Walk Through Our Garden & Thankful Thursday

I thought you'd like to see these gorgeous HUGE plants. We eat cucumbers every day & we're waiting on the cantaloupe. We kinda got tired of the squash. I could try it fried, but it's hot & that's alot of work for just squash! The tomatos are abundant as well. We have about 12+ plants and I am ready to eat tomatos with salt and pepper & maybe even my mom's yummy summer mix:

Tomatos, Onions, Vinegar, Oil, Salt & Pepper - chop, mix, eat!

This squash is 12", so you can see the humongous plant that this is!! Also, the view of the garden above: if you don't have a family of 20 or more that love squash, only plant one seed!! God is overflowing our garden!! Thank you Lord for your blessings.

For more Thankful Thursday participants, go to Sting My Heart's gathering.

Exercise T-Tapp

Just wanted to write what I've been doing for exercise. T-Tapp. It only takes 15 mins. You never need any weights or equipment. You only need a little floor space. No jumping or bouncing. It is based on therapy used to strengthen the spine and work the muscles their whole length. When I had horrible sciatic pains from my hip to my toes, I would do the Primary Back Stretch once or twice a day and be all better. I have more energy, more muscle, less fat and I even sleep better (around 6 hours & still have the wherewithal to take care of everything for the next 18 hours!) I drink lots and lots of water & I think I'm still behind!! My skin is wonderful, my hair is thick & curly and my attitude is always getting better and better!! I work out after the children go to bed at night & I've caught up with dishes or whatever else needed attention, which can be anywhere between 9-11pm!

I've done the 15 min. workout for the past 3 months for almost every day. If I don't workout, I have a more difficult day & it's easier to walk with Jesus when I'm not having to deal with my mental fritz when I haven't taken care of myself!

Here's a Video & Part 2 on how it works.

Last year I did the 15 min workout for about a month or two-4 to 5 times per week, then I went right into the BootCamp (a 1 hour workout that you do for 10-14 days, everyday & then maintain with once or twice per week). I believe that since I didn't build my muscles and balance with the 15 min, that my foot rolled and had an almost 3rd degree sprain that took the full 6 weeks to heal that I could walk on it normally. One of the reasons I didn't workout this last pregnancy! I know that my foot was not severely injured because I had exercised (my foot rolled for years), but I should have stuck with the 15 mins to build muscles extensively! So, that's what I've been doing. I really, really want this last 20-ish pounds to drop off like after I had my first 2 children (two months postpartum!), but I am willing to wait so that there is no risk of injury!

All this to say, if you are needing an easy, effective and beneficial workout, consider T-Tapp. If you have any questions or need more information, let me know!

Then Sings My Soul

I guess it's already Sunday, but I wanted to try this also.

The song that I am teaching the children goes like this:

Ho, ho, ho, Hosanna,

Ha, ha, Ha-lelujah,

He, he, he, He saved me

Now I have the joy of the Lord!

Here's a boy playing it on the guitar. (Its title is Early One Morning)

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" Ephesians 5:19

Do you REALLY believe God?!

I was saved when I was 4 years old, baptized at 6. I also continued in sin for most of my life until recently. Are you shocked?! I'm not.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23

I didn't give my life to God to be my Lord until I was between 18-22 and I STILL didn't obey my God.

I struggled with sins until I would go to God and He delivered me. Again, I began to let Satan have a foothold in my life by giving him place.

"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" Gen. 3:1

I became angry, upset, overwhelmed; definitly not one with charity. (See I Corinthians 13)

I never doubted that God is and that Jesus died for my sins, but I doubted that God had a wonderful, painfree, holy life for me through faith.
God is a faith God.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17

"...For whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Romans 14:23b

This is all laid out in God's Word.

My parents showed us this site (The Living Saviour Ministries)and said if we wanted to be blessed and build our faith to go.

We listened for a couple of weeks, every night for hours. We are still listening. There are so many stories and sermons to help us go straight to God and the Word!

We repented of our unbelief (I truly didn't believe God...I knew He never lies, but began to believe Satan's lies)
We repented of our sins asking God to show us ALL so that we could repent.
I repented of my unforgiveness (listen to the sermon on How to Forgive & Forget)

Then we began to pray in earnest.

