I'm still watching for ways to cut our expenses to make more room in our budget.  The phone bill is one area that has really been BUGGING me! We are paying $120.00 a month JUST to communicate! It's crazy! But, we seemed to be stuck. We have a contract on our cell phones so we would end up paying $200.00 to cancel the contract. I only have the basic budget plan on our home line with no bells or whistles. I've suggested cutting the DSL but my husband is hesitant. I think I may have him talked into cutting it back to the slowest speed on the DSL which will save us $10.00 a month.

BUT.....

I did some investigation this morning and found out that you do NOT need a phone line to use DSL! We have a Magic Jack which gives us an actual phone number (along with caller ID and call waiting) and it provides our local and long distance. We bought the Magic Jack for $40.00 through Radio Shack and the first year was free. (They are running a special through their website right now) They have specials running for $20.00 a year after you purchase the MJ or $60.00 for 5 years. There are some frustrations (dropped calls, echoes) with MJ but nothing that I can't live with. I just press 'fix' on the icon and it normally solves the problem. I figure the frustration from no money left at the end of the month is a worst frustration than a dropped call or hearing myself talk.

Our budget is very tight theses days so it's become apparent that I will no longer be able to support our other website called, A Woman that Fears the Lord. I've thought a lot about what to do with all the writings and have decided to transfer them to this blog since it cost so much less. So, my plan is to transfer one article a week and then I'll post a link on the side bar. Last week was my first entry which was the book list.

Many of these articles were lessons the Lord taught me in my marriage. We had some very rough years in the beginning. My husband was not saved when I married him and my Christianity was very marginal. They were very hard times but I'm thankful for all the Lord taught us.

This article is to encourage the woman of God who is tempted by her ambition (or society) to see God's commands for a woman as less important.   I come from a family where women were encouraged to go to college and have careers. I am the 'odd duck' and have been looked upon as not fulfilling my potential. Society has a strong influence on women and they can be pulled away from God's commandments if they do not keep their mind renewed in what His Word actually says they are to be doing.

So.. here goes the first in a two part article. I'll post the second part hopefully tomorrow..

*~*~*

This past winter I started to type an old reprint called "Of Domestical Duties" onto our web page. There are two charts in this book, one which lists the duties of the wives, and another chart which shows the aberrations or what causes a woman to deviate from her duties. I was intrigued that the first aberration was AMBITION. I had always only associated ambition with career women, but now my curiosity was piqued as I began to wonder if ambition may also be a temptation to those of us who are keepers at home.

The Bible is full of examples of holy and unholy ambition. "Gideon had the holy ambition of wanting to save Israel, Joshua of conquering the land, Nehemiah of restoring the kingdom and Paul of planting a self- propagating church in every major center of the Roman Empire."(1) On the other hand, Jezebel, Absalom, the mother of the sons of Zebedee, and Simon the former magician are some examples that come to mind when I think of unholy ambition. They sought to exalt self and fulfill their lusts and desires instead of bringing glory to God through obedience.

Ambition becomes a sin when it's aim is fulfilling personal lusts instead of fulfilling the Word of God. One dear friend helped me look for a biblical term that might be synonymous with the ungodly form of ambition. We decided on the term: LUST.

(1 Jn 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Matthew Henry's Commentary says about 1 John 2:a
"(1) There is the lust of the flesh. The flesh here, being distinguished from the eyes and the life, imports the body. The lust of the flesh is, subjectively, the humour and appetite of indulging fleshly pleasures; and, objectively, all those things that excite and inflame the pleasures of the flesh. This lust is usually called luxury.
(2) There is the lust of the eyes. The eyes are delighted with treasures; riches and rich possessions are craved by an extravagant eye; this is the lust of covetousness.
(3) There is the pride of life. A vain mind craves all the grandeur, equipage, and pomp of a vain-glorious life; this is ambition, and thirst after honour and applause. This is, in part, the disease of the ear; it must be flattered with admiration and praise."

Lust is defined as the following:
Lust - (Strong's 1939) epithumia (ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah); a longing (especially for what is forbidden)
Lust - (Vine's Expository) a phrase which describes the emotions of the soul, the natural tendency towards things evil. Such "lusts" are not necessarily base and immoral, they may be refined in character, but are evil if inconsistent with the will of God.

