Sewing for this winter

I am working on Sarita's Christmas dress now, but here are a few things that I have made so far:

A jumper - I finally learned how to do a hook and eye, thanks to youtube!

My first attempt at making a smocked dress; definitely need more practice on this.

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 13 (End)

Seek First Things First

What does your life suggest about your priorities?

Psalm 90:12                        

So teach us to number our days, 

that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Ephesians 5:15                  

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Colossians 4:5                    

Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] 

in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), 

making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity.

Follow After God’s Heart

Train your heart and mind.

Have a vision for your life, family, and home. Commit these to God.

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 12

Show You Care

Proverbs 3:27                    

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, 

when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Ephesians 6:18                  

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, 

and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Encourage

Memorize scripture

Isaiah 50:4                           

The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned,

that I should know how to speak a word in season to him 

that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth

mine ear to hear as the learned.

Ephesians 4:29                  

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, 

but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister 

grace unto the hearers.

Colossians 4:6                    

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt,

that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Letter E Work

Painting paper plates for our elephant.

Three paper plates and a strip of construction paper = our elephant

I took the punch out letters, laminated them, and punched holes in them for her 

to lace with string and put bears on top of; then at the end of the week the letter 

we worked on gets hung up on yarn that is stretched across the top of her room.

The ants in the grass were from the library where we read about an elephant named Kidogo who helped some ants. The peanuts were glued on to match upper/lower case letter e's.

The pom-pom magnets were super easy to make. I just hot glued them to an old flimsy magnet that I had (think like the ones that come in the phone book) and then trimmed the excess magnet down to match the shape of the pom-pom. Put the page on a cookie sheet and Sarita matches up the pom-poms on the circles.

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 11

Strengthened by Spiritual Growth

2 Timothy 1:9                    

[For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling 

in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation 

of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, 

but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor) 

which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].

Proverbs 15:14                  

The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth 

of fools feedeth on foolishness.

Be a good steward of your body

Pursue knowledge

Enjoy gift of fellowship

Hebrews 10:24-25             

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; 

but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Become like Jesus

Ephesians 5:1-2                 

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ 

also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to 

God for a sweet smelling savour.

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 10

Create Order from Chaos

1 Timothy 5:10                   

And she must have a reputation for good deeds, as one who has brought up 

children, - who has practiced hospitality to strangers [of the brotherhood], 

washed the feet of the saints, helped to relieve the distressed, [and] devoted

herself diligently to doing good in every way.

12 Tips for Time Management:

1.       Plan in detail

2.       Deal with today

3.       Value each minute

4.       Keep moving

5.       Develop a routine

6.       Exercise and diet (increased energy, causes you to sleep better, diet should be healthy lifestyle)

7.       “Half the time” question (what shortcuts could I use to do it in half the time)

8.       Set a timer

9.       Do the worst first

10.   Ready daily (just five minutes can motivate you)

11.   Say no

12.   Begin the night before (run dishwasher, set our clothes, prepare lunches, etc.)

Reading Area/Library

Here is our reading area (in the living room); we mostly read lying on the bean bag.

 Here is our book basket, where all the library books go.

 We take this bag to the library with us. Notice the blue handle: it's for Sarita to hold on to so that I know she's close by walking from the car to the library since she doesn't want to hold my hand (Ms. Independent).

Sarita at the library practicing cutting.

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 9

Virtuous/Excellent Women:

Ruth 3:11                             

And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest:

for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Proverbs 12:4                    

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh 

ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

                

Proverbs 31:29                  

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Proverbs 14:23                  

In all labor there is profit, but idle talk leads only to poverty.

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 8

Make Your House a Home

Proverbs 24:3-4                

Through skillful and godly wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built and by 

understanding it is established (on a sound and good foundation) and by knowledge 

shall its chambers (every area) be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Proverbs 14:1                    

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down 

with her hands.

Watch over your home

Psalm 5:3                             

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct 

my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 7

Being a mother
Recognize the value of being a mother.
Pray Faithfully.
Have a heart that overflows with motherly affection.
Write down godly qualities you want to see in your children/grandchildren and pray for them.
Pray for blessings for your family. Pray for motherly affection. Pray for specific requests.

