Meaningful Mondays:

Way Posts

Such a wonderful and meaningful exhortation yesterday. Bro Don focused on farming in scripture, and had many good points to ponder. Thankfully Sprout was well behaved so I managed to get it all from the cry room.

Something brief I wanted to share that we have decided to implement. He mentioned that when plowing a field that was hilly, a farmer will put up way post or markers so that he stays the course and the furlough is straight. Since he used to farm he knew all about it!

He said that to stay the course in the Truth and also to grow we must have way posts in our lives and here are his recommendations:

Daily: Daily Bible Readings

Weekly: Focused spiritual family time

Monthly: Hospitality to those in the ecclesia

6 mths: Read a Christadelphain book, or even better study a book of the Bible

Yearly: Bible School

We arrived home from meeting feeling rejuvenated to continue the course. To do the readings every single day with the children, even if it is a struggle. Actually the hard part for us is that we do one with the children and then don't get to doing the other 2 with just ourselves. We love opening our home and serving the ecclesia in that way, but often it is the same families that we are having over, so we are going to aim to have others over that we do not know so well. Daniel is in the middle of a study on Micah so he is doing well but I need to get back into some serious study and would welcome ideas for that. I'm thinking of studying the Songs in the Bible (Moses', Miriam's, Hannah's, Deborah's, Mary's, Song of the Lamb....), This year we are blessed to be going to Family camp.....and somewhere else but I will save "spilling the beans" for another post!

So how about you and your family? Do you have Way Markers/Posts? What are they?

"As for G-d, his way is perfect:

the word of the Yhwh is tried,

he is a buckler to all those that trust in him."

Psalm 18:30

"Fhoto Friday"

CHC Open House

Parents and siblings joined in the lunch time fun

(Princess at bottom in blue)

The Whole CHC closed with a wonderful spiritually uplifting song

"The Lord is a Sun and Shield"

(Magoo front, 3rd from right) Magoo & classmate singing "Zion shall Rejoice"

Magoo's wonderful class. sad goodbyes to one as she leaves for Australia
"Can't wait for grade one Mom, it's going to be awesome!"
(Magoo 2nd from right)

Princess (in blue) playing with "Da Big Girls"

We have been blessed by God for a wonderful first year of Magoo's schooling! CHC is simply amazing. Godly teachers instructing our wee olive plants to be molded into a young tree grown in his youth (Ps 140) what more could we ask. Thank you to all who put their time and effort in there (I know some read this). we felt badly that we couldn't be as involved this year because of Sprout, but we hope to help next year. May YHWH bless you all & keep you safe this summer!

Working Wednesdays:
Gluten Free Menu

Well finally my tummy troubles have been found out, the culpriate: Gluten! This is taking some getting used to, but it's been nearly a week off of gluten and I can tell the difference!

Wednesday: Rice & Veggie Stirfry (red peper, eggplant, zuchinni, onion, bok choy)

Thursday: Hamburgers for the family, BBQ shrimp w/ veggies for me & salad

Friday: Steak (cut up cheap roast), Baked potatoes & salad

Saturday: BBQ Chicken & BBQ veggies

Sunday: Ham & scalloped potatoes, beans

Monday: Pasta for the family, salad for me

Tuesday: Rice & Stirfry

Today is the last day of CHC, tomorrow is the trip to the waterpark with the whole school.

I hate bathing suits!

Any ideas for fun for the summer? Magoo told me yesterday that I'm boring...yep, preety much broke my heart!

Meaningful Tuesdays?

Getting Rid of the Dross

What a weekend! The Sunday school picnic at the beach, visiting another ecclesia and spending the day, an excellent exhort on "Happiness" and a great final class on the Psalms. I feel refreshed but weary. One can only do so much! This week is full as well, The CHC open house is today, Magoo has classes as usual on Monday & Wednesday, and the the water park on Thursday. Bible class on Wednesday, Tape class here on Friday, and then there are is all the regular tasks of life, running and home, and training olive plants for Yhwh.

Yesterday while I was sipping my morning cappuchino, I glanced around and was disgusted at the shear amount of stuff laying around. The house wasn't dirty, just full of clutter! I had moved piles off and back onto my desk every time we had to use the computer, moving toys to other ends of the island counter and back again, party decorations still all over the walls. Oh and I will spare you both pictures and description of the mud room! Argh!

So much to go through and get rid of. Yesterday Princess and I started on the study. We had 4 boxes of Bible books for Apps Mill that had arrived over the past 2 months that needed to be put in the corner of the basement. Material, thread bobbins, pin and tape measures had to be gathered from the dining room, study floor and my "desk" and sorted and put in some semblance of order. I'm thinking that I need to get one of those plastic drawer organizers for the sewing materials, they are taking over the study! We dusted as we cleared and actually found treasured items we were missing. Princess' Calico critters (she only has 1 set) turned up, as did Hubby's Messiah music scores. Oh and the books! enough said.

So in between the craziness that this week is turning out to be, we have made it a priority to get this house back in order before the Summer starts with a bang.

But what about our spiritual homes? Christ is definitely at the door, are we getting our house in order for that great day? Are we ready to leave ALL and follow him when we are called to the judgment seat, or are we going to be like Lot's wife and look back with desire at our material possessions? Worldly friends? distracting hobbies?

