Recipe for Contentment

I am posting this as a reminder today. I really needed this.



Recipe for Contentment

time required: Hebrews 10:35-39
preheat at 1 John 3:1-3

Ingredients: 
Matthew 6:8, 32         Matthew 5:45
Matthew 7:9-11          1 Corinthians 10:13
1 Timothy 6:6-8         Romans 8:28-39
Hebrews 13:5-6          Proverbs 31:25
Philippians 4:11-13   1 Peter 5:10-11
Job 2:10

~~~~~~
Directions:
Matthew 6:9-21, 25-34   1 Peter 4:19
Matthew 7:7-8                    1 Peter 5:6-9
Proverbs 3:5-6                   1 Timothy 6:17
Proverbs 19:23                   Exodus 20:17
Hebrews 13:5-6
Philippians 2:14-15
Romans 8:24-25

Serves All: O taste and see that the Lord is Good! Psalm 34:8

*Can be made under all circumstances according to Paul’s not-so-secret recipe! Philippians 4:12*

Hebrews 1:3“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

I did it again

went and stayed away much longer than I had planned.  Guess I needed this little break from the blogging world.

Not sure about anyone else, but  the last several weeks my life has been rather busy and at the same time, I can’t tell you alot that I have actually done.  Nothing that would look like a major accomplishment, but one of great self satisfaction for me.

One of my primary focus though has been less time at the computer.  Seems some days get lost while sitting at the computer, and I have made a pretty concentrated effort to stay away from the computer during the days.  Spending much more time, getting caught up on things around here and puttering around with some “fun things” for the home.

My weekends have been full with all my kids here, so I have been spending time with them and doing quite abit of cooking.  It’s all good!  Something I have greatly missed since they have all been away. 

I’m just taking in the wonderful days of Autumn, enjoying the weather and fall festivities in the area this time of year with family and friends. It has been like a breath of fresh air.

A little run down of some of the things I have been up to:

• Antiquing with friends
• Fall festivals and carnivals
• Watching apple butter being made (and buying some) can you say YUMMO?
• Decorating my front porch for Fall
• Traipsing around hunting down the perfect pumpkins
• Going to farmers markets
• Creating list of upcoming crafting projects
• Hitting some yard sales with my bf
• Starting to organize photos (getting them ready to scan)
• Cooking home cooked meals for my kids on the weekends
• Watching football on Sundays with my sons
• Reading for pleasure
• Spending more time studying THE WORD
• watching movies with my hubby
• getting to bed earlier

So as you can see, I haven’t gotten alot to show for my time away, except a content heart.  Which is a wonderful feeling.

I feel like I have been a terrible blogging friend/buddy, but this season has been a time for slowing down and making some changes and something that I feel like I really needed to do.

Not sure how often I will be around, maybe daily, maybe once a week…maybe when I feel like I have something to share….basically I am just taking this time as God leads me too, to enjoy those things that I get great joy from. My home, family, and friends. I know I will not be gone totally, because there is just so much out there in blogland and friends that I love to visit with and learn from. 

K…since I have a few minutes tonight by myself…going to do some blog hopping. It’s been awhile. 

Hope your having a blessed week so far.

Jeremiah 29:11“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

First things first

I think I have finally decided on which blog to use….I am going to stick with Blogger for now.  :)  Woo Hoo, glad I have made that decision.  As stated before there are things about both that I really do enjoy, but overall I think that the blogger blog feels more like me. 

I’m just a simple girl from the country  with a love of a simpler time and lifestyle. I love the the fresh farmhouse in the spring feel of it.    So for now, you don’t have to change any links….however I am going to keep the wordpress blog around for a bit jic.  :)  Cause that is how I operate.

So do you like the new look here?  I spent two weeks, making changes to both blogs, before I actually settled here.  It was fun, but relearning wordpress was not.   Anyway, let me know what you think.

Confession time…..ladies over the last several weeks, I have really been struggling with contentment.  Not really sure why, but I think priorities has something to do with it.  I feel myself just wanting to isolate and reflect.  So I have decided it is time to do something about this.  I have drifted away from using my list to keep me on target, and it shows.  Not necessarily in my home, but in my heart and mind. And for me that is more important than what my house looks like.  Here are some things that I plan to do:

• Spend time with my creator
• Study the WORD
• Memorize scripture
• WORK off that list

As you can see there isn’t much on the list of things I plan to do, but GOD is first and center, and I think that is where my problem lies, I just have been lazy lately and haven’t taken  the time I need to spend  with God, and I am feeling the effects. 