To Cultivate a Heart of Motherly Affection:

1.       Pray for your children

2.       Provide necessities of life (food, clothes, home)

3.       Have a habit of happiness – see Psalm 113:9

4.       Give – a smile, a cheerful greeting, a hug, a compliment, encouragement, 

praise, a meal, your time, a ride, a listening ear. Do it generously, expecting 

nothing in return.

5.       Have fun with your children

6.       Celebrate – now is a special occasion

7.       Make your children a priority in your relations and responsibilities

8.       Focus – quality time

9.       Be present

10.   Quiet – no harmful or critical talk when discussing your children with others

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 6

Love Your Husband

Titus 2:3-4                           

Older women be: temperate, venerable (serious), sensible, self-controlled 

and sound in the faith, in the love, and in steadfastness and patience (of Christ);

 be reverent and devout; give good counsel and be teachers of what is right 

and noble; wisely train the young women to be sane and sober of mind 

(temperate and disciplined) and to love their husbands and their children.

9 Ways to Love Your Husband:

1.      Pray for him daily

2.       Plan for him daily – deeds of kindness, special dinners and times alone, children go to bed early, go to bed at the same time.

3.        Prepare for him daily – the house, your appearance and greeting, set the table, clear out visitors, stay off the telephone, prepare/pray on the way home if working

4.        Please him

5.       Protect your time with him

6.       Physically love him. 

1 Corinthians 7:3-5 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights 

(goodwill, kindness, and what is due her as his wife), and likewise the wife to 

her husband. For the wife does not have [exclusive] authority and control over 

her own body, but the husband [has his rights]; likewise also the husband does

 not have [exclusive] authority and control over his body, but the wife [has her rights]. 

Do not refuse and deprive and defraud each other [of your due marital rights], except 

perhaps by mutual consent for a time, so that you may devote yourselves unhindered 

to prayer. But afterwards resume marital relations, lest Satan tempt you [to sin]

 through your lack of restraint of sexual desire.     

Proverbs 5:19-20 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant doe [tender, gentle, 

attractive] --let her bosom satisfy you at all times, and always be transported with 

delight in her love. Why should you, my son, be infatuated with a loose woman, 

embrace the bosom of an outsider, and go astray?

7.        Positively respond to him.

8.        Praise him 

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome 

or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good 

and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the 

occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it.

9.      Pray always

Making Apple Pie

1. Make the pie crust: Mix 2 cups all purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt in large bowl. But up 2/3 cup butter into small pieces and mix in. Sprinkle 1/3 cup cold water on top and mix till dough makes a loose ball. Cut in half. Roll out one half on a floured board to form a circle 12 inches across, 1/8 inch thick. Gently place in a 9 inch pie pan. Roll out remaining dough the same way and cover with a towel.

2. Fill the pie: Peel 6 to 8 apples and cut them up, removing the centers.Put the slices into the pie pan. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar over the slices.

3. Close the pie: Place the second circle of dough over the apples. Pink the edges together, and trim off extra dough. Make small holes in the top.

4. Bake: at 400 for 50 minutes. Serve at eat. Yum!

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 5

Submission

1 Corinthians 11:3            Christ – man – woman: God’s order

Ephesians 5:22-24            

Wives be subject (submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands 

as (a service) to the Lord. As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also

be subject in everything to their husbands.

Colossians 3:18                  

Wives subject to your husbands as is right and fitting and your proper duty 

in the Lord.

Titus 2:5                               

To be self-controlled, chaste, homemakers, good natured, adapting and 

subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not 

be exposed to reproach.

1 Peter 3:1,6                       

You married women be submissive to your own husbands (as being secondary to 

and dependent on them) so that even if any do not obey the word they may be 

won over not by discussion but by the lives of their wives. It was thus that Sarah 

obeyed Abraham (following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over 

her by) calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true 

daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you (anxiety).

Proverbs 16:23-24            

The mind of the wise instructs his mouth and adds learning and persuasiveness 

to his lips. Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing 

to the body.

Here we are out celebrating our 8 yr. anniversary

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 4

A Servant's Heart

Genesis 2:18-25                

helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him

Matthew 20:28                 

Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve, 

and to give His life as a ransom for many.

Galatians 6:9-10                

And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting 

nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season 

we shall reap if we do no loosen and relax our courage and faint. 