It is amazing the clarity that children can give you at moments like this. They have both found items to be given "to people that don't have so much stuff Mummy", but they never choose their Bible books to give away! They don't need the instructions to keep the more spiritual items....but I do! So much time is wasted in the pursute of a lifestyle that we were not called to keep. We are called to manifest our heavenly Father, and in doing so, must rid ourselves of that dross. Our trials are sent to help us get rid of the dross, just as gold is purified likewise are His children. That they may possess tried faith.

Take a moment today and read 1 Corinthians 3:9-16. I was going to put it up, but blogger doesn't let you copy and paste anymore.....

So this week we will get rid of the clutter, and by God's grace get rid of the dross as well!

Fhoto Friday:

Archeology Birthday Party

Meaningful Mondays:

Getting the Right Balance

"But it is not just the world which uses its family life as an excuse. These are some who respond to the call of the Gospel and then allow "the cares of this like" to choke their interest. Family demands can be very great. A howling baby cannot simply be abandoned, the washing and cleaning, the house repairs, the garden, the car all need time and energy spent on them. They are not divorced from the life of the Truth; we do all things "unto the LORD". But we must find time for prayer and reading, and for our responsibilities in the wider family of the ecclesia. It is sad to see a couple who have bee active in the meeting fade into obscurity once baby arrives, it is not necessary. Babies can be taken to a meeting; when they cannot, parents can take turns- and the Bible class need not be neglected. When the children are older, both parents can attend the Bible class, with the children. Small cassette tape recorders are a useful thing today, as we can unobtrusively record an address so that our partner can hear the full version at home. Meetings can help a great deal by tolerating baby noises and children's fidgeting, as long as they are not too distracting, or perhaps by organizing a nursery/cry room or helping with baby sitting. As children get older, so our involvement in ecclesial life becomes their involvement. They should feel part of the ecclesial family and take it for granted that the help with bill distribution or getting the hall ready. Family Bible study weekends and Family Gatherings are welcome developments in Great Britain, while in America and else-where it has been taken for granted for a long time that a Bible school is a family affair. We need more family fellowship, so that we may work and worship together. It is possible then, with effort and will, to be involved in ecclesial life along with our family."

Bro Michael Owen, The Christadelphian Dec 1972

"The early year of childhood are supposed to be the most crucial. If our children are involved in ecclesial life then the habit is more likely to remain. If our newly born spiritual babes find themselves in a warm family atmosphere, it is more likely that they who will stay. In Ephesus, Paul taught not only in public places but "from house to house" (Ac 20:20). It is a very homely scene. The next chapter of Acts records that after a week in Tyre, "They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way till we were outside the city; and kneeling down on the beach we prayer and bade on another farewell" (Ac 21:5 RSV). Here is a moving insight into the family spirit prevailing in the ecclesia, with its sense of belonging, of involvement and care"

Bro Michael Owen, The Christadelphain Jan 1973

Fhoto Friday:

Glimpses of Summer

Fresh Rhubarb, oh the choices!

A Labour of Love, Hubby double dug the patch,

made the wooden box & put the dirt back.

All I had to do was put the raspberries is!

Another Labour of Love!
Our washing line with Magoo's
gym uniform shirt drying in the brisk wind.

Working Wednesdays:

Weekly Meal Plan

As yesterday was busy with a sick child, I thought you would understand the delay in posting this.

Wednesday: Garden salad with boiled eggs

Thursday: Veggie Stew

Friday: BBQ chicken, brown rice, zucchini & peppers charred on the BBQ

Saturday: Kebabs & garden salad

Sunday: Quiche & boiled potatoes, salad. Apple strudel for dessert

Monday: Steak, baked potatoes, brocolii, butter fried mushrooms

Tuesday: Penne w/ BBQ chicken & mushrooms, white cheese sauce

Magoo is still not feeling well. He was bouncing around yesterday afternoon but this morning he fell asleep getting dressed! For those who know Magoo this is NOT normal AT ALL. So yes, I am concerned and if this keeps up will be calling the ND & tele health. He asked for fruit salad for breakfast and I sprinkled on some almonds to give him strength. Odd that he was fine as of lunch yesterday and had his energy back and today is dead tired. Concerning to say the least.

Part of being a Mother (I find) is being flexible. Yesterday was errand day, it didn't happen (obviously) so it was going to be today, but now it looks like it will be tomorrow! Which is fine, as Sprout and I ran out and got some groceries yesterday in the early hours of the morning while Hubby was getting ready for work and the other two were sleeping. I'll close with a verse from a hymn that seems to be running through my mind lately.

"I ask thee for the daily strength,

to none that ask denied.

A mind to blend with outward life,

while keeping at thy side.

Content to fill a little space,

if thou be glorified."

