Well, it is no longer morning - I have shopped, given piano lessons, taken a violin lesson, and am now waiting for hubby to finish his last class so that we can head for home.
This morning, I dropped hubby at school (no snow day here like my NY friends and family have been enjoying) and headed out to run an errand for hubby who is feeling a little under the weather. I stopped into Ingles (a local grocery) to get some meds and then wandered back to the meat department. As I walked up to the meat case, the worker was sputtering about all the reduced-price meat. It seems that a worker ground WAY too much meat at 5:00 pm last night and they were forced to mark it ALL down. Some packages were $5, some were $3.50. I found 2 - 5+ pound packages that were marked at $5. My target price is under $2 per pound, so this was OUTSTANDING! So hubby's sickness becomes a blessing in disguise, though I am not sure if he will agree with me :) Have I mentioned before that God is good ALL the time - in sickness or in health?
I have some decisions to make this week. I was sent home from my lessons with 5 classical pieces and 5 sacred arrangements to consider for an upcoming violin recital (cue the nerves). This should be fun ... (NOT!)
It is the weekend, y'all. Very windy today. Hope to set up the square foot garden and get some carrots and spinach planted this weekend. Looking forward to another Lord's Day and fellowship with the family of God and food from the Word of God. I hope you will be worshipping wherever the Lord has you this weekend!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Always the Same
Psalm 102:27
But thou are the same,
and thy years shall have no end.
I don't know about you, but I am, well, ... an emotional roller coaster. My hubby is a sweetheart for understanding my ever-changing emotions. I am thankful that there is no change with my God. He is always there, His standards are always the same, His comfort is real every day.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
...to love their husbands
Just got home from a little date with hubby. We had a BOGO coupon for Cici's pizza so we went for dinner. Cici's is not high class pizza, but they do have variety ... thin crust, thick crust, regular crust ... bbq pizza, taco pizza, mac and cheese pizza, alfredo pizza, ... and the boring pepperoni, sausage, cheese, ham and pineapple, supreme on an all-you-can-eat buffet with a salad bar. We wandered Target and Walmart for a little bit on the way home and it was nice to be free of the school books for a little bit.
We now reach the point in the list of eight traits of a godly wife that seems, well, kind of basic. Do women actually need to be taught to love their husbands. Isn't that why we married in the first place? I think that the problem is confusion about the needs of a husband. I thought briefly about the "5 Love Languages" when I read this. Often I have looked at families in crisis only to think that each member was trying to show love, but was not being understood by the other. They might be serving the other, when the other really just wanted time. They might be giving words of affirmation, when the other just wanted a small gift as a sign that they were thought of. They might be giving time, when the other just wanted physical affection. I think that it is best to practice all the "love languages" in a home and not just the ones that come easy to us.
In Created to Be His Helpmeet this chapter involved meeting all of the needs of the one that we were created to help. The author specifically promoted meeting a huband's physical needs and desires in this chapter ... without excuse. Men are created differently than women and their needs are different. These differences help men to lead, give men the desire to meet a struggle head-on - these differences should be celebrated, and not shunned each night. It should be our goal as wives, that our husbands' needs are so completely met, that they are never tempted to look elsewhere or left in a weakened state where they cannot resist temptation. Temptation is everywhere in this world - keep your hubby full and satisfied in all areas. It may involve simplifying your daily routine, putting kids to bed earlier, waking up earlier, or just taking better care of yourself (proper food, rest, and exercise) so that you are more able to meet his needs. It all involves looking past "my" needs and wants and looking on the needs of the one who chose me as his own.
We now reach the point in the list of eight traits of a godly wife that seems, well, kind of basic. Do women actually need to be taught to love their husbands. Isn't that why we married in the first place? I think that the problem is confusion about the needs of a husband. I thought briefly about the "5 Love Languages" when I read this. Often I have looked at families in crisis only to think that each member was trying to show love, but was not being understood by the other. They might be serving the other, when the other really just wanted time. They might be giving words of affirmation, when the other just wanted a small gift as a sign that they were thought of. They might be giving time, when the other just wanted physical affection. I think that it is best to practice all the "love languages" in a home and not just the ones that come easy to us.
In Created to Be His Helpmeet this chapter involved meeting all of the needs of the one that we were created to help. The author specifically promoted meeting a huband's physical needs and desires in this chapter ... without excuse. Men are created differently than women and their needs are different. These differences help men to lead, give men the desire to meet a struggle head-on - these differences should be celebrated, and not shunned each night. It should be our goal as wives, that our husbands' needs are so completely met, that they are never tempted to look elsewhere or left in a weakened state where they cannot resist temptation. Temptation is everywhere in this world - keep your hubby full and satisfied in all areas. It may involve simplifying your daily routine, putting kids to bed earlier, waking up earlier, or just taking better care of yourself (proper food, rest, and exercise) so that you are more able to meet his needs. It all involves looking past "my" needs and wants and looking on the needs of the one who chose me as his own.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Psalm 100:2
Serve the Lord with Gladness: ...
