See you in April...

I will be spending the next couple of weeks with my oldest daughter, helping her get her little family settled in their new home.  I always have good intentions of taking materials and my computer with me so I can blog every day.  Like I said, I always have good intentions...

So, I took a reality check and realized it's not going to happen - especially with my grandson getting old enough to demand my attention.  He's so cute, I just have to play with him! 

Please check on what's going on in the Middle East.  Pray.

Stick with Fly Lady.  We've all accomplished so much!

See you in April!

Sustained from my birth...

For You are my hope;

O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.

By You I have been sustained from my birth;

You are He who took me from my mother's womb;

my praise is continually of You.

I have become a marvel to many;

for You are my strong refuge.

My mouth is filled with Your praise;

and with Your glory all day long.

Psalm 71:5-8

Have you ever sat and thought about the fact that we are still alive because of God?  No wonder we should praise Him!

Middle East Update

Over 200 rockets were fired into southern Israel from terrorists in Gaza over the weekend.  More details are available on Joel Rosenberg's weblog.  

Fly Lady

Monday brings the Home Blessing Hour.  How are you doing with shining your sink before you go to bed?  I don't get it done every night.  And it's really ok!  But I do love waking up to a clean kitchen...

How is your morning routine going?  Is it helping you love yourself? I continue to be amazed at how getting dressed down to shoes first thing every morning really gets me going.  Trust me, anything that helps me get going any time of day is a good thing!

Pioneer Woman

Have you seen Pioneer Woman on the Food Network yet?  My honey and I watch it together.  I know it sounds funny that my honey would watch anything that has Woman in the title, but we like the show because it's about Ree Drummond, a ranch wife who is a great cook.  I also really get a kick out of watching the family work their ranch.  It takes me back to my growing up years on a ranch and all that fresh air...and hard work...and delicious fresh food!

Ree got started with a blog - thepioneerwoman.com.  There are lots of great recipes (with step by step pictures), stories and ranch pictures on her website.  She also has a great sense of humor!

I've even taken my computer out to my kitchen counter to use several of her recipes.  Yum!

Preparedness

Today's FEMA recommendation for preparedness is to have a supply kit that contains basic tools and necessities that would be beneficial in an emergency.  Good items to have would be:  rope, duct tape, pliers, screwdrivers (flat-head and Phillips), a wrench to turn off household gas/water, scissors, flashlight and extra batteries, cash, compass, work gloves, waterproof matches, aluminum foil, plastic storage containers, signal flare, paper with pens and pencils, needles and thread, medicine dropper,shovel, whistle, plastic sheeting or tarps, map of your area, battery-operated travel alarm, battery-operated radio for news, battery-operated weather radio and extra batteries.  It is also recommended that you keep an emergency preparedness manual with these supplies.

For the help of His presence...

Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him

for the help of His presence.

Psalm 42:5

The interesting thing about "the help" in this verse is that it changes our countenance.  Think about it - when we are in despair and disturbed inside, it shows up on our face.  We can praise God for the hope He gives us.  It keeps us from despair and being disturbed.  And it shows on our face!

Look in the mirror.  What do you see?  Despair or hope?  

Fly Lady

Friday is Paper work and Miscellaneous Day.  I hope you are Finally Loving Yourself!  It makes it so much easier to love other people.  Hmmm... that sounds like something I read in the Bible...

Recipes 

Have you noticed the rising prices of groceries?  I have decided to make simpler, but still tasty, meals to make up for the growing costs.  My honey wasn't feeling well so I decided to make something that would make him feel loved.  The menu - grilled sandwiches, sweet potato fries and homemade applesauce.  

For the sandwich I put a thin layer of Simply Fruit blueberry jam on two pieces of bread, then natural turkey deli meat and a slice of cheese. 

Then I buttered the outside of the sandwich and sprinkled one side with Tony's Creole Seasoning.

We use Tony's on just about everything.  I actually have three shakers on my stove - pepper, salt and Tony's.  Our son-in-law who is from Mississippi introduced us to this wonderful seasoning.  It's available at Walmart.

Homemade applesauce is quite easy.  For the two of us, I peeled and chopped two Granny Smith apples.  I put them in a small saucepan with a dash of salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 cup water then cooked them over medium heat until the apples were soft.  Just before serving, stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla. 

The sweet potato fries I chose were the Alexia brand.  They are healthy and delicious.  Altogether on a plate, they looked very appetizing.  It was a tasty meal and my honey felt very well taken care of. 

Hope in the Lord...

Be strong, and let your heart take courage,

all you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:24

Isn't that a great verse?!  We can put our hope in the Lord because he doesn't change and He keeps His word.  We can always count on Him!

Fly Lady

Thursday is Errand Day.  How are you doing going to bed with a shiny sink?  Are you getting your bed made every morning - except when your spouse is still in it?  Hee hee...  

Home Project

Here's some more pictures of my honey's kitchen pull out shelves project.  First he used screws to attach boards as a drawer guide base.

He attached the drawer guides parts to the drawer and the boards in the cabinet then the drawer just slid in on the guides. 

