Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen!




Emma is sixteen today!
She delights in getting older! She has so much to look forward to; independence, new experiences, fashion, fun!

I know hardship builds character...but I won't wish that for her.
(Character building comes without wishing)

I wish for her carefree days, true friends, family-love, deep faith and interesting adventures.

And laughter. Lots of laughter.

_________

I remember being sixteen...very well.
Life was not carefree for me anymore...but I had everything else!

faith...family...fun...

These are the things that helped me weather the hardships along the way.
All three of them.
Without faith...well, forget it.
Without family...loneliness...
Without fun...dreary my deary.

A cheerful heart is good medicine...
Proverbs 17:22

So party on dudes! Be excellent to one another :o)

Celebrate! (good times, common)

And Cathy R. if you happen to read this, my childhood friend...Happy Birthday to you too, sweetie :o)

Donna (Mom)

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, pointing me to scriptures and helping me understand the wonder, beauty and power of prayer.

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity."
Albert Einstein

"We cannot all argue, but we can all pray; we cannot all be leaders but we can all be pleaders; we cannot all be mighty in rhetoric, but we can all be prevalent in prayer. I would sooner see you eloquent with God than with men."
Spurgeon

"Avail yourself of the greatest privilege this side of heaven. Jesus Christ died to make this communion and communication with the Father possible." Billy Graham

___________


Emma is taking the ACT in a few weeks. She has been working her way through two ACT Prep books for the last month. Last night I sat down with her to read through the practice test in the back.

My how things have changed.

I thought it would be super easy. Especially the English portions. Emma (and I ) have been studying grammar for years!!!
These questions were tough. Well more tricky than tough.

I'm glad we have the sample tests. I think they will prove very helpful.
It is all new to Emma so she doesn't think they are strange.

AND I only took the ACT once, oh-say, over 30 years ago :o)

******

Ah...the hoops...the hoops one must jump through to go on to college

Turns my stomach, in good ways and bad, all at the same time.

"Well, excited and scared."

(Obscure song quotes pop into my head...isn't there always a song?)


Good thing Emma is the mellow one :o)
I don't think I have ever seen her flustered.

She did not get that from me!

*****

Still have questions about why Terri Schiavo's loved ones are fighting for her life?
Visit Julie D. and read her informative, compassionate Q & A.

*******

If you want to talk about The Amazing Race...bring it on!
We thoroughly enjoyed it!

Encourage on another,
Donna

Why Bother to Pray by Elisabeth Elliot

If God is sovereign, and things will be as they are going to be anyway, why bother to pray? There are several reasons. The first is really all we need to know: God has told us to pray. It is a commandment, and if we love Him, we obey His commands.

Second, Jesus prayed. People sometimes say that the only reason for prayer is that we need to be changed. Certainly we do, but that is not the only reason to pray. Jesus did not need to be changed or made more holy by praying. He was communing with His Father. He asked for things. He thanked God. In His Gethsemane prayer, He besought His Father to prevent what was about to take place. He also laid down His own will.

Third, prayer is a law of the universe. God ordained that certain physical laws should govern the operation of this world. Books simply will not stay put on a table without the operation of the law of gravity. There are spiritual laws as well. Certain things will not happen without the operation of prayer. Everything we pray for could occur in the same way, but that is not how things were arranged.

Keep A Quiet Heart.

"Certain things will not happen without the operation of prayer."

Would you like to share with me what you think Elisabeth means by this. I have a few ideas, but I don't quiet know how far to take this idea.

The old 'God is in control. We have no control' is making that statement difficult for me to grasp.

I pray for healing for others every day. But I don't believe that their healing hinges on my prayers (alone). I view it more as a humble request.

I can see how prayer changes me and motivates me to action. That I can understand.

I'm sure there is a scripture that backs this statement up, but I just can't think of one right now. Can you think of one?

It is an interesting premise anyway. What do you think?

Pray for one another :o)
Donna

What is it with photographing your own children.

Well...at least my children.

They can not all look good in the same picture.

I took a bunch of photos over the weekend and not one of them is nice of all four of the kids. I have a digital camera so I know they are not turning out...but they will not tolerate the photo line up, over and over again!

And bless Emma.
She had to try three times before her Easter outfit was okayed by the fashion police.

First, the skirt was too short.
Second, dad says no to the jean skirt. Wear a khaki one instead.
Third one was a winner.

We are the wrench in her fashion expression.

But it did cheer her up to get to pull a pretty purple sweater out of the birthday stash. A few days early.


Can't you smile Matthew?



There that's better :o)
Be always coming home boys!
I love you!

Katie's dress is an extreme hand-me-down. It is a Florence Eiseman worn by her cousins Ellie, Bridget, Dani, Sydney, sister Emma...and now Katie. It looks brand new and is one of my favorite dresses. This dress will see another generation.
(Florence Eiseman is a dress designer that started selling her things to Marshall Fields over 50 years ago. We wore Florence Eiseman as little girls. They happen to make them in Wisconsin so I have been to the fabulous factory sale many times.)

________________

I have walked everyday.
My calves (the part up by the back of my knees) are sore. I don't think that part of my body has ever been sore before.
And the little muscle right above my elbows is sore.
I am finding muscles that have not been flexed in a long time with my weight training.
A good thing.

