Sunday Afternoon Tea

The sun is shining through the lace curtains in the dining area today.  Sunshine has been rare this winter.  I am hoping the sunshine stays out more this next week so I can take a few pictures.  Candlelight may create a beautiful and soft environment in the dark of winter but it does nothing for my lack of photography skill.

My ponderings this week... other than how I appreciate my pillow and living room sofa as I nap off and on... have been many.  Too much time on one's hands tend to lend themselves to thinking and it can be quite important to guard thoughts as one would lasso stray sheep or cattle... bringing them into the corral of thankfulness and grace... out of that part of our mind where such ponderings can stir long enough into fear, depression, and a cranky spirit.

I've mentioned before that... aside from the Psalms... one area of Scripture I return to quite often are the Letters to the Churches in Revelation.  I can recall many years ago, reading through them and wondering why they were not talked about more from the pulpit (although since then I have heard excellent teaching).  I love Scripture which tells us precisely what makes God happy and sad and angry and (hmmm... now I can see where I get emotions)... especially proud of us.

However, I believe for me these past years the most important lesson learned from these ancient Letters came in the words... "and he who overcomes".  Life is not always easy, even in the best of circumstances.  He who watches over our way knows we have something to overcome... to come over... the trail will be rocky and uncomfortable and at times we'll have to climb over great obstacles and forge through floods and stumbling around that which stands in our way to finishing well... He knows and He tells us in the ancient Letters that He is watching.  To him who overcomes He gives... rewards.

St. Paul described life as a race and as he was coming to the end of his own time on this planet, he said he had run his race and finished well.  He wasn't talking about a sprint.  No... the man who began his life murdering the Faithful and ended it as the all time greatest missionary... he would tell you life is a marathon.  Sometimes there are days and even entire seasons of life when we run on flat roads and the way is easy... and then we hit the hill(s).  I have heard stories from those who ran the Boston Marathon of being fine until they hit "the hill".

One of the lessons learned (and there are many) from reading the writings of those who came before this generation... whether in literature such as I've been reading this past month or the biographies of the men and women of God who walked in past centuries... is an understanding that the road is difficult... more than our present day society and theology often preaches.  They understood there is much to overcome along the way.

Rather than holding our breath and stomping our feet and telling God we're not going to play by the rules of a fallen world (as we think suffering is for someone else but not us), we can hold on to God's promises in the Word to either cure us, feed us, provide for us... or give us grace to walk the path.  He wants us to understand it is not Heaven, yet... we are not Home.  I think Christians in past centuries understood that more than we do these days.

As for me, my desire is to remain faithful even when there are days one must stay on the sofa with fatigue and at times... pain.  It has taken me awhile to learn to accept these days and use them for what they can be... a time of reading and planning and thinking and pondering and having pen and paper handy to write down ideas.

I will come away from this past week, not only with a "to do" list of those household chores which did not get done... but new recipes to try which were gleaned from a cookbook and online, a couple of decorating ideas, plans for the spring garden, and books read which fed the soul... hours spent thinking of creating beauty instead of that which was not being accomplished.

January Reading

My husband is fond of asking, "Where is that truck that hit me?" when he has been ill.  I have found myself looking for that same truck recently.  One of the biggest challenges for me regarding living with a chronic illness is the unexpected, when one has plans made and their body hits with that familiar overwhelming fatigue.  One learns to live with it and be thankful when energy returns.

All that to say... sorry I've been gone a few days.  I'm still feeling miserable but the thought of sharing books read in January is enough to prop up with pillows and type away.  As I was reading through my notebook kept in past years (of books read by month and year), I decided to begin the habit again.  So, here is January 2010...

Of course, this has been my month of reading Elizabeth Goudge books.  I can't remember who inspired my old habit of reading many books by one author at a time but it was somewhere as a young wife and mother and I'm sure the advice came in a book.  Gordon McDonald in his book Ordering Your Private World (which happens to be one of my all time favorite nonfiction books) reinforced the practice.

I am planning to read at least three books by a fiction author (most likely many more according to reading time), followed by nonfiction the next month, followed by fiction, etc.  January was Goudge, February will be Edith Schaeffer, March will be D. E. Stevenson. 

As for Goudge... I have thoroughly enjoyed the reading of these books.  They have been favorites of many for a long time.  My mother-in-law had them on her bookshelves long before my husband and I were married.  I've purchased a few at library sales here and there and now have a couple favorites on my "must buy" list!

There was only one book of those I read (and there are many more unread as she was prolific) that I had issues with and that was only from a theological perspective.  The Middle Window is a hauntingly beautiful book about love lost and found but I wasn't prepared for such a gothic (ghostly) novel after reading her others.  I'd probably have loved it if I'd known it was more mystical than her others.  As I was reading it, I kept wondering where it was going...

The first Goudge book I ever read was Pilgrim's Inn, which remains a favorite.  I love houses and beautiful rooms and how people relate to their homes.  This book is all about how two different houses bring healing to the people who live within (not to mention just a great story) as well as the story of a family.

After Debra said she loved the first book in the trilogy (Pilgrim's Inn being the second can definitely be a "stand alone" story), I went back and read The Bird in the Tree.  I wish I had read it before reading Pilgrim's Inn as it helped me understand what was going on in the beginning of that book.  One can read Pilgrim's Inn alone but your reading will definitely be richer if you read The Bird in the Tree first as it lays the foundation for the relationships in the second book.

The third book in the trilogy is The Heart of the Family and I chose not to read it (given many books to read and limited time).  Stephanie told me it wasn't worth it and I trust her opinion, especially after reading more about it online.  I'm glad I stopped with Pilgrim's Inn.

Note: Whatever a reviewer on Amazon said, The Bird in the Tree is the first book in the trilogy.  Pilgrim's Inn could be read alone but I highly recommend reading The Bird in the Tree first... it will enrich your reading experience.  As I wrote, I didn't bother reading The Heart of the Family (the third in the trilogy).  Stephanie didn't care for it, it doesn't add much to the story, and I read some not-so-great reviews online that said it wasn't as good as most Goudge books.

A City of Bells is a delightful story which (as with many of her books) takes place in an English village. When I read that the story starts with two children, I wasn't too sure I'd like it but it is a magical story of children and adults who find the lives they were meant to live.  Just delightful.

As I was coming near the end of the Goudge month (knowing I'd read more of hers later), I chose The Dean's Watch when in an e-mail, Lanier had mentioned it is her mother's favorite of the Goudge books.  (As I figured anyone who has such a delightful and charming daughter has to have good taste.)  Oh, my... as I read the book I became completely entranced and for two days I lived in that story.  As I mentioned before, the end of it brought tears to my eyes, not only by the ending itself but because it ended for me.  I wanted it to go on forever.  I definitely want my own copy of this book so I'll be on the lookout at library sales.

The Dean's Watch is briefly about a watchmaker and a Dean who become unlikely friends in old age.  I know that doesn't sound all that interesting but the affect of their friendship on each other and the town brings significant changes in each life they touch.  (Which seems to be a theme in Goudge's best stories.)   I think in my youth Pilgrim's Inn would have been my all time favorite Goudge book but as one who is older it is The Dean's Watch... although both are equally wonderful.

I have started Gentian Hill but I haven't read enough of it to give any opinion.  So far it looks like it will be quite good.  It is a historical romance based partly on truth and partly on legend... the stuff of good story.

Her most famous story (as it became an equally famous movie) is Green Dolphin Street.  While I own that book, I decided not to include it in my month of reading only because I had seen the old movie and wanted to read the books on their own at this time.  It will be read later.  Stephanie and I both agree Pilgrim's Inn would make a lovely BBC movie.

As for my nonfiction reading in January...

