The Answer to our Financial Woes
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 12:50 by blessed mom - 5 Comments - Post Comment - Link
The "financial" woes of our nation are on the hearts and minds of many in our nation right now.
I am not surpised in any way by the economic crisis we face. What did Americans think would happen when it has lived on a steady diet of debt and allowed our government for decades to get deeper and deeper into national debt? It does not take a rocket scientist to understand that our nation's economic crisis is due to poor financial management. We can't point a finger at our nation and it's leaders without taking a good look at our own lives. Americans are addicted to debt. YES, I say addicted. Pretty strong words, ya think? Americans want everything and they want it right now. They want their government programs and don't realize that everything comes with a price tag. They want their new cars, new homes and fancy electronic gadgets and don't think twice about putting down plastic to pay for it.
Then there is the concern over the upcoming election. Most of my loved ones and friends are very concerned about things. They are concered about the moral and social demise of our nation. They are concerned and rightfully so.
So now what?
I was talking the other day to a good friend. She was expressing her family's reponse to our economic woes....... there was concern in her voice...... she was worried...... her response is to stockpile food and get a gun.
Now I want to say that I think it's great to have a full pantry, anytime of year and under any enconomic state we may find ourselves in. But, I do not believe our trust should be in what "we are doing" or "what we can do" or what our "government" plans to do or will do. I believe , whole heartedly that our trust is to be in the Lord. The Word of God tells us that the Lord watches over the sparrow and even the lilly of the field is dressed beautifully! When times get tough, we need to earnestly place our trust in the ONLY safe harbor of security --- the Lord!
" Trust in the Lord with all your heart , and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." ~~ Proverbs 3: 5 & 6
Too many Americans have forgotten this proverb.
Many have invested heavily in the stock market. My husband was a broker for a few years. He could tell stories about what goes on in the stock market. It's really just a more polished way of gambling. I am sorry if that offends some of you. Many are seeing their retirement funds disintegrate before their very eyes. In the news the past few days there have been reports of some committing suicide because of their financial woes.
What is happening here?
Friends, let us not dispair! Let us not put our trust in our stocks, our savings account, our food storage or even our guns!
May I gently encourage you to place your trust in the ONLY SAFE SECURITY we have -- and that is the Lord God!
" It is the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is His faithfulness." ~~ Lamentations 3: 22 & 23
Great is His faithfulness! He will not fail us !! Let us not turn to "man made" answers to our problems. Let us seek His face, humble ourselves and He has promised us that He will heal our land.
My prayer is that all of us will seek His face, seek a closer walk with Him ..... and trust, trust, trust that He will provide, protect and continue to shield us!
~ gloria ~
NEWSTART... and disclaimer
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 07:52 by ~Melissa - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link
I assigned categories for the pieces of health information that I plan to write about. These categories focus mainly on the acronym NEWSTART. I have added a couple other categories which really do not relate to the NEWSTART acronym, and may continue to add a category or two as necessary.
The NEWSTART acronym is described below:
N- Nutrition
E - Exercise
W - Water
S - Sunshine
T - Temperance
A - Air
R - Rest
T - Trust in God
Remembering the different parts of NEWSTART can help one to remind themselves of the areas that can improve one's health. We hardly ever fall apart because of ONE problem, but rather it is usually a combination of health struggles. Making changes in one area may show improvement, but it likely is not going to be a lifelong answer to our struggles. NEWSTART can help us towards a healthier lifestyle. It isn't about diet to lose weight, or sleeping pills to get our rest, but simply getting back to what we were designed to live by.