__________

We are heading up North for a funeral in Green Bay this afternoon.
My sister-in-law's beloved mother died last week.
Mabel was a true matriarch. And will be sorely missed.
SIL, Susan, will appreciate the support of her family.

_____________

Hope you all had a great Easter weekend!

Encourage one another,
Donna

Happy Easter




He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Matthew 28:6


He is risen!

Many of you know how much I love Jeopardy.
I watch it daily. I play with daily.
With a pen and paper.

I am no Ken Jennings. Well no one is, except Ken Jennings.


But I just love it. And I'm pretty good.
I have always thought it would be fun to try out for Jeopardy.
But I wasn't about to travel to do so.

So imagine my surprise when I heard that Jeopardy was having a contestant search right here in Madison. I bravely sent in a request for a try-out.

A month went by and I figured they had chosen their contestants. And I wasn't one of them.

Then on Thursday just after Patrick Jr. and I finished up playing Jeopardy, I remembered to tell him that I had applied to be a contestant.
Just as I said, I haven't heard from Jeopardy.

Emma says, "Mom you just got an email from Jeopardy."
Really!

There is was. My golden ticket.

I have an appointment on April 22 to try out for Jeopardy.
No kidding.

How am I going to lose 50 pounds in one month? is my first thought.
My second thought is, if I pass the test(which is unlikely)
and if I am on the show (unlikely) and end up in third place with little or no money (likely) I will be the first person to cry on Jeopardy?

It's a risk.
It's exciting.

It's Jeopardy!!!




Felted Buttonhole bags!
Cute, easy, fabulous.
If I do say so myself :o)


Just right for a wallet, sunglasses and your gameboy.



Unfelted.



Janice and Janet will celebrate their birthday tomorrow.
Janice gets pink and green, Janet gets red and pink.

I found the pattern at Whimsy.
She found the pattern at Mason-Dixon knitting.

Isn't the internet grand?

I'm off to read the Encyclopedia.

Not.

Encourage one another,
Donna

Easter Friday Five

When we were little our mother made holidays very special.
For Easter we all dressed up with pretty dresses, white hats and white gloves.
We had an Easter egg hunt around the house and nice big Easter baskets.
We went to church and afterward had a big meal with the relatives.
It was very Norman Rockwell.

I think tradition makes memories. Those things that are repeated seem to stick.
I happen to like church tradition too.

In the church we attended during my Jr. High and High School years the Easter Service was extremely moving. The service was begun with a huge choir, in white robes, coming in from the back of the church and filing in on all sides, slowing walking to the front and singing.

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

(Try not to cry)

I would look forward to this tradition each year.
I wonder if they still do it.

I also like repeating the creeds and hearing the same verses from the pulpit.
Elisabeth Elliot says that with children at least you should stick with the same Bible when teaching and memorizing verses. Makes good sense.

I do like reading from my NASB Bible. But I sure like hearing the King James of my youth. It just sounds right.

Friday Five: The Easter Edition

1. Do you have a fond Easter memory from childhood?
2. What is your favorite Easter Hymn?
3. What is your favorite part of the Easter service?
4. What will you serve for Easter dinner?
5. What will be in the Easter baskets?

This, Good Friday, is the most solemn day of remembering in the Christian church.
But we have the good fortune of knowing that Easter is coming.
And Easter is a day for great rejoicing.

Good Friday has always challenged merely human goodness. Its sad commemoration reminds us that in the face of sin, our goodness avails nothing. Only One is good enough to save us. That he did so is cause indeed for celebration.
Chris Armstrong

Encourage one another,
Donna

I did a few of the lifting sets while I watched Survivor last night.
It was kinda fun. But I only have five pound weights and my goodness did I feel it.
I had to rest my arms before I could knit!



Koigu scarf.
Love the yarn!

This pattern suggests that you change the color every four rows. I think there is enough going on with just one color.
As you can see, the scarf does not lie flat.
I will finally have to learn to block.
Oh I hope it turns out!

________

The boys are coming home today.(Patrick, 22, and Matthew, 20.)
I can't wait to see them!
I plan on making potato soup, lasagna, and a turkey this weekend.
These are their favorites and I sure like to prepare something special for them :o)
I also will make peanut butter-butterscotch rice-krispie treats.
Everybody loves these.

___________

Going out to a planning lunch today with some very nice moms.
We are planning a mother-daughter luncheon.
Kris is doing everything...and I just give my opinion.
Not too tough....
for me.

____________

And in the midst of all of this I will supervise Emma's classes and hopefully get my tushie out the door for a little walk around the block :o)

Life is full and it sure is good!

Encourage one another,
Donna

Weight Training

So...I've been told weight training is a great way to get in shape.

Camy recommends weight training. (Before having many children, Camy was a personal trainer.)

Now I don't know why I have completely blocked this out of my mind. Before I had children and when I was pregnant with Patrick Jr. I went to a gym and did aerobics and did the Nautilus machines...every day.

I was in very good shape.

But it is all a blur now.

So when Camy said, start lifting weights.
I thought, really...lifting weights?

But deep down I know she is right.

So I borrowed two Joyce Vedral books from the library. Camy says that Joyce is right on target with her instruction.

