& Family!
Well, its the day after the Black Friday madness. From what I read online about the crowds in other areas, I'd say we fared pretty well here in NC. Not to say that there were no problems, just not the crowds and ugliness that seems to have prevailed elsewhere.
We got to the mall at 3:45 in the morning.
The crowds were already wrapped around Penny's. I told the girls we would wait until that mob got in, then we would get out of the car and into the store. The people were calm and considerate where I was. Although Dd (18) said she heard some people (families maybe?) being really hateful to one another. She got away from that crowd fast.
We didn't venture into the kitchen/electronic area, no need to. We went to looking for coats and clothes. Those areas were pretty calm. DD gotn herself a new coat that was on sale at $50 usually $250. That was a great deal. She also picked up 2 skirts for church at $13 regularly $40.
I am proud of her choices. She had her entire Black Friday trip planned out to a "T." She knew what she was looking for and where to find it. We were in and out of Penny's in 40 minutes. Had she not tried the clothes on, we would have been out sooner.
A lot of people were lined up at Belk's to get a free gift card. We chose to forgo that line. There is nothing in Belk's that I needed nor wanted. A free $5 gift card was not an incentive to deal with the crowd that was wrapped around the store.
We then headed to Sears and Rack Room. DD got some new boots and 2 shirts for work. We then wanted to just see what Wal Mart had on sale. We got there, went in and immediately decided to LEAVE!
Those people were crazy in there. No room to walk without getting shoved against someone. YUCK! And that was at 5:45 in the morning.
We finally ended up the day at another Wally World for groceries.(the ONLY place that was totally empty!) Got home at 11, unloaded the groceries and took a nap for an hour. After the nap, it was a deep clean of the house. (it was really messy from the day before with everyone here for Thanksgiving.)
We didn't go shopping for "wants" yesterday, but for needs. I thank The Lord that DD was able to get the deals she did. I am also proud that DD didn't want all of that useless (IMHO) stuff. She was very careful with her money and her time. That says a lot for an 18 year old. (sorry, I had to brag a bit.
)
Oh, I did get 2 things that were "wants" for myself. 2 apple cinnamon candles at $2 each, regularly $5 each. What can I say, I splurged!
Have a blessed weekend in The Lord!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Family & Friends!
It is now 2:00 a.m. in the morning and I can't believe that I am already up. I am trying my best to keep my eyes open while blogging this. I figured that this would be the best way to get my mind and my eyes wide open and started for the day. Hence, the EARLY blog.
You may have guessed by now that I am up and getting ready for the Black Fiday Sales. There is no other earthly reason that I would be up at this hour otherwise. We will be leaving in about an hour to head out to JC Penny's. Dd (18) has been needing a new coat and they have them regularly $250 (can you actually imagine someone paying that much for a coat?) for $49.95 today only. So that's where we are heading first.
Then its off to wherever else she wants to go. I am not very impressed with the sales this year. I could use a coat myself and if I find one under $50 I'll get one. Other than that, I am content with such as I have. The Lord has been good to me and my family and has net all of our needs.
Why am I up so early to go get a coat? Well, lets put it this way. By 6 in the morning, the stores are crowded and the people are starting to get cranky, (from my past experience.) Being there when they open allows me take my time and not deal with the crowds.
Most people are going after the electronics and such. The clothing asiles are not as busy, so that's where we head to. We also stay away from amy kind of toy store. We did that one year and I said,"NEVER AGAIN!"
Well, to all you homesteaders out to get a good deal today, many blessings in what you are looking for. Today is the most frugal (I think) day of the year!
Have a blessed day in The Lord!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Happy Thanksgiving Family & Friends! It's finally Thanksgiving, my favorite day of the year! Where has the time gone this year? It just seems like yesterday that I was preparing another turkey and getting ready for the big day.
I just got the turkey in the oven. I also just got the dough put out to rise for the bread. Here's what's on the menu:
Turkey (15 lbs.)
Honey Ham (sister is bringing this)
Stuffing
Crock Pot Mac. & Cheese
Mashed Potatoes
Corn (from the garden)
Green Beans
Yams
Deviled Eggs
Sour Dough Bread (home made)
Pumpkin Pie
Lemon Pie
Apple Pie
That is a lot of food! How blessed we are!
