Parables thru Genesis-Revelations...

We were studying in John 11 today, about Lazarus's death.  And its amazing how you can read scripture, and look at a story like this one, and see a totally different message connected to it...one that speaks directly to our hearts today. 
 In John 11:23 Jesus states to Martha concerning her brother Lazarus, "Your brother will rise again."  
How did Jesus know?  And what does this little verse have to do with you?
Some people believe that we choose Jesus as our Savior, and that we come to Him.  But the more you dig into the scripture, I believe (well, who cares what I believe) I know that it is first Jesus Christ that calls us to Him.  Doesn't that make the picture of salvation that much sweeter? Were dead in our sins and then Jesus lifts us up and calls us?  See, Jesus knew that Lazarus would rise again, He knew it.  And it wasn't because Lazarus was going to come back to life on his own, Jesus would breathe life back into his soul. 
Later in the story, Jesus also says to Martha.  "I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.   Do you believe this?"  
I know that Christ asks each of us this same question, "Do you believe?"  There's no lukewarm, or in-between.  Your either on His side, or not.  Your either with Him, or against Him.
Down in verses 38-44 is an amazing parable relating with salvation.  Read this first:

'Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb.  It was a cave, stone lay against it.
Jesus said, "Take away the stone."  Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."
Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" 
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying.  And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."  
Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"  
And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave-clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth.  Jesus said to them,
"Loose him, and let him go." '  


Isn't that powerful?  There is so much here that I know I won't be able to understand it all, but hopefully you will get a great view on salvation through this true story.
Notice how verse 38 starts out with saying that Jesus was groaning within Himself.  You know what? That is just like Him to all those that are dead in their trespasses and sins.  We are all dead in our sins, Romans 3:28 tells us, and helpless against a HOLY God.  Holy is a big word.  It means perfect, never-sinning, but more than that, it means beautiful and WORTHY.  None of us are worthy of Heaven, but that's why John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world..."  God loves all of us.  Jesus has a love for you like none of us will fully understand.  If someone loves you enough, that they'd be willing to die a gruesome death, just so that you might live, and you didn't even deserve it, do you think that person loves you lot?  That's Jesus!  Not only did He die for you, but He died for you when you didn't deserve it.  He knew that you would be born and be an enemy of Him.  Now that sounds strong.  But its the truth, and look where we've gotten ourselves and our country because too many people fear telling the truth!  Jesus groaned on the cross for you, bearing your sins...He groaned for you because He saw you all wrapped up in grave-clothes, shut away and dead.  Cold, lifeless, hopeless.  He's the giver of hope!  He gives life!  He cried for you!  He loves you!
Now we go down a bit further.  Catch the part where he tells Martha if she would only believe, that she would see His glory?
I know that Jesus Christ the Son of God says that to all of us.  "Didn't you know that if you only believed...?" 
Jesus is calling..."Do you...believe?"  It's the only thing that will matter when you die and are standing before God.  I believe He will ask you something like this, "Did you believe in Jesus?"  Believe... 
Now comes my favorite part!  This part almost gives me chills just thinking about it!  Jesus cries, (loudly, the Bible adds)  "Lazarus!  Come forth!" 
And what happens? Lazarus comes forth!  He's alive!  The pit of death, confusion, despair, no hope, devastation is overcome!  The victory is won!  That can be you!  Jesus Christ died so that you don't have to live in despair and confusion, always wondering what your greater purpose is in life.  But most of all, He died so that you would not perish, John 3:16 tells us, but that you may have eternal life with God in Heaven!!  Jesus can lift the hard, cold stone of your heart, and turn it into a heart of flesh...He can give you life.
But only will He do this...if you will repent, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
And finally, the last, and yet most victorious part that sums up the Gospel message...
"Loose him, and let him go!"
No longer is Lazarus bound in the grave-clothes (the death of sins) but he's sent away free!  He's not only alive, he's FREE!
Have you ever galloped on a horse  against a huge gush of wind beating in your face, and you fly across the pastures, inhaling and exhaling the deepest breaths?  That's small to comparison in how it feels when Jesus has loosened your bounds.  When He's untied those filthy, oily rags of sin...and placed in you a new heart and future. 
All of this is possible...you can have life...a purpose...you can be free from sins...you can life in Heaven with God...if only you....
BELIEVE. 