DISCLAIMER:
A disclaimer that I want to add is that some of us have bodies that are far along in disease processes. Changing late in the game is likely not going to cure us, however, we may see decreased symptoms by making healthy lifestyle changes. A diabetic may still be a diabetic, but their blood sugar levels are easier to control. Also because of sin, our bodies have become run down after generations of misuse. That means our children can have problems like allergies or other horrible diseases that are not caused by how they are living, but rather a compilation of problems in our own genetics that we have passed down to them, or problems caused while growing in the womb...not to mention the exposure of so many things that are just considered normal these days... (chemicals, pesticides, immunizations, pollution, etc.) that can adversely affect one even though many others can take those exposures without much of a symptom at all. So, do be realistic in making changes, they won't cure us overnight and they may not cure us at all. Some changes may relieve us of some symptoms, but some changes could be detrimental to our specific medical condition.
What does that mean? If you have a medical condition or your children are sick, please read for guidance of where to go for information, not to substitute for medical treatment. Making changes without your medical doctor's knowledge can cause big problems. Medications you may be on may become too strong when making changes to a healthier lifestyle and without some guidance from your doctor on how to wean from your medications, you may end up sicker trying to live healthier than when you just lived "as is" with your medications. Also, if you are ever feeling concerned or overwhelmed with a situation, do not try to do it on your own, just because it is healthier. Our gut feelings are there for us to seek help. And sometimes we do not notice something going terribly wrong because we are untrained in knowing what to look for.
Now, I do not want this to deter you from trying natural remedies or lifestyle changes. Just when you do it, make wise choices and if under medical care, take it to your doctor to explain what you are wanting to try. Some doctors are not supportive of healthy lifestyle/home remedies... in that case, find one who is and one who knows what you are talking about because not all doctors know what home remedies even are as many are not trained in that area or they have seen disasterous cases from one trying to cure themselves on their own. Often a person will misdiagnose a problem and the "cure" they are using will never work, but only cause the problem to continue without restraint.
Many medical missionaries treat others with home remedies and teach unschooled mothers and fathers in treatments where medical facilities are too far away or too expensive. These treatments are taught and used all over the world and have improved lives. Why we don't use them here in America boggles my mind. With medical care so expensive and drug treatments sometimes noneffective or the side effects so damaging, we need to go back to some simple ways of healing.
In summary, I do not feel anyone should be afraid of remedies or lifestyle changes. Many changes are as simple as not eating cheetos and eating a whole grain cracker instead. Some home remedies you can practice even while on medications and see increased results above what just the medication alone will do. As your skill improves, you will feel more confident. As time goes by, you will understand how our bodies work and see why something will or will not work in a situation. Be wise in your decisions; pray and ask for guidance.
Warmly, ~Melissa
great deals
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 8:01 AM by Brenda - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link
We have some exciting things happening around here. First of all my two sixteen year olds Jordan and Amber got their drivers licenses yesterday. For some people this is scary, but I am so excited. Now 6 of the kids are drivers.
Next my second oldest son Josh, just turned 18!!! I can't even believe that he is 18. I am so proud of him. He is the one that does the teaching at the nursing home. What a handsome man he turned into.
 Some of the kids are doing funny mouths because they are singing Happy Birthday while the picture was being taken.
 Here some of the kids are eating outside for the party. We made tacos and rice. There are an awful lot of girls.
 Here some kitties find a warm place to sleep in my husband's boots. There are two kittens in each boot, the bottom one is hard to see in the picture.
 Do you know what this is???Yes, it is a wringer. I am so, so happy. I went to an antique store with my sister and found this wringer. You know I tried the mop bucket and it didn't work well. I can't even believe I found a working wringer. It has the patent date on it of 1888. I am so excited. I can't wait to get plunging and wringing.
 I also found this wonderful perculator. The coffee was fabulous. The stove top is dirty because we were in the middle of making tacos when I obsessed and had to take a picture of the coffee pot on the stove. I had a great shopping trip in my sister's town. I even found another oil lamp for only $3. Oh, I only paid $21.25 for the wringer.
Well, have a great day. Today is my big grocery shopping day. I better get the lists ready.
