Pet Peeves

Thinking about pet peeves.  Here are mine:


#1:  Not pulling over for emergency vehicles

#2:  Talking on the phone while in the restroom (disgusting to all and especially rude to who you are talking to)

#3:  Being told, after I've done something, that I'm not supposed to do something (eg:  not being trained correctly for a job and then being criticized for not doing it right).

#4:  People chewing with mouth open or talking with food in their mouth, someone eating noisily (eg:  hearing them from across the room and over a movie being on)

What are yours?






Dwell refreshed.

Engagement & Marriage

There are many resources for those who are wanting to be married, planning a wedding or married.  This is a list of links one should listen to if in the above mentioned groups (wanting/planning/married):




1) The Basics of a Christian Marriage
2) Praying Big for Your Marriage
3) Important Topics to Discuss during Engagement
4) Staying Pure during Engagement
5) Leave and Cleave
6) Making the Decision: Moving from "Do I?" to "I Do"
7) Preparing for the Marriage (not just the wedding)
8) Knowing God's Will for Marriage: Part 1
9) Knowing God's Will for Marriage: Part 2
10) Lasting Love: Part 1
11) Lasting Love: Part 2






For additional resources, click on the title above.  The www.oneplace.com website has many, many resources on all aspects of life.




Dwell refreshed.

We must remember to give thanks in all things...in the good, we usually just go about our merry without saying thanks...when in tough times, we can become overwhelmed we forget to pray, for thanks or for help.  It's in these times that we need to seek Him, to draw close to Him for our comfort and our shelter.   He is always there, even when it feels like you are completely alone.  


Are you in a situation that seems hopeless?  He can heal all, but remember He resolves it in His time, not ours.  We don't know why we have to suffer through certain things, but whether it is a time of testing for us or a situation that is out of our control (such as our pain being the result of the actions of someone else), we need to turn to Him.  We need to give thanks for what He is going to do.  At the same time, we need to ask what lesson we need to learn, or can learn through it all - good or bad.


When you don't know what to pray, or you are so tired/overwhelmed, just remember Romans 8:26...The Spirit utters groanings for us (paraphrase...the Spirit prays for us, when we don't know what/how to pray).  This also would apply when we are excited and/or overwhelmed in the blessing/joy we have in our lives.  Just remember to thank Him for the good and the bad and keep holding on.


Hold fast to the promises in the Word!






Dwell Refreshed...

True Woman | Sign the Manifesto

True Woman | Sign the Manifesto

Check this out.

Dwell refreshed

Mary's Belongings (A Poem)

Mary had a little lamb

all fricassed with peas,

then a little lobster salad

and some energetic cheese;

A quart of hock to wash it down,

a taste of mountain dew - 

All those our little Mary had; 

and a little coffin, too.

I found this on a newspaper clipping glued in the front of a 1903 "The White House Cookbook".

(A comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home by Hugo Ziemann [steward of the White House] and Mrs. F. L. Gillette; The Saalfield Publishing Company)

Thought it was cute

Dwell Refreshed

Beginning Cooking Tips

My recommendation for beginners (for everyone, actually) is to always read the recipe through before even beginning. You'll know what you will be needing.

Next, gather all the ingredients & cooking utensils you'll be needing (bowls, spoons, measuring cups/spoons, pots & pans, etc).

Yes, this is a little time consuming, but having everything in reach means you won't be spending precious time searching for something at a critical point in a recipe. 


Happy Cooking & Dwell Refreshed

Marriage

I wrote this a few years ago, when life called for it; felt the need to share it now.


Marriage:

Are you married?  How is your marriage?  If you are not married, what is your view/idea of marriage?  Have you given it any thought as to your role in the couple?  What do you plan to do, when the going gets tough?  Are you going to plant your feet and say, "This is what I committed to and I am going to stick with it no matter what..." (not counting that which is harmful to you) OR are you going to throw up your hands and just give up, thinking it is too much trouble or too much work?  Carefully consider the following, before you throw in the towel.

When you marriage is in trouble, you will need to face the situation head-on and focus on your marriage.  (Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 6:7)

First, you need to make sure ALL OF your priorities are in the correct order.  Is God/Jesus first?  Is your husband/wife second in your life? (Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:7; Genesis 2:24).  Third would be any biological or adopted children you might have; fourth would be your biological extended family and fifth would be yourself.  After that would be anyone else, including any job/career you might have.

