Welcome to day 4. I started this day trying to tease my boys that it's Star Wars Day (May the fourth be with you...) yeah, poor kids.
So today's challenge was timely~ To clean the microwave and oven, inside and out. Here's the story...
The other night, my hubby was being so sweet by baking a pepperoni pizza. This was great and it gave me a night off from cooking. Last night I made some white bean chicken chili and thought that corn bread would be lovely as a side. My 7 year old did a great job preparing the cornbread. I had the oven pre-heating as I was stirring the chili. Every time I walked over to stir the pot I thought to myself "why does it smell like a BBQ?" And at one point I thought "hmmm, smells like the neighbor is BBQing hot dogs or something." I did have the kitchen window open over my sink. But I haven't smelled any BBQ coming from that yard in a while. So it really struck me. Back to the cornbread. I opened the oven door to put the nicely prepared dish in to bake, when what did I see but a flame go WHOOF when I let the fresh air into the oven. There, on the bottom of the oven, was a chunk of pepperoni pizza, at least that's what it was at one time. Now it was a black piece of charcoal on the bottom of the oven, with about a 4" flame rising up. I closed the door, grabbed one small handful of baking soda, opened the door and found that to be an effective end to the drama. I reached inside with salad tongs and pulled the char out and tossing it in the sink where a bowl of water was ready to receive it. It was a great lesson for my son. He learned about fire and baking soda. Also, we're learning about the water cycle, so he saw steam come up from the 'pizza' in the bowl. We talked about that just today, in fact. Hey, you gotta take everything and make it a lesson when you homeschool, right?
So, today's challenge to clean the inside of the oven came at a good time. Other than that, the oven wasn't in too bad of shape. I had been wanting to clean the glass on the front anyway. So this was a good time to do it. While cleaning, the sink turned into quite a mess. So I worked at scrubbing that with a bit more elbow grease than normal. Then I cleaned the microwave and toaster oven. While I was at it, the top of the garbages looked grimey, it's what I get for buying white ones, yes? So I cleaned those. Then the door to the back yard looked sad, too. So it got a quick wipe down. A little ADD? Yup!
In addition, Wednesdays are my dust, vacuum, mop days. So I got all that done, as well.
The Mary challenge, I'm still going to have to work on. I haven't even had the time to consider it and honestly I'm about to throw a hat on and leave for the evening. What's on the ageneda? My hubby and I get to clean at his work tonight. I do walk on the wild side. :)
How is the challenge going for you? I found a great link today for the 31 Days to Clean calendar! This way you can post it and have it handy all month long. The only thing missing are the Mary challenges. But you can look those up in the book. Here's the link! http://www.4shared.com/document/8KtghJaP/31_Days_to_Clean_Calendar.html
Happy cleaning!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
31 Days~ Day 3
Today is day 3. It was the shot in the arm that I needed. Arm... speaking of which, my shoulder has been acting up. So while I worked hard I really tried to be gentle on my bad shoulder.
The Mary challenge said to ask your family what makes them feel most loved when it comes to you caring for your home. Well... the wording, unfortunately, went over my husband's head. And it hit me, I'm communicating in female terms again. So I had to re-word it a bit and find out what it was that he liked when he walked in the door. His response? The smell of food cooking for dinner, and peace. Not arguing amongst the kids and a frazzled "I have NO idea what we're having for dinner so don't even ask me" look on a frazzled wife's face. Hehe. Not that I ever have that kind of environment in my home! Ok, yes I do. But I usually try to have the kids do a quick pick up of their toys, I try to tidy up a bit and run a comb through my hair and sometimes get a candle lit before he walks in. It doesn't happen every night but I do love to do it when I can. So, tonight, knowing what he likes, the house will be picked up, and dinner will be in the crock simmering. That's all it takes.
As for the Martha challenge. THIS is where the shot in the arm comes in. Now, I have "wipe tops and fronts of cabinets and refrigerator" as a part of my routine (I use index cards from the SHE system.) So they weren't too bad. However, I still had my Snow Village on the top of my cabinets. They look so cute up there that one year I left them year round. The upside? Not having to take them down, pack them up, carry them to the basement, only to do the reverse in a few months. The downside? They were gucky and gross and needed a good cleaning after that. So, today I pulled them all down and packed them up and the boys helped me get them to the basement. I admit, it felt good to get them put away and I loved having the boys help. My shoulder? It's not as happy but I'm working out...
