Wise Advice

Proverbs 24:3-4 (King James Version)

³Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

⁴And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Recommended by Me

I can not recommend these DVD's by the West ladies more. I have learned so much and I consider myself a homekeeping expert (smile). These would make a wonderful gift for ladies who are getting married or for a girls hope chest. Mother's day is just around the corner.

Check them out here:


blessings and have a great day! Tracylea

Things I have learned from Rozella

I have a friend, who is 88 years old. She is amazing. Her name is Rozella. I have learned so much from her.

One thing I have learned is to never stop learning. Read, watch TV, and ask questions. Sometimes when Rozella wants to ask me a question she will say "Now get this......" and then ask the question. One time I was telling her something and she said "That is groovy man........." She sounds like a really bad hippie in a little old ladies body. She tells us all about the shows she watches on tv or what she reads. She is an avid PBS watcher. She is still learning.

Another thing she has taught me is to always, and I mean always, be busy. Rozella volunteers everywhere, mainly at the hospital and at the school. I volunteer with her at the school and she runs circles around me. She puts the dishes away and cleans the counters. But her main job is to serve the kids dessert. And she hates it on brownie day. Actually, she doesn't hate it, they are just a little challenging to her. She will say to me, "what is the deally-o with these brownies, they are so sticky". They usually stick to the spatula she is using to serve them. This really bothers her, not because of the mess, but because of the waste. She hates to waste things. Which brings me to another thing I have learned from her.

Don't waste things. Rozella lived through the depression and she knows this is the way to go. She believes the motto use it up or wear it out. She told us last week she has had the same couch for 50 years. She had it reupholstered in 1975, but it is still as good as new! She wore the prettiest modern suit to a friends wedding last summer, she had bought it in 1978 and it had come back into style. She looked great, man.

One time Rozella told me if she died in front of me, not to give her CPR. I thought she was joking, but she wasn't. She is more than ready to go to our Lord and her Kelly. And that brings me to the last thing I have learned from Rozella. Always look to the Lord. He will always be there. You see Rozella has outlived her Kelly (Kelso) her husband and a daughter, and many family and friends. All of these things were very hard on her and she still tears up when she talks about them. But the Lord never left her during this time, just ask her. One time she told me, I love the Lord more today than yesterday and I hope that goes on and on.

I would give Rozella CPR or a kidney, if she wanted it. I just spent three weeks going from store to store looking for beef liver for her this winter. I would do anything she asks me, she means the world to me. I love Rozella and still have alot to learn from her.

She is cool, man.

Blessings, Tracylea

John 12:12-13 (King James Version)

¹²On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

¹³Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Biblical Principles Concerning Submission and Joy

Four Biblical Principles Concerning A Wife's Submission and Joy

• Joy results from trusting and obeying God's Word.
• Joy results from knowing that God is working to accomplish His purpose even in difficult circumstance.
• Joy results from following the examples of the Lord Jesus in difficult times.
• Joy results from a Spirit-filled life.

An Excellent Wife
by Martha Peace

Specific Ways Wives Are Not Submissive

Specific Ways Wives Are Not Submissive~~The Excellent Wife
by Martha Peace

1. She does things that are annoying or vexing to her husband

Proverbs 21:19

2. She does not discipline the children as she should (even after her husband asks her to).

Proverbs 29:15

3. She is more loyal to others than her husband.

Proverbs 31:11

4. She argues or pouts or gives him the cold shoulder when she does not get her won way.

Proverbs 21:9

5. She does not stay within the limits of their budget.

Proverbs 19:14

6. She corrects, interrupts, talks for her husband and is too outspoken when others are around.

Proverbs 27:15,16

7. She maipulates hin to get her wone way. She may manupliate by deciet, tears, begging, nagging, complaining, anger, or intimidation.

Luke 10:40

8. She make important decisions without consulting him.

1 Corinthians 11:3

9. She directly defies his wishes.

1 Samuel 15:23

10. She worried about the decisions he makes and takes matters into her own hands.

Philippians 4:7,8

11. She does not pay attention to what he says.

James 1:19

What a friend we have in Jesus

I always like people more than they like me. Is that weird? When I become friends with someone I always think, going into the relationship, that it will last a lifetime. They often don't. I think of people as my friend and then never hear from them again. But some of my friends have been my friends for a looooong time. Like 35 years.

I don't really have a best friend other than Jesus and my husband. I wonder if it is because I am not a good friend? Or do I expect too much? I am a great giver of grace. I always need lots of forgiveness so I freely give it to others. But I also talk alot, about myself and others. And I say really, I mean REALLY, stupid things. I don't think alot before I speak.

Does "everyone" have a best friend?

