Static cling or dry air?

We have been busy, no, I have been busy taking advantage of Chris' free time before classes started this past week. So I haven't been posting our events and how God is working in our lives.

The weather here in eastern Ohio is the coldest I've been in, and our dogs. So you be the judge: Is is static cling or dry air? or both?

She is so innocent it's precious. I was laughing hysterically when I walked around from the kitchen and saw Sasha just standing there. What a hoot! God had a great sense of humor when he created the dry air.

Hence, I bought a Vornado humidifier for our house. I know, a tad on the expensive side but from all the comments and reviews, this one is the most cost effective in the long run. Now, I thank God for helping us create humidifier's.

~God's peace be with you

Dee

Merry Christmas

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you today and through the coming year!

~Dee

What a hoot! Yes I was having a lot of fun.
Our first snowman together!

Ember Days

Last year I learned about an old Christian tradition called Ember days. Here is a description of it from Farmers Alamanac:

"Ember Days
Definition: The Almanac traditionally marks the four periods formerly observed by the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches for prayer, fasting, and the ordination of clergy. These Ember Days are the Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays that follow in succession after (1) the First Sunday in Lent; (2) Whitsunday–Pentecost; (3) the Feast of the Holy Cross, September 14; and (4) the Feast of St. Lucia, December 13. The word ember is perhaps a corruption of the Latin quatuor tempora, "four times." Folklore has it that the weather on each of the three days foretells the weather for three successive months; that is, for September’s Ember Days, Wednesday forecasts weather for October, Friday for November, and Saturday for December."

And this explanation:

"These times are spent fasting and in penance and with the intentions of thanking God for the gifts He gives us in nature and beseeching Him for the discipline to use them in moderation.

The fasts, known as "Jejunia quatuor temporum," or "the fast of the four seasons," are rooted in Old Testament practices of fasting four times a year:

Zacharias 8:19: Thus saith the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Juda, joy, and gladness, and great solemnities: only love ye truth and peace.

Our Israelite ancestors once fasted weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but Christians changed the fast days to Wednesdays (the day on which Christ was betrayed) and Fridays (the day on which He was crucified). The weekly two day fasts were later amended in the Roman Church to keeping only Fridays as penitential days, but during Embertides, the older, two-day fasts are restored. Saturdays (the day He was entombed) were added to these Ember times of fasting and are seen as a sort of culmination of the Ember Days. Interestingly, the story of Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago's escape from King Nabuchodonosor's fiery furnace with the help of an angel is commemorated on each Saturday of Embertides except that of Whit Embertide, and part of their beautiful hymn of praise follows (Daniel 3:52-56. )




I've tested the folklore and last year and this year has rang true for where I live. Interesting huh?!





So today is the Friday Ember day which, as we know is a day for prayer, fasting and thanksgiving for The Father's gifts to us from nature, and folklore says today may determine February weather. We'll see....





I am grateful for the sun, the food that grows even in the winter, and for lettuce (I'm part bunny... ask any family member!).





God's peace to you ~

Baby it's cold outside!

God is amazing. Yesterday we had a little snow, and this morning (after sunrise) a lot. We can see how white and beautiful it is outside, for as far as you can see.

It is so amazing that all those tiny individual flakes form one big snow pile. It reminds me of us, each of us. God created each of us, individually knitted in our mother's womb. And individually we would melt if we stood on our own, but together...WOW! Together we can move mountains and provide strength for each other. How much stronger are we when we band together with friends or family, whether in crisis or good times. The crisis seems to be eased and the good times seem to be better than if we stood alone, just like a single snow flake. God made us to band together and to bring Him glory. How I am grateful to be His daughter.

This was on the deck, yesterday morning. Goofy dogs! They like to play in this cold weather.
This morning...where did the walkway and driveway go?
Our truck covered in snow...it's still coming down and should be all day.

God's peace to you today~

The gift of a snow dusting

Our porch at 6:30 this morning.

Chris captured this "kodak moment". Now you know what I look like when I'm outside every morning for my prayer time (minus my glasses, I took them off). I put my prayer blanket in the dryer to heat it up, light a candle (so my prayers go all the way to heaven) and inside my blanket is a warm cup of tea that rests on my chest/tummy, my journal and my Bible..and usually a flashlight b/c it's still dark out. My soul just rejoices when I'm outside to give God my first morning time. I love to be outside to start my day with Him.

This morning I went to the kitchen door to feel it and see if it was too cold to do my prayer time with the Lord outside. As I struggled to focus I saw white. Everywhere. In my excitement I went outside with my tea and started praising the Lord for such beauty. Yes it was cold, but the crisp white all on our porch, grill, roof tops and such was so white that it made me feel excited inside.

