan 3, I really wondered how I would hold up without her father at my side to say nothing of her cross country move to Tennessee. Now, nearly a year later, I can see that God has developed her into a very godly wife to Brandon and they have grown so much together, I can hardly wait to have them home in a few weeks for the Christmas holidays. Yes, I am thankful for cell phones and skype so we can talk almost daily.
Managing The Urban Homemaker without Duane has been a major challenge to me this past year especially when I lost the entire data base of fifteen years, right before Christmas, last year. I struggled with not knowing how to do any of the technical computer things , fill-in-the-blank, and got down on myself. Now, I can look back and see the faithfulness of God to provide a gifted computer guy, Marc, to carry us through the hardships and step-by-step into a new system.
I am thankful that I was able to replace the badly rotting steps at my back door with a superior porch made of synthetic material made to look like wood so I won't have to ever seal or stain a wood surface. Besides it looks beautiful. On top of that, I now have a patio beside the stairs between my house and shop under a shady walnut tree to enjoy the beautiful summer outdoors.
I am thankful that Mary and I were able to go to Florida to visit my 88 year-old folks for a week last June and enjoy their company and the Florida sunshine.
I am so thankful for all the new friendships I have been able to make through my Norwex business. I have had so much satisfaction to be able to move forward in this area.
This Sunday, a bunch of ladies in my town and I are going to travel to Montrose to watch the Nutcracker ballet. I am so thankful they thought of including me in their plans.
I am humbled to have the opportunity to teach a parenting of teens Sunday School class based on the book Age of Opportunity by Ted Tripp. We have had a hilarious time of fellowship and learning each Sunday morning, again I am having the opportunity to develop more friendships. Our class has lovingly renamed our class, Age of Opportunity, Growing Parents Gods Way. I hope some of you get the "play on words" and can appreciate it.
God has been so faithful to provide for me in small and large ways in the last year when I despaired of being able to be financially solvent. He is such a great provider and faithful husband.
So many new doors have opened for me after loosing Duane, but it has not come without months of physical, emotional, and spiritual pain and grieving. In the last two to three months I feel like I can jump out of bed each morning and embrace the day, I couldn't do that last year. Healing comes, memories sweeten, my recognition of God's lovingkindness and goodness has grown exponentially through the painful loss of my husband.
I despaired of ever producing a catalog again. I agonized over the countless calls and requests from people wanting a new copy of The Urban Homemaker catalog and now it is done, at least for a few months until it is time to revise it again.
My daughter and I are in the process of planning and building a new website to encourage a new generation of homemakers in their high callings. We are excited that God keeps opening new doors of ministry.
I know there is so much more I could write. God is a God of details (and I am not) so there is lots of I have overlooked and not mentioned. Perhaps, as the day goes on, more things will come to my mind and I can revise my little essay.
Take time to think of how God turned difficulties into good this past year, how he has not forsaken you even if and when you forsake Him. He is a Great and Mighty God.
Today, my children and I are gathering together to spend Thanksgiving with friends to ask the Lord's blessing, to praise his name, to rejoice that He is on our side, He will always be triumphant, His word never changes and is always there to guide and direct us, He delivers us from tribulations as He refines us into pure gold. May His name be praised forever and ever AMEN!
martes, 24 de noviembre de 2009
Catalog #40 and Recipe Book
Ed Note: It has been nearly 20 months since my husband Duane passed away. At last, with God's help and a terrific printer, Rita Lang, Catalog #40 and Recipes is ready!
Download Catalog #40 Here Now
Please write to me with your comments: marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com or post a comment!
Download Catalog #40 Here Now
Please write to me with your comments: marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com or post a comment!
martes, 17 de noviembre de 2009
The First Thanksgiving - an Historical Perspective and Contest
Ed Note: According to apronmemories.com here is a huge reason to not only be humbled but exceedingly thankful to our Puritan ancestors as we prepare for the big day. "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for if we do not give up we will reap a harvest of righteousness." I am so grateful to these folks who had a vision and did not give up despite overwhelming difficulties.
"Of the eighteen married women who sailed on the Mayflower, only four lived through the first winter to see Fall of 1621. With the assistance of five surviving girls and one maidservant, the four, thankful to be alive and grieving for those not, prepared a meal of gratitude."
We have an amazing amount to be thankful for even during difficult times. I am particularly thankful for the legacy left to my family and I by my late husband Duane, that my daughter and son-in-law will be home for Christmas, my daughter, Mary for her terrific housekeeping and musical talents, and my son Stephen's soon-to-be officer commissioning. Please post some of the things, large and small you are thankful for.
I have complimentary copies of either one of my spiral bound books (your choice), A Beginner's Guide to Baking Bread or Breakfasts for Busy Moms, for 15 people who post their thankful comments. I am particularly looking for contest particpants willing to share how they have faced very difficult trials this past year and you are still able to see the positive blessings of God's goodnesss to you and your family.
"Of the eighteen married women who sailed on the Mayflower, only four lived through the first winter to see Fall of 1621. With the assistance of five surviving girls and one maidservant, the four, thankful to be alive and grieving for those not, prepared a meal of gratitude."
We have an amazing amount to be thankful for even during difficult times. I am particularly thankful for the legacy left to my family and I by my late husband Duane, that my daughter and son-in-law will be home for Christmas, my daughter, Mary for her terrific housekeeping and musical talents, and my son Stephen's soon-to-be officer commissioning. Please post some of the things, large and small you are thankful for.
I have complimentary copies of either one of my spiral bound books (your choice), A Beginner's Guide to Baking Bread or Breakfasts for Busy Moms, for 15 people who post their thankful comments. I am particularly looking for contest particpants willing to share how they have faced very difficult trials this past year and you are still able to see the positive blessings of God's goodnesss to you and your family.
domingo, 15 de noviembre de 2009
Getting Federalized Health Care Straight
The following excerpt was in our paper last week under the "You Said It Column." These are comments phoned into the paper. No names are used. This is from the Sunday, Nov 8, 2009 edition of the Grand Junction Sentinel.
"Let me get this straight: We're going to pass a health care plan, written by a committee whose head says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that doesn't understand it, but exempts themselves from it, signed by a president who also hasn't read it, and who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and, financed by a country that's nearly broke. What possibly could go wrong?"
Food for thought for today. Be sure to call your Senators and Congressmen with your thoughts.
"Let me get this straight: We're going to pass a health care plan, written by a committee whose head says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that doesn't understand it, but exempts themselves from it, signed by a president who also hasn't read it, and who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and, financed by a country that's nearly broke. What possibly could go wrong?"
Food for thought for today. Be sure to call your Senators and Congressmen with your thoughts.
sábado, 14 de noviembre de 2009
Three Cookbooks for the Price of Two
THREE FOR THE PRICE OF TWO
Gifts for all occasions for just under $10.00 each and the shipping is free! Spiral Bound, Plastic Splash Cover Cookbooks
Coupons codes: Buy Three get One Free – BTGO, Buy Four Get Two Free – BSGT Buy Six Get Three Free - BNGT
I like to get as much of my holiday shopping done in November as I can. I always need some $10.00 and under gifts for last minute gifts. My spiral bound cookbooks make perfect gifts for friends and relatives. These books are filled with tasty, reliable, healthy, practical recipes.
FAST AND HEALTHY MENUS FOR BUSY MOMS by Marilyn Moll
The focus of this book is that, yes, you can cook fast and healthy meals for your family with natural whole ingredients. You must have reliable recipes, a plan, and a willingness to commit to that goal.
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BAKING BREAD by Marilyn Moll
If you're new to bread baking, this is a no-nonsense, easy to use book that teaches whole grain bread baking step-by step. Over 90 pages and includes the two-stage process.
BREAKFASTS FOR BUSY MOMS by Marilyn Moll
Kick that cold, breakfast cereal habit and learn to cook a wide variety of nutritious breakfasts, including hot, kid-pleasing cereals using the nutrient packed two-stage process and much more.
Choose any combination of my books - 1 of each, 3 of each, 2 of one, 1 of another or any combination of multiples of three or more of my cookbooks and get one cookbook free for every three cookbooks you put in the shopping cart. Use the above coupon codes to save $14.95, $29.90 or $44.85. If you want more, put a note in the comments section of check out.
What an easy way to encourage your friends and relatives who are looking for a way to get started with a healthier lifestyle!
Gifts for all occasions for just under $10.00 each and the shipping is free! Spiral Bound, Plastic Splash Cover Cookbooks
Coupons codes: Buy Three get One Free – BTGO, Buy Four Get Two Free – BSGT Buy Six Get Three Free - BNGT
I like to get as much of my holiday shopping done in November as I can. I always need some $10.00 and under gifts for last minute gifts. My spiral bound cookbooks make perfect gifts for friends and relatives. These books are filled with tasty, reliable, healthy, practical recipes.
FAST AND HEALTHY MENUS FOR BUSY MOMS by Marilyn Moll
The focus of this book is that, yes, you can cook fast and healthy meals for your family with natural whole ingredients. You must have reliable recipes, a plan, and a willingness to commit to that goal.
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BAKING BREAD by Marilyn Moll
If you're new to bread baking, this is a no-nonsense, easy to use book that teaches whole grain bread baking step-by step. Over 90 pages and includes the two-stage process.
BREAKFASTS FOR BUSY MOMS by Marilyn Moll
Kick that cold, breakfast cereal habit and learn to cook a wide variety of nutritious breakfasts, including hot, kid-pleasing cereals using the nutrient packed two-stage process and much more.
Choose any combination of my books - 1 of each, 3 of each, 2 of one, 1 of another or any combination of multiples of three or more of my cookbooks and get one cookbook free for every three cookbooks you put in the shopping cart. Use the above coupon codes to save $14.95, $29.90 or $44.85. If you want more, put a note in the comments section of check out.
What an easy way to encourage your friends and relatives who are looking for a way to get started with a healthier lifestyle!
Hearth and Home - Thanksgiving Preparations
It's not too early to plan the big Thanksgiving Feast. Be sure to get out your recipes and buy as many ingredients ahead of the big rush as possible. Even if you aren't hosting the Thanksgiving Dinner, you might want to cook a turkey yourself, just for your family, just for the leftovers.
First of all set a beautiful table:
You might be surprised at what gorgeous centerpieces children can create from simple items such as gourds, pinecones of various shapes and sizes, nuts, acorns, mini-pumpkins, oak leaves, Indian corn, ribbons, turkeys, pilgrim statues, candles, napkins, doilies, dried grasses, and whatever else you may have in hand that fits into the theme of harvest and Thanksgiving.
Many of these items may be found while walking around in your neighborhood or a park. Older children can teach and supervise the younger children. Teaching practical life skills to children is the foundation of priceless traditions and memories. Try to make it a point to take lots of pictures. They will make timeless additions to student notebooks or family photo albums.
Homemade gravy making is the foundation of a very tasty and successful feast
1. The secret to homemade gravy is to make a delicious stock/base by simmering the giblets and neck in 2-3 cups of water while the turkey roasts, and saving ALL the drippings and browned crusty bits on the bottom of the roasting pan. Canned chicken broth or commercial gravy mix is a poor substitute, so resolve not to be tempted to compromise these steps.
2. Pour all the turkey drippings from the roasting pan into a large measuring cup (at least 2 Cup measure) and allow the grease to separate. While the drippings are separating, pour 2-3 cups of water into the roasting pan and bring it to a boil by placing the pan on two burners on your stove top. Using a wooden spoon, stir up these browned bits so they "dissolve" into the water.
This step is essential to wonderful tasting, beautifully browned gravy and makes cleaning up a roasting pan a much easier task. Reserve 4-8TB (1/4- 1/2 Cup) of the turkey grease once it separates from the drippings.
3. After the roasting pan has simmered with water and turned a deep brown color, combine this liquid with turkey drippings (not the fat) and the broth from simmering turkey giblets so that you have 5-6 Cups of liquid. I use my 6-Cup blender as a measuring cup.
4. Then combine 1/4-1/2 Cup turkey fat (or butter) with 8-10 TB flour (whole wheat pastry preferred) until it gelatinizes, or thickens in a large sauce pan. Keep stirring over medium low heat for about one minute.
5. Now, VERY GRADUALLY, pour the liquid from the turkey giblets and the roasting pan into the fat/flour mixture while you stir it continuously so as to not have any lumps. Stir continuously until the entire mixture thickens. Adjust the liquid if needed so you have a nice pourable gravy. Add 2-3 tsp salt or to taste. Save leftover gravy serving leftover turkey, or for soup stock, or open face sandwiches, etc!
First of all set a beautiful table:
You might be surprised at what gorgeous centerpieces children can create from simple items such as gourds, pinecones of various shapes and sizes, nuts, acorns, mini-pumpkins, oak leaves, Indian corn, ribbons, turkeys, pilgrim statues, candles, napkins, doilies, dried grasses, and whatever else you may have in hand that fits into the theme of harvest and Thanksgiving.
Many of these items may be found while walking around in your neighborhood or a park. Older children can teach and supervise the younger children. Teaching practical life skills to children is the foundation of priceless traditions and memories. Try to make it a point to take lots of pictures. They will make timeless additions to student notebooks or family photo albums.
Homemade gravy making is the foundation of a very tasty and successful feast
1. The secret to homemade gravy is to make a delicious stock/base by simmering the giblets and neck in 2-3 cups of water while the turkey roasts, and saving ALL the drippings and browned crusty bits on the bottom of the roasting pan. Canned chicken broth or commercial gravy mix is a poor substitute, so resolve not to be tempted to compromise these steps.
2. Pour all the turkey drippings from the roasting pan into a large measuring cup (at least 2 Cup measure) and allow the grease to separate. While the drippings are separating, pour 2-3 cups of water into the roasting pan and bring it to a boil by placing the pan on two burners on your stove top. Using a wooden spoon, stir up these browned bits so they "dissolve" into the water.
This step is essential to wonderful tasting, beautifully browned gravy and makes cleaning up a roasting pan a much easier task. Reserve 4-8TB (1/4- 1/2 Cup) of the turkey grease once it separates from the drippings.
3. After the roasting pan has simmered with water and turned a deep brown color, combine this liquid with turkey drippings (not the fat) and the broth from simmering turkey giblets so that you have 5-6 Cups of liquid. I use my 6-Cup blender as a measuring cup.
4. Then combine 1/4-1/2 Cup turkey fat (or butter) with 8-10 TB flour (whole wheat pastry preferred) until it gelatinizes, or thickens in a large sauce pan. Keep stirring over medium low heat for about one minute.
5. Now, VERY GRADUALLY, pour the liquid from the turkey giblets and the roasting pan into the fat/flour mixture while you stir it continuously so as to not have any lumps. Stir continuously until the entire mixture thickens. Adjust the liquid if needed so you have a nice pourable gravy. Add 2-3 tsp salt or to taste. Save leftover gravy serving leftover turkey, or for soup stock, or open face sandwiches, etc!
martes, 10 de noviembre de 2009
Government Health Care is Not a Done Deal
Dear friends,
I don't normally like to post on political topics, but mandatory government health care is such a major intrusion on our freedom and our finances I can not in good conscience remain silent. Since Duane and I have been self-employed for about 17 years, we have had to seek out alternative "health insurance" or Christian mutual care ministries where the members share the costs.
Currently I am a member of Samaritan's Ministry, where I send my monthly share directly to the member whose need qualified. The cost of this sharing system is dramatically lower than commercial health care policies and offers the added benefit of fulfilling the biblical mandate to "bear one another's burdens."
The current legislation recently passed by the House, a requirement to buy government-approved insurance would be a violation of the religious freedom of people of faith who want to express their faith through health care sharing. Requiring them to buy health insurance would be an unreasonable burden that would make it very difficult for them to continue practicing their faith through health care sharing.
I have MANY other objections to the current House version, but please contact your Senators today and tomorrow regarding your concerns about mandatory government health care.
I don't normally like to post on political topics, but mandatory government health care is such a major intrusion on our freedom and our finances I can not in good conscience remain silent. Since Duane and I have been self-employed for about 17 years, we have had to seek out alternative "health insurance" or Christian mutual care ministries where the members share the costs.