So then, as occasion and opportunity open to us let us do good to 

all people (not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing 

what is for their spiritual good and advantage). Be mindful to be a blessing, 

especially to those of the household of faith (those who belong to 

God’s family with you, the believers). 

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 3

(Picture is from one of our backpacking trips)

Obedience

Attitudes/behaviors that hinder/are detrimental to growth/a heart of obedience:

1 Peter 2:1                          

malice, guile, hypocrisies, envies, evil speaking, deceit, insincerity (pretense, 

grudges, jealousy) and slander.

Ephesians 4:25-32            

falsity, wrath, stealing, foul or polluting language, evil words, unwholesome/worthless 

talk, bitterness, indignation (rage, bad temper), resentment, 

quarreling (contention), slander, malice (spite, ill will).

Colossians 3:5-9                

sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, greed, covetousness, anger, 

rage, bad feeling toward others, curses, slander, foul mouthed abuse, 

shameful utterances, lying.

Attitudes/behaviors that enrich life as a Christian (cultivate these):

1 Peter 2:2                          

Like newborn babes you should crave the pure spiritual milk, that by it you 

may by nurtured and grow unto salvation.

Ephesians 4:25-32            

express the truth with his neighbor; do not ever let your wrath last until the sun 

goes down; be industrious, make an honest living with your own hands so that you 

can give to those in need; good/beneficial speech to the spiritual progress of 

others, that it may be a blessing and give grace to those to those who hear it; 

become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate 

and understanding) forgiving one another.

Colossians 3:1-17              

purified, holy, tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of 

yourselves, gentle ways, patience, forbearing one another, readily pardoning one 

another, love, peace, thankful.

Letter A Work

Here are some things Sarita did this week.

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 2

7 Blessings of a Committed Prayer Life:

1.       Deeper Relationship with God (increased faith, unload burdens, teaches trust not panic)

2.       Greater Purity

3.       Confidence in Making Decisions

4.       Improved Relationships

5.       Contentment

6.       God-Confidence

7.       Ministry of Prayer

A Woman After God's Own Heart Part 1

I just finished reading this book recently by Elizabeth George. For the rest of the month I am going to do a series of posts on my notes from each chapter. The Bible passages will either by from the King James Version or the Amplified Bible.

Devotion

Luke 10:38-42                    

Martha received Jesus. Mary sat at His feet, heard His Word.

Proverbs 3:6                      

In all thy ways acknowledge Him.

Abide in God's Word

Psalm 1:1-3                         
Delight in the law, meditate day and night. Be like a tree that brings fruit, leaf shall not wither, whatever does shall prosper.

Isaiah 58:11                         

Guided, satisfied, fat bones. Like watered garden. Spring, waters fail not.

Jeremiah 17:7-8                

Blessed. Like tree that’s roots are spread out by river. 

When hot comes the leaf will be green. Will yield fruit in drought.

Psalm 42:1-2                       

Desire/thirst for God like panting after water.

(This has been my prayer for myself lately.)

2 Cor. 4:16                           

Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man 

is being renewed day by day.

Do not be discouraged (spiritless, exhausted, weary by fear). 

Renew inner self. Progressively. PROGRESS.

Started school this week

I started working with Sarita on preschool stuff when she first turned three. We used Little Hands to Heaven and added various stuff that I would find searching the web.

This week we started the Letter of the Week program.

But for the daily scripture I am using Songs for Saplings ABCs, which I used before. Check out Sarita saying her scripture all by herself.

Here us our board where we do group time. I made a card for each letter to go with each scripture we do.

Outside

Sarita helped me wash the car and I got some pics of the flowers in the front yard.

Book Quote

Last month I read the book, First Impressions, by Mark L. Waltz and I just wanted to share one sentence in the book that really stuck out to me.

When people embrace a vision worth giving their lives to, and they derive value from serving, they will show up and serve as to Christ.

New to blogging

I have been reading blogs for awhile now. Thanks to my Aunt Rebecca for introducing me to some great ones. I am going to try my hand at blogging to hopefully encourage and share with other mothers/Christian women.

Today's news: It's our 8th wedding anniversary. I made my husband home made (all from scratch as the saying goes) chicken and dumplings. They didn't turn out as thick as I would have liked but they were good for my first try.

Check out the roses. He picked the peach color because that was like the color of the flowers at our wedding. Aw, so sweet!