A couple years ago I bought some cute little garden decorations, birds, flowers, etc. I never splurge on decor. But that year I really wanted something springy. So today I brought it out of the box that it was stored in since last October and put them in place on my cabinets! It looks so cheery!
I did wipe all surfaces while I was at it and even scrubbed the light fixture over the sink. Now I need to ask my sweet hubby to take that one last box to the basement, cuz this shoulder is finished. I hope you are being blessed in this 3rd day of the challenge! :)
The Mary challenge said to ask your family what makes them feel most loved when it comes to you caring for your home. Well... the wording, unfortunately, went over my husband's head. And it hit me, I'm communicating in female terms again. So I had to re-word it a bit and find out what it was that he liked when he walked in the door. His response? The smell of food cooking for dinner, and peace. Not arguing amongst the kids and a frazzled "I have NO idea what we're having for dinner so don't even ask me" look on a frazzled wife's face. Hehe. Not that I ever have that kind of environment in my home! Ok, yes I do. But I usually try to have the kids do a quick pick up of their toys, I try to tidy up a bit and run a comb through my hair and sometimes get a candle lit before he walks in. It doesn't happen every night but I do love to do it when I can. So, tonight, knowing what he likes, the house will be picked up, and dinner will be in the crock simmering. That's all it takes.
As for the Martha challenge. THIS is where the shot in the arm comes in. Now, I have "wipe tops and fronts of cabinets and refrigerator" as a part of my routine (I use index cards from the SHE system.) So they weren't too bad. However, I still had my Snow Village on the top of my cabinets. They look so cute up there that one year I left them year round. The upside? Not having to take them down, pack them up, carry them to the basement, only to do the reverse in a few months. The downside? They were gucky and gross and needed a good cleaning after that. So, today I pulled them all down and packed them up and the boys helped me get them to the basement. I admit, it felt good to get them put away and I loved having the boys help. My shoulder? It's not as happy but I'm working out...
A couple years ago I bought some cute little garden decorations, birds, flowers, etc. I never splurge on decor. But that year I really wanted something springy. So today I brought it out of the box that it was stored in since last October and put them in place on my cabinets! It looks so cheery!
I did wipe all surfaces while I was at it and even scrubbed the light fixture over the sink. Now I need to ask my sweet hubby to take that one last box to the basement, cuz this shoulder is finished. I hope you are being blessed in this 3rd day of the challenge! :)
Monday, May 2, 2011
31 Days~ Day 2
Created to Give Life... That's today's title.
Before I get into the meat of this chapter, let me just say I breezed through the Martha challenge, to clean the inside of the fridge and freezer. It felt good. It is on my routine to do, but I've let it slide lately. So it was much needed and I have to wear sunglasses when I open the door now. :) Now on to the tougher one...
Sarah points out that one of our special gifts from God is to give life... A few of her examples are with our words, in our homes, in education, church, socially, culture and arts, and heritage and traditions.
Our Mary Challenge today is to consider what I can do to bring life to my home, my children, my husband, and my sphere of influence. This is a question I haven't really considered before. At least not consciously. How about you? Have you really sat and pondered this before?
I think that something as simple as a smile to give freely to our families is a very small but profound way to give life. And yet, in the rush of our day we can often forget such a simple token of love. I also think words can have life or death. And when we're tired and feeling like we're running behind or not getting enough done, we can lose those life giving words and that smile to be sure. I think I resemble a porcupine more often than I'd like to admit.
So how can I find that smile and those life giving words? By being rested and not feeling behind all day. And how does that happen? For me, it is by being up before the family, having time to exercise and get in God's Word. If I have that time alone in a quiet home I find myself much more at peace to start my day.
But wait, the alarm clock is going off and the bed is so warm and the snooze button is calling my name! So this can't be where it starts, can it? I'm still missing something...
Like dominoes we have to go back to the first one to start off the chain of events. So we really need to go back to the previous night. If I can get myself to bed earlier, I can get up earlier. If I get up earlier, I can exercise and spend time with the Lord. If I can exercise and spend time with God, I can start my day with peace and order. If I can start my day with peace and order then I can have a smile for my family when they get up in the morning. See how it's like dominoes?
