The Simple Woman's Daybook

February Daybook

Outside my window...

Snow, Snow, and more SNOW!!! We are having one lovely winter storm today and the snow is so beautiful!

I am thinking...
that my coffee cup needs refilling. I'll be back :)

I am thankful for...

staying inside on a snowy day. I am very also very thankful for friends far away that I can connect with via internet...friends who teach me, guide me, and encourage me in my journey!

From the learning rooms...

School is progressing nicely, tho slow at times. We have recently begun studying Biblical Holidays and we are all enjoying it very much. Our curriculum challenged us to observe a traditional "Sabbath" and it has started us on a journey of learning and growth in the Lord. I am really looking forward to learning more about Passover and the Messianic symbolism as we approach the Spring Holidays.

From the kitchen...

planning monthly menus and experimenting with new recipes. Learning how to cook ahead (in order to observe a day of rest each week) and experimenting with gluten free Challah...lots going on! Check out Joshua's Blog for some yummy Gluten Free Dairy Free Recipes.

From the garden...

visions of springtime and plants growing are dancing in my head. Before we know it ~ it will be time to start some plants indoors!

I am creating...

skirts from old blue jeans. It has become a fun hobby and I hope to get some more good sewing time this month so I can finish up a few I have started.

I am going...

to the city once a week right now for sign language classes. It is a long drive but so worth it for the kids to be able to sign with other kids. They are learning a lot and having fun!

I am reading...

Through the Bible ( I found a new Bible Reading Plan that I really enjoy), Liberated through Submission by P.B. Wilson, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Whitney, and A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays by Robin Sampson and Linda Pierce.

I am hoping...

that my Mother-in-Law will wake up...soon. I have a very sad little girl on my hands who misses her Grandma very much. I would also very much like to have conversation with her about all that Yahweh is teaching me right now. I would love to share it with her and get her feedback. I miss her very much!

I am hearing...

My husband preparing to paint the Living Room...and I am very excited for the outcome!

Around the house...

We painted the kitchen and dining room a few weeks ago and are very happy with the results. It is amazing how a coat of new paint can make a house feel like home. I am also working very hard to stay on top of the housework so that I can fully enjoy our Shabbat (Sabbath) each Saturday. It is amazing how much more I am willing to do during the week when I know I will have a day off on the 7th day.

One of my favorite things...

Watching the snow fall.

A few plans for the rest of the month...

We have 2 more weeks of swimming lessons and 7 more weeks of American Sign Language Class (ASL) is the city...that means lots of driving time! I hope to get out and do some snow shoeing this month since we just got this amazing fresh snow! We will be celebrating a birthday later this week and going to Awanas and starting piano lessons and...wow, we have lots to do!

Nicole:

Lots of drama over loose teeth. Daddy pulled out one of her front teeth about a week ago and as soon as he was done ~ she was the toughest girl in the world. She was gonna pull out all of her teeth all by herself from now on...but now that she has another one ready to go...we are back to the tears and terror over losing the tooth. She refuses to eat with the front tooth and despite the fact that it is literally hanging out of her gums...the tooth remains in her mouth. Other than that she remains mom's little helper and all- around good girl. She longs to ride her bike around town and tell everyone she see's about Jesus. Future Missionary? Maybe.

Joshua:

My big boy is about to finish Sparks Book #1 for Awanas...even faster than Nicole did. He has such a heart for the Lord and I cannot believe how quickly he is growing! He is also doing very well in Speech and in swimming lessons. His favorite food is still Pizza and whenever I make it he pretends he is eating at Pizza Hut...even tho he has never been there and will probably never go :/

Abigail:

My baby is turning 3 this week. I have no words other than...
Wow!
The days go by way too fast.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Check out the original Simple Woman's Daybook for more great stuff!

Our First Shabbat

I may have mentioned in an earlier post that I have been challenged to a new level of obedience in my walk. Radical obedience. I will give you a glimpse of what this looks like...

The kids and I celebrated our first Shabbat (Sabbath). This is something that has been on my heart and mind for quite some time. I have a tried to implement a few "things" to put my heart at ease...but it wasn't working. I began researching and praying and talking to a few wise friends. Then...the answer came. I was flipping ahead in Nicole's school book and saw that next week we are supposed to observe a traditional Sabbath. The very thing I had been praying about and researching was placed in front of me as a school assignment. Coincidence? No. Confirmation? Maybe.

OK, so you have written me off as crazy. That's ok. But if you are curious about my craziness you are welcome to continue reading.