We have prayed for ourselves, friends and family and have seen God's Hand touch all of our lives!
There are many, many stories of healing - not only healings but miricles at The Living Saviour Ministries and worldwide!!

If you are sick, have an illness, disease or even a bad day...REPENT.
Jesus has already paid the price for our sins.
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." I Peter 2:24

God doesn't make mistakes, if you have not had your prayers answered then you need to come clean with God and search your heart:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
"And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

As I visit all these blogs of ladies that have problems, I am grieved in my heart and want to share with them of God's Blessings that are for us all, IF we repent and obey! So simple, so easy. Don't be hardhearted:

"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."
James 1:21

Here's the link one more time to listen: Listen Online - Testimonies & Radio
Here's a link for lists of scriptures that show how merciful God is and gives us opportunity after opportunity to do what we ought: Free Downloads Page

I am writing this for you, my sisters in Christ, my friends. I look forward to hearing each of your testimonies of God's Faithfulness! I am in prayer with you all!
Blessings to each of you,
Bella Mama
Mrs. C.

Blogger Must Be Hungry!

Blogger ate my Thankful Thursday edit! So, here I am again to write how I've been blessed!

#1 (at just 7yrs) has become a humongous blessing! She empties the dishwasher, hangs up and puts away lots of laundry, clears and wipes the table, takes #5 to go potty, and the list goes on! A beautiful olive plant!

#2 (5.5yrs) helps take care of #4, #5 & #6. He often gets books and reads to the younger ones, just like Daddy! Very dependable and trustworthy!

#3 (4yrs) is a sweetie. He tries very hard to be obedient and enjoys helping everyone at all times. Thorough, eager, fast!

#4 (2.75yrs) comes when called & is a constant companion to #5, taking her by the hand & keeping her safe and obedient.

#5 (1.5yrs) makes all of us laugh! Runs to help and obey, takes care of #6 putting in his pacifier, covering him with his fallen blanket, giving him kisses on the forehead. Can almost fold the laundry & if we had the space for mostly folded clothes, I'd let her!

#6 (4mos) the happiest, most contented baby yet! Recognizes the other children & looks at those whose name was called. Beautiful, Perfect child!

My husband. I am blessed. So very blessed! Thank you Lord!

"But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." Psalm 22:3

I Finally Did It!!

I wrote & published my very first free pattern!! It's for socks & I'm making a pair right now, just to be absolutely sure it's correct. Also, my husband is very pleased when I knit him socks and I have to make up for the first 3 pair that were either too big or just not quite right.

I've been trying to knit more or should I say, applying my time!

I made Pumpkin Bread (thing/stuff) for b'fast this morning. (I'll get around to fixing that error for the recipe.)

Not much else, it's considerably cooler (just around 80F with next to no humidity!) and I'm thinking of putting on socks!

Okie dokie everyone...Still working on articles for my sites as well as those patterns. Need to go for outside time right after we eat. Have a blessingsfull day!

Ciao.

And the Award goes to....

I am quite honoured in receiving an award! I will be nominating another 5 for this award also. It was presented by Amy from Amy's Place (a real gem!).

I am changing the rules...because I can! Anyone nominated does not need to post as the original rules state, but do link back to me if you say anything. (I like visitors, but more so, I like COMMENTS, tee hee). I declare this a "Calvin-zone"; feel free to do the same.

Drum roll please. (use your own sound effects)

1. I nominate first and foremost a non-blogger, my 5th born. She has completely potty trained herself at 19.5 months of age & I am thankful to Jesus for all!

2.Peasant House is a wonderful lady whose example of resting in the Word and leaning on Jesus for a peaceable life is a true blessing!

3.Bayith Treasures is a challenging and inspirational life to run the race to win!

4.Purity Seekers is another lady who, even with 5 children, manages to sew, knit, create as well as motivate me to do more and still get so much done! (this is where I found to put spinach in a smoothie!)

5.Mom of 9's Place is a website with mountains of information, encouragement, studies, and the list goes on and on!