Dancing With My Father by Sally Clarkson - a re-read of my friend's wonderful new book.  It is just what many Christians need to read today as life wears us all down at times.  Sally brings us along on her journey to find joy in the journey.  

Honey For a Woman's Heart by Gladys Hunt - One of my all time favorite "books about books" which I re-read quite often.  It is like sitting down to tea with a woman who knows books and loves to talk about them.  Her recommendations are all great but be more discerning with the "guest recommendations".  This book came out just at the time I began to read more fiction and I've found many of my favorite authors through it.

Lidia's Family Table - A cookbook I purchased at a library sale a couple years ago (I'm always surprised at the good cookbooks available).  It was missing the dust jacket so I bought it for $1.00.  Lidia's Italy is one of my favorite PBS cooking shows and this cookbook is about the food she makes for family and friends, a very personal book and a great one for anyone wanting to learn Italian cooking.  It has a lot of inexpensive used copies available on Amazon.

Like Jacques Pepin, Lidia lived through the shortages brought about by WWII and while both are today famous chefs, their cooking styles reflect the lessons learned when food was either scarce or expensive.  Their recipes reflect that frugality in many ways which is good for us during these economic times.  The lessons in the book about making your own pasta and the vegetable recipes are amazing.  Not to mention the recipes have corresponding photos, which always helps this visual learner.

Jacques Pepin wrote in his autobiography, The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen (which I loved), that the home cooking of European homes is mostly very frugal because of the many war years the people lived through. 

Traditional Home - A decorating book by the publishers of Traditional Home magazine (1990's I believe).  I bought it at Goodwill a few weeks ago and have had enjoyed looking at all the pictures and stories very much.  I truly believe one needs a good library of favorite decorating and cooking books (and fortunately both can be inexpensive when purchased used).  Although those rare times I have paid full price was for a cookbook or decorating book.  :)

Since February is such a cold and dark month, I'm expecting plenty of reading time as I re-read many of my favorite Edith Schaeffer books.

Errands and books and putting off until tomorrow...

I was away from home (almost) all day today, feeling the need to get a few errands out of the way while having a rare ice-on-the-roads free day (the snow started again just as we pulled into our driveway).  My daughter laughs at me when I feel I'm on a long trip when making a "Meijers Run".  It is only on the other side of the county while she has to drive miles and miles for many of her errands.

I guess it is all in perspective, I am so used to having almost everything I need between where I live in the country and the University that having to drive anywhere at all seems annoying... sigh.  I'm spoiled.  However, Meijers has the best prices on a few items which are needed and when one is trying to stock a pantry on a tight budget, it is worth following the sales.

While I can't buy a lot of anything, I love to find a stock up price on essentials.  I bought three "boxes" of organic low sodium chicken broth on sale and had a coupon for an addition $3.00 off of three boxes... making them very reasonable.  Meijers also had Cream of Mushroom and Chicken soups on sale... a foundation for a quick casserole dish.

I went through a brief few years of being a food snob.  It wasn't the cooking classes I took in my 20s that caused the attitude but a couple of the favorite cooking shows I watched back then.  One person in particular was always putting down such Midwestern cooking essentials as garlic powder, onion powder, "cream of" soup casseroles, and other foods which were common to me as I grew up.

It wasn't until a few years had gone by and I missed some old favorites that I realized it was my kitchen and I could make whatever I wanted... however I wanted.  My food snobbery morphed into just good cooking using many styles and essentials.  However... I digress.

I'll write about the Goudge books tomorrow since I only have one more to read and I can give a review of it later.  There are a couple more Goudge books I want to read at sometime in the future.  I will work them in between other books.

I should throw another load of laundry in the washer and put away the purchased canned goods in the garage pantry. However, this evening I am tired from the day's "bringing in my food from afar" and I must slice some cheese for a "cheese and crackers" dinner and put the teakettle on for tea.  Christopher is studying late so he won't be home for dinner and hubby wants leftovers... a perfect evening for something simple.  :)

Just a little more book talk

My head does not like the weather extremes this time of year.  The high on Sunday was 54 and today we barely made it out of the teens.  Christopher had a terrible time driving home last night.  We were vey relieved to see the headlights of the Nissan pulling into the gravel lane close to Midnight.  He had already called us to say one of his best friends had totaled his car on his drive home.  There had not been a lot of snow but what was on the ground had continued to be blown across roads, creating black ice everywhere.

Thankfully, hubby is running much needed errands and stopping by the grocery store as I quickly write.  Thank God for the gift of my laptop, which is the only reason I can write as often as I do.  I am propped up on my living room sofa, soon to return to the fluffed up pillow.  I am very thankful that on such a head-achy kind of day, I can be warm and cozy.  Today was also my last antibiotic day, hallelujah!

Yes... I've been enjoying a January of Elizabeth Goudge (encouraged by my two younger friends mentioned in yesterday's post).  It has been fun as Stephanie has been reading some of the same books.  Although I'll write more about it soon, I must admit to being up until nearly 1:00 this morning reading The Dean's Watch.

Lanier, I can see why it is your mother's favorite.  What a book!  I cried at the end, not only due to the story but I was sorry to have the novel end... it has been a long time since I felt that way about a book.

I pulled my copy of Honey For a Women's Heart off the shelf of favorite books in my bedroom.  I wanted to read again what Gladys Hunt said about Goudge.  I am next reading Gentian Hill and should I have more time this month, I'll see if the library still has one of the other Goudge books I'm interested in reading.

At least for part of 2010, I am going back to that which worked for me long ago... reading at least a few books by one author each month.  I found it far better to really get into the mind of an author this way.  In February I plan to re-read a few of my favorite Edith Schaeffer books... I'll share more about that in a few days.

A simple day at home

While the snow has been gently falling all day, I've been mending and doing dishes and laundry and making chili. 

In between the necessary "to do" list of the day, I was also reading my latest Goudge book and watching a few cooking shows on the PBS Create Channel... either creating or cleaning all day.  :)

I really wanted to do some baking today but there was just too much that had to be done which drew me away from the kitchen.  How nice it would have been on such a cold and snowy day to have the oven heating and something special available at the end of the day.

Instead I made my husband happy with chili simmering on the back burner when he arrived home this evening after running errands in the snow.

Later this evening or tomorrow, I will watch Emma online.  All because the Saints game went into overtime and as much as I wanted to see Emma, I could not leave the football game until it was over.

Once it had become apparent in the football season that Chicago was going nowhere (and fast), we had hoped the Super Bowl this year would be between Indy and New Orleans.  Yes!... Midwestern city (Indianapolis) and our favorite quarterback (Drew Brees).

Football is just about the only sport I enjoy watching on TV, with two minor exceptions.  I do enjoy watching tennis in the semi-finals and finals, especially men's tennis (keeping an eye on the Australian Open).  I have been known to watch part of a golf game in February or March... just to remember what green grass looked like... and sigh for spring.

I'm on my last week of "the month of Goudge" and I've thoroughly enjoyed it.  I'll write all about it at the end of the month. Thank you to Sarah and Lanier, both of whom reminded me that I've long wanted to read these books and January is the perfect month to do so.

Sunday Afternoon Tea

A  comment a friend left brought about my ponderings today.

Trish wondered if she should have enjoyed the fabulous gift her friends had given her, a visit to a lovely tea room, when there are so many problems in the world today.  My answer... carpe diem!

Okay, so I wrote all about this before but after three and a half years of pondering, repeats come more often... and this is a subject my own life's experiences has made me passionate about.  We must balance frugality with generous living and the making of many memories.

Yes, I am always talking about how learning to live on less is a good thing.  But there is a flip side to my story and that is the experience of knowing one must seize the day when they have the opportunity.  For it is in embracing the good times that one provides precious memories for leaner days.