So, that said, it's 9:08 PM and I really need to be heading to bed soon! This is a hard habit to start because our lives are so busy. But I'm going to start making an effort. It's obvious that it won't happen naturally. So, goodnight all!!!!!! See you on day 3! :)
Before I get into the meat of this chapter, let me just say I breezed through the Martha challenge, to clean the inside of the fridge and freezer. It felt good. It is on my routine to do, but I've let it slide lately. So it was much needed and I have to wear sunglasses when I open the door now. :) Now on to the tougher one...
Sarah points out that one of our special gifts from God is to give life... A few of her examples are with our words, in our homes, in education, church, socially, culture and arts, and heritage and traditions.
Our Mary Challenge today is to consider what I can do to bring life to my home, my children, my husband, and my sphere of influence. This is a question I haven't really considered before. At least not consciously. How about you? Have you really sat and pondered this before?
I think that something as simple as a smile to give freely to our families is a very small but profound way to give life. And yet, in the rush of our day we can often forget such a simple token of love. I also think words can have life or death. And when we're tired and feeling like we're running behind or not getting enough done, we can lose those life giving words and that smile to be sure. I think I resemble a porcupine more often than I'd like to admit.
So how can I find that smile and those life giving words? By being rested and not feeling behind all day. And how does that happen? For me, it is by being up before the family, having time to exercise and get in God's Word. If I have that time alone in a quiet home I find myself much more at peace to start my day.
But wait, the alarm clock is going off and the bed is so warm and the snooze button is calling my name! So this can't be where it starts, can it? I'm still missing something...
Like dominoes we have to go back to the first one to start off the chain of events. So we really need to go back to the previous night. If I can get myself to bed earlier, I can get up earlier. If I get up earlier, I can exercise and spend time with the Lord. If I can exercise and spend time with God, I can start my day with peace and order. If I can start my day with peace and order then I can have a smile for my family when they get up in the morning. See how it's like dominoes?
So, that said, it's 9:08 PM and I really need to be heading to bed soon! This is a hard habit to start because our lives are so busy. But I'm going to start making an effort. It's obvious that it won't happen naturally. So, goodnight all!!!!!! See you on day 3! :)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
31 Days~ Day 1
It's day one and already this day was more challenging than I expected. And to think, it's only day 1! Sarah asks us to come up with a mission statement as a part of our Mary Challenge. The Martha Challenge is pretty simple. Since I seem to have every cleaning item under the sun, so I didn't have to go looking for anything.
But a mission statement... Oy! She said it should only take a minute to read. She didn't know how long winded I could be... I want a clean home, not because I'll be in some magazine, or look like I have it all together for surprise guests. But how to put into words the reasons deep inside my heart for an organized and welcoming home...
I have to admit, I actually kind of enjoy cleaning. It's true! I love going to cleaning seminars and bringing home new fluffy dusters and microfiber mop heads. What I don't like is the clutter. That's another story. Once upon a time I felt guilty for enjoying cleaning. I had some people tell me that it appeared I really did have it all together. I felt so bad, because I didn't want to make anyone feel like I was better than them or that they weren't doing as well as I. I truly didn't 'have it all together' at all. But, how silly that was!! Were my eyes on God or me?? The fear of man is a strange thing. I don't think ANYone really has it all together, we all know what's stacked in our closets, emotionally and physically. But a dear friend told me that if God gave me the ability to work in my home, and even enjoy it, then I ought to joyfully go about doing just that. So long as it isn't taking away from my family. Anything, even cleaning, can become an idol.
But how do I put it all together into a 'why' statement? I was told once to always write in the positive, rather than saying how I wish things were or what I don't want to do. So, here goes.
"Daily I desire to bless and honor the Lord, first, doing all as unto Him. "So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the Knowledge of God." Col 1:10
I am blessing my husband, who works so hard outside the home. He has a warm, inviting home to return to each night. Our boys are blessed by the nurturing environment I create. "The heart of her husband trusts in her..." Prov. 31:11a "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Prov. 31:28
My home is welcoming and peaceful so I can bless others. "She provides food for her household... She opens her hands to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy." Prov. 31:15b,20.
My home reflects peace and joy, and my heart is bountifully blessed. "...and she laughs at the days to come." Prov. 31:25b
I work eagerly and willingly for the love of the Lord, my family, and others. "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Prov. 31:27 "She works with willing hands." Prov. 31:13b"
If I want to read it in just a minute, as Sarah suggests, I can leave out the Scripture verses. But I really do best when I have Scripture to guide me. :)
How's everyone else doing on the mission statement?? See ya on Day 2!
But a mission statement... Oy! She said it should only take a minute to read. She didn't know how long winded I could be... I want a clean home, not because I'll be in some magazine, or look like I have it all together for surprise guests. But how to put into words the reasons deep inside my heart for an organized and welcoming home...
I have to admit, I actually kind of enjoy cleaning. It's true! I love going to cleaning seminars and bringing home new fluffy dusters and microfiber mop heads. What I don't like is the clutter. That's another story. Once upon a time I felt guilty for enjoying cleaning. I had some people tell me that it appeared I really did have it all together. I felt so bad, because I didn't want to make anyone feel like I was better than them or that they weren't doing as well as I. I truly didn't 'have it all together' at all. But, how silly that was!! Were my eyes on God or me?? The fear of man is a strange thing. I don't think ANYone really has it all together, we all know what's stacked in our closets, emotionally and physically. But a dear friend told me that if God gave me the ability to work in my home, and even enjoy it, then I ought to joyfully go about doing just that. So long as it isn't taking away from my family. Anything, even cleaning, can become an idol.
But how do I put it all together into a 'why' statement? I was told once to always write in the positive, rather than saying how I wish things were or what I don't want to do. So, here goes.
"Daily I desire to bless and honor the Lord, first, doing all as unto Him. "So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the Knowledge of God." Col 1:10
I am blessing my husband, who works so hard outside the home. He has a warm, inviting home to return to each night. Our boys are blessed by the nurturing environment I create. "The heart of her husband trusts in her..." Prov. 31:11a "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Prov. 31:28
My home is welcoming and peaceful so I can bless others. "She provides food for her household... She opens her hands to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy." Prov. 31:15b,20.
My home reflects peace and joy, and my heart is bountifully blessed. "...and she laughs at the days to come." Prov. 31:25b
I work eagerly and willingly for the love of the Lord, my family, and others. "She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Prov. 31:27 "She works with willing hands." Prov. 31:13b"
If I want to read it in just a minute, as Sarah suggests, I can leave out the Scripture verses. But I really do best when I have Scripture to guide me. :)
How's everyone else doing on the mission statement?? See ya on Day 2!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
31 Days to Clean Cometh...
Tomorrow is Sunday, May 1.
And that means 31 Days to Clean starts tomorrow!!
If you don't have your e-book yet you can find a kindle copy or digital copy at http://31daystoclean.com/ for only $4.99! It is well worth owning.
So, I'll see you tomorrow as we start a 31 day journey to CLEAN!
And that means 31 Days to Clean starts tomorrow!!
If you don't have your e-book yet you can find a kindle copy or digital copy at http://31daystoclean.com/ for only $4.99! It is well worth owning.
So, I'll see you tomorrow as we start a 31 day journey to CLEAN!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
31 Days to Clean- Having a Martha House in a Mary Way
Have you heard the buzz about the new e-book 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae???
Is the title enough to get you curious about what lies inside the pages???
It is for me!
Ok, maybe some of you think "oh boy another organizing book." I know that I own them all. But I haven't seen one quite like this. Look what the website says... "31 Days to Clean is about the “why” and the vision and the heart for taking care of our domains. Each day I encourage you with some thoughts and ideas, and then we put those ideas to action.
After each days reading, you will be given two challenges:
The Mary Challenge -Something you do that encourages/engages your heart
The Martha Challenge – Specific cleaning tasks"
See why I'm intrigued?
You can find more information and can buy the book online for only $4.99 at http://31daystoclean.com/
So here's my plan... I want to get my hands on a copy and THEN I want to start blogging about it here. Is there anyone else out there who'd like to join together for 31 days??
Let's do it!