*Just a note...I do not like pictures representing angels as women and that's why it's not here.

There Is ONLY One Way!

Are you good? Is it enough to get into heaven? Does your life, words, thoughts please God?

A wholesome life is absolutely nothing without Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?""And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."Matthew 7:22-23

Examine yourself. You are accountable to God.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
"When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
"For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
"In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
"And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
"Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
"Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
"Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
"But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."

Colossians 3:1-25

Bread Making

I have Bosch Universal Mixer and an Ultramill Grain Mill. These are two of my best investments, even over a dishwasher. This is how I handle my bread making days (I will exclude the multitasking of making breakfast and caring for children).

Put Organic Red Wheat Berries in Grain Mill. Set in bedroom, turn on, come out, shut door. When pitch goes high (when no wheat is left to grind), open door, turn off, come out & shut door.

*all this is done so the effects of high decibel sound does not do damage to any of us.

Ok, so you see it's easy...fresh wheat is more desireable for all it's nutrients are intact for approx. 24 hours. You'll see and taste the difference!!

+Get out bosch, put in yeast, honey & warm water.

+Let yeast "burst"

+Add salt, oil and wheat (and other ingredients like oats, millet, nuts, etc.)

=add flour a few cups at a time, not all at once

+Knead with machine for about 3 minutes.

+Put into oil covered big bowl to let rise til almost falling out of pan (can take as little as 20 mins.)

+Punch down and let rise again

+Punch down and form into loaves & put in oiled ("Pam" can be used) loaf pans to let rise for no more than 25 mins

+Put in oven for 25-30 mins (depending on your oven) at 350 F.

+Take out & let cool before taking out of pans to cool the rest of the way before freezing or eating with honey!

So, it seems like a bit of work, but once you do this, it is so very easy & gratifies the body's cravings for good-for-you foods!!

Here's my recipe (It's what my mama taught me long, long ago)

4 TBLS Yeast

1.5 TBLS Salt

1/2 Cup Oil (Olive)

12-13 Cups Flour (8 cups wheat berries)

1/2 Cup Honey (I put in 1 to 1.5 cups to make the bread sweeter)

5 Cups Warm Water

That's the basic recipe for 4 loaves of bread. Also, I use Stainless Steel Breadpans.

I hope you are able to make bread & enjoy it! (Pay attention to your oven temperatures when cooking with honey. The bread will be darker in color than white flour and look almost burnt. There's a fine line between looking burnt and being burnt.)

Benefits of Approval

I dunno why I put that title, but I wanted to let you know that I have the moderators approval of the comments on. I was tired of checking almost all posts to see if someone left a comment. Feel free to put *private* on your post if you do not want me to post it. That's all, just some updating.

I'm going now, really I am. :)

Have a good 2nd day of the 4th of July weekend!

Ciao

Storms A 'Comin'

Just took these pictures. There's a giant red blog on the radar over us & the temperature just dropped to feel cool, almost chilly! You can see it moved & then I turned around & got a view of the small rotations (that are regular, but you can imagine funnels forming, hehe) and dark sky.

The pictures do NOT do the colors justice! But I thought I'd share. As I type, it is breaking up and going on either side of US!! Isn't GOD awesome!! Thank you Lord!!

Ok, Ciao for now.

Dishwasher

As per Candy's site (you can scroll to June 28th's post) & after Peasant House's example is my dishwasher:

This was the first load...

...and this is the second load yesterday with a view of the top rack.

I learned as a little girl that one does not overload a dishwasher (person or machine). So, this is not overloaded, but fully loaded; hence the double load.

We don't use plastic and yes, our glasses are salsa and peanut butter jars.

I've been blessed with this dishwasher. I didn't have one the first five and a half years we were married (that's hand washing with 4 little ones).

**I almost forgot the bread in the oven! And I think I do need to let it rise that 20 minutes before I turn on the oven...this batch was less & it's alot flatter! :{

But on the other hand: I did put oats in this batch, hmmmm!

Praise the Lord, we have bread!

(I do grind my own wheat.)

Later all...have children running around the house & need to get to them before the floor does. Ciao.