Second, is money a problem?  Are you in a house that is bigger than you need or are you driving a brand new vehicle or anything extra like that?  Downsize.  This will save you money and help you live within your means and hopefully eradicate any problems this might be causing.  (1 Timothy 6:6-8, 10; Philippians 4:11 [Key words:  I HAVE LEARNED]; Philippians 4:5, 19)

Third, is the internet a problem in your home or computer/video games, television or any such item?  If it seems to be a source of trouble, these should be limited or purges as needed.  (Matthew 5:30; Philippians 4:7-8)

Next, have patience with each other, go slow and take it one step at a time.  Rebuilding a marriage is WORK.

Your marriage commitment made to each other, before God and man IS a binding contract (Matthew 5:37).  The marriage foundation needs to be grounded on Biblical standards (Matthew 5:27-37; Colossians 3:12-19; Ephesians 5:33; Mark 10:2-12; Genesis 2:23-24; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Corinthians 7:2-12 [especially verses 10, 11 & 39]; Ephesians 5:15, 17.  Also, read the story of Hosea (Hosea 1:1 - 14:9) - the moral of the story - keep going back!!)  If your husband/wife moves to another state, for their job or any other reason, it is your obligation to go with him/her, no matter who you leave behind or how homesick you might be.  Your husband/wife is now your life (Genesis 2:24).  Just remember, we live in a time of travel & transportation.  Just because you leave your family doesn't mean that you have to break your ties with them.  They are not going to love you any less, if you don't live near them.

You need to be responsible and you need to do what you must to honor that commitment.  Marriage does not mean maturity!  How you handle the ups & downs of marriage - and sticking with the marriage - helps you grow to maturity.  Also, how you treat your husband/wife is a sign of maturity.  Do you respect him/her?  Do you nag and batter him/her when he/she doesn't do things the way you want him/her to?  Do you ridicule him/her or treat them like a child?  You need to evaluate your actions towards him/her.  You married him/her to be your husband/wife, not your child or toy.  Treat him/her as such.  You should always speak highly of your spouse to others.  No matter what you say, it will almost always get back to him/her.  Which would you rather they hear:  that he/she is the best man/woman you could have married or how that when he/she walks away from you in a store, you treat him/her like they are 3 and they can't be trusted.  Think about it!!

If you have troubles (and who doesn't...) you should follow the next step carefully:

Counseling is the next step.  I suggest it in two forms.  1)  a "counselor" - separate (the husband's is to be male; the wife's is to be female) and see a separate marriage counselor, at the same time (separate from the afore mentioned two).  2)  Encourage your spouse to find 2-3 close, trusted friends (male - male; female - female).  At least two of these friends should be older, with advanced wisdom in these matters, who would be willing to counsel and advise you as necessary.  Another should be a prayer & accountability partner.  Someone you can go to when you are struggling; someone who can lift you up in prayer and someone who can check to see how you are doing often.  Your pastor would be an excellent place to start.  (The women's group or the pastor's wife would also work, for the ladies). 

You need to "date" each other OFTEN.  Take time to remember why you wanted to marry him/her.  My recommendation - date night each week.  Suggested ideas:

Cooking together

rides

dinner

bowling

skating

breakfast (at a restaurant)

museums

picnics

zoo

long walks

treasure hunts

historical landmarks

hay ride

(NO MOVIES!  movies don't give you a chance to reconnect)

Once a month, spend a weekend together - PLAN AHEAD & write it down!!  Plan every detail, down to your toe polish color.  Some suggestions:

Rent a houseboat & go out on a lake/river for the weekend

camping

marriage seminars (Marriage Alive! International has some great resources - www.marriagealive.com)

couples spa

rent a room in a hotel or B&B, just to spend time quietly & alone

Remember, plan ahead!

You need to purchase (if you don't already have one) an exhaustive concordance (Strong's is good).  Then, spend time looking up & studying references on marriage (2 Timothy 2:15 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Some words to begin with:

husband

wife

marriage

love

man

woman

children

spouse

home

submit and submission (learn what it actually means!)

obey and obedience

discipline

See what the Bible says about marriage/home and DO IT!  (Note:  not all of the verses in each category will apply to marriage per se, but it is important to study those too)

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• How are you making this marriage work?  Are you keeping it interesting?
• What part of the situation did you cause?  (Take responsibility for your own actions [2 Corinthians 5:10])
• What changes can you make to eliminate that cause (Philippians 2:14)

Finally, remember, it takes two to make a marriage and it takes two to break a marriage.  Write a contract of what you chose to do to change or enhance your marriage and share it with two of those close, trusted friends - encourage your spouse to share with 1 (same gender) and you need to share with 1 (same gender).  These two should be willing to check upon your progress and encourage you at least once a month.