When Stephanie first talked to me about going to England, I encouraged her whole heartedly.  Yes, the economy overall was dismal but it was perfect timing for them to go... they had the money in savings, the time, and the circumstances, all coming together for the first time... ever.  For I have found that happens very rarely in life and when God makes provision one should take full advantage of it.  They will always have wonderful memories of England which are priceless.

Such expenditures bring choices... they had to put off new wood flooring and a couple of other projects but one doesn't have to have such circumstances to add wood flooring to their home.  Just one year later the trip would have been impossible as a new little girl is expected in May.

A very small statement Edith Schaeffer used quite often in her books proved to be profound to me through the years.  She would often say there would be no day like today and its' circumstances... ever... that our children will never be these exact ages again... so today is important.

As one who has known more than her share of dark and lean days, I can assure you it is memories made and money spent when we could that helped make dark days easier.  Not only special family memories but purchases made when we could afford items... like the good quality cookware and knives, my Kitchen Aid mixer, and well made furniture (all purchased either on sale or by finding the best prices).  How much easier it is to almost always cook "from scratch" with the right tools in the kitchen.

Most of my "decorating" has been done over the years by searching through thrift shops and garage sales... because I love the hunt whether I had the money to buy new or not.  It's just more fun to find a silver tea service for $25.00 instead of hundreds and tea cups for a dollar.  Having said that... we have very good quality furniture (purchased when we knew the sales would make the items affordible) purchased when we had the cash for a necessary expenditure.

It isn't all or nothing, of course we must be very careful about going into debt (we do not even own a credit card), make certain when times are good we are setting money aside in a savings account instead of spending it all for the moment, and continuing to be a good shopper by continuing frugal shopping skills (which work well in good times by stretching our money and lean years... ditto).

But one should never, ever feel guilty during the good years.  Once we have our emergency funds set aside and debts paid, those are the years for important home improvements, deepening the pantry, building the garden, car repairs, replacing old appliances with the energy efficient, buying the camera to take precious pictures, and making memories... when everything is coming together to make spending without debt a possibility.

We should never fear the future but everyone who has lived long enough knows there are the good years and those which bring with them challenges.  It is a good thing to fully embrace the possibilities by the big (as in a trip to England or a much needed home improvement) and the small (a lovely tea time with friends or breakfast out with the family) when we have the opportunity.

There is always a time for frugality and smart spending, savings accounts and sound investments, giving to the poor and reaching out to the needy, supporting causes and ministries we believe in, deepening the pantry and replacing that which is old (except husbands, of course).  :)

But my friends, never ever forget to seize the day when life is good and dreams are possible and memories are waiting to be made.  For as Edith would say, there will never be another day when the kids are this age (or the circumstances have come together).  Embrace that which makes your heart sing while the sun is shining and when you find yourself in the valley, the memory of the sun will warm you in the cold and dark until you walk in that sunshine again.

Sigh... coffee... at last

The temperatures warmed just enough for me to borrow Christopher's car and run much needed errands on Friday.  It was a win-win situation for both of us, I got the use of a car until late afternoon and he was dropped off at the door of the building which holds his (early) Friday morning class.  At least his "early" class this semester is at 8:30 and not the horrid 7:30 science lab of last semester.

Is it my imagination or have grocery prices taken another quantum jump?  Just seems that way after shopping Target in the morning and Wal Mart in the afternoon.  It is times such as last week's bad weather when I miss having my formerly deep pantry.  I used to rarely run out of anything (especially coffee!).  I did have enough decaf left to make a morning pot... but it just wasn't the same.  My first cup of coffee in the morning is one of life's little delights.

Speaking of delights... regarding Freddie's comment of yesterday... ROME!  I'll pack and be there as soon as I can find a ship heading for Europe (having that airplane phobia that didn't get any better on my last flight into Connecticut).  It sounds wonderful but alas... not in any budget this lifetime.  :)

So I remain here in a very damp American Midwest, hoping the slightly warmer temperature melts all the ice on our gravel lane before more snow is expected early next week.  I have two more Elisabeth Goudge books to read (in my "month of Goudge"), perhaps while the dishes are soaking in the sink and a load of laundry is washing.  Well, I can't get both books read then but you know what I mean...

Doom and gloom and misery... or is it just winter and no Christmas?

Okay, you know I am usually upbeat and offering as many faith filled words as I can but this weather has me ready to head SOUTH. A week of ice fog was bad enough but the freezing rain of the past couple of days has left me in need of warmth and light. 

Hubby is wrapping up his last couple of days of work at the bookstore (he works the beginning and end of semesters) and I'd planned to drop him off this morning for a much needed trip to the grocery store.  When I realized even the grass was too icy to walk on, I went back in the house to try again tomorrow. 

Victoria is in a snit because I had to give her a sample bag of kitty kibble the vet had sent home when she was sick.  Miss Victoria has let me know with a turned up nose and quite vocal complaining that she does not take kindly to a change in diet. 

Sigh, I must admit my annoyance at the weather is showing as I reminded her I am out of coffee and at least she has some kind of kibble but she disappeared in a fluff of fur to sleep away her unhappiness.  Perhaps dogs truly are man's best friend and cats just rule.

I have books to read, posts to write, and projects to finish (and photograph when the sun is shining).  I owe many of you e-mails.  My pile of laundry is now growing on its' own... out of the hamper... and down the hallway.  Blame it all on the weather and antibiotics... and the forecast offers no hope of sun or warmth. 

Yes... that is it.  I want meant to hibernate this time of year.

The winners!

Everyone who posted up to a minute ago was included.  I used Random.org to find the two winners.  For those who did not win, Sally's book is available at their website and I have added it to my Amazon widget.

Here are the fortunate two who will receive Sally's wonderful new book.  You have one week to e-mail me with your full name and address and I will send the book along to you the next time I get to the Post Office in town, which should be on Monday.

The e-mail address is on my sidebar

Dyana said...
Thanks for sharing about Sally's latest book! She is a wonderful author and, a great encouragement to young mothers.
Dyana

and

Dale Ann said...  Reading is my passion. I have to admit I've never read Sally's writings before but would love this to be the first one, especially since you think it is so special. Thanks to Sally for offering these 2 books.

The drawing is this evening

Hello my friends, except for Sunday's post I feel I have hardly been here at all.  While last week I knew I'd be "out of pocket", this week has been affected by a new round of antibiotics and my sinuses complaining about nearly a week of fog and the cold-damp air.  It seems everyone is "under the weather".  It is about this time of year my thoughts turn to spring...

I'll draw the two names this evening.  Until that post shows up, you still have time to make a comment to the Dancing With My Father post and get your name thrown into the "hat" (so to speak).

A Dancing With My Father give-away

I believe it was late summer last year when Sally asked me if I'd mind reading the manuscript of her new book and sending a comment to her publisher.  Mind?  Of course, I would love to read the book.  It wasn't too long until the rather large envelope arrived and I spent many a pleasant evening perusing this new book and sending off e-mails to her such as... This is good... and then, This is very good, and then again... I think this is your best book ever!  :)

As I re-read Dancing With My Father this past weekend, I was reminded why I truly believe it is Sally's best book she has ever written (and she's written a couple of my favorite nonfiction books).  This is a book which all women (and a few men) can read to know "we are not alone"... especially as we are rather battered and beaten at times and find ourselves worn out physically... emotionally... and spiritually.

Sally shares more of her life that I often wondered about, those years ministering as a single woman behind the Iron Curtain, her engagement to Clay, and the journey of ministry as a speaker and author over the years.  It is in many ways, her most autobiographical work.  She allows the reader to walk beside her as she learns to live a joy filled life again in the midst of life's challenges.

