A Joyous Home

A Joyful Retreat

2012-03-07T10:12:00.000-05:00

This upcoming weekend, my dear husband and I have the privilege to attend our church's Annual Couple's Retreat. Each year, married couples from our church, along with those from nearby Independent Baptist churches, travel a little over an hour away to a beautiful, rustic lodge nestled on a mountainside.

Each lodge room has vaulted ceilings with wooden beams, and a porch with a view of the forest. The lodge's restaurant serves delicious meals, there's large fireplaces, dimly lit candles, cozy couches and rustic decor throughout. The entire back of the lodge has a large porch with rocking chairs all lined up facing the forest. There is also a game room, with pool, table tennis, air hockey, and the like...the men really enjoy this!

The most enjoyable aspect of this weekend is the learning and growth that takes place in each of the sessions. Our Pastor and his wife are the hosts, and each year we've had some incredible preachers and pastor's wives as guest speakers. (The pastor addresses everyone jointly a few times, and there are split sessions as well...one for men, one for ladies. During the split sessions, the pastor's wife speaks to the ladies.) This year, our pastor has asked two very wise, very godly people to be the speakers...his parents! Our Pastor grew up in church, with his father as his own pastor. His dad is a very likable man, and very respected by our church. I've only heard him guest-preach one time, but it was very memorable. So it is with great excitement that we look forward to this weekend!

Our Pastor and his wife are such good role models to all of us. One aspect of marriage our Pastor emphasizes is that the primary purpose in marriage is not to make you happy; it's to make you holy. How can marriage create holiness? Your spouse is the only one who knows the True You. "Iron sharpeneth iron..." (Proverbs 27:17) In our selfish world, the message is portrayed that happiness is the most important thing. You often hear things like, "Well, if he doesn't make you happy, leave him!" It's all about instant gratification. It's all about me. Well, it doesn't have to be.

A truly happy marriage isn't about happiness. Happiness is a fleeting emotion. Emotions are not to be trusted as they can change at the drop of a hat. A truly biblical marriage is about denial to self, and cherishing and building up one's partner. I've heard it said that men spell love R-E-S-P-E-C-T. How true that statement is! I would say women interpret love by knowing they are being protected, and cherished. The beauty of this truly Christian way of looking at marriage is that oftentimes, the end result is a deeper happiness, a knowledge and application of Christian holiness to our daily lives.

There is much that could be said about marriage. The misconceptions and worldly ways of looking at marriage have done much to disrupt God's design. However, it's never too late to learn something new and apply it to one's life. Marriage is an ongoing ebb and flow of growth. One is always growing in the Lord.

How grateful I am that my husband and I both have the same goal for our marriage...to Be One and Grow Old Together by God's Grace. (Mark 10:8)

Image Source/Image Source

Just for Fun

2012-02-28T08:29:00.002-05:00

I came across this video on the What to Expect website. It is so cute and sweet! I just had to share it with you. I love the part at the end when the cat looks at the camera and seems to be saying, "Did you see that? That's how it's done..." We have two cats. I wonder if we'll be able to train them to pitch in with the baby? :)

Make sure you pause the music player at the bottom of the homepage so you can hear the video. Hope you enjoy!

My Husband's Favorite Meatloaf

2012-02-23T13:24:00.005-05:00

This recipe is of the tried and true variety in our home. : ) It's called "Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meatloaf" and is quite tasty! My Husband really loves meatloaf, while I on the other hand have not so fond memories of childhood suppers being "gently" coerced to eat the meatloaf that was fairly regularly set before me. Ahem. : ) So you can imagine that I was not too excited to learn how much my Husband loves the stuff! So, hesitantly, I tried a few recipes, and this is by far our favorite...and yes, even I enjoy having it for supper now! And, it's quite handy to make as it's a slow cooker recipe.

What You Will Need:

2 Eggs
3/4 C Milk
2 Tsp. Seasoned Bread Crumbs
1 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Tsp. Rubbed Sage
1 1/2 # Ground Beef
1/4 C. Ketchup
2 Tbs. Brown Sugar
1 Tsp. Ground Mustard
1/2 Tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

How To Make It:

In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients.
Crumble beef over mixture; mix well. (Mix will be moist.)
Shape into round loaf; place in slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours, or until meat thermometer reads 160*.
In a small bowl, whisk ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. (I make the topping as soon as I put the meatloaf in the slow cooker, and store it in the fridge until it's time to spoon it onto the loaf.)
Spoon over meatloaf and cook 15 minutes longer, or until heated through.
Let stand 10-15 minutes before cutting.
Enjoy!

Serves 6

Image Source: Bing Images

What I Envision

2012-02-21T15:22:00.000-05:00

Though it may be a tad early to be thinking about our baby's nursery, I'm a planner and have been doing a lot of planning! : ) What do I envision for this long-dreamed of room? I see warm sunlight-streaming through the windows, a cozy, happy place; a space reminiscent of my Grandparent's childhood bedrooms. There will be well-loved, timeless toys for busy hands to hold. There will never be a TV in this room. (Just as there isn't one in Momma and Daddy's room either.) No, a bedroom is a place of retreat. A child's bedroom is a place where little children discover new games and develop big imaginations, it is a place where one can travel thousands of miles away through the pages of a storybook. It is a place where adventures are explored and dreams are dreamed. It is a place where priceless memories are made. But mostly, it is a place of childhood Joy.

I adore the toy box filled with classic toys, the window bench and pillows, the quilt on the bed, and even the cuckoo clock! And the sunlight streaming in creates such a peaceful setting.

The simple color palette, vintage furniture, and timeless feel to this little girl's room is so endearing. I like the use of a mirror and plates on the wall, something unexpected but still quite fitting for a little darling.

My husband and I recently found the most adorable and well-priced (like $3-$8!) handmade, wooden, vintage children's toys! We purchased a small rocking horse, a wooden duck, a seal with a ball on his nose, and the like. We made sure to get non-gender specific toys for now, and are planning a trip back to this shop once we know if we're expecting a little boy or a little girl. Not only were these beautiful toys handmade, but they were made my senior citizens. How fitting that is, as I specifically wish for a feel from that generation for our baby's room. My Grandmother (before we discovered we were expecting) gave me the wooden checker board she and her twin sister played on while growing up. I love it! It is a worn and well-used toy, and just perfect for our baby's nursery!

The room we are converting for the baby serves as a guest room now. Painting, rearranging of furniture, going through the spare closet, etc. is in the works. Slowly, progress is being made to turn this room into our long-awaited for nursery. : ) I'm trying to take my time and enjoy this process. And I'll be happy to share pictures with you once it's completed! Wishing you all a joyful and treasured week.

Photo Credits: Bing Images

Through the Eyes of a Child

2012-02-17T10:18:00.000-05:00

My dear friend recently lent me some of her old Christian Womanhood magazines...going all the way back to 2007! After I'm through with a stack of them, I'll pass them on to the next lady who is interested. A pretty neat system! I have come across many an inspiring, challenging article, but when I read the following article, I knew I wanted to share it with you. It is simply so touching, so very sweet. It is written by Mike Sisson, Principal of Hammond Baptist Grade School.

THE HIGHEST FEE

Years ago in the Midwest lived a little boy who had been blind from birth. His family heard about an eye surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital who had developed a new surgical technique which was related to the boy's condition. There was a possibility that if the boy could be sent to Boston for the surgery, he might receive the gift of sight. The trip and the surgery would be very expensive. The family prayed, and their church took up an offering. The funds were raised, and an appointment with the famous surgeon was made.

On the day of departure, the mother noticed the little blind boy was holding his teddy bear. Now this bear had seen its better days. Some of the stuffing was coming out through a broken seam, one ear had been chewed, and an eye was missing. The mother said, "Why take this old teddy bear all the way to Boston? I'll get you a new one when we get there." But the little boy just shook his head no. He did not want to go without his beloved bear.

In the hospital the boy kept his teddy bear tucked under his arm through every experience. Even in the operating room, the battered bear lay next to the little boy.

Then came the day when the doctor was able to remove the bandages. Everyone was anxious, but when the last bandage was removed, the boy could see! For the first time in his life, he was able to see his dear mother's face. Everyone was thrilled. The world famous eye surgeon had given sight to a poor little boy.

When the time came for the boy to be discharged, he was sitting on the edge of the bed in new clothes purchased for this special occasion, but he was still clutching his cherished bear. Many of the hospital staff came by to say goodbye to this boy they had come to love during his stay with them.

The last person to come to the room was the surgeon. The doctor appeared busy as doctors often do when they're trying to cover up their emotions. Before the doctor could say anything, the boy spoke, "Here, Doctor. I want to pay you for helping me." He handed the doctor the battered teddy bear. The doctor took the bear and quickly walked away.

For months after that, had you gone to the tenth floor of the Massachusetts General Hospital, you would have seen the bear. The doctor put it in the glass case in the corridor. There it sat, one ear chewed, stuffing coming out, and one eye missing. Under the bear, the doctor had placed his professional calling card, and below his name had written:

"This is the highest fee I ever received for professional services rendered."

Image Source: Bing Images

A Cherished Day

2012-02-14T08:37:00.001-05:00

I wish you all a very Joyful Valentine's Day, filled with treasured love and cherished memories.

Today I am dwelling a bit on what I feel is the finest expression of Love between a Husband and a Wife...a Baby. Though it will be quite a while before we can hold our bundle of joy, he or she is already taking up residence in our hearts. Love is an amazing thing, isn't it?

The Bible word for love is charity, and it describes love perfectly.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth al things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines charity in this way:

1. In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men to think favorably of their fellow men, and to do them good. In a theological sense, it includes supreme love to God, and universal good will to men. 2. In a more particular sense, love, kindness, affection, tenderness, springing from natural relations; as the charities of father, son and brother.

Yes, this Valentine's Day my dear Husband and I will be dwelling on our new little Love. Each holiday, big and small, between now and when our baby comes, will be extra special, as each will be our last holiday with just the two of us. What a thought!