So, can we now say that a biblical definition of ungodly ambition is 'a longing for that which is forbidden?'

*ungodly ambition / lust = a longing for that which is forbidden*

How do ungodly ambitions seek to draw and entice us away from our biblical role? Although all the situations below may not be considered sin, they have the potential to entice us away from our God ordained role as a keeper at home. Have you ever been taken captive by any of these thoughts or actions?

1. You would like to have *a little extra spending money.*

2. You feel that your husband controls the budget too tightly and you're tired of having to *ask his permission* to spend even a penny.

3. You're *embarrassed* by the way your furniture looks, or your car, or the clothes you wear.

4. You're *bored* with the daily care of children. The thought of something NEW and EXCITING is appealing and 'drawing'.

5. You want *more & more things to do* and yet become tired of them easily, and so you quickly jump from one project, or ministry, to another.

6. You *volunteer* at church to the point that you become behind in your duties at home.

7. You feel *guilty* for just being at home taking care of your husband and children, and allow family and friend's innuendo's (that you're lazy or not reaching your full potential because you're MERELY a homemaker) influence you. This leads you to begin desiring and pursuing other things.

8. You think that a career would satisfy and fulfill you more than being a homemaker.

9. You think that once the children become school aged that you should help your husband earn a living. Or that you will need to go back to school to finish your education. The only reason you are staying home now is because the children are not in school all day.

10. You want your children to achieve academically. You want them to be a success in this world. You decide the only way to achieve this is by putting them in a Christian school which means that you will need to get a job in order to pay for it.

"USA Today" wrote an article in 1989 called "Busy Women Let Housework Slide But Not Jobs." The article surveyed women who were stressed-out and under pressure to find out what they were letting go of to make their lives more manageable. The article summarized, " When strapped for time, busy women push friends, housework, husbands, and sex to life's back burner." The poll found that the only two things women would not let go of was a job outside the home and their children. (Which is not really true! They may have actively been forsaking their children, too!)

The fantasy of the "Super Woman" scenario is just that, a fantasy. We are not Super Woman! There is only so much of us to go around. If we give the majority of our time and thoughts to things other than our home and family then that is where our hearts and focus will be. If our focus is on business or even "ministry" then what is left of us for our dear husbands & family?

The temptations of 'ambition' can surface in not so blatant ways such as the desire to fulfill the image of a 'successful' home schooling family. This perfect home schooling family wants the *smartest* kids, the *most stylishly dressed* children, their children involved in all the *finer* activities (that will invariably draw those children into a terrific self-focus!), only the *best curricula*, and one day the *most prestigious* colleges and universities will do.

The temptations of 'ambition' can surface in even more subtle ways. We may feel that we've 'not arrived' if our home life does not reflect what WE *think* an ideal family should be, so we strive and push our families to fit into the mold we've chosen, disregarding what GOD would have us do & become.

GODLY AMBITION

1 Thess.4:11 "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you."

What is 'your own business?' Have you ever gone to the Scriptures and studied what God says about how you should be spending your days or have you merely taken on the philosophy of other women or followed those you admire? It is difficult to stand against the temptation of ungodly ambition if you do not know what God's word says you should be doing.

Our every thought needs to be taken captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5)

Are we making it our ambition to be obedient to what God has commanded in His Word and the principles He has given us to follow? Do you know what God has to say about how you spend your days?

A Godly Woman...
~ will look well to the ways of her household (Pr 31:27)
~ will not eat the bread of idleness (Pr 31:27)
~ is wise if she builds her house & foolish if she tears it down with her own hands (Pr 14:1)
~ is not to be so busy with "busy-ness" and be *distracted* & irritated by it, that she neglects to sit at Jesus' feet & listen to Him, which He said is the better part (as per Martha & Mary's example in Luke 10:38-39)
~ is to do all her work heartily as unto the Lord (Col 3:23)
~ is to be a keeper at home (Titus 2:5)
~ is to submit to her own husband (Titus 2:5)
~ is to fear the Lord (Pr 31:30)
~ is to support her husband and help him, as he sees to it that their children come to a personal faith in Christ (Titus 1:6)

Our ambitions will draw us away from our calling if our minds are not renewed in these truths. Do we TRULY want to obey God's Word when it says that we should be keepers at home or do we merely want to fulfill the lusts of our flesh? The Israelites did not listen to, or obey, God so He gave them up to their own heart's lust. (Psalm 81:11,12) We are told (in 1 Cor. 10:6,11) that the Israelites were set as an example that we should not lust after evil things.