If you have a friend that is getting in the way of your marriage, after deep reflection, counsel from more knowledgeable individuals & prayer, you should take an indefinite break from the friendship, or eliminate it immediately...ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE STARTED ANOTHER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OPPOSITE GENDER.  Your first earthly priority is & ALWAYS will be your spouse.  Don't give them reason to be jealous.

Last, but not least, spend much time in prayer.  (1 Peter 5:8; 2 Timothy 2:19, 22; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, 21-22; Philippians 4:6,  Ephesians 6:18; Hebrews 4:16 [KEY WORDS:  COME BOLDLY]; Matthew 21:22; Luke 6:12 (example we should follow:  continued all night); Acts 6:4)


Dwell refreshed!

June 2011

Job hunting again & house sitting again...


Have had one interview, but nothing came of it; the house sitting is okay, just a little tired from insomnia (it takes a couple of days to settle in).  The dog snoring doesn't help the insomnia! 


I really like living in Michigan; it is so different than California.  I'm not just referring to the weather, but things like I actually hear birds chirping and there are bugs everywhere.  Where I'm from in California, there doesn't seem to be as many birds and the bugs are usually just flies.  The air also smells fresher here in Michigan and on cloudless days, the sky looks bluer and brighter.  I'm really hoping to get a permanent position in Michigan; I'd love to stay!

Wren Bay

Wren Bay

I was excited when I discovered Wren Bay; a book about making a house a home spoke to my heart. When my copy arrived, I eagerly anticipated finishing my day & curling up with the book. I wasn't disappointed!

The French influence in the book was a delightful surprise, from the fashions of the day to the delicious recipes included. Other books that I have read that included recipes only had one or two per book; having multiple recipes per chapter made this book a delicious read!

Each step of a homemakers heart is addressed in this book. Gardening in a home garden to feed your family and herbal care; learning and creating a daily routine; home cooked goodness & cocooning a house to become a place of refuge for her family. Wren uses her time of separation to settle in and create that haven for Devlin & herself.

The blessings book that helps Wren survive the separation from Devlin is an inspiration to anyone going through a difficult time. She choose to focus on the positive in her life rather than her separation. Wren also choose to focus her daily activities to what she had on hand...creating her own style of dress, combining parts of the latest fashions with "a combination of Sophia's sleek, comfortable style & the romantic fashion of Grace's day." Wren also uses that creativity to mold her home into a personal oasis. "It is the small, simple things that makes a house a home," she states.

In Wren Bay, I believe Clarice Fox-Hughes brings out the heart of the homemaker, evoking a response of "what more can I do in my home."


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Buy Wren Bay



Dwell Refreshed!

The Reason For The Season

Amazing work! ... SMS (Shine)

Found this video of musicians who utilized the use of the Lite-Brite...Amazing. The fireworks are the best! Enjoy!

Lyrics:


(Verse 1)
Send me a sign
A hint, O whisper
Fill me with life
'Cause I am listening

Come break the quiet
Breathe your awakening
Bring me the light
'Cause I am fading

Surround me with the rush of angels' wings

(Chorus 1)
Shine Your light so I can see You
Pull me up, I need to be near You
Hold me, I need to feel loved
Can You overcome this heart that's overcome?

(Verse 2)
You sent a sign
The hint, O whisper
Human, divine
Everyone is listening

Death laid low
Quiet in the night is stirring

All around the rush of angels

(Bridge)
O the wonder of the greatest love has come

(Chorus 2)
Shine Your light so all can see it
Lifted up, 'cause the whole world needs it
Love has come, what joy to hear it
He has overcome, He has overcome

Fall

The days grow shorter,
the nights grow cooler;
the frost is blossoming;
the leaves are languishing...
the promise of snow hangs in the air;
the geese are honking,
the fires are rolling;
the promise that cold is coming here...
each is a piece of a puzzle;
the finished picture states...
that over all...it is fall!

Thought provoking post: Being Unique

Today's post I hope will be thought provoking. After reading the referenced article (right click the title of this post and open in a new tab to read article), I have done much thinking and there are several things I hope to implement in my life.

"Christianity is unique and because of that uniqueness, Christians are expected to be different from those who do not know Christ."


What does it mean to be different? In what ways are we to be different?

In my life I attempt to remember this in the choices I make. I lean toward what most would consider a more conservative approach, however, after reading this article, I believe that I need to be more conservative in some areas of my life.

