THANK YOU SARAH!

I want to say a huge, THANK YOU to Sarah from Romantic History! She was so generous to send me—free of charge—a beautiful springtime peasant blouse. Please visit her blog and see a picture of it and the other wonderful things that she has!

Since I have been in blog land (something I never thought I would want to do), I have met so many wonderful women—women across the land who have strong desires to teach their children, love their families, and live for what is right. You all boost me up!

And, you’re one of those women, Sarah! Thank you for you generosity!

THE DEVINE ROLE OF WOMEN

The apostles have always taught the divine roles of women and how precious we are to our Heavenly Father. It has always given me a sense of peace and importance, especially in the world today and how women are portrayed. We do have a great role, even a celestial one.

From this month’s visiting teaching message, the article Understand the Divine Roles of Women: “I have a testimony gained from pondering and studying the scriptures of a plan of happiness given to us by our Father in Heaven. That plan has a part for His daughters. We have the female half to take care of, and if we don’t do our part, no one else is going to do it for us. The half of our Father’s plan that creates life, that nurtures souls, that promotes growth, that influences everything else was given to us. We can’t delegate it. We can’t pass it off to anyone. It’s ours. We can refuse it, we can deny it, but it’s still our part, and we’re accountable for it. There will come a day when we will all remember what we knew before we were born. We will remember that we fought in a great conflict for this privilege. How do we meet this responsibility? We daily put our energies into the work that is uniquely ours to do” (Julie B. Beck, Relief society general president).

“…Every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion, and to build the kingdom of God” (Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—“Women of Righteousness,” Ensign, April 2002).

“…Because of their distinctive temperaments [men and women] and capacities, males and females each bring to a marriage relationship unique perspectives and experiences. The man and the woman contribute differently but equally to a oneness and a unity that can be achieved in no other way” (Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles--“Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign, June 2006).

“The Lord has blessed women with divine attributes of love, compassion, kindness, and charity…No matter what our individual circumstances are, we all have the opportunity to edify and nurture others” (Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the relief society general presidency--“Feed My Sheep,” Ensign, November 2007).

“To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times” (President Spencer W. Kimball—“Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters,” Ensign, November 1978).

I love the role of women. I love the innate desires of motherhood and nurturing souls. I love and appreciate all my blog sisters and the wholesomeness I find here. It is a rarity to find such a group of women who are striving daily to serve their Heavenly Father.

Blessings to you all.

A DAY AT HOME

I wasn’t feeling at all well this morning and so didn’t go into work—bad on the paycheck—good to stay in bed for the morning time.

I got to feeling better and was able to cook a nice and hot yet simple meal for my family. The attitudes of everyone are so much different when they can come home to the smell of dinner cooking. My son walked in from work, sniffed the air, and said, “Mmmmm…MMMMMMM!” Then when he found out that it was one of his favorite homemade soups, he was extra pleased!

While I was in the kitchen, our sink piping sprung a leak, so I called my husband to let him know in case he needed to pick up a part on his way home. I think that the smell of dinner maybe even helped his mood as he walked in, knowing that he had work ahead of him. (I am most likely just humoring myself, but nonetheless…:)

The mommy in us never leaves, you know. The female spirit indeed has wonderful innate qualities to nurture, to love, to soothe. I yearn for days gone by when I was “just” a homemaker and a housewife. Well, today, I got to play that role again. Along with cooking, a load of laundry was washed and hung. I love to hang anything possible. It not only saves on electricity, but it is more pleasing to the soul and reminds me of days when I smelled Gramma’s fresh sheets hanging on the line. I don’t have a clothesline, so the basement rod has to do. :) I also got some crafting done, my bedroom tidied up, and a dessert made—something that is never accomplished at my house. In fact, more than one person said, “What’s with all the baking?” “Well………I pondered to myself…………if I were financially able to stay home, this would be the norm, sillies…………as in days gone by…”

When dh got home, we ran out to get a part, and I grabbed my knitting bag along the way. We had a cozy drive to Lowe’s (yes, you CAN have a cozy drive to a hardware store), and I sat in the car and crocheted on Elliott’s quilt while Steve ran in to get the pipe. Those little times together are cherished so very much. Holding hands, getting a hug, seeing a family who is happy that Mom is home, that hot food is waiting for them…these are the true treasures in life.

How I yearn to be able to stay home and perform the chores of homemaking rather than working for a wage. Will it happen while I am still able to enjoy my health and my strengths and abilities to do such? Only my Heavenly Father knows, but I certainly revel in these days, when I am able to “just” be a homemaker and a housewife. :)


PUMPKIN BROWNIES



INGREDIENTS

4 eggs
1 c. oil (I use Olive Oil)
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. pumpkin
2 c. flour
1 tsp. soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
chocolate chips as desired

Mix by creaming eggs and sugar and then adding rest of ingredients.

I mix all of my ingedients in a large measuring/pouring cup. I like to add chocolate chips at this point for an extra treat!





Pour into pan.



I forgot my chocolate chips so added them to the top of the batter.



Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes.

NOTE: I generally use two small cookie sheets. If you have to use an 8 x 8, which I did tonight, bake longer and watch so the top doesn’t get over done before the inside is cooked. You may have to turn the oven down to 325. Brownies are done when toothpick inserted near center comes out nearly clean.