Ladies, God's Word is profitable for our instruction in righteousness. His Word has given us specific instruction on how to deal with these ambitions that desire to lure us away from our God-ordained roles.

We are to:
~ crucify the flesh with its lusts (Gal 5:24)
~ flee youthful lusts (2 Tim. 2:22)
~ deny lusts (Titus 2:12)
~ abstain from fleshly lusts (desires), which war against our souls (1 Peter 2:11, 12)

And instead:
~ walk in the Spirit and we won't fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Gal.5:16)
~ put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts (Romans 13:14)
~ Be obedient and do not fashion ourselves to former lusts (1 Pet 1:14,15)

Satan will use our fleshly lusts to tempt us to believe we have needs and desires that can only be met 'out there' or by 'just one more thing.' Our lives will become unfruitful if we allow the Word of God to be choked by the 'cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things.' (Mark 4:19)

As God's children we must examine these desires. Do the scriptures teach that these desires should be fulfilled if they are contrary to God's word? Or do they say that we are to die daily (1 Cor 15:31) and walk in the Spirit so that we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:16)? Walking in the Spirit means that we walk in obedience to what God's Word says we should do. We have been created for our husband's sake (Gen 2:18-24, 1 Cor 11:9), to be an "help meet to him," & not for the purpose of fulfilling our own desires and ambitions.

Let's take a few of the temptations we mentioned earlier and find a scripture / biblical principle to use as we cast down each vain imagination.

1. You would like to have *a little extra spending money.* GOD'S WORD SAYS: We are to be content with food and raiment. (1 Tim 6:8) Ask: Do I really "need" all, or even any, of these other things?

2. You feel that your husband controls the budget too tightly and you're tired of having to *ask his permission* to spend even a penny. GOD'S WORD SAYS: We wives are to submit ourselves unto our own husbands, as unto the Lord. (Eph 5:22) Ask: In what ways can I show respect for my husband's choices?

3. You are *embarrassed* by the way your furniture looks, or your car, or the clothes you wear. GOD'S WORD SAYS: Give thanks always for ALL things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 5: 20) Ask: How can I fix-up or make do with what God has given me?

4. You're *bored* with the daily care of children. The thought of something NEW and EXCITING is appealing and 'drawing.' GOD'S WORD SAYS: Children are a heritage and a reward (Ps 127:3) and we're to be training them up in the way they should go (Pr 22:6) doing ALL things heartily, as unto the Lord! (Col 3:23) Ask: How can I change my attitude for the better toward my job at home today?

5. You want *more & more* things to do and yet become tired of them easily, and so you quickly jump from one project, or ministry, to another.
GOD'S WORD SAYS: (Have as our goal) to know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings... (Phil 3:10) Ask: How can I focus my time and energies on coming to know my Savior better?

6. You *volunteer* at church to the point that you become behind in your duties at home.
GOD'S WORD SAYS: To be …. Keepers at home…so THAT the word of God be not blasphemed. (Titus 2:5)
Ask: What are the specific priorities God has already given me in His Word?

7. You feel *guilty* for just being at home taking care of your husband and children, and so let family and friend's innuendo's (that you're lazy or not reaching your full potential because you're MERELY a homemaker) influence you. This leads you to begin desiring and pursuing other things.
GOD'S WORD SAYS: A woman is to be well reported of for good works; (like) having brought up children. (1 Timothy 5:4) Ask: Am I seeking to please man or God?

8. You think that a career would satisfy and fulfill you more than being a wife, mother, & homemaker. GOD'S WORD SAYS: Let nothing be done through strife and vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. (Phil 2:3)
Ask: What specific things can I do today to be looking out for the interests of OTHERS first?

