..encouraging women in their high calling of being keepers at home, help meets to their husbands, and nurturing, loving mothers to their children..
"....Your children shall be like olive plants all around your table." Psalm 128:3
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Noah
Dear friends,
While requesting prayer for Annaleigh's family, I felt compelled to also ask for prayer for a little boy named Noah. He has been through so much during his short life..and his parents are now facing a big decision. Prayers are coveted for him and his family.
You can read his story here, or use the link on my right sidebar.
Thank you.
Continue to Pray..
Please continue to pray for Annaleigh's family. You can read the latest from Rebecca here.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Some Thoughts on Feminine Dress
Dear friends,
It's been almost one year since I (and my girls) started wearing skirts full-time. Here's how it all began......
Last spring, I was really encouraged - and challenged - by reading Amy's posts @ She Wears Skirts Series, and Caroline's posts @ The Modest Mom.
(You can read my post about skirts here.)
But even before I had stumbled upon their blogs, the Lord had already been dealing with me about what I was wearing, which I call the "The Uniform of the Day" : jeans and t-shirts. I knew that, as Christians, we are to be "set apart" from the world (Psalm 4:3) "not conformed" to it (Romans 12:2), and that we were "to keep oneself unspotted" from it (James 1:27). I had to admit to myself that what I was wearing was not separate from the world because I looked exactly like almost every other woman when I went out in public. Not only did I consider myself not separated from the world, but I just didn't feel feminine in what I was wearing. However, I felt very feminine in my Sunday clothes.
As I read the posts in the series, the topic came up at lunch one day. I asked the children, "What's the first thing that pops into your mind when you see a lady in a long skirt?" My then 9 year-old son summed it up well. His answer was," I would think, 'Wow! There's something different about her!'"
Exactly! We are supposed to different from the world - even in how we dress. And in our society, with the gender lines blurred, or sometimes non-existent, it's hard to distinguish male from female these days.
So I found myself looking forward to each new post and loving what I was reading. And I felt the Lord tugging on my heart even more. I knew what He was trying to tell me: make the change..literally - to embrace my femininity, to love being the woman God created me to be..... and to be more modest at the same, (which is a topic for another post). : ) The Lord made it very clear to me and I knew what I had to do.
But there was the question about how to afford practically a whole new wardrobe. I had Sunday clothes, but no skirts to wear around the house, or to run errands, etc. And I would need some shoes, too. The Lord graciously provided exactly what I needed from thrift stores, and also material to make skirts for me and my girls.
I must tell you that I feel much more feminine in a long, flowing skirt than I ever did in a pair of jeans or even capris. And for the record, my hubby says, "Dear, you look really nice" much more now than he ever did when I wore jeans. :) My daughters act more feminine in their skirts, too.
I also find that I can do anything in skirts that I could do in jeans..from cleaning the house to weeding the garden. My sweet daughter-in-law gave me an apron a couple of years ago, I use it on a daily basis to keep my skirts clean.
So it's been a year since the switch and I have yet to be questioned by family or friends about why we wear skirts. Maybe it's because they're thinking, "They homeschool and wear skirts. Typical weirdos." ;)
There's a quote from Kim Brenneman in her book, "Large Family Logistics" that was a wonderful encouragement to me while switching over to skirts. She said, "Our foremothers settled this land, built houses, planted gardens, and tended animals in long skirts and beautiful dresses. Even their aprons were wonderful to behold! Surely in our day of microwaves, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners, we can do our chores with as much feminine flair as they. Personally, I feel it is uplifting to the spirit to go through each day in womanly attire. Let's dignify our work by dressing appropriately and beautifully for it!"
Now obviously, I realize that there are people who would call me legalistic, but I disagree. I 'm not legalistic. I'm liberated - in the right sense of the word; liberated to embrace how the Lord created me - to be a woman, to act like a woman, and to dress like a woman.
Have a blessed day,