 

 

Stories by Elena (6 yr. old)

The Ball and the Cat
One day me and mom were going to  Wal-mart and i saw a sign  that said  free Kittens.  so i said mom can we go     there   and mom  said yes we can so me and mom   went there     and then we went home   then  the   next day   the cat loves to eat  chicken    and  the color of  the  cat  was  black. and also loves  to eat turkey   also   Loves   to   bite     but     sometimes      if   you   pick  him   up  he   will    bite   you, and it   stings.

Kitties to Tinsel (Ten ways to save during Christmas or any holiday!)

Christmas Savoring Secrets:
1# My mom likes to save the pretty wrapping paper if its reusable.  I think its a great idea.  (I save the tissue paper!) 

2# A way that I saved money this Christmas, was by getting my brother Austin a free kitty as his present.

3# Thrift shops are the world!:)

4# Find a special nicknack, a porcelain doll, a ceramic bear statue, (something cute but that you don't necessarily need anymore) and give it as a gift for birthday or Christmas!

5# Make something!  Sometimes its the cute little notes that say 'I love you' in red glitter on a construction paper card, or the special home-sown doll with button eyes that adds a smile and shows your thoughtfulness.  (For more info. on my dolls that are for sale, please e-mail me.)

6# Got a relative or BFF that loves tea?  Give a little cute box of homemade teabags!  Go to the 'Tea Recipe' under the recipes post and add your own extra flavoring of vanilla or mint to spruce it up to your liking.

7# I know people are always buying gift cards, but what about making your own?  Simply get on your Power Point and make a cute card, entitling your friend or family member to $10 to any shop of choice, or a free massage from YOU!  Make it unique and special, anything you want to say.:)

8# Got those people that are more acquaintances than friends?  Or you love them, just they live faraway and its hard to keep in touch, especially during the holidays? What about instead of a ten buck gift card, making and personalizing a special newsletter of all the latest on your family.  Let the kids write their own little section of something that they liked that happened during the year too, it makes it even better that way.  (Pictures are cool to throw in with it, too.)

9# Invite your friend over for a cup of coffee at your dining room table and chat, (the kids in the basement or something) or go out to Pal Gardens and take a walk on a sunny day.  Its always a treat to relax.

10# Bake!  If you don't do baking, then learn!  It seems hard maybe to some, but truly once you learn to read a recipe correctly, you can bake.  Bake up some cookies and tie them in a cute bag with ribbons for that other friend of yours that you care about. 

Things and Events to Know

 EVENTS
 The 'Sunshine On Her Face' performance will take place at Cedar Ridge Church in Harrisonville, MO, on May 18th 7:00pm.   

THINGS FOR SALE OR FREE
A sweet lady has six kittens (ab. 7 months old) she's trying to find homes for.  IF your interested, please e-mail me, (Samantha) or put in a comment that you'd like to know more.

I (Samantha) actually make and sell home-sown dolls.  For more info, please e-mail or comment and I will get back with you.

April 15th- the 20th anniversary of the rebuilding of a1829 log cabin!  To learn more, and where the celebration will be go to 1829logcabin.com

Encouraging Word for the Day

Proverbs 28:14

'Happy is the man who is always reverent,  but he who hardens his heart
will fall into calamity.'

Stories with Lessons Tied Along

A Ride to Grandma's Cabin

On April 14th, my mom drove our red mini-van to my Grandma's house with the following items:

5 kids
3 chicks
tic tac toe boards
checkerboards
pillow
dolls 
clothes
trashbags
clothes
cowboy boots
old hamburger
crushed Quik Trip cup
melon 
football
6 blackberry plants
5 hats
baked beans 3 things of potato salad
pioneer outfits
booster seat
3-4 backpacks
mail
planner
purse
cell phone 
empty water jugs
bubble gum wrappers
fabric left over from a garage sale 


