Right There With You, Mamas

 

Do you ever feel discouraged? Kind of let down, and sad?

I know I do from time to time.

Even this week, if I am truthful...

It is one of those times where I looked out, and saw others succeeding at life. Doing seemingly great things with their days.

They have a job with a very clear end result. And can show some sort of accomplishment at the end of their day.

While I struggled to stay afloat through endless toddler tantrums, diaper changes, and that ever present housework.

That housework that NEVER ends.

Where despite spending most of my waking hours attending to it, at the end of the day, it looks EXACTLY like it did before so much effort was spent trying to organize it some.

I could talk on and on, about how important our jobs as mamas and homemakers are.

More than likely, you already know this fact...

It IS one of the most important jobs out there.

And one so full of never ending blessings.

Blessings that we really have to dig and search for at times.

I just want to take a moment to let ALL you mama out there in the trenches, that I see you. And I am right there with you.

I see all the hard physical and mental work you put in day after day.

And how at times it seems as if it was all fruitless.

And if I could, I would send each and everyone of you a huge bouquet of flowers to brighten your day.

Know that I am sending a prayer of encouragement for your heart today, and the strength to tackle the never ending laundry, dishes, and dirt and grime of everyday life.

Oh. And that you receive an extra big, unexpected, wet sloppy kiss from your little one.

Are you feeling discouraged of late? What are some of your favorite scriptures for those time? And how may I pray for you?

Have a wonderfully blessed day! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

To Be A Virtuous Woman

Source: godsgracefulness.com via Tonia on Pinterest

I follow "Raising Homemakers" on Facebook, so I'll know when a post comes up there. Today's post is titled "Sturdy Women". I thought today I would share a link to it, because I think it's an article ALL Christian women should read and take note of.

http://raisinghomemakers.com/2012/sturdy-womanhood-5/

It really goes up the alley of my thinking lately, as far as how a truly virtuous woman is supposed to be. Even about her strength.

Now, I just need to bring my ego down about 10 notches, and not get over prideful in my gifts of being physically and mentally strong. Oh wait! I think that 30lb. bucket of chicken feed on my neighbor's farm just did that... ;D

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

All Your Heart

Source: etsy.com via Angel on Pinterest

I definitely need this reminder a lot. To remember to do my best in all things, for GOD alone. Whether it be doing the laundry, teaching my K-3 class, or working on the farm, it all needs to be done for HIM, and not for the praise of people. For that is why we are alive. To bring honor and glory to HIM. :D

Have a wonderfully blessed day! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

Dutch Potato Soup

Like I said on Friday, I was in charge of supper this past Saturday. I decided to make one of my favorite soups. It's called "Dutch Potato Soup". I found it in a Mennonite cookbook of my mom's, and I love it! It takes a good deal of prep work, but the ingredients are quite simple. It has defiantly become a favorite in our family, especially on cool, crisp days. Here's the recipe, for any of you that may want to give it a try yourself. :D


~ 4 cups diced potatoes
~ 3 cups water
~ 1 1/2 tsp. salt
~ 1/2 tsp. thyme
~ 1/4 tsp. pepper
~ 6 sluices bacon
~ 1 medium onion
~ 2 Tbsp. flour
~ 1 cup milk

*Bring potatoes, water, salt, thyme and pepper to a boil.



*Simmer till potatoes are soft.



*Drain reserving broth.



*Mash half of the potatoes.



*Fry bacon; remove.



*Pour off all but two tbsp. of drippings. ( I place my onions and drippings in the same pot that I am making the soup in. It makes things easier) Cook onion in drippings until tender.



*Stir in flour.



*Gradually stir in reserved broth.



*Stir in mashed potatoes.



*Add bacon and cubed potatoes.





*Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.



*Add milk.



Enjoy!






What a blessing it was to make this meal for my family. It gave my mom an afternoon to do what she wanted, and it gave me time to improve on my skills in the kitchen. :D

She riseth while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, an a portion to her maidens. Proverbs 31:15



Have a wonderfully blessed day! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

*This post had been linked to "Raising Homemakers"

Cleaning, And A Fishing Trip in My Near Future?

Oh wow my friends! I'm on a roll here! I have manged two Mondays in a row off! I'm afraid if this keeps up much longer, I may get a bit spoiled. :P

So, the reason for me having a Monday off, there's no group at camp today! After this past weekend's Ladies Retreat, I know that a day to rest is in high order for all of the staff there. I know it's a blessing for me today. :D

So, how will my Monday be spent? Two words, cleaning and decorating. Not being home much the past few weeks, my part of keeping the house clean has been a tad bit neglected. Also, since fall is officially here I will be putting up a bit of fall decor around here. :D Then perhaps if time allows, I may catch up on a few sewing projects I have been neglecting. I'm just so thankful for this opportunity to help my mom out around the house today. :)

Oh and guess what! I may get to go spot fishing tomorrow! :D My dad is planning on a trip tomorrow, and if I get all my work done (school and egg washing) I will hopefully be able to meet him at the pier. We'll see how that pans out... :D

Well, I better get off of here and get busy. Times a wasting, and there's work to be done.

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel

The LORD's Leading, Discovering, Serving, Squealing Too!

Have you ever just felt the LORD's leading in your life. You know that HE is leading you to do something for HIM and you can't help but get overly bubbly and excited about that? I have felt just like that today and let me tell you how amazing it is is!

I have been praying for quite awhile for the LORD to bring into my life more opportunities for service. With me not working in a ministry oriented environment this summer(as I have in the Christian camp over the past two summers), my need and desire to do so has grown even more. I have especially found this desire to serve more after hearing several messages from our pastor of late. And I have been racking my brain like crazy, trying to figure out what I can do!

I have also been discovering that I have reached a point in my life that I am an influence on younger girls in my life! It has been an exciting and yet somewhat scary discovery on my part. '_'.

With that discovery I have been trying to talk with the younger girls at my church and beyond, and to encourage them. I've had some interesting conversations (as any conversation with a wired 14 year old girl is...), and some enlightening ones as well.

I say all that to say that I believe the LORD would have me to use what time I have to help encourage these girls, and even organize time for them to do so.

So many of the girls that I know don't have an opportunity for fellowship and activity with other girls their age.

I would LOVE to get all these girls (in my church and beyond) together for a time of fellowship and fun. A time of food, games, and even a Bible study. I want it to be a time for these girls to cultivate new friendships in a godly environment, and also a time to grow in HIM.

I would even love to eventually host a sort of sewing circle with some of the girls, and ladies too, as a sort of ministry. There are a ton of ways to serve in sewing by making hats for chemo patients, or blankets for premies! The possibilities are endless!

I am so excited I can't just help but praise the LORD and squeal at the same time! :D

But, this is a sobering thought as well. I want to be used of the LORD. I want to be HIS instrument. I want what I do to be looked at, and for it to be seen as love for GOD, and not myself. :) That would be one of the most amazing things I could do for my LORD! This thought will most defiantly be in my prayers this week. :)

I don't know how I will ever sleep tonite with how excited I am! LORD you are so amazing! :D I got home from church so giddy I just had to sit down right away and share my plans with you dear folks. :D

Also, do any of you out there have a ministry such as this? If you do, what are some activities you do? I would LOVE to hear them! :D

I better get off of here. There is a line waiting for me to be done... ;)

Have a wonderfully blessed day everyone! Thanks for stopping by!
Angel