There is so many uncertainties in my life at the moment, and I believe they have fueled this problem.  I have a hard time staying focused on one thing, or accomplishing any project that I tackle. However, I am reminded in Proverbs 3:5-6…..”Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understandings, In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” 

I know we all feel discontent at times and that is when we really need the support of our fellow Christians, to support and encourage us through, so that  Satan doesn’t get a strong hold on us and keep us from moving forward.  I hope you will remember me in prayer this week as I try to get myself back on track….. Thanks!

Hoping to get around to visit with you all later today or tomorrow.

Hugs,

I encourage you

ladies if you haven’t read this post by Auntie Ruth then you are missing out on a blessing for family, so I encourage you to hop over and read it.  I enjoy reading her  post because they are so heart felt and honest.  Take a peek at today’s posting if you want to bless your family.

Now on to other things.  Can you believe it is already Thursday, and I haven’t accomplished nearly all that I have wanted too this week.  Granted I have spent WAY to much at this computer reworking this blog.  But hopefully I will get it where I want it to be.

I still have loads of pictures on my camera that need to be off loaded so that I can create some worthwhile post.  A few before and afters, some goodies that I ran across while I was out traipsing through the antique malls this past weekend.  My table decked out for Valentines Day.  It’s simple but so pretty.  So hoping by next week I can get a better handle on posting and a schedule that will work for me.

Most of all, I am still working on getting things better organized for my everyday lifestyle, so that all the things that are important to me, I am getting to do.  BALANCE!  Rhoda wrote a great post earlier on this, jump over and read it if you have a minute.  I think most of us want better balance in our lives.  I want to have time for reading my bible daily, working on my bible study, crafting, tweaking in my house, blogging, and reading,and of course spending more quality time with my family and friends.  So much to do and so little time, but I think I will get there.

Should scoot so that I can take care of other life duties today.  Hope you have a very blessed day.

Hugs,

John 4:24“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Beautiful Monday

today.  Wow, the sun is shining and it’s so pretty outside, I really shouldn’t be cooped up in this house today, but the house is quiet and  all my chores are done, and thought I would take this opportunity to get caught up on my blog and blogging.  I can’t  believe I haven’t posted since the beginning of the year….but it has taken me awhile to get settled in after the holidays and such.

As most of you know Michael and I spent the holidays on a cruise, and I promise to share some pictures with you…maybe I will get that done tomorrow…but since getting home, I have had to put all my decorations away.  That is one heck of a job.  Not sure why it takes me so much longer now than it use too, but it was a three day process and then the weekend came and we had to declutter and organize our garage to get the crates back on the shelves.  So glad that is done, and the garage is looking much better now.  You can ALMOST get a car in there again.  Hopefully soon we will be able too. 

Also since getting home we have had some deaths to deal with.  Last week we had three special people to us pass away.  Needless to say it has been a tough week.  Certainly hope we don’t have to go through that again anytime soon.  It is so hard to say goodbye to those we love but even harder for those left behind.  My prayers are with these women because they all lost their husbands.

I have also been trying to put myself on some kind of a schedule and working towards getting myself better organized.  Seems this is always a January chore for me.  Last year I diligently put together my Homemakers Journal,so that I could stay on top of all the things that I want to do. 

Below photo is of me sorting through folders, magazine, calendars, charts, etc.

Getting pages ready to put into my binders

Saving pictures for my ideas folder

Deciding which magazines to keep and grab ideas from

My little binder that can easily be dropped in my handbag to jot down ideas

Now the finished product….

All this to tell you after all that work, guess what?  It is in storage in a box far away from me and I can’t even use it.  UGH!  But I am sure once I can get my little hands on it in the future, I will be so ecstatic. 

I have also been trying to get myself back on track with studying the WORD!

So as you can see I have been busy since getting back home.  I am hoping to get better at my blogging.  I always feel so overwhelmed at the start of a new year.  I always have great plans to do better, but always get sidetracked.  I hope you will hang in there with me, as I have lots of things that I want to do now that I am no longer working.  I’m so excited and feel blessed to have this time to do all those things that I have wanted to do.

Hope you have a blessed day!

Hugs,
Cindy

A Organized Mind

Hi Ya'll! Happy Monday and I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!! It was such a pretty day, it was a bit breezy here in Maryland, but the sun was out and it was so pretty. I had the opportunity to spend some time with my kids yesterday and that is always nice. My daughter stopped over in the morning for a visit before she had to start her day and we had a nice time chatting, and then my oldest son came over and spent the day with me and he made me dinner. It was such a wonderful treat to have him make me dinner. I loved it. My second son came over after he got off from work and spent the evening with me and had dinner with us. I loved having them both there for a little while. I feel truly blessed by the young men they have grown into.