Meaningful Mondays:
A Fine House And Wasted Time

"Let us choose to deny ourselves the questionable pleasure of surrounding ourselves with household ornaments, which consume such an amount of precious time in the taking care of them. We can spend the time to better purpose. We need not seek to please our neighbours in the keeping of our houses. Our standard differs from theirs. A sister's calling required her to regard her house as a convenience in this wilderness state, and not as a thing she is to live for. It is not with her a principal object of attention. She will be careful to keep a clean house and a comfortable house, but a stylish house she has neither time nor taste for. What God requires of her will demand the time, and the skill, and the means, which a fine house would consume of her hands. The will of Christ has the first place in her affection. She looks at some women who profess to be Christ’s, and yet have no time for anything beyond the demands of the house; things of God find no place with them. Bright furniture and spotless carpets seem more to them than Christ fellowshipped in deeds of kindness to comfortless hearts, and the gospel preached to the perishing. The true daughters of Sarah reverse all this, and dispense with much that is considered indispensable in worldly households, because they find that to give such things the attention considered genteel, they must neglect the claims of higher things. Their principle is pre-eminence to the things that belong to God. This indeed, is the only safe rule to follow. It may separate us oftentimes from the “respectable” people so called, but it will place us in the company of apostles and prophets, who were at a discount in their day, because they esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. And we have the joy of knowing that if it gives us their company in the present bitterness, it will ensure for us their glorious society in the day of the manifestation of the sons of God. If we have now the answer of a good conscience, we may indulge in the glorious hope of sharing the honour which awaits all who have in like manner laboured and not fainted. Where then will be the plans and patience bestowed upon the frivolities of fashionable life?" sis. J. Roberts

Fhoto Friday:

Glimpses of the Wedding

Yummy Breakfast, natural sustainment. Spiritual discussions, spiritual susstainment.

Magoo Ready to go! We need to leave at this point.

Opps, forgotten cuff links....riped out the stiches 5 minutes latter when remembered we could borrow a pair from a brother.

"Do you think they'll notice the missing top button"
"um, you're on stage right"
"yep"
"give me the jacket"
(ended up in a diz and had to sew it on 3 times!)

The Groom pulls out!

Simple yet elegant decorations

Fellowship

Final words of wisdom from beloved grandparents

Did I mention the Groom sang the Bride down the aisle,
singing a song about God bringing a virtuous woman to him.
(yep, I cried)

Our first ever family photo since being blessed with Sprout!

Working Wednesdays

Making the Day of Rest a Reality!

Well the week is half over and that means only a few more days until our Day of Rest begins. I don't know about you but when I was a young wife and mother I actually dreaded Sundays.

Yep you read that right, I dreaded it!

Sundays meant racing around like a headless chicken trying to get everyone dressed, packed and out the door in time to get to Sunday school.

Oiy!

Since we found out that we were preggy with Sprout we knew that changes had to be made. Especially in the organization department. Let's get real here, before Sprout we didn't really organize at all!

One of the most significant changes we've made (and continue to work on) is getting ready for Sundays before they arrive!

This means that by the time the Goons are in bed Saturday night:

Outfits are laying on each persons bed (inc. Mummy's)

ALL Bible bags are packed and in the car

Diaper bag is packed and in the car

Lunch is in the oven or crock pot (in the summer we stick to BBQ)

Now about those Bible bags, each kids has their own. We try to keep them to only Bible or Biblical history books, a colouring book with pencil crayons, a sticker books, some mini toy dolls for Princess. Each Saturday we go through the bags together and the Goons tell me what they do and do not want in their bags and then they can choose 4 new books to put in for the week. This means that the bags are ready to go for Lecture and Bible Class during the week as well.

Sprout also has a see through plastic container from the $ store that we fill with toys for Sunday school. These get changed every week as well.

Now a big part of making that Day of Rest ACTUALLY RESTFUL is letting go of some pride issues. Make an easy lunch. Sometimes we have a roast (where everything goes in the oven), or sausage bake, or crock pot stew. In the summer we usually have a BBQ meat and veggies.

This also should be done the day before. Make the salad/veggie tray/cut up everything that can be and do ALL the prep work on Saturday. After all you and the whole family are staving by the time you return from Memorial at 1:30 or 2pm. In the summer we usually make a potatoe salad or a pasta salad to go with the BBQ meat.

D & I also tidy up the house. He sweeps and the kids do all the toys and I do the rest. This way we feel able to invite over others and not worry about the state of the house. No it is NOT perfect, just tidy and clean.

Well I hope that this helps a bit, and that you and your family can start to experience a restful Sunday instead of chaos!

Hugs to All

Meaningful Mondays

Cleaning House

It is 9:14 pm on Monday, so I think that means we've made the deadline for this week's spiritual thought. Today has been a day full of washing. The running total after the weekend was:

3 Queen Bed sheet sets
7 Twin Bed sheet sets
15 Pillows
2 Baby Crib sheet sets
14 Bath Towels
8 Hand Towels
3 Bath Mats

3 Dishwasher Loads
4 Sink Fulls

2 Loads of clothing

Yes, our new clothes line was full all day and the dryer was running at the same time! By this time tomorrow we are hoping to have the house "back to normal". All this cleaning turned my mind to a passage of Scripture that I find really helpful.

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." Psalm 119:9

Forget the self-help books, throw them out. Open instead the gift that God has given us to direct our every step.

That's the ONLY way to get your self on track and stick to it!

(apologies this was a short one.....more to follow on the amazing perfect wedding latter!)

Working Wednesday's

Bride-Groom Menu

What a busy and wonderful week we are having here in the place of our sojourn! A dear sister and friend is getting married on Saturday (God willing) and the Groom & some of his party are staying at our home, 4 km away from the Bride's home. We feel very honoured to have a small part to play in this most special of weddings.

It is wonderful and uplifting to see two people that are dedicated to the Truth coming together as husband and wife! Indeed it is an enacted parable!

So instead of the usual weekly menu plan, and banter, I thought we'd post some tips on easy entertaining.

About a week before we have company I check and re-stock:

1) Toilet paper

2) Tissues

3) Frozen juice (lemonade for this hot weekend!)

4) Disinfecting cleaning wipes

5) Clean out the fridge...so then you feel okay about everyone helping themselves and seeing the inside of the fridge!

3 days before (or in this case the day before!) we clean the:

1) Kitchen & bathroom floors

2) Stock the bathroom cabinets with clean and "good" towels, face clothes, etc.

3) Freshen and weed the garden beds

4) Cut the lawn (don't want to have to do that while company is here)

5) Wash the bed linens....also good to see if you are short and find a friend to borrow some from!

6) Check your snack cupboard and re-stock if necessary (always plan on more then you need)

7) Grocery shop!

The Day of arrival (or night before if they are arriving the next morning):

1) Clean the bathrooms (a real good proper scrub so that you can then keep up while they are here with the cleaning wipes)

2) Air out the linens on the clothes line/dryer

3) Make the beds

4) Vacuum the rooms

5) Sweep the floors

6) Place mini toiletries in a basket in the bathroom.....giving the children a do not touch info session!

7) Place some flowers around the house

8) De-clutter the kitchen cabinets.....after all everyone ends up in there don't they!

And for those interested, deciding to sewing match dresses the week before company arrives is

NOT recommended.....my Mum (D's mother) found cute dresses at a shop in town for $16 (a steal) and they are perfect....I owe her some yummy scones for that!

Here is our menu for the wedding weekend, which begins Friday morning.

Friday Breakfast:

Morning Glory Muffins

Scones

Homemade Plum & Homemade Berry Jam

Butter

Fruit salad (peaches, raspberries, apples, banana)

Friday Lunch:

Garden Salad

Baked Sandwiches

Friday Dinner:

Rehearsal....no worries!

Burgers & salad for those staying at home

Saturday Brunch:

Waffles

Real maple syrup

Strawberries

Sausages

Cheese/meat & cracker tray served around 11 pm (1&1/2hr before wedding)

Fruit tray (strawberries, apples, oranges)

Sunday Breakfast:

Egg Strata

Homemade Cinnamon buns

Sunday Lunch:

BBQ Chicken

Garden Salad

Potato Salad

Deviled eggs

BBQ zucchini/red pepper/onion mix

Strawberry shortcake or Homemade ice cream cake for dessert

Lemon Potato flour cake for gluten free peoples

We are very excited about this weekend, so off I run to keep getting ready!

Meaningful Mondays:

A Second Look at Manoah's Wife

Manoah’s wife seemed at first glance to be an obscure woman. Barely mentioned, and really not worth that much effort. However taking some time to look into the couple brief glimpses scripture records for us, we are painted the picture of a faithful follower of God, a loyal wife and a dedicated mother. We really could read this whole chapter but you are no doubt familiar with it’s account.

The mother of Samson, the last judge of Israel. What an amazing lessons are found in her life. The first I’d like to spend a couple minutes on is the plain fact that she never questions the angel, but has the faith and trust in Yhwh that what is said will come to pass. Manoah questions it, even asking God to send the messenger again and then questioning the angel for the requirements which were already given to him via his wife! Now remember that she was barren, unable to have any children. She doesn’t mention this to the angel but instead hurries off to tell her husband. This is pure unadulterated faith. Psalm 113:9 “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.” She faithfully follows the God given directions for her pregnancy, never questioning them.

Indeed only 2 men in scripture are found to be Nazarites from the womb, Samson and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15 “For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb”). Actually there are mainly similarities between these 2 faithful women. They both never question the power of God to give them a child. They are both barren. They both obey the command of God concerning their pregnancy’s, both husbands doubt, both give birth to a child who was to change the coarse in the nation of Israel and I am sure that there are many others if only probed deeper.

Therefore both Manoah's wife and Elisabeth had these charges on them. To drink no wine or fruit of the vine seems to be an easy task, in fact most pregnant women do this. “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD: He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk” Number 6:2-4

Now in Biblical times the common drink was watered down wine. Indeed they did not have the fruit juice available that we find on the grocery shelves today! There was mulled cider but this too had an alchoholic property and was reserved mainly for the wealthy. This basically meant that these two sisters had to drink water.