A few chapter titles include:

• The Search for Joy in a Less Than Perfect World
• A Heart that Dances to Celebrate God's Presence
• Dancing Through the Twists and Turns of Life
• Hearing the Refrain of Heaven
• Exchanging the Drudgery of Duty for the Dance of Delight
• Listening For the Music of God's Voice

I loved this book and I know it will be one I will re-read many times through the years.  Each chapter includes questions for individuals and groups to use should they desire.  This would be an excellent book to use as part of a Bible study, Sunday School class, or simply a group of women meeting for tea once a week and sharing their heart.

I'll be writing more later this week about my quiet time basket.  This is the kind of book I keep in the basket as "devotional reading"... those books which help me stay focused and grow deeper in my relationship with the Lord... that are written in such a way I can read a little each day (or as I most often do, read the entire book and then re-read a little at a time over a few weeks).

For further information about Dancing With My Father, go to:

Whole Heart Online... here.  Just click on "Our Books".

Sally's Blog is... here.

Now... an announcement for YOU:

The publisher has provided two copies of Sally's new book to give to you!  Just leave a comment on this post and I will draw two names on Wednesday evening.  Yes, two winners will be drawn.  :)

Sunday Afternoon Tea

It is good to be back "in person".  This past week was not overly busy but enough so that I fully embraced the two days nothing was scheduled on the calendar... in between the day of the funeral and a morning in the doctor's office.

Instead of doing the projects for which I had planned on those days (and whose parts were scattered throughout the living room), I polished silver and pondered the new year.  I find the polishing of silver a good time to reflect just as washing the dishes at the sink, sweeping floors, and rubbing fingerprints off doors and light fixtures throughout the house... those domestic duties which accomplish a great deal in their end result of beauty and order but take little thought as they are being accomplished.

My thoughts were already on information overload before the pictures from Haiti began arriving... and continuing to bring new pain and grief to a world often accustomed to looking the other way.

For the first time in many months, I gave myself permission to check the news all day, not wanting my heart to stop breaking for these people... to continue in prayer. My mind cannot wrap itself around the images of bodies stacked on the side of streets as well as knowing thousands of people are most likely within fallen buildings.

There are times the fallen-ness of this world overwhelms one and we know why "all creation cries out" for that time Eden will be restored.  We may have been formed from the dust of the ground but it was garden soil, surrounded by beauty and order and all that is good.  Our souls were not made to look upon the horror and heartache our eyes view through the lenses of the media.  Yet... such scenes are played over and over throughout the centuries.

I was talking to Sheila recently (my Jewish friend and former neighbor) about how fast time is passing us by.  When we met, our boys were small and now they are well on their way through their college years, her oldest will finish Harvard Law School next year (and that was after taking two years off to work in an inner city school after receiving his Bachelor's degree).  We talked of how quickly the world has changed and wondering what the coming years will bring to our children.

I reminded her that my mother's family went to town in a horse and buggy and most of the rural areas had no indoor plumbing... many without electricity when Mom was young.  Her family worked hard but reaped great rewards from the Kentucky soil.  A life centered around their neighbors and the land, the rest of the world known only through newspaper and the occasional radio broadcast.

My thoughts as a result of this conversation were already on ways to order my life in such a way to bring more peace and quiet... to take hold of this mental clutter which seems to prevail as I am overwhelmed with information coming from all sides... television, computer, radio, newspaper, magazines, cell phone.  For one who lives in a rural area today is often as overwhelmed with sights and sounds as one who lives in the major cities... the world is pounding at the doors of our senses.

When I decided to re-post the Recession Ponderings series, I had completely forgotten the subject of the last post... that which is talking about hard times bringing us back to simplicity (I've called it "forced simplicity" in past posts).  How odd (or is it a "God Thing") that a post written two years ago is about that which is on my mind this week.

I continue to work it all out; at first emotionally, then mentally, then taking pen to paper and write contemplations and ideas about changes large and small to clear mental clutter and bring more simplicity to life.  I've already come a long way, forced by health and finances to declutter my life.  But there is more to do to bring quiet and order in the midst of chaos.

I have only just begun and of course, I will share as I go along.  Peace has become a priority... peace and prayer.  The projects I set aside will help accomplish both... more to come.

Recession Ponderings #5 - When challenges bring a better lifestyle

Originally posted March, 2008... the final of five ponderings about the economy at the time.

When I was sorting through my files not too long ago... to finally give up the old to make new space (there were too many articles I'd never use!), it brought a smile to my face when I would come across many articles written in the late 1970s or early 1980s about living a simpler lifestyle, getting back to the country, taking up an "old" skill like quilting or knitting, growing an old fashioned WWII type Victory Garden (the PBS show was born at this time), and fixing up old homes (again... This Old House was also created during this period of time).

We seriously considered living such a lifestyle. My husband had gone on for a Master's in Wood Science because he loved working with wood so much (friends threw sawdust at our wedding). Our original intent was to use his furniture engineering specialty and move to North Carolina. We even honeymooned there, staying in Asheville before attending a Walnut Convention in Hickory (I couldn't make that up).

However, the door that opened was in Michigan with the furniture companies in that area. Instead of staying home, keeping a garden, quilting, and doing those domestic duties I had intended... I began working full time (due to inflation) and then began to prosper in the corporate world. Once in awhile, I would think of the North Carolina mountains and what might have been. :)

I am not surprised that the recession and inflation of that period led some people to leave the consumer rat race and return to making a living off the land. We began to get serious about the food we ate (although we returned to junk food during prosperous but crazy busy times). Real food, for the most part, is not expensive. The basics... flour, beans, rice, potatoes, carrots, home grown veggies and herbs... they increased in price a little but were still culinary bargains.

I did eventually return home, working part time after Stephanie was in school. Then staying at home full time after Christopher was born for awhile and then permanently when we began homeschooling him in second grade. Circumstances would be quite difficult at times but I found a new outlet for my creativity. Instead of gourmet cooking as a hobby, I began to get very interested in healthy and cheap cooking for our family (I even became the president of a health food co-op while in Iowa).

Once I was not working outside the home, I could no longer afford such luxuries as beautiful quilts so... I bought a sewing machine and learned to make them myself. I also made many of the decorative items in our home (well, as much as I could given a hyperactive little boy at my feet). Stephanie and I would put Christopher in his car seat and head out on garage sale days to seek "treasure". We still enjoy doing that when she visits today, only it is her little ones and she is driving the van!

Eventually... as I became older... my life came full circle. We do now live in the country where in warm weather, I can read on the front porch. Until the trees are full of leaves on their branches, I can look from my front yard and see the barn of a neighboring farm across the county road. I can pretend I'm farming a few acres as I view the scene, when in reality I live on a little less than one acre and I have next door neighbors. It is no less the country... and no less beautiful.

Illness has brought further simplicity to my life. Limited energy creates equally as limited options for each day. But it hasn't been all that bad for it gives me permission to slow down, to keep my "To Do" list streamlined and simple whenever possible. I now must take time throughout the day for reading or watching the birds out my kitchen window... to appreciate the beauty of fresh vegetables I'm cutting for dinner or to thank God for a sale on the meat I'm preparing that evening.

I don't think of "what if"... for the past is impossible to change so why fret about it? I pray about the future and ask God for His provision as He has promised. But today... hard times have forced me to appreciate each day as a gift. Being a rather visual type person, I have learned to look... really look... at my surroundings whether it is a beautiful art print, vintage kitchen accessories, the flowers I have on my windowsill right now, the pretty sage green pillows I found at Goodwill for my family room sofa, Sasha as she is snoozing (and at the same time, thanking God that our Storm Girl was with us for sixteen years)... really taking time to appreciate what He has given my family.