Currently I am a member of Samaritan's Ministry, where I send my monthly share directly to the member whose need qualified. The cost of this sharing system is dramatically lower than commercial health care policies and offers the added benefit of fulfilling the biblical mandate to "bear one another's burdens."
The current legislation recently passed by the House, a requirement to buy government-approved insurance would be a violation of the religious freedom of people of faith who want to express their faith through health care sharing. Requiring them to buy health insurance would be an unreasonable burden that would make it very difficult for them to continue practicing their faith through health care sharing.
I have MANY other objections to the current House version, but please contact your Senators today and tomorrow regarding your concerns about mandatory government health care.
lunes, 2 de noviembre de 2009
Unto Him Who is Able
Friday, I prepared my Sunday School lesson for parents of teens based on the scripture, Ephesians 3:20:
Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us...Unto Him be the glory!
As a parent or mother, a wife, business person, whoever you are, you will face circumstances far above your ability to handle. You can bank on it. There is a war being waged daily against you.
The war is waged by an enemy speaking subtly destructive messages you will hear as thoughts in your mind. Such thoughts may include variations on the theme of: "The situation is hopeless, you are hopeless, things will never change, you are a failure, you might as well give up, why bother, etc."
Don't listen to this. Resist these lies. Stand on the truth.
A modern paraphrase of Ephesians 3:20 may be just what you need to hear today.
When you are the neediest, He is the most sufficient. When you are completely helpless, He is the most helpful. When you feel totally dependent, He is absolutely dependable. When you are the weakest, He is the most able. When you are the most alone, He is intimately present. When you feel you are the least, He is the greatest. When you feel the most useless, He is preparing you. When it is the darkest, He is the only Light you need. When you feel th least secure, He is your Rock and Fortress. When you are the most humble, He is most gracious.
Instead of being discouraged, think upon the truth, dwell on it constantly.
He is able, as we surrender our cares and anxieties to Him. Are you willing to submit to his complete care?
Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us...Unto Him be the glory!
As a parent or mother, a wife, business person, whoever you are, you will face circumstances far above your ability to handle. You can bank on it. There is a war being waged daily against you.
The war is waged by an enemy speaking subtly destructive messages you will hear as thoughts in your mind. Such thoughts may include variations on the theme of: "The situation is hopeless, you are hopeless, things will never change, you are a failure, you might as well give up, why bother, etc."
Don't listen to this. Resist these lies. Stand on the truth.
A modern paraphrase of Ephesians 3:20 may be just what you need to hear today.
When you are the neediest, He is the most sufficient. When you are completely helpless, He is the most helpful. When you feel totally dependent, He is absolutely dependable. When you are the weakest, He is the most able. When you are the most alone, He is intimately present. When you feel you are the least, He is the greatest. When you feel the most useless, He is preparing you. When it is the darkest, He is the only Light you need. When you feel th least secure, He is your Rock and Fortress. When you are the most humble, He is most gracious.
Instead of being discouraged, think upon the truth, dwell on it constantly.
He is able, as we surrender our cares and anxieties to Him. Are you willing to submit to his complete care?
jueves, 29 de octubre de 2009
What Do You Do When it's Snowing Outside?
Denver is in the middle of about a two day snow storm. My son's college is shut down for today. Things have come to a halt in the Denver Metro area.
Here in Paonia, the Western side of Colorado, we have about 1-2 inch blanket of snow on the grass, cold temps and partly cloudy skies.
No snow day for us. But I'm pretending to have a snow day this afternoon, after all I feel a little jealous of my front range friends and relatives.
I have a cup of hot cocoa and I'm thinking about making Honey Glazed Chicken for tomorrow night's dinner.
My neighbor, friend, and book keeper, Renee, is having it tonight. It is one of my favorite recipes and I don't even remember the last time I had it.
All you need is a chicken, honey, curry powder, lemon juice, and an oven.
Here is the link for the recipe, it's nice and easy:
articles.urbanhomemaker.com/index.php?article=307
Here in Paonia, the Western side of Colorado, we have about 1-2 inch blanket of snow on the grass, cold temps and partly cloudy skies.
No snow day for us. But I'm pretending to have a snow day this afternoon, after all I feel a little jealous of my front range friends and relatives.
I have a cup of hot cocoa and I'm thinking about making Honey Glazed Chicken for tomorrow night's dinner.
My neighbor, friend, and book keeper, Renee, is having it tonight. It is one of my favorite recipes and I don't even remember the last time I had it.
All you need is a chicken, honey, curry powder, lemon juice, and an oven.
Here is the link for the recipe, it's nice and easy:
articles.urbanhomemaker.com/index.php?article=307
viernes, 23 de octubre de 2009
Navy 'n French Green Bean Soup
Ed Note: I made this soup last night to serve at Mentoring Moms. It smelled as good as turkey baking in the oven according to my daughter.Used by Permission from
Soups and Muffins by Sue Gregg
Makes 8 Servings
Soak beans in water during the day or overnight:
8 cups water
2 cups navy or small white beans
Bring undrained beans to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to keep at very gentle boil for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
Drain the beans, reserving the bean liquid.
Combine in large stock pot:
2 Cups of the cooked beans
2 Cups Chicken Broth
3 Cups bean liquid plus water as needed
1-2 tsp salt or to taste
1 large onion, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 – 4 oz can green chili, finely chopped
½ tsp dry mustard
2 bay leaves (optional)
In a blender, puree the remaining cooked beans with liquid. Add the following ingredients to the soup pot, cooking about 10 minutes longer to blend flavors and heat ingredients:
Remaining cooked navy beans
1 cup water
2 cups frozen French cut green beans (10 oz) or canned
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
Serve with crusty bread or corn bread.
Soups and Muffins by Sue Gregg
Makes 8 Servings
Soak beans in water during the day or overnight:
8 cups water
2 cups navy or small white beans
Bring undrained beans to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to keep at very gentle boil for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
Drain the beans, reserving the bean liquid.
Combine in large stock pot:
2 Cups of the cooked beans
2 Cups Chicken Broth
3 Cups bean liquid plus water as needed
1-2 tsp salt or to taste
1 large onion, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 – 4 oz can green chili, finely chopped
½ tsp dry mustard
2 bay leaves (optional)
In a blender, puree the remaining cooked beans with liquid. Add the following ingredients to the soup pot, cooking about 10 minutes longer to blend flavors and heat ingredients:
Remaining cooked navy beans
1 cup water
2 cups frozen French cut green beans (10 oz) or canned
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
Serve with crusty bread or corn bread.
martes, 20 de octubre de 2009
Roasted Tomato Sauce
Do you need a really easy way to use up a bunch of tomatoes? My friend Jodie just told me how to make up some tomato sauce that I think is delicious and easy.
All you need to do is slice end-of-the-season-very ripe-tomatoes that need to be used up, into 1/2" thick slices. Place them into a large roasting pan that has a light coating of olive oil. Stack up the tomato slices, sprinkle with chopped onion, peppers, basil, salt, pepper, garlic, red pepper if desired. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 90 minutes. Blend, pour into freezer containers in 2 cup portions. Freeze. Is that simple or what? I blended in some pine nuts to add a little extra richness, but they are optional.
How easy is that? You won't believe how great your house will smell or how tasty this sauce is. No more Prego, No more Ragu for me.
VOILA! You have just made use of tomatoes and other produce you might otherwise have put into the compost.
Why didn't I know how to do this a long time ago?
Try it, you'll really like it. I did this while the dinner soup was heating up, we ate dinner, and dishes were being washed up. I even get to go to bed at a reasonable hour and I'm not exhausted.
All you need to do is slice end-of-the-season-very ripe-tomatoes that need to be used up, into 1/2" thick slices. Place them into a large roasting pan that has a light coating of olive oil. Stack up the tomato slices, sprinkle with chopped onion, peppers, basil, salt, pepper, garlic, red pepper if desired. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 90 minutes. Blend, pour into freezer containers in 2 cup portions. Freeze. Is that simple or what? I blended in some pine nuts to add a little extra richness, but they are optional.
How easy is that? You won't believe how great your house will smell or how tasty this sauce is. No more Prego, No more Ragu for me.
VOILA! You have just made use of tomatoes and other produce you might otherwise have put into the compost.
Why didn't I know how to do this a long time ago?
Try it, you'll really like it. I did this while the dinner soup was heating up, we ate dinner, and dishes were being washed up. I even get to go to bed at a reasonable hour and I'm not exhausted.
lunes, 5 de octubre de 2009
It's not About the Money, it's About the Time
In our Sunday paper, there is a weekly column in the business section written by a father and son called Yoder & Sons. The senior writer is chief of the Wall Street Journal San Francisco Division, the junior writer is his 14 year old son.
Yesterday's column tackled the topic of whether son Levi can use his own hard earned money to buy an X-box. Levi of course arguing the side of why he should be permitted to spend his money as he sees fit. Dad came down firmly, fairly, and articulately on the negative.
I quote Dad, Steve:
"It's not about the money, it's about the time. So it doesn't matter whose money it is: We won't have an Xbox or PlayStation of Wii in the house."
I did a double take to re-read the above words at least twice. I'm not the only parent who is saying a young person's life is already overloaded with distractions and temptations to waste time!!!!
The author/parent was saying his son didn't need any more time wasters in their life/home.
All I can say is AMEN. AMEN AMEN.
And I thought I was the only parent who didn't allow this junk, I mean time waster, in my home. Enough said.
Yesterday's column tackled the topic of whether son Levi can use his own hard earned money to buy an X-box. Levi of course arguing the side of why he should be permitted to spend his money as he sees fit. Dad came down firmly, fairly, and articulately on the negative.
I quote Dad, Steve:
"It's not about the money, it's about the time. So it doesn't matter whose money it is: We won't have an Xbox or PlayStation of Wii in the house."
I did a double take to re-read the above words at least twice. I'm not the only parent who is saying a young person's life is already overloaded with distractions and temptations to waste time!!!!
The author/parent was saying his son didn't need any more time wasters in their life/home.
All I can say is AMEN. AMEN AMEN.
And I thought I was the only parent who didn't allow this junk, I mean time waster, in my home. Enough said.
viernes, 2 de octubre de 2009
The Idol of Success
My Sunday School class has been looking at idols of the heart that can get in the way of effective parenting. We studied Ezekial 14:1-16 and discovered that as long as there were idols in the hearts of the prophets, God let them have it their way. The results were not pretty.
One idol of the heart can be "success". My definition of success can certainly be a block to my dear daughter learning to be accountable to God. I take things into my hands rather than allowing God's might arms to handle the matter. Why do I think I need to help out God?
Reaching her heart to want to please God is my job, by asking good questions.
This is a whole new mind set for me. How are you doing with reaching the heart of your young people?
One idol of the heart can be "success". My definition of success can certainly be a block to my dear daughter learning to be accountable to God. I take things into my hands rather than allowing God's might arms to handle the matter. Why do I think I need to help out God?
Reaching her heart to want to please God is my job, by asking good questions.
This is a whole new mind set for me. How are you doing with reaching the heart of your young people?
jueves, 1 de octubre de 2009
Plan for the Holidays Now!
Sometime ago, I developed a 12 Week Holiday Timetable which was designed to help me and others start planning ahead for the holiday season. Although we at The Urban Homemaker, don't advocate complicated or expensive holiday celebrations, we wish to encourage you and your family to focus on the true meaning of the holiday season. The timetable helped me systematically begin my holiday gift making, card writing, holiday baking, gift wrapping and memory making in an orderly way.
Sheri Graham, homeschooling mom of five, adapted my timetable into an an ebook based on my 12 Week Holiday Timetable. The 12 Week Holiday Planner for Christian Families by Sheri Graham is filled with practical and useful charts, planner pages, recipes, crafts, the Jesse Tree Devotional and other useful information.
Sheri says, “My desire in putting together this eBook is to provide a tangible way for you to plan out your holidays so they are enjoyable, less stressful, and more filled with the things that really matter.”
The Planner includes:
Ideas of what to do weekly for the 12 weeks
"Sheri's Tips"- tips to make your holidays meaningful, shared throughout the ebook
Christmas Craft and Gift Ideas
Memory Making Ideas for the Family
Ideas for Baked Items to Share/Give Away
Ideas for Meals to Freeze for Use during the busy Weeks
Decoration Ideas
Supplies to stock up on ahead of time or when on sale
Ideas for a Holiday Baking Schedule
Kids' Gift Idea List
PLUS!!! "The Glorious Coming: A Jesse Tree Celebration of Advent" - Jesse Tree devotionals
Much Much More!
Testimonials from women who have used the Planner:
Dear Marilyn,
“I purchased Sheri's book last year as a result of her phone seminar with you and I absolutely love it. I used it every day last year and I plan to use it every year from now on. We did the Jesse Tree and it was a special part of our holiday season. More than anything I appreciated how Sheri's book constantly reminded me to slow down, observe the wonderful joys of the season and of my children and to focus on what Christ would hope we would focus on. I highly recommend this book. Love love love it.”Shae
Dear Marilyn,
“I found it very helpful to have a plan to go by instead of scurrying around wondering what to do next. By the time December rolled around, we had everything done and were able to just have fun. We had time to take in all sorts of Christmas plays and made crafts and just had time to talk. It felt like and old fashioned Christmas because we kept the TV off for most of month, thereby eliminating a lot of the commercialism. We popped popcorn and ate apples by the fire just like Almonzo in Farmer Boy. It was really magical.” Lindy Sellars
Dear Marilyn,
“I really enjoyed this tool. I used the charts the most. I enjoyed writing down all those ideas for Christmas in one place. I didn't have to search for slips of paper or reinvent the wheel, so to speak. This year, I noticed that I already have some good ideas down on paper. Also the very best thing, is that my Christmas card address list is all in one place with just a few new addresses to add.” Jamie Payne
CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR PLANNER
Sheri Graham, homeschooling mom of five, adapted my timetable into an an ebook based on my 12 Week Holiday Timetable. The 12 Week Holiday Planner for Christian Families by Sheri Graham is filled with practical and useful charts, planner pages, recipes, crafts, the Jesse Tree Devotional and other useful information.
Sheri says, “My desire in putting together this eBook is to provide a tangible way for you to plan out your holidays so they are enjoyable, less stressful, and more filled with the things that really matter.”
The Planner includes:
Ideas of what to do weekly for the 12 weeks
"Sheri's Tips"- tips to make your holidays meaningful, shared throughout the ebook
Christmas Craft and Gift Ideas
Memory Making Ideas for the Family
Ideas for Baked Items to Share/Give Away
Ideas for Meals to Freeze for Use during the busy Weeks
Decoration Ideas
Supplies to stock up on ahead of time or when on sale
Ideas for a Holiday Baking Schedule
Kids' Gift Idea List
PLUS!!! "The Glorious Coming: A Jesse Tree Celebration of Advent" - Jesse Tree devotionals
Much Much More!
Testimonials from women who have used the Planner:
Dear Marilyn,
“I purchased Sheri's book last year as a result of her phone seminar with you and I absolutely love it. I used it every day last year and I plan to use it every year from now on. We did the Jesse Tree and it was a special part of our holiday season. More than anything I appreciated how Sheri's book constantly reminded me to slow down, observe the wonderful joys of the season and of my children and to focus on what Christ would hope we would focus on. I highly recommend this book. Love love love it.”Shae
Dear Marilyn,
“I found it very helpful to have a plan to go by instead of scurrying around wondering what to do next. By the time December rolled around, we had everything done and were able to just have fun. We had time to take in all sorts of Christmas plays and made crafts and just had time to talk. It felt like and old fashioned Christmas because we kept the TV off for most of month, thereby eliminating a lot of the commercialism. We popped popcorn and ate apples by the fire just like Almonzo in Farmer Boy. It was really magical.” Lindy Sellars
Dear Marilyn,
“I really enjoyed this tool. I used the charts the most. I enjoyed writing down all those ideas for Christmas in one place. I didn't have to search for slips of paper or reinvent the wheel, so to speak. This year, I noticed that I already have some good ideas down on paper. Also the very best thing, is that my Christmas card address list is all in one place with just a few new addresses to add.” Jamie Payne
CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR PLANNER
martes, 29 de septiembre de 2009
Celebrating Fall
My sister and I cooked up quarts of applesauce Friday morning from outstanding Paonia apples. We have learned, over the years, the best sauce, is a combination of different types of apples. This year we used three of my favorites, Honey Crisp, Jonathan, and Gala. A bit of sugar and plenty of cinnamon mixed into the sauce, then poured into jars,wipe the lids, screw on the caps, water bathed, cooled, checked for good seals, and the beautiful pink sauce now lines my pantry shelf for the winter that is coming.