I grew so thankful and started telling the Lord about all that I was thankful for about the snow. It made me feel like the white and newness of a new season, how fitting for the day after Thanksgiving.

I decided to throw my "prayer blanket" in the dryer and sit outside anyways. Talk about distracting!!! I was telling God, how can I possibly pray or read my Bible with such beautiful snowflakes that were falling. Some landed on my prayer blanket, and some on my Bible pages or journal pages - which ever I had opened - and I was in awe at their beauty.

Each flake is so individual...like us. Some fell in two's, some single, some were so tiny that I could barely make out the middle of them. It was so exciting to see God's majesty working right in front of me. As I looked on the patio table I could see how they were piling up to make the snow. How awesome our Lord is!

And I'm thankful for a warm home to come inside to.

God's peace~

Being Thankful

I hope you all found something to be thankful for yesterday. The Lord is good and even in the rough spots, I have many things to be thankful for.

Yesterday we had a FEAST!! And the best part was I decided to make it more about family and friends, rather than the "fancy" stuff I've grown up with. Every year my mom would set out her best china and linens, for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I had started that because that is all I have known. The Lord is teaching me other things are more important. The love shared between family and friends, or just some hungry college students looking for a warm meal LOL!

I started to just do plastic & paper thanksgiving stuff, and decided at the last minute, not acceptable to me. I don't do the whole china thing, we used our everyday dishes. But I did bring out the good silver (I don't have service for that many in my everyday one's) and combined it with some Thanksgiving paper cups. It was an ecletic grouping, but it was me. We had food EVERYWHERE! I had to clear off the top to my desk in the corner of the dinning room to fit everything. It worked well. The big hit seemed to be the spiced apple cider in the crock.

Our menu:
Organic Turkey (yep, I pd the bucks for it but for our health it's worth it.)
Mashed potatoes
Sweet potato cassarole with peaches and a brown sugar/pecan mixture
Dee's sweet potato cassarole (no sugar no peaches)
Cranberry sauce (brought by two of the young men that came)
Dee's cranberry sauce (sweetened with -not enough- honey LOL)
Green been cassarole
Green beans
Corn w/ butter
Rolls
Stuffing

and when it was all said and done:
Pecan pie
Pumpkin pie
Apple pie
and ice cream

I had some tea and a pumpkin pie version I tried. After 2 bites it was a goner, yuck. So out came my trusty and tastey Baked Spiced Walnut cookies.

All 5 left with a plate of leftovers and a pie. Except the turkey. I can use that for soups and stews.

I wish you all God's peace during this season.

It's snowing..it's snowing!!!

I just took this picture, it is facing our neighbors property, but you can see the snowflakes against the wood better. (click on the pic to see them).

It's neat because this is my first time living in a place that it snows. I've been skiing before, for the day, but never lived in it. How exciting...it's snowing. It's 34 ish outside and the fall leaves are still on the ground...with snow.

Yesterday a student on the campus said it usually snows by the end of October so this is really late for cold weather, wait until January..

How is it where you are? Are you finally getting cold weather?


God's peace to you today...

Sunday Supper

Last Sunday Danielle brought a few friends for supper. I enjoyed everyone's company and most of all, providing a homecooked meal for college students. No one is dating anyone here, they are all friends. How cool is that! A "bene" I get is the hugs when they leave.

For supper we had Rotisserie chicken (organic) with Lemon Pepper seasoning, oven roasted, chopped red potatoes and organic sweet potatoes seasoned with Butt Rub, steamed broccoli with bacon, rolls and to top it off they got to have Dutch apple pie a'la mode. I had my tastey walnut cookies and tea.

It was good to hear "oh my stomach is so full." Thanksgiving is next. I'm excited.

My morning view

Each morning after we get up, the bed is made and blinds opened. Yesterday we awoke to this beautiful site. We have been watching our Maple tree slowly turning colors, then it seems overnight this magnificant color display was what we saw when we opened the blinds. God is amazing. How does He do that?! I just stood there in awe again this morning. How can it be so bright? How amazing. Gee, my first fall and I'm already gazing out the window at this lovely tree wondering what it will be like to see the first buds of green in the Spring.

Snow flurries already?

I don't have a picture for you because it woudn't have turned out, but we had snow flurries yesterday! Right here where I live! I am excited yet already counting the months. The wind was VERY cold and I couldn't wait to get back home to some heat. We are looking into a wood burning insert since all we have is gas right now.

This is my first "winter" and I'm excited (nervous too). I don't know a lick about winters up here, just in the desert and in the south. The humidity in GA always made winter miserable, but winter lasts about 2-3 months down there. I spoke to a student on the campus this morning (went for my morning gym workout) and he said last year they had 19 days straight of snow, and 4 mths of weather below 50 degrees. FOUR MONTHS. Ok Ang, now would be a good time for "how to keep warm while running errands" tips.