The older I get, the more I realize our life is made up of the choices we make. Our lifestyle depends on what we choose to make it. Yes, there are things out of our hands (like recessions, corporate layoffs, some illnesses, etc.) but so much of what we go through is made up of our own choices.

Do I want simplicity... time to spend with the people I love without worrying about money... or do I choose to put another item on the credit card? Do I choose to have money in my pocket and drive an older car, or must I work overtime to pay for the latest model? Do I learn to garden or will I spend extra time at the Mall?

Do I spend discretionary income building a home library or an expensive wine cellar? Will I spend $30.00 on a great steak dinner (sigh...) or getting that overdue oil change to keep my car running longer? Do I hop in the car and run to the grocery store for one item or have I thoughtfully built up a pantry at home with extras of essential foods... cleaning products... and especially... toilet paper. :)

So, what is your point? When money becomes very tight then we are forced to look at our lifestyle and you know what? Sometimes the forced changes are actually good for us... our own Year of Jubilee! Not easy... not fun at first... but they can be good in the long run. Sometimes it takes a good Recession to shake people out of their materialistic rut and make them see... life is not about accumulating more stuff!

I hope my recession ponderings have made sense. I didn't take the time to go over them with a fine tooth comb but... I quickly typed out what is on my heart about the possible economic challenges ahead. As always... God is in control.

Picture: Housewife and mother; allposters.com

Recession Ponderings #4 reposted - Faith vs. fear

Originally posted March, 2008...

I was trying to have a quiet time this morning (using my notes from watching Beth Moore on Life Today this past Wednesday).

However, my thoughts kept coming back to my earlier post... hoping it doesn't cause anyone to fear because they can't do enough to prepare for what ever is to come. I remembered using both of these verses in a series I did last year called Homemaking In Difficult Times (under Labels on the side bar).

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Proverbs 22:3

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:25-27

It would seem like these verses are completely opposites of each other but they are not. I have learned so much from the struggles we have endured over the years. Yes, we've had more than the usual financial setbacks since my husband's field (Quality Assurance Engineering) was often hit first when a company had to lay off people.

Also, since he has struggled with chronic environmental allergies since before we were married, he had seasons in his life when his work was excellent and others when it wasn't up to par... all according to the times of the year and any allergy "hits" he may have endured. People with life challenging allergies do not have the normal allergy symptoms quite often (sneezing and such) but their brains are swelling to the point it is impossible to think clearly. His actual S.S. Disability illness is Bipolar Disorder, because these are the symptoms such extreme allergies bring about in him.

There have been plenty of times I really did stomp my feet and yell at God... a number of times, actually ... and I don't have any burn marks or singed eyebrows... yet. :) The journey has been quite difficult at times but He was working on the outcome, molding and shaping each person in our family to become what HE wanted us to be, not what we wanted (hmmm... fame, fortune, brilliance, CEO positions, etc.).

It is wise to look tomorrow right in the proverbial eyes and prepare as He shows each family. He talks today, even if it is that "still small voice" when He brings to your thinking what you should do in the way of purchases, making home improvements, what to buy and what to put off buying, whether you should make a move or stay where you are, etc.

Contrary to some teaching that God is far off... created the planet... and then told us He'll see us at the end of time and yes, by the way... uh... good luck living on a hostile planet folks!... His Word tells us how much he cares for each person. He has the hairs of our head numbered. He sees the sparrow fall from the tree. His Word tells us He knew when and where we would be born not to mention the day of our final breath.

At the same time, He also reminds us that He truly is in control and that worry or fear (or both) will not add a single moment to our lives. I think about that verse when I am staying up late for the safe arrival home of a family member. Prayer works... worry doesn't.

Wisdom tells us to use some of today's resources to purchase what we feel is necessary should we have a financial setback (or just to have them at a lower price). Fear leads us to unnecessary spending just as much as greed or coveting can cause us to spend unwisely.

I pray we all recognize the difference and prepare for whatever may be down the road... with wisdom.

Recession Ponderings #3 reposted - Inflation changes the rules

Originally posted March, 2008...

I was a very young wife (and mother) the last time we had this kind of inflation (added note: inflation is not as bad this year in 2010 but predicted to rise substantially in the months to come). Even then, it was quite different because wages were also increasing dramatically (and they aren't now) and the price of housing was going up... now they are going down in many areas.

This really is new territory even if it is looking more like the 1970s and early 1980s. Inflation added to any financial equation changes a lot of the usual rules we often think about when we are trying to stay on a firm financial foundation.

To greatly over simplify... the cost of our everyday necessities will probably rise much more than any money we would have in the bank. For instance, if our savings are only earning 4% a year but our groceries are going up by 8% a year then our money in the bank is actually losing its' value. (As I said, this is an over simplification but I need it that way!).

So, what does this mean to most families? Just what it did in the last period of inflation... while we need to have an emergency savings plan, money put into "real stuff" (clothing, food, etc.) before we need them may actually help us more in the long run than putting all of our money in a saving account. For families like ours, living on a fixed income, we have actually shifted all of our "extra money" into real goods.

I have been going through my grocery list as well as reorganizing all of my kitchen shelves and pantry shelves to get a good idea of what we can possibly stock up on each month. At first I concentrated on COFFEE and TEA; baking goods; cooking oil, then canned tomatoes and veggies (Christopher and his canned green beans!); then things like herbs and spices to make certain they are fresh. There are entire books written about deepening the pantry!

Of course, this takes a lot more organization than usual but the money saved will make that small amount of work pay off quickly. I do take a marker and date everything so I don't have to guess as to what is old and what is recently purchased. It also needs to be stored carefully so rodents and bugs do not eat up what has been carefully put back.

I hadn't seen a mouse in our garage since the first summer we lived here so I haven't been too concerned about them. When my husband told me a few days ago that he had scared away a mouse, I immediately went into the COLD garage and put away all the groceries I had left in sacks when I arrived home from the grocery store that day! It doesn't do any good to purchase food ahead of time and then see it destroyed because we didn't put it away properly (or in time).

I heard Glenn Beck (CNN) say recently that he's been telling people since last year to put their money in practical items (as he said... like purchasing next year's size coat for your kid). That's something I learned to do when Stephanie was little. It is not surprising that garage sales were born out of that period of recession/inflation! I would purchase clothing for her to last a few years (remembering we could often find items for a dime or a quarter back then). I did the same for Christopher but I found it harder to locate good used boys clothing... gosh, I wonder why? :)

Anyway... we've been able to build a great wardrobe for all three of us between Goodwill, gifts, and end of season sales. Just yesterday I purchased two very pretty tops at (the store) for $3.00 each on clearance, that is less than Goodwill prices. I tried them on to make certain they fit properly when we arrived home and then put them immediately away for next year.

It all gets down to this... purchase on sale, on clearance, or at a thrift store to get good prices during regular financial times. Purchase ahead as much as possible when living in an inflationary economy, even if you must pay full price for something you absolutely need (be honest... not something you just want). :)

For this to really save you money (as well as to make certain you have what you need should shortages develop), you may want to write down a priority list like we've found helpful. The three of us talked about what we felt we needed the most, then the items were written down by priority. It was this list that we have used as we earned some extra income.

For instance, we had the new pots and pans on that list. Now purchasing very good quality cookware may seem strange as we face a recession. However, our old "stuff" really needed to be replaced and since we cook most of our meals from scratch to save money... new cookware was an important use of money. As it was, we purchased just what we needed. I would have loved to replace my old Le Cruset' dutch oven with a newer one but that is not in the budget (it cost almost as much as the other three combined). Buy what we need... the highest quality we could afford... but be reasonable.