And still that's not everything!  Usually our van is not like this, but on this particular time, we were dressing up as pioneers for the 20th anniversary of the rebuilding of an 183-year old cabin!  And besides that, we had just finished up at a garage sale at a friend's house, so many crazy things were going on that day!
When we got to my grandma's house, it was very windy outside and my horse Butterscotch was ornery because of the wind.  Then it rained for a moment, then stopped.  I went inside with my friend Marli, only to discover one of our baby chicks, Gracie, laying still in the box with the other chicks.  She was barely breathing.  I tried not to freak out, but I was near to it.  Knowing that it was normal for a few of the chicks to die, I wasn't too shocked, but I wanted to do all that I could to save her.  Marli got a bowl of milk and promptly I wrapped her in a washrag and dipped Gracie's beak into the milk.  Grandma came in and we positioned Gracie beneath a light and heat pad.  But soon after, she died.  
After a tearful chick burial (Elena cried mostly because it was her chick.  We buried Gracie in a tea box.)  Grandma took us to eat out at Courtside Restaurant, the restaurant that my Grandma had drawn a courthouse and they put it on their menu.  After juicy chicken tenders, we headed home.  
What a day it had been already, and before we had left to eat out, we found out that our county was under a tornado watch!  Tiredly, Marli and I went to our beds in the basement. 
The next morning, I awake to my Mother standing over me in pioneer apparel, saying 'Beep, beep, beep!' like an alarm clock, and saying, "Come on girls!  Time to get up!  We're gonna dress like pioneers to church!"  Only half awake, I protested.  "Oh, come on."  Mom said.  "You've only got one life."  
"I know."  I said back.  "That's why I don't want to do it!"  
But, of course, Mom won, and my BFF and I had fun finding the perfect dress in my Grandma's basement, did our hair and went to church as if it were the 1860's!  In a way, it was! 
After church service, we came home and got ready for the party at the cabin.  Marli and I walked down to the cabin and got things tidied, then came back to get dressed in our pioneer outfits again.  
We came back and found a pretty yellow outfit for Marli, and a white blouse and long black skirt for me.  I, being the more tomboyish and uncaring of the two of us, decided to adjust a tricorn hat atop my head to add touch.  
On the way back to the cabin, I was talking and walking toward the creek that we pass over to get there, when all of a sudden I screamed and ran back a ways.  It was a snake!  Later I learned that it was a Blue Chaser, or something! 
Once at the cabin, I ate candy, sang gospels with my uncles and aunts, and had beans and cornbread.  It was fun, and the sky cleared up and the sun shone the entire time at the cabin!  
I had a wonderful adventure, and I guess I never know what'll happen when I go to grandma's house!  

The biggest lesson I learned at Grandma's house, hast to be when Gracie the chick died.  It made me realize how frail life is and to savor every second!  
     
 
 