What a huge sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, and contentment to complete this activity.
My sister and I, usually with some children to help (not this year though) have made this applesauce-making day a family tradition we look forward to every Fall. Normally we aim for the last week end of September or the first weekend of October so we can also enjoy what is known in these parts as Color Sunday.
Color Sunday is “officially” designated as the last two week ends of September when the Aspen trees are at the peak of their golden, yellow brilliance. About a 45 minute drive from here is actually the world's largest Aspen grove all in one place. Behind the gorgeous and colorful trees are the tall mountains of Mount Gunnison and Mount Beckwith, both are in the 13,000 to 14,000 feet in elevation range.
This year, my friends from Denver, Mary and Atif joined my sister and I for Paonia's annual Mountain Harvest Festival. This includes, farm tours, wine tastings, a chili cook off, an evening of concerts for one small price at several different venues, brunch in the park Sunday morning, craft fairs, fabulous weather and a farmer's market. Although this little tradition, The Mountain Harvest Festival, was established a few years after our family moving to the western slope of Colorado, I skipped it last year as the loss of Duane was too fresh for me to consider attending any of the events.
The one thing I hadn't counted on this year, however, is these particular friends are almost the only ones I have NOT seen since the Memorial Service. They found themselves struggling with driving over here knowing Duane wouldn't be here. What will it be like for them? Nearly 18 months since Duane's passing, truthfully I hadn't even considered that this might be a bit hard for all of us.
After all, these special friends had assisted Duane and I with our semi-annual grain sale for 15 years always followed my a family dinner in a restaurant. There were so many wonderful memories, now over. After spending some time at Duane's grave side Saturday morning, I think we were all able to take one more step towards acceptance and closure and then move on enjoying every minute of the entire week end together. Memories we will never forget of just being together.
I truly praise God for how far he has brought me in the last year and a half that I really could just savor and enjoy the company of my friends and the new fun- time traditions we started this year by spending the evenings around the campfire. I am a widow, a single mom, beginning to see that God is healing my broken heart, starting new things in my life and that he truly is faithful to have plans for me, plans for welfare, not for evil, to give me a future and a hope.
May you and your family enjoy God's goodness during our Fall season of harvest, warm days and cool nights. I encourage you to take the time to enjoy harvest events, putting away the last of the garden produce into the freezer or canning up the remaining tomatoes. Savor every moment, find the good and the positive in all things and you will begin to experience a contentment you didn't know could exist.
What a huge sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, and contentment to complete this activity.
My sister and I, usually with some children to help (not this year though) have made this applesauce-making day a family tradition we look forward to every Fall. Normally we aim for the last week end of September or the first weekend of October so we can also enjoy what is known in these parts as Color Sunday.
Color Sunday is “officially” designated as the last two week ends of September when the Aspen trees are at the peak of their golden, yellow brilliance. About a 45 minute drive from here is actually the world's largest Aspen grove all in one place. Behind the gorgeous and colorful trees are the tall mountains of Mount Gunnison and Mount Beckwith, both are in the 13,000 to 14,000 feet in elevation range.
This year, my friends from Denver, Mary and Atif joined my sister and I for Paonia's annual Mountain Harvest Festival. This includes, farm tours, wine tastings, a chili cook off, an evening of concerts for one small price at several different venues, brunch in the park Sunday morning, craft fairs, fabulous weather and a farmer's market. Although this little tradition, The Mountain Harvest Festival, was established a few years after our family moving to the western slope of Colorado, I skipped it last year as the loss of Duane was too fresh for me to consider attending any of the events.
The one thing I hadn't counted on this year, however, is these particular friends are almost the only ones I have NOT seen since the Memorial Service. They found themselves struggling with driving over here knowing Duane wouldn't be here. What will it be like for them? Nearly 18 months since Duane's passing, truthfully I hadn't even considered that this might be a bit hard for all of us.
After all, these special friends had assisted Duane and I with our semi-annual grain sale for 15 years always followed my a family dinner in a restaurant. There were so many wonderful memories, now over. After spending some time at Duane's grave side Saturday morning, I think we were all able to take one more step towards acceptance and closure and then move on enjoying every minute of the entire week end together. Memories we will never forget of just being together.
I truly praise God for how far he has brought me in the last year and a half that I really could just savor and enjoy the company of my friends and the new fun- time traditions we started this year by spending the evenings around the campfire. I am a widow, a single mom, beginning to see that God is healing my broken heart, starting new things in my life and that he truly is faithful to have plans for me, plans for welfare, not for evil, to give me a future and a hope.
May you and your family enjoy God's goodness during our Fall season of harvest, warm days and cool nights. I encourage you to take the time to enjoy harvest events, putting away the last of the garden produce into the freezer or canning up the remaining tomatoes. Savor every moment, find the good and the positive in all things and you will begin to experience a contentment you didn't know could exist.
miércoles, 23 de septiembre de 2009
Is God Good, all the Time?
As you know, my husband Duane passed away suddenly and unexpectedly nearly 18 months ago. Taking over his part of the family business and household maintenance responsibilities, becoming a single mom to three, putting on a wedding, loosing my computer system are just a few of the challenges I have faced in the last year.
Yes, I have doubted that God is good all the time and I have struggled, been tired, depressed, weary and discouraged. I have had to persevere through it when I didn't think I could do one more thing.
I had to decide that I would not be discouraged, I would not give up, I would not give in.
I had to hang onto God's word continuously when I didn't feel like it at all, for days and weeks at a time.
I had to decide if God's word is reliable, trustworthy, worthy of praise, and whether or not he had plans for me for good not for evil to give me a future and a hope.
In Job 2:10, after Job has suffered enormous losses and physical pain, he tells his wife, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" A scripture I frequently cling to is Prov 3:7: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil." (Translation, don't allow yourself to go into self-pity.)
Another verse that keeps me going is Lamentations 3:22, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness."
Friend, Stand firm and see the deliverance of the Lord. Determine whom you will serve today, discouragement or hope. Make that decisions based on truth and not feelings and God will meet you. His word promises he will.
If you need a friend to talk or pray with, please contact me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com Blessings to your day, Marilyn Moll
Yes, I have doubted that God is good all the time and I have struggled, been tired, depressed, weary and discouraged. I have had to persevere through it when I didn't think I could do one more thing.
I had to decide that I would not be discouraged, I would not give up, I would not give in.
I had to hang onto God's word continuously when I didn't feel like it at all, for days and weeks at a time.
I had to decide if God's word is reliable, trustworthy, worthy of praise, and whether or not he had plans for me for good not for evil to give me a future and a hope.
In Job 2:10, after Job has suffered enormous losses and physical pain, he tells his wife, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" A scripture I frequently cling to is Prov 3:7: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil." (Translation, don't allow yourself to go into self-pity.)
Another verse that keeps me going is Lamentations 3:22, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness."
Friend, Stand firm and see the deliverance of the Lord. Determine whom you will serve today, discouragement or hope. Make that decisions based on truth and not feelings and God will meet you. His word promises he will.
If you need a friend to talk or pray with, please contact me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com Blessings to your day, Marilyn Moll
martes, 22 de septiembre de 2009
Pesto Pasta Power
A few weeks ago, I introduced my latest ebook, Value Meals for Busy Moms. Getting that book published inspired me to start making simpler meals, meals concocted by using what is in my hand. What I mean, I am using whatever is in my cupboard, leftover in my refrigerator, ripe in the garden garden, or sitting in my freezer and improvising.
Yesterday I made Pesto with what basil was left from my garden.
Pesto is so easy. Whirl in your blender, pine nuts or walnuts, Parmesan cheese, at least one cup of packed basil leaves, a clove or so of garlic, dash of salt. When that is all nice and finely chopped, add a pinch of salt and some olive oil for a smooth paste.
I like to freeze pesto in small portions for that garden fresh taste in the winter time. I thaw frozen pesto and add several Tablespoons of it to spaghetti sauce to make me remember the summer harvest. I also use it instead of mayonnaise in a BLT sandwich. YUMMY!
I discovered that if I add a tiny pinch of Vitamin C powder to the pesto, it doesn't darken or oxidize.
So is spent yesterday thinking about what I could add to pesto and pasto and make a decent dinner. While the bowtie pasta was cooking, I found leftover roasted chicken to chop up and several garden ripe tomatoes. Chopped up the tomato, combined the pasta, the pesto, and chicken, VOILA! This dinner was a winner and oh so easy.
I even had time to saute a little bit of garden Swiss chard with garlic and we had greens for a side dish, just like spinach.
My dinner tasted so garden fresh. Our Colorado growing season is just too short. I am actually thinking about next year's garden already.
If you love Pesto, try out my Pesto Lasagne recipe, it is fantastic!
Yesterday I made Pesto with what basil was left from my garden.
Pesto is so easy. Whirl in your blender, pine nuts or walnuts, Parmesan cheese, at least one cup of packed basil leaves, a clove or so of garlic, dash of salt. When that is all nice and finely chopped, add a pinch of salt and some olive oil for a smooth paste.
I like to freeze pesto in small portions for that garden fresh taste in the winter time. I thaw frozen pesto and add several Tablespoons of it to spaghetti sauce to make me remember the summer harvest. I also use it instead of mayonnaise in a BLT sandwich. YUMMY!
I discovered that if I add a tiny pinch of Vitamin C powder to the pesto, it doesn't darken or oxidize.
So is spent yesterday thinking about what I could add to pesto and pasto and make a decent dinner. While the bowtie pasta was cooking, I found leftover roasted chicken to chop up and several garden ripe tomatoes. Chopped up the tomato, combined the pasta, the pesto, and chicken, VOILA! This dinner was a winner and oh so easy.
I even had time to saute a little bit of garden Swiss chard with garlic and we had greens for a side dish, just like spinach.
My dinner tasted so garden fresh. Our Colorado growing season is just too short. I am actually thinking about next year's garden already.
If you love Pesto, try out my Pesto Lasagne recipe, it is fantastic!
viernes, 11 de septiembre de 2009
How to Select a Grain Mill and Save
When I purchased my first grain mill, I was the stay-at-home mom of a 22 month old daughter and money was extremely tight. In fact, before my husband gave his OK for this purchase, he asked me,
"If I buy you this grain mill will you commit to making all of our family's bread?"
Yes, that question threw me for a loop and I had to carefully count the costs and see if I was that committed or if this was just a passing fancy. Eventually I said, "Yes, I will commit to baking all our bread."
That was over twenty years ago and I have never looked back! Maybe it is time for you to invest in a grain mill.
Once whole grain is milled into flour, it begins going rancid and loses a significant portion of the nutritional value and baking properties within seventy-two hours of milling. Freshly milled flour should be used within a few hours and will make the best bread imaginable.
Commercial flours are already rancid and bitter. Husbands and kids love bread made from freshly milled flour.
Maybe you have determined it is time for you to commit to baking your family's bread. Possibly you have already enjoyed the benefits of freshly milled flour, courtesy of a friend or relative; and you are ready to invest in your own grain mill.
Regardless, you already know that you will be much more satisfied with your baking results when you are able to use high quality home milled flour.
The good news is that now you can purchase The Wonder Mill and save $30.00 just by filling out the rebate form.
You can also obtain a complimentary copy of my spiral bound book, A Beginner's Guide to Baking Bread ($14.95 value) now through September 30, 2009.
The "best" grain mill, is the mill that meets your personal criteria for price, noise level, storage space requirements, warranty, and versatility. My personal favorite is the Wonder Mill.
The Wonder Mill is a micronizing mill powered by electricity and utilizing technology that originally was developed for the pharmaceutical industry to derive fine, uniform powders. The Wonder Mill produces very fine, powdery flour at low temperatures. Remember, the finer the flour the higher rising and better the bread!
So why wait? You know your family loves home baked whole grain bread!
Get started making the best whole wheat bread and get my cookbook with over 80 pages of recipes and information for free PLUS $30.00 rebate.
Click Here to order now!
"If I buy you this grain mill will you commit to making all of our family's bread?"
Yes, that question threw me for a loop and I had to carefully count the costs and see if I was that committed or if this was just a passing fancy. Eventually I said, "Yes, I will commit to baking all our bread."
That was over twenty years ago and I have never looked back! Maybe it is time for you to invest in a grain mill.
Once whole grain is milled into flour, it begins going rancid and loses a significant portion of the nutritional value and baking properties within seventy-two hours of milling. Freshly milled flour should be used within a few hours and will make the best bread imaginable.
Commercial flours are already rancid and bitter. Husbands and kids love bread made from freshly milled flour.
Maybe you have determined it is time for you to commit to baking your family's bread. Possibly you have already enjoyed the benefits of freshly milled flour, courtesy of a friend or relative; and you are ready to invest in your own grain mill.
Regardless, you already know that you will be much more satisfied with your baking results when you are able to use high quality home milled flour.
The good news is that now you can purchase The Wonder Mill and save $30.00 just by filling out the rebate form.
You can also obtain a complimentary copy of my spiral bound book, A Beginner's Guide to Baking Bread ($14.95 value) now through September 30, 2009.
The "best" grain mill, is the mill that meets your personal criteria for price, noise level, storage space requirements, warranty, and versatility. My personal favorite is the Wonder Mill.
The Wonder Mill is a micronizing mill powered by electricity and utilizing technology that originally was developed for the pharmaceutical industry to derive fine, uniform powders. The Wonder Mill produces very fine, powdery flour at low temperatures. Remember, the finer the flour the higher rising and better the bread!
So why wait? You know your family loves home baked whole grain bread!
Get started making the best whole wheat bread and get my cookbook with over 80 pages of recipes and information for free PLUS $30.00 rebate.
Click Here to order now!
martes, 1 de septiembre de 2009
Exclusive, Invitation Only Norwex Sale
On Friday, Sept 4, 2009, I am doing a one day Norwex Enviro Product email sale with phenomenal hourly specials!
IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE HOURLY SPECIAL OFFER E-MAILS...you must register with me by replying to this email by Thursday, Sept 3 by 12:00 Midnight. Once you are registered, you will receive an email each and every hour on Friday only, from 9 am to 4 pm. This is a one day only event.
YOU MUST RSVP to marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE THESE E-MAILS AS THIS IS AN "EXCLUSIVE" EVENT!
Here’s how it works!!!:
You check your emails any time throughout the day and just email me if there is something you would like to purchase at the special price...at the end of the day, I will tally up your order and send you an email with your grand total. (You can purchase items from any hourly email at any time, you do not have to do it on that specific hour.)
Get ready for some terrific bargains!! You will see discounts like this on my one-day email sale only!
To register, please reply to this email by Thursday, Sept 3rd 12:00 midnight and I will add you to the Exclusive email list.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com or call 1-800-552-7323!
IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE HOURLY SPECIAL OFFER E-MAILS...you must register with me by replying to this email by Thursday, Sept 3 by 12:00 Midnight. Once you are registered, you will receive an email each and every hour on Friday only, from 9 am to 4 pm. This is a one day only event.
YOU MUST RSVP to marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE THESE E-MAILS AS THIS IS AN "EXCLUSIVE" EVENT!
Here’s how it works!!!:
You check your emails any time throughout the day and just email me if there is something you would like to purchase at the special price...at the end of the day, I will tally up your order and send you an email with your grand total. (You can purchase items from any hourly email at any time, you do not have to do it on that specific hour.)
Get ready for some terrific bargains!! You will see discounts like this on my one-day email sale only!
To register, please reply to this email by Thursday, Sept 3rd 12:00 midnight and I will add you to the Exclusive email list.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com or call 1-800-552-7323!
sábado, 15 de agosto de 2009
Home Remodeling Projects
If you have ever experienced a home remodeling project, you will quickly discover, as I have, that one project will invariably lead to the next unexpected project to the next project and so forth, and your original project undergoes many revisions and many unexpected costs. Here is a synopsis of my first venture into my now completed home remodeling projects and the many unexpected ramifications.
Back Porch and Patio Project
Scope: Replace badly rotted and deteriorated back porch and stairs with composite decking material. Use donated flagstone to create a small patio under my shady walnut tree by the back door.
Unexpected outcomes: Sprinklers needed to be moved, porch foundation needed to be painted, improperly buried electrical wires needed to be brought to code, ran out of flagstone and had to buy more to complete the project.
Unexpected costs: Under $1000?
Project Status: Complete
Irrigation Repairs:
Scope: Repair and replace leaking, broken, sprinkler heads.
Unexpected Outcomes: Pump died, and irrigation water filtering system broke, problem with keeping pump primed.
Unexpected costs: Better not say
Project Status: Water commissioners notify us that senior down river water rights necessitate the cutting off of our irrigation water as of August 6. Even though it hasn't been a dry year, this is the first time our ditch has been turned off in over 50 years or anyone's memory. Project is not complete.
Whole House Dejunking
Scope: Dejunk all rooms, closets, storage areas and garage.
Unexpected Outcomes: Countless trips to the trash and thrift store.
Project Status: My house feels lighter, cleaner more orderly, but the job isn't done yet. I'm out of time and energy for the moment while I complete other projects.
What kind of projects (home remodeling or otherwise) have you and your family worked on this summer? Let us know about your adventures!
Back Porch and Patio Project
Scope: Replace badly rotted and deteriorated back porch and stairs with composite decking material. Use donated flagstone to create a small patio under my shady walnut tree by the back door.
Unexpected outcomes: Sprinklers needed to be moved, porch foundation needed to be painted, improperly buried electrical wires needed to be brought to code, ran out of flagstone and had to buy more to complete the project.
Unexpected costs: Under $1000?
Project Status: Complete
Irrigation Repairs:
Scope: Repair and replace leaking, broken, sprinkler heads.
Unexpected Outcomes: Pump died, and irrigation water filtering system broke, problem with keeping pump primed.
Unexpected costs: Better not say
Project Status: Water commissioners notify us that senior down river water rights necessitate the cutting off of our irrigation water as of August 6. Even though it hasn't been a dry year, this is the first time our ditch has been turned off in over 50 years or anyone's memory. Project is not complete.
Whole House Dejunking
Scope: Dejunk all rooms, closets, storage areas and garage.
Unexpected Outcomes: Countless trips to the trash and thrift store.
Project Status: My house feels lighter, cleaner more orderly, but the job isn't done yet. I'm out of time and energy for the moment while I complete other projects.
What kind of projects (home remodeling or otherwise) have you and your family worked on this summer? Let us know about your adventures!
viernes, 24 de julio de 2009
The Urban Homemaker Business is for Sale!
Several weeks ago I wrote:
I was led to the scripture in Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 – the section about “There is a time for everything.” Specifically, verse 2 jumped out at me which says, “...There is a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted..”
Immediately I knew God was speaking and confirming to me what my heart had been telling me for awhile. It is time for The Urban Homemaker to pluck up the old and plant some new, in other words, it is time to give The Urban Homemaker a facelift!
As you know, The Urban Homemaker, started out as my hobby 18 years ago, and as God opened one door after another, my little enterprise eventually became our family business. Fifteen of those years my husband Duane guided and directed the enterprise until his home going in April of 2008.
In this difficult economy and day we live in, I am more convinced than ever that the The Urban Homemaker's mission, “old-fashioned skills for contemporary people,” and “homemaking helps for busy moms” remains a vital, timeless and badly needed message for homemakers of all ages.
The passion of TUH has always been based on the scripture Titus 2:4-5.
In the last several months God has made it clear to me that it is time for me to re-focus my energies on my writing and speaking ministry, but it has not been clear to me how I am to pass on the baton, vision, and legacy of The Urban Homemaker store.
This week it dawned on me clearly and brightly as a sunrise, it is time for me to sell The Urban Homemaker business to a family who shares the vision for old-fashioned skills, and homemaking helps for busy moms in the Spirit of Titus Two.
The ideal buyer will be a family that has prayed diligently for the right opportunity for Dad to come home. This special family has yearned to see their children work together as a family, learning countless business skills, while blessing others. The perfect buyer will also be a family that has the vision to take The Urban Homemaker to the next level.
Possibly you and your family recognize this is the opportunity that you have been praying for and waiting on for yourself or a friend. If so, now is the time to contact me for more information.
Please pray over this opportunity before you contact me for more information. Please contact me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com if your family is interested in pursuing this opportunity.
(The sale will include the website, customer list, the business name, the 800#, vendor information, my support during the transition and much more.)
I was led to the scripture in Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 – the section about “There is a time for everything.” Specifically, verse 2 jumped out at me which says, “...There is a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted..”
Immediately I knew God was speaking and confirming to me what my heart had been telling me for awhile. It is time for The Urban Homemaker to pluck up the old and plant some new, in other words, it is time to give The Urban Homemaker a facelift!
As you know, The Urban Homemaker, started out as my hobby 18 years ago, and as God opened one door after another, my little enterprise eventually became our family business. Fifteen of those years my husband Duane guided and directed the enterprise until his home going in April of 2008.
In this difficult economy and day we live in, I am more convinced than ever that the The Urban Homemaker's mission, “old-fashioned skills for contemporary people,” and “homemaking helps for busy moms” remains a vital, timeless and badly needed message for homemakers of all ages.
The passion of TUH has always been based on the scripture Titus 2:4-5.
In the last several months God has made it clear to me that it is time for me to re-focus my energies on my writing and speaking ministry, but it has not been clear to me how I am to pass on the baton, vision, and legacy of The Urban Homemaker store.
This week it dawned on me clearly and brightly as a sunrise, it is time for me to sell The Urban Homemaker business to a family who shares the vision for old-fashioned skills, and homemaking helps for busy moms in the Spirit of Titus Two.
The ideal buyer will be a family that has prayed diligently for the right opportunity for Dad to come home. This special family has yearned to see their children work together as a family, learning countless business skills, while blessing others. The perfect buyer will also be a family that has the vision to take The Urban Homemaker to the next level.
Possibly you and your family recognize this is the opportunity that you have been praying for and waiting on for yourself or a friend. If so, now is the time to contact me for more information.
Please pray over this opportunity before you contact me for more information. Please contact me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com if your family is interested in pursuing this opportunity.
(The sale will include the website, customer list, the business name, the 800#, vendor information, my support during the transition and much more.)
lunes, 29 de junio de 2009
Paonia Cherry Days
I can't believe it is almost the 4th of July! In Paonia, Colorado we have our biggest community celebration of the year, Paonia Cherry Days. The festival was actually organized over 60 years ago to celebrate the Cherry Harvest, Community, and family. My family and I always look forward to all the events, especially “church-in-the-park” followed by a community barbecue sponsored by my church.
Anyone living in the Front Range of Colorado really should consider visiting Paonia for old-fashioned family fun and delicious, locally grown cherries over the fourth of July or make plans to visit later in the summer when the fruit harvest is fully under way.
Cherry Days is one the oldest continuously running annual outdoor festivals in Colorado. This year the festivities begin on July 3rd with Downtown Days featuring food and entertainment along with sidewalk sales and fun activites for the whole family. July 4th will start with the Firefighters Breakfast and after breakfast be sure to head downtown for Paonia's 1st Annual Bed Race, beginning at 1st & Grand at approximately 9am.
The race will be followed by our traditional Parade through town culminating in the Town Park. Both the 4th & 5th will feature musical entertainment, arts & crafts fair, silent auction and a great family carnival in the Park. The evening of the 4th you can celebrate with Sweet Sunny South and Three In The Morning, performing, live, in the Town Park. Plan your Fourth of July celebration with a visit to Paonia...Where Fun Happens Naturally!
Visit the Paonia Chamber of Commerce website for more information.
Anyone living in the Front Range of Colorado really should consider visiting Paonia for old-fashioned family fun and delicious, locally grown cherries over the fourth of July or make plans to visit later in the summer when the fruit harvest is fully under way.
Cherry Days is one the oldest continuously running annual outdoor festivals in Colorado. This year the festivities begin on July 3rd with Downtown Days featuring food and entertainment along with sidewalk sales and fun activites for the whole family. July 4th will start with the Firefighters Breakfast and after breakfast be sure to head downtown for Paonia's 1st Annual Bed Race, beginning at 1st & Grand at approximately 9am.
The race will be followed by our traditional Parade through town culminating in the Town Park. Both the 4th & 5th will feature musical entertainment, arts & crafts fair, silent auction and a great family carnival in the Park. The evening of the 4th you can celebrate with Sweet Sunny South and Three In The Morning, performing, live, in the Town Park. Plan your Fourth of July celebration with a visit to Paonia...Where Fun Happens Naturally!
Visit the Paonia Chamber of Commerce website for more information.
jueves, 25 de junio de 2009
Parental Rights are in Jeopordy.
I have received countless emails encouraging me to contact Congress and the Obama administration regarding the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. According to the website, parentalrights.org, the CRC has the following implications and provisions.
The Obama administration is currently pushing CRC ratification. As for me, I believe NO international law should trump our US Constitution or our Sovereignty as a nation and fast and decisive action is needed.
Ten things you need to know about the structure of the CRC:
It is a treaty which creates binding rules of law. It is no mere statement of altruism.1.
Its effect would be binding on American families, courts, and policy-makers.2.
Children of other nations would not be impacted or helped in any direct way by our ratification.3.
The CRC would automatically override almost all American laws on children and families because of the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause in Article VI.4.
The CRC has some elements that are self-executing, while others would require implementing legislation. Federal courts would have the power to determine which provisions were self-executing.5.
The courts would have the power to directly enforce the provisions that are self-executing.6.
Congress would have the power to directly legislate on all subjects necessary to comply with the treaty. This would constitute the most massive shift of power from the states to the federal government in American history.7.
A committee of 18 experts from other nations, sitting in Geneva, has the authority to issue official interpretations of the treaty which are entitled to binding weight in American courts and legislatures. This effectively transfers ultimate authority for all policies in this area to this foreign committee.8.
Under international law, the treaty overrides even our Constitution.9.
Reservations, declarations, or understandings intended to modify our duty to comply with this treaty will be void if they are determined to be inconsistent with the object and purpose of the treaty.10.
Ten things you need to know about the substance of the CRC:
Parents would no longer be able to administer reasonable spankings to their children.11.
A murderer aged 17 years and 11 months and 29 days at the time of his crime could no longer be sentenced to life in prison.12.
Children would have the ability to choose their own religion while parents would only have the authority to give their children advice about religion.13.
The best interest of the child principle would give the government the ability to override every decision made by every parent if a government worker disagreed with the parent’s decision.14.
A child’s “right to be heard” would allow him (or her) to seek governmental review of every parental decision with which the child disagreed.15.
According to existing interpretation, it would be illegal for a nation to spend more on national defense than it does on children’s welfare.16.
Children would acquire a legally enforceable right to leisure.17.
Christian schools that refuse to teach "alternative worldviews" and teach that Christianity is the only true religion "fly in the face of article 29" of the treaty.18.
Allowing parents to opt their children out of sex education has been held to be out of compliance with the CRC.19.
Children would have the right to reproductive health information and services, including abortions, without parental knowledge or consent.20.
The Obama administration is currently pushing CRC ratification. As for me, I believe NO international law should trump our US Constitution or our Sovereignty as a nation and fast and decisive action is needed.
Ten things you need to know about the structure of the CRC:
It is a treaty which creates binding rules of law. It is no mere statement of altruism.1.
Its effect would be binding on American families, courts, and policy-makers.2.
Children of other nations would not be impacted or helped in any direct way by our ratification.3.
The CRC would automatically override almost all American laws on children and families because of the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause in Article VI.4.
The CRC has some elements that are self-executing, while others would require implementing legislation. Federal courts would have the power to determine which provisions were self-executing.5.
The courts would have the power to directly enforce the provisions that are self-executing.6.
Congress would have the power to directly legislate on all subjects necessary to comply with the treaty. This would constitute the most massive shift of power from the states to the federal government in American history.7.
A committee of 18 experts from other nations, sitting in Geneva, has the authority to issue official interpretations of the treaty which are entitled to binding weight in American courts and legislatures. This effectively transfers ultimate authority for all policies in this area to this foreign committee.8.
Under international law, the treaty overrides even our Constitution.9.
Reservations, declarations, or understandings intended to modify our duty to comply with this treaty will be void if they are determined to be inconsistent with the object and purpose of the treaty.10.
Ten things you need to know about the substance of the CRC:
Parents would no longer be able to administer reasonable spankings to their children.11.
A murderer aged 17 years and 11 months and 29 days at the time of his crime could no longer be sentenced to life in prison.12.
Children would have the ability to choose their own religion while parents would only have the authority to give their children advice about religion.13.
The best interest of the child principle would give the government the ability to override every decision made by every parent if a government worker disagreed with the parent’s decision.14.
A child’s “right to be heard” would allow him (or her) to seek governmental review of every parental decision with which the child disagreed.15.
According to existing interpretation, it would be illegal for a nation to spend more on national defense than it does on children’s welfare.16.
Children would acquire a legally enforceable right to leisure.17.
Christian schools that refuse to teach "alternative worldviews" and teach that Christianity is the only true religion "fly in the face of article 29" of the treaty.18.
Allowing parents to opt their children out of sex education has been held to be out of compliance with the CRC.19.
Children would have the right to reproductive health information and services, including abortions, without parental knowledge or consent.20.
Be In Health Conference
Two weeks ago, my daughter Mary and I got to attend the For Their Life TM Workshop in Thomaston, Georgia. The week involves nearly 40 hours of intensive teaching and training on what the Bible says about disease and much more.
Did you know that 3 John 2 says: "I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." Pastor Henry Wight, author of A More Excellent Way, says that even the AMA believes there are spiritual causes to up to 80% of diseases. He believes most illness begins with a break down in relationship with 1.) yourself, 2.) God, 3.) Others.
I also learned and had reinforced that the "talk" I hear constantly in my head can one of three voices. 1.) Myself, 2.) God, 3.) The Enemy, Satan.
One teacher explained that when we hear in our head, "I'm so dumb." "I'm so stupid.", "I'll never get it right.", self-talk in the first person, it is often the enemy trying to get us believe that our thoughts are our own. But I learned that anything that doesn't line up with what God says about me, then I'm listening to the voice of the enemy. I've been "tricked" by the enemy into believing lies about myself.
I have found myself thinking many thoughts in the last week that I recognized as the lies of the enemy. For example, when boarding the plane to fly home last Sunday, I heard a voice in my head saying, "I hate this." I felt tension rising in my muscles. Suddenly I realized, there was no peace in that thought and the thought was most likely the enemy lying to me and trying to get me to react to an angry, bitter, evil spirit. I quickly fell out of agreement with that subtle lie and peace returned to my mind.
Yes, this is a very small example of how our thoughts can effect our health consciously or unconsciously.
But how I handle mythoughts is directly related to my mental health and how I feel about myself and others. According to 2 Corinthians 10:5 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." It can be a challenge to recognize the source of every thought.
Since attending Be in Health, I have had many new opportunities to recognize that many of my thoughts are not of God and I have been renounce them, and resisting them. My health is at stake! My grandmother died from Alzheimer's, a disease I definitely do not want. From the teaching at the seminar I began to see the mind-soul-spirit connection of thoughts my Grandmother may have had about herself that contributed to the disease.
God has been so good to me to show me new truths, new truths to set me free from the bondage of sin.
In Deuteronomy 28:1-14, God promises blessings to those who obey him and calls diseases a curse. There is so much to learn about obeying God that I didn't know. But one thing I do know, when I obey God in the little things, especially my attitudes and with the words i use, life goes better for me and my family.
During the ministry sessions I got a better handle on how the trauma of my husband's death opened the door to my heart for all kinds of fears including fear of abandonment and rejection. But God never abandons us, he is always gracious, he promises to never fail me nor forsake me. Since it has been over a year since Duane passed on, I know deeper in my heart the truths of how much God loves me, that only he can heal my broken heart and that I can trust that he does have good plan for me and my new life as a widow.
I am so excited that God has led me to put the Urban Homemaker on vacation for a few weeks of remodeling and facelift so that I re-open with more resources and information to encourage busy moms in the Spirit of Titus Two.