I looked it over last night and I like the idea of 30 minutes every other day.
The sets look very easy and do-able. I just need a set of three pound weights and I will be all set.

Now...about her leotards...very 80's....yikes.

I like the fact that she is even older than me.

But I sure hope I can get over that leotard.

Any of you lift weights...in your home, at a gym?

Success stories please.

Encourage one another,
Donna

Snoop Patrol: Life in Verona

1. One thing on your nightstand? The Glucose Revolution

2. One thing on a wall in your living room? Watercolor of Trillium

3. Three things we would find in your medicine cabinet? Toothbrushes, Q-tips, Colgate

4. Do your dirty dishes go in the sink or dishwasher? Dishwasher

5. Maker of your everyday dinnerware? Dansk and tupperware

6. Maker of your fine china? Wedgwood Wild Strawberries

7. If you had to save one “thing” from your home, what would it be? Photos.

8. Color your living room sofa? tan, purple, pink, green.

9. What reading material would we find in your bathroom? Sports Illustrated, All sorts of computer magazines, Cottage Living, catalogs.

10. Most embarassing thing in your home that you hide when guests come over?
Socks! They're everywhere!

Hat tip to the Summa Mamas





Don't you love it when the little ones dress themselves?

I asked Katie to pick out something clean and cute for a little get together we went to yesterday.

What a cute sense of style!

I shared my new lipstick with her. Pink Beach :o)


And a wonderful quote for today;

I believe there is nothing lovelier, deeper, more sympathetic, and more perfect than the Savior; there is in the world only one figure of absolute beauty: Christ.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Remaining hopeful, trusting in God's promises, continuing to pray,
Donna

Per your request: The couch of many colors :o)

Sleeping

Okay, what's going on here.
Both of the girls are still asleep. It's 8:30.
I expect this of Emma, but not Katie Gracie.

I slept a little late too due to the fact that I was up watching the vote on Terri's bill last night.

I would usually be against more government in our lives.
But when an innocent person's life is at stake.
I choose life over the rule of law.
Sorry.

Just like The Practice. Patrick and I would watch that show last year and we would just be furious. Alright, I would be all worked up and furious...
Typically an axe murderer gets away with murder and goes out to murder again.
The lawyers have the goods on the bad guy...but can't tell because of the axe murderer's legal rights.
Gurrrrr.

I would make a terrible lawyer because I have too much common sense and compassion. And doing the right thing does not always line up with the laws of our great land.
I would be fired and disbarred.

Bummer.

So we have another answer to prayer. A wonderful answer to prayer.
Thank you Lord.
Terri will not be starved to death.

___________

Also on my mind;

Thoughts on living simply @ Dry Creek Chronicles
Family, Business, Farming @ Interview with an Organic Farmer
Funny Knitting blog @ Knit and Tonic
The Fruit of the Spirit

The girls are up now!
Time to get to work ;o)

Encourage one another,
Donna

Palm Sunday



Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!

When I was young I loved getting a palm branch on Palm Sunday.
I still do.

I like having this visual reminder in our home.

Hosanna in the highest!

Knitters field trip

The clever ladies at Flying Fingers knitting store have thought up a very fun idea. They shuttle knitters from NYC out to their shop in the burbs...for free.
Check it out!Yarn Bus
Hat tip to Alison

Recipes

Perhaps I didn't make myself clear...you were suppose list recipe's that you make.
And if you guys make all of that complicated stuff, well...wow.

Actually I don't care that you just listed your favorite things to eat.

That's fun too!!!

Sandy sent her favorite appetizer recipe! Thank you Sandy!

Here's my favorite appetizer recipe:

Taco Turkey Tortilla Pinwheels


8 Burrito-size flour tortillas
8 ounces sour cream
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 pound deli turkey sliced thin
8 ounces finely shredded Mexican blend cheese

Mix taco seasoning mix and sour cream. Spread evenly over 8 tortillas. Top
with turkey and cheese. Roll up each tortilla tightly into a log.
Refrigerate logs for an hour, or until a few minutes before serving. Slice
each log into 8 equal slices. Enjoy!

My Red Velvet Cake

I received this recipe from Mrs. Jeffery in 1980.




It is my son Patrick's favorite cake! The frosting is time consuming but it is the most delicious frosting in the world! I kid you not!

And I know frosting.

Red Cake

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 T. cocoa
2 oz. red food coloring
1 t. vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream shortening and sugar well, add eggs. Cream until fluffy.

Make paste with cocoa and food coloring-add to mixture.
(I use one oz. red food coloring and fill up the same bottle with water for the second ounce :o)

Mix vanilla/salt with buttermilk. Add to mixture alternately with flour.
(Start and end with flour)

Mix soda and vinegar and fold into the batter.
Do not beat.

Bake 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Frosting for Red Cake

5 Tablespoons flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cook 5 T. flour and 1 cup milk over a low flame-stirring constantly- cool.
Cream 1 cup butter add 1 cup sugar and 1 t. vanilla.
Add cold flour mixture.
Beat this on high for 15 minutes.
Stop and scrap every five minutes.

It will look like whipped cream.

Perfection!

___________

Ya know what was really fun about asking for favorites?
I now know exactly what my Patrick would love to eat!
Potato soup is on the menu on Easter weekend!