linking up at The Modest Mom
Deep Roots at Home
Feminine Friday
Thanks for reading, friends. And I try to respond to each comment that you leave. :)
It's been almost one year since I (and my girls) started wearing skirts full-time. Here's how it all began......
Last spring, I was really encouraged - and challenged - by reading Amy's posts @ She Wears Skirts Series, and Caroline's posts @ The Modest Mom.
(You can read my post about skirts here.)
But even before I had stumbled upon their blogs, the Lord had already been dealing with me about what I was wearing, which I call the "The Uniform of the Day" : jeans and t-shirts. I knew that, as Christians, we are to be "set apart" from the world (Psalm 4:3) "not conformed" to it (Romans 12:2), and that we were "to keep oneself unspotted" from it (James 1:27). I had to admit to myself that what I was wearing was not separate from the world because I looked exactly like almost every other woman when I went out in public. Not only did I consider myself not separated from the world, but I just didn't feel feminine in what I was wearing. However, I felt very feminine in my Sunday clothes.
As I read the posts in the series, the topic came up at lunch one day. I asked the children, "What's the first thing that pops into your mind when you see a lady in a long skirt?" My then 9 year-old son summed it up well. His answer was," I would think, 'Wow! There's something different about her!'"
Exactly! We are supposed to different from the world - even in how we dress. And in our society, with the gender lines blurred, or sometimes non-existent, it's hard to distinguish male from female these days.
So I found myself looking forward to each new post and loving what I was reading. And I felt the Lord tugging on my heart even more. I knew what He was trying to tell me: make the change..literally - to embrace my femininity, to love being the woman God created me to be..... and to be more modest at the same, (which is a topic for another post). : ) The Lord made it very clear to me and I knew what I had to do.
But there was the question about how to afford practically a whole new wardrobe. I had Sunday clothes, but no skirts to wear around the house, or to run errands, etc. And I would need some shoes, too. The Lord graciously provided exactly what I needed from thrift stores, and also material to make skirts for me and my girls.
I must tell you that I feel much more feminine in a long, flowing skirt than I ever did in a pair of jeans or even capris. And for the record, my hubby says, "Dear, you look really nice" much more now than he ever did when I wore jeans. :) My daughters act more feminine in their skirts, too.
I also find that I can do anything in skirts that I could do in jeans..from cleaning the house to weeding the garden. My sweet daughter-in-law gave me an apron a couple of years ago, I use it on a daily basis to keep my skirts clean.
So it's been a year since the switch and I have yet to be questioned by family or friends about why we wear skirts. Maybe it's because they're thinking, "They homeschool and wear skirts. Typical weirdos." ;)
There's a quote from Kim Brenneman in her book, "Large Family Logistics" that was a wonderful encouragement to me while switching over to skirts. She said, "Our foremothers settled this land, built houses, planted gardens, and tended animals in long skirts and beautiful dresses. Even their aprons were wonderful to behold! Surely in our day of microwaves, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners, we can do our chores with as much feminine flair as they. Personally, I feel it is uplifting to the spirit to go through each day in womanly attire. Let's dignify our work by dressing appropriately and beautifully for it!"
Now obviously, I realize that there are people who would call me legalistic, but I disagree. I 'm not legalistic. I'm liberated - in the right sense of the word; liberated to embrace how the Lord created me - to be a woman, to act like a woman, and to dress like a woman.
Have a blessed day,

linking up at The Modest Mom
Deep Roots at Home
Feminine Friday
Thanks for reading, friends. And I try to respond to each comment that you leave. :)
Friday, April 13, 2012
Prayer Request
Dear friends,
My friend Rebecca @ Country Mouse Musings is requesting prayer for some friends of hers. Their little girl of 15 months, Annaleigh, went Home to be with Jesus this morning.
Please bring this family before the Throne of grace...for comfort and strength for them. Thank you in advance for all the prayers!
You can read the full story here...

This morning at 3:27, little Annaleigh went to be with Jesus. After a long, hard fight He took her home to be with him.
While it was not the answer that we hoped for, He did answer the part of our prayers that said “Your will be done, Lord.” There were literally thousands praying and fasting for this little girl all over the world. Now she is in the Savior’s arms and sitting on His knee. She is completely healed and whole now.
The following was posted by Annaleigh’s grandfather this morning:
Indecision was upon the countenance of the young mother.....
Please continue to hold up this family and ask the Lord for strength, comfort, and peace for the long days ahead. We received a call yesterday evening that this family also had a brother-in-law/uncle pass away yesterday evening. Ask that Lord would comfort them and draw them closer together.

