A Home for God

By on June 7, 2008 in making a home, missions & ministry

“I believe with all my heart that one of the greatest soul saving stations in the world is the home.”
- Dawson Trotman, founder of the Navigators

One person observed about Dr. Francis Schaeffer’s wife, Edith: “As many people were brought to the Lord through Mrs. Schaeffer’s cinnamon buns as through Dr. Schaeffer’s sermons.”

Peter Marshall, former chaplain of the Senate, told the story: “I was privileged, in the spring, to visit in a home that was to me – and I am sure to the occupants – a little bit of Heaven. There was beauty there. There was a keen appreciation of the finer things of life, and an atmosphere in which it was impossible to keep from thinking of God.

“The room was bright and white and clean, as well as cozy. There were many windows. Flowers were blooming in pots and vases, adding their fragrance and beauty. Books lined one wall – good books – inspiring and instructive – good books – good friends…Nature’s music, nature’s beauty – nature’s peace…It seemed to me a kind of Paradise that had wandered down, an enchanted oasis – home.”

Oh to make my home a place of refreshment and warmth to both family, friends, and to offer hospitality to others! It need not be expensively decorated or perfectly organized, but let us make it our goal to allow the love of Jesus to radiate from the door to every corner of our homes. What a high and noble calling to make a haven of rest to all who enter!

My hearts cry: Lord, help me to make my home a place where all find it impossible to keep from thinking of God! Care to join me in making this your prayer as well?

Selections quoted in Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

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The World of Oils – Part 1

By on June 5, 2008 in health & nutrition, recipes & kitchen tips

I have been on a quest to know what are the best oils to use in cooking and baking, and it is often a confusing journey. What is all this about mono unsaturated, saturated, poly-what? Is canola a good oil? I honestly haven’t figured it all out, but in my pursuit of simplicity and desire to eat nutritionally, here are some of the best options to the best of my knowledge.

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Avoiding Harmful Plastic Products

By on June 4, 2008 in natural & green

Check out the Smart Plastics Guide for all you need to know on plastics! Not all plastic is harmful, but research shows that #3, 6 & 7 are the ones to avoid. Glass & stainless steel are the best alternatives I believe for durability, longevity and helping to avoid plastic waste.

What do we use?

Water bottles – Kleen Kanteen
Food Storage (dry goods & leftovers)- canning jars (all sizes) – collect from garage sales, goodwill, etc., save all glass jars that food purchases come in (jam, pickle, mayo jars), pyrex glass storage, we have a small set of Rubbermaid flex & seal plastic storage containers (which are BPA free)
Baby Bottles – Evenflo Glass Baby bottles (only $5 for three 8 oz bottles!)
Baby Bibs – Crocodile Creek bibs (Note: I no longer recommend the crocodile creek bibs – they are very mold prone and I have experienced this in two different sets – one of which was returned for a free reimbursement set, and I still experienced the same problem on the replacement set. I now highly recommend IKEA’s Barnslig Bands Bibs – awesome and safe!)
Sippy Cups – Avent Magic Cups (I would really like to get one of the Kleen Kanteen sippy’s)
Baby Dinnerware - currently use Gerber bowls (#5), IKEA cups & plates (on my to buy list) – IKEA products are reasonably priced and BPA & PVC free
Shopping Bags – IKEA reuseable canvas bags – these are awesome because they are huge! I only paid $1.50 each and have three for all my shopping needs – grocery store to the mall!
Ziplocs – I have discovered that ziplocs are a #5 plastic, being safe for use. Avoid using for reheating. They get lots of reuse and I haven’t found any better alternative at this point.

The main caution with plastic: don’t use it in the microwave or for any heating up uses!

Baby Products

If you are on the look out for safer baby products, I encourage you to visit The Soft Landing blog. They have done an abundance of research to reveal what products are safe for your baby in every area from bibs, to bath toys, to pacifiers, to safe cups and dishes. A great resource! Definitely do a little research before buying all the plastic gadgets for babies!

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Why Simplify?

By on June 4, 2008 in frugal & simple

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Live simply that others might simply live. ~Elizabeth Seaton

This quote has been on my mind quite frequently…mulling over the reason for simplicity. “Simple living” is not a new fad, and yet it has been coming to the forefront as of late, possibly due to the challenges in our current economy for many a family.

I have heard many reasons given for pursuing simplicity including: savings and retirement, purchasing a home debt free, tight budgets, desiring to be less dependent upon the consumerist mentality of our culture, health, peaceful home and life, less stress, etc.

These are all wise reasons for pursuing simply living, many of which have been my desires as well…but should there be something more? Some more eternal, over-arching God-glorifying purpose for pursuing simplicity?

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Water Kefir Tutorial

By on June 3, 2008 in health & nutrition, recipes & kitchen tips

My dear cousin, Amy Best (also known as my tomato pal -growing tomatoes together!), has graciously written a post for us on the interesting topic of making your own water kefir. There are two types of kefir: water kefir – small transparent grains that ferment sweetened water; and milk kefir – white or cream coloured grains that look rather like cauliflower florets that ferment milk. (For how to make milk kefir, visit here). As Amy is allergic to dairy, this is a wonderful substitute, still allowing the healthful benefits of kefir with out the diary! Thanks Amy!