9. You think that once the children become school aged that you should help your husband earn a living. Or that you will need to go back to school to finish your education. The only reason you are staying home now is because the children are not in school all day. GOD'S WORD SAYS: Women are to be keepers at home. (Titus 2:4,5) KEEPERS: (Strong's 3626) - a guard, a stayer at home, i.e. domestically inclined (a good "keeper of the house/home") Or from oikourgos: oikos= home +ergon= work; one who works at home
Ask: What work, or further education, - from home - (if any) is reasonable for me to pursue?

10. You want your children to achieve academically. You want them to be a success in this world. You decide the only way to achieve this is by putting them in a Christian School which means that you will need to get a job in order to pay for it.
GOD'S WORD SAYS: To seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness and ALL these things shall be added unto you. (Matt. 6:33)
Ask: Will this thing (fill in the blank_____) lead my children TOWARD God or away from Him and spiritual growth? Will He not provide ALL they truly need AS I am obeying His command to be a keeper at home?

Paul said he died daily leaving for us an exhortation that we too must expect to fight a daily war against our flesh and the lusts. For daily we are enticed to throw down our aprons and find so-called 'true & lasting fulfillment' in some other role than what God has called us to. The lack of contentment in what God HAS called us to, and the lust for 'just a little bit more' whether it is more money, prestige or personal fulfillment is still enticing women today just as it did when Paul wrote this exhortation.

Beware, Sisters, that you don't fall into the devil's snare.

Protect your heart & eyes by not filling them with :
~ Soap operas that promote unbiblical lifestyles
~ Modern women's magazines that promote luxury
~ Books that weave ungodly & romanticized notions of love & lust
~ Movies that glamorize the working woman by showing higher education and careers as the 'goal' of every woman
~ Friends that entice you away from the Lord and His plan & purpose for your life

Saturate your mind in God's word and what He has called you to do.
~ Memorize and meditate on scriptures that speak to your goal as a married woman
~ Make sure that your closest friends are those who have embraced their God assigned roles
~ Fill your heart & home with HIM!
~ Vigorously pursue the things outlined in His Word for a godly woman

Begin to realize that the enemy of your soul and the lusts of your flesh seek to entice you to leave your duty in order that your life may blaspheme God's word and commandments (Titus 2:5). Let us persevere to make it our ambition to lead a quiet life, to work with our hands and to mind our 'own business.' (1 Thess.4:11 NAS)

*aberration - to wander from the right way or moral rectitude

(1) The Complete Book of Everyday Christianity
(2) Rocking the Roles by NavPress

Georgene
Copyrighted 1998. You may copy this article in it's entirety.

End of Part 1. Continue to Part 2.

(Many more scriptures regarding a Godly Woman's role may be found at this page: Scriptures to Encourage a Godly Woman)

Copyright 1998. Georgene Girouard
You may reproduce these pages in their entirety to share with others.

  I'm relearning a practice that was very common during the depression era called... "Make do.. or do without". When the budget is very tight you have to learn to make do or do without. It's really amazing how many things you can live without. In 'pre' recession days my normal practice would have been to put the desired product on my shopping list and pick it up the next time I went to the store. But, these days, there is no extra money for items other than the essentials so I've begun asking myself.. what do I already own that I can use instead? Nine times out of ten I'm able to find an alternative that I already have on hand.

Here were a few situations where I 'made do' this week.

- I was doing a lot of cooking last week and really missed a spoon holder for the stove that had broken. My first thought was that I needed to put it on my grocery list and pick one up. I immediately reminded myself that my goal is to hang onto my dollars as long as I can these days so I looked around to see what I could use instead. A small saucer worked just fine and it didn't cost me a thing. Another way to look at it is that I earned $5.00 by not buying a spoon holder. (My husband always scratches his head at that kind of reasoning!)

- I was elected to bring a few desserts to Mother's Day. In times past I would have decided what I wanted to make and then head to the store. Instead, I started thumbing through my recipes while thinking over what I had on hand. I was reminded that I had frozen bananas and also some marshmallows in the freezer. I ended up making a Banana Cake with caramel frosting and a Mississippi Mud Cake with the ingredients I had on hand. I didn't have to go to the store and made do.  Everyone was happy with the results. 