Our silly Boxers

Molly, our oldest boxer, using Koda as a chin rest. They were watching Dad as he was getting ready to leave for class. My two snuggle bugs! Thought the pic was cute and wanted to share.

God's peace to you~

A weekend getaway

This bush is one of those amazing creations by our Father. The intensity of red was almost blinding. In the center of the bush it was still green. Amazing!
C and me by the pond.
Right around the corner from where we were standing were this hydrangia's. C took this beautiful picture.
Weeeee! (All while I'm thinking OH MY GOODNESS! Is he CRAZY!)
The hills as we left. So beautiful what God can create. I'm always in awe.

Last weekend my husband and I went to a convention, the chose Antiochian Village for the site. It was so beautiful with all the fall colors, VERY cold since the wind was blowing most of the weekend. Late Saturday I ditched a workshop and rescued C from spanish studies (LOL) and we went for a walk around the grounds. How beautiful, the garden area, the pond with the swans. Then hubby decides to get his blood pumping and takes off running as fast as he can up this hill to a football field. As he disappears from my sight (I'm not that crazy to go to!) I knew he would be coming back down so I got the camera ready. Thinking he would be standing there and it would be a cool picture, no. He runs and JUMPS off the hill and comes running down as fast as his feet would go. I stood in amazement. I never knew a man's feet could go THAT quickly to prevent him from tumbling. So here is a few pic's from the weekend. I am recovering today from serious food poisoning, joy! Rice, red raspberry tea, and GSE to kill the bugger! Oh, hubby keeps touting "water! you need water!" So tea time all day today!



God's peace,

Dee

Finally Fall

Just across the river from us going into West Virginia.
We are driving in WV and I loved the red in these trees.
This is the view from my kitchen.

I have been so excited for fall and it has finally arrived this week, and I fear will be gone by the end of the weekend the way the leaves are falling. I've taken a couple of pics to share. I have one more I hope to get tomorrow. Enjoy!

Sisters

I didn't grow up with siblings but have always wanted brothers and sisters. I do have half brothers and sisters and one of them sent me this lovely card and daily calendar about sisters. Kelley is her name, and I wish her God's peace. She is so loving and sweet, and thoughtful. I love you Kelley. Thanks for loving me too!

Grain free bread

People always ask "what do you EAT!?" when they find out I don't eat dairy, wheat or sugar and right now it's all grains in general. Protein, vegies (lots and lots...hubby calls me a bunny rabbit) some beans and some potatoes, lots of nuts. So, I have to get creative. A friend back in GA eats very similar so we shared recipes and she gave me her "bread" recipe made from almond flour. It's just ground almonds, and oh so tasty!

The bottom pic is my "waffle" made with ground almonds and as usual, cinnamon with a touch of Earth Balance butter, yum! You have never seen a girl so delighted over a waffle before.

See, I do eat. A lot!

God's peace~

Basketry Artist?

One of my talents is weaving baskets. One that I have often put on the back burner because there is always something else that needs done. For the past couple weeks, the Lord has put weaving back on my heart...and everytime I turn around there is something literally in front of me to keep the ball rolling so I can start weaving. If nothing else, just for me.

Since hubby is very busy with school and work and my step-daughter is moved out and living on campus, I don't have much for me. I enjoy doing things with friends, but new location and I'm not one to rush out and make new friends quickly. Sooo, I love the idea of weaving and selling them at winter craft shows. This is so exciting because I've had great ideas about weaving in unusual things like turquoise pieces. I tried to make it a business years ago and got caught up in the paperwork and never really got to weave. This time, weaving first...one basket at a time. The rest will happen if the Lord wills it. I'm just finding something to give me a creative outlet and consume my time since I stink at housekeeping! (being honest here) To much time on my hands causes much upheaval.

Selling at craft shows is not new to me. When we lived overseas I sewed small quilts, dolls, bunnies and misc. craft things and sold them at various craft shows at all the bases on the island. That was so much fun, though hubby came in from work one day and asked if he could paste a picture of him in front of my sewing machine so I wouldn't forget him! Ouch! Needless to say I've had to learn balance.

God's peace~
Dee

God's calling

I haven't ever posted a link to something like this, but I sat here and tears just flowed. I wonder how many of you can relate to this. I can.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5&page=1&viewtype=&category=tf

God's peace~

Time Out!

So I don't normally post deep things about me, but lately I have felt the desire. I'm not one to put myself out there so everyone knows "me".

As I journaled the other day I was exploring the thought: What I like, who I am, and what my values are. Every so many months it's good to evaluate this to keep me from being "all over the place", LOL!

Here's what I came up with.