A Beautiful Story

2012-02-08T11:24:00.001-05:00

In Her Baby's Tiny Hands

While pregnant with her son

beneath her heart within

She'd often feel his hands

Moving inside her skin.

He'd stretch his arm and hand

And push out on her side

She'd lovingly push it back

With a smile so sweet and wide.

She could hardly wait

For his upcoming birth

To touch his tiny hands

And welcome him to Earth.

Then it finally came

The night that he was born.

With joy she couldn't contain,

she held him until morn.

She explored his tiny fingers.

She counted all his toes.

She wanted to get to know him,

His ears, his cheeks, his nose.

The wonder of it all,

at this new baby boy!

She could not hold back.

She wept with tears of joy.

She touched his tiny hand,

a miniature of her own.

He squeezed it tight on her finger.

Such joy she had never known!

The time passed and he drew.

As a toddler, it was grand

to walk along and hold

his fleshy little hand.

She taught him many things.

Together they spent hours.

She'd take his little hand

and touch it to a flower.

When she would hold him close,

he soon developed the knack

of hugging her 'round the neck,

his tiny hand patting her back.

As her son grew older,

his young hands also grew.

He learned many ways to use them.

Each day brought something new.

She helped him learn to read.

She helped him learn to write.

Then, as the day was ending,

she'd pray with him at night.

He learned to use a hammer

with which to drive a nail.

He'd sometimes strike his finger

and let out quite a wail!

Her son continued growing

and soon became a man.

She loved him just as much

as when his life began.

His hands were now full grown,

so strong, yet tender, when

he, with great compassion,

comforted a friend.

She was extremely grateful

when his hands would fold;

and bowing his head in prayer,

to his Father in Heaven he'd hold.

As the years flew swiftly by,

she watched her son with pride,

his strong but gentle arms

and hands there at his side.

She then thought her life was over.

She suffered unspeakable loss

when her son's beloved hands

were nailed to a wooden cross . . .

But that was just the beginning.

For He died and rose again.

Her sorrow then was ended,

and joy replaced her pain.

For, you see, her Son was Jesus,

God coming to earth as Man,

to save us from our sins

according to His plan.

We cannot save ourselves.

Our sins would lead to death.

God put our sins on Jesus,

the perfect and the best.

With this came our forgiveness

if we believe in Him

and ask Him into our hearts,

He'll take away our sins.

As He was resurrected,

Eternal Life He'll bring

to all who have faith and believe

and to His hand will cling.

To Jesus be ALL Praise and Glory!

By Joyce Folsom Johnson

A Gift from Heaven

2012-02-06T08:34:00.002-05:00

It is with great JOY that we announce...

we are expecting a BABY!

A bundle of JOY.

A GIFT from God.

An expression of our LOVE.

A MIRACLE.

We are beyond grateful to the Lord for entrusting us with this little life; and for each of you who prayed for us throughout this journey of nearly three years.

God is So Good.

Our bundle of joy is expected to arrive around October 12! We humbly ask for your continued prayers, specifically for the baby to continue to grow healthy and strong.

Three years ago this February we were married. Instead of having a traditional cake topper, we set next to our cake this Willow Tree figurine of a couple in love. (Willow Tree is a company that makes figurines for various stages of life and for celebrating life's milestones.) Almost as soon as we were married, we desired to start a family, and I loved the idea of telling my Husband the news using another Willow Tree figurine. I purchased this two and a half years ago in preparation for this Joyful day. I love that the Daddy is holding the newborn baby.

I didn't realize it at the time, but the inexpensive pregnancy tests I stocked up on from Big Lots tested at an amazing 15 HCG! (They were $1.50 for a box of two!) Most of the expensive ones that allow you to test early aren't that sensitive. I was not expecting a positive result, far from it, because I was "infertile" and because our insurance no longer covered our fertility treatments. This was the first month after nearly a year of fertility treatments that we were relying solely on the Lord. However, I was hopeful, as always, that the Lord would intercede...

I took the test on a Saturday morning. My Husband was at a Men's Prayer Breakfast at church, and I knew it was Really early to test, but I also knew it would be the perfect day to tell him! (Because I could set up the "surprise" without him at home.) I had the entire morning to praise the Lord and reflect on this Joyful news. I was so happy to be able to tell my Husband about this miracle!

Many of you know I like to rearrange our furniture and the decorations around the house pretty frequently. My Husband and I have this "game" where he tries to pinpoint exactly what I changed around. Sooo, after he got home, I said I had done some redecorating, and that I wanted to show him what "had changed". I showed him the table, and the figurines...but he Didn't Notice the Baby!! Ha! Thankfully, I had decided to write him a letter also, and that was on the table as well. He read the letter, which talked about our love and referred to him as Daddy....he dropped the letter, and said, "Oh my goodness! Praise the Lord!" We hugged, and cried, and he just kept saying, "Wow..."

This past weekend we traveled North to tell our families. It was a weekend full of happiness, thankfulness, joy, tears, and hugs! We told our families in a neat way too, but that's for another post!

We are so Full of Joy and Gratitude to the Lord for this Amazing Gift.

Image Credit: Bing Images

Why Worry?

2012-01-27T10:21:00.004-05:00

Why do we so often resort to worrying? Countless times, I catch myself worrying, and then wonder,

"What good is this doing?"

No good can come from worry; particularly the kind of worry that is consuming and over-bearing. The only effective result that comes from worry is prayer. When we catch ourselves worrying, it should be an immediate red flag that

it is time to pray.

Sometimes I liken worrying to a symptom when we are sick.

Yes, I think that worrying is a symptom of an untreated ailment.

The healing medicine is prayer.

A lack of healing therapy results in continuously bad side effects.

A lack of prayer results in a case of worry.

There are many, many Bible verses that reflect on our human tendency to worry and fret. The Lord knows this is an area in which we struggle.

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Luke 10:38-42

Another such passage is in Psalms. Psalm 37 has been such a comfort to me lately...

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Psalm 37:1-11

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

I hope that these verses are comforting to you. Oftentimes, when I pray, I picture Jesus sitting with me, His hand on my shoulder, kindly saying, "Jillian, Jillian..." Just as He did for Martha. Insert your name there, and I imagine you too will find comfort and peace in our Lord and His all-knowing ways.

Linked with Jacinda at Growing Home for Teach Me Tuesdays.
Linked with Maria at Raising 4 Princesses for T' Time Tuesdays.

Photo Credits: Bing Images

A Bit of Room

2012-01-20T08:04:00.000-05:00

Oh, to have this much space between the clothes hanging in our closet! A girl can dream, can't she? :) Today I'm embarking upon the somewhat ominous task of cleaning out our closet. (Dun. Dun. Dun.)

We moved into our first home, this lovely home that I am so thankful for, about a year and a half ago. And somewhere along the line, our closet has gotten smaller and smaller. I'm dumfounded as to how that could have happened! All of the sudden, what used to be a large, roomy space has been shrunk into a crowded, cluttered nook. I wonder, does this happen to everyone? Or are there some people who don't ever let it get to this point, people who clean out their closets regularly without needing any obvious signs that it needs done ASAP? I'm sure there are such people, and I hope to be one eventually!

One tip I have recently applied is using only white plastic hangers. Over the course of a few weeks, I slowly transitioned all of our clothes onto the white plastic hangers. I did this by simply storing the new hangers in my laundry room and discarding the old wire ones they had hung on. There were plenty of clothes that didn't get worn, and therefore didn't need washed. To see that many wire hangers still hanging there was surprising! This was an eye opener as to how few of our clothes we actually wear of the many hanging in our closet.

I've heard it said that it's best to get rid of one item of clothing whenever you buy something new. This way, you will always maintain the same number of clothes hanging and always have ample room.

What a marvelous concept! I just wish I could apply it to my home. In order to make my wish a reality, I've thought up a plan that I think may just work. I'm excited to share it with you! It is really so simple, I'm surprised it took me this long to think of it...

I'm going to go through all the storage boxes we have underneath our hanging clothes; I will consolidate, discard unused items, and make that area much more roomy. In doing so, I'll have created enough room to add an empty laundry basket. This will serve as our Donate Bin. Isn't that a simple and effortless way to remind my husband and I of our goal of a roomy closet?

I would love to hear any tips you ladies have in this department!

A Woman of the Lord

2012-01-11T11:05:00.001-05:00

Oh, what a Joyful time one can have

surrounded by the Love and Friendship of church family!

Last night I attended our monthly Ladies Bible Study. Our Pastor's wife has asked each of us ladies who would like to do so to conduct a Bible Study by focusing on one woman in the Bible. I chose to study Eve, as she serves as a mighty important lesson to us ladies. Which woman to pick was an easy decision for me to make, as I had somewhat recently written about Eve for A Joyous Home: A Lesson from Eve. I will tweak it a bit, and add quite a lot to it, but I'm thankful that the foundation is there already.

I think it is such a lovely idea to have the opportunity to open up and share from the heart the lessons the Lord has provided for us through His Word. I'm greatly looking forward to hearing from all those who signed up. I was asked to have the Bible Study ready for next month's meeting. Please pray with me for guidance and the ability to speak slowly to effectively convey what's on my heart...I tend to talk fast when I'm nervous or excited!

Our Pastor's wife gave the first Bible Study last night. She contrasted the wives of Lot and Abraham.

She had us read the following verses:

And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat. Genesis 19:1-3

She asked us, what do these verses have to tell us about Lot's wife?

The answer is these verses do not tell us anything about his wife, which, in all truth, tells us everything about her. It appears she was not at home. And if she was home, Lot didn't even bother asking her to help in hosting the angels.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then we read the following verses:

And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. Genesis 18:2-6

What do these verses tell us about Abraham's wife? That she was home, that she was willing to serve, and that the marriage of Abraham and Sarah was one in which there was mutual respect. In contrast, Lot's wife was a woman of the world. She died yearning for what was evil according to the Lord. (Genesis 19:26) Abraham's wife was a woman who called her husband, lord. (Genesis 18:12) She was a true helpmeet. And these two men also serve as a lesson for us. It shows us a bit of the effect of building up your husband verses tearing him down. (Proverbs 14:1) If we encourage our husbands, and shower them with love, they will grow into their God-given role as the leader of our home. The opposite is also true.

