It has been two and a half years since I have posted at A Mother's Apron.  A lot has happened in those two years. 

Actually I am a totally different person.  Not Bruce Jenner different, just Christ centered different~!

I hope to catch you all up.

Blessings, 

Trials

I have a friend who is going through a trial right now.  I hate that this is happening, but I know God will bless her in it.

What is your first reaction when a friend has a trial in their life?  Do you pour words of encouragement on them?  Bible versus?  Love and affection?  My first reaction is a little different, I usually want to punch the person who is causing the trial.  Yes, this does seem a little harsh.  But harsh I am.  Now I didn't say I did it, but I do want to.  My second thought is how can I make this go away for her.  And as you all know we can't, but He can.  He can and will.  The Lord promises us in His word:

1 Peter 5:10 ESV
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

 

Romans 12:12 ESV

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

 

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV     

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

 

John 16:33 ESV

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

 

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When a friend has a trail.  Go first to the author of all TRUTH.  Seek His word and speak them to your friend.  Encourage them to seek Him.  Matthew tells us how to address conflict.  James tell us we will be tested. Romans tells us to endure.  And Philippians is my favorite "Philippians 4:6 ESV    
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. " 


Blessings,

Noodles

This is a re-post with pictures:

Noodles

2 cup flour
2 egg
2 TBS milk

Mix all together and work with hands until smooth ball.  Split ball into 4 sections.  Roll each section to 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut with a noodle (herb mincer) cutter.  Place on table on towel to dry, 2 hours.  Cook or freeze. Makes enough for 4 servings.

Chickens

Two post in one day, WHHHHAAAATTTT?

But I just read the best blog post about hatching your own chickens and had to post the link: http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2013/04/how-to-hatch-chicks-incubator/#comment-254379

We have enjoyed hatching in the incubator and here is a picture of the products of that hatching.

Our sweet little Dandee! Who is now all grown up.

Blessings,

Reading

As many of you know I love to read.  Right now I am busy reading the following:

Practicing Hospitality by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock
Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney
The Fruit of Her Hands by Nancy Wilson
A Farmer's Daughter: Recipes from a Mennonite Kitchen by Dawn Stoltzfus

I hope to get most of these done this week because I ordered 2 new books and want to start them!
                      

• Mennonite Girls Can Cook
  Lovella Schellenberg
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• The Christian Homemaker's Handbook
  Ennis, Pat

 

Unfortunately I did not pass my love of reading on to my son.  He will read some but not much.  More that my dear sweet husband, who doesn't really enjoy reading at all. (Which I think is because his eyesight is so bad.  I have noticed many people who don't care for reading have bad eyesight.)

 

Even if my son isn't a reader I am always encouraging him to at least try a new book now and again. Especially one that will enhance his character growth.  Here is a wonderful blog link from Deep Roots At Home for those of you who would like to encourage your son in this area: http://www.deeprootsathome.com/character-building-book-resources-for-raising-boys-part-1/#comment-14974 .  Oh and also for the girls : http://www.deeprootsathome.com/character-building-book-resources-for-raising-girls/ . 

 

"One of the biggest things parents can do to raise children that will grow to be adults full of integrity and wisdom is to read books that sow the seeds of those character qualities you wish to develop from a young age, even drawing that child to know Christ and how He would have them to live." ~Deep Roots At Home

 

 

Blessings,

Fasting

With the encouragement of a very dear friend, it was her idea and I stole it, I am taking a fast from facebook for 40 days. 

What?????Why?????????? Because I want to read more, blog some and generally quit wasting so much time on other peoples business.

I am a nosey person, there I said it.  I like to know others business, what they are doing and why.  I am not much on spreading that business, I just like to know it.  Does this make me a bad person, sometimes.  Does this make me a time waster, always.  Could I find better uses for my time,  defiantly. 

Here is some advice to see if you might need a facebook fast:

• Track how many minutes you spend on facebook in a day.
• See how many people on your friends list are friends in real life. If they are when was the last time you spoke face to face with them, or even on the phone?
• Do you pray and read your bible first thing in the morning, or do you get on facebook?
• Do you get on facebook to continue an argument from the day before?
• Do you stay up past bedtime to see what someone will say next?
• Do you ever say to yourself, why didn't I get ______ done today?
• Do you feel sad or depressed after reading facebook?

Just some ideas to batter around.  I waste to much time and am guilty of all of these.  So I am glad to take this fast.  And I pray that I will come out learning something about why facebook is so important to me and if I am pleasing the Lord with its use.

Here is a good blog post on the subject:

http://trinaholden.com/2011/02/4-great-benefits-from-fasting-facebook/

Attributes of God

From J.I. Packer in Knowing God

Six Attributes of God

• God's life does not change.
• God's character does not change.
• God's truth does not change.
• God's ways do not change.
• God's purposes do not change.
• God's Son does not change.

Please, please, stop telling me that the attributes of God are time relevant.  They are not.

Just because you choose not to follow His timeless Bible and trust in His word, does not lesson the fact that you will be held accountable for your choices.

Matthew 7: 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.