What I like:
~early mornings outside with God
~Hugs
~critters
~having knowlegde of herbs and wisdom to help health
~making tasty meals - not in haste (except tonight ;-)
~having tea w/ a friend
~comfort
~stars at night
~sunrise in the morning
~roughin' it - as long as I can boil water to wash my hair!
~camping
~country dancing
~painting/drawing/colors
~basket weaving
~junkin' (flea markets, etc)
~using & growing herbs
~Antique shopping
~Sunday drivews in the country
~hometown, small, restaurants w/homemade food
~old, paid for vehicles
~organizing
~being
~an active member of Al-Anon
~grateful for Serenity when I Live and Let Live
~country at heart
~long skirts,boots, and a crisp white shirt & my hair tied back w/ a pc. of leather
~4x4 ing in the desert

Who I am
~a good woman
~a child of God
~a person that believes strongly in the motto "tread lightly" whether in recycle or clean up after yourself better than before you came (a Girl Scout thing.)
~an aspiring gardner
~someone who does not tolerate lying
~a daughter of an alcoholic
~a true believer
~a camelion- I can get along with every walk of life person
~a canary...ugh!!
~an avid - support the farmer's and local sml town store's first - before the big chains - even if I have to spend a bit more.
~a jeans & boots girl at heart - even though I'm trying to convert to skirts most of the time.

What I value:
~an honest relationship
~being treated like a person instead of the "stuff" on the bottom of your shoe
~true love - God's love
~To Thine Ownself Be True
~The principles & steps, Traditions of Al-Anon
~the fact that the Bible tells us that God gave us herbs for man's use
~quality time
~quiet space
~uncluttered living space
~time to write & journal & discover who I am :-)


Tag! If you are reading this consider yourself tagged, and if you don't have a blog...BJ, you can still post in the comments. Hugs!

God's peace to you on your journey today!

Sunday Hike

This is the bottom of a tree stump, Cool huh! God is so creative.
Ah, the road ahead, we don't know what's down there but with God there is nothing to fear.
A creek filled with tiny fish.

My man!
Me, feeling odd that hubby was taking my pic. I'm always the picture taker.
Isn't this just amazing! The color was so neat.
We saw several little hairy critters like this.

Praise God! My health is good and I'm on a mission!

I have dreamed of hiking with my husband since we got married, though since we've moved so much and I was sick for several years the opportunity was never good. SO...last Sunday we went for our first hike. I am so excited I could bounce right out of my seat as I type.

We drove to Raccoon Creek State Park and I spoke to a ranger for a good starting point. They have 17 trails ranging from .3 miles to 20 miles. Whoa! guess what my 1st goal is! My ultimate goal is to hike, even just a few miles, the Applacian Trail. Then see some of the country my hubby grew up hiking in southern Colorado.

So now I'm looking into good hiking boots and a day backpack I can start carrying empty. This way I can build up stamina. Also I'm looking for snacks etc that don't have to be cooked. Anyone have ideas or suggestions? No dairy, wheat, soy or sugar. Yep it's a challenge, but God gives us challenges to continue to grow and seek His wisdom and guidance.

Isn't this exciting. You should have heard the bugs and the birds. Oh and the chipmonks! The gravel under my feet. The wind in the pine trees. I was thanking God for every step, even the one's where my behind burned from walking up hills. I was still walking, and outside.

I am so grateful Lord, for having my active life back. I cherish my health and my life, thank you!

We have another wonderful addition

Tina, Danielle, and Mia, full of giggles!

I'm a bit behind in my post's, but that happens when you are still settling after a move. My kitchen is almost done though!

Last Sunday Danielle and Tina (Danielle's friend) came home for Sunday supper and brought a new guest. Her name is Mia. The girls are so great. We love to have them. Chris and I are already planning a big Thanksgiving for several, not all :-} , students. I think I'm learning what one of the reason's God has put me here. I know Chris is going to college, and so is Danielle, but I can provide a loving home with good homemade food for some of the students. It seems that this is a ministry I can do, and I enjoy it. (I also enjoy that they clean the kitchen after, lol)





Thanksgiving plans are already in the works. I'm on the hunt for a fairly large hormone free turkey since we are expecting more then a handful of students who aren't going home. Some have offered to bring a dish, there's a kitchen in the dorms, and I plan on taking advantage of that so I'm not cooking all day.





You know, I had an epiphany last Sunday after supper. When I was young I've always wanted a lot of kids so I could have big holiday suppers. You know, the kind where people are everywhere and it's crazy...but only for the day. Well, I've wanted that even when I got married and years later when we found out I couldn't have children I felt my dream was shattered. I am grateful to have raised 2 step-daughters, but no big family in the line up for me. Here in Ohio, I have been blessed with the opportunity to have my big "family" holidays. We can open our home to students whose families are too far away. What a blessing from God. He is so good to me, and I sit humbly at His feet...in service and in gratitude.





God's peace~