If your family is struggling with a serious health issues, I would encourage you to consider if there are some spiritual dynamics in your generations that have been passed on to you that you can get rid of now. Or email me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com for more information.
Here is more information for anyone interested in For My Life classes:
Be in Health Announces
For My Life - ONLINE
Henry Wright teaches that often the mind needs to be renewed before lasting healing can take place. The scripturally based principles taught in For My Life™ Online facilitate and encourage each participant to renew their mind with biblical insights.
The For My Life Online program has all of the basic teachings of the For My Life class held in Thomaston, GA, but in a condensed form. This program was designed to make For My Life available to everyone who could not make it to Thomaston yet, or those needing a refresher course.
For My Life Online consists of 32 hours of teaching stretched over 14 days. Each day another class or series of classes are released for you to view in order, just like the Thomaston class. This entire class can be viewed by spending just 2 ½ hours a day during that 14 day timeline.
The For My Life Online player is a Flash based player that you will be able to view once the first day of the class begins. When a specific class is available, you will be able to watch it as many times as you need to during the remaining days of that class timeline. Once the last day of the class ends, access to the player will be turned off. The player has the ability to start, stop, pause and rewind the video if you missed something.
For My Life™ Online provides the opportunity to gather the kind of information that helps people apply the principles of God to their life in such a way that they often find healing of spirit, soul, and body.
Classes are offered twice a month. Online Registration and fees are required for the program.
Click Here to Register
Did you know that 3 John 2 says: "I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." Pastor Henry Wight, author of A More Excellent Way, says that even the AMA believes there are spiritual causes to up to 80% of diseases. He believes most illness begins with a break down in relationship with 1.) yourself, 2.) God, 3.) Others.
I also learned and had reinforced that the "talk" I hear constantly in my head can one of three voices. 1.) Myself, 2.) God, 3.) The Enemy, Satan.
One teacher explained that when we hear in our head, "I'm so dumb." "I'm so stupid.", "I'll never get it right.", self-talk in the first person, it is often the enemy trying to get us believe that our thoughts are our own. But I learned that anything that doesn't line up with what God says about me, then I'm listening to the voice of the enemy. I've been "tricked" by the enemy into believing lies about myself.
I have found myself thinking many thoughts in the last week that I recognized as the lies of the enemy. For example, when boarding the plane to fly home last Sunday, I heard a voice in my head saying, "I hate this." I felt tension rising in my muscles. Suddenly I realized, there was no peace in that thought and the thought was most likely the enemy lying to me and trying to get me to react to an angry, bitter, evil spirit. I quickly fell out of agreement with that subtle lie and peace returned to my mind.
Yes, this is a very small example of how our thoughts can effect our health consciously or unconsciously.
But how I handle mythoughts is directly related to my mental health and how I feel about myself and others. According to 2 Corinthians 10:5 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." It can be a challenge to recognize the source of every thought.
Since attending Be in Health, I have had many new opportunities to recognize that many of my thoughts are not of God and I have been renounce them, and resisting them. My health is at stake! My grandmother died from Alzheimer's, a disease I definitely do not want. From the teaching at the seminar I began to see the mind-soul-spirit connection of thoughts my Grandmother may have had about herself that contributed to the disease.
God has been so good to me to show me new truths, new truths to set me free from the bondage of sin.
In Deuteronomy 28:1-14, God promises blessings to those who obey him and calls diseases a curse. There is so much to learn about obeying God that I didn't know. But one thing I do know, when I obey God in the little things, especially my attitudes and with the words i use, life goes better for me and my family.
During the ministry sessions I got a better handle on how the trauma of my husband's death opened the door to my heart for all kinds of fears including fear of abandonment and rejection. But God never abandons us, he is always gracious, he promises to never fail me nor forsake me. Since it has been over a year since Duane passed on, I know deeper in my heart the truths of how much God loves me, that only he can heal my broken heart and that I can trust that he does have good plan for me and my new life as a widow.
I am so excited that God has led me to put the Urban Homemaker on vacation for a few weeks of remodeling and facelift so that I re-open with more resources and information to encourage busy moms in the Spirit of Titus Two.
If your family is struggling with a serious health issues, I would encourage you to consider if there are some spiritual dynamics in your generations that have been passed on to you that you can get rid of now. Or email me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com for more information.
Here is more information for anyone interested in For My Life classes:
Be in Health Announces
For My Life - ONLINE
Henry Wright teaches that often the mind needs to be renewed before lasting healing can take place. The scripturally based principles taught in For My Life™ Online facilitate and encourage each participant to renew their mind with biblical insights.
The For My Life Online program has all of the basic teachings of the For My Life class held in Thomaston, GA, but in a condensed form. This program was designed to make For My Life available to everyone who could not make it to Thomaston yet, or those needing a refresher course.
For My Life Online consists of 32 hours of teaching stretched over 14 days. Each day another class or series of classes are released for you to view in order, just like the Thomaston class. This entire class can be viewed by spending just 2 ½ hours a day during that 14 day timeline.
The For My Life Online player is a Flash based player that you will be able to view once the first day of the class begins. When a specific class is available, you will be able to watch it as many times as you need to during the remaining days of that class timeline. Once the last day of the class ends, access to the player will be turned off. The player has the ability to start, stop, pause and rewind the video if you missed something.
For My Life™ Online provides the opportunity to gather the kind of information that helps people apply the principles of God to their life in such a way that they often find healing of spirit, soul, and body.
Classes are offered twice a month. Online Registration and fees are required for the program.
Click Here to Register
jueves, 28 de mayo de 2009
Hero Moms Incarnating Proverbs 31
Ed Note: Here is the recording of a recent phone interview with Kevin Swanson regarding the story of The Urban Homemaker.
Hero Moms Incarnating the Proverbs 31 Vision
The Urban Homemaker In a day of fragmented families and big-business oriented economies, one family’s vision took them on an amazing journey. The life of faith is not always pretty, but it is also not without its joys and triumphs! When Duane and Marilyn Moll took the trip all the way home in the early 1990s with home schooling and home businesses, they had no idea what would lie ahead of them. Marilyn Moll tells the inspiring story of Urban Homemaker on this edition of Generations.
There are many different ways that Christian families are incarnating the biblical model for home life, integrated families, and Proverbs 31 home-managers. But in a world of egalitarianism, socialist-driven economies, family disintegration, and institutionalized, non-discipleship oriented education, it is a huge inspiration to see a few families embracing the biblical vision and trying out a few incarnations of that vision!
generationswithvision.com/RadioShow.aspx?sid=1159
Hero Moms Incarnating the Proverbs 31 Vision
The Urban Homemaker In a day of fragmented families and big-business oriented economies, one family’s vision took them on an amazing journey. The life of faith is not always pretty, but it is also not without its joys and triumphs! When Duane and Marilyn Moll took the trip all the way home in the early 1990s with home schooling and home businesses, they had no idea what would lie ahead of them. Marilyn Moll tells the inspiring story of Urban Homemaker on this edition of Generations.
There are many different ways that Christian families are incarnating the biblical model for home life, integrated families, and Proverbs 31 home-managers. But in a world of egalitarianism, socialist-driven economies, family disintegration, and institutionalized, non-discipleship oriented education, it is a huge inspiration to see a few families embracing the biblical vision and trying out a few incarnations of that vision!
generationswithvision.com/RadioShow.aspx?sid=1159
miércoles, 20 de mayo de 2009
Entrepreneurial Moms/Families
On Friday, May 22, 2009, I, Marilyn Moll, will be the featured guest on Generations with Vision Radio with Kevin Swanson. Our topic will be Entrepreneurial Moms. At that time I will be talking about a how The Urban Homemaker business got started eighteen years ago, my late husband's vision for a home based business, how I have adjusted to running the business as a widow, and a new direction I will be taking the business later this year.
One of Duane's passions was education and so we introduced phone seminars Continuing Education for Moms four years ago. Many customers and readers have contacted me regarding when I plan to start up the "phone seminars."
The good news is that I am working diligently to restart this program in the Fall of 2009. As I plan the schedule I am looking your help. If you know of a small family businesses that offers products, services, or information products that encourages and support homemakers and families would you please tell them of a new opportunity to gain recognition and to get their message out to thousands of families?
If you have or know of a family home based business that supports or encourages homemaking, I may be interested in featuring this business/service in future issues of my newsletter From the Heart of the Urban Homemaker, as well as providing very low cost advertising and/or free exposure at one of my websites, urbanhomemaker.com, articles.urbanhomemaker.com, mentoringhomemakers.com, or my blog marilynmoll.com.
I am specifically looking to feature and interview people whose product or service and business objectives are compatible with the following criteria:
1. You are offering homemaking helps for busy moms in the spirit of Titus Two.
2. Your business in some way promotes old-fashioned skills for contemporary people.
3. You have an affiliate program.
4. You have a free resource or ebook that you are willing to share with my newsletter readers.
You do not necessarily have to have an affiliate program or free resource to be considered.
In order to be considered however, you must provide me with the following required information. I'm looking for unique family businesses. (However, national direct selling companies offering great products such as Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Home Interiors, Juice Plus will not be considered.)
Continuing Education for Moms Program Application:
To be considered, please complete the entire application.
Business Phone Number:
Home Phone if different:
Cell Phone:
Website:
Email contact:
Name of Business:
Time in Business:
Business Objective(s):
Describe the products or service your business offers and how it can be of benefit to homemakers and families:
Describe briefly why you believe your business is uniquely suited to be compatible with and featured in From the Heart of the Urban Homemaker Newsletter:
Describe the free product or service you would be willing to share with readers (if any):
Describe affiliate program if applicable:
Describe what you would hope to gain from being featured:
Email your application to me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com
If your business is selected to be featured, I will contact you. Please do not call me.
One of Duane's passions was education and so we introduced phone seminars Continuing Education for Moms four years ago. Many customers and readers have contacted me regarding when I plan to start up the "phone seminars."
The good news is that I am working diligently to restart this program in the Fall of 2009. As I plan the schedule I am looking your help. If you know of a small family businesses that offers products, services, or information products that encourages and support homemakers and families would you please tell them of a new opportunity to gain recognition and to get their message out to thousands of families?
If you have or know of a family home based business that supports or encourages homemaking, I may be interested in featuring this business/service in future issues of my newsletter From the Heart of the Urban Homemaker, as well as providing very low cost advertising and/or free exposure at one of my websites, urbanhomemaker.com, articles.urbanhomemaker.com, mentoringhomemakers.com, or my blog marilynmoll.com.
I am specifically looking to feature and interview people whose product or service and business objectives are compatible with the following criteria:
1. You are offering homemaking helps for busy moms in the spirit of Titus Two.
2. Your business in some way promotes old-fashioned skills for contemporary people.
3. You have an affiliate program.
4. You have a free resource or ebook that you are willing to share with my newsletter readers.
You do not necessarily have to have an affiliate program or free resource to be considered.
In order to be considered however, you must provide me with the following required information. I'm looking for unique family businesses. (However, national direct selling companies offering great products such as Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Home Interiors, Juice Plus will not be considered.)
Continuing Education for Moms Program Application:
To be considered, please complete the entire application.
Business Phone Number:
Home Phone if different:
Cell Phone:
Website:
Email contact:
Name of Business:
Time in Business:
Business Objective(s):
Describe the products or service your business offers and how it can be of benefit to homemakers and families:
Describe briefly why you believe your business is uniquely suited to be compatible with and featured in From the Heart of the Urban Homemaker Newsletter:
Describe the free product or service you would be willing to share with readers (if any):
Describe affiliate program if applicable:
Describe what you would hope to gain from being featured:
Email your application to me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com
If your business is selected to be featured, I will contact you. Please do not call me.
viernes, 8 de mayo de 2009
Before I was a Mom
Ed Note: This was sent to me by my sister with no copyright. A reader has notified me this quote actually appeared in a book by Mary LaGrand Bouma, The Creative Homemaker, which came out in 1973. I believe Bouma was probably the original author — just thought you might want to know.
Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn ' t worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn ' t want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn ' t stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much..
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn ' t know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn ' t know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn ' t know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn ' t know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn ' t know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom .
Send this to someone who you think is an awesome Mom.
May you always be overwhelmed by the Grace of God rather than by the cares of life
Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn ' t worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn ' t want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn ' t stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much..
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn ' t know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn ' t know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn ' t know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn ' t know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn ' t know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom .
Send this to someone who you think is an awesome Mom.
May you always be overwhelmed by the Grace of God rather than by the cares of life
martes, 28 de abril de 2009
I am a 'Kept' Woman!
There have been times when I thought I would lose my mind, but God kept me sane. Isaiah 26:3 -
There were times when I thought I could go on no longer But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)
At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, but the Lord kept my mouth shut. (Ps 13)
Sometimes I think the money just isn't enough, but God has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc, (Matt 6:25-34
When I thought I would fall, He kept me up.
When I thought I was weak, He kept me strong! (1 Pet 5:7, Matt 11: 28-30)
Are you or do you know a 'kept' woman?
If so, pass it on to her to let them know they are 'Kept.'
I am kept by the Love and Grace of God! I am indeed kept woman and praise God for it!
Please share this with someone in need of encouragement today.
There were times when I thought I could go on no longer But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)
At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, but the Lord kept my mouth shut. (Ps 13)
Sometimes I think the money just isn't enough, but God has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc, (Matt 6:25-34
When I thought I would fall, He kept me up.
When I thought I was weak, He kept me strong! (1 Pet 5:7, Matt 11: 28-30)
Are you or do you know a 'kept' woman?
If so, pass it on to her to let them know they are 'Kept.'
I am kept by the Love and Grace of God! I am indeed kept woman and praise God for it!
Please share this with someone in need of encouragement today.
jueves, 16 de abril de 2009
Organic Farming Jeopardized?
Ed Note: I sent out an email with concerns regarding HR 875 this week and received more email responses on both side of the issue than I have time to respond to. Many writers referred me to snopes.com/politics/business/organic.asp.
One write cautioned me that they felt truthorfiction.com has a more neutral tone when it comes to evaluating and analysis of facts. She said they also seem to dig into the issue more and present more of the background behind the statements and/or commentary. Decide for yourself.
However, the following response was received from Greg Davis and also a friend of mine, Rhoda, who give yet another viewpoint, food for thought, and many other informative links for doing further research if you feel so led. I am reprinting the following information with permission.
Greg Davis writes based on information posted at Organic Consumers Association:
<<<HR 875 is a food safety bill that, as it is currently drafted, could be applied to all farms, including certified organic and farm-to-consumer operations. The bill would require farms to have a food safety plan, allow their records to be inspected, and comply with food safety regulations.
For the record, Organic Consumers Association does have an alert on HR875. As OCA points out in our Action Alert, we cannot support a "food safety" bill unless it provides protection or exemptions for organic and farm-to-consumer producers and cracks down on the real corporate criminals who are tampering with and polluting our nation's food supply.
Having said that, OCA supports aspects of HR875 that call for mandatory recalls of tainted food, increased scrutiny of large slaughterhouses and food manufacturers, and hefty fines against companies that send poisonous food to market. The now discredited ultra-libertarian notion that companies or the "market" will regulate themselves is not only ludicrous, but dangerous, whether we are talking about the banking system or the food and farming sector.
When researching this issue, Organic Consumers Association turned to trusted sources within the organic farming community. We suggest the following resource for further reading:
An Integrated Approach to Food Safety
Russell Libby, Executive Director
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
nationalorganiccoalition.org/MOFGAFoodSafety.pdf
Letter from the Farmers Market Coalition on HR 875
graysriver.grange.wahkiakum.info/grays_river_grange/2009/03/-hr-875-the-food-safety-modernization-act-of-2009.html)" style="border-width:0px;margin:0px;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:bold;color:rgb(0, 102, 102)""_blank" target="_blank">graysriver.grange.wahkiakum.info/grays_river_grang...