What a spiritual lesson for us. We must also forsake the wine of the false doctrines of the false churches (Rev 14:8) and seek to take in the water of life (John 4:14) "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life". Then we can pass this on to our children (John 7:38) “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Both promised children also paved the way for a Redeemer to come to Zion. Samson was the last judge which signaled an end of that time in Israel’s history when “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes” to be followed by Samuel the prophet and King maker. John the Baptist prepared the way for the work of Christ, also indicating a change in the nation of Israel, preparing the way for the true King of Israel. In these, the last days of Gentile time, we must also be looking and longing for the day when:

"So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever." Isaiah 59:19-21

We, and hence, our children have been called out to be a separate people, holy and dedicated to God. Therefore we must also take on this charge so that our children may be as it were Nazarites. Choosing to dedicate their lives in service to our heavenly Father. To be set apart from the world around, preparing them and us to pave the way as it were for the return of the King of Israel which will signal not only a change in the nation of Israel (as it will be at the first) but then through the millennial reign of Christ will branch out to encompass the entire globe. This will also end the times that we live in when just like the times of the judges every man does that which is right in his own eyes.

The second lesson that we can learn from her is that she does not refute her husband but is in subjection to her. Even though it was to her that the angel spoke! The second time when the angel appears she runs to get her husband, knowing full well that he had asked of God that the messenger be sent a second time to confirm the promise. :22-23 “And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God. But his wife said unto him, If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these.” Instead she shows a gentle and meek spirit in answering her husbands fears of death upon recognition that it was an angel that they saw. Col 3:18 “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.” In our day and age a submissive wife is mocked. Indeed forget what the world thinks, our very flesh rises up and wants to jump up and down when perhaps we are in the right. We need to be like our sister and with a gentle and meek spirit speak. Prov 31:26 “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”

Re-haul!

Yep, I've been neglecting this blog, reading books instead of writing if truth be told! We have a schedule for the chores, a schedule for Bible studies, a schedule for the Daily Readings, a schedule for Magoo's school work....

Mummy needs a blogging schedule.

You know what is weird about all this....I claim to detest schedule, but actually thrive under them, must be a lesson in that somewhere!

So here goes:

Meaningful Mondays : My goal is to start off the week with a spiritual thought, exhortation, something to start our weeks off with our heads in heavenly places as it were

Working Wednesdays: My goal is to re-focus on our tastes around the house midweek. To try to inspire myself to keep on task and keep going. This will include a menu plan for the next week and a focus area for the house.

Fhoto Friday: Yep you guessed it the post centered around a picture taken during that week.

On the other days, I will just keep up with the usual banter from my humble brain, that is if and when Mummy gets on here!

I hope that this will help us keep on track and maybe even get some traffic flow back on our site!

BTW: sewing elaborate folds onto the bodice of a dress, just to then see that now the bodice is 2 inches shy of meeting the pattern is EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING.

Yep, Lindsay's trying to sew matching dresses for the girls....for the wedding this Saturday

Conclusion: I am INSANE!

Mother's Day

Today is the day all over North America which is set apart for families to thank their Mother's. But today is a day I've chosen to set apart to thank God for my children. They are such amazing little blessings from God, holding me in wonder and amazement each day!

Some of you know our situation, some do not, this verse describes it perfectly I think:

"He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Yhwh." Psalm 113:9

About seven years ago now we first felt the stirrings of a little life inside. Growing and developing into a Babe to be born. Magoo burst on the scene 6 years ago, blessing us with his cheerfulness, attentiveness and kindness. Princess followed nearly 4 years ago, full of energy, smiling and cuddling. Sprout is now a year old and changes each day, her laughter and joy at new discoveries puts a smile on every one's faces.


"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:" 1Samuel 1:27

So today is not about me, the mother. It is about God, our heavenly Father. Our latest study has been on Manoah's wife which we have been preparing for Moms N Tots. The mother of Samson. What an amazing lesson is found in her life. She never questions the angel, but has the faith and trust in Yhwh that what is said will come to pass. She faithfully follows the God given directions for her pregnancy, never questioning them.

Indeed only 2 men in scripture are found to be Nazarites from the womb, Samson and John the Baptist. Therefore both Manoah's wife and Elisabeth had these charges on them. To drink no wine or fruit of the vine seems to be an easy task, in fact most pregnant women do this. However in Biblical times the common drink was watered down wine. Indeed they did not have the fruit juice available that we find on the grocery shelves today! This basically meant that they had to drink mainly water.

What a spiritual lesson for us. We must also forsake the false doctrines of the false churches (Rev 14:8) and seek to take in the water of life "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14). Then we can pass this on to our children"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38).

Both men also paved the way for a Redeemer to come to Zion. Samuel follows Samson and Christ follows John. In these, the last days of Gentile time, we must also be looking and longing for the day when:

"So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever." Isaiah 59:19-21

We, and hence, our children have been called out to be a separate people, holy and dedicated to God. Therefore we must also take on this charge so that our children may be as it were Nazarites. Choosing to dedicate their lives in service to our heavenly Father.

I know that you are probably waiting for a great post about our very spiritually uplifting week last week...

However the Pox have returned to our home! Both girls have came down with it yesterday. In the grand scheme of things this is actually great timing. After the study week, before the wedding, before more company arrives....

I would dearly love to post about our week, but to do it justice have decided to wait until the Pox is gone so that I can sit down and concentrate on it.

Having said that I will try to get that done sooner then latter! How I sincerely wish to share with you some of the amazing things pointed out to us in the Word....thrilling stuff!

It is supposed to start raining tomorrow for the duration of the week. So when getting a break from the Pox we will be reorganizing the house and getting rid of junk! Physical and spiritual junk!