- I'm doing without a lot of stuff that I used to THINK I needed. Normally, this time of year I go shopping for summer clothes. There is no room in our budget for clothes this year so I'm determining to 'make do' with what is in my closet. I'm practicing the 'rare jewel of Christian contentment'.

So next time you 'think' you need to buy something you might want to look around and see what you have on hand that you could 'make do' with or else just 'do without'.

For more frugal tips visit LIFE AS MOM.

What do you want your grandchildren to remember about you?

I've thought about this question quite a bit over the past years. There are many things that I want to impart to my grandchildren. But, I must honestly say, that above anything else I want my grandchildren to KNOW that their grandparents put the highest value on God and His Word. I want them to see us obeying God's Word. I want them to hear us speaking God's Word. I want them  to know that our desire for them ....above a career.. above marriage.. above college... above making money... is that they grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ!

So... their Bapa and I started a bible memory club last year. We just finished memorizing The Roman Road.

This last month our family got together for dinner and to go over the grandchildren's scripture. My sweet granddaughter above (don't you love the missing teeth in front?) was able to say her memory verse perfectly. She also did a great job of making our bible craft which was supposed to show our hearts when we are born (black with sin), the blood of Christ (red) that paid the penalty we deserved for our sin and the last heart (white) showing the new heart that God gives us once we accept what Christ did for us on the cross and follow Him.

I find that I often measure my 'grandparentness' (is that a word?) by my friends and the amount of time they spend with their grandchildren. But, when it's all said and done, and my life has ended upon this earth... I believe that I will be at peace in knowing that I encouraged them towards Christ.

At the foot of the cross, when Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:26-27

Mothers hold a special place in our lives. We run to them for protection as children, rebel from their discipline as teenagers and convince ourselves that they know little about being a young adult in a modern world. But ultimately, as we grow, we discover that our mother's love is unmatched and unwavering.

Jesus experienced that very kind of love from his mother. She was there with him through every step of his life. She allowed him to grow and become the man God had designed him to be, but she was never far away—even at the foot of the cross. Her love for her son, and her Savior, was unmatched and unwavering.

This weekend, we celebrate mothers around the world. It's a time to reflect on all that they have done in our lives. It's a time to thank them for the protection and guidance they have provided. But more importantly, it's a time to thank God for sending someone into our lives who can see past our childishness, rebellion and self-importance; someone who loves us so much that the only title appropriate is, Mom.

   * Author unknown                                                                                  

My heart filled with thankfulness as I looked over the list of beloved books that our family has read over the years. How blessed we have been to fill our minds and hearts with such wonderful, godly literature. Many of the Christians that I met through the pages of biographies feel as if they have become dear godly friends and mentors. They have taught me so much!

 I'll be adding to this list periodically. I have a stack of books I am currently working through. Many of these books can be ordered through our website bookstore which helps our family with a small credit.

(Please remember that only God's Word is perfect, so as always, read
with discernment.)

Encouraging stories for wives
Henry and the Great Society by Roush, Sr. 
Stepping Heavenward by Prentiss
First We Have Coffee by Jensen
A Way in the Wilderness by Wagler
Aunt Jane’s Hero: Portrait of a Christ-Centered Home by Elisabeth Prentiss

Godly Wives, Instructional
An Excellent Wife by Peace
A Woman After God's Own Heart by George
Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Child Training
Shepherding A Child's Heart By Tripp
Age of Opportunity by Tripp
The Mother at Home by John S. C. Abbott
The Little Book of Christian Character and Manners by Dedrick