It is a powerful contrast, these two women, and also these two men. Let these stories serve as powerful reminders inside our Joyous Homes.

The Prayer Concept

2012-01-09T10:25:00.001-05:00

Many have said...

"Prayer is practicing the presence of God."

What a blessing these words are to me! It is my prayer that this blesses you and your walk with the Lord today...

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 12:12

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with al perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Ephesians 6:18

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4:6

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

1 Timothy 2:8

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

James 5:16

A Joyful Note

2012-01-05T10:51:00.002-05:00

Greetings! I hope and pray each of you lovely ladies had a Joyful Christmas season, filled with love of your families, your friends, and your Lord!

I'm beyond touched at your words of love and care for me, and I want to assure you that all is well! We were traveling for nearly two weeks! At nearly the literal last minute, we decided to travel 8 hours away and stay with family there for an additional week. (We had been planning all along to be gone for just one week!) So one week turned into two. :)

We had a simply special Christmas! We were in three different states, and though we learned upon returning home that it wasn't a white Christmas here, we did have a white Christmas in upper Michigan! It was a wonderful site to behold, our Lord's creativity and artistry is beyond inspiring.

Once it was time to come home, we had quite a bit to tend to, as you can imagine. :) At the same time we returned home, our Pastor needed our help at the church. The building is undergoing a huge transformation...new carpet, new paint, new tile in the foyer, two new bathrooms, new window coverings, new decorations...it is a huge blessing! He is saving costs by having the men do a lot of the demolition. Tasks like moving each of the Amish made, quite heavy pews, so that the carpet could be installed was on their list. So that has joyfully occupied a lot of our time and attention.

I had each of you who have become my friends on my heart and in my prayers over this absence of mine. Things are still a little up in the air in this Joyous Home, so I likely won't be posting quite as often as before, but Lord willing, in time I will!

Thank you for your patience with me; your kindness and friendship is cherished!!

May this New Year bring us each closer to Him,
Jillian

True Christmas

2011-12-14T08:11:00.001-05:00

May the Joyful spirit of this video warm your heart as you prepare to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!

A Lesson from Joseph & Mary

2011-12-13T08:56:00.000-05:00

I recently read the following study on Luke 2:19, and wanted to share it with you ladies in light of the Christmas season.

Out of all the people who have ever lived, why did the Lord choose Joseph and Mary to be the two people to raise Jesus? What is it that He saw in them? Have you ever wondered that? I have. Of course, we will probably never know all the reasons that they were used by God, but in studying what the Scripture tells us about them, I find some very interesting qualities that stand out.

Luke 2:1-20 is the most well-known account of the Christmas story. Nineteen of the twenty verses tell us facts and details of Jesus' birth. One verse, verse 19, is unique, because it tells us something different. This verse shows us a glimpse into the mind of Mary. She had just given birth to the Christ Child, and the shepherds had come to see Jesus. The shepherds had just left them to go out and spread the news of His birth. Then the Bible says that Mary thought about all that had happened to her (probably in the past nine months), and kept these things in her heart. What a beautiful verse! Again in Luke 2:51, when Jesus was 12 years old, the Bible says that Mary "kept all these sayings in her heart." This makes me admire Mary.

Joseph and Mary were thinkers. They thought about things for a while before they talked about them or reacted to them. When Joseph found out that Mary was expecting a child, surely he was not happy. He probably felt angry and betrayed. But before he flew off the handle and made a rash decision, he took some time alone and thought about it.

Matthew 1:20, "But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost."

If Joseph had accused Mary right away and marched her down to the judge, he would not have given the angel of God time to visit him in a dream and explain to him that Mary was carrying the Christ Child. I am sure that he was glad that he took some time to think matters through.

Not only did they think about God's will, but Joseph and Mary obeyed God's Word. They stayed in Bethlehem for 8 days, had the baby circumcised, and then stayed for 33 more days before they brought him to Jerusalem (in obedience to Leviticus 12:1-4). Ladies, you know what it is like to be away from your own home with an infant! Mary and Joseph were very obedient Christians! They made the six-mile journey to Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice to God (in obedience to Leviticus 12:6-8). Then they made the long journey back up north to their home in Nazareth (another fun thing to do- travel with a baby!). This couple was serious about the laws of God. They made the Bible a priority in their lives. They were a pair of poor newlyweds (shown by the fact that they had to offer turtledoves instead of a lamb), but they still sought to keep the commandments of the Lord.

Lastly, I see that Joseph and Mary cared more about future reward than they cared about immediate gratification. When Mary and her cousin Elisabeth were rejoicing over the coming birth of Christ, Mary said, "from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed" (Luke 1:48). She did not worry about what people were going to say about her at the time; she looked forward to the joy of the future. Her present "light affliction" was nothing compared to the "eternal weight of glory" that she would have (II Corinthians 4:17). God favored people in the Bible who could give up present pleasures for future joy. Jacob is an excellent example of this. He was willing to work for years for all that he had (Genesis 29:18 and 30). God blessed him and made him very wealthy and influential.

God used Joseph and Mary in an incredible way. I want to be used by God, don't you? We can take some great lessons from the lives of these two humble people.

First, let's decide to think before we act or react. If it seems that you have been wronged, take some time alone to pray about it before you "let someone have it." God can only speak to us if we are listening. If there is a big decision to be made, don't feel pressured to make it on the spot. Take a little time; seek the mind of Christ. My pastor reminds us of this philosophy when he says, "An emergency today will still be an emergency tomorrow." Take some time alone before making snap decisions. Thinking through a matter will also make you a more understanding and less judgmental person.

Then, to be used by God, we need to be very serious about obeying God's laws. To obey them, we must know what they are! Read the Bible. Study it. Meditate on it. Apply what you learn. Be sure that you are living by God's rules, not your own rules. We cannot pick and choose what parts of the Bible we will obey.

Finally, let's work on the discipline of achieving long-term goals. Take a long look at your life, and decide where you want to end up. Don't get tripped up by living for the immediate pleasures. The Christian life is a marathon, not a 100-yard dash. Work now for future reward. This is a sign of godliness. God takes notice of those who reign in their own desires in order to accomplish more for Him.

When the time came for Jesus to come to earth, Joseph and Mary were found worthy of the incredible honor of rearing the Christ Child. Wow! Let's live our lives in such a way that we prove to the Lord how much we want Him to use us.

Merry Christmas!

Molly Audiss, writer of Evotions for Christian Womanhood, of Hammond, Indiana

Photo Credit: Dewey

A Joyful Tradition

2011-12-12T08:26:00.001-05:00

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

And Nothing Else

2011-12-08T07:31:00.002-05:00

Prayer is one who needs an answer

going to the one who is the answer.

~ My Pastor

Sometimes, prayer can wrongly be only about listing our desires and needs, and nothing else. Other times, when praying in public, for example, prayer can become about saying the "right" things, and nothing else. Prayer can also mistakingly be said as a result of a tradition, like quickly blessing the food before supper, and nothing else. The "nothing else" is what's missing. The "nothing else" must be replaced with "communing with our Father." This is what prayer is, after all. Praying is simply sharing one's heart with the Father. Through prayer, we grow closer to our Lord.

If our prayers are missing this important element, we're missing a part of the act of praying. We Christians need to be aware of the motivation behind our prayers. More often than not, if our prayer life is lacking, so is every other aspect of our walk with the Lord. Prayer is often the first thing cast aside when we've taken a step off of his narrow path. Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

When we feel God didn't answer a prayer, he has, it just wasn't the answer for which we were praying! It's either that, or he has heard the prayer, and he will bring it to fruition at some point in the future. The waiting is the hard part. But we are not to fret! Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 We are simply to pray, knowing that he hears our every utterance and plea...and trusting that he truly does know what is best for us! For he is All-Knowing.

The following is written by my Pastor:

When I fail to pray, I fail! Prayer is the means by which we rely upon God for all our concerns. When we pray, we are casting our cares upon him and trusting him to guide us and care for the things over which we have little or no control. The longer we abandon prayer the greater we feel the pressure and responsibility of all of our troubles. We try to do what we can and do what we can't. We begin to try to do our job and God's job at the same time. A life without prayer is destined for failure. We must cast our cares on the one who cares.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Joining Esther at Our Simple Country Life for Hearts 4 Home Thursdays

Photo Credit

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-07T10:31:00.003-05:00

Traditions are a wonderful thing. Growing up, we had many Christmas traditions, memories that I hold dear and cherish to this day. To name a few that stand out, we built an ice-skating "pond" every year in our backyard. My Dad was the engineer of this and made it with nothing more than tarp, wood, water, and freezing temperatures! It provided Hours of entertainment and cheer! I have a vivid memory of ice skating with my siblings and singing Christmas carols at the top of our little lungs. :) We had a hill that was along one side of the frozen "pond" and we would take our toboggans and slide down the hill right onto the ice. What a fun way to spend the day as a child! We would make snowmen and snowangels and my Dad even built us an igloo each year! I think he had has much fun as us kids. :) My Mom always had hot cocoa waiting for us inside to warm us up after we came in from the cold. Precious memories.

We spent hour upon hour making homemade Christmas cookies in my Grandma's kitchen. Another tradition was choosing one night and going to Pizza Hut, and then driving around for what seemed like hours (though I'm sure it wasn't!) and looking at Christmas lights. It was always a friendly competition between my one brother and I to count whose side (we were looking out opposite windows) had more houses with outside lights.

Christmas Eve night all us kids slept in one bedroom, and since I'm the oldest, I would read the Christmas Story to them. It was the only night we all would sleep in the same room, and always so much fun! Christmas morning my Dad was always videotaping us coming down the stairs from our bedrooms in our Christmas PJs, so that he could capture the expressions of joy on our little faces as we saw our "big" presents. My parents always left the "big" presents unwrapped! It was always fun to figure out which pile of big presents belonged to which of us children.