Hansel and Gretal

Just a few days ago, my brother Austin and I trudged outside and entered our woods, in search of his new kitty Alex.  We called the kitty many times, and looked and looked.  We finally reached the little log cabin that we built, and then I decided to hike further into the woods to look for Alex.  We left the area in where the log cabin was and trudged in a sort-of diagonal deeper into the woods.  The woods slowly began to change.  Instead of tall, skinny trees, weeds, and thorns, we saw more pine trees, some in which were at least twenty to thirty feet tall.  I saw soft buffalo grass that was orange as a copper penny and then Austin pointed to a gap in the trees.  He guessed it was a clearing.  I was curious, too.  So further in we trudged, closer and closer to the orange gap in the trees.  Orange grass reached past our knees now, and we hop/ran toward the gap.  Yes!  It was a clearing, a huge clearing!  I ooed and awed the vast pasture of space that lay before my eyes.  I turned to look beside me, and there stood a tall pine tree, at least forty-fifty ft. tall, maybe 15 ft. wide.  A bubbling little creek curled beneath it, and curled its way through the grass, to who knows how far.
I wanted to go into the clearing and explore, so I hopped over the tall grass and onto the neatly cut grass of the clearing, Austin following behind me.
I walked around in it, and then peeked around a few corners that led to smaller, other clearings.  I am now sure that it had to be probably around seven acres at least, adding all the other clearings besides the one we were in.
It was all mostly cut, except for a large patch of buffalo grass that stretched out before us. We looked around, and even noticed a house through the trees.  "Must be the lawyer's house."  I said something like that.  We were still exploring when a loud gunshot startled us.  Though I had pink gloves, a yellow scarf, and Austin a bright red hat, we took into a run back toward the treeline.  Deer season.
I ran back to the certain spot in the treeline that I was sure we had come out of.  At first when we entered back into the woods, where a big tree stood and the creek, it looked familiar so we walked straight on.  (But now that I think about it, I can't remember if I saw the creek before I went into the clearing anyway.)
But the place that we went back into was the wrong place.  Austin kept leading me in the wrong directions, thinking they were right.  We had no flashlight, no compass, and it was growing dark. The wet and cold had soaked through the tips of my leather boots and I began to worry.  I was certain that we were in big trouble...we were lost.
I tried leading the way, but that just got us nowhere.  I prayed.  I was near to tears.
But suddenly, Austin pointed again.  "There's a house."  He said something like that, and I felt a tiny bit better.  The house sat on the top of a tall slope, and looked vaguely familiar like our neighbor's house, but I didn't fully recognize it.  I cried out, "Help!"  But of course no one heard us.  We were deep into the woods.  It was dense woods, pine trees blocking the sky in some parts.  But though I wasn't sure, Austin insisted that we climb the hill up toward the white house and perhaps we could tell where we were.
I didn't have any better ideas, so I followed.  We went past a good sized creek and then trudged up the fairly steep slope toward the top.  A fence lined the top of the hill, so we couldn't have reached the house, but God sure knew that climbing that hill would help us.  We could see our green house from there!  I felt like crying out for joy!  We weren't lost anymore!  We had found home!!!!
I stayed close to the fence, where I could still see our house.  I went quickly, and finally we ran.  I stumbled through the kitchen door and fell into a chair.  I hugged Mom...my was I thankful to God for hearing my prayer!  And now I can relate with Hansel and Gretal with getting lost in the woods...it all makes sense now.
And what I learned?  Well, never go deep into the woods without a compass, a sense of direction, and some yarn!  If we had tied yarn to mark our places, that would have made it easier.

But I think the main thing that I need to realize through all of that, is that Jesus Christ is my shepherd, and He cares for His sheep...I cannot get lost when I've trusted in the Good Shepherd.  'He won't leave or forsake me.'
He drew His little lamb back home.

Remembering the Bravery of our Men

I want to dedicate this post to a friend of mine named George.  He passed away last year, but I feel somehow that his bravery still echoes through our lives. 
December 7th was Pearl Harbor, (when on Dec. 7th 1941) the Japs bombed Pearl Harbor. 
This man I speak of not only served our country during WW2, but he was involved in D-Day, a big part of the War's history. 
The thing I found most amazing in this man, though, was that he said something like this during an interview,'When your walking toward the bullet, you have to have faith in God.'
His words still live...when we have faith in Jesus, everything worrying us seems to slip away.  And that's what George had.

Let us not forget those who have served, and let us serve them back. 

Homeschooler's Top Secrets

How to Do your Christmas Shopping under $20!!!

The ultimate all-time answer to this question rests not in T-Jay Maxx or Target...but in...yes, I know, 2nd hand stores!!!
I've gotten hot deals on really cute purses for cheap, cute clothes that don't even looked used, stuffed animals that are adorable and affordable, and more!!
I'll tell you what, I've done a lot of shopping at thrift shops, and some stuff is ok...while other times its awesome!  :)  For example, I've gotten jeans for under a buck before....cute insulated boots for 4 bucks!
So if your wanting some cheap deals, yet HOT deals, stuff that will last, I totally lift up 2nd hand.
(These stores are often looked down upon, yet there's hot deals awaiting...you just kinda have to search for it.  Like a lost treasure box.!)

12-22-11
My hottest deal was at the Family Store in Lee Summit.  Some of their dresses are old and ugly, but I found one that is a deep royal blue, that almost looks purple.  It's a very becoming empire waist, that flows down past my toes.  (Picture is on home page.)  So see!  Beautiful things can come out of the most UN-ordinary places!

 1-9-12

 Want to know another homeschooler secret?  (Don't get overwhelmed!)  It's easy to, even me being the big sister, there's always much to do!  Yes, there may be dirty dishes, piles of paper, books yet to put away, but sometimes its nice just not to worry about it and let it go for the time being.  Pick up a Little House on the Prairie book, a cup of hot tea, and enjoy your time!!!