My husband is a really good best friend, but doesn't he have to be? He is kinda stuck with my problems and idiosyncrasies. And he never likes to talk about purses.

Maybe I don't have a bestie because I hate to shop. I also spend alot of time with my husband and family. And maybe I smell? I wear skirts and maybe that is too weird. I don't always brush my hair. (I think we are are starting to realize what the problem is.)

I have a friend, who by the way is still my friend, tell me once she didn't share personal things with me because she only shared them with Jesus. How do you respond to that? It is admirable. It kinda makes the whole friendship thing useless. But she had a really good point.

Jesus is the ultimate best friend. He never tells you you are dumb. He doesn't care if you don't know what a Vera Bradley is. He likes your hair, He gave it to you. He likes that you seldom wear shoes and that you talk to your pets like they can understand. He never gets mad at us, even when we say REALLY dumb things to Him. And once, He died for us.

^{John 15: 12}This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

¹³Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

¹⁴Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

All that He really asks in return for His unconditional friendship is that we do whatsoever He commands us to do. How hard is that? He was so kind and wrote it all down. Right there, in the Holy Bible! We can read it every day. But alias, do I. What a friend I have in Jesus, but what kind of friend am I to Jesus?

I am blessed that I do have alot of friends. Good friends. But I do have some friendships who's seasons have passed and gone. But others are still strong. But ultimately my "friendship" with our Lord is the most important.

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

Blessings dear ones, Tracylea

The Politically Incorrect Wife

"The politically incorrect wife does not buy into modern-day thinking that says:

1. You are in control of your own life.
2. Marriage is a fifty fifty proposition,
3. You should treat your husband like he treats you.
4. Your feelings are your guide.
5. Your husband needs to earn your respect.
6. You should make him pay for your forgiveness.
7. There's no such thing as a happy marriage anymore.
8. Your husband's job is to make you happy.

The politically incorrect wife does hold to these spiritual principles, which transform from the inside out:

1. Doing things God's way is the key to having a joyful life.
2. I am 100 percent responsible to God for my behavior as a wife.
3. I'll love my husband unconditionally.
4. I will act the way I want to feel.
5. Respecting my husband brings glory to God.
6. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling.
7. A Source of power is already available to help me!
8. My joy is not determined by another human being."

~~The Politically Incorrect Wife by Nancy Cobb and Connie Grigsby

Whole Wheat Pitas

Yesterday I made these whole wheat pitas. They were yummy. Pitas are nice to have on hand for lots of sandwiches and snacks. I like to just eat them plain. Ds wanted to put a banana covered in chocolate in one. We decided that it might taste a little weird. The cost of the same pitas in the store would be around $6.00 dollars. I think the cost at home was not quite $1.00 for all. We made the pitas as a family and I would encourage you to do this. The key was making sure the oven was at 400 and the pans were hot.

Do you have any cost cutting bread recipes you would like to try? There are many on the web. I don't make alot of bread, but I bought the book The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread by Peter Reinhart and Ron Manville, and I think I am going to work through it this summer. I am also thinking about learning to make cottage cheese. We eat alot of that at our place too!

Think about it dear ones. Anything you want to try? I would encourage you. Practice makes perfect and trying never hurt anything.

Blessings, Tracylea

People Get Ready Jesus Is Coming

Isiah 3:12-14

As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.

The LORD will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.

When I read these verses the song "People Get Ready: Jesus Is Coming" plays over and over in my head. Hear and See it here.

I am not prepared to make a broad statement about women leading our nation. The Bible speaks very clearly on this matter. (1 Corinthians 11:8-9, 1 Corinthians 14:34-36, 1 Timothy 2:8-15) But I cannot help but wonder if where we are today, as a nation and in our homes, is not directly related to women leading and feminism.

I stayed up late last night to watch the debate (or debacle) and vote on the Health Care Bill. Many, many strong Republican men spoke against it: Mr.Pence, Mr. Boehner and many more . And although my politics lean to the Republican side, I still noticed very few Democratic men speaking strongly for it. Could that be because the leaders in the Democratic party are women? I don't' just mean the person who holds the office. I mean in and out of the limelight. In their own homes.

If you have ever heard our First Lady speak you can tell she is a feminist and wears the pants in her family. She doesn't carry the title of President, but she is the First Lady, and the leader in her home, and in direct conflict with the bible. I cannot and won't even start with Nancy Pelosi, that could take days.

While I believe women should not be restricted from God-given privileges and responsibilities, women should not assume responsibilities in positions that God has not granted them.