To this day we go to my Grandparents house for a Christmas Eve get-together that's celebrated with my entire extended family (both my Mom and Dad's sides!) After a little while on Christmas day, we'd change into one of our new outfits, and bring a small new toy to play with, and head back to my Grandparent's house for more present opening and family fun! Then, we'd go to my other Grandparent's house and do the same thing that night! And we still go to these same homes on Christmas day all these years later, even though many of us have moved far away. I'm so grateful for this!

My husband and I have been married for 3 years, and since we were high school sweethearts, we've been together for 9. After all these years together, it's sort of surprising to me that we really don't have all that many traditions for our family, for the two of us. The past few years, we've made cookies, watched Christmas movies, had our nighttime drive looking at Christmas lights, and of course decorated the tree together...but that's about the extent of it. I'd be happy to know what Christmas traditions you enjoy with your family! I'm sure it will be a bit easier to come up with child-friendly ideas when we are blessed with children, but until that day comes, I'd like to make our Christmas' a little extra special with new traditions.

Photo Credit

Christmas Time is Here!

2011-12-05T13:02:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, we decorated our home for the Joyful Season of Christmas! Oh, what a lovely time we had, opening box after box of treasured memories and traditions. I feel so blessed to have been given so many beautiful decorations over the years to make our home extra cozy for this Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

You're all invited to my "open house" so that I can share our Christmas time home with you! This isn't all of our decorations, but the majority of them! If you have your own blog, I hope to see some of your Christmas decorations also! :)

A lovely Christmas present we received from my Uncle a few years ago, the baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, resting atop the Holy Bible. It's a music box that plays, "Silent Night".

Our candle-chandelier wrapped in winter-goodness. :)

When we have children my husband and I have decided that we will explain to them that santa is merely one of the symbols of the Christmas season, and not a true being. We desire the focus of Christmas to be on Christ, not on commercialism, and we don't desire to lie to our children. We've prayed about it and determined that there is nothing harmful about a decoration of santa, as long as they understand it's merely a symbol. The santa standing atop the desk was used in my parent's home to decorate for Christmas ever since I can remember. I remember joyful Christmases when I see that particular santa. We feel the same way about the Christmas tree. It isn't something we worship, nor does it precede Christ's place...far from it! It's simply a tradition, and as long as traditions don't interfere with the truth of Christmas, there is no harm in them, rather, they bring a special joy to our home.

Our Christmas tree.

One of my favorite decorations, santa kneeling at Jesus' side.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Philippians 2:10

A simple tree with berries and pine cones, laying underneath is a Bible that once belonged to my Great Great Grandmother, along with a Christmas book, and a candle in a mason jar.

This tree has ornaments that were all handmade by my husband's Great Grandmother. She went on to Glory last year, just after Christmas was over.

Our supper table.

This isn't really a Christmas decoration, but it's new and I wanted to share it with you. Well, actually it was a wedding present and for some reason we didn't bring it out of the garage when we moved from our apartment to our house. I think it's perfect here! :)

A collection of winter decorations.

The "Winter" sign on top belonged to my Grandma, it has the name of each season on every side. Red cardinals, a stack of fireplace wood, and a nativity scene made from Olive trees from the Holy Land. The ornaments on the pegs say "Merry Christmas" and "Noel".

The Stockings Are Hung...

The pillows have stockings and mittens on them, and they say, "Merry Christmas". The book on the coffee table/wooden bench is an old Christmas book.

The Precious Moments Nativity my Aunt gave me for Christmas a few years ago.

Our little Department 56 Village. My Grandparents have a 5 story village that they've added to slowly over the years. It's complete with a working waterfall and pond! They still put up what they call their "Original Village" from the 1950's. It's about the size that ours is now. So sweet.

Our mail station.

Snowmen, pine cones, and ice skates. :)

The box of my Christmas mugs somehow got broken. :( But I still have a few!

"Sleigh bells ring...are you listening?"

Sleighs filled with real cinnamon sticks and bells.

Dining room windowsill. We need batteries for our "candles"!

The picture says, "Precious Winter Memories Warm the Coldest of Days."

Merriness...on my kitchen windowsill.

Fall Upon the Ground, and Worship

2011-12-02T11:08:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, it can seem as though the effort of working against evil is ineffective. In these instances, it's best to ask, "Do I do what I do to get results, or do I do what I do because it's the right thing to do?" We must try to remember to base our response of the Word of God on His righteousness, rather than on our circumstances. Our personal circumstances are constantly changing, and if we base our interpretation of the Word on our circumstances alone, we will find ourselves having a warped representation of God.

When we feel dejected, despondent, are in the midst of trial and heartache, forget not His Word. We are to strive to set a pattern on our lives of running to the Savior, not away, when troubles come. Look at Job's example God gives us. After Job receives news from messenger after messenger of the tragedies that befell his family and possessions, when most people would become angry with God, we find Job doing this:

Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. Job 1:20-22

What an example of a man who walks with God! Had Job not been walking with the Lord prior to this, he would not have reacted this way. It was his practice to go to the Lord in times of trouble and despair. I pray that this would become my constant practice also. What good does it do? Plenty! Job was distraught, yes, but much less so than one would be who doesn't know his God. Job was confused, he didn't understand God's reasoning, but he TRUSTED His Lord. "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:" Job 13:15 What a testimony of what the Lord can do in our hearts if we let Him!

So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters. And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days. Job 42:12-13, 15-17

Though we cannot see our futures, we can trust that God does. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 What a promise! What a God!

Job said, "Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:" Job 19:23-26

His hope was in the Lord, even if his future meant certain physical death. He said in Job 13:15, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him:" No matter what circumstances Job endured on earth, his trust in God was secure, because he knew his redeemer! We have the privilege of knowing the same Lord Job knew. May we each be thankful that Job's desire to have his words written was fulfilled, as they serve as a beautiful picture of what our Christian walk can look like! But it's up to us how we respond to our own circumstances.

Joining Esther at Our Simple Country Life for Hearts for Home.
Photo Credit

He's Still My God

2011-11-30T09:25:00.001-05:00

Life is Easy, when you're Up on the Mountain,

And you've got Peace of Mind,

like you've Never Known.

But then things Change, and you're Down in the Valley

Don't Lose Hope, for you're Never Alone.

For the God on the Mountain, Is Still God in the Valley.

When things go Wrong, He'll make them Right.

And the God of the Good Times, is Still God of the Bad Times.

And the God of the Day, is Still God of the Night.

You talk of Faith, when you're Up on the Mountain,

oh, but the talk comes So Easy,

when Life's at its Best.

But it's Down in the Valley of Trials and Temptations,

that's where Faith is Really Put to the Test.

For the God on the Mountain, Is Still God in the Valley.

When things go Wrong, He'll make them Right.

And the God of the Good Times, is Still God of the Bad Times.

And the God of the Day, is Still God of the Night.

For the God on the Mountain, Is Still God in the Valley.

When things go Wrong, He'll make them Right.

And the God of the Good Times, is Still God of the Bad Times.

And the God of the Day, is Still God of the Night.

And the God of The Day, is Still God of the Night.

"God On The Mountain" words and music by Tracy G. Dartt

Photo Credit: Evgeni Dinev

Holy Living

2011-11-28T10:40:00.004-05:00

The Importance of a Prayer Closet

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to the Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:5-6

Living in a holy way is a wonderful form of worship to the Lord. Recently, I've been pondering why we Christians choose to live the way we do, and on how having the right motivation to walk this narrow Christian path is essential to it's effectiveness. If it hasn't happened already, there will likely come a time when someone belittles the things you hold most dear. They might say something like, "You go to church how many times a week?" or "Why are you always dressed that way?" or "Where have you been?! How did you not know that fill in the blank happened to such and such celebrity??" If we're not careful, we might lose sight of why we do what we do, or rather, why we don't do what other's seem to all do. We might be tempted to forget what we know to be true in order to fit in, and to be accepted. The driving force behind one's desire to follow Christ must be firmly anchored in order to not be swayed.

My Pastor has laid out a list of thoughts related to this very subject. I find each one to ring true and I hope these thoughts are a help to you. Here is his list:

Simplicity is the atmosphere for spiritual growth. Complexity is it's thorn.
Sin isn't harmful because it's forbidden, it's forbidden because it's harmful.

(An example: a monogamous relationship with one's spouse does not allow for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, the only way an STD can develop is as a direct result of sin. If every person remained monogamous, after some time the world would be completely ridden of STDs.)

When you walk with God, you are accountable to Him; let this govern your behavior.
Laws are not for accusing the brethren. Rather, they are a tool used to expose my own sin and humble myself before God.
There are no grounds to preach additions to the gospel as though they were law.
Learn in silence before the law of God. "And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace." Mark 3:4
When we judge, we cease to be obedient to the law. "There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?" James 4:12
A lack of compassion for others, and a misuse of the laws of our God, grieves the heart of God. "And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts..." Mark 3:5
Rules won't make or keep you holy. The reason we follow rules is because of the relationship. One's behavior is an outgrowth of the relationship. Rules don't establish relationships, relationships establish rules.
Not one time in the Bible does Jesus harshly condemn when He observes sin, rather, He brings people to conviction. (He is the only one who can do this.)
Don't just be obedient to the law, if you are missing the spirit of the law, it is in vain. The law is our schoolmaster. It teaches us how much we need His amazing grace. "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Galatians 3:24
In reading the parable of the sower, we learn that the disciples were given the meaning of the parable. They were given this knowledge because they asked; because they sought Him. "And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand." Luke 8:8-10
Prayer is the one who needs an answer going to the One who is the answer.

Joining Jacinda at Growing Home's Teach Me Tuesdays & Maria at Raising 4 Princesses' T' Time Party.