This verse always brings a smile to my face. I remember listening to a students reciting Psalm 100 when I was a student teacher. The children learned the Psalm simply by listening to their teachers and reciting it daily. I guess we were not that clear in our enunciation because the student reached verse 2 and said "serve the Lord with GLASSES" So funny ...
It is good to smile upon hearing that verse, because that is what it is about. Everything that I do each day should be in service to my Lord. He made me, and has chosen me to be a "keeper at home" right now and that is the job that I need to fulfill with joy and gladness. I must admit that it is a choice today because I just don't feel like it. ...but God is able to help. Will I be faithful to my call today? Will I serve with the right heart attitude?
How is your service today?
Monday, February 22, 2010
Peas are in!
So I did it. My goal was to have peas in by February 19 and I only missed it by one day. That is one full row of peas (24 feet of a double row). About 160 plants of sugar snaps for hubby, who is already dreaming about beef and pea pods ... and about 80 plants of typical garden peas for my pea and potato soup. We awoke to a warm beautiful rain this morning, so they should get off to a good start. I wasn't sure if I would like the final appearance of my pea/bean trellis (since it is right in front of the house), but the end result was pleasing and I am excited about it. The peppers, broccoli, and cabbage seedlings are doing well inside and I planted the cauliflower inside on Saturday as well.
Today holds a shopping trip. We are out of many basics like milk, eggs, flour ... so I must get out. One local store is holding a super double coupon sale, so I hope to snag some rare treats at good deals. Then I will hit Walmart for the normal stuff, and a quick trip to CVS for some bargain tuna! I am going back on the Prevention Diet plan, so I need to pick up some items that I just haven't kept on hand and lots more fruits and veggies.
Besides shopping, I will be making more English muffins and some waffles for breakfasts this week. Hubby discovered that he likes his ham sandwhiches on English muffins and now that I am making them myself, he can enjoy them all he wants and it may cut down on the bread making!
A quick thank you to all of you who have left comments or emailed or called with encouragement about the blog. It is a fun outlet for me and I hope it keeps you all "up" on my doings or encourages you to keep working hard in the place where God has you right now.
Today holds a shopping trip. We are out of many basics like milk, eggs, flour ... so I must get out. One local store is holding a super double coupon sale, so I hope to snag some rare treats at good deals. Then I will hit Walmart for the normal stuff, and a quick trip to CVS for some bargain tuna! I am going back on the Prevention Diet plan, so I need to pick up some items that I just haven't kept on hand and lots more fruits and veggies.
Besides shopping, I will be making more English muffins and some waffles for breakfasts this week. Hubby discovered that he likes his ham sandwhiches on English muffins and now that I am making them myself, he can enjoy them all he wants and it may cut down on the bread making!
A quick thank you to all of you who have left comments or emailed or called with encouragement about the blog. It is a fun outlet for me and I hope it keeps you all "up" on my doings or encourages you to keep working hard in the place where God has you right now.
Friday, February 19, 2010
I LOVE LOWES ... or any garden, home supply store
It has been another busy week. As I mentioned yesterday, I have been expanding a 30' by 18" garden plot that lines my walkway by another 18". Now I have a 30' by 3' plot. Hubby took the afternoon off to work on some home projects. He first repaired a leaning clothesline ... tension on clay soil during a rain storm did not help that! Next he built me some large frames in my new garden plot so that my beans can climb 6' this year. I am SO Excited. We also picked up some fertilizer and lime to start my soil off right. It is good to be in the garden. I love the smell of the damp earth and the promise of new life.
I will be busy again tomorrow with cleaning and garden preparation and then will be relaxing and meditating on our Lord on Sunday. Have a great weekend, all!
I will be busy again tomorrow with cleaning and garden preparation and then will be relaxing and meditating on our Lord on Sunday. Have a great weekend, all!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Good Old Dirt
Psalm 24:1
The earth is the Lord's,
and the fulness thereof;
the world, and they that dwell therein.
Today I am thankful that Spring is on the way and I am back in the dirt. The front "tomato patch" is expanding another 1 1/2 feet and that patch will now be for peas and beans primarily. I love being in the dirt ... though my hands are requesting a lot of lotion ... better go "feed" them.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Donut Day!
Will you humor me again? It is donut day! 8 years ago was our first date and it was to a local bakery for donuts and coffee. It included my brother and his family including 10 day old baby George :) We will be celebrating today with of course ... a donut. I imagine that hubby is glad that he chose donuts rather than a large seafood meal!