One finished drawer with shelf liner. Wow! It is so nice! When he gets the other three drawers done, I will be going through all the items in that cabinet.  There are things in there that I haven't used in years...

There is hope...

Today's post will be short - I'm leaving earlier than planned to pick up my grandson.  Tomorrow's post will be during his naptime.  I just love spending time with my grandchildren!

Today's verses on hope come from Psalm 16:7-9, 11:

I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;

indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.

I have set the Lord continually before me;

because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;

my flesh also will dwell securely.

Thou will make known to me the path of life;

in Thy presence is fulness of joy;

in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever. 

Fly Lady

Wednesday is Anti-Procrastination Day.

Yet, I will rejoice...

Even though the following verses do not contain the word hope, they are a wonderful picture of what hope does for us in the face of uncertainty.

Though the fig tree should not blossom,

and there be no fruit on the vines,

though the yield of the olive should fail,

and the fields produce no food,

though the flock should be cut off from the fold,

and there be no cattle in the stalls,

Yet I will exult in the Lord,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength,

and He has made my feet like hinds' feet,

and makes me walk on my high places.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Middle East Update

Speaking of uncertainty...

Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Congress today.  I look forward to watching video of his speech.  Yesterday, when he met with President Obama, he presented the President with a scroll of the book of Esther.  (You can find the whole story in the book of Esther in the Bible.)  It is an amazing story of God protecting His people from a wicked man and sure destruction.  God saved the Jews by making it possible for them to raise up arms and defend themselves from those who tried to kill them.  And God used Queen Esther (who put her life on the line) and the prayers of the Jews to bring about the salvation of the Jews.  It is an amazing story!

Today, Jews still celebrate the victory of this story during the holiday of Purim, which is coming up.   

Note:  I recently talked to an immigrant from Iran who attends our church.  He told me that the people of Iran do not like their leader and see him as a dangerous man who is making their lives very difficult.  Hmmm...don't hear that in the news, do we?!

Hubby's Project

A couple of weeks ago, my honey had to get down on his knees to get a pan out of the cabinet in the kitchen.  Then and there, he determined that I needed pull out shelves for my pans.  Yes, please!  This is the before picture.  I'm sure there are things in the back of the cabinet I've forgotten are there!  I will be posting pictures as progress is made.  They should be finished by this weekend.

Fly Lady 

Tuesday is Plan and Play Day.  I have spent time today planning for my grandson's visit.  We go pick him up tomorrow.  I can't wait!  I just had to get some new "boy" toys for him and Papa to play with and a couple of DVDs that he would enjoy.   I've also planned some play dates with little ones here.  It will be fun and I'm sure the eight days will go by too quickly.   

Last year I made a notebook with games and activities along with a supply box for my granddaughter when she came to visit.  He will be old enough to enjoy the games and activities this year.  Should be fun!

Preparedness

Today's FEMA item is a First Aid Kit.  You can make your own using the following list or buy one at Sam's Club for $20.  FEMA recommends that you have a first aid kit for your home and each of your vehicles.

Checklist:

First aid manual

Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

Assorted sizes of safety pins

Antibiotic ointment

Latex gloves (2 pairs)

Petroleum jelly

2" and 4" sterile gauze pads (4-6 each size)

Triangular bandages (3)

2" to 3"sterile roller bandages (3 rolls each)

Cotton balls

Scissors

Tweezers

Needle

Moistened towelettes

Antiseptic

Thermometer

Tongue depressor blades (2)

Sunscreen

Prescription drugs

Cleansing agents (isopropyl alcohol, peroxide), soap, germicide

Aspirin and nonaspirin pain reliever

Antacid

Laxative

Syrup of ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Antidiarrhea medication

Vitamins

Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses

Evidence of spring...

As I was running errands today, I noticed some pear trees that had blossomed.  My lilac bush is budded and daffodils and tulips are making an appearance.  I do love spring!

Spring represents hope - hope for lots of leaves and flowers on beautiful trees, bushes and plants with baby birds chirping for food.  In our neck of the woods, spring also means powerful and sometimes destructive storms.  I'm one of those crazy people outside watching the clouds during thunderstorms.  When we are on a  road trip, I constantly scan the skies for wall clouds and funnels.  They fascinate me.  I just hope I never see one up close and personal, if you know what I mean!

For the next several weeks we will be taking a look at what the Bible says about hope.  It will be very encouraging, especially during this time when there is so much discouraging news.

I know Easter is a month away, but I put out decorations anyway.

Middle East Update

Please go to Joel Rosenberg's weblog and read his latest post.  There is a lot of interesting information for you to know.


Fly Lady

Monday is when the Home Blessing Hour takes place.  How are you doing with your shiny kitchen sink?  Remember, every day is a new day and a new opportunity to Finally Love Yourself!


Preparedness

Today we will look at FEMA's recommendation for food to have on hand for emergencies. 