Perhaps I will have everyone fill out a favorites list :o)

Encourage one another...and thank you for the fantastic comments!

Friday Food....um... Friday Five

Share with us your favorite recipes.

1. Favorite appetizer
2. Favorite salad
3. Favorite soup
4. Favorite casserole
5. Favorite dessert

If you would like send one of your favorites by email or write out in the comment box, I will post it on the blog tomorrow.

1. Longaberger Chicken Salad (I can't think of an appetizer)
2. Mandarin Salad from the Betty Crocker Cookbook (see below)
3. Potato Soup ( see Recipe's I have known and loved)
4. Lasagna (this is my husband's favorite meal)
5. Red Velvet Cake


Mandarin Salad by Miz Crocker

1/4 C sliced almonds
1T + 1 tsp sugar
1/4 head lettuce
1/4 bunch romaine
1 C celery chopped
2 green onions thinly sliced
11 oz can mandarin oranges, packed in juice

Sweet and Sour dressing;

1/2 C oil
4 T sugar
4 T vinegar
2 T snipped parsley
1 tsp salt
Dash pepper

Cook almonds and sugar over low heat, stir until sugar is melted. Careful not to burn. Cool and break the almonds apart. Set aside.
Place lettuce/romaine celery and onions in a plastic bag. Pour in dressing and orange segments and shake, shake, shake,....shake, shake, shake,...shake your salad,
shake your salad, yeah.
Add almonds. Serve.

I'll bet most of you have had that salad...a long time ago and forgot how good it is! Right?

I'll share the Red Velvet cake recipe soon. If I get some recipes to post I'll add my cake to the list. If I don't get any recipes to share, I give you the cake recipe anyway :o)

I'll be here...shaking my salad and singing with KC and the Sunshine band...

Trying to keep my spirits up...in snowy, cold, Wisconsin.
Donna

Make it stop!

Little Katie Gracie grinds her teeth so loud I can hear it across the hall...with the door closed!
She is wearing them down.

What's a mother to do?

________________


And just for fun...

Famous Redheads

Eric the Red, Vincent Van Gogh, William Blake, Maureen O'Hara, George Bernard Shaw Wilma Flintstone, Pippi Longstocking, Cleopatra, Christopher Columbus, Emily Dickinson, William Shakespeare, Carol Burnett, D.H. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Anne of Green Gables, Mary Queen of Scots, Spencer Tracy, Pebbles Flintstone, Bette Davis, Thomas Jefferson, William the Conqueror, Greer Garson, George Washington, John Glenn, Galileo, Sarah Bernhardt, Lucille Ball, Red Buttons, Arthur Godfrey, Stan Laurel, Conan O'Brien, Queen Elizabeth I, Sarah Ferguson, Henry II, Howdy Doody, Henry VIII , Susan Sarandon, Sinclair Lewis, James Cagney, Queen Victoria, Mark Twain, Woody Allen , Raggedy Ann & Abdy, Susan Hayward, Danny Kaye, Christopher Columbus, Katherine Hepburn, Ron Howard, Clifford, Deborah Kerr, Shirley MacLaine, Lord Byron, Bette Midler, Marilyn Monroe, Robert Redford, Julia Roberts, Ginger Rogers, Red Skelton, Spencer Tracy, Jack Warden, Ezra Pound, Rita Hayworth, Nichole Kidman, The Judds, Reba McEntire, ,Molly Ringwald, Ann Margret, Bonnie Rait, Alexander The Great, Eric Stoltz, William H. Macy, Julianne Moore, Captain Miles Standish of the Mayflower, Charlemagne,

Patrick Sr., Patrick Jr., Emma and Katie.
Our mother, Grandpa Hansen
Janet's Hannah.

Matthew and I do not think we have red hair...but some people see it.

My mother was hoping for a little red-headed child. In my baby book under haircolor, she has written reddish-brown.

Gee, I wish she had seen all of her red-headed grandchildren!

I actually hope heaven is like that....that you can look down and see things.

Ah well...

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.


Happy St. Patrick's Day to one and all.
Donna

I'm still knitting :o)




I have had great success with some of my knitting projects lately.
And I have had moments when I felt like I was back in algebra class.
My favorite project is not even shown. But it will have it's reveal soon. Like March 27th.

The gorgeous baby blue Angora was purchased for baby booties for baby Josiah.
The pattern is in the book Last Minute Knitted Gifts. They are beautiful booties.
I can not figure out the pattern. At all.
I hope Teri or Corrine can help me next time we get together to knit.

The wash cloths are for Betty. Two more to go and they are headed for Colorado!

The little tiny blue and green thingy is my attempt to make a baby tube sock. I am almost done with the second one. The yarn I am using is really cool!
It is called Cascade Fixation and is 99% soft cotton and 1% elastic. Therefore it is stretchy cotton yarn! Soft and stretchy cotton yarn is like the holy grail of cotton yarn! It's a miracle!

The pink is more Cascade Fixation. I am trying to fashion a summer sock.
It would really be great to knit socks...even in the summer. I'm not too keen on knitting wool socks in the summer. But soft, stretchy, cotton socks. Yes, ma'am.