 1-26-12
Yes Wal-Mart was having a clearance sale yesterday....and I almost got a pair of really cute jean leggins!  But when my mom said that I could either pick one thing there, or something else maybe even cuter and cheaper at a thrift shop, guess what I chose?
Thriftiness of course!!  I know that may seem weird, but probably the most coolest secret of a homeschooler is that we get a lot of 'hot' deals at 2nd hands.  Of course, there's always the new 'Red Racks' that's coming into Lee Summit soon!!!!  (Hee, hee, silly me!)

3-9-12
This time...I must admit that my deals did NOT come from the thrift shop.  Wal-Mart was having a sale with things as low as a buck per item, and so my mom got probably 6-7 items for about 7 bucks!
Also, not too long ago, my mom and I went shopping at a thrift shop, and I got three pairs of jeans, 1 blouse, and a pair of shoes for like twelve bucks!  (two of the pairs were like 50 cents each!)

The True Meaning of CHRISTmas

 If I were to go up to you right now, and ask, 'What is Christmas about?'  Could you truthfully, and with all your heart answer my question???
Many that I would ask would most likely nod their heads and pat their wallets full of Christmas gift money, and point to the table full of pies and casseroles.  They'd turn up the 94.1 Christmas station, and show me the 25 ft. tall tree of lights in the living room.  But is this really all there is to it?  I'm sure many of you have asked yourself this question before..., and I commend you for that.
So that is WHY I am writing this, so your question may be answered with the REAL answer, and not disdainfully filled with trees and colorful packages.
I'm sure you have probably heard of some story about a Baby named Jesus that was born in a manger.  I'm sure you have probably heard at least heard the part when the angels rejoiced, and a star shone above the place where He lay.  But are these stories true?  And what importance to they hold to me...today?

Two thousand years ago, is when it all started.  The Bible relays the story of Jesus' birth in Luke 2:7-9.
 But what really IS a manger?  I know we've all heard it, but do you really know what a manger is?  It's not some clean little wooden cradle, that's for sure.  In fact, it was the FEEDING trough for the ANIMALS.  Can you imagine being a new mother and having to put your baby in a dirty thing like that? 
But Baby Jesus' humble condition was all the more glorious.  When God sent His son in the form of a human being, He didn't want to show off, He simply wanted to show others how humble Jesus was. 
O.K., now you know the manger part.  But what about...why did Jesus have to come?
If your honest with yourself, you'll admit that your not perfect.  But here are a few commandments that are part of the TEN COMMANDMENTS, God's holy standard of living for His creation. 

You shall not Lie
You shall not steal
You shall not commit adultery
Honor your father and mother
Do not covet


So, have you broken any of the commandments above?  If so, (for Romans 3:23 says 'for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.') then you are a sinner.  And God, being holy and perfect in righteousness, cannot take sinners into Heaven with Him.  It doesn't matter if you gave to a children's project, helped out your local school, or gave away a million dollars, your still a sinner.  And our works are like filthy old rags compared to God's holy standard that He has placed for us.  So, then, (you may be wondering) what's my point in saying this if there is no hope from eternal judgment in Hell???
Jesus!!  That is WHY God sent His Son as a little helpless baby in a dirty, smelly manger.  To leave the glories of Heaven to come live His life with a bunch of sinners, and die on a cross for sins that He didn't commit. 
But He did it for us.  He did it for me.  He did it for YOU. 
And John 3:16 promises this,
'For God so loved the world, that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whosoever BELIEVES in Him, shall NOT perish, but have EVERLASTING life.'
That's a glorious promise straight from the Creator of you and me! There is hope this Christmas!
There's the hope that if you only believe in Jesus, that's He's the Son of God and died for YOUR sins on that cross, and if you repent of your sins and trust Him that you shall be saved. 
God knows you can't live up to the Ten Commandments, that's why He sent Jesus. 
So this Christmas season, are you just going through the motions like the rest of the world???
Or are you celebrating the TRUE reason for the season, a hope...everlasting. 
 

Prayer Requests

That God would protect us on our long trip out of town. (1-26-12)   

Civil War Re-enactments & more!!