I try to be dressed modestly, but I believe there is room for growth. In my entertainment choices I know that I could do better. There is a verse that says we are not to allow sin to reign in our lives (body; Romans 6:12). To me personally, the area that I need to mostly apply it currently is to the area of entertainment. Is what I choose glorifying to God? If it isn't, why am I watching/reading/listening/etc to it. Even if it is just one point in a 400 page book or one word in a 90 minute movie, why should I allow it? If I do then maybe next time I'm watching a movie or reading a book do I say, "no, I'm not going to watch that movie/read that book" or am I going to say, "well, last time there was just one word and that wasn't too bad; maybe this time I'll just let it go again." Before I know it, I am encased in sin.

We need to remember I Peter 5:8... the devil walks about like a lion, seeking whom he may devour. If I give him one toe hold in my life, he will devour it and take it all.

A couple of other things along this line that the author stated is: "there ought to be an observable difference in the way Christians live - how they think and what they do," and "it is meaningless to tell people that Christ will make a difference in their lives, when there is no difference to be seen in one's own life."

Wow. I really need to evaluate my life and begin to make changes.


In the author's section entitled "It is a Corporate Concern" he addresses the concerns of the modern day church service. He states "the clamor for relevance in such churches has masked any sense of the true difference that exists between Christ and the World."

I have to ask myself, what is my hand in this? Is there anything I need to change about my activities in the church and it's service.

One of his final thoughts is the most provoking of all:

"When a woman dresses seductively to catch a man, we question her moral integrity. Why is it that when the church dresses seductively to "catch" a convert, we applaud its clever use of deceit?"



What is it that makes me unique as a Christian? (I am bought with a price [I Corinthians 6:20]; I am chosen [John 15:16, John 15:19, Titus 2:14])

How can I be unique in my Christian life?

(choosing truth [I Corinthians 13:6], choosing Philippians 4:8 [true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, with any virtue, any praise - thinking on those things])

Personally, I need to evaluate my entertainment, my clothing choices, my words (Matthew 15:17-20), my friends (yes, this is included...friends are influencing in our lives and if they do not live godly lives they will not be encouraging us to live godly lives.), what I do with my resources & my stewardship choices (not just $$, food, care of our bodies, care of the material goods that is provided for our use, etc is included here).

One final quote:

"[Christianity] is not just another religion, it is the only way to God (John 14:6)"

Let us be unique!


Dwell refreshed!

Blessings

I have arrived in Michigan with minimal problems. The trip was a long one but enjoyable when I wasn't sleeping. I've setteled and have started orientation for my new position. I am so blessed to be working at a job where we spend the first part of our day in prayer and devotions. I have became more peaceful since I have arrived and am being refreshed daily in this fellowship. I look forward to next week, when the students arrive and to having a great year!

I am being overwhelmed with the blessing that have been bestowed upon me this past few weeks/months. I pray that I am able to be a blessing to others as a result of what has been given to me.



Dwell Refreshed!

Doors Flying Open, Left and Right

I've been praying some time for direction on the employment front since I've been off work. It has finally came together. Beware...if you are around me...the doors are flying open everywhere.

First, the opening of the door to apply for the position I accepted today. Girl's Dorm Assistant Dean, Study Hall Supervisor and Keyboarding and Computer teacher at our church's boarding school.

Next, the means...

a) the unemployment (which I had not received since mid-June) was reinstated after the Senate signed the bill a week or so ago;

b) receiving my unemployment claim forms and the unemployment check process only taking a couple of days, instead of the normal 5 and coming in early;

c) the school offering to help in paying a portion of the relocation costs.


The third thing I was concerned with was that I had already committed to house-sitting. In visiting with the house owner yesterday, she mentioned that her son was flying in from out of state and would be visiting 2 weeks, including the week she is going to be gone, and that relieved me of the house-sitting.


Now I'm heading east and so excited at the prospect!


Dwell refreshed!

A Day with Grandma

My grandmother is 81...82 in November. She is a little spitfire! When I say little, I mean short. She was 5 feet tall when I outgrew her when I was approximately 9 years old. In the years since, she has shrunk a few inches. She is now 4 foot 10 inches. I call her Grand Lady and Short Stuff...affectionately! She has been my best friend for my adult life and most of my childhood. She has been there for me through thick and thin.

It has been several weeks since I saw my grandmother due to both of our vacation trips out of the area. She left south the day I came home (also south, but from another state). So, today, I went to spend the day with her.

First, we went shopping...her for things she needed for her house and myself for items that are needed for our annual family reunion (which my grandmother help start, 34 years ago). It is on Sunday. After that, we went to a sandwich shop and picked up a couple of subs...and then we went home to eat. We watched a movie, "Amish Grace".