Most of the weekend was spent working in the house, so didn't get much else accomplished. But we did get alot done over the course of two days. Although one of my big goals was to get the main floor completely finished and back in order...Well the work is completely finished but it all isn't back in order, still have the living room to declutter. Guess I will have to work on that over the course of the next several days after I get off work. Boy does my house look different. When my oldest son came over yesterday I ask him what he thought and if he liked it...his reply, " Mom, you have been robbed". I started laughing because to me that was such a funny statement. Especially if you knew me and how my house normally looks. When it is all done, I will share pictures at my home blog. You see, I have LOTS of stuff in my house....but I have boxed up the most of it...so right now, it is sparse...because I want the house to look as big as possible. But it sure did look different to him. It amazing how different a house feels without ALL the stuff...and how good it feels, there really is alot of truth to "it unclutters the mind".
For me, I find I am a better mother and wife if I have a organized Mind.I found this article (http://www.stacksandstacks.com/) awhile back and I think it relates well for me maybe it will for you too.

10 Tips to an Organized Mind

By Jan Hayner

By organizing your mind, you get rid of clutter that fills the brain, which causes stress and anxiety. We all have enough things in our lives that are uncontrollable that can create problems, so why not organize the things that we can control, giving us a true feeling of accomplishment and stress free living.
These 10 tips will help you to keep your mind on-track and help you organize your life:
1. Make a note.
Always carry a pocket size notebook in your purse or pocket and when you remember something that needs to be done, the very best thing to do is write it down. Check your notes daily to help make your next 'list of things to do.'
2. Keep it all in one place and create a workspace.
Always have a workspace or work center in your home. This is the heart of your work area, where you keep your notes, bills, calendar etc.
3. Keep your body healthy.
Eat healthy; get plenty of rest and lots of good exercise. This will see you through to having a good memory, staying focused and being alert. A body that is healthy, works well, is more active, concentrates better and functions on a higher level.
4. Record those 'instant' thoughts.
Mini pocket recorders are available that attach to your key chain for those fast little thoughts that run through your mind and need to be written down. Unfortunately when driving a car, working on an important document or running after kids it is not easy to stop and write a note. HOWEVER, it is easy to record your thoughts on a mini recorder and play them back later.
5. Leave a message for yourself.
Call your answering machine and leave a message for yourself. It could be things you need to take care of in your home; you may need to make an appointment, to schedule a play date for your child, clean out the gutters, or something you need to add to the grocery list. By leaving a message, it will eliminate it from your mind and you will have a note in place to remind you of it later.
6. Trust yourself.
Know that the note you have left is important and not to be ignored. Do not overlook a note or message that you have left for yourself thinking that it can be done later. It was important enough to jot it down, now do it!
7. Email reminders.
If your job is computer related or you have access to one, you can send yourself an Email or subscribe to an email, calendar or reminder service. Most of these are already 'free of charge' on your own computers.
8. Use Post-it sticky notes.
The bright, neon colors will be great to catch your eye. Need to make an urgent call first thing in the morning? Leave a Post-It Note on your telephone. Need to remind the kids to brush better, leave a note on the bathroom mirror, or keep all of your notes at your work center for fast reference.
9. Use timers for instant reminders.
Set your timer to beep a few minutes before you leave for work to start your air conditioner in the car. Set your timer for a break in your work schedule, to remind you that you need to make that important phone call or that you have 'x' number of minutes left for a particular goal to be accomplished.
10. A picture is worth a thousand words.
You may need to remind yourself what your goal is so you do not get off task. If it is organizing a closet, hang a picture of an organized closet on your closet door. If it is getting a document ready for a client, have a picture of someone smiling holding a paper. If it is making a shelf, have a picture of the finished product hanging up to remind you that all of the work is worth the effort.
For years I was pretty organized and then I went to work full time. My life changed drastically when I wasn't home all day. All the things that I had done so effortlessly, was now taking everything in me to do. I was letting things go that I had never done before. It was creating chaos' in my house, but mainly in my mind. When my house was in limbo, so was my mind. Over time, I have been trying to work myself back to a more organized state of home/and mind. Working on simplifying my life in all areas.

I worked on my "Simple Daybook" last night, so if you would like to read my entry you can hop over to visit.
"Any fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction."
~ Albert Einstein
Keep life simple.
Hope you have a blessed Monday!
Hugs,
Cindy

Where to start?

This is what I woke up to this morning.  I'd say Winter has arrived!