Ever Thankful, Always Grateful

2011-11-18T15:18:00.003-05:00

We'll be traveling in a few days up North to visit my family over Thanksgiving. I'm very much looking forward to spending this time with my family, and I'm grateful to the Lord for giving us the means in which to travel such a far distance. I pray that you all would have a happy, peaceful, joyful, thankful time with your loved ones this Thanksgiving.

May these verses of God's Word bring your heart comfort and thanksgiving!

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Psalms 26:7

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Psalms 50:14

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Psalms 69:30

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalms 95:2

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psalms 100:4

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
Psalms 107:22

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
Psalms 116:17

Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
Psalms 147:7

But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
Jonah 2:9

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 4:15

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
2 Corinthians 9:11-12

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:6

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:7

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Colossians 4:2

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 7:12

Photo Credit: Ray Weil.

Modest Ponderings

2011-11-17T07:22:00.001-05:00

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1 Timothy 2:9

There are many Christian denominations which reference this Bible verse as the reason why their ladies do not wear jewelry. I definitely respect their conviction and decision to do so, and I am also intrigued by it. I wonder if any of you reading this have such a conviction? If so, I'd be interested in hearing from you. I make it a point to wear modest jewelry. I always wear my wedding band and engagement ring, and will usually wear stud earrings (just one in each ear) and occasionally I'll wear a simple necklace, careful not to call attention to my chest. But before I knew better, I always wore many rings, a necklace, four earrings in each ear, and multiple bracelets. I felt I was expressing my identity. Little did I realize I was really conforming to other's idea of style and caving in to the pressures to fit in.

I was recently invited to a jewelry party. I went because my friend asked me to come. Unfortunately, I now know that I should have thought twice about accepting the invitation. There was hardly anything available that cost less than $35.00. And most of this jewelry was costume! The representative was a very sweet lady, and the party was small, so we spent a lot of time just chatting about jewelry and other things. The only lady I knew was my friend who had invited me. The other ladies knew one another from their church (not ours). I couldn't believe the conversation that was taking place about me amongst these ladies, and wanted nothing more than to leave. The topics discussed were that of Hollywood. It was like listening to celebrity gossip on the television.

This is not something I was expecting to encounter at a jewelry party. Then I began to notice what these other ladies were wearing. The jewelry adorning these ladies seemed to speak volumes about their values. Flashy, gaudy, showy, expensive jewelry enveloped them. I couldn't help but think that their jewelry matched their conversation, that it was worldly. Now I don't want it to appear that I was judging these ladies, rather, I was merely observing them. After all, it wasn't too long ago that I would have fit right in, both with their conversation, and their apparel. No doubt they wanted me to participate in the conversation they were having, but I didn't have a thing I could add that would have been kind, so I kept mum. I made myself busy getting coffee and tried not to take in all the hollywood gossip. A few times I made attempts to change the topic of conversation to something more appropriate, but it somehow wound it's way back to ugly topics.

I didn't purchase anything at the party, though at the outset of the evening I had been tempted to do just that. I know what changed my mind...it wasn't the quality of the jewelry, or even the cost, rather, it was combination of the temperament of the ladies and the jewelry they themselves wore. It has caused me to wonder ever since about the Scripture passage in 1 Timothy. I am thankful to know what I've learned thus far about it, and I wonder, should I take it a step further and not wear any jewelry at all? Or maybe just my wedding band? These are questions I need to be asking in my prayer time, I know, but at the same time, I'd love to hear feedback from you. What do you think? How do you feel about jewelry and how it relates to modesty?

Joining Esther at Our Simple Country Life for Hearts 4 Home Thursdays
& Heather at Raising Mighty Arrows for Proverbs 31 Thursdays

Photo Credit: pong

A Note of Generosity

2011-11-15T15:54:00.002-05:00

The other day, my dear friend and pastor's wife, Susie, and I were chatting, and she mentioned having some difficulty in homeschooling her 7 and 9 year old children because she is also looking after her 2 year old daughter. I offered to help out a bit by coming over once a week while she does school with the older kids. She was very touched and we discussed which day of the week would be best for me to be there. A few days later, I was chatting with another friend from church about musical instruments. We discovered that each of us has a desire to one day know how to play the piano. My friend mentioned this to Susie. When Susie found out that I was interested in learning the piano, she offered to exchange piano lessons for me looking after her daughter once a week!

My pastor's wife is an amazing Christian lady and role-model. She grew up in a non-Christian home, and was brought to church each week by her pastor and his wife. She knew at the age of 12 that she wanted to one day marry a preacher. Praise God for that! She met her husband, our pastor, at Hyles-Anderson Bible college. When her husband began pastoring, they realized they needed a piano player. They were young, and didn't have money for piano lessons, so she taught herself how to play! She made herself flash cards with each note written on a mini-scale and was soon playing for our church! She practiced 3 hours a day! She is a gifted and talented piano player, and I'm blessed to now be able to say she is just as gifted at teaching! I had my first-ever piano lesson this morning, and now have even more perspective on how dedicated she is to her husband and to our church.

My goal is to play a simple song during the "change march" at the Christmas service. I thought if I shared it all with you, I might be a bit more accountable and practice like I should! I'm delighted at how God orchestrated this! What a gift!

Photo Credit: healingdream

What Do Others See?

2011-11-14T13:25:00.000-05:00

And they took knowledge of them,

that they had been with Jesus.

~Acts 4:13

A Christian should be a striking likeness of Jesus Christ. You have read lives of Christ, beautifully and eloquently written, but the best life of Christ is his living biography, written out in the words and actions of his people. If we were what we profess to be, and what we should be, we should be pictures of Christ; yea, such striking likenesses of him, that the world would not have to hold us up by the hour together, and say, "Well, it seems somewhat of a likeness;" but they would when they once beheld us, exclaim,

He has been with Jesus; he has been taught of him; he is like him; he has caught the very idea of the holy Man of Nazareth, and he works it out in his life and every-day actions.

A Christian should be like Christ in his boldness. Never blush to own your religion; your profession will never disgrace you: take care you never disgrace that. Be like Jesus, very valiant for your God. Imitate him in your loving spirit; think kindly, speak kindly, and do kindly, that men may say of you, "He has been with Jesus." Imitate Jesus in his holiness. Was he zealous for his Master? So be you; ever go about doing good. Let not time be wasted: it is too precious. Was he self-denying, never looking to his own interest? Be the same. Was he devout? Be you fervent in your prayers. Had he deference to his Father's will? So submit yourselves to him. Was he patient? So learn to endure. And best of all, as the highest portraiture of Jesus, try to forgive your enemies, as he did; and let those sublime words of your Master, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," always ring in your ears. Forgive, as you hope to be forgiven. Heap coals of fire on the head of your foe by your kindness to him. Good for evil, recollect, is godlike. Be godlike, then; and in all ways and by all means, so live that all may say of you, "He has been with Jesus."

~A devotional by Charles Spurgeon, from his book, Morning by Morning

A Lesson from Eve

2011-11-11T09:32:00.000-05:00

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress is and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Genesis 2:15-17

The story is a familiar one. The fall of man is a sad, humbling story. It's the first story- in a chain of never-ending stories- of humankind turning their backs on God. Of husbands and wives, knowing what the will of God is, and yet, defiantly, stubbornly, selfishly, choosing to disobey.

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It all started with a question. The devil in disguise as a serpent, subtly and cunningly made his way towards the woman. In Genesis 3:1, Satan asks, "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" She replies, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." (Genesis 3:2-3)

In the next verse, Satan replies, "Ye shall not surely die:" He lies. He is the father of all lies. He plants doubt in her mind. He causes her to question the goodness and truthfulness of her God. He attempts to do this with us, too.

I wonder, where was Adam? Why was Eve without her husband? Why was she alone, near the forbidden tree of all places? I wonder if the devil was taking advantage of these circumstances that they had made for themselves. Perhaps he is looking to do the same thing in each of our lives? "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1 Peter 5:8) Do not allow the devil the pleasure of letting his lies and ploys cause trouble and doubts in your life! When the doubting thoughts creep into your life; and they will, because he knows you are a Christian, proclaim, "Get thee behind me, Satan!" (Luke 4:8)

Eve said no such thing. Rather, she pondered his evil lie, got closer to the forbidden fruit, (and farther from her God) "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." (Genesis 3:6)

Immediately after His own creation sinned against Him and deliberately disobeyed Him, God calls after them. He goes looking for them! He wants to be close to His children. Adam and Eve know the Lord is coming near them, and remembering their sin, they hide. I feel they were ashamed.

"And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" (Genesis 3:9)

Oh, what touching words uttered by our Creator. "Where art thou?" Why have you left me? What reason did you have to doubt me? Why did you listen to your wife, and not to your God, Adam?

God asks Adam if he ate of the tree that He "...commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?" (Genesis 3:11) And straightaway, Adam blames God! Adam says, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree..." (Genesis 3:12) And we see that Eve blames the serpent: "And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me..." (Genesis 3:13) Neither were willing to declare their sin without some form of an excuse.

"And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression."

(1 Timothy 2:14) Adam knew it was wrong to eat of the fruit. He knew He was siding with his wife, and at the same time, turning his back on God. Eve was deceived. She was the weaker vessel. (1 Peter 3:7) This is not meant to be an excuse. But rather, it should stand as a very strong lesson to us ladies.

As the weaker vessel, as the gender that tends to be more inclined to doubt, to worry, to fret, to rely upon our own thinking rather than that of our husbands, we are perhaps more inclined to believe the lies of Satan. And don't you think he knows this? Why did he approach Eve first? In fact, the Bible never mentions Satan tempting Adam, or even talking with him at all. Adam's fall, the fall of mankind, was due to the free will that God gives us all, being exercised by Adam for the sake of his wife, and himself.

I believe Adam knew it was wrong, and he didn't want to leave his wife. Jesus says, "He that loveth his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:37) Similarly, Jesus states, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, year, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26)

Eve was given to Adam by God. Eve was created to be Adam's help meet. "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." (Genesis 2:18) It's a bit ironic, really, because as soon as Eve succumbs to the temptation of the devil, "she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." (Genesis 3:6) What a help meet!

If we ever find ourselves doubting God, may we learn from Eve, and not allow his lies to creep in and affect our relationship with God, our marriage, our children, our home, or our way of life. May we not hide from God after we sin, but rather, run to Him, seek Him out, not offer excuses, but confess our sins, and ask for His forgiveness!

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrightousness." (1 John 1:9)

"And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8:11)

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Our God is not a Condemning God. He is a Just God. He is a Jealous God. And above all, He is a Forgiving God!

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Yield Thyself

2011-11-10T06:46:00.003-05:00

THEREFORE, BRETHREN, WE ARE DEBTORS.

~ROMANS 8:12

As God's creatures, we are all debtors to him: to obey him with all our body, and soul, and strength. Having broken his commandments, as we all have, we are debtors to his justice, and we owe to him a vast amount which we are not able to pay.

But of the Christian it can be said that he does not owe God's justice anything, for Christ as paid the debt his people owed; for this reason the believer owes the more to love. I am a debtor to God's grace and forgiving mercy; but I am no debtor to his justice, for he will never accuse me of a debt already paid. Christ said, "It is finished!" and by that he meant, that whatever his people owed was wiped away forever from the book of remembrance, Christ, to the uttermost, has satisfied divine justice; the account is settled; the handwriting is nailed to the cross; the receipt is given, and we are debtors to God's justice no longer.

But then, because we are not debtors to our Lord in that sense, we become ten times more debtors to God than we should have been otherwise. Christian, pause and ponder for a moment. What a debtor thou art to divine sovereignty! How much thou owest to his disinterested love, for he gave his own Son that he might die for thee. Consider how much you owe to his forgiving grace, that after ten thousand affronts he loves you as infinitely as ever. Consider what you owe to his power; how he has raised you from your death in sin; how he has preserved your spiritual life; how he has kept you from falling; and how, though a thousand enemies have beset your path, you have been able to hold on your way. Consider what you owe to his immutability. Though you have changed a thousand times, he has not changed once. Thou art as deep in debt as thou canst be to every attribute of God. To God thou owest thyself, and all thou hast-yield thyself as a living sacrifice, it is but thy reasonable service.

~An excerpt from Morning by Morning, by Charles Spurgeon

(A book I highly recommend!)

The Old Account Was Settled ~Words & Music: F. M. Graham

There was a time on earth, when in the book of Heav’n
An old account was standing for sins yet unforgiv’n;
My name was at the top, and many things below,
I went unto the Keeper, and settled long ago.

Refrain:

Long ago (down on my knees), long ago (I settled it all),

Yes, the old account was settled long ago (Hallelujah!);

And the record’s clear today, for He washed my sins away,

When the old account was settled long ago.

The old account was large, and growing every day,
For I was always sinning, and never tried to pay;
But when I looked ahead, and saw such pain and woe,
I said that I would settle, I settled long ago.

When in that happy home, my Savior’s home above,
I’ll sing redemption’s story, and praise Him for His love;
I’ll not forget that book, with pages white as snow,
Because I came and settled, and settled long ago.

O sinner, trust the Lord, be cleansed of all your sin,
For thus He hath provided for you to enter in;
And then if you should live a hundred years below,
Up there you’ll not regret it, you settled long ago.

In the World, and Yet...

2011-11-08T10:49:00.002-05:00

If we strive to be "...wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil." (Romans 16:19) we would find much more peace in this life. So often we don't understand, or we don't care to apply Christian principles. We don't take the time to learn to practice them in our daily lives. "Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

If there is filth invading our homes through the television, internet, and magazines, it will affect our families. Ladies, let us not slack concerning this duty. We owe it to our families to take a bold stand against the rottenness that passes as entertainment, against the "harmless" seductive images in the magazines, against the uncouth language and attitudes so prevalent on internet sites, such as facebook. There is nothing inherently evil about a television, or a magazine, or the computer; but turning a blind eye to what we Know is Wrong, for the sake of convenience, or being agreeable, is truly shameful.

Our homes are our respite, our resting place from this world. Our family members are the only individuals on earth who know what kind of a Christian we truly are. They see us when our guard is down, when we are not in the public eye. They see how we live. They see when or if we go to God in prayer. They see our daily habits. They see our bad moods. They see are wrong choices. They see our daily Christian walk.

I wonder, do we live a Christian life because we know our family is watching us? If so, that is not wrong; in fact it is good motivation. However, if that is the primary reason we are following Christ's principles, then we are living for man and not for God. When we make a mistake, when we sin against God, do we shutter thinking of God's reaction? Do we even ponder what the Lord sees in us and of us? If our sins were visible to the entire world, we would dread what perfect strangers would think of us, but isn't it worse that our Almighty Father does in fact see each ugly sin we commit? "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalms 139:23-24)

But God is greater than any temptation or weak point we may endure! The Holy Spirit that lives in each saved believer is the same Spirit that was with Christ while he walked this earth. What mighty strength and love lives inside each of us!! If we completely rely on the Lord, in every aspect of our lives, we will overcome. "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

The Christian life isn't about reaching a particular level of Christianity. It isn't as if one day we will be able to declare, "Today, I have become selfless!" Rather, the Christian life is a continuous pursuit. It is a journey, a walk, one that constantly develops our characters. The goal is to be like Christ. That goal will be fulfilled one day in Glory. Until that time, the Lord is the most perfect Shepherd and Guide. "But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock." (Psalms 78:52) "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11)

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:2) To be in the world, but not of the world is to separate oneself from the humanistic, immoral, materialistic ways of the world, and simultaneously declaring to the world that "...ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" (1 Peter 2:9)

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." (1 John 2:15-16)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Chapter 3 of Colossians

Joining Esther for Hearts 4 Home Thursdays at Our Simple Country Life.

Photo Credit: Idea go

Ever Mindful of Us

2011-11-07T11:15:00.002-05:00

O LORD, thou has searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Psalms 139:1-4

The way the Lord has even the finite details of our lives planned is so amazing to me. Sometimes, the Lord blesses us in ways we would not expect. Never would I have thought it possible that someone would, out of the goodness of their generous hearts, simply give us a supper table!

For the first nearly three years of our marriage, my husband and I used a kitchen table as our supper table. Not a big deal in the least, but I've always wanted a big farmhouse-style table for our dining room. A few months ago, I was out window shopping with my pastor's wife. She is a gem! While in a furniture store, I happened to mention that someday we'd like to have a bigger table for our dining room. When we have company over, it is Quite Crowded. I mentioned it only in passing, and didn't think another thing of it.

In the past, on a few occasions, my husband and I have been somewhat tempted to purchase an expensive "dream" table. After all, sitting together at the supper table is a special time, and didn't it "need" a special table to make it all the more memorable? Thankfully, we listened to reason, and the Lord, and didn't settle on something that, though beautiful, would've cost us a great deal of money, and would've gone against our value system.

Then one day, I found myself with my pastor's wife again, this time at her home. She suggested I look at the table in their garage and see if it was something we could use! Of course, before ever laying eyes on it, I had a good feeling about it! It seats 6 and has an additional 2 leaves. The table had been given to them by a perfect stranger, a lady who knew the family who had lived in my pastor's home previously. When this lady was thinking of who had enough room for her large table, she immediately thought of that house! Knowing that her friends had moved, she contacted my pastor and his wife, and they picked up the table. She gave it to them for free! Ironically, my husband helped our pastor pick up the table from the lady's home.

My pastor and his wife already had a large supper table. They didn't need another table. Many people would have sold one of the tables, to make some money off of the situation. Not them. What a blessing it was, when I saw this beautiful, solid wood, farmhouse-style table my pastor's wife was offering to me!

With the table being as large as it was, I thought we might have to rent a moving truck to get it home. (We have a small car.) They graciously offered the use of their van to us to take it to our home. Our pastor wasn't home when we picked it up this weekend, but thankfully my husband knew first hand how to load it in the van, for he had helped pastor load it up in the same van a few weeks earlier!

They wouldn't let us pay them for it, but we did fill up their gas tank! It was the very least we could do. And our first "dinner party" will be tonight~the guests of course being our pastor and his family!

God is so good! He is ever mindful of us. I hadn't ever whispered a prayer about wanting a new table. But, we have been praying for guidance and wisdom when it comes to making decisions financially. I believe that is the reason we held off on getting a new table, and the Lord blessed us as a result!

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Psalms 34:8

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation....

James 1:12

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8

Joining Growing Home for Teach Me Tuesdays.

Joining Raising 4 Princesses for the T Time Challenge.

Homemade Joy

2011-11-05T07:28:00.014-04:00

There's nothing quite like homemade bread. The scent that fills the kitchen is so comforting! Over the past few years, I've tried several different homemade bread recipes. I tried a new recipe this morning, and I love it! The bread turned out delicious, and it was much more simple than other homemade bread recipes I've tried in the past. The crust is just right, and the bread is too~very moist! I followed this recipe and didn't have to alter anything to make it work.

This will be my "go-to" recipe for delicious bread!

What You'll Need:

3 cups white/whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 packet or 2 teaspoons yeast

1 tablespoon sugar, brown sugar or honey

2 tablespoons oil

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup warm water (not hot)

1. Place 1 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar (or brown sugar or honey) and yeast in small bowl. Let froth (the mixture will bubble and grow in size).

2. Mix together flour, salt, and 1/4 cup sugar in mixing bowl.

3. Once yeast has frothed, add to dry ingredients and add oil.

4. Mix slowly (if you find the dough is too dry, add a bit more water). Mix until the consistency is like play-dough.

5. On floured surface, knead for about 10 minutes.

6. Place dough into large, greased bowl. Then flip over to grease the top as well. Let rise until double in size, roughly 1 hour, in a warm place. (I cover the bowl and fill another bowl with hot water and place both in the oven. Don't turn the oven on.)

7. After dough has risen, punch it down, and shape in to either 1 large or 2 smaller loaves.

(To punch dough down, literally make a punching fist and punch the center of the dough. You should hear air escape.)