I hope this makes sense to you. I guess to put it even simpler... one does still need money in the bank but during times of inflation... goods at home ARE the same as money in the bank. If you do a lot of cooking, check to see if there is anything you need to store ahead now. If you sew for your family, you may want to stock up on certain fabrics and supplies as they go on sale... now. The same for any home business or hobby... look for sales now and stock up (even if it is only batteries!).

If you homeschool, consider purchasing the needed books for a couple of years ahead. We did this when we realized we were running out of savings and my husband was still out of work. Since we used the Charlotte Mason "whole books" method we already had a large library purchased at library sales, etc. but we also ordered our math books for two years and a few other necessary books ahead of time. Believe me, that worked out very well.

Other things to think about in inflation... make necessary home repairs now, make car repairs now (at least keep oil changes and such on time), see your dentist and doctor for check ups, etc. If prices do continue to rise, you will be happy you did.

More next time...

Picture: Attractive housewife in kitchen; allposters.com

Recession Ponderings #2 reposted - Getting our finances in order

First posted March, 2008...

I suppose I should have written the most obvious fact in Recession ponderings #1 but I'll send out this little reminder now... GOD IS IN CONTROL! As we are being reminded this weekend, Jesus not only died as the Lamb but He rose from the grave and is coming back as the Lion of Judah! Even the Presbyterians will shout about that (hehehe, having been one myself).

What we obtain by being careful about taking on debt or spending too much is less suffering as we go through a financial trial. How many times when we had no money at all I wished we hadn't kept going out to eat, buying things we didn't absolutely need right then, etc. As I stated before, we just didn't think things would get that bad.

At the same time my friends, if you are in a bad situation... it is not the unforgiveable sin and you can ask for God's direction. He cares about everything in your life... including the balance of your bank account.

If you need assistance now, there are places like Consumer Credit Counseling which will work with your creditors. They are especially good for families with credit card debt as they can often negotiate a lower interest rate (sometimes freezing your account and not letting interest grow anymore). At least that is what happened with us during one of our "years with no income".

A national ministry is well known for good advice. It is Crown Financial Ministries (formerly Larry Burkett's ministry before he passed away). If you click on their name, it will take you to their website. They offer numerous articles that are free as well as financial helps which are available for reasonable prices.

Another thing my husband did which helped us was to call creditors and keep them up to date on his job searches, etc. He wrote a letter to the places where banks check credit ratings, describing our situation. They all knew we were not making full payments because he was either on unemployment or we had no income at all. That worked to our benefit when we purchased the home we live in now. He did always try to pay something each month, even if it was only $10.00.

The best thing you can do right now is take an honest look at your finances. Unless you are single, it will be a good idea to get other people involved (especially your mate and children if they are old enough). If you do this before there is a real problem, it is much less painful. If you are single, I'd suggest a great (and honest) friend.

Here is a very simple way to take your financial picture. Take out a piece of paper and write down all your assets. On another paper, write monthly bills from rent/mortgage down to the smallest debt you may think unimportant (like the $10.00 a year we spend to stay a part of the Friends of the Library). Then... take a deep breath... add up your total assets and total debt. After you pick yourself up off of the floor, find a way to celebrate because most people never take the time to do this. :)

I'm not a financial counselor so I suggest if you are deeply in debt, seeking expert advice. However, if it isn't all that bad then it is rather simple. This is what we were told. Pay off the smallest debts first and try your darndest not to go into debt any further until it is all paid off (realizing most people hold a mortgage or have to pay rent and some people have car payments).

For Christian families, this is an exceptional way to involve kids in trusting God for all things. Even now, Christopher is well aware just how little income we have to live on since his dad went on Social Security Disability. He understands that he has to work part time for his clothing needs (he's become an expert bargain shopper), his "fun money", and his part of the car insurance. It has been good for him on those days he didn't really want to go to work (and his friends could spend their summer doing fun stuff) to know real men have to work when they do not feel like it. Next best thing to raising him on a farm!

Christopher was THREE YEARS OLD the first time he "prayed in" groceries for the family. We were all amazed that this little guy prayed for food and very shortly a family we hardly knew brought us groceries. We have since seen many, many miracles of God's provision. A few weeks ago, he shared with the Sunday School class he helps teach some of the miracles of provision we experienced when we had no income. That was a very good lesson.

Learning to trust God as a family can be a lot of fun. Learning to live on a budget, making food from scratch, being careful how much we spend, learning to curb our "gottahaveits", etc. is excellent training for our kids. We're much more careful that Christopher learn this than we did with Stephanie. Those twelve years difference in their ages are also the difference in our own ability to live on less. As I've written before, our generation was trained to be good consumers... we had to learn a different way of thinking (and spending).

Please, no more hiding bills or not picking up phone calls. Face your finances head on and get God involved in the process. He's not going to tell you that you got yourself in financial hot water. He may let you simmer and get uncomfortable for awhile so you think twice before doing it again! He's still in the redeeming business... even if it is redeeming your financial life.

If your finances are on solid ground now, do not be tempted into unnecessary large purchases or going into debt unless you are absolutely certain this is God's leading. My friends, the storm clouds are on the horizon and (regardless of what some economists are saying)... it doesn't look good. I'm seeing the 1970s all over again except a much stranger situation. When people like Donald Trump are using the "D" word (or as he called it, "something worse than a recession") that gets my attention.

On the bright side, I've found every challenge to also contain an opportunity. This is also the time to think of ways the family can bring in more money as well as pay off debt. Hard times either bring families together or tear them apart. If you've read much about families in the Depression, most were brought closer together and they were surprised to find their memories of mostly good times rather than having little money. That generation is leaving us quickly. Too bad... we need their advice today. (Hmmm... can we say Google search?)

Next time I'll write more about thinking through priorities, preparing for a recession, deepening the pantry, etc. As the angels say... fear not.

Picture: Housewife taking canned goods; allposters.com

The remainder of the week...

First, I want you to know Miss Victoria thanks you very much for your prayers on her behalf.  She is completely back to normal.  I have already stepped on her tail once as she followed me around in the kitchen while I cooked and "talked" to me about some very important kitty problem.

She has gotten into trouble a few times and her youngest human (the twenty year old whom she thinks she owns) has had to tell us... as if he was talking about a toddler... "You have got to discipline THAT cat!".  Yes, Victoria is back to her colorful and curious self.  :)

I'm in the midst of family stuff as my brother-in-law's funeral will be taking place (delayed due to bad weather preventing their youngest daughter to arrive), we're getting used to a new University schedule, and I have a couple of appointments this week.

I thought it a good time to re-post some of my old Recession Ponderings posts (try saying that three times quickly).  This is a series of five posts I wrote in March, 2008 while we were in the midst of the national economic crisis.  While I hear nationally some economic forecasts are getting better, I don't see it as much where I live.

The first re-post should have preceded this one by just a moment or so.  There will be one re-post each day through Saturday.  I'm here and reading, just allowing these to re-post each day until I write again on Sunday.  :)

I have two recent comments about favorite books that I haven't "published", yet.  Only because I need to write down the favorites.  Then they will join the others.  If you have a recent favorite that makes you feel all warm and cozy (title or author), then you can leave a comment on this post.  It won't be published right away but it will be here for me to copy as I type out the Recommendations list... on the dining room table with the laptop.  :)

Yes, that means it should be ready to go next week.  I'm giving up on the perfect, the ideal I wanted it to look like which is only possible if I typed it into Word first.  We don't have the desktop back.  Instead, it will get typed and published right away.

Recession Ponderings #1 reposted - Learn from my mistakes

(First posted March, 2008)

As I have said before, I look back on some of the decisions we made before entering "times of long term unemployment" and I wonder what in the world we were thinking! Then I realize I have to give the younger Brenda a break.