That is how I feel.  I don't really know where to start. Here we are in a new year 2009, and I can't seem to get my thoughts down.  I have been taking things a bit slower and also starting a new system.  I guess you can say that is one of my new  goals for this year.  There are many things that I want to achieve and work on this year that will benefit me and my family.  Most of which are simply personal.  Here is a small portion of some of the things that are rolling around in my head.

1. One, being a better blogger buddy.  I haven't been doing all that great.  Life seems to have  a mind all it's own.
2. More quiet time with God.
3. Spend time with God daily in prayer.
   
4. Digging deeper in my study of the Word/bible study.
5. Reading more spiritual books for guidance/resources purposes that allow me to dig deeper
   
6. Focus on the simple things in my life and be grateful.
   
7. Spend more quality time with my family and friends.

This year I started reading "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren,  I am enjoying it greatly.  I am on Day 7 and I am working through th Purpose Driven  Journal too.  It is a great accompaniment to the book.  I have had this book for several years but just couldn't find the time to read it....so decided there was time like the present.  A great way to start off the new year.
As you can see most of my goals  are of spiritual nature but I feel a strong push toward this this year.  Last year my goals were oriented around organizing and even though I didn't master that, I still plan to work on it.  Believe me, there is ALWAYS something to organize at my house. I also wanted to start journaling my simple pleasures so I joined Peggy at the Simple Woman's   Daybook. You can check out my new blog for my Journal. I think it makes it easier to just recognize the simple things that we are grateful for.  This is a just a fun way to remember.

I am running a bit short on time at the moment, but wanted to let you know that I hope to get my blogging pattern down soon.  Since the holidays and getting the Christmas Decorations down, I have kinda like that "sparse" feeling....so I have carried that over to my computer time as well.  I am decluttering my blogs, making some changes, and cleaning and better organizing my computer files.  My inboxes look better than they ever have, and I set myself up a system on responding to emails that I need too, so that things don't get lost.   One of my other helpers, and it is a big one for me is my day planner, I couldn't do anything without it. Everything goes in there, from appts, what's going on with Tori and with whom, dinner ideas, shopping ideas, even blog ideas,  I use it for everything.  I also use one on the computer so if I need to, I can print it out and go.

Possibly soon, I will blog about some of the resources I like to use to keep me on task...but until then, I should go.  I didn't mean to write a book, but it has been awhile since I have posted.  I will try to get around to visit with you all soon.

Hugs!
Cindy
BTW, I still haven't gotten Christmas pictures off my camera, but once I do...I will post them.  Most likely I will post them to my Christmas Blog and then direct you there to see them if you want. 

Have a blessed Sunday!

Hi friends and family....

Just wanted to briefly stop in and wish you and your family a blessed day.

Here is a wonderful little video for you. Turn up the volume and sit back and enjoy.

http://www.thejoymovie.com/?SRC=081014

Hugs,
Cindy

TWENTY-TWO SELF EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

Hi Ladies, I don't have alot of time this morning so decided I would share some thought provoking questions. I read these on another blog earlier, can't remember where I found them, but I thought they were definitely worth my time to ponder. Let me know what you think.
Have a blessed Friday!

TWENTY-TWO SELF EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am
better than I really am?

2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?

4. Can I be trusted?

5. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?

7. Did the Bible live in me today?

8. Do I give it time to speak to me every day?

9. Am I enjoying prayer?

10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?

11. Do I pray about the money I spend?

12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?

13. Do I disobey God in anything?

14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?

16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?

17. How do I spend my spare time?

18. Am I proud?

19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the
Pharisees who despised the publican?

20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize hold a
resentment toward or despise?

21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?

22. Is Christ real to me?

These are the 22 questions the members of the Holy Club, to which JOHN
WESLEY belonged, asked themselves each day as a part of their daily
devotions.

From Eternity Assurance.blogspot.com

Cell Phones vs Bible

wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones?

*What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
*What if we flipped through it several times a day?
*What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
*What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
*What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
*What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
*What if we used it when we traveled?
*What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

So remember this...
You'll never have dropped calls and unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
But most important of all...you'll never have to ask Him "Can you hear me now?"

Makes you stop and think, "Where are my priorities?"

40 Tips for a better life

Hello everyone! I saw this on a list that I am a member of and really like some of the suggestions so thought I would pass it along to you.


40 Tips for Better Life - 2008

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile . It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep .

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy .

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.

7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi, and prayer . They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water.. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn . Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16 . Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more . It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. GOD heals almost everything.
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33 . The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel , get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36 . Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!) Hey Im thinkin of ya! =)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed .

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about.

Hope all have a blessed Tuesday.
Hugs!