~Civil War Re-enactments............We had a blast at the Civil War re-enactment in Lexington, Mo.  It was in September, and my Grandma came and we camped out on the grounds in a tent and roasted strawberry marshmellows over a campfire.  We set up our own little stand and sold checkerboards that my brother made, and books that I wrote.  There were many other tents set-up with all sorts of neat things.  From ladies fans to jarred pickles there were all kinds of nicknacks in the many set-ups. The soldiers camp out was set over on the other side of Big River Ranch building.  The camp out was very authentic, with campfires and canvas tents and dressed-up men from both sides.  I met a girl named Leah while I was there, and I helped her with her petting zoo she was doing.
The Re-enactment was on Saturday, and my were the canons loud!  BOOM!  I wore my grandma's blue satin gown that she wore when she was 18, and a red velvet shawl.  It was cold and gloomy, but the acting was still amazing.  Horses galloped and combat enacted.  I thought it was very well done.  The Re-enactment lasted till Sunday, and I wish I could have said that we stayed for the Ball that night.  But even though we had to leave, I'm sure it was fun. The last re-enactment I did they had a ball and it was so fun!  There was food and drinks, and authentic music playing while we danced the Virginia Reel and other dances with the boys and men dressed up as soldiers!  The ladies dress in fancy gowns with wide hoop skirts, and it seems like we stepped back to 1860's.
I highly recommend re-enactments, especially for history lovers.


More Historical Field-trips to take........Want to go into a log cabin that was built before the time of the Civil War?  Want to go into a cabin that was originally homesteaded by a man that was born one year after Abraham Lincoln?  Want to grind corn, dip candles, sing songs, roast marshmallows, and hide up in a big loft???  Then you should really go to Beverly's log cabin website, and learn more!! 
Go to the links at the side of the main page, and then find Bev's log cabin and click on it.  Schedule a time to go soon!!! 
Thanks.....
Samantha


Upcoming Historical Event- 
Beverly is having a 20 year anniversary for 1829 log cabin, on April 15th, 2012. 
You will be able to go paddle-boating on the pond, learn how to spin wool, dip candles, refreshments and much more!  
For more info. on where it is go to her website below!

1829logcabin.com  

  

Happy Thanksgiving????

We wish others a 'happy thanksgiving', we bake pumpkin pies and turkeys, stuffing and buttered rolls, rye bread and cranberry sauce.  We send letters and e-mails and send smiles and love, but what is Thanksgiving REALLY about?
It was 1620.  There were rumors going around that some of the people were getting ready to leave England.  Leave England to where?  They must have thought.  Holland.  They journeyed to Holland, escaping the evil King's rule over how they should teach their children.  But Holland was teaching them to speak Dutch, no...they needed a new land.  A land that was fresh in which they could begin their families and bring up their children in their own teaching.
America?  It sounded crazy.  But one thing that the pilgrims all had in common was a dream.  The obstacles seemed to melt away...they held the ticket to freedom; and with their hearts and hopes held high, they set off.
I wish I could say that everything was just sailing on calm sea after that.  But as Chris Brady would say, 'Strong sailors aren't made on calm seas.'  No.  There was DREAM, STRUGGLE, VICTORY.  They knew that they were putting their families lives on the line...it was no game.
But as a father watched his wife die from scarlet fever, as a wife watched her child die from hunger, as a daughter watched her parents die from foul water...they had to remind themselves that it was all part of the STRUGGLE.  A movie that just has a guy with a fluffy little dream and then gets it is a boring movie.  But a movie that shows the struggle that they were willing to go to get is worth gold.  It shows the bravery of those who have gone before us, and inspires us to reach forward and be brave like them.
But the sweetest part about the struggle is that they know that the VICTORY is near.  The pilgrims landed in Massachusetts in 1620, half their families wiped out, and hardly any food...but yet they still found the strength to be thankful to God for bringing them through.  And one year later, they celebrated what we now call Thanksgiving.  How little are the things that we complain over!  

So I ask you, this Thanksgiving, are you just making a feast and sending letters?  Or are you thinking of the sacrifice that people went through to get us where we are.  Were still living in the freest country in the world...live up to your dreams.
And let us ALL be THANKFUL to GOD for bringing us through our struggles, to our victories, and more.
Let us never forget it.