Pictured, also, is the second acorn hat from my heavenly Hello Yarn yarn. This one will go in a hope chest. Next to that is a cell phone cover that needs to be seamed.
If that works out I will take a close up of it and post it.

But first I must buy a big ole tapestry needle so I can weave in all of the ends to all of these projects.

Do you see them all sticking out all over the place?

I lost my big needle.

And fortunately it has not shown up in someone's foot.

And the Sow's Ear is out of them!!! Ugh!

Soon...very soon...

________

Before I go, did anyone watch Nashville Star or The Amazing Race last night?
Both were just great!

We could not have eaten the meat. (four pounds of beef eaten by one person) No one in our family would have done it!
And that clever Rob thinking of a way to get out of it and then convincing the other's to do the same. It was brilliant.

Well, I'm off to meet my day.

Encourage one another,
Donna

Peep



How cute is this little peep?
Very soft.
Very cute.
Very nostalgic.
No sugar.
:o)

************

Sherry at Semicolon has written a fantastic list! Her ideas are really great!

Bored-Nothing to do?

************

Katie and I continue to work our way through the Rod and Staff preschool workbooks.
She likes the cut and paste pages, the matching, and the 'alike/different' pages.

Her mind is sharp.
Her fine motor skills are not as sharp.
Her ability to mimic sign language is uncanny.
She is going to be a good little student :o)

I am really thinking of using Calvert next year for her.
Following Calvert's teacher's manual would get me back into the routine of daily elementary work.
Katie would be fine with anything I choose.
I'm the one who needs a little discipline.
A little restructuring.

I used Calvert eleven years ago when I first started homeschooling and it worked out wonderfully!

I'll let you know.

It's time to start thinking about Emma's classes too. This is a fun time of year. I love the planning.

If you homeschool, what is your favorite part of homeschooling?
Sister Sue and Cindy, what is your favorite part of teaching?

Encourage one another and build each other up,
Donna

p.s. Did you know I sing that in my head every time I type it? I think it is a Donut Man tune.

Mapping

I think I posted one of these maps over a year ago.
Have you filled on out? Pretty cool, huh?
One of my Texas friends, Smock or MamaT, just filled in Texas.
Very funny!




create your own personalized map of the USA
or check out ourFlorida travel guide

Has anyone been to all fifty states?
Would you like to do that?

Of the states I have not visited I would most like to go to Louisiana and Georgia.

_____________

Have you heard of Mind-mapping?

I have forgotten about it. But it can be a very useful tool for you or your children. (Now that I re-read this it is pretty funny that I forgot all about mind-mapping)

It is a way of taking notes with pictures. Like diagramming your thoughts.
The book I read is called Mapping Inner Space.

You may find it here or at your wonderful local library.

I remember my friend taking notes of her husbands sermons in this form.
It's a good tool for the visual learners among us.

____________


The road to better health, physical and spiritual...

I have started keeping a weight-loss journal of sorts.
Mfs's recommendation of The Philosopher's Diet was the nudge I needed. ( I have not gotten the book yet but the quotes she supplied were right on.)
Thank You!

I,I,I...

But that's the thing about changing one's habits... the focus must be on oneself.

I get to eat this bagel...because I am hungry.

In the past I have thought of self control as a bad thing...cause of the word self.
But self control is a fruit of the Spirit!!!

So self-control is a good thing...as long as I am aware that it is a gift of the spirit :o)

I like that!!!

I will pray for self-control.

And then I lost five pounds.
I'm feeling very positive!

The hardest part of getting started is getting started!

Donna

Worth sharing: From the Back to the Bible Devotions Page and elsewhere.

The Just Shall Live by Faith
by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

"The just shall live by faith." (Heb. 10:38).

Seemings and feelings are often substituted for faith. Pleasurable emotions and deep satisfying experiences are part of the Christian life, but they are not all of it. Trials, conflicts, battles and testings lie along the way, and are not to be counted as misfortunes, but rather as part of our necessary discipline.

In all these varying experiences we are to reckon on Christ as dwelling in the heart, regardless of our feelings if we are walking obediently before Him. Here is where many get into trouble; they try to walk by feeling rather than faith.

One of the saints tells us that it seemed as though God had withdrawn Himself from her. His mercy seemed clean gone. For six weeks her desolation lasted, and then the Heavenly Lover seemed to say:

"Catherine, thou hast looked for Me without in the world of sense, but all the while I have been within waiting for thee; meet Me in the inner chamber of thy spirit, for I am there."

Distinguish between the fact of God's presence, and the emotion of the fact. It is a happy thing when the soul seems desolate and deserted, if our faith can say, "I see Thee not. I feel Thee not, but Thou art certainly and graciously here, where I am as I am." Say it again and again: "Thou art here: though the bush does not seem to burn with fire, it does burn. I will take the shoes from off my feet, for the place on which I stand is holy ground." --London Christian

Believe God's word and power more than you believe your own feelings and experiences. Your Rock is Christ, and it is not the Rock which ebbs and flows, but your sea. --Samuel Rutherford

"I see Thee not. I feel Thee not, but Thou art certainly and graciously here, where I am as I am."

And in looking for a definition of faith, I stumbled upon this: Martin Luther's definition of faith.