Hope your week goes well!

I Got Tagged, so thanks to Joy Home Living I will have to delay scrubbing of the kitchen floor!

7 things I'm looking forward to..
1) Return of Christ
2) Planting the veggie patch
3) Enjoying dessert with Hubby & a bro. tonight after they return from class
4) Sandle season
5) Having more large families over more often now that it is warmer
6) Making a model of the Tabernacle with SS kids on Sunday
7) Being skinny again.....

7 things I did Yesterday (or today but yall wont read it till tomorrow so it will be yesterday)
1) Ate an apple fritter for breakfast (might contribute to the above #7!)
2) Knit 2 dishclothes for a gift
3) Visited an amazing book shop
4) Enjoyed a day at Niagara Falls (haven't been for 7 years)
5) Had our first BBQ (chicken!)
6) Listened to Hubby & bro Mark have great chats in the car
7) Ate apple crumble

7 things I wish I could do
1) Memorize scripture at the drop of a hat
2) Not worry about how someone is going to take what I'm about to say (I ALWAYS put my foot in my mouth!)
3) Have more patience
4) Keep a clean house
5) Sing
6) Play the Cello
7) Stay organized

7 shows I watch.
1) We don't have a t.v.

7 Books I read:
1) The Bible
2) And The Policeman Smiled (Kindertransport book)
3) Little House in the Big Woods
4) Farmer Boy
5) Gate of Zion (Zion Chronicle book series)
6) The Schoolmaster (Bro John Martin)
7) Tongue of the Prophets

(I would recommend every single one of those!)

7 People I tag;
How about all my followers. The kitchen is calling my name!

Outside my window...
The sun is shining and the snow is glittering

I am thinking...
Today has been a taste of Summer

I am thankful for...
My Husband and the amazing studies of the life of Elisha we are listening to this week

From the kitchen...
Chocolate Oat Squares

I am wearing...
Dark brown skirt, green t-shirt

I am creating...
A gift...shhhhh

I am going...
To put on the kettle for a wee cuppa

I am reading...
My First Little House books to Princess

I am hoping...
That Christ returns today

I am hearing...
Wind flinging the curtains every which way

Around the house...
Dusky sunshine streams in

One of my favorite things...
Reading the Psalms

"And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee?

tell me, what hast thou in the house?

And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any

thing in the house, save a pot of oil." 2 Kings 4:2

We have been enjoying our ecclesial "Family Study Week" around the Word of God.....so many amazing lessons for us to impliment!

On that note I will be "away" until Friday! Oh and for those who are wondering the spots dried up and we were all able to go on Saturday! and no sign of any on the girls!

Spots....of the Chicken variety!

The worst possible time for the Goons to come down with chicken pox would be the week that the speaker from New Zealand is staying at our home. The weekend of the family study day, a time when we are to be uplifted.

Yep Speaker arrives tomorrow night....and Magoo will then be on day 4 of Spots.

Since they have been going around the area for the past 4 mths and after a quick call to the doc, we decided that the other kids and one of us could go. Seeing as how Magoo didn't come down with it until the 20th day of a 21 day incubation....

We'll see what we do. Magoo should be dried up and fine by then. I really don't know what to do.

Right now I'm just plain DEPRESSED!!!!!!!

Our Mission Statement:

"Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD." Psalm 34:11

Isn't that a humbling verse! By listening to us, our children should be learning about Yhwh, His principles and His ways! I don't know about you but it sometimes scares me to look at this verses, and others like it and then compare what our children are learning from us...wow.

We had a good weekend. Hubby took the children outside to help him prepare the veggie garden for planting. They willingly gathered all the dead, dried out vegetation from around the gardens and piled it together for Daddy to lite on fire! We have chosen not to give our children "chores" but rather teach them responsibility. They are not "made to do their chores" but have been taught that it is expected that they will help their parents with certain jobs and responsibilities around the house and in the ecclesia. This way they work along side us, learning from us as they go. I willingly admit that Hubby is better at this then I, he has a great deal of patience!

I think this is especially important in the case of daughters. A new generation is coming up that do not embrace the role set out for them by God. They in fact find it "demeaning" and "lacking" and "less then that of the men"...this brings me to tears. We have a responsibility to show to others that we love and embrace the wonderful place God has set out for us in the ecclesia and at home. Including our daughters in our daily tasks, encouraging them along the way, will go far to teaching them this lesson. Cheerfully going about the tasks together is always much more enjoyable. Yes, the bed is not made "quite" like Mummy would, the dishes need to be double checked after washing, the flour not gleaming perfectly....but how are they to learn if we do not let them try and join with us? Learning to run a home, and love to do so is not taught sitting at a desk with a textbook!

Both our son and daughter follow us around, helping us in our tasks.....well "helping" more like! But already we are starting to see the results, the fruit of our labours. No, they do not want to set the table or clear up every day....but gentle reproof and reminders help them stay the course. Magoo knows that he is expected to help when Mummy asks....like vacuuming yesterday before we left for Sunday School as we company coming after Memorial.