Blessings,
Brenda
Daily Devotion 283
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 07:46 by Sister Lori - 1 Comments - Link
October 10
God’s Provision
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
Matthew 6:27
I heard a preacher talk of a fish in the vast Pacific Ocean that was afraid that it would run out of water. What a foolish thought for that fish!
Often we get carried away with worries. All we see and feel is trouble. Recently I read these words from a book: “People worry a lot in fear of the future. Yet there is no guarantee that these things will even come to pass. Worry for the past doesn’t in any way alter or erase it.”
There is only one worry that a person should consider: “Am I right with God?” That settles it all. Nothing is more important than that. Having all your past forgiven by the blood of Christ is imperative. Then you can look forward to the future with confidence.
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1John 5:4). This is faith anchored in the fully furnished treasures of God. Look around. Before we ever felt cold, He began storing up oil, gas, and coal to warm us. Before we could see, He created the beautiful moon, stars, and sun. Before we got hungry, He provided fertile fields and numerous lakes and oceans filled with all kinds of fish. He gave us enough air to breathe and many places to go. Today, whatever the pressing worries that hang heavily on your heart, come to Jesus with all your needs. Remember, you do not need to worry, like the fish
in the water, that your needs will empty the stores of God.
Collins Okoth, Nakuru, Kenya
Worldly worries cause spiritual death.
Bible Reading: Matthew 6:19–34
One Year Bible Reading Plan:
Colossians 1
Isaiah 41, 42
Used by Permission of Vision Publishers
PO Box 190, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
Phone: 877-488-0901
E-Mail: [cs@vision-publishers.com]
A fall day
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 04:24 by Heather - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link
It is a beautiful fall day and my favorite tree is looking quite yellow. 
The color spans to the north along the tree line beside the house. 
So, I don't do much weeding for fall. Do you see why? This is what was in my daylillies when I was cleaning them out for the winter.
There are some good ones though. Here was another unexpected visitor in my flowerbox!
With the weather still nice, the dogs are full of it and want to run all the time. Poor Jack. He wants our so bad but he runs away to easily.  When taking them out one time, Stanley took it upon himself to make sure Jack doesn't run away anymore. We never taught him to do this. See how he holds Jack's leash?
Here he is at one end. They run up and down the long thoroughfare along the side of the house. He doesn't let go either!
When out milking, Little Kitty has learned where she can get free milk. She sits and waits until I pour some out for her.
Those that are wondering what ever happened to the barn, The north side now has the poles in the ground. We are expecting days of dry weather and being the weekend, Tom has it set that he will enclose it by the begining of next week. It would be great to move the goats and give each of the horses their own stalls!!
this the the front on the east side
A New Blog for a New Purpose...
Posted on Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 07:51 by ~Melissa - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link
I started a new blog called Health and Healing. In this blog, I hope to encourage myself towards better health by writing about health topics. Putting down into words these things I have read about or learned along the way. I am a registered nurse, however, I put my license to inactive status to homeschool and be a stay at home mom. I have always loved the aspect of preventive health, yet my day job when I worked focused on healing, usually by means of drugs or surgical methods. That did not always have the best of results.
Doctors and nurses both on the field are so busy that they have little time to teach their patients about true health. They become specialists in drugs or surgical procedures. Working on many floors, I knew the routines for post surgical heart surgeries, for hip and knee replacements, for same-day surgeries, for medical problems such as COPD, pneumonia, and strokes. I also knew nursing treatments for many mental disorders as directed by our psychiatric ward. But when it came to teaching someone the way to better health using means of nutrients and natural remedies and water treatments... I had little to offer. I knew a few, but that wasn't a priority in the school where I was taught, nor is it a priority in many nursing schools or even medical schools.