Kefir has many reputed health benefits. It has antibiotic and antifungal properties. In addition to beneficial bacteria and yeast, kefir contains many vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Particularly calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, B2 and B12, vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin D. Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids abundant in kefir, is well known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Because kefir also has an abundance of calcium and magnesium, also important minerals for a healthy nervous system, kefir in the diet can have a particularly calming effect on the nerves.

This recipe is so easy to make! And it’s yummy and very nutritious!

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The True Woman: Chapter 9 – Domesticity

By on June 2, 2008 in making a home

Thank you to my mother-in-law Julie for the thorough recap of chapter 9 of our book study on the True Woman by Susan Hunt. Come glean from a wise older woman whether you’re reading along with us or not! You may review all previous chapters here.

In chapter nine of her book “The True Woman”, Susan Hunt continues to highlight the virtues of biblical womanhood by focusing on “domesticity”, which refers to a devotion to home life. This pertains to the family or household.

She begins by encouraging us not to compare ourselves to the world’s view of domesticity, the shallowness of bug-free roses and stenciled lunch bags. There is nothing wrong with these things but we can’t stop there. We must press on to the biblical perspective of this concept which is applicable to woman in all situations of life whether single or married.

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Simplifying by Communing

By on June 2, 2008 in faith & womanhood, frugal & simple

Late rising, long to-do lists, multiple demands upon our time…how easy is it for us to simply jump into the day without meeting the Lord? How often does this then result in a very trying day, filled with multiple stumblings into sin in reaction to husband, child or other, trying to do it all on my own ability, because I neglected to lay my day before the Lord…but is it really worth it? A moments rest at the foot of the cross leads to renewed strengthen and resting upon the Savior. What a delightful day it is when first centered around the Lord! Simplifies my life when I reflect upon and lay before Him the events of the day, seeking His face as to what is most important!

As John Blanchard points out: “Surely we only have to be realistic and honest with ourselves to know how regularly we need to turn to the Bible. How often do we face problems, temptations and pressure? EVERY DAY! Then how often do we need instruction, guidance and greater encouragement? EVERY DAY! To catch all these felt needs up into an even greater issue, how often do we need to see God’s face, hear his voice, feel his touch, know his power? The answer to all of these questions is the same: EVERY DAY!”

As Carolyn Mahaney says: “Meeting with God each day is a way of acknowledging that we are totally dependent upon his grace.”

Simple living all starts with making our relationship with the Lord our first priority for the day!

Did you get some time in the Word today?

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Our Family: May Update

By on May 31, 2008 in news & giveaways

Our favorite spot – the Vancouver waterfront! We have enjoyed many a family stroll here!

Oh the joys of summer are coming! This has been a full and yet exciting last month as we have enjoyed the celebration of both Karis’ first birthday and our anniversary (in addition to many other family member’s birthday this month – 6 all together)! With both families in the area (and both being rather large!), how do you possibly celebrate them all without running a little wild or else going broke? Even after two years of married life I still haven’t quite figured it out.

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And the winner is…

By on May 31, 2008 in news & giveaways

Congratulations to Eryn!

You are the winner of our $50 Christa Taylor giveaway! Have fun! Thanks to everyone who contributed their thoughts! Very helpful for the future production over at Christa Taylor!

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Growing Tomatoes Q & A

By on May 29, 2008 in natural & green, recipes & kitchen tips

I referred these questions that were asked in regards to my Tomato Tricks & Tips post to the farmer who grew my tomatoes from seed (Michael @ MiIlenium Farms in Ridgefield, WA), and he provided this helpful information:

Autumn asked:

I told a friend about your great ideas for the tomato plants and she advised me against the plastic water bottle because of trying to go organic, the plastic would release toxins into the soil. Is this a problem?

Coming from a long line of Mennonite farmers, I am quite concerned with the soil and will do nothing to harm it or the beneficial life which dwells in it. As such, I am not aware of immediate breakdown of the plastic used in 2 liter soda or water bottles. In fact, they are high-value targets for recycling because of their long half-lives, so any idea of immediate breakdown in the soil is really stretching, in my humble opinion. One could always use glass vessels, unless one fears their breakdown as well.

Amy asked: How often did the guy say to water them? The lady at Shorty’s said to water once a week…??

Tomatoes in the ground should be watered twice a week, to the equivalent of 1 inch per watering, until the end of July. Then, I would suggest eliminating watering to allow the plant to rely upon deeper sources of water to help minimize fruit cracking, as well as to accelerate fruit ripening and fruit flavor enhancment. I would remove the plastic wrap when the plant fills the cage, which will then allow the bees to pollinate and further stimulate the plant. If in containers, you will have to continue watering as recommended above, twice a week.

I thought this information to be very helpful!

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