By not calling them chores they do not expect a reward for their labours either. However we do like to take the opportunity to treat them when something arises. An example is last Friday, we had a bunch of errands to run. The Goons were very well behaved (something we have had to work on again) and did not act like Achan! When we arrived home, 25 min from town, I realized that I had my wallet but the contents had fallen out. They didn't even grumble once that we had to turn around and drive back into town. So we stopped at DQ on the way back home (again) for kiddie cones. The point being that the treat is not expected for being good, but rather we take the opportunity when it arises to give them a special treat.

Sprout has fallen asleep here, so I will go and pop her into her wee bed and sit down with the Goons for our morning reading of a Psalm. I hope that this day is a blessing to you!

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily,

as to the Lord, and not unto men;" Col 3:23

The children are all fed, scrubbed clean and tucked into their wee beds, so here I sit contentedly sipping a cup of tea reflecting on the joy that today has been.

Indeed we were blessed by God today, that is the only way to describe it truly! The day started off wonderfully. The birds were singing and even though it was 7am (yes I know a lot of you get up before then) and I knew that I could probably sleep for another 15 min I just couldn't fall back to sleep. Hubby and I normally wake around 7 - 7:30 and depending on the day the children have not yet risen. I think herein is the reason for the day starting so well. Usually what happens is that I fall back to sleep and then am woken soon after by little voices, and I am not impressed that I only got an extra 5 or 10 0r even 25 minutes of precious sleep...

"Yet a little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to sleep" Proverbs 6:10

By allowing myself to wake up before the children put me in the right mindset for the day.

"She riseth also while it is yet night,

and giveth meat to her household, and

a portion to her maidens." Proverbs 31:15

Those few minutes did wonders for the rest of our day. Hubby had the morning off so that he could collect free mulch from the County for our garden beds. We haven't properly mulched them in three years so this really is a must this summer! So the children and I got right into our day after waving Daddy off to his task. Strawberries made the simple breakfast of cold cereal seem a treat! We got dressed and showered, ready for a special friend of Princess' to arrive after 9. After a Cappuchino shared with a dear sister in the Truth, she went off to teach at the school and the children and I dove head first into our day.

Play mobile, a Psalm, Dirt, Baking, Painting, Cookies, Story time rounded out day and before we knew it we were getting the house prepared for sister's class. The children were so well behaved! They played ever so well and it really was a joy. Sister's class went well, though I was a ball of nerves as usual when giving the class (on Lev 24:1-9). Then afterwards the Goons and I walked into town to run some errands for Hubby and visit the library.

As you can see today was filled with regular, everyday jobs. Seemingly mundane to most. I am so thankful that God has renewed my heart to love my role, my husband, my children (well they really are His children are they not!) and my ecclesia.

So I'm off to knit some more dishcloths and listen to a class while Hubby is at a meeting. May God bless you in your daily lives as we await the return of His son and the establishment of the Kingdom in Israel.

I Can't Believe I'm Posting This, But Anyways:

Hello everyone

We have entered a picture of Princess in Israel for a baby contest to raise some money for a couple things that are on our "to do" list. Each vote equals about $1-10 and it adds up fast. You can vote 3 times per day. Here is the link: http://www.iparents.com/viewPage.php?ID=Photo%20ContestsYou can see our name under the photo. I know you are thinking: Lindsay is crazy! but this is a legitimate contest and would really help us out with some $$ for the "To Do List"

Thanks so much!

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good;

for his mercy endureth for ever." 1Chr 16:34

When you have spent hours in the night holding your child counting their heartbeats, you learn to trust in Yhwh. Prayer is what got us through the night, prayer and Advil.

Even though it was hard, I needed to go through that. They may be pests at times (actually they think it is a term of endearment in our house, it is really) and there are times I just want to cry when they simply don't get the lessons. But We love them to bits and wouldn't want our lives without them.

(Kid)

Once upon a time God made a special little child

did you know that special kid was me

so let the sun shine on my face

let me have my special place

you will find a person you will see

Then I start to grow and grow

and very soon I stub my toe

I can't help it when I start to cry

Soon I've got 2 bandaged toes,

soiled pants and a runny nose

Think it's time for a lullaby

Let the children be children

Its okay to be a kid for a while

Let the children be children

It all goes by in just a flash of a smile

Let the children be children

Whats to gain by making them grow up fast

Let the children be children

Please let it last

(Mom)

Dirty hand prints on the wall

Blocks and bottles, toys and balls

Seem to be the living room decor

Constant chatter in the air

At times its all that you can bare

But then you see that face you adore

This stage you say you think their in

It never ever really ends

Til they grow up

And walk out

The door

Some say there's and answer here

So much better in a year

When this child grows up a little more

Let the children be children
Its okay to be a kid for a while
Let the children be children
It all goes by in just a flash of a smile
Let the children be children
Whats to gain by making them grow up fast
Let the children be children
Please let it last

Please let it last

That is a special song my Mother used to sing to me, and now I sing to our children. Perhaps I need to remember it more often!

Spots!

So we thought that we escaped the dreaded chicken pox. Now in the next month we have a family coming for a week that we only see once a year. The speaker for the Family Study Day staying here, which we a thrilled about and a wedding!