Please hold Annaleigh up in prayer. She is the 15 month old daughter of a friend of ours. She drowned yesterday afternoon and was placed on a respirator yesterday after they found a faint pulse. She is on full life support now and has undergone a blood transfusion. There was some seizure activity through the night as well. An EKG revealed little or no activity.The doctors have given the family no hope, but we serve a God who heals. Nothing is too hard for God.
Above all, please ask that His will be done in this situation. I’ll give updates as I receive them.


Annaleigh and her mommy Redonia
My friend Rebecca @ Country Mouse Musings is requesting prayer for some friends of hers. Their little girl of 15 months, Annaleigh, went Home to be with Jesus this morning.
Please bring this family before the Throne of grace...for comfort and strength for them. Thank you in advance for all the prayers!
You can read the full story here...
Friday, April 13, 2012
Heaven is a little sweeter

This morning at 3:27, little Annaleigh went to be with Jesus. After a long, hard fight He took her home to be with him.
While it was not the answer that we hoped for, He did answer the part of our prayers that said “Your will be done, Lord.” There were literally thousands praying and fasting for this little girl all over the world. Now she is in the Savior’s arms and sitting on His knee. She is completely healed and whole now.
The following was posted by Annaleigh’s grandfather this morning:
Indecision was upon the countenance of the young mother.....
Should I really let my baby run to him....
His smile lifted as did his hand....
Suffer her to come to me.....
I know it will hurt for you to let her....
But trust me enough allow her to come to me.....
Mom trusted.....
And our Annaleigh stepped from her mother's embrace into His.....
At 3:27 a.m. April 13, 2012 our sweet Annaleigh stepped from our world to His......
And amid tears Mom saw the little brown hand and big smile turn and wave that everything is OK.....
On another day the Mom placed that baby in the room that had gotten her him.....
And processed the questions of the prophet...
Is it well with thee, thy baby and thy household?
She answered , "It is well"....
And then just a moment ago the questions were asked....
Is it well with thee, your household, and your baby....
And gently Mom knew, just at did the the others....
It is well....
Please continue to hold up this family and ask the Lord for strength, comfort, and peace for the long days ahead. We received a call yesterday evening that this family also had a brother-in-law/uncle pass away yesterday evening. Ask that Lord would comfort them and draw them closer together.
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Thursday, April 12, 2012
Annaleigh update
This is the latest update on little Annaleigh. This is from her grandfather:
Annaleigh is a very sick little girl. Again we thank you for prayers, love, visit, texts, snacks etc
Annaleigh is a very sick little girl. Again we thank you for prayers, love, visit, texts, snacks etc
The Weester has been given a 20% survival chance for tonight. Having already endured 45+ minutes of CPR already, the doctors say that they will not resuscitate in the event her little heart stops tonight. They are giving 3 drugs for her heart at maximum levels and much fluids for blood pressure therefore the balance for heart survival is precarious. Should her little heart tire out tonight, then we count that as God's decision to take her.
Should she survive the night, tomorrow's mountain is bigger than tonight's due to Friday being danger day for brain swelling. Our little girl faces a difficult time the next few hours and in all reality, we are already living with extended grace for her life.
Should the Lord decide to take our Annaleigh on to be with him, we are so thankful for the 15 months of joy she brought into our lives. We will never forget the giggles, wiggles, bows and snuggles she brought to our home. We never thought one little girl could brighten up so many days. And who could have known that 100 pictures per day on FaceBook would give here such a celebrity status. The little thing never wore a bow or outfit 2 times, ha. That last remark will get me in trouble.
I thank the Lord for this fellowship of people who offer love and care unreservedly. Thanks to everyone for prayers offered on behalf of our sweet Annaleigh and family
URGENT PRAYER NEEDED

Please hold Annaleigh up in prayer. She is the 15 month old daughter of a friend of ours. She drowned yesterday afternoon and was placed on a respirator yesterday after they found a faint pulse. She is on full life support now and has undergone a blood transfusion. There was some seizure activity through the night as well. An EKG revealed little or no activity.The doctors have given the family no hope, but we serve a God who heals. Nothing is too hard for God.
Above all, please ask that His will be done in this situation. I’ll give updates as I receive them.