On Tuesday of last week I pretty much decided that we would be celebrating the Sabbath starting Friday evening. As soon as the decision was made - the attacks started in. I immediately began to doubt...that I could even be ready to "rest" by Friday....that I was qualified to participate in such a tradition...that I was legitimately crazy (that one is still out to jury). I emailed my friend in a panic Thursday and said I just simply didn't know what to do for our Sabbath. She responded with sweet encouragement. She told me..."On Friday, clean and prepare your home as if you were having company for dinner. Your company will be Jesus. Prepare a nice meal for dinner early in the day and set the table nicely. When the sun sets...your work is done. Enjoy your meal with your family and follow it up with time enjoying your family. Saturday, rest and remember what the Lord has done for you. Try to avoid "work."

Friday morning I was in a frenzy cleaning. My house was in desperate need of cleaning. It was sad. But the thought of a day off....a day of real rest...motivated me to work hard. And I did. And the results were beautiful. My home felt cozy and inviting and I like it that way. I then prepared a nice casserole for dinner. When I was done preparing I washed and put away all the dishes except the casserole dish it was baking in. The kids set the table "fancy" and we made cupcakes for a special dessert. (Next week I will undertake making challah...a traditional sweet egg bread but I wasn't ready for that this week...) As the time drew closer to sundown I got more and more anxious....would I ever get everything done? But when the sun did set I was filled with an overwhelming peace. My husband came home from work and initiated a game of football with the kids. I actually got to SIT and watch them play. Next, we ate dinner...all together at the table. It was lovely. I rinsed the dishes after dinner and put them into the dishwasher. The casserole dish, I put in the sink and filled with soapy water. That's it. The kitchen was still clean from earlier in the day and I got to walk away from it and play a few games with the kids....something I never get to do in the evening. We read our New Testament Scriptures for the evening and then went to bed.

Saturday morning we slept in and then had left over muffins for breakfast - on paper towels that got thrown away when we were done. The kids and I settled in for some "Bible Study" together. They each followed along in their Bibles as I read the "Torah Portion" for the week. I found this here. It was great - the timing was perfect. We actually read about when Moses received the 10 Commandments and talked about WHY we were observing the Sabbath. Next, the kids colored some pictures of Moses receiving the commandments and Nicole did some copy work that I found on the Torah School site. Next, we wrote notes and drew pictures of encouragement to put in a care package for Uncle Dan (who is in Afghanistan) and Grandma (who is still in a coma). By that time we were ready for lunch...which was cold leftovers from the fridge w/ cut-up fruit. Plates in the dishwasher. Done. Then it was nap time :) I had some nice quiet Bible and prayer time then manages to squeeze in a nap as well! After nap we worked on our Catechism together, played a board game of the "Books of the Bible" and watched a Veggie Tales movie.

Dad came home from work and the sun went down. Shabbat was over. I have never been so bummed for the day to end! I went to the bedroom to pray awesome thanks to Yahweh as this was truly one of the best days I have had in years. I was so refreshed and blessed by our day of rest. It truly was a GIFT from Him...not a burden. Even now, on Monday...I am extra motivated to get our "work done" each day so that we can rest again next Sabbath. It is extremely motivating to know that there is an end - or at least a break - in sight.

I know this post is lengthy and I know that some of what I have expressed may be "controversial" in the church. Even our Catechism says that believers are not longer under the law of the Sabbath. Ok great, so that makes me FREE to celebrate the Sabbath with my family. I will be working on another post that details some of the things I have been learning as I studied the Sabbath. Leave me questions too - I would love to answer them in the next post!
Thanks for hanging in there and reading my LONG story!

Shalom,
Leah

Your encouragement for today...

"...acknowledge the God of your father,
and serve Him with wholehearted devotion
and with a willing mind,
for the Lord searches every heart
and understands every motive behind the thoughts.
If you seek Him, He will be found by you;
but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever."
1 Chronicles 28:9

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are committed to Him."
2 Chronicles 16:9

For the Nay-Sayers

I know you are out there....
I have encountered some of you, had conversations with some of you, and yet felt the strong sense of disapproval from others...
This post is for you.

The single-most important thing in my life is my relationship with my God and Father. He has extended grace to me in ways that I cannot even understand. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 I deserve death ~ and yet He has given me life. "...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10. My life is full. I am blessed. I am content. And yet I strive to live in a way that pleases my Heavenly Father more and more each day. Not because my obedience will save me - only belief in Jesus Christ can do that - but because I love Him and I desire to live the way He has shown me. Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." John 14:23 I am no longer satisfied to live a comfortable faith that the world tells me is right. The WORD tells me what is right and I am choosing to follow what it says. Not according to our culture or what is "popular Christianity" but radical obedience based on love. I have been challenged and I have accepted the challenge. I will mess up. I will fail. But I will try...because I love Him who has first loved me.

