2011 Food Storage Challenge with IllinoisLori

Okay, Lori, I'm ready to take a baby step!  Um, I do have one of those basements that Lori mentioned, with an area that we affectionately call "The Bomb Shelter"--shelving on which we store garden canned goods, beans, wheat berries, oats, and other dry goods in bulk.  We haven't done it for food-preparedness reasons; we have gradually built up our food storage supply simply because there are five men in our home!

Still, I'm intrigued with the idea of storing a little extra to feed my family come hard times when food may be scarce due to the economy and high prices, or another unseen force.  So I'm gamely answering the call!  I can't wait to read about this month's challenge.

If this idea intrigues you as it did me, click on over to Lori's blog to see what's going on and find out how to participate!

Back to life,

Christine

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captured by Christine Anne

FFG -- Take Refuge

My amazing friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls @ Heart every week;

please click on her button to visit her blog

and to find out how you can participate!

My farm girl's heart just aches--along with my back!--this week because I am not able to do all the things I need and want to do.  When I think of this meme each week, I desire to share something I've done, or made, or baked, or accomplished during the week.  But this week, besides some laundry and a few meals, I have not been a woman of accomplishment.

I confess, when I'm healthy I can sit at the computer for hours, and I'm really good at procrastinating; however, I am essentially a doer.  My husband tells me, "Sit and relax with me."  And if we're not engaged in conversation, my mind is making lists--what's for dinner tomorrow night, I need to put garlic powder on the grocery list, do I have the money for the food co-op on Sunday...  My organizer/planner has space along the right-hand side for sticky-note grocery lists and to-do lists.  Sometimes I even add extra sticky notes on dates gone by so that I have room to write my notes!

Many of you have been praying for healing for me, and I humbly and gratefully thank you!  But for right now, the Lord has a better plan for me.  My Bible studies throughout this week have focused on healing, resting in His love, and acknowledging Him in my circumstances.  I continue to keep my focus in those places.  He is my refuge.

But let all who take refuge in You be glad,

Let them ever sing for joy;

And may You shelter them,

That those who love Your name may exult in You.

Psalm 5:11 nasb

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!

And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

Psalm 36:7 nasb

Back to life,
Christine

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captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk--It Will be Healing

Welcome to my home!

Sit and have a cup of tea with me and share a little time of relaxation and encouragement.

To join, click on Ruth's button above.

I'm having...Earl Gray in my Pfaltzgraff teacup (Ocean Breeze pattern).  This is loose tea that I've had for a long time.  I don't know why I haven't enjoyed this tea more recently--it is delicious and hits the spot on this chilly end-of-December day!

I'm feeling...the same as the past several days.  I continue to slowly recover from my fall up the stairs two weeks ago.  Afternoons and evenings are more relaxed, since I have worked out the stiffness by lunch time.  But when I first wake up, I'm so stiff and sore!  I'm trusting the Lord to work His healing in me, unless He has a better plan.  When I see the splendor with which He displays His creation--such as in the frosted trees in the photos below on our drive to the chiropractor this morning--I know without a doubt that He is working in me!

I'm thinking about...the few priority items to do this week--pulling together the rest of the special needs portion of our state homeschool convention (ICHE--Illinois Christian Home Educators) for June 2011; and getting our own homeschool lesson plans in order for the rest of the school year (mostly for Danny who will be graduating next June).  I also have to update my business accounts, and get some house cleaning projects completed.  The first two major items will be done by tomorrow--and I always say "Lord willing!"  :)

I leave you with...verses in Proverbs.  As I ask the Lord to heal me, I realize that He brings healing in various ways.  These verses in Proverbs have to do with healing:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your body

And refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:5-8 nasb [emphasis mine]

Healing and refreshment come from doing these things:

• Wholly trust in Him with my situation
• Don't trust my own understanding of the situation
• Acknowledge Him in everything I do (or try to do, or even can't do!)
• Don't think that my wisdom is best
• Give the Lord my reverent respect
• Turn away from sinful desires

I'm asking the Lord for strength to do these things.  May you be blessed as you follow Him!!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Simply Christmas

Our family went home for Christmas.  Home, because it is where I (mostly) grew up.  Home, because it really is a second home to all of us; it is a haven and a safe place where we can relax and just be ourselves.  This time it was for Christmas!

Christmas morning dawned, beautiful and promising.

The view through my kitchen window.

The gift for our family gift exchange was wrapped and ready.  This year we participated in a puzzle exchange.