Annaleigh and her mommy Redonia
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Elmer and His Girl
Monday, April 9, 2012
Lilac Muffins
One of my favorite things about spring is breathing in the lovely fragrance of lilacs.
Unfortunately, we had to do some major pruning on our lilac bush last fall because some type of disease had almost killed it. So, when I wanted to make Lilac Muffins last week, I wondered where I would get the blossoms.
No problem. My sweet mom had just what I needed. And since I wanted to surprise my children with something new (again!!), I began my lilac-muffin-making adventure in secret - while they were playing with Legos.
But it's hard to keep a secret in this house, especially when the "secret" is baking in the oven, and giving off a wonderful aroma. :) So, gradually they wandered into the kitchen, following their noses to the source of whatever it was that smelled so delicious.
When I told them what I was baking, they gave each other the oh-no-mom-is-making-something-weird-again look.
But when it came time to eat the "weird stuff", there were very few left-overs. :)
So here's what you will need:
1 cup of lilac blossoms and buds, rinsed and all green pieces removed. Set aside.
Mix the following in a large bowl : 1/2 c. butter, softened, 1/2 c. sugar, 1 egg, and 1 c. milk. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine: 2 c. flour, 3 t. baking powder, and 1/2 t. salt. Add to above ingredients, and mix well. Then gently fold in lilacs.
Fill greased or lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 400 for 25 - 30 minutes.
Cool on wire racks, and glaze, if desired. I used a glaze of powdered sugar and milk.
Here's how they looked without the glaze...
...and with the glaze and a lilac blossom for a garnish.
For more muffins recipes, head over to my friend, Lisa's blog @ Happy In Dole Valley. She does a muffin post every Monday and you will love all her recipes. But be warned: you will become completely ravenous looking at the photos of all those delicious muffins!
Happy muffin making!
linking up this week @ Deep Roots At Home
Unfortunately, we had to do some major pruning on our lilac bush last fall because some type of disease had almost killed it. So, when I wanted to make Lilac Muffins last week, I wondered where I would get the blossoms.
No problem. My sweet mom had just what I needed. And since I wanted to surprise my children with something new (again!!), I began my lilac-muffin-making adventure in secret - while they were playing with Legos.
But it's hard to keep a secret in this house, especially when the "secret" is baking in the oven, and giving off a wonderful aroma. :) So, gradually they wandered into the kitchen, following their noses to the source of whatever it was that smelled so delicious.
When I told them what I was baking, they gave each other the oh-no-mom-is-making-something-weird-again look.
But when it came time to eat the "weird stuff", there were very few left-overs. :)
So here's what you will need:
1 cup of lilac blossoms and buds, rinsed and all green pieces removed. Set aside.
Mix the following in a large bowl : 1/2 c. butter, softened, 1/2 c. sugar, 1 egg, and 1 c. milk. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine: 2 c. flour, 3 t. baking powder, and 1/2 t. salt. Add to above ingredients, and mix well. Then gently fold in lilacs.
Fill greased or lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 400 for 25 - 30 minutes.
Cool on wire racks, and glaze, if desired. I used a glaze of powdered sugar and milk.
Here's how they looked without the glaze...
...and with the glaze and a lilac blossom for a garnish.
For more muffins recipes, head over to my friend, Lisa's blog @ Happy In Dole Valley. She does a muffin post every Monday and you will love all her recipes. But be warned: you will become completely ravenous looking at the photos of all those delicious muffins!
Happy muffin making!
linking up this week @ Deep Roots At Home
Saturday, April 7, 2012
He Is Risen!
"But the angel answered and said to the women,
'Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.
He is not here, for He is risen, as He said.' "
- Matthew 28:5-6
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