What I'm Thankful For

I’m thankful for my family, in which abides with me through love and strife. 

I’m thankful for the country, in which the trees give me shelter and the bird’ song gives me peace. 

I’m thankful for Thanksgiving, in which we are thankful. 

And most of all, I’m thankful for my Lord, in which gives me thankfulness and whom which I SHOULD be thankful to for my thankfulness.

Thank you, for hearing this poem. 

The Silly Thing that I’m MOST thankful for-

If I had to chose one thing to be most thankful for, (much to my Mother’s dismay) I must confess that I am glad that I am finally taller than her, though many would disagree tis not an accomplishment worth thanking. J

Sincerely,

Samantha

~Out in the Country

Apple Peelin'
Ever since I've moved to the country I can relate to that country song, 'Gone Country' perfectly.  My granma taught me to peel apples last summer with this special apple peeler, and though it looks hard its not hard at all.  She taught me to crank the little thing and to put the apple on it just right.
It's so simple, and is sure to please any country liver!  Search out your antique shops, cause its sure worth it!!!

Candle Dippin'
To make a candle, I learned it at my log cabin that my grandma re-built, its quite easy.  You just get the little wax strings then dip them into the hot melted wax repeatedly.  The more you dip, the bigger you get it!!  I've created pumpkin-like blobs before that would have no chance as a candle, but were enjoyable to make!!


Horses
Horses are one of those unpredictable but worthwhile pets.  They're big, beautiful, and often have a mind of their own.  But ever since I was born to about the time I was twelve, my grandma had a horse named Dusty.
And no matter how you treated him, he was just the sweetest horse as can be.  One day I was sneezing a whole bunch, and Dusty was nearby, and Grandma said that he felt sorry for me.  I believed her.
So if your wondering if you should get a horse, I'll tell you this.  They're definitely a mouthful of oats....! But completely a friend beyond the hamsters!!!!!

 Pumpkin Pies

Trust me, I've tried it, the BEST pumpkin pies are the ones with real pumpkins, not old canned pumpkins. Have you every noticed how the canned pumpkin is so disgusting that its bright orange when you take it out?
Here's the recipe for pumpkin filling....

1 1/2 - 2 tsp. of Pumpkin Pie Spice 
1 2/3 c. of evaporated milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. pumpkin puree

Blend very well, and pour into pie shell.  Bake @ 425 F. for 15 min. and @ 350 F. for 15 min.
Or bake until crust is golden brown.

I've tried this at least about two times or so, and its wonderful!!!  And when I make it, it makes enough filling for two shells.:)  Enjoy!

 Pottery~
Clay is abundant in Missouri, that I can assure you.  Just today, (the 27th of March) I've been digging a small ditch beside our mulch path, and found LOTS of clay!  My grandma told me how to clean it by rinsing and soaking it in a tub of water, then repeating the step a few times.  (That way the dirt particles can break off.)
After cleaning the clay, I began to shape it into all different little sorts of dishes.  I made thumb bowls, which is when you shape the dish over your thumb and press your thumb into the clay to create a little bowl.  I also flattened it between my hands to make tiny plates.  The small dishes are great for little tea parties!
After I had created my little tea party dishes, what I did was laid them on a concrete stone and on the deck, where its sunny, so they can dry out and harden.  Baking the dishes will make them blow up, so you want them to slowly harden and dry by placing them in a very sunny spot where they will not be disturbed.
Let your pottery dishes dry there for about a few days or so, or just until the pottery has hardened completely.

Mulch Paths~


Here's some before pictures of my mom's path that we're working on.  We've been planting things around it, and digging along it a small ditch, to keep the mulch in.
After pictures are sure to come.

~A trip to Grandma's cabin is as fun as ever!  And not only did we go to the cabin, but many adventures followed!

Little did we know, that taking along three chicks, five kids, clothes bags, food and books (with us in the van to grandma's house) would be such an adventure!

Chicks need to be kept in a box inside with a lamp, for about the first 6 weeks.
After about week 6 or so, its safe to put them outside in the chicken house. 