What a blessed time we had to be able to focus on each family opening their gift!  No rushing through presents, not being able to see someone open that gift I thoughtfully chose.  Everyone shared in the laughter and mirth.

I had this puzzle made from a photo I took of them tubing last winter.

My (goofy) dad tries on his new bike helmet (a special gift from Mom).

Dad's gift to Mom--an artist's rendition of the church near their vacation home.

Time for our homemade Italian Christmas feast!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Open Heart, Open Home

What a special Christmas weekend!  Since our Christmas was much simpler this year, we wanted to do something special for Christmas Eve.  The Lord blessed us with the funds to purchase a huge turkey--20+ pounds of free-range yumminess!!

When both Fernando and I mentioned having another family over to share in His bounty, one name instantly popped into our minds.  That family said yes, and so we made preparations for the day.

Due to my still-aching  back, my chauffeur--Jacob the sweetheart--drove me on errands, one of which was to the grocery store.  We couldn't resist purchasing these tangerines, since the boys have an Uncle Matt.  How fun!

On Christmas Eve, early morning snowfall greeted my eyes as I came downstairs for a cup of tea.

Soon, our wonderful friends arrived; they greeted us with carols us before coming in to our warm house.  We joined in, singing with them in four-part harmony.  :)

We shared a day of games, laughter, dinner, laughter, dessert, laughter...  You get the idea.  :)

Finally, it is important to make sure that the family driver is well-rested for the nighttime trek home.  So we let him sleep.  But as I've warned in the past, if you fall asleep during normal non-sleep hours (in public, of course!), you will have your photo taken.  Thomas decided to have a little extra fun, and brought all of his singing birds down to keep an eye on the slumbering captain of the car.

As his sister gently nudged him back to consciousness, many hands happily squeezed the birds for a cacophonous wake-up call.  Birdsong and laughter--what a melodious end to the day!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG -- Merry. 1. Full of cheerfulness...

My amazing friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls @ Heart every week;

please click on her button to visit her blog

and to find out how you can participate!

Today, I wish all my friends and family a very Merry Christmas!  I wanted to share a few photos of our home and its decorations...

Merry.  1.  full of cheerfulness or gaiety; joyous in disposition or spirit.

Merry.  2.  laughingly happy; mirthful; festively joyous.

May you have a merry spirit as you celebrate and reflect on the birth of our Savior!

All blessings from my heavenly Father to you and yours!!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

WWU--This is My Comfort

Thank you, Mary, for hosting Weekly Wrap-Up!

It's time to reflect back on my week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

To participate with us, please click on Mary's button above.

This Weekly Wrap-Up is going to be short and sweet.  Well, short, at least.  I need to get to a couch to give my back a break.  It is really aching now, but oh, how I've missed blogging this week!  The Lord had other plans for my life, however, and I am content in that.  Without further ado...


Home Life

The Lord allowed my back to "go out" on Wednesday morning, to the point I was in utter agony by that evening, and immobile until some time on Friday.  When I could focus, I spent time in Psalm 119.  God's Word is a balm.

My view from the couch as my guys made Wednesday dinner.  :)

Jacob and Danny finished college classes and finals by Tuesday.  Everyone is happy.  :)

Danny is happy.

Jacob is happy, too.

My Kitchen and Garden

I baked whole-wheat peanut butter cookies on Tuesday, right before injuring my back.  God's timing is impeccable.  :)  (They turned out yummy, by the way.)

My Project Desk

...sits empty for the time being.


Behind the Lens

My first piece of official mail for my business!

The hilarious thing is that this particular piece of mail was from the county clerk's office, who returned my assumed business name application.  Apparently, they do NOT accept temporary checks.  Now that I have my "real" checks, I have to re-submit the application.  *rolls eyes*


Heart Thoughts

My heart has focused on the Lord this week.  That focus always gets keener when I'm experiencing trial, for which my back pain definitely qualifies.  As I lay in bed Thursday morning, wondering if I'd ever be able to get up to take a shower, I carefully read Psalm 119.  Here are a few verses that stuck out to me, and that I leave you with (all from the NASB).

My soul weeps because of grief;

Strengthen me according to Your word.

verse 28

This is my comfort in my affliction,

That Your word has revived me.

verse 50

It is good for me that I was afflicted,

That I may learn Your statues.

verse 71

I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous,

And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

O may Your lovingkindness comfort me,

According to Your word to Your servant.

May Your compassion come to me that I may live,

For Your law is my delight.

verses 75-77

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne