Sunday, October 11, 2009

Weekly Menu

I will not be doing this any longer as I have now added a "today's menu" on the side of my blog (to the left).

Verse for the Day: 2 Samuel 22:4

2 Samuel 22:4

I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

(emphasis is mine)

No matter what happens or what we do, it's all about Him and He never changes, is always worthy of our praise and adoration as the everlasting Father!

Apologies and drawing coming soon!

Ladies,

Please accept my deepest apologies. Earlier in the week I had connection issues between blogger and then my own provider. After that I simply got caught up in every day life here and did not get back on this blog to post pictures or make the drawing for the Fall Carnival Giveaway.

I am only on for a second (dealing with migraine after effects right now) but wanted to tell you that tomorrow afternoon my darling boys will help me draw names for the giveaway.

I also want to give away some bonuses, but it might take a little longer, to help make up for the delay in the giveaway.

God bless you all.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009



Today, I am grateful for good friends and loving friendship. First and foremost is the friend who will never leave us, our awesome God. And not last or least, those girlfriends He put in our lives.

Right now I have a dear friend who understands the condition of my heart and always has the encouragement I need to keep pushing through my messes and growing--as well as giving me that figurative kick in the tushi when I need it.

So, I lift my tea glass in gentle salute to friends past, present and those to come!

Moderating Comments

I've not been ignoring you, apparently blogger is acting wonky. I keep getting a "known issue" message when I try to moderate comments.

Please bear with me if you want to enter the giveaway and pray that blogger fixes it soon.

Thanks for your patience.

Monday, October 5, 2009

First Canning Bounty!

Last week, we picked a bounty of apples and it was the perfect time to learn how to can!

So some fits and starts, I managed to get going and canned 12 8oz. jars of apple butter and 9 pints of applesauce (would have been 10 but my children wanted some right away, lol).

Here's a picture of my first canning adventure...



Out of it all, only one jar of apple butter didn't seal. Not too shabby for my first time! :) And the kids were glad because they wanted some right away.

The recipes I used came from simplycanning.com

For those of you who think you can't do it, let me just say that it's a lot easier than you think! If this city girl can do it you certainly can (pardon the pun). :)

Good, Beautiful Days

The goodness of God endureth continually. ~ Psalm 52:1b


Anyone who follows this blog knows that God has really laid it on my heart to purge and prepare and to simply get back to the basics in every aspect of life. That's my overwhelming goal in life right now--Him and family first. Lately, though, I've also felt in my heart how much we all need to hold on to the fact that God is good. It's been repeated over and over in word and song and thought lately.

Yes, we all know He's good.

But have you considered about His goodness when the days are gloomy and gray outside? What about when a loved one is ill or in trouble that you can't help? What about when money is tight and jobs are lost or cut back? What about when a friend you trusted hurts you? What about when you feel hurt or alone?

All these things and more do not change the goodness of God. He is still good.

And because He's good and He's our God, we need to praise Him and cling to his promises. We need to hold tight to this through all of life's storms and as we go about our days. We need to remember this to be able to show His goodness in our lives and be those lights for the world to draw them to Him!

Easier said than done, but with prayer and thanksgiving, we can remember that any day which God is a part of cannot be anything but good and beautiful!

Fall Giveaway Carnival - Are you ready?




Good morning to everyone out in cyberland! I hope you are enjoying the lovely fall weather (if you're here in the States).

I've decided to take the leap and join in the Fall Giveaway Carnival.

For your chance at one of these goodies, be sure to leave a message. :)

Some things to note:
~ I will giving away a total of five (5) items (in one drawing--at close of Giveaway Carnival)
~ Only one item per household, please
~ I will ship to the United States or Canada only (sorry to my international friends, but just can't right now)
~ Items will be listed today, but photos will go up as I have time (remember, God & Family first). There will be at least one photo listed per day, if not more. All photos will be up by Friday, the last day of Carnival.

I will also be holding a surprise giveaway for anyone who follows this blog. :)


Here are the goodies!

The big giveaway will be 1 set of ten Christmas Cards, handcrafted by me! (Envelopes included)

Other items to giveaway will be:
~ A set of 5 Christian-themed handmade cards (envelopes included)
~ A set of 5 Christian-themed handmade cards (envelopes included)
~ A handmade altered composition notebook journal
~ A stamped ceramic ornament for your Christmas tree

Here is your first photo, ceramic ornaments:


Please note, for this giveaway you will be receive only one ornament and your ornament will be heart-shaped, though due to the fact that each ornament is hand-stamped it may or may not look exactly as the one pictured above.


Can't wait to hear from you and hope you can get over to Heavenlyhomemakers.com to check out the other fabulous giveaways this week!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Fall Giveaway Carnival next week!




Get ready for the goodies!


If time allows I will be participating as well (will know by Sunday), but no matter what be sure to check it out. You might find some interesting blogs and win some great goodies while you're at it.

Blessings,
Tamara