Faith is a living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of
God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it.
Such confidence and knowledge of God's grace makes you happy,
joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The
Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. Because of it, you
freely, willingly and joyfully do good to everyone, serve
everyone, suffer all kinds of things, love and praise the God who
has shown you such grace. Thus, it is just as impossible to
separate faith and works as it is to separate heat and light from
fire! Therefore, watch out for your own false ideas and guard
against good-for-nothing gossips, who think they're smart enough
to define faith and works, but really are the greatest of fools.
Ask God to work faith in you, or you will remain forever without
faith, no matter what you wish, say or can do.

1Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
--Hebrews 12:1-3


Fixing my eyes on Jesus,
Donna

Goings On

Patrick Jr., twenty two years old, is officially a grown up.

Last night while we talked on the phone I excitedly told him that I bought him a box of thin mints.

He said with pride, "I bought my own!"

Well...how about that?

You didn't know buying Girl Scout cookies was a rite of passage into adulthood, did you?

___________

It's good to know I am still needed by my big boys.
Matthew called last Sunday night from a concert he was at with his friends and brother. But he just had to know...

"What is that song from Valley Girl? We are all wondering."

"Um...Melt with You."

"Oh Right!"

"It's sung by Modern English."

"Okay, Thanks Mom, Bye."

"Bye, have fun!"

I stop the world and melt with you...

I'm still needed. :o)

Melt with You is one of my favorite movie songs. Right up there with In Your Eyes from Say Anything. Good quotes from Say Anything...

"She's gone. She gave me a pen. I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen. "

and

"The world is full of guys. Be a man. Don't be a guy."

_____________

Patrick Sr. and I watched I, Robot last night.
I liked it. Patrick didn't.
Not that the robots were so far-fetched...
Will Smith's super ability to fight off all of the robots, survive car crashes,
all with just a scratch...not at all likely.

I like to be surprised and I didn't have this one all figured out.

The evil robots were creepy, man!



The 60's...BABY.

Livin' life and lovin' it in Wisconsin :o)

Encourage one another,
Donna

P.S. Here is the very fun and exciting Weinermobile that Cindy mentions in the comments.

Your turn to answer these great questions from Bonnie.

1) What is the secret to your happiness?
2) What are your favorite hobbies?
3) What is your earliest childhood memory?
4) What is your favorite life memory?
5) What are you looking forward to most?

(I answered these questions on March 7th)


Here are Katie's answers.

1. Playing with my friends.
2. I love drawing pictures and I love doing school and that's about it.
3. When Sophie had a party and there was a clown.
4. Going to Minocqua and playing with my cousins.
5. Well...I want to make new teenager friends.

Katie + a friend = Happiness

Oh how I wish she had been a twin!






Weeeee......

Katie: I'm a wizard
Me: Run, Katie, Run!

Encourage one another,
Donna

Ten things I have done that most people have not done....meme

1. Bit the cat...cause it bit me first.
2. Attended a Catholic Mass and a Baptist church service on the same morning.
3. Saw Rocky eight times in two weeks.
4. Learned the dances from Grease. Handjive baby!
5. Did a back one and a half on the trampoline.
6. Went to Austria and took the Sound of Music tour. The Hills are alive...
7. Wrote a Senior Thesis on The Art of Photography.
8. Owned a Tibetan Terrier
9. Sang with the Air Force Choir
10. Had a ruptured appendix one month post partum and a year later had a bowel obstruction!




Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to the world.
-- Voltaire


Con't.


Somehow I lost 1/2 of my post.

I wanted to tell you all about the new show I found on the USA network.
It is called Nashville Star and it is twice as good as American Idol.
In fact, I will not be watching Idol anymore. I don't like anything about it.

Nashville Star has better judges, better production, better singers and better songs.

Check out Nashville Star!

___________


Please share with me the most motivational diet/fitness book you know of.

I know what to do...
I'm just not motivated to do it.

I need a kick in the pants.
Soon.

Thanks ya'll,
Donna

The Riches of Oseola McCarty

Now that I have read Evelyn Coleman's little book about Oseola McCarty I am even more inspired! This is a book about a hardworking, loyal, uncomplaining girl. She loves the Lord and lives her life serving others.

I highly recommend this book. It is inspiring and encouraging.

There's a lot of talk about self-esteem these days. It seems pretty basic to me. If you want to feel proud of yourself, you've got to do things you can be proud of. Feelings follow actions.
-Oseola Mc Carty

A little bit about simplicity from another favorite author.

The best things in life are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.
~Robert Louis Stevenson

Oseola must have learned by example. Her grandmother and aunt must have shown her the way to contentment.

We teach so much by our lives.

Encourage one another,
Donna

***UPDATE***
Josiah James has his own little webpage. Click here to send him well wishes!

New Life

Welcome Josiah James!
You are already loved!





Jeaneen was self controlled and determined.
Peter was the perfect support for her.
The nurse and midwives encouraged and suggested.
The rest of us had various jobs, mine being the photographer. We keep them company until things got intense and then we watched and breathed and prayed.

Baby Josiah with his large head and ten pound was delivered very well and placed on his mommy's skin.
Little sister Maddie cut the cord.
Little sister Morgan was curious and full of questions.
Josiah nursed perfectly.