Yep, and we are awaiting spots. Yuck. Talk about terrible, the worst possible timing! I think our angel is laughing at me. I don't mean that in any disrespect at all! I was sitting in the living room Friday sorting it all out in my brain how I was going to get already for them coming, how I was going to cook all these wonderful foods to tempt guests to linger over coffee, how I was going to open our home to so many and help the ecclesia over then next month.

I think the spots were sent to humble me and get rid of the "I"ities that was plaguing me.

We have a habit of "taking tea" every day, do you?

Just to share here is Magoo helping to feed Sprout her rice the other day. We are so blessed with our children, they love helping especially when it involves caring for Sprout!

Dinner tonight:

Yep, it is snowing and is not forecast to stop until Wednesday. Our veggie patch and apple trees look so desolate out there!

Surviving the Rainy Days

Spring has finally arrived to our small corner of the earth where we are sojourning, awaking the call to the Kingdom. I am choosing to ignore the weather forecast that states "periods of snow" for Wednesday.....Rather I would like to focus for a moment on the drips of rain flowing down the window pane.

I welcome and get a little thrill at these first days of rain in the Spring. They hold such promise, a sweet reminder that as sure as the rebirth of Spring follows the death of Winter, sure also is His promise that the resurrection will indeed follow death.

But I know my flesh, "we go way back", I know after a couple days of wetness I will be itching for sun shine. Ignoring the fact that all this rain is bringing up the bulbs and perennials. Hence the title of this post....survival! One always needs a plan. here are some things that help us on rainy days.

After breakfast we also roll up our sleeves and bake something, anything. Today it is bread....I've been procrastinating and we've gone 3 days without bread, but that is another topic! The aroma of baking yummies always brightened our mood! The latest fav is blueberry scones, we made up this recipe on Tuesday for Moms N Tots:

Blueberry Scones

1) Wisk together 3 C all purpose flour, 3 heaped tsp baking powder, 2 Tbs white sugar & 1 Tbs brown sugar, pinch of salt

2) Rub in 1/2C butter or marg

3) Make a well and put 2 eggs & 1/4C milk in the well, whisk (do not stir into dry mix yet) pour a heaped 1/2C frozen blueberries into the well. Stir all together.

4) Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes.

5) DEVOUR!

Nope, sorry no pics, we ate them all! Then while the oven is on sit down and read a Psalm, any Psalm. Also on rainy day s we don't make tea in the cups as usual but get out a fun tea pot and tea cups, seems much cozier to drink tea out of a pot on a drip drop day!

Now if you have kids, I would recommend ignoring the house and having a good ole fashioned game of hide N seek and get out the messy crafts, the ones where they will end up needing a bath! To help with the clean up I would suggest covering the dining room table with a picnic table cloth....trust me it helps a lot!

Oh and don't forget music, lots of music. Right now we have "Mr. Henry's Wild and Wacky but Totally True Bible Stories" on Faith playing as I type and the Goons set up the farm in the playroom. We will probably listen to Vivaldi & Continue in the Faith CD as well today.

Another great way to get through the dreary days is to curl up all together in a fort made of blankets and read stories! Such fun!

Well I've got to get the bread out and make that pot of tea. Hmmmm I think we will use our sheep cups today! Enjoy the rain!

"Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby

thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary." Psalm 68:9

Random Ramblings

"((Lamed)) She feareth not that the cold of winter shall hurt her house, for all her household folks are double clothed"

Pr 31:21

While the girls slept yesterday I got started on the Spring jobs, not cleaning, just jobs. Our dishclothes are shredding so what better for spring then a bright a cheery yellow one! Hubby finds it hilarious that I chat about how fun it will be to wash dishes with it! Have you started the "Spring Clean" yet? Well...um....I "was" going to start this week, but then it snowed, AGAIN. Um, nope no "Spring Cleaning" until all the white stuff is gone for good! So maybe next week.

I am a great procrastinator! If you need lessons I can give them!

This past week went by great! So far this week is also going great. The kids have been resonablely well behaved, the house is liveable, and Magoo has been ready for school on time. We have discovered that it takes Magoo 30 min to eat breakfast, so we must be eating no latter then 7:45 inorder to be putting on our coats and getting in the car by 8:15. So what has helped this week? Getting our priorities straight. By seeking to serve Yhwh through service to my family, wow, it really helped my outlook this past bit.


Had to include this cute photo. Princess was already for Meeting, and waiting for the rest of us so she sat herself down and "played" piano for us. It was so adorable and hubby and I both enjoyed stopping in the middle of the craziness that Sunday morning brings and watching/listening to her for a few minutes. Of course the fact she put on her "tea party" hat made it even more adorable!!

Well speaking of procrastination, we have bread to bake, a kitchen floor that desparately needs a wash, an article (on family life) to edit, a desk to clear, laundry to be folded and put away....and blueberry muffins tempting us for tea time....

I hope that Yhwh blesses you and your household today! I'm off to my jobs, and you know what? I feel blessed to be able to serve, not be moaning my state.

"Praise Yhwh; for Yhwh is good: sing praises unto his name;
for it is pleasant. For Yhwh hath chosen Jacob unto himself,
and Israel for his peculiar treasure. For I know that Yhwh
is great, and that our Adoni is above all gods. Whatsoever Yhwh
pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and
all deep places. He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of
the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth
the wind out of his treasuries. " Psalm 135:3-7