The Lord God makes it clear in Isiah, in the time of judgment from our beautiful Lord we will be ruled by women and there will be ramifications. Dear sisters, please be careful. Do not fall into Satans trap. Do not let the spoil of the poor into your home. Know you place, know your responsibilities. Support strong men, raise your boys to be strong men. Raise your daughters to be strong too, strong in their support of the biblical men in their life. To set an example to the world of how our Lord tells us to live.

He is coming dear one, that is a fact. People get ready, Jesus is Coming.

blessings dear ones, Tracylea

Happy St. Patrick's Day

To battle dear one

"You are as much serving God in looking after your own children,
and training them up in God's fear,
and minding the house,
and making your household a church for God,

as you would be if you had been called
to lead an army to battle
for the Lord of hosts."


~Charles Spurgeon

Words and actions

In Luke 6:45 Jesus says “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”

How are we speaking dear ones? And I don't mean just with our words.
Are we kind? Gracious? Sweet?
If not, why? Please dear ones find out why. Seek the Lord and His answers.
blessings, Tracylea

Favorite website

I just love this website. And those of you who know me know I read alot of websites:

http://urbanhomestead.org/

I can only dream of having a "yard" like this one day!

blessings dear ones, Tracylea

Tomatoes, just in case

Last week I read this article here and it got me thinking. We use tomatoes alot: salsa, pasta sauce, ketchup, soup and fresh. If restaurants and stores are going to be increasing prices on fresh, I imagine it won't be long until the canned and bottles are increased (although the article says they are grown in California).

Today while I was at Target I noticed they had sauce for .84 cents a jar. I bought three. Then I went to the canned food isle and bough a few cans, just in case. Just in case, they go up, run out or I need them and don't want to pay full price.

This got me thinking. Aren't we, as Keepers of our Homes, to always keep "just in case" in mind. Just in case of an emergency, storm, shortage or necessity.

There was a large recall of food last week, nothing I had bought was on there but I decided to keep the website at hand, just in case. I keep a folder on my computer of recalled items. I keep my eyes open to articles like the one above. I also like to keep and ear open to what is going on in the food world around us. Just in case.

Having a full pantry is wonderful. It gives me a good sense of well-being. I have built this pantry over time. Just trying to add $10 worth of extras, items on sale, during each shopping trip. All the items are ones I use, so nothing goes to waste. But we have things, just in case we need them. Here is one example of what to keep in a pantry. What items you keep and how much depends on your family size and likes. I don't try to keep a certain number of months supply, but enough to rotate easily.

Some of my favorite sites to visit for this information are:

http://www.menus4moms.com/articles/pantry_list.php

http://preparednesspantry.blogspot.com/

http://adayinthelifeofanldshippiefarmer.blogspot.com/

I am sure there are many more out there to be found.

Blessings dear ones, Tracylea

In forming the moral habits of children, it is wise to take into account the peculiar temptations to which they are to be exposed. The people of this nation are eminently a trafficking people; and the present standard of honesty, as to trade and debts, is very low, and every year seems sinking still lower. It is, therefore, preeminently important, that children should be trained to strict honesty, both in word and deed. It is not merely teaching children to avoid absolute lying, which is needed: all kinds of deceit should be guarded against; and all kinds of little dishonest practices be strenuously opposed. A child should be brought up with the determined principle, never to run in debt, but to be content to live in a humbler way, in order to secure that true independence, which should be the noblest distinction of an American citizen.
~~ The American Woman's Home
Authors: Catherine E. Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe

Please pray

Please pray for sweet Jethro!

http://farmlegend.blogspot.com/

Lemon Squares

Best Ever Lemon Squares

Crust:
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar — plus extra for garnishing
2 tablespoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces

Filling:
2 eggs
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons cream
1/8 teaspoon salt
Don’t preheat oven quite yet. Line an 8 inch square metal pan with foil.
Spray the foil with cooking spray
Pulse flour, powdered sugar, and cornstarch in food processor. Add butter and
process to blend, 8 to 10 seconds, then pulse until coarse. Pour the dry mixture
into lined pan and press over pan bottom. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. While it
chills, you can make the filling.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. When oven is preheated, bake the chilled crust
for 18-20 minutes or until edges are very lightly browned.
Filling: Lightly beat the eggs, sugar, and flour together in a bowl. Add lemon
juice, lemon zest, cream, and salt and mix well.
Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Stir filling again, then pour filling
over warm crust. Bake for 20 minutes or until filling no longer appears wet and
shaky.
Cool to room temperature. Lift from pan, place on
cutting board, dust with extra powdered sugar and cut into bars.
Makes a dozen squares

Sage Advice

Sage Advice

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and candid, people may cheat you;
Be honest and candid anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them
anyway.
~~Author unknown

Good Day!

"Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers." ~John Jay The very first United States Supreme Court Justice