We are having my sister and her family over, as well as my brother and another friend. There will be 12 people over in all. I cooked pretty much the same thing last year for the same amount of people. Believe it or not, there were not many leftovers for the amount of food that was prepared. Every gets a plate to take home and then we eat on what's left. We are so blessed!
I have been so blessed this year. Like my Pastor said last night, God is good all of the time. He is good when things aren't going our way, He is good when they are. His nature is ALWAYS good. That is the kind of God we serve. A God that let His son die so that we could have eternal life. Praise His name forever!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving and remember to think of those Christians who came to America so long ago to find a place to serve Sweet Jesus. They did indeed lay the stepping stones they intended to lay. To God be the glory now and forever! Amen!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Things to do today-
Read Bible
Clean house
Bake 2 pies
Groceryshopping
Pick niece up from school
Listen to SM Davis tape (How To Deal With Moodiness)
Church Service
Prepare food for tomorrow's Thanksgiving Feast
Get off the computer (I am getting off now)
Have a blessed day in The Lord!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Good Morning Family & Friends! It's COLD outside this morning. They say it should be up to about 59* by mid afternoon though. I sure hope it gets that high today.
I have been pondering the past few days about the way I look at scripture. I have always used God's word to "help me" so to speak. OUCH! I don't think that I have been looking to it as The Lord would want me to. Does that make any sense?
I tend to go to God's word lately and try and use it as a "help manual." I feel that I have fallen into a really bad habit. It seems like I have been selfish in the way I look to His word. I am looking to please me.(YUCK!) I haven't really been looking to see what God wants me to learn. Am I making any sense here?
I am "feeling" a certain way, so I go to God's word and look until I can find what I want to read to please my flesh, not nessesarily cleanse my way. It's a selfish motive that is leading me to God's word, not one that should be going there to see what He has to say in my life at this time. It is just so selfish. I HATE my flesh!
I HATE knowing what I need to do and then making excuses not to do it. It is a constant battle between the flesh and the spirit. I feel so defeated and discouraged.
I need to start looking to God's word as just that, HIS word. Not some "feel good" book. Even when it hurts to read, I need to keep reading. Even when it starts revealing (and does it ever) my sin, I need to keep reading.
I need more prayer. I need more Jesus! I need more of His Word!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
"To preach deliverance to the captives."—Luke 4.18.
ONE but Jesus can give deliverance to captives. Real liberty cometh from Him only. It is a liberty righteously bestowed; for the Son, who is Heir of all things, has a right to make men free. The saints honour the justice of God, which now secures their salvation. It is a liberty which has been dearly purchased. Christ speaks it by His power, but He bought it by His blood. He makes thee free, but it is by His own bonds. Thou goest clear, because He bare thy burden for thee: thou art set at liberty, because He has suffered in thy stead. But, though dearly purchased, He freely gives it. Jesus asks nothing of us as a preparation for this liberty. He finds us sitting in sackcloth and ashes, and bids us put on the beautiful array of freedom; He saves us just as we are, and all without our help or merit. When Jesus sets free, the liberty is perpetually entailed; no chains can bind again. Let the Master say to me, "Captive, I have delivered thee," and it is done for ever. Satan may plot to enslave us, but if the Lord be on our side, whom shall we fear? The world, with its temptations, may seek to ensnare us, but mightier is He who is for us than all they who be against us. The machinations of our own deceitful hearts may harass and annoy us, but He who hath begun the good work in us will carry it on and perfect it to the end. The foes of God and the enemies of man may gather their hosts together, and come with concentrated fury against us, but if God acquitteth, who is he that condemneth? Not more free is the eagle which mounts to his rocky eyrie, and afterwards outsoars the clouds, than the soul which Christ hath delivered. If we are no more under the law, but free from its curse, let our liberty be practically exhibited in our serving God with gratitude and delight. "I am Thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: Thou hast loosed my bonds." "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"
Good Evening Family & Friends! It has been a beautiful day here on the homefront. It wasn't as cold as it has been. Cold enough though (so says hubby.)
We had a beautiful service last night at church. We had a Thanksgiving/praise service last evening. It was such a blessing to hear from the people within our church praising God for His goodness through out the past year.
A lot of people were thanking God for the Godly/Christian heritage that they were bought up in. If you had/have a Christian heritage for your background, you are truly blessed. That was not the case for me.
I was saved 15 years ago. I never went to church as a child. I didn't know a thing about the Bible. I never had a Christian friend until I moved to the area I am at now. That Christian friend introduced me to Jesus by his example and that of his wife. I thank God for that family.
I can look back on my life now and see that the whole time, The Lord was calling me to Him. I just didn't want to listen though.
I was too caught up in myself and my sin to give Christ a thought. It was all about what I thought and what I wanted. I am so glad that The Lord was merciful all that time. To think that He could have given me up. It's a scary thought.
He was merciful though and had a plan for me and my family. I can see so clearly now that it was The Lord directing my steps (even when I was in sin) to get me where He wanted me. Even after being saved for 15 years, I am still learning so much and seeing His faithful hand in my life. I really don't know how He could love a sinner like me. I fail all of the time, yet His mercy does indeed endure forever.
I really pray that The Lord will open the eyes of my sister and brother. I love them with all of my heart. Their eyes are just not opened to the things of God. I understand, I was there once too. If God was patient with me, I know that He can be patient for them too. I just have to be patient though. That's the hard part.
I am truly thankful for my family, my church, my church family, my home, my Christian friends, my food, my health, and so much more. God is ever to be praised for His enduring mercy. Were it not for His mercy, I would be as lost today as I once was.
To God be the glory! Praise His name always!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Drums Along the Mohawk is a very good movie about a period in American history that not many movies have been made about. Set during the Revolutionary War, the story is about two newlyweds and their new life in the Mohawk Valley. The couple is trying to establish themselves with a home and farm of their own, but are interrupted when the British and the Mohawk Indian tribe begin to raid all along the valley. The settlers must deal with the raiding Indians while also trying to survive.
We borrowed this from the library the other day. It is an excellent movie.
I went on Amazon to see if they have copies still available (this movie was made in 1939) and they have it on DVD and VHS.
It is so nice to find good movies, that don't edit out the Christian contribution that was made when this country was founded. This movie really gives you a look into the frontier families that were making this land their own during the revolutionary war.
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
We have been reading this book for the past month. It is the diary of William Bradford, of Plymouth Plantation. It chronicles the Pilgrims experiences and trials while they were establishing their new home in America.
There are so many details in this book. So much that I have learned that will not be found in todays textbooks. You can truly see God's hand in these peoples lives throughout their journey to establish a new colony for the glory of God.
They had so many hardships, yet they continued to put their trust in God no matter what the outcome. These people really should be remembered as heros in this land today. Christian heros who loved God enough to leave ALL that they had to serve Him as the Bible commands.
If you have the chance to read it, PLEASE do so. It is FACTUAL information on the pilgrims with NO political reinventions. You will learn the truth about the first Thanksgiving!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
No Condemnation
In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve. (Jeremiah 50:20)
A glorious word indeed! What a perfect pardon is here promised to the sinful nations of Israel and Judah! Sin is to be so removed that it shall not be found, so blotted out that there shall be none. Glory be unto the God of pardons!
Satan seeks out sins wherewith to accuse us, our enemies seek them that they may lay them to our charge, and our own conscience seeks them even with a morbid eagerness. But when the Lord applies the precious blood of Jesus, we fear no form of search, for "there shall be none"; "they shall not be found." The Lord hath caused the sins of His people to cease to be: He hath finished transgression and made an end of sin. The sacrifice of Jesus has cast our sins into the depths of the sea. This makes us dance for joy. ( I am so thankful that The Lord Saved me!)
The reason for the obliteration of sin lies in the fact that Jehovah Himself pardons His chosen ones. His word of grace is not only royal but divine. He speaks absolution, and we are absolved. He applies the atonement, and from that hour His people are beyond all fear of condemnation. Blessed be the name of the sin-annihilating God!
By Charles Spurgeon
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/turkeys_corn_ethanol/2008/11/20/153589.html-
Blessings,
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
That's a catchy title isn't it? Well, that's just what my chickens act like. They have gotten into the habit of running to me when I come outside to feed them as if they were puppies that have been starved to death. I can't even get the food out of the jar and into their bowl fast enough for them. I even have one that flies up while the food is being poured into the bowl, thinking she can get the food faster that way.
I can't keep enough feed in these birds. I thought that it might be because it's been so cold and they need more energy. NOT! These birds are like this ALL of the time. Out of all the breeds we have ever had, these are the most ornery selfish birds we have ever had.
Now, they are they BEST egg layers we have had. So, other than being trampled on by birds during feeding time (and any other time I am outside) I have no reason to complain. They are red stars and also lay BIG brown eggs.
I have 8 Red Stars, 2 Rhode Island Reds, one Black Star and one breed that I can't recall the name of right now. I was getting about 9- 10 eggs a day during the spring and summer. I am now getting about 3-4 a day. I think that's pretty good.
We let then free range during the day by letting them out of their coup at noon. I declare, when I go up there to let them out, they all head straight to the dog's bowl and try and eat his food. Like I said before, these bird are hungry ALL of the time.
Anyway, I just thought that I would share that little bit of info. Does anyone else have chickens that act as strange as mine?
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Now here's something to be really happy about!
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article5198537.ece-
My $25 gas fund was getting me only half a tank at during the summer months. We didn't go out too often. Now that same $25 is getting me just about a full tank! Yippee! I am now going to try and cut the bill further by using only $15 a week for gas. That should get me about half a tank (what I have been used to for the past several months anyway.). I don't want to think that just because the gas has come down that I should be going out more and ultimately spending more because I am out and about (usually happens that way.) Does that make any sense?
Hubby is still getting at least 40 hours a week. (Praise God!) They have 2 jobs that should last them until the middle of December. He says that there isn't much on the books after that.
We are used to him getting laid off during the winter months anyway. It is usually for about a month starting in Feb. It may be in January now. So no matter what happens, I don't want to get into the habit of going off the budget "just because."
God is good and in control! Praise His name now and forever! Amen!
Bless all who pass this way!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Good Afternoon Family & Friends! It is a COLD day here in NC. We rarely see these kind of temps. this time of year. (did I say that in an ealier post?) If I did, you can really see that I am amazed to see that we are at 43* at 5 in the afternoon in the middle of November. This is usually Jan. or Feb. weather in our neck of ther woods.
Anyway, the kids and I went on our "yearly" turkey hunt today. We started calling it a hunt when my oldest Dd (18) was in the 5th grade. I am always the one who cooks in the family. So it has been up to me to find the biggest turkey to cook for Thanksgiving day. It was dubbed "the hunt" because it usually takes going to 3-4 different stores to find a 23 lb. turkey.
This year, I found what I was looking for at the first store I went to. That was REALLY nice. The turkey was priced at .57 a lb. That was a really good deal. I had to buy $35 (minus the turkey) to get it at that price, but I had to purchase other sale items anyway, so it worked out really well. I actually got 2 turkeys and plan on going back next week for 2 more to stock the freezer with. Let's just say that this old homesteader is preparing for the winter.
Wal Mart had some good deals this week. Real Land O Lake Butter for $2 a lb. Green Giant corn, beans and peas for .50 a can. So I ended up with 6 lbs. of butter and 30 cans of veggies. I think the butter should last for the next month and a half. The veggies should also last until March or April, with what I already have stored in the freezer. I would love to be able to get enough veggies (canned) to last until July. That's when (prayerfully) the corn and beans we usually plant would be harvested.
I still need to get a better system in figuring out the exact amount of veggies I would need to last from one harvest to another. That really depends on "how the garden grows" though. With the last two years being in a drought, I never know just what I am going to harvest. (thank The Lord for Wally World and veggies on sale at.50 a can!)
I have a busy day ahead of me tomorrow. I am baking bread to sale at the local libray. I also need to get to the library and pick up a book. Then there is still school to do and a house that ALWAYS needs cleaning. (Thank you Lord for all that You allow me to do for my family.)
Well, I need to get off here and get ready for church. At least I don't have to cook tonight. On the way home from "the hunt" we stopped and picked up Chinese to bring home for lunch. They always put way too much in the boxes to eat at one sitting. So hence, it's Chinese for dinner as well!