"That they may teach the young women to be sober ..." Titus 2:4
In Created to be His Helpmeet, we are now to the list of eight behaviors that should belong to all wives and mothers and that should be passed down from woman to woman. The author defines to be sober in this way: "to do one's duty, be moderate, self-controlled, thoughtful, and to learn to make wise decisions and judgments." When I married, my career changed drastically. I was no longer living for myself or for a class full of students and their parents. My career is now to please, serve, and care for my husband and my home. I need to have the same dicipline in my home that I had in the classroom, desiring to be that best in my role that I can be. Part of my job is to create a clean home, a peaceful "haven" that hubby loves to come home to, and meals that are healthy and pleasing. To me, this chapter underscored self discipline. I think that it is easy to get lax and lazy in my responsiblities in the home because there are few deadlines and little outside evalution or job performance ratings. Hubby is very gracious and encouraging, but could I do more with the time that I have each day? Hubby works hard ALL day at school or work and I should do no less in the home. I think of the many times that I pushed through the day as a teacher because I "had" to be at school, but how many times do I take a day off in my home. The author summarizes the chapter with these thoughts: "A good help meet establishes a haven of rest. She will adjust to her husband's time schedule and eating habits. She will relax and enjoy her family, instead of worrying and fretting."
"That they may teach the young women to be sober ..." Titus 2:4
In Created to be His Helpmeet, we are now to the list of eight behaviors that should belong to all wives and mothers and that should be passed down from woman to woman. The author defines to be sober in this way: "to do one's duty, be moderate, self-controlled, thoughtful, and to learn to make wise decisions and judgments." When I married, my career changed drastically. I was no longer living for myself or for a class full of students and their parents. My career is now to please, serve, and care for my husband and my home. I need to have the same dicipline in my home that I had in the classroom, desiring to be that best in my role that I can be. Part of my job is to create a clean home, a peaceful "haven" that hubby loves to come home to, and meals that are healthy and pleasing. To me, this chapter underscored self discipline. I think that it is easy to get lax and lazy in my responsiblities in the home because there are few deadlines and little outside evalution or job performance ratings. Hubby is very gracious and encouraging, but could I do more with the time that I have each day? Hubby works hard ALL day at school or work and I should do no less in the home. I think of the many times that I pushed through the day as a teacher because I "had" to be at school, but how many times do I take a day off in my home. The author summarizes the chapter with these thoughts: "A good help meet establishes a haven of rest. She will adjust to her husband's time schedule and eating habits. She will relax and enjoy her family, instead of worrying and fretting."
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Psalm 117
O Praise the LORD, all ye nations:
praise him, all ye people.
For his merciful kindness is great toward us:
and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.
Praise ye the LORD.
The Lord sent another "token for good" today! Maybe I am just guilty of not looking for or acknowledging His good on most days. Thank you Lord for the encouragement to keep going today!
Monday, February 15, 2010
It is a very windy day today. We started with rain, but the wind has blown the clouds away and allowed the sun to shine through. Most of the snow is gone again. I am wondering if there will be anymore this season. Three snows this winter has been exceptional ... and I LOVE IT!
Had a great weekend with my Valentine. Of course, I always have a good time with my hubby. We went shopping and had a little dinner on Friday night. Our time was cut a little short by the snow, but I did find some sneakers to replace a dying pair with way too many miles and a 90% off sale at Bath and Body Works which meant I scored some body wash for $1. Cool deal!
Saturday we went to the big city of Charlotte with some friends who introduced us to the Macaroni Grill. We enjoyed watching the kitchen until we were seated and had a wonderful dinner ... EVERYTHING was delicious.
Yesterday we enjoyed our time at church celebrating the love that God has for us ... it far surpasses any love we have here on earth.
Counted this morning to discover that it is 4 weeks until spring break. I am looking forward to that. We are hoping that the bulk of the schoolwork will be done by then and we can have some more normal evenings again. BTW - the English Muffins from Saturday turned out well ... I have a few tweaks for next go around (whch will be VERY soon) ... but they were much better than my last attempt.
Enjoy your day!
Had a great weekend with my Valentine. Of course, I always have a good time with my hubby. We went shopping and had a little dinner on Friday night. Our time was cut a little short by the snow, but I did find some sneakers to replace a dying pair with way too many miles and a 90% off sale at Bath and Body Works which meant I scored some body wash for $1. Cool deal!
Saturday we went to the big city of Charlotte with some friends who introduced us to the Macaroni Grill. We enjoyed watching the kitchen until we were seated and had a wonderful dinner ... EVERYTHING was delicious.
Yesterday we enjoyed our time at church celebrating the love that God has for us ... it far surpasses any love we have here on earth.
Counted this morning to discover that it is 4 weeks until spring break. I am looking forward to that. We are hoping that the bulk of the schoolwork will be done by then and we can have some more normal evenings again. BTW - the English Muffins from Saturday turned out well ... I have a few tweaks for next go around (whch will be VERY soon) ... but they were much better than my last attempt.
Enjoy your day!
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