I have done alot of reading. I have attended alot of health seminars. I am intrigued by how wonderful God has created our bodies and how within the Bible many health topics are touched on. It is interesting to read in Genesis how he created our bodies for work, for rest, and even the foods we should eat. Oh, how we have strayed from those instructions the Lord has given us. Granted there aren't too many specific do's and don'ts in the Bible to where one can say without a doubt we shouldn't use tobacco, but there are principles that can apply to many health questions today. My focus on my continuing education has been on preventive health and on the natural processes that we were created with.
Now, having said all that, I have to admit that I am human. I may have read all this good stuff and I may understand that it is good to follow, but to actually change my life so that I am living within these principles has not always been easy. I need reminders. I need encouragment. I need continuing education. I imagine that many have those same desires... to be healthy, but how? ...to not have to depend on doctors or drugs for simple health ailments, but how? ...to raise up healthy kids, but how?
I won't have all the answers, but I hope to share some things as I recall, as they are pertinent to my life, and as I am planning programs at my church. Maybe the bits that I share will be the encouragement that others need to face their day or a struggle they have. May God use this blog to encourage others. For it is not my wisdom, it is God's.
Warmly, ~Melissa
I shoulda, but I didn't
Posted on Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 07:46 by Heritage Hill Homestead - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link
do anything with the last of the tomatoes today. We picked them and pulled the vines a few days ago. Hubby has mowed the garden and is working on the tiller to get it all worked up for the winter. Anyway, the tomatoes were top on the list for today, but I seemed to find enough other things to do all day. I really wanted some more canned and now that I have them, I can't seem to make myself get to them. Why is that? They are not real nice, most very small and some have bad spots, so I think I will make juice out of what I can salvage now. It will NEED to be done tomorrow as we will be gone all day Saturday.
We will be going to an exotic sale Saturday, it is held near here 3 times a year. We always enjoy it, you just never know what might be there. We do not plan to buy much.........famous last words, I know. The only thing we are really looking for is a couple of doves. We got a really neat big cage this spring and have not gotten anything to put in it. Usually things sell really cheap at the fall sale as folks are thinning out before winter, so it is a good time to buy if there is something we need. We don't have anything to take to sell this time either. We are going to take the last puppy we saved from Sophie's litter and see if we can give her away. We intended to keep her, but just do not need one more dog to feed. She would make someone a good farm dog and we want her to go to a good home!
I spent the afternoon redoing the fence in one of the goat pens. I only started out to take out a gate and replace it with a cattle panel. Well, all of it was in need of some fixin up, so ended up changing out the walk in gate and redoing all of the T-posts. I also started to enlarge their pen on the other side, got a couple of panels up, but decided to wait to move the rest of the fence............this old lady was getting tired!
We got the last freezer cleaned out this week. Well, it wasn't defrosted like it should have been, so I should say straightened out. It was sad to throw out all that needed thrown out, but it had to be done. Some things weren't marked or dated and some were just old. There is a bunch of misc. meat that I will thaw out and give the dogs along. We are doing a much better job now, always marking and dating before putting anything in the freezer. I am much more aware of the importance of keeping up with that job recently. One of the freezers is empty for the winter and all cleaned out, so we have it turned off now. Hubby stocked up on ground beef yesterday before he went to Farmers Market.
Market was very quiet yesterday, it is winding down for the year. I am glad the one I have here is over, I enjoy baking, but the pressure every Friday gets tiring.
Yesterday was our Grandson's 15th birthday, Happy Birthday Bodhi.
Today was another perfect fall day here, I wish I could order about 2-3 months more of them so I could get everything done outside I want to and need to get done!
I am tired and ready to head to bed.............Good night to all.
Country Blessings,
Marilyn~at Heritage Hill Homestead
Digital Camera...
Posted on October 9, 2008 at 10:22 AM by ~Melissa - 1 Comments - Post Comment - Link
Please share with me your favorite camera. I am planning to purchase a small one that will fit in my purse. I want one that takes good pictures. I am not concerned with the video, although, it could come in handy??? My main hopes is to find a small camera that takes very nice close-up photos. Our current camera is a large canon and it used to take nice close-ups, but recently in the past 6 months, all the close-up photos have been blurry, it will not focus on items closer than about 2 feet and if I am further, will not zoom in to get a nice close-up...like getting a picture of a caterpillar or a flower.