Thank you Lord for this beautiful gift.

You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

Psalm 139:13-16

I hope the pictures turned out!

Back to regular programming...

Encourage one another...it's a good thing!
Donna

p.s. Concierge Services, I noticed Martha's poncho! I liked it! How neat that it was made by the inmates.

Interview and fun movie quote game


Bonnie @ belleonhertoes asked if she could interview me. Here are her questions. Bonnie is the very fit mom of many, excellent wife and lover of many things including yoga.


1) What is the secret to your happiness?
2) What are your favorite hobbies?
3) What is your earliest childhood memory?
4) What is your favorite life memory?
5) What are you looking forward to most?

1. I am happy because I believe that the Bible is true and that God loves me, and because of this my life has meaning and purpose.

2. I like to knit, quilt, needlepoint, cross stitch, rug hook, read and bake.
I use to love to dance and teach aerobics. I guess blogging is now a hobby too.

3. Perhaps it was my first day of kindergarten. I was four years old and my mother walked me to and from school. I have been told I said, "That was nice." But I had no idea that I would have to go back every day.

4. My parents dancing together in the family room.

5. Our children growing up and starting their own families. I can't imagine being a grandmother. Can't even imagine it. It is one of those too good to be true dreams.

____________

Here is a fun movie game going around.

What are the first five movie quotes that come to mind?

I can't stand 'em
-Singin in the Rain, Lena Lamont

He hates these cans!
-The Jerk, Navin Johnson

Hey, Boo.
-To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout

Wanna see my teeth?
-On Golden Pond, Norman Thayer

Tis but a scratch!
-Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Knight with arms cut off

If you would like to join in with the movie quote game please feel free to add yours to the comments box.

Happy Monday!
Donna

P.s. I just got a call from Peter and Jeaneen! They are in labor and I am off to the hospital to witness the birth (and take pictures) of their fifth child.
Please, if you are so inclined, pray for a Jeaneen.

The happiest days are when babies are born.
-GWTW, Melanie

Peace

She delighted in seeing her plan upset by unexpected events, saying that it gave her great comfort, and that she looked on such things as an assurance that God was watching over her stewardship, was securing the accomplishment of His will, and working out His own designs. Whether she traced the secondary causes to the prayer of a child, to the imperfection of an individual, to obstacles arising from misunderstandings, or to interference of outside agencies, she was joyfully and graciously ready to recognize the indication of God's ruling hand, and to allow herself to be guided by it

--from The Life and Letters of Janet Erskine Stuart


To me a quiet and gentle spirit is just that kind of peace.
Having a quiet spirit, no matter what comes your way, and believing that you are still being taken care of by your loving, Heavenly Father.

I am certainly not at the point where I am delighted at seeing my plans upset, but I do fret less than I did when I was younger. So I guess I am headed in the right direction.

"I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shad at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
Psalm 121:1-8

Blessings,
Donna

A really great day


7:00am--blog
8:30am--drive Emma to Flame where she studies Chemistry with her Chemistry classmates and sings in a homeschool choir.
9:00-- drop Emma off and head back home
9:30---arrive home, work around the house and pay bills.
11:00--make sandwiches ("but I don't like peanut butter."), go the library to pick up Call of the Wild, bank, post office and head back to pick up Emma.
11:45-- have quick knitting pow-wow at Flame with knitting friend Teri.***waving*** Hi Teri!
12:00--teach sign language for the song Lord Have Mercy to two girls at Flame
12:30--off the WACS State basketball tournament in Maranatha.
Emma has friends from our old home town playing...girls and boys...
I am friends with many of the parents. Also playing is the team where our boys went to high school.
1:15--arrive and gab with friends until first game.
3:00--watch the Twin City homeschool girls play in the finals.
They win!!! Very exciting game!
Katie wanders the stands looking for children to play with. She has a little baby carrier filled with beanie babies with her hoping to find a playmate.
5:30--go to Walgreens for over the counter meds.
Run to McDonald's with friends for a salad and for Katie to play at playland.
6:30--Faith Christian School plays.
Hugs and well wishes for old friends in the stands
7:15--hubby arrives. Enjoys catching up with old friends too.
8:30 Faith Christian wins a hard fought game!!!
On to the finals. I wish our boys were home to watch the game and visit with their old friends too!
9:00--head home...long chat with Emma to catch up on her visits.
Katie sleeps.
10:00--arrive home, daddy puts Katie in bed, I check the blog comments :o)
I especially like the funny family names.
Hubby checks the mail...
A letter for me from Brooklyn. Oh I think I know what will be inside...



How great is this! A friendly card from Liza Q with a letter for Katie.
A postcard of The Gates....and an actual piece of fabric from The Gates!!!

Thank you, Thank you, Liza Q
and little Hannah too!

Besides relishing in the warmth of such a thoughtful gift...
I feel like we have a little piece of art history in our house.

A very saffron piece of art history :o)
A warm color for a warm gesture!

What a day!

Thank you all for the comments! Aren't they fun!

Encourage one another,
Donna

Friday Five--Combo Platter


1. Did you have a pet when you were a child? What sort and name please?
2. What word/words do you spell incorrectly every day?
3. Do you have an ancestor with an interesting name? Do tell.
4. What is your favorite beauty product?
5. What is your favorite bird?