I am a wife and a mother and I count myself blessed for it. I am the keeper of my home and responsible (to my own humanly limitations) for guarding the hearts and minds of my children. I am responsible for educating them in God's way ~ not the ways of the world (or the government for that matter). These commands that I give you today are to be upon your heart. "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

There is no other job or thing in the whole world that is more important OR more rewarding than what I am doing now. I am not perfect and I do not do my job perfectly. I mess up. I fail. But I trust that my Heavenly Father will make up the difference.

I assure you, this is foreign territory for me. I was raised to be career oriented. I am well-educated and licensed as a Registered Nurse. I had a successful career as a military nurse and helped many women and families and families while I was there. I made my own money and spent it when and where I wanted to. And yet...I consider these things to be rubbish compared to the life I have been given. "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ..." Philippians 3:7-8.

There is not a beloved person out there who needs my nursing skills or my compassion or my time more than my husband and children need me at home. There is not an understanding of self-worth or excellent career to be gained ("What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" Matthew 17:26) that can compare to knowing that my husband has full confidence in me (Proverbs 31:11) and my children are walking in the truth. "I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4

My words are not meant to be harsh, I speak them out of love. That you would understand who I am and what is important to me. That you would not worry for me or be disappointed that who I am is not who I used to be. I am a work in progress. "...that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

And for my sisters' in Christ who may understand where I am coming from...press on towards the goal. Your reward is waiting for you in Heaven ~ where we will rest and fellowship and be lavished in the Love of our Savior. It will be a glorious day!

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. " 1 Peter 3:14-16

Shalom, Leah

GFDF Cinnamon Rolls

What I am up to these days...lots of gluten free baking! Check out Joshua's blog for more yummy recipes!















This is my version of a wonderful gluten-free cinnamon roll. The original recipe (which I have modified quite a bit) was posted here: I Am Gluten Free. I highly recommend doubling this recipe as it only makes one pan of cinnamon rolls. This BARELY fed my family of 5 as everyone wanted more! Even my hubby (who is not gluten-free) loved them! Please let me know if you try the recipe and have any suggestions...

Ingredients:
2/3 cup warm milk (we use almond milk)
1 packet active dry yeast

2 Tbsp dairy free margarine (we use Earth's Balance)
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg (at room temperature)
1/4 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups All-Purpose GF Flour (we use GF Mama's Almond Blend)
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp xanthan gum

For filling:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
chopped nuts - optional

For glaze:
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
milk to desires thickness

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine warm milk and yeast (be sure all the yeast dissolves) and allow to sit for about 5 minutes until it is foamy.

In the bowl of stand mixer, combine margarine and sugar until smooth. Add proofed milk/ yeast to bowl. Add egg, oil, and vanilla. Mix until combined.

In a separate bowl combine gluten-free flour and remaining dry ingredients. Stir to combine then add to mixing bowl. Beat on high for 2 minutes.

Lay a piece of wax paper on the counter and sprinkle 1-2 Tbsp sugar over it. Scoop dough (which will be quite soft) on to wax paper. Cover this with another piece of wax paper and roll out into approximately 9x11 size rectangle. Remove top piece of wax paper and cover rectangle with filling. Use the bottom piece of wax paper to lift edge and start rolling dough into a long cylinder. Cut into 8 or 9 even size slices (about 1" wide). (Original poster suggested trimming off irregular ends but I just leave them on there). Place rolls into a greased pie plate or cake pan.

Bake approximately 20 minutes (or until the tops are golden brown). Top with glaze if desired.

And ENJOY....I know we did!

A Tale of Two Daughters

I have 2 daughters, one is 6 and the other is 2.

The older daughter is a gem - you couldn't ask for a better child. She is sweet and fun, silly, smart, and loves Jesus with all her heart. When she was a toddler she insisted on having well-dressed baby dolls. Each morning we would dress them from head to toe - only to redress them in the jammies when the sun went down. Each doll had multiple outfits and she loved to dress them up. Flash forward to today....Nicole is our "modesty police." She is grossly offended by immodesty. Even Dora the Explorer (with her belly-button showing top) isn't off the hook. She was horrified to learn that...a long time ago...her mommy was one of those "not modest" cheerleaders she sees on television. Yup, the modesty police....

The other daughter is, well...2 and taking full advantage of it for a few more months. Any and all baby dolls withing her reach MUST be NAKED. In fact, the first thing she does to a baby doll is strip them down. And now that I mention it...she likes best to be naked as well! A neighbor commented to me in the fall that Abigail was outside in her undies...I quickly pointed out her clothing which was strewn about the yard. I dress her ~ she undresses herself. What it a mom to do?