Store at least a three day supply of non-perishable foods.  Select foods that require little or no water, and do not require refrigeration, preparation or cooking.  If you must heat food, pack a can of cooking fuel.  Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

Suggestions:

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
Canned juices, milk, broth, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
Staples such as sugar, salt and pepper
High energy foods such as peanut butter, crackers, granola bars and trail mix
Vitamins and prescription medications
Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets.
Baby food and formula

I would also suggest that you do not purchase food your family does not normally eat. 

A town completely gone...

Tornadoes wiped Marysville, Indiana, off the map today and have done great damage over the last two days.  Meteorologists say it's not over yet as massive storm systems continue to move across the southeast. 

This is a reminder why we need to be prepared for emergencies.  Today's focus is water.  FEMA recommends that we store one gallon of water for every person per day and to have at least a three day supply.  Half of the water is for drinking and the other half is for cooking and sanitation. 

They also recommend that you store your water in containers that won't break or decompose.  "It is very important to thoroughly clean water bottles before re-use and to change stored water every six months."


Fly Lady

Today is Paper Work and Miscellaneous Day.  How are you doing with your Morning Routine?  Did you shine your sink last night? 

My miscellaneous activities included having lunch with a good friend.  I haven't seen her in over a month and we had a lot to catch up on.  God is doing a great work in her life and I loved hearing the stories! 

The thing that stuck with me most from our conversation was her comment that she had been continuously asking God to tell her what He wanted her to do.  The big lesson she learned was that God wanted her to ask why she is doing anything that she is doing and He expected the answer to be that anything she did was to bring Him glory, otherwise she was doing it for her own glory.

Wow!  That really hit me because I've been asking God what He wants me to do.  Now my prayer is, "Father God, help me to be the best housewife, mom and Nanna I can be for Your glory, Lord.  Help every activity in my day to be done with the motivation of bringing glory to Your Name."  I can start by being obedient to what I've learned during February about love...for His glory.

Love never fails...

Here's a recap of our love passage from I Corinthians 13 from The Message:

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.

Love doesn't strut,

Doesn't have a swelled head,

Doesn't force itself on others,

Isn't always "me first,"

Doesn't fly off the handle,

Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn't revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies.

I'm going to add the rest of the chapter from The Message because it is just so good!  I hope it encourages you today.

Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit.  We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete.  But when the Complete (Jesus) arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant.  When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

We don't yet see things clearly.  We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist.  But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright!  We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation:  Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.  And the best of the three is love.

Fly Lady

Thursday is Errand Day.

Do you have your Morning Routine written down or typed?  It takes just a minute to do it.  Add empty the dishwasher (we tend to think it takes too much time to empty the dishwasher so we will do it later, when it only really takes a couple of minutes) and plan dinner.  You have to plan dinner anyway, so why not do it in the morning?  Get it over with!  But, be realistic.  If you have a hectic day and know that you will not have the energy to fix dinner, put something easy in the crock pot or let your hubby know you will be buying something for dinner.  My honey is always willing to stop and pick something up if I ask him.  If your honey is stressed out at the end of the day, it would probably be a good idea if you take care of this instead of adding one more thing to his day.

I said the other day that our Habit of the Month for March would be getting dressed down to shoes for the month of March.  Well, after reading the Flight Plan for today (daily emails from Fly Lady - highly recommended!), I decided we need to stay on track with the Fly Lady.  So, our Habit of the Month for March will be - Shine your sink!  Every night before you go to bed, take everything out of your kitchen sink and scrub it until it shines.  Yes, that means you don't have to do the dishes - stack them neatly beside the sink.  And yes, just shining my sink most days inspires me to go ahead and do the dishes.  But not always...just sayin'.

Household Tip

My Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book is 32 years old and showing its age!  Pages were beginning to fall out and the corners of the end pages on the covers were curling up.  

I love this cookbook because there are so many wonderful family memories associated with its recipes and information.  Plus, it's a great cookbook.  So, I got out some glue, packing tape and some reinforcement stickers and got to work repairing the wear and tear.  After I glued down the curled edges of the end papers on the inside of the covers, I started at the front and worked my way through the entire cookbook using the reinforcement stickers and tape to make repairs.  I put the reinforcement stickers on both sides of the pages that needed fixed.

The last thing I did was to scrub the outside of the cookbook.  It looks almost good as new and should last another thirty plus years!

Preparedness

With all the talk of war and spring storm season upon us, it would be a great idea to have some items stored so you and your family will be provided for in case of emergency.  I have been reading about preparedness for a couple of years now and my honey just kind of nodded his head when I talked to him about it.  That is until FEMA showed up at his work and emphasized the importance of being prepared for emergencies.  This is what he brought home:

Now he's a little more interested and we talked about buying supplies at our budget meeting in February.  I know we have looked at preparedness before, but I think it would be a good idea to go over the basics again.  I will be using the information in these FEMA booklets.

FEMA and the Red Cross recommend that you have enough supplies in your house for you and your family for at least three days at all times.  The first item that is recommended is an emergency supply kit which should contain:

water

food

first aid kit 

clothing 

bedding

tools 

specialty items

We will cover details on each of these items starting tomorrow, one item at a time per day.  

DON'T  BE SCARED - BE  PREPARED!