1. We had many cats as children. Our father owned a big bakery in Chicago and they kept cats to chase away the mice! I remember getting to keep the kittens at our house until they were big enough to mouse at the bakery.
The cat I remember having for the longest was Rufus. He was orange. He was hit by a car and had a head injury that I help nurse. I remember pus. The puss with pus.

2. I spell definitely, challenge and restaurant wrong almost every day.

3. Our father's father came to America from Greece. His name was Glymacopolis. I do not think that is the proper spelling. Sisters...help please.
Anyway, I wish it was still Glymacopolis. Our father said it was changed because it was too hard to spell. I'm not sure if he was teasing me. I always thought he was joking. But it is not that far fetched to think they changed it for that reason.

4. I guess my favorite beauty product is Lancombe mascara. I look so much better with mascara on!

5. I love to spot the hawks with their subtly colored plumage. And I love to listen to the boisterous cardinal sing!

I will be away from the desk most of the day today! Have fun with the Friday Five!
I look forward to reading the comments when I get home tonight :o)

Home is where the comments are.

Encourage one another,
Donna

p.s. I just spelled definitely and incorrect, incorrectly.

Homemaking Tips

Alright...my family can stop laughing now!

Sister Sue sent a forward about the dryer lint catcher becoming clogged by the film from dryer sheets. Seems it wouldn't hurt to wash the little screen with a bit of soapy water, rinse and replace.
You may test for this by cleaning the lint and then running water over the screen. It if does not flow, you screed may be clogged. (Even tho it looks fine)

*My tip...make sure the screen is perfectly dry before you replace it.


Joanna mentioned in the comments box that she would include a book called Mrs. Dunwoody's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping in her hope chest. I
borrowed it from the library and found some fun lists and tips.

Mrs. Dunwoody's Notes for Planning a Superior Day

1. Make a plan for your day.
Start each day by making a general schedule, with particular emphasis on two or three major things you would like to accomplish.
2. Concentrate
Concentration is a key aspect of effective use of time.
(I would imagine this means work when the small children are asleep)

3. Learn to rest and catch your breath.
Never hard for me to do.

4. Don't procrastinate.
Start off the day by doing the most unpleasant chore first.

5. Sift and sort.
You must sort through the day and categorize.

6. Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Excellence is attainable, gratifying, and healthy.
Perfection is impossible, frustrating, and neurotic.

7. Never lose sight of the "big picture."
People (especially children) are always more important than things.

***Keep a large saftey pin near your kitchen sink.
Use it to attach rings to your clothes when you wash dishes.

Did Grandma Hansen do that?

Very Impolite Things

* Staring at anyone
* Pointing at others
* Leaving a stranger without a seat.
* Correcting parents, or persons older than yourself
* Having a laugh at someone else's expense.
* Not helping someone who is in obvious need of assistance.
* Rude remarks.
* Swearing or talking uproariously.
* Spitting on the street.
* Talking when others are reading.
* Reading when others are talking.
* Reading aloud in company without being asked. (hahaha oops)
* Whispering or laughing in the house of God.
* Losing you temper in public.
* Cutting your fingernails in company. (ahem)
* Being late:It implies that your time is more important than others'.

Great list!
I had never heard of 'losing your temper in public'...this was surely written before Reality television :o)

No spitting now!

Encourage one another,
Donna

A little diversion

1. Grab the nearest book
2. Open the book to page 123
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog, along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it. Just grab what is closest!

Found at Julie D's

That is the time, precisely then, that I must begin by deliberately putting my mind on some great Realities.
What are these "givens"? What do I most unshakably believe in?

There we have Elisabeth Elliot, from her little book of essays entitled Keep a Quiet Heart, thinking her deep thoughts :o)

She goes on to say;

Some of us know very little of suffering, but we know disappointments and betrayals and losses and bitterness. Are we really meant to thank God for such things? Let's be clear about one thing: God does not cause all the things we don't like. But He does permit them to happen because it is in the fallen world that we humans must learn to walk by faith. He doesn't leave us to ourselves, however. He shares every step. He walked this lonesome road first, He gave Himself for us, He died for us.

I love Elisabeth's straight forward manner.

************

Glorious Sunshine!!! Where have you been?



You are a very welcome sight.

Now grab the book that is closest to you and turn to page 123.
This might be fun :o)

Do I need to say encourage one another?
You are all so good at it already :o)
Donna

Creativity

I have been delighted to find the most creative people on the internet.

One of the artists calls her blog, Loobylu She has a monthly challenge to make a softie.
She calls it A Month of Softies
The challenge in February was to make a softie that depicted Alice in Wonderland.
This month the theme is "Self-portrait of the artist as a young child".

I think I may attempt this...

I learned about Loobylu by following a link from another very creative mom at Wee Wonderfuls.

She is always making something!

And then there is Wee Folk Studio

Enchanting...

I thought you would like to see some of the neat things people create with their hands...it's not all about knitting :o)


__________


If you feel the need to rebuke me, please do so privately by email.

"If your brother sins, go and reprove him in private;
if he listens to you, you have won your brother."
Matthew 18:15

Encourage one another,
Donna