Is the title enough to get you curious about what lies inside the pages???
It is for me!
Ok, maybe some of you think "oh boy another organizing book." I know that I own them all. But I haven't seen one quite like this. Look what the website says... "31 Days to Clean is about the “why” and the vision and the heart for taking care of our domains. Each day I encourage you with some thoughts and ideas, and then we put those ideas to action.
After each days reading, you will be given two challenges:
The Mary Challenge -Something you do that encourages/engages your heart
The Martha Challenge – Specific cleaning tasks"
See why I'm intrigued?
You can find more information and can buy the book online for only $4.99 at http://31daystoclean.com/
So here's my plan... I want to get my hands on a copy and THEN I want to start blogging about it here. Is there anyone else out there who'd like to join together for 31 days??
Let's do it!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Waves
I've been not-so-quietly watching lots of opinions fly online lately. Most particularly, the recent debates over Peter Enns, Ken Ham, Susan Wise Bauer and Jay Wile. Not-so-quietly, because I had to post a few comments online expressing my concerns. I find it so hard to keep quiet. I considered posting on my blog several times. But I just couldn't find the words.
Today is not really any different.
A month has gone by and I haven't posted anything here. I just haven't been sure what to say or when.
One observation... I'm seeing that there are a precious and beautiful few opinions based in Scripture. And when those precious opinions (let's call them truths, they are no longer opinions when based in God's Word) are shared, it amazes me to see the quick reactions from others. The reactions are rarely Scriptural responses. Instead they are common catch phrases that I bet you've heard before... "You can't judge... that's just wrong to point a finger... you can't say that about a 'brother' in Christ..." And on and on it goes. It's so sad. But I'm afraid that is the direction things will go. Be tolerant of everything except for the Bible and those who stand firm in the teachings of the Bible.
And it hit me.
This is all so much noise.
These many opinions that are floating around, are just opinions. I'm 100% behind Ken Ham, we need to point out false teaching. But it makes me all the more aware of how important it is to be grounded in the Word so I'm not swayed by opinions or by being politically correct. How can I lead my kids if I am not grounded?
My job is to be grounded FIRST, and then to lead my kids to also be grounded. And if I am going to use any books or curriculum along with the Bible, I had better be SURE of what that author is trying to teach. I want our boys to be able to stand firm, to fight when it is necessary, to not be tossed to and fro...
Ephesians 4:14
"so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."
We may be accused of causing waves by holding to absolute truth. But I'd much rather be causing waves than be tossed by waves of false doctrines. In the end, I'm accountable to the Lord for how I've raised these kiddos. Consider this warning...
Luke 17:2
"It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin."
Go create some waves. Happy teaching...
Today is not really any different.
A month has gone by and I haven't posted anything here. I just haven't been sure what to say or when.
One observation... I'm seeing that there are a precious and beautiful few opinions based in Scripture. And when those precious opinions (let's call them truths, they are no longer opinions when based in God's Word) are shared, it amazes me to see the quick reactions from others. The reactions are rarely Scriptural responses. Instead they are common catch phrases that I bet you've heard before... "You can't judge... that's just wrong to point a finger... you can't say that about a 'brother' in Christ..." And on and on it goes. It's so sad. But I'm afraid that is the direction things will go. Be tolerant of everything except for the Bible and those who stand firm in the teachings of the Bible.
And it hit me.
This is all so much noise.
These many opinions that are floating around, are just opinions. I'm 100% behind Ken Ham, we need to point out false teaching. But it makes me all the more aware of how important it is to be grounded in the Word so I'm not swayed by opinions or by being politically correct. How can I lead my kids if I am not grounded?
My job is to be grounded FIRST, and then to lead my kids to also be grounded. And if I am going to use any books or curriculum along with the Bible, I had better be SURE of what that author is trying to teach. I want our boys to be able to stand firm, to fight when it is necessary, to not be tossed to and fro...
Ephesians 4:14
"so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."
We may be accused of causing waves by holding to absolute truth. But I'd much rather be causing waves than be tossed by waves of false doctrines. In the end, I'm accountable to the Lord for how I've raised these kiddos. Consider this warning...
Luke 17:2
"It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin."
Go create some waves. Happy teaching...
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