Stories of Faithful Christians
A Heart for Imbabura by Charles W. Shepson (Ecuador)
Autobiography of George Mueller (England)
Hudson Taylors’ Spiritual Secret by Dr. Howard Taylor (China)
Mrs. C. H. Spurgeon by Charles Ray
Mimosa by Amy Carmichael (India)
Green Leaf in Drought by Isobel Kuhn (China)
Gladys Aylward by Gladys Aylward & Christine Hunter
Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Rose (Papua New Guinea)
Eternity in their Hearts by Don Richardson
Granny Brand by Wilson (India)
Through Gates of Splendor by Elliot
In the Arena by Isobel Kuhn
They Looked for a City by Buksbazen
Mary Jones and Her Bible
Jonathan & Sarah: An Uncommon Union by Gerstner
Idelette by Gerstner
A Token of Love by Janeway

Spiritual Growth 
Loving God with All Your Mind by Elizabeth George
The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
The Blazing Center by John Piper (DVD)
Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Keller
The Pursuit of God by Tozer
The Knowledge of the Holy by Tozer
Knowing God by Packer
The Pursuit of Holiness, The Practice of Godliness & The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Burroughs
Future Grace by John Piper
In the Shadow of Death by Kuyper (old reprint on nursing those who are dying and those who are facing death)
Amy Carmichael’s books… too many to list.
Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit by Matthew Henry (old repint)
Decision Making and the Will of God by Friesen
Spiritual Depression by Lloyd-Jones
Charity and it's Fruit by Jonathan Edwards
When God Weeps by Joni Eareckson

Missions
The Road to Reality by K.P. Yohannan

Classic Allegories
Pilgrim's Progress by Bunyan
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hurnard

Children's Books
Missionary Stories with the Millers by Martin
Princess in Calico
Mary Jones and Her Bible by Ropes
Children’s Heritage Series (Too many to list)
Aunt Vera’s Bedtime Stories (missionary stories told to Aunt Vera’s adopted children) by Vera Dingman
Huguenot Garden by Douglas Jones

Teen Books
Mimosa by Amy Carmichael
Green Leaf in Drought by Isobel Kuhn
Gladys Aylward by Gladys Aylward & Christine Hunter
Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Rose
Stepping Heavenward by Prentiss
Eternity in their Hearts by Don Richardson
The Quilt by T. Davis Bunn
Mary Jones and her Bible by Mary E. Ropes
Princess in Calico Anonymous
Pilgrim's Progress by Bunyan
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

A Few More Good Titles
Passion & Purity by E. Elliot
Quest for Love by E. Elliot
The Quilt by T. Davis Bunn
Princess in Calico by Anonymous

Help for those suffering
Praying Through Cancer: Set Your Heart Free from Fear: A 90-Day Devotional for Women by Susan Sorensen and Laura Geist

Classic Devotionals
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
If by Amy Carmichael
Joy and Strength by Tileston
Morning and Evening by Spurgeon
Daily Strength for Daily Needs by Tileston
The Attributes of God Journal by Tozer
Just a Moment with You by Kay Arthur
The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotion by Arthur Bennett

Knowing God
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
The Attributes of God by Arthur Pink
Knowing God by J.I.Packer 
The Attributes of God by Tozer
Pursuit of God by Tozer
The Sovereignty of God by Pink

Learning How To Study the Bible
How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur

Hermeneutics and Exegesis: Rules of proper Biblical interpretation
Studying, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible by Henrichsen & Jackson
How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth by Fee & Stuart

Bible Application: How to apply the scriptures to your life
Applying the Bible by Jack Kuhatschek
How to Apply the Bible by Dave Veerman

Systematic Theology
Systematic Theology by Grudem

Bible Study Tools
The Complete Word Study Dictionary by Zodhiates
Strong's Concordance
Vine's Expository
Westminster Confession of Faith

Biblical Counseling: Learn how to counsel others using only Scripture
Competent to Counsel by Adams
The Biblical View of Self-Esteem, Self-Love,
Self-Image by Adams
Self-Confrontation by BCF
Christian Counselor’s Manual by Jay Adams
(All of Jay Adam’s books.. too many to list)
Women Helping Women by Fitzpatrick & Cornish
The Peacemaker by Ken Sande
Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave by Welch
Love to Eat, Hate to Eat by Fitzpatrick
Competent to Minister by Bobgan
Blame it on the Brain by Welch

I've been reading a page or two of the Tightwad Gazette each night before I go to bed. I remember reading that Laine  would read through her volume once a year and I thought it was a good idea. One thing I read lately that struck me as helpful is to stop buying plastic bags. All kinds.