After the movie was over, she went in to lay down. I think, to save up her energy so she could wear me out later in the afternoon. The cable company is having trouble getting their lines fixed, so the TV view was limited. Then a worker came and was working and knocked out the little I had been able to watch. I thought about watching a movie, but decided to turn on the Wii instead. I played around with several of the sports games...bowling, tennis and baseball. Since it is only my 2nd time playing a Wii, I didn't do so well, but I picked it up quickly.

After grandma got up from her nap, she came back in the living room. She said she's like to play the bowling game with me (not the regular bowling, but the one where more pins are added each throw). So I set up for two players. WHEW! I now understand why people use it to lose weight. That has to be the best workout I've had in some time. I'm exhausted tonight. We played 3 games. Grandma won the first, I the second and she the final game. She also holds the score for the most pins knocked down, 722. My closest score is 535. Next week, when the reunion is over, I plan on spending more time with grandma, during the day. I will try my hardest to beat that 722!

After that, we just hung out more, and I played a little more Wii (golf) while we chatted. I finally called it an evening around 8pm and came home. Below is a picture of my 81 year old grandmother, playing Wii bowling...and winning!

What have you done with your grandmother lately (if she is still living)?





Check out the video here:






Dwell Refreshed.

Fortune Cookie Fortune...

(Not that I believe in the fortunes that come in the cookies, but had to share)...opened up a fortune cookie and the fortune was "the love of your life is right in front of your eyes."

Felt kind of strange since I was looking at my computer....

Cookies

I played with a recipe that I've already mentioned on here, my great-grandmother's Bread Crumb Cookies (Feb. 9, 2010). I changed the cloves to cinnamon. Also, because we didn't have raisins, I used dried cherries. The third thing was that the dough was very dry and crumbly, wouldn't stay together so I added 2 tablespoons of milk and about 1/8th cup of water. I still baked them the 10-12 minutes and they came out fine. Better than fine...the change to cinnamon and addition of the cherries made these already delicious cookies delectable.

The other cookies I made were Butterscotch Gingersnaps. I needed to use the butterscotch chips and this was the recipe I used. The flavors of the gingersnap cut down on the sweetness of the butterscotch making these cookies very enjoyable; it all blended together wonderfully.

Butterscotch Gingersnaps
about 5 dozen


3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/3 cup molasses
11 ounce package butterscotch chips


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F; combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt; set aside. Cream together butter, sugar, egg and molasses until creamy. Gradually add in flour mixture, beating well after each addition. Add in chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9-1 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for a couple of minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. YUM!


Dwell refreshed!

Post #50

Whee...I was going to post something else, and I will, but wanted to mark the 50th post.

Cake in Mug II

I have been playing with the Cake in Mug recipe a bit. I started with just eliminating the cocoa and chocolate chips:

Vanilla Cake in Mug
1 serving

4 tbsp flour
4 tbsp sugar
1 egg
3 tbsp milk
3 tbsp oil
2-3 tbsp butterscotch chips, coarsely chopped (optional)
½ tsp vanilla (Tahitian)

Add dry ingredients to large coffee mug mix well; add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Add chips if using. Put mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (insert knife in center to test doneness). The cake will rise over the top of the mug.

Note: Outside of cake will appear spongy…inside will be done.






AND just now...


I created the Almond Cherry Sour Cream Cake in Mug...this recipe, however is 1 extra large serving or 2 servings. I cut it in 1/4ths after using a gigantic coffee mug and served 3 small servings. (No picture...we enjoyed it before I thought of getting out the camera...next time though).

Almond Cherry Sour Cream Cake in Mug
2 serving

9 tbsp flour
6 ½ tbsp sugar
1 egg
3 tbsp milk
3 tbsp oil
½ tsp vanilla (tahatian)
2 heaping tsp sour cream
1 tsp almond extract
¼ tsp cherry extract

Add dry ingredients to extra large coffee mug or small soup bowl and mix well; add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Put mug in the microwave and cook for 4 minutes and 30 seconds at 1000 watts (insert knife in center to test doneness). The cake will rise over the top of the mug.

Note: Outside of cake will appear spongy…inside will be done.


Serve warm or at room temperature. Is even better with homemade Raspberry-Plum jam, if you have some. (I used that which my cousin [Lynn Geiszler] made).

I also mix my ingredients in a separate container before pouring into mug, usually a glass 2-cup measuring cup and mix with fork. Makes mixing much easier.


Enjoy & dwell refreshed!