FROSTING

3 oz. cream cheese
½ c. butter (recipe calls for margarine, but butter is healthier, so I use it)
1 tsp. vanilla or to taste
Powdered sugar to taste

Mix all ingredients and beat. Frost brownies when cool adding additional chocolate chips if desired.




I don't know the original author of this recipe, but it is one from a cookbook that I have had for well over 20 years. It was put together by our Fourth Ward Relief Society and entitled Seasoned with Love. For those of you who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Relief Society is a women’s organization dedicated to the welfare of all women everywhere.

TAG, YOU'RE IT!

Ok, I can't pass up a good game of tag. I just came upon your blog this evening...well, middle of the night, by way of www.theamericanhomemaker.blogspot.com and http://www.shakerwoodprimitives.blogspot.com/

For some reason, I can't get my linky thing to work. Here are my seven. These are random, off-the-top-of-my-head happenings in my life that are of some value to me.

1. I love the Lord with all my might, mind, and soul and try to be more Christ-like. I LOVE my children and have always adored being a mother. I relish our friendships.

And now for the more insignificant worldly things… : p)

2. I was on the Oprah Winfrey show in 1993.

3. I am a certified K-9 trainer in beginning and advanced obedience, Handicap support, Tracking, and Personal Protection. I love German Shepherds and train mine in German. (My ancestry is German).

4. I was a drummer up until my children were young and we ran out of room for the drums! I played on the same stage (not at the same time) as Dennis Quaid.

5. I was a fitness trainer at an all-women’s spa. I was sure able to stay in shape back then!

6. We owned a traveling petting zoo and showed in malls around the states. We had wonderful domestic animals, along with a couple of wallabys, pot bellied pigs, and a sacred Indian cow, miniature horse, and Scottish Highlander cow.

7. I was blessed to be able to homeschool my children for four years until, sadly, it came to an end.

Well, there are seven things about me—really about my past. I would love to hear yours!

Well, there are seven things about me—really about my past. I would love to hear yours!

I am tagging:

A day in 1862 http://adayin1862.blogspot.com/
A Joyful Handmaiden http://ajoyfulhandmaiden.blogspot.com/
Cultivating Home http://cultivatinghome.blogspot.com/
Pastoral Symphony Farm http://www.pastoralsymphonyfarm.blogspot.com/
Romantic History http://www.romantichistory.blogspot.com/
The Homespun Heart http://thehomespunheart.blogspot.com/
There is No Place Like Home http://kellishouse.blogspot.com/

The rules to play Tag are these: Post a link to the blog that challenged you and add these rules to your post:

Share seven things about yourself
Challenge seven other blogs at the end of your post, through naming their blog, and post a link to it.
Let them know they’re being challenged by leaving a comment on their blog.

WORKING WOMEN POLL

If you work outside the home, is it by choice or by need?

Do you find it hard to keep a clean house? What if any techniques do you have for managing this?

Do you still find time to do domestic frivolities, e.g. sewing, crocheting, writing, decorating—(insert other favorites)? If so, when do you add this into your schedule? By the way, I call these frivolities only because since I work it is a bonus to be able to do these things whereas when I stayed at home, they were part of my life.

Are you able to make nice, nutritious, and pleasing meals, or is it each to their own?

Do you find time for scripture study?

Are you able to stay in the world but not of the world since you are out in it every day of the week? If so, how do you manage?

Any other ideas or techniques you have for melding the two worlds are appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you!

LITTLE HOUSE

When I yearn for a simpler life, I turn once again to the Little House Books. Laura Ingalls, Ma, Pa and the rest of the family offer to me a breath of fresh air. I can read also the several generations before Laura, her ancestors, and the lives they lead. How wonderful is the gift of pen!

WOMEN

• 
  I face the worldly struggles of many women, namely trying to keep a house, pay the never-ending bills, work outside of the home, and in my case, go to school. I feel extremely overwhelmed.
  
  When my children were little, I stayed at home, homeschooled, gardened, canned, and other such domestic duties. There was such a pureness in this. I loved the feeling of jars of canned goods on in the pantry, homemade muffins, and all of the pleasures that came with this frugal way of living.
  
  Along the way, about 10 years ago, it was apparently necessary for me to quit homeschooling and staying home and to go to work. Since then, there has been a void within me. I no longer do the things I did before. A home cooked meal is now a rarity, and MUCH guilt attends it all. I must say that I do enjoy bettering myself through skills that I gain at work, and I love to learn through my college classes. Nonetheless, I am greatly overwhelmed and yearn for a simpler life. I long for my little children; I long for the wholesomeness that I feel we once had. One can never turn back time, and I don't know that we should. I still love my now-grown children with all my heart, and I love my beautiful grandbabies. I just feel caught up in this ugly world of speed and greed, I have lost lots of hair over the ensuing years, and I feel as though I live in a whirlwind for which there is no escape.
  
  All is well, however. Things can be learned from all of our experiences, and I am glad for a healthy family and for the love of the Lord.
  

FRIDAY,NOVEMBER 14, 2008

A VIRTUOUS WOMAN

PROVERBS 31:10-31

10. Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

11. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her

maidens.

16. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to

the needy.

21. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are
clothed with scarlet.

22. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the lands.

24. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be

praised.

31. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Taken from the King James Bible