I've periodically washed out my bags over the years depending on our financial state. So, that was nothing new to me. But, the TG mentioned something I hadn't thought of before. She said that she began to save any type of plastic bag that she normally would have thrown away. For instance:  cereal bag linings, vegetable plastic bags from the grocery store, bread bags, frozen vegetable bags.

Washing and drying plastic bags can discourage someone trying to acquire this new frugal habit. I have a few different methods depending on how I feel. Once I wash them I use the end of a hand towel over one hand, which I place inside the bag, while using the other hand wrapped in the opposite end of the towel to wipe the outside dry. Or I hang them to dry on a line using clothes pins. I store them in an old baggie box or sometimes I've wrapped them around a paper towel cardboard tube and use a rubber band to secure them.

Since my husband's job change we really don't have money left for groceries in our budget so I'm all for finding ways to use what I have on hand.

I didn't really know how to ‘keep house‘ when I married.  My precious parents gave us daily chores but putting it all together to keep a home did not come easy for me.  I tried different housekeeping schedules over the years but never landed on one that worked for me until I found FLYLADY.  (Actually, it was a routine similar to FLYLADY but I now use FLYLADY’S routine)

I don’t follow her routine perfectly. Some weeks I only get the HOUSEBLESSING finished. But, overall, the FLYLADY method helps me stay on top of the basic jobs in my home.  I basically do the HOUSEBLESSING at the beginning of the week which takes me about 1 hour.   I then work 15-30 minutes  daily in the ZONE assigned for that week.  FLYLADY posts the ZONES at the beginning of each week. A zone is the room that you are going to organize or deep clean!  Remember, though, it’s only for 15-30 minutes a day.  This week the zone work is in the kitchen.

So, as I’m puttering in the kitchen during meals I’ll take special note of anything that needs to be cleaned. This week I have washed my kitchen rugs, mopped the floor, wiped down the window blinds and washed all the counter tops along with the front of the kitchen cabinets.   I still hope to wipe down the fridge and polish the stainless steal and clean the oven.  

 I prayed for many years that God would teach me how to keep an orderly home.  It didn't happen in one day, one month or even one year. In fact, I continue to learn new skills every year.   I couldn't see it at the time but God was teaching me … small things.. step by step. I remember choosing one skill to work on at a time. One time, in particular, I focused on changing the habit of not making my bed daily. I heard someone say to match an undisciplined habit with an established habit. So, I decided to not leave the bedroom after dressing until my bed was made.  Somehow I never found the time to go back and make it once I had left the room. Making that one small change made a big difference and helped to establish a good habit that helped in my overall housekeeping routine.

I have found in my Christian walk, more times than not, that habits don’t always change overnight. Some do.. but  for a myriad of reasons some take more time.  That doesn’t relieve me of the responsibility to obey God daily if there is sin involved.  But, it does help to remember that sanctification is a process and if I do my best and trust that God is working out His best……then I find hope that a bad habit (or sin) will eventually be changed into a good (or godly) habit.

Homemade Tortilla's

This is Laine's recipe for homemade tortillas and they are wonderful. I've tried other recipes but this has been the best.

Jen's Tortilla's

4 c. flour
1/2 c. Crisco
1 t. salt

Blend together well until the size of small peas. Work with your hand. I also saw on Laine's website that she recommended using a bread maker set on the dough setting. I'll try that next time.

Stir in:

2 1/2 c. boiling water

Stir in and mix well until a nice dough forms.  You may need to add more boiling water, if necessary. Let cool 5 minutes. Knead 5 minutes. You can store this dough in the fridge and pull it out to use as needed. Pinch dough off, about the size of a golf ball, and roll into flat circles. Fry on an ungreased, hot skillet for 1-2 mintues on each side or until lightly brown. Wrap in a towel to keep warm and pliable. Store in plastic bags. Makes 15 tortillas.

My notes: I made up the balls first and lined them up in a 9 x 13 so they were ready to cook. I used 2 cast iron skillets going at one time. I also used a little flour to roll them out.