When one is living life a day at a time, it is far easier to make unwise decisions than when one is on the other side of a financial trial... when one can turn around and see the entire picture... and put each decision in perspective.

I wasn't surprised when I read my free Gary North financial e-mail letter a couple days ago (I figure if I can't afford the letter one must pay for, I don't need it!). He stated the mistake most people make about their finances in times like this is... denial! Absolutely! I've been around that mountain so many times, I meet myself coming back.

Here are the big mistakes we made a few times (not all at once). Making better decisions would not have prevented the financial setbacks but they would have made them a lot less painful.

1. We thought my husband's job was too secure for him to be laid off (wrong a few times).

2. We did not believe he would be out of work very long.

3. There was certainly no way he would be out of work for more than a year (uh, huh...twice).

4. When he did lose a job, it would be replaced with another engineering position (NO... in one instance he had to work as a janitor at a church for months, before getting a temp job at a factory for a year or two).

5. When the main breadwinner has a Master's degree, the family has a lot of savings, and $50,000 equity in a house, one will never be on the verge of being homeless (wrong).

6. Mom can always take a job to help the family budget (not always...).

So... why are these wrong beliefs dangerous? Because they affect our every financial decisions. Like... um...

Do not purchase a car when the economy looks like it is going into even the slightest recession. Even if economists make you think you can turn the economy around alone just by spending money.

Spending money for car repairs with a good mechanic to keep your car(s) going until the economy is much better is a wise decision. You may even come to realize purchasing very good used cars most of the time will be good for your long term financial future. That new car aroma is often gone before you make the first payment.

There are exceptions but most of the time, a good used car is a far superior choice. Exceptions: when a car is used to commute great distances sometimes it is better to purchase a new car with a warranty... sometimes... and only in a secure economy!

Do not keep up your past standard of living by using your savings. This is probably the most common mistake people make (and we did). It's that denial thing again... certainly there will be a regular income coming quickly. Instead, set your priorities for spending and cut out all extras. (I'll talk about that in the next post.)

Do not keep up your past standard of living by using credit cards! This is far worse than even going through your savings. This extends your financial trial! For once the recession is over and there is a regular income... you will be paying... and paying... and paying... and paying (get the idea) for the past.

Some economists, the Secretary of the Treasury, the President, my uncle Homer, and all others who should be in the know say a recession isn't on the way so I choose to listen to them and go on living my life as I have in the past. Uh uh... see if any of them give you grocery money or pay your mortgage.

ADDED NOTE:  Of course, now we know we did go into a major recession and the worst since the Great Depression.  Some who are in the know believe it will get worse before it will get better.  I don't have an Uncle Homer.

Warm in the kitchen but cold outside

This picture was taken just as the sun was rising Sunday morning.  I ran out to the porch in subzero temperatures, pointed the camera toward my neighbor's farm, and pushed the zoom button (that is one powerful zoom).   I love that amazingly pure beauty available only against the backdrop of winter's black and white world.

Saturday was intended to be a day I worked on a few in-process projects here at home.  It was (and is) extremely cold and the roads were icy in spots.  However, my son called to ask if I wanted to have lunch with him.  He was working opening-to-closing at the bookstore and his dad would be joining him to work around noon-ish.  Hmmm... the offer of lunch at my favorite Indian restaurant.  He'd bring Dad home in the evening if I wanted to drive him to work and take the car back home.  I couldn't resist.

We had such a nice time chatting over spicy curry dishes... spicy by my Midwestern American standards but "not so much" with our Indian friends.   Hubby doesn't "do" spice or curry so he had no desire to join us before he started work (his "beginning of semester" work week).  I am blessed to have grown children who like to talk to me.  I am even more blessed when either feeds me.

Christopher reluctantly returned to work after lunch and after we'd discussed the problems of the world.  He's getting all the hours in he can while the semester is starting and before his class load is too heavy with homework to earn income.  This semester may end up as the most difficult class-wise of his four years, which means most hours spent on campus and little time available at home.  Having lunch chats over Indian food will not be as easy to arrange.

Since I was already "in town", I stopped by the library to check out A City of Bells and to peruse the room that carries donated books for sale.  A stop by Starbucks on the way home to take advantage of a gift card made getting home and out of the cold even nicer as I had coffee to sip and books to peruse.

The aroma of baked beef bones and onion met me at the door.  I had just placed the makings for beef broth in the oven when Christopher called so I let them bake until I left and then turned the oven off so they could continue browning in the residual heat.  The browned beef, soup bones, onion, and carrots went into the stock pot and simmered for hours until removing in time to let them cool and drain the stock into the LeCruset dutch oven to be kept in the refrigerator overnight.

I stayed home Sunday as hubby had to leave for work immediately after church  (Sunday is a required work day during this week, even for seasonal employees like him).  I only had to add the veggies to the stock and let the soup simmer on the back burner all afternoon.  My mother's vegetable beef soup is a family favorite and always reminds me of her.

It is the only recipe I made her show me step-by-step as a bride.   The difference in our recipes is my browning the stock ingredients before simmering them in the stock pot to make a darker and richer stock.  As she grew older, she placed the beef and soup bones in the Crock Pot to make stock.

I'd left the butter out overnight to soften (just barely in the cold kitchen) enough to make chocolate chip cookies, partly as a treat for hubby and son but an additional dozen or two to place on a plate and take to my neighbor who plowed our driveway when he cleared the gravel lane.

The guys arrived home after a long day at the bookstore, glad to get out of the cold to homemade soup and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Cooking and baking warms us twice... once as it warms the kitchen and again as it warms those who enjoy the meal.  :)

Sunday Afternoon Tea

I love the Old Testament.  I've never understood why entire denominations think it unnecessary.  Not only for the theology of it all... I mean how could one even begin to "get" the New Testament without the foundation of the Old.  Which may be why some don't "get" the Gospels... but I digress.

I love the power of Story and there is none better than found beginning in the book of Genesis.  All that begetting and dysfunctional family stuff, why it is enough to make a lady blush.

Except when I read it I am so relieved.  I've mentioned before that my mother rejected all things having to do with the Church after being condemned by a legalistic sister and father (her mother was a sweety).  My seven siblings were basically pagan and darn proud of it.

My husband's family were religious and charter members of a very liberal mainline church in his hometown.. one of those which scoff at people who believe the Bible is true.  Ironically, they read a passage from the Bible before supper, attended services each Sunday, belonged to many of the church organizations, and knew the right answers to all the questions.  He found Jesus in college and had a significant spiritual experience on the beaches of Hong Kong (during the Viet Nam war).  His parents never forgave him.

When we make the decision to really, really follow Christ we enter into a battle that has gone on since Lucifer decided he wanted to be equal to God... since Eve wanted to know as much as God... and mankind fell to the side of the Evil One.   Quite often it means our families on both side of the battle... those who are pagan and those who earn their way to Heaven with religion... will cause us grief.

When I read the Old Testament, I know families have been the same since the beginning.  We may think ourselves more civilized these days but in reality... we are all the same.  Should one ever think we are alone in the midst of family craziness... read Genesis.  It didn't take too long for the first murder between brothers.  God knows all about dysfunctioal families.

Have you read the liniage of our Lord?   As I read through the accounts of those who came before... the Ancients who first walked the path in the Word... I must admit to being confused by it all.  I mean, really... if I were writing the Story there are incidents I would have swept under the rug and tucked within an obscure section of Leviticus which only the most ardent student of the Word would read.

Instead the Writer of it all puts it right out there in the open, the dirty laundry for all of Time to read.  I, for one, am quite happy about it.  For if Good can come out of that line of humanity, He certainly can use me and mine.  Family life my friends... is messy.  Some are just a little crazier than others but all live with imperfect humans.