8. Bake at 325* for 50 minutes. Watch closely. Bread is done if you hear a hollow sound when thumping the bottom. If you don't hear this sound, put it back in for a few minutes...but keep an eye on it. : )

I chose to make 1 large loaf, but next time will likely make 2 smaller loaves, so that I can use the bread for sandwiches. The 1 large loaf works great to serve at supper!

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I added 1 tablespoon of local honey to the top of the bread to make it extra sweet!

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You can also use this recipe to make homemade rolls! Simply roll the dough into the size of limes and place side by side on a cookie sheet. Cover and let rise until double in size. Bake at 325* for 18-20 minutes.

Enjoy!

Knowing True Joy

2011-11-04T08:04:00.004-04:00

Through the simple task of faithful living, one can learn the most important thing- not to cling to or to chase after happiness. What is better is to yearn for that heaven-sent joy that carries one through, even in the midst of suffering and trial. Knowing Jesus is true JOY.
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  Isaiah 29:19   The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

  Isaiah 61:10   I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness...

  Zephaniah 3:17   The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

  John 15:11   These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

  Acts 2:28   Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

  Romans 15:13   Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

  Galatians 5:22   But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

  1 Peter 1:8   Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Habakkuk 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Photo Credit: dan

Hands to the Plow

2011-11-03T12:57:00.003-04:00

Romans 12: 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

The Amish work ethic is one of diligence, steadfastness, tradition, and honor. They view work as a good thing. What a sadly uncommon viewpoint this is in today's world! The Amish live according to Biblical principles. Nearly each and every aspect of their lives is founded in the Word (particularly New Order Amish, who believe in the assurance of the believer, and evangelism. ) Amish work, from a very young age, from sun up to sun down, and they are taught to do so with a willing and joyful spirit. Sunday remains a day of rest. There is no cooking or cleaning or work done on this day. The Creator rested Himself on the seventh day.

Genesis 2:2-3 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested ont he seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

And yet, we were made to work. The Lord God made us to work the garden. (Genesis 2:15) The ability to work is a gift from God. It is something we are to enjoy. Men are to find joy in their work, whether they work for a "good" boss or not, or whether they are the boss, they are to do their best, and work as though they were working for the Lord, because they are! He is ultimately who they are working for. It is the Lord God who provides the paycheck.

Ephesians 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Colossians 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

And ladies, we are to find joy in household chores and in looking after the home. (Proverbs 31) (Titus 2:5) The Lord has ordained that our work is to be in the home. Knowing this, is it right in our eyes to do the bare minimum, to slide under the radar, to put forth the least amount of effort necessary? What if we go above and beyond, yet grumble and complain and hurry through to reach the next task? Is that any better? I think not. Nor, am I not guilty of the above scenarios. Oh, but the Lord is so merciful and always willing to forgive, if we are repentant, and simply ask His forgiveness. Realize that we are working for the Lord in creating a Joyful Home for our families. What a responsibility! But with Jesus by our side, it can be done! : )

Romans 12: 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Let's look at the definitions of the key words in the above verse:

Slothful: Inactive, sluggish, lazy

Business: Not just a business, but in all affairs, responsibilities, duties

Fervent: Exceedingly abundant, vehement

Serving: Working for; acting in subordination to; yielding obedience to; worshiping; also, performing duties.

We should have an innate, God-given desire deep within our souls to put our hands to the plow the Lord has given us! The world is watching us, Christians. They are constantly getting verbal and nonverbal clues about our work ethic. We are to be an example- a beacon- a light. (Matthew 5:14)

We must daily yield to the Spirit. We simply cannot allow the flesh to take over. The flesh, whose main desire is to be comfortable, must be pushed aside. The flesh desires to be lukewarm...not too hot, not too cold, but just right; comfortable. Know what the Lord says about this:

Revelation 3:15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

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Commit, and be yielded to the Spirit DAILY. Lazy hands and lazy minds are being controlled by the flesh, not by the Spirit.

"The idle mind is the devil's workshop."

~H.G. Bohn's Handbook of Proverbs 1855

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there beany virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Photo Credit: Mark S. Wexler | Photographer's Choice | Getty Images

An Amish Recipe

2011-11-02T10:25:00.002-04:00

I happened upon this Amish Recipe for Baked Oatmeal, and my husband and I just love it! I tend to make it at the beginning of the week, and it serves as our breakfast for nearly the entire week. If you have a larger family, you could easily double up the ingredients to make a bigger batch. Simply store it in the fridge, and heat up a serving size in the microwave. It's as quick as a pop-tart, but oh, so much healthier!

It's very filling, simple and quick to make, and quite delicious!

Here's what you'll need:

1/2 c. oil

2 eggs

1/2 c. sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 c. milk

3 c. oatmeal

Mix all together and bake at 350* for 30 minutes.

~Contributed by John and Janice Weaver

Doesn't get much easier, or tastier! : )

Joining Esther at Our Simple Country Life for Hearts 4 Home Thursdays.

Joining Heather at Raising Mighty Arrows for Proverbs 31 Thursdays.

My Favorite Time

2011-11-01T12:16:00.000-04:00

Taken at our hometown's park one week before our wedding day.

Happy November to all!

I'm so thrilled it's nearing Thanksgiving! And the Christmas season will be here before we know it! Going to Frankenmuth really has me looking forward to Christmas this year. So many special memories will be made. And memories of Christmas past will warm our hearts.

This will be our second Christmas in our first house. I have many ideas on how to decorate this year. I'm making myself wait to begin decorating until after Thanksgiving...and I must admit, it's been difficult to do so! : )

So, because it's simply too early to decorate my home, I've decided to decorate my blog!

(It's the little things...really.)

Though we haven't yet had our first snowfall, we have had many mornings of heavy frost. How about you? Have you seen snow yet this year? I'm so grateful when I see a blanket of white~ dusting the ground. Such a simple beauty to behold.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year."

The Calm After the Storm

2011-10-31T09:23:00.001-04:00

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

My dear friends, for that is what you truly are; I am So Thankful for You and for your Prayers.

Breast cancer runs in my family, so my husband and I were prepared to hear that I had cancer. But Praise the Lord, there is no cancer! I have a condition, and I'm on medication, and the combination of those two factors caused a lump. I have been instructed to keep an eye on things for the time being, but nothing showed up on the tests.

This time has sure given me a great deal of respect for all that cancer patients endure. God is so good to comfort us in times of trial!!

Thank you, thank you, for your prayers and for concerned and caring hearts! I am so grateful.

Photo Credit: graur codrin

Calm Through the Storm

2011-10-28T11:45:00.000-04:00

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
Luke 8:24-25

Please pray for me today. I am nervous about the results of a test I will have at the doctor's this afternoon. I know that it's all in the Lord's hands, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

But I am weak, and so I am asking for your prayers. I am asking the Lord to watch over me and to put a hedge of protection around us. I am asking Him to take away any threat of disease from me.

I'll keep you updated as I learn more. And I thank you dearly for your prayers.

In Him and Content,

Jillian

Photo Credit: prozac1

Traveling Afar

2011-10-20T09:11:00.002-04:00

As I write this my luggage is packed and sitting by the backdoor, my directions are with my purse because I'm nervous I'll leave them behind, and my kittens sense something is up! : )

A total of 21 hours in the car awaits me. I don't mind traveling in the least, but I also don't really like to do so alone. 16 of the 21 hours of travel I'll be all my my lonesome. Please pray for safety and good driving weather. I'm so looking forward to seeing my family though! It definitely makes it all worthwhile. I'll be gone for about a week...and I will miss my husband dearly!! So thankful for cell phones right about now! : )

Here's a few pictures from the town of Frankenmuth, Michigan:

It's such a charming little Bavarian town. It's the home of the world's largest Christmas store, called Bronner's. If you're ever near the area, it's definitely worth a visit! : ) My family has a tradition for all the ladies who are 16 and older to go to Frankenmuth every year around this time. It's a wonderful, joyful time in preparing to celebrate Christmas! We are those "weird" people who listen to Christmas carols in October!! : )

A few pictures of the Christmas store, Bronner's:

Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Photo Credits: vfiles14591, cottageonwheels.files.wordpress.com, frankenmuthcheesehaus.com, michigan.org, babyboomlaughline.blogspot.com, detroit.cbslocal.com, tripwow.tripadvisor.com

A Kitchen Cupboard Can Bring Joy

2011-10-19T12:56:00.001-04:00

JOYFUL AUTUMN BLESSINGS

I've had this wooden cubby for over a year, and yesterday I noticed that a few of the drawers have chalkboard labels! Shows how detail-oriented I am! I was so excited, I wanted to share it with you. : )

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A few of you have asked about the cabinet organizers I mentioned in my journal entry. These are inexpensive, functional, and available most anywhere! I picked them up at Wal-Mart.

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I took a few pictures of my cabinets with the drawers closed so you could get an idea of what you're looking at!

I have other cabinets as well on the other two walls of the kitchen. I'm very blessed to have an abundance of cabinets! It's somewhat trivial, but we had lived in a small apartment before buying our house, so I was simply thrilled with the kitchen here. But, because the food cabinets in particular had been somewhat disorganized, I still found myself needing more space sometimes. Hopefully, that won't be the case anymore.

Soups and Canned Goods.
(I also keep extra items that will need to be refrigerated once opened in this cabinet, such as ketchup.)
This cabinet had been my least-organized. It was very difficult so see into these deep cupboards, and when cleaning them out I found several cans I didn't know I had. So not only will my cabinets be much more functional, I'll also be saving money and not by items I already have in supply.

Snack Shelf on top...Noodles, Rice, and Grains on bottom.
Yes, that is an old drawer from a desk in there. It makes a great holder for lasagna noodles! : )

A close-up view of the snack shelf. Look at all that empty space the organizer allows! : )

A close-up view of the Grains shelf.

Kitchen Appliances.

Unless I use an appliance daily, I don't keep it on my countertop.

These organizers are not store-bought. They are MDF and were with the house when we moved in. I'm repurposing them from the linen closet. : )

More Kitchen Appliances and MDF shelves.