Organic food healthier and more intensively inspected-but not magically protected from humans or pathogens
Rodale Institute
rodaleinstitute.org/Bowman/20090306a
To get a sense of the food safety issues that Congress is trying to deal with, read Jill Richardson's (La Vida Locovore) write-up of a March 19, 2009, hearing in the House Energy & Commerce subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations on the salmonella peanut butter outbreak :
lavidalocavore.org/showDiary.do?diaryId=1241
Of course, Monsanto and large corporate agribusiness are out to destroy traditional farming. Unfortunately, while many people have been distracted by HR 875, the biotech companies have been hard at work pushing their agenda (see below). We need to keep working together to work towards positive alternatives, such as organic agriculture and the green economy.
A ban on rBGH-free labeling from Monsanto's successor Eli Lilly
A bill that is working its way through the Kansas legislature would prevent farmers from labeling any dairy products sold in Kansas as being "free" of genetically modified bovine growth hormone (rbST or rBGH). Farmers could say that the product comes from cows that haven't received injections of the artificial bovine growth hormone, which stimulates milk production (and increases the use of antibiotics and the presence of pus in milk). However, such products would also be forced to include disclaimers saying that the federal government has found no significant difference between milk from cows injected with rbST and milk from those that have not received the hormone. While there is an exemption for certified organic milk, OCA opposes this law. It has Monsanto's fingerprints all over it. The revolving door that brought Monsanto executives through the FDA is the reason the federal government took the position that there's no difference between milk produced with or without rbST. Monsanto sold rbST to Eli Lilly in August 2008, but the pro-rbST strategy hasn't changed much.
hutchnews.com/Localregional/milklabeling
Monsanto uses closed-door lobbying to block Montana bill that would protect farmers
Montana Senators sidelined a seed bill that sought standards for how biotech companies test crops for patent infringement, burying the bill after getting a private dinner with Monsantorepresentatives.
forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/03/25/ap6213818.html
Epitopix's E. coli vaccine
A vaccine for E. coli has been conditionally approved by the USDA. Now the USDA can force this new animal drug on all beef and dairy producers rather than focus on the cause of E. coli and its spread, feeding cows grain instead of grass, confining cows in pens where they wade in manure their whole lives right up to slaughter, and the manure lagoons that leak into the water and onto nearby vegetable farms.
capitalpress.info/main.asp?Sect...amp;TM=58133.16
Monsanto's gene-altered drought-resistant corn
The chemical companies have yoked farmers with increasingly expensive and ineffective fossil-fuel-based inputs that contribute to global warming. Now they propose another techno-fix: gene-altered drought-tolerant crops. Trouble is, the crops don't do well under non-drought conditions. Monsanto invests $2.6 million daily in its research. Think how many people could be eat healthy food on long-term, sustainable basis if Monsanto and its partner the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation invested $2.6 each day in organic agriculture!
worldwatch.org/node/5950
dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.c...ulture-res.html
planetark.com/enviro-news/item/51966
Indian farmers protest Monsanto seed experiments that threaten their farms
One farmer said, "Monsanto is a criminal corporation known to have sued or sent to jail scores of farmers elsewhere for doing what farmers around the world have done for millennia -- saving their seeds."
business-standard.com/india/news/farmers-protestmonsantos-gm-seed-experiment/352673/)" style="border-width:0px;margin:0px;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:bold;color:rgb(0, 102, 102)""_blank" target="_blank">business-standard.com/india/news/farmers-prote...>>>>
I also received the following note from a personal friend who had tried very small scale farming about 8-10 years ago. Rhoda writes:
<<<
Hi Marilyn,
I read (mostly skimmed) through this bill following the link you provided. Though most bills are too vague and have pitfalls and interpretation problems, bills that control our food supply are particularly troubling for me. I believe this bill can be trouble, however, as I read some of the definitions I see exceptions to the law. I'll copy the parts below:
(B) EXCLUSIONS- For the purposes of registration, the term `food establishment' does not include a food production facility as defined in paragraph (14), restaurant, other retail food establishment, nonprofit food establishment in which food is prepared for or served directly to the consumer, or fishing vessel (other than a fishing vessel engaged in processing, as that term is defined in section 123.3 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations).
(14) FOOD PRODUCTION FACILITY- The term `food production facility' means any farm, ranch, orchard, vineyard, aquaculture facility, or confined animal-feeding operation.
I'm not a lawyer, and this language is always difficult for me, but, in reading the above, it seems that small farms will be excluded. One part that bothers me, though, is in definition #5:
(5) CATEGORY 1 FOOD ESTABLISHMENT- The term `category 1 food establishment' means a food establishment (other than a seafood processing establishment) that slaughters, for the purpose of producing food, animals that are not subject to inspection under the Federal Meat Inspection Act or poultry that are not subject to inspection under the Poultry Products Inspection Act.
When we lived in Pitkin and started the egg business, I called the U.S. Dept. of Health in Denver to see if I could. The man told me I could sell eggs to friends and neighbors without being inspected, but I couldn't sell to stores or restaurants for retail sales. We also looked into selling butchered chickens, but we would be subject to inspection if we butchered or transferred them for sale. We could, however, sell the live birds and process them as a service (without charging for that) to get around the law. The problem I see with the #5 definition is that the department of agriculture already controls food establishments that slaughter animals for food. So, who are they going after, and what am I not understanding about this legislation?
If you have, or receive, any more insight into this bill, I'm interested in hearing it. In my reading of this, it seems that there's something they're wanting to control outside of the usual, but it also seems they've excluded any other place that would process food (outside of wild game, the only category not covered in the definitions). The biggest concerns are 1) they're trampling on state's rights, and 2) I know there's a woman in congress who's husband is an executive at Monsanto, and she's been trying to enact legislation which favors that company for a while. Remember, too, that the state dept. of ag. is already the federal government's food police in matters of inspection concerning restaurants, slaughterhouses, and farms, ranches and food processing facilities which ship their products out for public consumption.
This bill would just enhance and widen their reach. I'll pass this on, but most of the people on my list probably won't understand the implications.
I'm sure the recent problems with salmonella in the food supply is helping to carry this and may cause people to want it to help "protect" them from food-borne illnesses. I could use more info to help persuade, so if you receive any, please pass it on. Thanks!>>>
One write cautioned me that they felt truthorfiction.com has a more neutral tone when it comes to evaluating and analysis of facts. She said they also seem to dig into the issue more and present more of the background behind the statements and/or commentary. Decide for yourself.
However, the following response was received from Greg Davis and also a friend of mine, Rhoda, who give yet another viewpoint, food for thought, and many other informative links for doing further research if you feel so led. I am reprinting the following information with permission.
Greg Davis writes based on information posted at Organic Consumers Association:
<<<HR 875 is a food safety bill that, as it is currently drafted, could be applied to all farms, including certified organic and farm-to-consumer operations. The bill would require farms to have a food safety plan, allow their records to be inspected, and comply with food safety regulations.
For the record, Organic Consumers Association does have an alert on HR875. As OCA points out in our Action Alert, we cannot support a "food safety" bill unless it provides protection or exemptions for organic and farm-to-consumer producers and cracks down on the real corporate criminals who are tampering with and polluting our nation's food supply.
Having said that, OCA supports aspects of HR875 that call for mandatory recalls of tainted food, increased scrutiny of large slaughterhouses and food manufacturers, and hefty fines against companies that send poisonous food to market. The now discredited ultra-libertarian notion that companies or the "market" will regulate themselves is not only ludicrous, but dangerous, whether we are talking about the banking system or the food and farming sector.
When researching this issue, Organic Consumers Association turned to trusted sources within the organic farming community. We suggest the following resource for further reading:
An Integrated Approach to Food Safety
Russell Libby, Executive Director
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
nationalorganiccoalition.org/MOFGAFoodSafety.pdf
Letter from the Farmers Market Coalition on HR 875
graysriver.grange.wahkiakum.info/grays_river_grange/2009/03/-hr-875-the-food-safety-modernization-act-of-2009.html)" style="border-width:0px;margin:0px;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:bold;color:rgb(0, 102, 102)""_blank" target="_blank">graysriver.grange.wahkiakum.info/grays_river_grang...
Organic food healthier and more intensively inspected-but not magically protected from humans or pathogens
Rodale Institute
rodaleinstitute.org/Bowman/20090306a
To get a sense of the food safety issues that Congress is trying to deal with, read Jill Richardson's (La Vida Locovore) write-up of a March 19, 2009, hearing in the House Energy & Commerce subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations on the salmonella peanut butter outbreak :
lavidalocavore.org/showDiary.do?diaryId=1241
Of course, Monsanto and large corporate agribusiness are out to destroy traditional farming. Unfortunately, while many people have been distracted by HR 875, the biotech companies have been hard at work pushing their agenda (see below). We need to keep working together to work towards positive alternatives, such as organic agriculture and the green economy.
A ban on rBGH-free labeling from Monsanto's successor Eli Lilly
A bill that is working its way through the Kansas legislature would prevent farmers from labeling any dairy products sold in Kansas as being "free" of genetically modified bovine growth hormone (rbST or rBGH). Farmers could say that the product comes from cows that haven't received injections of the artificial bovine growth hormone, which stimulates milk production (and increases the use of antibiotics and the presence of pus in milk). However, such products would also be forced to include disclaimers saying that the federal government has found no significant difference between milk from cows injected with rbST and milk from those that have not received the hormone. While there is an exemption for certified organic milk, OCA opposes this law. It has Monsanto's fingerprints all over it. The revolving door that brought Monsanto executives through the FDA is the reason the federal government took the position that there's no difference between milk produced with or without rbST. Monsanto sold rbST to Eli Lilly in August 2008, but the pro-rbST strategy hasn't changed much.
hutchnews.com/Localregional/milklabeling
Monsanto uses closed-door lobbying to block Montana bill that would protect farmers
Montana Senators sidelined a seed bill that sought standards for how biotech companies test crops for patent infringement, burying the bill after getting a private dinner with Monsantorepresentatives.
forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/03/25/ap6213818.html
Epitopix's E. coli vaccine
A vaccine for E. coli has been conditionally approved by the USDA. Now the USDA can force this new animal drug on all beef and dairy producers rather than focus on the cause of E. coli and its spread, feeding cows grain instead of grass, confining cows in pens where they wade in manure their whole lives right up to slaughter, and the manure lagoons that leak into the water and onto nearby vegetable farms.
capitalpress.info/main.asp?Sect...amp;TM=58133.16
Monsanto's gene-altered drought-resistant corn
The chemical companies have yoked farmers with increasingly expensive and ineffective fossil-fuel-based inputs that contribute to global warming. Now they propose another techno-fix: gene-altered drought-tolerant crops. Trouble is, the crops don't do well under non-drought conditions. Monsanto invests $2.6 million daily in its research. Think how many people could be eat healthy food on long-term, sustainable basis if Monsanto and its partner the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation invested $2.6 each day in organic agriculture!
worldwatch.org/node/5950
dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.c...ulture-res.html
planetark.com/enviro-news/item/51966
Indian farmers protest Monsanto seed experiments that threaten their farms
One farmer said, "Monsanto is a criminal corporation known to have sued or sent to jail scores of farmers elsewhere for doing what farmers around the world have done for millennia -- saving their seeds."
business-standard.com/india/news/farmers-protestmonsantos-gm-seed-experiment/352673/)" style="border-width:0px;margin:0px;padding:0px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:bold;color:rgb(0, 102, 102)""_blank" target="_blank">business-standard.com/india/news/farmers-prote...>>>>
I also received the following note from a personal friend who had tried very small scale farming about 8-10 years ago. Rhoda writes:
<<<
Hi Marilyn,
I read (mostly skimmed) through this bill following the link you provided. Though most bills are too vague and have pitfalls and interpretation problems, bills that control our food supply are particularly troubling for me. I believe this bill can be trouble, however, as I read some of the definitions I see exceptions to the law. I'll copy the parts below:
(B) EXCLUSIONS- For the purposes of registration, the term `food establishment' does not include a food production facility as defined in paragraph (14), restaurant, other retail food establishment, nonprofit food establishment in which food is prepared for or served directly to the consumer, or fishing vessel (other than a fishing vessel engaged in processing, as that term is defined in section 123.3 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations).
(14) FOOD PRODUCTION FACILITY- The term `food production facility' means any farm, ranch, orchard, vineyard, aquaculture facility, or confined animal-feeding operation.
I'm not a lawyer, and this language is always difficult for me, but, in reading the above, it seems that small farms will be excluded. One part that bothers me, though, is in definition #5:
(5) CATEGORY 1 FOOD ESTABLISHMENT- The term `category 1 food establishment' means a food establishment (other than a seafood processing establishment) that slaughters, for the purpose of producing food, animals that are not subject to inspection under the Federal Meat Inspection Act or poultry that are not subject to inspection under the Poultry Products Inspection Act.
When we lived in Pitkin and started the egg business, I called the U.S. Dept. of Health in Denver to see if I could. The man told me I could sell eggs to friends and neighbors without being inspected, but I couldn't sell to stores or restaurants for retail sales. We also looked into selling butchered chickens, but we would be subject to inspection if we butchered or transferred them for sale. We could, however, sell the live birds and process them as a service (without charging for that) to get around the law. The problem I see with the #5 definition is that the department of agriculture already controls food establishments that slaughter animals for food. So, who are they going after, and what am I not understanding about this legislation?
If you have, or receive, any more insight into this bill, I'm interested in hearing it. In my reading of this, it seems that there's something they're wanting to control outside of the usual, but it also seems they've excluded any other place that would process food (outside of wild game, the only category not covered in the definitions). The biggest concerns are 1) they're trampling on state's rights, and 2) I know there's a woman in congress who's husband is an executive at Monsanto, and she's been trying to enact legislation which favors that company for a while. Remember, too, that the state dept. of ag. is already the federal government's food police in matters of inspection concerning restaurants, slaughterhouses, and farms, ranches and food processing facilities which ship their products out for public consumption.
This bill would just enhance and widen their reach. I'll pass this on, but most of the people on my list probably won't understand the implications.
I'm sure the recent problems with salmonella in the food supply is helping to carry this and may cause people to want it to help "protect" them from food-borne illnesses. I could use more info to help persuade, so if you receive any, please pass it on. Thanks!>>>
jueves, 9 de abril de 2009
Wise Words from Lincoln
With all the talk about frugality, budget-crunches, stimulus packages, bail-outs a person could actually get confused about whether debt loads are a good thing. I recently came across a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln on this topic. He said:
"You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the small men by tearing down the big men.
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling down the wage payer.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatreds.
You cannot establish security on borrowed money. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves."
Please think about these timeless principles and keep in touch with your congressmen and senators, that deficit spending is not a long term solution to economic crisis. Marilyn
"You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the small men by tearing down the big men.
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling down the wage payer.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatreds.
You cannot establish security on borrowed money. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves."
Please think about these timeless principles and keep in touch with your congressmen and senators, that deficit spending is not a long term solution to economic crisis. Marilyn
viernes, 27 de marzo de 2009
BLOG CONTEST:
Regardless of the financial circumstances your family is in, I am asking readers to post their favorite crafty or frugal ideas. I'm talking about clever ways you recycle something otherwise considered useless or discardable.
For example, maybe you learned to make a baby quilt using old denim jeans or thrift store clothing cut into smaller pieces sewn together to complete the top. Or perhaps you have figured out a multitude of uses for recycling empty coffee cans. Maybe you mastered a new set of skills to produce sought-after gifts.
Please share your ideas on how to re-use, re-cyle, or reduce your consumption of something you thought you couldn't live without.
Share your ideas, victories to inspire others by posting your thoughts at my blog. I have a Grand Prize for for the person who posts the best idea(s) now through April 1. The Grand Prize is a bottle of Norwex Mattress Cleaner ($27.99 value). Runner Ups will get a complimentary copy of my ebook Sensational Summer Salads.
Regardless of the financial circumstances your family is in, I am asking readers to post their favorite crafty or frugal ideas. I'm talking about clever ways you recycle something otherwise considered useless or discardable.
For example, maybe you learned to make a baby quilt using old denim jeans or thrift store clothing cut into smaller pieces sewn together to complete the top. Or perhaps you have figured out a multitude of uses for recycling empty coffee cans. Maybe you mastered a new set of skills to produce sought-after gifts.
Please share your ideas on how to re-use, re-cyle, or reduce your consumption of something you thought you couldn't live without.