Yes, my husband and I got a lot of "guff" from both sides but to be honest, I'll take mine every time.  At least they knew they were sinners even if they were proud of it... and fun... there was a lot of laughter.  Perhaps that was because there was a lot of Jack Daniels... but I digress again.

As for my siblings, the relationships failed and the liquor no longer filled their emptiness, many of them did come to Christ.  Most are gone now but unlike my husband with his family... my memories are good.  I never expected perfection as they repented.  I always knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was loved... what better gift could they have given me.  They knew family life was messy.

The Prodigal... knows he is broken as he returns to the Father.  The older brother... cannot understand his own need as he looks at the sinner and turns his back on both... the Brother and the Father.  May I never fill my heart with religion to the point it doesn't break for the sinner and for those in need.  It can be tempting you know, to look at all that mess and want to stop loving.  I hope my brother-in-law's story gives you hope.

Of course, there are times we must put physical distance between us and those who throw angry darts.  Which is what we had to do with my husband's sister as her uncontrollable rages have caused dangerous situations.  One must be careful to take their children into family situations where there is drinking and lewd conversations.  It doesn't take any thought at all to stay away from all forms of abuse.  But nothing stops us from continuing to hold them up in prayer, even if it is done from a distance.

It happens in the best of families and true healing comes when the darkness is brought to the light.  I think of Tullian Tchividjian's account of the day his parents called the police and had him physically removed from their home.  I cannot imagine his mother's pain as she wondered where he was and what he was doing night after night.  He was still in his teens but she had to physically protect the younger children.  Did she... in her mother's heart... ever have any idea he would become the pastor and writer he is today?  Did her parents... Ruth and Billy Graham... pray through their tears?  Of course they did... family life is messy in the best of them.

Now, there are families who are blessed with more normalcy than others. I remember reading Elisabeth Elliott's beautiful book, Shaping of a Christian Family, for the first time.  I felt such sadness that I don't have a Christian Heritage such as hers.  I still loved the book and have re-read it a couple of times since that first reading.  I learned from the wisdom of her lineage many ideas to implement with my own family... but I still would wonder what my life would have been like if both my family and my husband's were a little more.... ummm... sanctified (realizing, of course, that I believe the sovereignty of God places us in the families where we belong).

Then I heard a lovely statement which freed me... from where I can't remember.  Did I read it or hear it on the radio?  The speaker has long been forgotten but the Truth remains...

"If you don't have a heritage, you have a testimony."  Amen, brother!  :)

God places the lonely in families and as I look back on my life so far... He places those who know how to pray in families which need it desperately.  Never give up... it may be your prayers that break the bondages over those who need Him most.

You may come to the end of your path here on earth finding yourself scarred, bruised, bumped, and worn to a frazzle... much like the Velveteen Bunny.  Living among fallen humanity does that to you.  But the journey itself forces you to rely on His wisdom and grace and patience and kindness and goodness and forgiveness... drawing closer to Him yourself so you can be salt and light to your family.

Return to Cranford

The sequel to the lovely film, Cranford, begins this evening on American PBS stations.

It is available to view online only from January 10 through February 16... here.

A passion for teacups

I need something cheerful.  The days continue to be long and dark. It is cold here and getting colder.  The roads are too bad for my less-than-brave driving as the county roads are covered with drifting snow.

So, I'm getting all warm and cozy drinking tea and looking at teacups.  :)

My apologies for the photos but the winter darkness makes using the flash necessary these days.

I collect both bone china and vintage cups like the rose tea cup on the lower right above.

My corner china cabinet is the one place in the house I can have all the pink and girlie stuff I want and no male comments about it.

The picture above was taken a year or two ago but it shows where I keep many of my teacups not on display.  They are nicely washed and ready for use for a tea party.

I just love beautiful china of all kinds and orphan tea cups and plates are still very inexpensive to look for at thrift stores and Goodwill.

This tray sits on top of my little microwave oven in the kitchen.  For the first time in years, I changed my everyday teapots.  Both of these are from Goodwill, the little Pfaltzgraff teapot was shown recently when I located a matching cup at Goodwill for 99 cents.

The fun yellow teapot was one of those Goodwill finds that I practically knocked someone out of the way to grab it off the shelf.  I've been wanting a cheery looking teapot! 

Well, not really... but I thought about it.  I use the larger teapot much less than the smaller one during those rare times I need to brew more than two cups. 

Sigh... dish love may be an illness but I have no desire for the cure.  :)

Two people, two different outcomes

My brother-in-law passed away during the early evening hours yesterday.  The announcement came as a relief for those of us who had watched him suffer, knowing the long time of "hanging on" was having a very difficult affect on his immediate family.

As I thought of him last night, I was reminded of the remarkable changes in his life.  For most of the years I have known him (he and my sister started dating when I was a toddler), he and I pretty much avoided each other.  To be honest, I didn't like him at all.  He was a bragger, rude, vile, always out to make the "easy buck" (spending time in the state penitentiary for white collar crime), and the kind of man one didn't want their young daughters around.

He thought of my husband and I as being arrogant with too much education and far too much religion.  He constantly spoke against us as our lives took such different paths.  But... something happened as his illness progressed over the years.

He had often been in and out of churches but there came a time when he developed a true relationship with the person of Jesus Christ (amazing).  I have seen that much change in only one other family member, my sister Alice when she came to Christ when I was in my twenties.  She had been a wild teenager and woman who became a truly godly woman over the years.  She passed away when Christopher was a baby (remembering that all my siblings are much, much older than I am).

Now, my brother-in-law was in his 60's when this change came about so the outer man was still somewhat the same but the inner man became sweeter and sweeter. It was wonderful to see he and my husband become very good friends these past few years.  God does use all of our sufferings.  I believe as he saw us going through very difficult times, it was a situation where we were on equal terms (sigh... misery can love company) and provided even more possibilities of bonding.  He will be missed.

I can't help but compare his life to that of my husband's sister.  Although she has attended church all of her life (and never misses an opportunity to be there), her heart is filled with hatred and venom against her parents and me.  It has come to the point now where we had to let her know she was no longer welcome in our home.  We realized her own decisions and actions had made it necessary to limit even phone contact with my husband... for the sake of his own mental and emotional health.

Knowing she is Aspergers, we have tried to give her leeway but her meltdowns have become more serious and the threat of physical injury (to moi') is increasing.  The seeds of bitterness were planted early and have grown since her parents passed away in the 1990's.  As for me... it has always bewildered me that she has such an intense hatred when we have never spent much time together.

However, my in-laws were very critical people who often spoke against me (as well as just about everyone else in their life... including their own children).  Those words planted seeds of bitterness toward them and the people they talked about (including me) in my sister-in-law.  My husband has suffered from emotional difficulties and his brother found his own way to deal with a critical childhood... words can hurt in such a way as to affect generations long after they were spoken.

Just yesterday he started shouting at me and became very angry when I was talking to him and I had to remind him that I was not his father (I wish I had a nickel for every time the children and I have had to tell him that).  Thankfully, he has changed a great deal over the years and such outbursts have become rare but it has taken hours upon hours upon hours of absorbing God's Word and prayer.

I don't know if you heard what Brit Hume recommended to Tiger Woods on Fox News Sunday last week.  I just about fell off the sofa when he said it and I have heard it has been replayed (and mocked) on other news shows.  He said that Tiger should accept Christ as only He can offer the forgiveness and change he must have in his life.  (I believe Brit is Catholic and has said he came into a deeper relationship with Jesus after his son committed suicide.)

But it is true and I've seen changes in people whom I would never have expected to ever change.  So, there is hope for my husband's sister. 

Isn't it sad that someone can spend a lifetime in church and never truly understand what it means to have a relationship with Jesus?