Extra Plasticware.

This cabinet doesn't have any organizers...and from the looks of it, it seems I'm in need of a few more!

Breakfast Foods Shelf on top.

Extra Spices, Bread Crumbs, etc. on bottom.

No room for organizers in this cabinet, but I included it because I re-organized it! : )

My other kitchen cabinets house my baking goods, coffee, tupperware, cookware, and dishes.

Ah, the joys of a newly organized and clutter-free kitchen...and the joys of making something useful from scratch! But I'm not speaking about food, I'm talking pillows! : )

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Here's a few pictures of the pillows I made that I mentioned in the same post.

They're a simple blue and beige checkered print. I think they contrast nicely with our brown couch.

Bit of a close-up, so you can see the button! : )

And here's the other pillow. The buttons are metallic in texture.

Thanks for visiting!

Joyful Journaling

2011-10-18T08:08:00.001-04:00

The Simple Woman's Daybook~ Entry 2

Outside my window . . .
It's a dark and rainy morning. The sun has just made it's debut. A cozy morning spent wrapped in a blanket with a steaming cup of vanilla chai tea. Mmm. : )

I am thinking . . .
About my agenda for today.

I am thankful for . . .
My God. My salvation. My relationship with Him.

I am learning . . .
How to sew. Still in the Very Preliminary stages...but with the help of my pastor's wife, I made two pillows!! : )

From the kitchen . . .
Baking bread today. Oh, how I enjoy that aroma! Tonight I'm fixing "breakfast for supper", consisting of french toast, eggs, and sausage.

I am wearing . . .

An ankle-length black skirt and a sweater.

I am creating . . .

A more organized kitchen. I'm so excited! I have quite a few cabinets, but because they're so tall and deep, a lot gets lost in them! I'm constantly pulling out about 7 items to get 1 ingredient "I just know is in there somewhere!" I purchased a few cabinet organizers, and will be reorganizing and rearranging my cabinets! : )

I am reading . . .

In 1 Peter and The Pilgrim's Progress.

I am going . . .

This weekend I'm traveling to visit family! We are celebrating my cousin's son's first birthday, and having a surprise baby shower for her!! I love surprises! We're also going to Frankenmuth, Michigan to go to Bronner's. Have any of you ever been there? The entire town is like a Christmas village all year round!

I am hoping . . .

And I am praying for my friend's marriage. Please continue to pray for them.

I am realizing . . .

Just how powerful prayer truly is! God is so good to us!

I am noticing that . . .

It is so important to be an encouragement and a help meet to my husband.

I am wondering . . .

If my cousin will really be surprised this weekend. (Don't worry, she doesn't read my blog!) : )

I am hearing . . .

The rain falling on the windowpane and soft instrumental music playing.

Around the house . . .

Kitchen cabinet reorganization!

One of my favorite things . . .

Log cabins. It is a dream of ours to one day live in a cabin.

Pondering these words . . .

Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

A few plans for the week . . .

Running to the library to pick up a few Amish novels to read over the weekend, getting some gifts for this weekend, Bible study tomorrow night, visitation tomorrow night, and the wash...plenty of laundry. : )

Here are pictures for thought I am sharing . . .

A nearby cabin where my husband and I have stayed...

It was a true cabin, with no insulation...but we stayed very toasty with the fire roaring!

A small and cozy cabin...with all the essentials, and nothing more...

Just lovely. : )

A Joyful Woman of God

2011-10-17T11:13:00.000-04:00

The Word of God states:

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

1 Timothy 5:14

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 Peter 5:8

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her...She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Proverbs 31:11-12

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household...

Proverbs 31:15

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Proverbs 31:18

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Proverbs 31:25-28

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:30

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Titus 2:5

Photo Credit: Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot, anankkml, photostock, Aleksandr Kutsayev, winnond, foto76, healingdream

A Joyfully Feminine Evening

2011-10-16T14:30:00.011-04:00

My tea decorations: on a trial-run.

My Great Grandmother's Silver Tea Service. My Great-Great Grandmother's china. The oil lamps are extra centerpieces we used for our wedding. We gave them away to the longest married couple at each table. : )

I wish I had been able to capture more through pictures, but I simply couldn't find the time to do so throughout the evening, as I'm the activity leader for our ladies meetings...and then by the time I got around to taking pictures of the tables themselves, they were being disassembled! (I had posted a few pictures of ladies conversing with one another, drinking their tea, etc., but then thought better of it and took the pictures down. I realized not everyone is okay with having their picture available for anyone to view online!)

The tea table themes were: Fruit of the Spirit, decorated with fruit, of course! The table hostess had each of her guests wear an old-fashioned hat with little fruit glued on them. She also had Bible verses with the fruit of the Spirit displayed. Another table theme was A Classic Ladies Tea Party, decorated in multiple tea sets and traditional fair. There was a F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God) table, decorated with frogs, lily pads, dragonflies, and even a frog teapot! And lastly, a Fashion Tea Party theme, decorated with pearls, mirrors, perfume bottles, vintage gloves, and victorian doll shoes and hats, and I brought scarves for each guest to wear. (This latter table was the table I helped to decorate. ) Our table won the prize in favorite theme!) Each "table" was actually comprised of many tables, which I was relieved to see as it made it much easier to fit in all the decorations!

We had many first-time visitors, and several ladies came who hadn't been in a little while. It was a wonderful evening of friendship. Many sweet, precious moments of fellowship in celebrating our God-given roles as ladies.

A Simple & Delicious Soup Recipe

2011-10-15T07:23:00.002-04:00

Quite Simply the Best Soup I've Ever Eaten...

My friend gave me this soup recipe, and I'm so very glad she did! It has become a favorite in our household, and so I wanted to share it with you.

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One thing I quickly learned about my husband after we were first married is that he is not a fan of soup! I was So surprised, because I Love soup! There's just something so homey, timeless, and comforting about a pot of soup on the stovetop. I tried and failed to "convince" him he really must like some soup, it must be that he hadn't tasted the right kind yet! : )

Then one day, I made a big pot of the soup pictured above. (For myself to eat for lunch for the week.) After he came home from work he asked, "What smells so good?!" And the rest is history! In fact, I packed him a bowl of soup in his lunch for work today. : ) I never thought I'd say that!

This soup is very hearty, and makes enough that it will likely last you awhile!

Recipe for "Italian Sub Soup"

1/2 pound Pork Sausage (I made mine with Maple Sausage the first time, and so have stuck with that!)

1/4 pound pepperoni

1 package diced ham (I make mine with turkey, we just prefer it to ham.)

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained

salt and pepper to taste

garlic powder to taste

6 cups chicken stock

1/2 pound any short-cut pasta

parmesan cheese sprinkled on top

Using a big soup pot, brown and crumble sausage, drain. Add ham and pepperoni. Cook all together 2 minutes. Add peppers and onions and cook 2-3 minutes more. Add tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add chicken stock and bring soup to a boil. Stir in pasta and cook for 8 minutes. Sprinkle in some additional garlic powder for extra flavor. Top with Parmesan cheese.

~Enjoy~

Joining Growing Home for Teach Me Tuesday.

What Does God Promise?

2011-10-14T10:53:00.000-04:00

‎"God didn't promise days without pain,

laughter without sorrow,

sun without rain.

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But He did promise strength for the day,

comfort for the tears,

and light for the way."

~ Anonymous

Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalms 118:14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

Isaiah 26:4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Isaiah 66:13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Photo Credit: worradmu, graur codrin, happykanppy,Phaitoon, Ambro, dan

The Scent of an Autumn Kitchen

2011-10-13T07:30:00.008-04:00

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

I was talking with Jacinda from Growing Home yesterday about how when I make homemade cinnamon rolls, they don't seem quite as bad for me! I'm not sure of the truth in this feeling, but I like to think so all the same! At least I know there are no preservatives, additives, etc. in them!

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Here's the recipe.

PREP: 45 min.

BAKE: 20 min.

RISE: 90 min.

OVEN: 375*

REST: 10 min.

MAKES: 24 rolls

What You'll Need:

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 package active dry yeast (or equivalent measurement of bread machine yeast)

1 cup milk

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup butter

1 recipe cream cheese or vanilla icing (below)

How To Do It:

1. In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups of the flour and the yeast; set aside. In a small saucepan heat and stir milk, granulated sugar, 1/3 cup butter, and the salt just until warm (120*F-130*F) and butter almost melts; add to flour mixture along with eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining 2-2 1/2 cups of flour as you can.

2. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface of the dough. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double in size (1 to 1 1/2 hours). (I put a big bowl of hot water in a cold oven on the lower rack. Directly above the bowl I place the covered dough, and keep the oven door closed. This will create a warm (not too hot) environment.

3. Punch dough down (with fist in a "punching position", in center of dough). Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Lightly grease two 9x9x2 baking pans or two 9x11/2-inch round baking pans; set aside. For filling, stir together brown sugar, the 1/4 cup flour, and cinnamon; using a pastry blender, cut in 1/3 cup butter until mixture resembles course crumbs.

4. Roll each dough half into a 12x8-inch rectangle. Sprinkle filling over dough, leaving 1 inch unfilled along one of the long sides. Roll up each rectangle, starting from the filled long side. Pinch dough to seal seams. Slice each rolled rectangle into 12 equal pieces. Arrange in prepared pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly double in size (about 30 minutes).

5. Preheat oven to 375*F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden. Cool about 5 minutes; remove from pans. Spread with cream cheese icing or drizzle with vanilla icing. Serve warm.

Cream Cheese Icing: In a small mixing bowl beat one 3-ounce package softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons softened butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually beat in 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach spreading consistency.

Vanilla Icing: In a small bowl stir together 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon light-colored corn syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Add enough half-and-half or light cream (1 to 2 tablespoons) to reach drizzling consistency.

This recipe will bring a distinctly Autumn aroma to your kitchen; enjoy!

Linking up with Raising Mighty Arrows for Proverbs 31 Thursdays : )