Share your ideas, victories to inspire others by posting your thoughts at my blog. I have a Grand Prize for for the person who posts the best idea(s) now through April 1. The Grand Prize is a bottle of Norwex Mattress Cleaner ($27.99 value). Runner Ups will get a complimentary copy of my ebook Sensational Summer Salads.
viernes, 20 de marzo de 2009
Red Envelope Project
Ed Note: I don't normally use this platform for political purposes. But the right to life is something I am passionate about. I have had many readers forward me this information so I wanted to share it with you. I hope you will take part and be touched.
The beginning of President Obama’s presidency was marked by lifting the ban on federal spending for abortions, stem cell research, and contraception. This has distressed many people, including one man, Christ Otto, who has been involved in the pro-life movement for 20 years. Otto felt inspired to start the Red Envelope Project, his goal is to send 50 million red envelopes to the White House on March 31st as a silent protest against abortion. Otto asks that we take a red envelope (red because it is symoblic of blood), seal it (empty), and write on the back side “This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.” Then mail to:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington , D.C. 20500
I plan to take part in this project. Please join me and the 487,178 others who have already pledged their support. It is my prayer that President Obama will come on his knees before God during his presidency.
For more information click here
The beginning of President Obama’s presidency was marked by lifting the ban on federal spending for abortions, stem cell research, and contraception. This has distressed many people, including one man, Christ Otto, who has been involved in the pro-life movement for 20 years. Otto felt inspired to start the Red Envelope Project, his goal is to send 50 million red envelopes to the White House on March 31st as a silent protest against abortion. Otto asks that we take a red envelope (red because it is symoblic of blood), seal it (empty), and write on the back side “This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.” Then mail to:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington , D.C. 20500
I plan to take part in this project. Please join me and the 487,178 others who have already pledged their support. It is my prayer that President Obama will come on his knees before God during his presidency.
For more information click here
viernes, 13 de marzo de 2009
The Homemaker's Value
Ed Note: The following is an excerpt regarding the value of a homemaker was written by Kym Wright, mother of eight children. Do not underestimate your worth and value as YOU are the one molding and influencing the next generation. Think about what she is saying.
The Homemaker’s Value
If women choose not to do this very special job,
it will simply not get done,
the mothering, the nurturing, the comforting and caring
that fills the committed homemaker’s day
will simply be lost,
and society will be impoverished.
Children will not get the spiritual guidance they need.
Lonely teenagers will not be listened to.
Many people with problems will not be ministered to,
many sick folk will go unvisited.
A special human quality will disappear from our culture.
Women can give up their jobs
as clerks, engineers, sales people, doctors --
other people will step in
and the world will go on as smoothly as before.
It will be business as usual.
The groceries will still be sold,
trucks loaded with merchandise will still roll across our highway,
and Wall Street will carry on.
Not so with homemaking.
Homemakers are the special people in whose hands
the country and the world have been entrusted.
When women leave this job the world does not go on as before.
It falters and begins to lose its way.
Homemakers are indispensable!
The Homemaker’s Value
If women choose not to do this very special job,
it will simply not get done,
the mothering, the nurturing, the comforting and caring
that fills the committed homemaker’s day
will simply be lost,
and society will be impoverished.
Children will not get the spiritual guidance they need.
Lonely teenagers will not be listened to.
Many people with problems will not be ministered to,
many sick folk will go unvisited.
A special human quality will disappear from our culture.
Women can give up their jobs
as clerks, engineers, sales people, doctors --
other people will step in
and the world will go on as smoothly as before.
It will be business as usual.
The groceries will still be sold,
trucks loaded with merchandise will still roll across our highway,
and Wall Street will carry on.
Not so with homemaking.
Homemakers are the special people in whose hands
the country and the world have been entrusted.
When women leave this job the world does not go on as before.
It falters and begins to lose its way.
Homemakers are indispensable!
miércoles, 11 de marzo de 2009
Introducing TeaBreakConnection
INTRODUCING TEA BREAK CONNECTION by Laura Coble
My mom honored me with the request that I write a column to be included in her newsletter. I feel a bit unworthy in this endeavor as many of you have been married a long time (like more than two months), and many of you are hard at work in raising the next generation (probably some of you have kids my age). However, it is my hope that this column can be a friendly chat, rather than an instructional how-to on love, life, and happiness.
I grew up “Urban Homemakerized,” indoctrinated in the mantra of “return oh ye woman to the arts of thine former ways.” So I should be well versed in the art of raising chickens, gardening, and knitting sweaters. At least you would think. I am familiar enough with chickens to know that I like to eat them, my gardening skill level has produced three dead African Violet plants in the last month, and I gave up knitting in despair of too many dropped stitches and converted to crocheting. I salute any woman who can juggle four knitting needles to create a mitten or slipper.
This is not to imply that because I am not a master gardener I have somehow failed in my womanliness or in my ability to cultivate the arts in her life. For each of us have our strengths and talents. Perhaps that talent may be to kill African Violets, but let me ask you, if there were not women like me, then what would the African Violet company do?
Of course I don’t truly see my lack of green thumb as a special asset to my life. But I think that sometimes we elevate various skills or abilities above the rest and those of us who cannot cross stitch the 10 commandments have somehow failed.
I can make a mean batch of cinnamon rolls, but I can’t seem to figure out how to make gravy. I am a woman just like every other woman, and have perhaps succeeded in refining a few talents, but am overwhelmed by the immense amount of skills I have yet to acquire. I am a woman like you in that I fear abandonment, I desire to be able to nurture, and I find joy in an “I love you”.
I have had 24 years of practice at being a woman, two months practice at being married, and high school babysitting experience at being a mom. I see this column as an opportunity to discuss the complexities of making our womanly way in a harsh world, to laugh over things such as husband and wife communication, and perhaps share a tear or two along the way. I hope that each of you can find some encouragement and refreshment in this column knowing that I have yet to “arrive”, that I am a woman like you, trying to make my way through the journey of life.
Ed note: If you would like to correspond with or encourage Laura, she maybe contacted at
daybyday366@gmail.com.
You can read her blog TEABREAKCONNECTION by Clicking Here
My mom honored me with the request that I write a column to be included in her newsletter. I feel a bit unworthy in this endeavor as many of you have been married a long time (like more than two months), and many of you are hard at work in raising the next generation (probably some of you have kids my age). However, it is my hope that this column can be a friendly chat, rather than an instructional how-to on love, life, and happiness.
I grew up “Urban Homemakerized,” indoctrinated in the mantra of “return oh ye woman to the arts of thine former ways.” So I should be well versed in the art of raising chickens, gardening, and knitting sweaters. At least you would think. I am familiar enough with chickens to know that I like to eat them, my gardening skill level has produced three dead African Violet plants in the last month, and I gave up knitting in despair of too many dropped stitches and converted to crocheting. I salute any woman who can juggle four knitting needles to create a mitten or slipper.
This is not to imply that because I am not a master gardener I have somehow failed in my womanliness or in my ability to cultivate the arts in her life. For each of us have our strengths and talents. Perhaps that talent may be to kill African Violets, but let me ask you, if there were not women like me, then what would the African Violet company do?
Of course I don’t truly see my lack of green thumb as a special asset to my life. But I think that sometimes we elevate various skills or abilities above the rest and those of us who cannot cross stitch the 10 commandments have somehow failed.
I can make a mean batch of cinnamon rolls, but I can’t seem to figure out how to make gravy. I am a woman just like every other woman, and have perhaps succeeded in refining a few talents, but am overwhelmed by the immense amount of skills I have yet to acquire. I am a woman like you in that I fear abandonment, I desire to be able to nurture, and I find joy in an “I love you”.
I have had 24 years of practice at being a woman, two months practice at being married, and high school babysitting experience at being a mom. I see this column as an opportunity to discuss the complexities of making our womanly way in a harsh world, to laugh over things such as husband and wife communication, and perhaps share a tear or two along the way. I hope that each of you can find some encouragement and refreshment in this column knowing that I have yet to “arrive”, that I am a woman like you, trying to make my way through the journey of life.
Ed note: If you would like to correspond with or encourage Laura, she maybe contacted at
daybyday366@gmail.com.
You can read her blog TEABREAKCONNECTION by Clicking Here
Winning the Credit Card Game
When my husband was living, we made it our goal to live debt-free as much as possible except for our mortgage. Unfortunately, when he died, that goal had not been achieved. You can imagine the overwhelming sense of panic and fear that came over me when I was facing the entire debt load by myself.
With God's help and you my loyal customers, a significant reduction in our family debt has been achieved over the past year. But I know that the burden of the economic downturn and the uncertain financial future everyone faces, there are many families wanting to get very serious about paying off their debts and staying debt free.
If you are one of those families, don't miss this opportunity to get the Winning the Credit Card Game e-book for only $5 (reg. $19.95) today through Friday (March 16) only.
Tawra and Mike Kellum of Living on a Dime paid off $20,000 in debt in 5 years on $22,000 a year income by taking advantage of low interest rate credit card offers. In Winning the Credit Card Game, Tawra and Mike explain how they were able to do so and offer detailed advice on how you can get debt-free while saving thousands of dollars on interest charges. Here are some of the topics covered in Winning the Credit Card Game:
Are these deals for real?
Scripts to follow to ask for lower interest rates
What traps credit card companies set to keep you in debt
"What about those companies that can erase my bad credit?"
When to close extra cards
What to do if you are late on a payment
Winning the Credit Card Game is available as an immediate download, so you can get started lowering your debt today.
This is such a great value, I just had to share it with you! Check it out at:
urbanhome.livingonad.hop.clickbank.net/
VISIT MY BLOG:
marilynmoll.com
Copyright 2009 by Marilyn Moll.
From the Heart of the Urban Homemaker is a complimentary newsletter published bi-weekly. Sign up at urbanhomemaker.com/subscriptions and obtain a complimentary copy of my free report Soups and Stews for Busy Moms.
With God's help and you my loyal customers, a significant reduction in our family debt has been achieved over the past year. But I know that the burden of the economic downturn and the uncertain financial future everyone faces, there are many families wanting to get very serious about paying off their debts and staying debt free.
If you are one of those families, don't miss this opportunity to get the Winning the Credit Card Game e-book for only $5 (reg. $19.95) today through Friday (March 16) only.
Tawra and Mike Kellum of Living on a Dime paid off $20,000 in debt in 5 years on $22,000 a year income by taking advantage of low interest rate credit card offers. In Winning the Credit Card Game, Tawra and Mike explain how they were able to do so and offer detailed advice on how you can get debt-free while saving thousands of dollars on interest charges. Here are some of the topics covered in Winning the Credit Card Game:
Are these deals for real?
Scripts to follow to ask for lower interest rates
What traps credit card companies set to keep you in debt
"What about those companies that can erase my bad credit?"
When to close extra cards
What to do if you are late on a payment
Winning the Credit Card Game is available as an immediate download, so you can get started lowering your debt today.
This is such a great value, I just had to share it with you! Check it out at:
urbanhome.livingonad.hop.clickbank.net/
VISIT MY BLOG:
marilynmoll.com
Copyright 2009 by Marilyn Moll.
From the Heart of the Urban Homemaker is a complimentary newsletter published bi-weekly. Sign up at urbanhomemaker.com/subscriptions and obtain a complimentary copy of my free report Soups and Stews for Busy Moms.
jueves, 26 de febrero de 2009
Thoughts on Preparedness from Readers
Dear Readers,
Last week I wrote the following comments and received many reader responses. Please read on:
We have been thinking we will all be called to depend on or teach some old-fashioned skills like bartering, gardening, food pantries and neighborliness as the means to survival.
But, we don't have everything figured out yet. I actually believe God may be calling each of us individually, as families, and as the church corporately to address needs in ways the government "stimulus"package will never be able to meet.
I would love to hear from those of you already involved in individual, family or church outreaches. I want to know how you are assessing needs and determining how to help those in need. Please email me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com with your thoughts and insights."
Marilyn,
A lady in England had the same idea for helping people who are trying to get back to basics. We blog frugal ideas every Friday. Try to encourage families who are facing tough times. Check out her Buddy posts and the group who is joining her. Nothing fancy - just folks trying to do what they can. margarets-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/02/begining-our-buddy-group.html Glad you are feeling better. LizBeth
Dear Marilyn,
We're not involved in anything, yet (I just re-read your question), but I've been thinking about what we might do to help our neighbors in times of emergency for a while now. I think we need to settle in to our church setting, first, and then start more seriously evaluating what we can do and how we could go about doing it. A couple months ago Lee helped a recently widowed lady fix a faulty door in her home after we purchased some honey from her and saw how she was struggling with it. However, we need to know how to find out about problems and needs, and in a farming community like this one the needy usually have friends and family around to help. We may need to put out an offer of help to our neighbors so they know we're available when they need something.
Also, in our church, the deacon had a meeting with the men in the church who wanted to help with any fix-it problems. This would apply to church maintenance, but it's also for helping those who don't have the skills nor ability to do what's needed to upkeep their homes and properties (within the church and outside of it). The men were to write down their available hours, when they'd be available for phone calls, what skills they have, what equipment they have available to be used, what they'd be willing to do. I don't know how this will all work out, but we now have an availability list that can be referenced when there's a need somewhere. They've already been doing things, but they didn't know what resources were available in the church until this latest effort to organize. Rhoda D (Idaho)
Marilyn,
I have been making my own benevolence pantry lately. After New Year's our local grocery store had a buggy of black eyed peas for sale for $.20 a can. I bought the whole buggy. Recently, they had Chef Boyardee pasta for $.58 a can if you bought 10 cans. I bought 30 cans. Whenever they have stuff to get rid of I try to buy all they have and use it to stock my give away pantry. I realize that it might not all be the best nutrition but if you are truly hungry it will help. I don't always have a loaf of bread to hand to someone in need but I can give them a few cans of food. Blessed, Kathy
Dear Marilyn,
My name is Audra. I have been reading your emails for some time. I am 42, married and have 5 children under the age of 13. I do not homeschool but they are in a good, well diciplined charter nearby. I was raised in a church that read the bible every sunday for 1 hour and 1/2 and I am in one now that will absolutely follow the bible as inerrant truth.
We have a Titus2 ministry for women and we are exhorting women to help other women all the time.
I try hard to share my survival skills and cooking no how with my kids and friends. I confirm this conversation you had with your friend- ABSOLUTELY.
This is the first time I have heard it spoken out loud just as I felt it in my spirit. Some time ago I realized Martha Stewart was a wild success because there is a generation (mine) who was not trained in survival and homemaking. Moms went to work outside the home and alot of the day to day training was not accomplished. Money management was also one key area that was not handled properly seen in the evidence of our economic disaster.
I have seen in 5 years the urgent need of money training come up in the church and the resources being provided.But what if the church could help train others in depression area type survival ? That has been heavy on my mind off and on for awhile now. I joked with friends that I know how to skin a rabbit and cook it. I wouldn't want to do it now. But really, how many people would starve in this day and time for ignorance?
I have been thinking on it and one idea I think would be helpful is a cookbook that is very specific. You may already have it covered.
I want to accomplish something like this but the task is daunting. I have looked for awhile for this resource.
Alot of people made foolish choice with excessive credit. We were one of them. Alot of people are working hard to pay it all back ,(we are one of them) All the Mary Hunt Debt Proof Living fans, The Dave Ramsey fans, The Larry Burkette Fans. Here is the market as well as newly weds and new parents. Your ministry is blessed with wisdom and I am thankful always. "Audra S.
Dear Marilyn,
I am a nurse in a small animal hospital and have met so many folks effected by the situation. Ours is a very small community and we need to be supportive of each other. I truly believe that this in turn will shrink our world and make us more supportive of everyone in it.
The point is keep the faith, this too shall pass and leave us better people for it in the end for we will have learned to work together as family.
Terry C. G. Walnetto Farm Nubian and LaMancha Dairy Goats
Marilyn,
Last night, my dh came home from a meeting at the church. He met with other 12 other pastors in the community and they have agreed to serve a meal a week to those who are struggling financially. The churches will rotate responsibility, but the meals will be at our church. We already have an outreach on Wed nights to children (meal and kids time). He was pretty excited about this new addition! Our county was really hard hit several years ago when we lost the steel mills and now GM is talking about letting 10,000 employees go! Locally, at least 400 people have lost their jobs and it's getting worse. Blessings, Becky S.