I was looking at a samsung S860 and it had good reviews, but when I went to the store last night to get it (I got a raincheck)... I tried it out and I would take pictures of the sale tags and it wouldn't focus on the text (details). I then got to trying different cameras and I realize I need to know how to set the camera up and this may affect some of the photo details, but on the portrait setting (close up), I only got a handful of cameras to work for showing details. One was a Sanyo for $139. I really liked the $79.99 price tag of the raincheck samsung, but now I am not so sure I want to spend that and still not be able to take those up close shots.
Please share any cameras that are small, take nice close-up photos with all the details you want to see!, and are fairly affordable. I would like to know if you have had luck with any cameras and are really happy with them.
Thanks, ~Melissa
Chickpea pot pie
Posted on October 9, 2008 at 9:53 AM by ~Melissa - 0 Comments - Post Comment - Link
Last night for supper I made chick-pea pot pie and chicken pot pie. I mixed up pie crust, steamed some onions, potatoes, and carrots and added them inside. I actually made two dishes, one for real chicken and one with chick-peas. So, I had two square pans and put pie crust inside. Layered the potatoes/carrots/onions 2-3 cups, 1 cup of frozen corn, and either one chicken breast already cooked up or one can of chick-peas (garbonzos). I then poured the cashew gravy over the top and then added some pepper to the chicken one (Dh likes pepper) and a little salt to both. I then put another crust over the top and baked for about 35-40 minutes.
It turned out really good. The girls requested: chop the onions up with the gravy next time, LOL. They said adding green beans as well might be nice, too. But flavor wise... it was good. And they all asked... there's no dairy in this??? I said nope. Then my one daughter says she likes this gravy much better. I laughed and said it is the same gravy, but then I remembered I did not put the garlic into it.
They all agreed they could handle having this dish more often... as a regular on the table. So, I officially have my first meal approved by the entire family. The garbonzo dish was good as well. I really enjoyed it. Though, no one else was willing to try it with there being a real chicken pot pie right next to it. I told them I would make it for potluck sometime and they agreed to try it there.
My little one who needs the dairy free... didn't touch either dish. She chowed down on pineapple banana salad and a noodle pasta salad. Which was fine... I prefer light meals for supper and hope to have this little one learning it early on, rather than having to think you need a huge meal before plopping down for the night. Anyways, she is also just three and she will learn to eat the food if we continue to eat it with her. My hardest part is satisfying the older half of the family, a 3yo has time. And, if we eat within her guidelines, then we all win.
Warmly, ~Melissa
My thoughts for the day...Child-like Faith
Do you have a child-like faith in God? I am happy to say that I do.
I have been reading & hearing so much lately about Bible things that it makes my head spin.
I believe in the trinity--Father, Son & Holy Spirit. I believe that when you ask Jesus into your heart you are saved. We have all sinned & fallen short of the Glory of God. We must ask Him (not a priest or anyone else) for forgiveness. I believe that God knows what is in your heart. He knows what we do every second of the day & one day we will be held accountable.
I believe in the 10 commandments, the stories in the Bible & I believe that we all can interpert certain things differently but some things in the bible are "set in stone." These are the laws we do our best to live by everyday.
It condems homosexuality in the Bible in several places “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
To me, that needs no "interpertation," it is right there, along with many other things NOT to do.
I have been reading different things & it seems like people are picking apart certain verses so much to try to tell the future or what "time" we are in. That is ok, but I think some people can over-analize things so much that they have lost their child-like faith. They may even be talking theirselves out of believing all together.
I believe that faith is just that faith. There are some questions & things that I will never understand until the day I meet the Lord & that's OK. with me.
Those are my thoughts for the day!
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