My husband and I were discussing the vast differences in the personalities of our daughters when he pointed out that....if Nicole's baby doll preferences led to her obsession with modesty...we'll be lucky if Abigail doesn't end up a stripper.

I'm not sayin' ...I'm just sayin'.

Theological Smackdown!

My beloved 6 year old is too smart for her own good...

We were in Home Depot the other night with my husband....waiting for my husband, I should say. Home Depot happens to be the one store in the whole world that sells my childrens' most favorite gum in the whole world...mentos gum with the green stuff inside. As we were waiting for Daddy, the children hunted down and recovered 3 packages of said gum. They of course asked to open them right away...to which I said...

NO! I said, "Let's keep them right here in the cart until you prove yourselves WORTHY of the gum by your good behavior."

Nicole looked me square in the eyes and said,

"Mom, we are not WORTHY. We will NEVER be WORTHY...only God is WORTHY and you should never compare us to Him.
Now can I please have my gum?"

Yes, Nicole, you may have your gum.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...the sun is shining and we are enjoying some warm weather before the cold is here to stay.

I am thinking...I wish I was able to take a nap today. We have Awanas tonight and I am going to be very tired! Praying that the Lord will give me the energy I need to get through the rest of the day!

I am thankful for...Awanas and the scriptures that my children are committing to their hearts. It is priceless!

From the learning rooms...we had to take a few sick days this week while everyone got over their colds. I am looking forward to getting back to business!

From the kitchen...made my first ever gluten free/ dairy free apple pie this week. It was so yummy. I have been too intimidated to try making them but it was really easy.

From the garden...glad I waited to pull the tomatoes off the vine (see last week's post). Hopefully this warm weather will ripen them up a bit!

I am creating...still plugging away on the afghan.

I am going...to Awanas tonight and the city on Friday, exciting!

I am reading...The Bible and On the Banks of Plum Creek (with the kids). I found a new Bible Reading Schedule that is really renewing my passion for the Word...each day you read one chapter from 4 different books of the Bible... one historical, one devotional, one prophetic, and one doctrinal. You can read more about it at Perpetual Bible Reading Schedule by Michael Lancto.

I am hoping...that the children are over being sick and we can all be healthy again!

I am hearing...the landscaper "blow out" the sprinklers - a sure sign that winter will be here sooner than we hope!

Around the house...finally got it clean again - now here's to hoping it stays that way!

One of my favorite things...leaves changing colors for the fall!

A few plans for the rest of the week: the usual ~ Awanas, school, church, and checking out a new pediatrician in the city.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

One year ago...the time is going way too fast!

To see the original Simple Woman's Daybook click the link!

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...it is definitely fall in Montana, even if the calendar says that fall starts tomorrow. We have already had our first snowfall and the wood stove is already earning it's weight in gold.

I am thinking...I need more coffee before I can think!


I am thankful for...my family. I am so blessed.

From the learning rooms...we are learning the words to the Star Spangled Banner this week. It is fun to listen to the kids sing it while they run around the house. I am pleasantly surprised by how well both Joshua and Nicole are doing this year. Nicole is becoming quite the little reader and Joshua is very motivated to learn, despite his challenges. I am so proud of both of them!

From the kitchen...found a wonderful recipe for homemade gluten free "flour" tortillas. Yum.

From the garden...I need to pull the tomatoes off the vine since the weather is getting colder and colder. Hopefully my neighbors are right and they will ripen inside. Our corn was a bust this year ~ it never got hot enough for it to grow. Oh well, maybe next year!

I am creating...an afghan that seems it will never end! I think I need to take a break for a while and work on something smaller till I can get motivated again!

I am going...to Awanas tonight. The kids are so excited for a new year of Awanas.

I am reading...The Bible and On the Banks of Plum Creek (with the kids).

I am hoping...for my mother-in-law to wake up today, that would be a great Birthday present!

I am hearing...my husband teaching (or trying to) my kids how to play chess. This has been a good lesson in patience for him :)

Around the house...wrapping up projects outside before winter and then we'll turn of focus back inside.

One of my favorite things...sleeping in!

A few plans for the rest of the week: starting Awanas, school, and church.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Rock Climbing

To see the original Simple Woman's Daybook click the link!

A Little Special Needs Learning...

Jump over to 4 the Love of Josh to see some of the adaptations we are making for Joshua's Apraxia of Speech while he battles his way through Kindergarten! Go Joshy, Go...we are proud of you!