Dear Marilyn,
I continue to read about pantries and food storage, believing that if we have food stored, we will have something to share if our neighbours are in need. The truth is, we are not there, and God keeps bringing me back around to what a blessing it is to be dependent on Him.
Our church feeds between 110-150 people a Friday night dinner every week. It is by donation and usually what we take in covers the cost of the food. We collect food for hampers, too, from our congregation, but distributing it is not our strongpoint, so have begun taking it to the Salvation Army because they have many families they regularly supply with food. It has greatly encouraged the Salvation Army workers and has encouraged us, too, to be able to help them. Perhaps God uses crisis to draw His body together and make us one :) Love, Connie G.
Dear Marilyn,
Since gas prices have come down, we have been donating the difference between amount spent and amount budgeted for gas to the local food bank.
Another idea I heard was to purchase food locally at the grocery store and then donate the food to the food bank. That helps the needy family directly but also helps protect vulnerable jobs by supporting the grocery store. Becki in Florida,
Dear Marilyn
I just want to encourage you. You are and have been a huge
blessing to me and to my family! You simply can have no way of knowing
the impact you have had on us through your business. When I found your
catalog years ago, it set us on a journey - and today, we are eating
all of our foods, made from scratch - many grown in our own garden!
I've been developing countless skills and have gained encouragement,
practical help, and ideas from both your articles and the teleseminars
that I enjoyed so much. I'm not the most "regular customer" - as our
finances are so unbelievably tight....... but I buy whatever I can from
you, and I encourage many to support your business when I'm asked where
I get things like my bread pans, grain mill, Bosch, etc.
I appreciate you! In Christ, Shauna B.
Dear Marilyn,
I can't help but also respond to the current discussion on how to prepare when we don't really know what to prepare for. I know that the body of true believers has felt for a while that things were about to get tough. I think it was the Lord's way of saying, "start getting ready! Times are gonna get tough!" For a while now, we've been stockpiling rice and wheat, beans and sugar.
Buying in bulk from the amish is ideal, but unfortunately we don't live near them. That would be step one for me. I buy from them whenever we are back home in Missouri. Their prices are great and usually the quality is good. I store everything in 5 gal. buckets sealed with gamma seal lids which I purchase from Pierce-Ohio online for a lot cheaper than i've been able to find anywhere. I use a lot of coupons these days, and when I have time (which is not much since we are going through the adoption/foster process) I play the grocery game online and try to get good deals on items that we use most often. I've learned to ad-match at Walmart and have saved there too.
On clothes, usually I buy tops, dresses and odds and ends on the sale racks. But jeans I buy new or gently used at the thrift shops etc. I always buy new undies and bras and socks. They don't make these items like they used to and we need to get maximum wear out of them. I think that now that things are getting even more squeezed, i'm going to start looking at the resale shops for our clothing. We have some great shops all around us, it would be silly not too. I also don't buy a lot of clothing. Everything we get is able to mix and match with jeans, jean skirts and such. This way, everything is always clean and ready, no stressing over what to wear with what on Sunday morning. More clothes to me means more stress! Also an excuse to let the laundry pile up as you feel secure knowing there are always more clothes in the closet. This leads to huge laundry days, and clothes that barely get worn, which also costs tons of money! So, a few well thought out items chosen for good quality and mix and match is what we shoot for.
We will be adding to our numbers soon, so we know that the resale shops will help us a lot on the clothing bill. When something wears out, we replace it during a birthday or other holiday. For instance, for Valentine's day, I bought the kids a box of chocolates and some new pj's. They don't need a lot of toys, they have their favorites anyways! I'm big into decluttering. I do have my share of junk, just as the next person, but I have tried to keep my closets and cabinets paired down to only what I really use. Everything is clearly marked and stored. Most everything has a purpose.
Dear Marilyn,
Feeding our family...well...I have been one of those mom's who turned into a short-order cook because I did not make my children eat what has been in front of them whether they liked it or not! Big mistake! But, over the past several years, the past several months even more heavily, there is not an option when it comes to meals. Knowing that our family is expanding and seeing the prices of food rising, they have only one choice now...EAT IT OR BE HUNGRY!
We have not re-introduced all foods yet (they still don't like oatmeal!) but we are a long ways towards where we should have been years ago. And I am not a bad cook! I actually have some grace in this area! This is just lack of discipline on my part when they were younger. We enjoy healthy good foods most of the time, we do however also enjoy a trip to Arby's or the occasional pizza joint! But really, have you seen how much they charge for just the drinks these days! I'ts a killer!
So, we have tried to be even more frugal and I make my husband a lunch to take most days when we are able. He works long hours in town, all over the state sometimes, and so eating out is something he does usually once a day. If I make it, he takes it. Again, another discipline. It does save us a ton when he takes a lunch!
I do encourage anyone who has the space and is not enforced by codes to keep chickens! Truly, they are a joy for us and we get great benefits from having such wonderful fresh eggs! They do not require a lot and we have not bought eggs for over two years! Have you seen how much eggs cost at the store, organic is even worse. I would never eat an egg before, I never liked them. But now, with these orange yolks from all the grass, bugs, and corn...they are wonderful. I have become an egg convert. I use them to trade for piano lessons for my daughter and we have never run out! We always have enough for our use, and they are a cheap meal when times are tight.
Hope you have a blessed day! I love getting your updates and have been a customer when there has been need. God be with you. I know that you miss him so much...and I know that things will be harder without dear Duane. Just know that you are not alone! There are many of us who really believe in what you are doing. Thank you for all you do and for the support you give to us mom's who are really trying to do things God's way. Love to you, Nichole Wade
Readers, if you have any further insights or ideas or questions, won't you join in the discussion and post a comment? Marilyn Moll
Last week I wrote the following comments and received many reader responses. Please read on:
We have been thinking we will all be called to depend on or teach some old-fashioned skills like bartering, gardening, food pantries and neighborliness as the means to survival.
But, we don't have everything figured out yet. I actually believe God may be calling each of us individually, as families, and as the church corporately to address needs in ways the government "stimulus"package will never be able to meet.
I would love to hear from those of you already involved in individual, family or church outreaches. I want to know how you are assessing needs and determining how to help those in need. Please email me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com with your thoughts and insights."
Marilyn,
A lady in England had the same idea for helping people who are trying to get back to basics. We blog frugal ideas every Friday. Try to encourage families who are facing tough times. Check out her Buddy posts and the group who is joining her. Nothing fancy - just folks trying to do what they can. margarets-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/02/begining-our-buddy-group.html Glad you are feeling better. LizBeth
Dear Marilyn,
We're not involved in anything, yet (I just re-read your question), but I've been thinking about what we might do to help our neighbors in times of emergency for a while now. I think we need to settle in to our church setting, first, and then start more seriously evaluating what we can do and how we could go about doing it. A couple months ago Lee helped a recently widowed lady fix a faulty door in her home after we purchased some honey from her and saw how she was struggling with it. However, we need to know how to find out about problems and needs, and in a farming community like this one the needy usually have friends and family around to help. We may need to put out an offer of help to our neighbors so they know we're available when they need something.
Also, in our church, the deacon had a meeting with the men in the church who wanted to help with any fix-it problems. This would apply to church maintenance, but it's also for helping those who don't have the skills nor ability to do what's needed to upkeep their homes and properties (within the church and outside of it). The men were to write down their available hours, when they'd be available for phone calls, what skills they have, what equipment they have available to be used, what they'd be willing to do. I don't know how this will all work out, but we now have an availability list that can be referenced when there's a need somewhere. They've already been doing things, but they didn't know what resources were available in the church until this latest effort to organize. Rhoda D (Idaho)
Marilyn,
I have been making my own benevolence pantry lately. After New Year's our local grocery store had a buggy of black eyed peas for sale for $.20 a can. I bought the whole buggy. Recently, they had Chef Boyardee pasta for $.58 a can if you bought 10 cans. I bought 30 cans. Whenever they have stuff to get rid of I try to buy all they have and use it to stock my give away pantry. I realize that it might not all be the best nutrition but if you are truly hungry it will help. I don't always have a loaf of bread to hand to someone in need but I can give them a few cans of food. Blessed, Kathy
Dear Marilyn,
My name is Audra. I have been reading your emails for some time. I am 42, married and have 5 children under the age of 13. I do not homeschool but they are in a good, well diciplined charter nearby. I was raised in a church that read the bible every sunday for 1 hour and 1/2 and I am in one now that will absolutely follow the bible as inerrant truth.
We have a Titus2 ministry for women and we are exhorting women to help other women all the time.
I try hard to share my survival skills and cooking no how with my kids and friends. I confirm this conversation you had with your friend- ABSOLUTELY.
This is the first time I have heard it spoken out loud just as I felt it in my spirit. Some time ago I realized Martha Stewart was a wild success because there is a generation (mine) who was not trained in survival and homemaking. Moms went to work outside the home and alot of the day to day training was not accomplished. Money management was also one key area that was not handled properly seen in the evidence of our economic disaster.
I have seen in 5 years the urgent need of money training come up in the church and the resources being provided.But what if the church could help train others in depression area type survival ? That has been heavy on my mind off and on for awhile now. I joked with friends that I know how to skin a rabbit and cook it. I wouldn't want to do it now. But really, how many people would starve in this day and time for ignorance?
I have been thinking on it and one idea I think would be helpful is a cookbook that is very specific. You may already have it covered.
I want to accomplish something like this but the task is daunting. I have looked for awhile for this resource.
Alot of people made foolish choice with excessive credit. We were one of them. Alot of people are working hard to pay it all back ,(we are one of them) All the Mary Hunt Debt Proof Living fans, The Dave Ramsey fans, The Larry Burkette Fans. Here is the market as well as newly weds and new parents. Your ministry is blessed with wisdom and I am thankful always. "Audra S.
Dear Marilyn,
I am a nurse in a small animal hospital and have met so many folks effected by the situation. Ours is a very small community and we need to be supportive of each other. I truly believe that this in turn will shrink our world and make us more supportive of everyone in it.
The point is keep the faith, this too shall pass and leave us better people for it in the end for we will have learned to work together as family.
Terry C. G. Walnetto Farm Nubian and LaMancha Dairy Goats
Marilyn,
Last night, my dh came home from a meeting at the church. He met with other 12 other pastors in the community and they have agreed to serve a meal a week to those who are struggling financially. The churches will rotate responsibility, but the meals will be at our church. We already have an outreach on Wed nights to children (meal and kids time). He was pretty excited about this new addition! Our county was really hard hit several years ago when we lost the steel mills and now GM is talking about letting 10,000 employees go! Locally, at least 400 people have lost their jobs and it's getting worse. Blessings, Becky S.
Dear Marilyn,
I continue to read about pantries and food storage, believing that if we have food stored, we will have something to share if our neighbours are in need. The truth is, we are not there, and God keeps bringing me back around to what a blessing it is to be dependent on Him.
Our church feeds between 110-150 people a Friday night dinner every week. It is by donation and usually what we take in covers the cost of the food. We collect food for hampers, too, from our congregation, but distributing it is not our strongpoint, so have begun taking it to the Salvation Army because they have many families they regularly supply with food. It has greatly encouraged the Salvation Army workers and has encouraged us, too, to be able to help them. Perhaps God uses crisis to draw His body together and make us one :) Love, Connie G.
Dear Marilyn,
Since gas prices have come down, we have been donating the difference between amount spent and amount budgeted for gas to the local food bank.
Another idea I heard was to purchase food locally at the grocery store and then donate the food to the food bank. That helps the needy family directly but also helps protect vulnerable jobs by supporting the grocery store. Becki in Florida,
Dear Marilyn
I just want to encourage you. You are and have been a huge
blessing to me and to my family! You simply can have no way of knowing
the impact you have had on us through your business. When I found your
catalog years ago, it set us on a journey - and today, we are eating
all of our foods, made from scratch - many grown in our own garden!
I've been developing countless skills and have gained encouragement,
practical help, and ideas from both your articles and the teleseminars
that I enjoyed so much. I'm not the most "regular customer" - as our
finances are so unbelievably tight....... but I buy whatever I can from
you, and I encourage many to support your business when I'm asked where
I get things like my bread pans, grain mill, Bosch, etc.
I appreciate you! In Christ, Shauna B.
Dear Marilyn,
I can't help but also respond to the current discussion on how to prepare when we don't really know what to prepare for. I know that the body of true believers has felt for a while that things were about to get tough. I think it was the Lord's way of saying, "start getting ready! Times are gonna get tough!" For a while now, we've been stockpiling rice and wheat, beans and sugar.
Buying in bulk from the amish is ideal, but unfortunately we don't live near them. That would be step one for me. I buy from them whenever we are back home in Missouri. Their prices are great and usually the quality is good. I store everything in 5 gal. buckets sealed with gamma seal lids which I purchase from Pierce-Ohio online for a lot cheaper than i've been able to find anywhere. I use a lot of coupons these days, and when I have time (which is not much since we are going through the adoption/foster process) I play the grocery game online and try to get good deals on items that we use most often. I've learned to ad-match at Walmart and have saved there too.
On clothes, usually I buy tops, dresses and odds and ends on the sale racks. But jeans I buy new or gently used at the thrift shops etc. I always buy new undies and bras and socks. They don't make these items like they used to and we need to get maximum wear out of them. I think that now that things are getting even more squeezed, i'm going to start looking at the resale shops for our clothing. We have some great shops all around us, it would be silly not too. I also don't buy a lot of clothing. Everything we get is able to mix and match with jeans, jean skirts and such. This way, everything is always clean and ready, no stressing over what to wear with what on Sunday morning. More clothes to me means more stress! Also an excuse to let the laundry pile up as you feel secure knowing there are always more clothes in the closet. This leads to huge laundry days, and clothes that barely get worn, which also costs tons of money! So, a few well thought out items chosen for good quality and mix and match is what we shoot for.
We will be adding to our numbers soon, so we know that the resale shops will help us a lot on the clothing bill. When something wears out, we replace it during a birthday or other holiday. For instance, for Valentine's day, I bought the kids a box of chocolates and some new pj's. They don't need a lot of toys, they have their favorites anyways! I'm big into decluttering. I do have my share of junk, just as the next person, but I have tried to keep my closets and cabinets paired down to only what I really use. Everything is clearly marked and stored. Most everything has a purpose.
Dear Marilyn,
Feeding our family...well...I have been one of those mom's who turned into a short-order cook because I did not make my children eat what has been in front of them whether they liked it or not! Big mistake! But, over the past several years, the past several months even more heavily, there is not an option when it comes to meals. Knowing that our family is expanding and seeing the prices of food rising, they have only one choice now...EAT IT OR BE HUNGRY!
We have not re-introduced all foods yet (they still don't like oatmeal!) but we are a long ways towards where we should have been years ago. And I am not a bad cook! I actually have some grace in this area! This is just lack of discipline on my part when they were younger. We enjoy healthy good foods most of the time, we do however also enjoy a trip to Arby's or the occasional pizza joint! But really, have you seen how much they charge for just the drinks these days! I'ts a killer!
So, we have tried to be even more frugal and I make my husband a lunch to take most days when we are able. He works long hours in town, all over the state sometimes, and so eating out is something he does usually once a day. If I make it, he takes it. Again, another discipline. It does save us a ton when he takes a lunch!
I do encourage anyone who has the space and is not enforced by codes to keep chickens! Truly, they are a joy for us and we get great benefits from having such wonderful fresh eggs! They do not require a lot and we have not bought eggs for over two years! Have you seen how much eggs cost at the store, organic is even worse. I would never eat an egg before, I never liked them. But now, with these orange yolks from all the grass, bugs, and corn...they are wonderful. I have become an egg convert. I use them to trade for piano lessons for my daughter and we have never run out! We always have enough for our use, and they are a cheap meal when times are tight.
Hope you have a blessed day! I love getting your updates and have been a customer when there has been need. God be with you. I know that you miss him so much...and I know that things will be harder without dear Duane. Just know that you are not alone! There are many of us who really believe in what you are doing. Thank you for all you do and for the support you give to us mom's who are really trying to do things God's way. Love to you, Nichole Wade
Readers, if you have any further insights or ideas or questions, won't you join in the discussion and post a comment? Marilyn Moll
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