Have a blessed evening in The Lord!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=81318-
We, as Christians need to pray for these families living in Germany. Imagine having to flee the U.S. because you just want to raise your child in the fear and admonition of the Lord?
If we don't pray, who will?
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Good Sunday Afternoon Family & Friends! It is such a sunny and much cooler day than it was yesterday. The temps. this week are not suppose to get out of the 50's here on my neck of the woods. That's cold to me though. I much prefer nights in the 50's and days in the 70's. It is autumn though, so tis the season for the cool down.
We had a wonderful time at the church yesterday evening. We had our monthly fellowship/dinner. There was plenty of food and friends to be thankful for. Christian fellowship is so important to have. Sometimes your church family really is the only family you have. I know that my Christian family stands for the same thsings that I do. We follow and serve The God of the universe. The one who has chosen to put us together for his service and glory.
We also had a good service this morning. The choir sang the song "It Is Well With My Soul." It is just what I needed to hear this morning. No matter what trouble we have now (or may have soon) my Lord has taught me to say, IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL! I LOVE that song!
We also had A LOT of prayer requests this morning for people who maybe laid off from their work very soon. One member was laid off Friday when they closed his work down. 2 others in the same family said that lay offs in their work (separate places of employment) may be coming really soon. This is really starting to hit too close to home.
We do know that as Christians, that God never closes one door without opening another. He knows what is going on and it is a blessing to know that we really are in the hands of an Almighty God who loves and cares for us. Cared enough to send His son, Jesus Christ to die for us, so that we would be able to go to heaven and live eternally with Him. Praise His name forever!
My hubby's hours were cut last August. He is getting at least 40 hours. That's a lot to be thankful for. He was even able to go yesterday and participate in a church work day. I can't ever remember him being able to do that before because of his work. He was so thankful to be able to do something for The Lord. Praise God again for the fellowship he received yesterday as the result of being able to help at the church!
Well, I need to get off here. I am so thankful that I can go back to church this evening. I am so blessed to have a Bible believing/preaching church to go to. The Word is spoken/taught without thought to what the world says is politically correct. My church is a Biblically Correct church! Praise His name again!
Have a blessed Sunday!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Family & Friends~
This has started out as a busy day for me. I had a full fledged war going on in my house this morning at 7:00. A war you ask? Well, when you have an 11 year old and a 9 year old boy with play guns, it usually turns into some kind of war.
I am keeping the brother (11), of the baby that I usually keep today as well as the baby/toddler. They got here at 6:00 this morning and have been going non stop ever since. Once my son got up that was all it took to get the "war" started. I finally had to send the older boys outside to play their war games. It was getting very hard to get breakfast started with 2 boys and a toddler running around the house "shooting " each other. ( I am just so thankful that the rain had finally stopped.)
Hubby was suppose to work today, but the
rain cancelled that out. He went to help do some work at the church this morning. He also offered to take the two boys with him (happy dance here!) So I only have the toddler and DD (15) at home right now.
I have been online this morning researching. Looking into ways to stock food properly. I have also been researching mushrooms. Hubby bought home some information about mushroom farming from a friend at work. I never thought of a mushroom farm. With as many as we buy/eat around here (USA grown ONLY) this sounds like something we might be able to do.
I have also been wanting to get over to a friends house. I want Hubby to see the way she has her small farm set up. It is very organized and looks very efficient. (you got it going Mrs. L) The time just hasn't been right though. We'll get over there soon though.
I still have a lot to do today. We are having a fish fry at church this evening. I need to get some potatoes baked and work on a ranch recipe for them. It makes ordinary baked potatoes taste great. It's the easiest thing I could think of to take. I also made an eclair cake last night to take. Can't wait to dig into that!
Well, I need to go and finish with the house cleaning.
Have a blessed weekend in The Lord!
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
Need to try this one soon.
http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Making-Poultry-Feeds-1.html-
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7
This is a great article on how to start your first batch of chickens that will be ready in 5-6 weeks.
http://countrysidemag.com/issues/92/92-6/a_chicken_in_every_pot.html-
Ever thought of growing your own mushrooms? We're looking into it. Here's another link to learn to be more self-reliant.
http://www.countrysidemag.com/issues/84/84-5/Countryside_Staff.html-
Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7