To plant an avocado seed, you first have to grow the seed...
see what I mean by looking at the picture below.

Place them in a jar of water, upholding the seed with toothpicks halfway.  The shoot will come out the top, and once grown to a considerable height, can be taken and planted out in the ground.  
(If the shoot doesn't grow in the first week, don't become discouraged.  We've had these in water for 4-5 weeks, it just takes a while.)  

Thanks~! And go and enjoy the country life!

Dessert Recipes

 Pineapple Almond Pound Cake 

1 2/3 C. of canola oil
2 1/2 C. of white sugar
1 egg 
1 C. of milk or water
2 C. of white flour
1 C. of ground wheat flour
1 C. of canned pineapple chunks, (most juice drained)
handful of sliced almonds

Beat up the oil, sugar and egg until a creamy substance.  Add the milk and stir.  Now add the white flour, a bit at a time, stirring as you go.  Now add your ground wheat and mix, then stir in the pineapple chunks.  
Stick in pre-heated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and bake at 400 for forty minutes.  Turn down to 350, then bake for fifteen-twenty minutes on 350.  Bake in a round glass dish.  Sprinkle the almonds on before or after its done baking, it doesn't matter.  Cool and slice.  Enjoy!    











Carmel Shortbread- 

Base:
1/3 c. soft brown sugar
 4 oz. butter, softened
11/4 c. self-rising flour

Carmel Topping:

1 can of sweetened condensed milk
4 oz. butter, diced
1/2 c. soft light brown sugar
2 TBsp. dark corn syrup

Chocolate Topping:

3 oz. white chocolate
3 oz. dark chocolate 

1. Preheat oven to 350F.  Grease and line a 7by11 in. baking pan with parchment.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Stir in the flour and mix until combined.
3. Press the mixture over the base of the pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.  Leave to cool. 
4. Place the caramel topping ingredients in a saucepan.  Place over low heat until dissolved and bring to the boil.  Continue to boil, stirring continuously, for 10-12 min. 
5. Pour caramel topping over the base.  Lave to cool completely.  Melt the chocolate squares in two separate pans over simmering water. 
6.  Pour the dark and white chocolate over the caramel and swirl together with the back of a spoon.  Leave to set, then cut into squares.

Enjoy!!!

Taken from: Cookbook For Girls
By Denise Smart

Blueberry Ice-Cream

1 tub of vanilla ice cream
1 c. of frozen blueberries 
1 tsp. cornstarch
1/8 c. of sugar
1 c. of water

1. Set out the ice cream to thaw.
2. Put out the blueberries to thaw. 
3. Once thawed out halfway, mix blueberries with water, cornstarch and sugar in a saucepan over stove.  Continue to mix until a thickening sauce.  
4.  Get a bowl and mix three cups of ice cream with blueberry sauce.  Put in a plastic container and put in freezer for ten-fifteen minutes. 

ENJOY!
By: Samantha

EASY & QUICK Monkey Bread!!!!

3(10oz) packages of refrigerated biscuit dough
3/4 c. sugar
3 T. ground cinnamon
1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. sugar  (this isn't a mistake, it really does call for two 3/4 cups of sugar)


Mix up one of the 3/4 cup of sugar and cinnamon.
Dip biscuit dough (slice into balls) into lukewarm water in a bowl.
Drop one ball at a time and move around in the cinnamon/sugar mixture until a orangeish color.
Place balls in neat rows on a glass pan. 
Melt butter, and mix the other 3/4 cup of sugar with it. 
Pour over biscuits and bake in oven till toothpick comes out clean.

(I've tried this three times before, and they turned out delicious every time!!!  Simple and yummy!:)  Enjoy!




Homemade Cinnamon Tea

1 hearty shake of ground cinnamon
1 shake of basil
1 tiny shake of pumpkin spice
1/4 tsp. of Splenda, Stevia, or just white sugar
4 clove heads (grind well)

Put all ingredients in 1 coffee filter and shake lightly a few times. 
Tie the top of it with yarn, but be sure to leave a modest long piece left.
Place in a mug and pour hot water over it to steep.
Drink and enjoy!

(Just tried this neat tactic today(12-2-11) tastes like cinnamon!
If you like this recipe, or have any ideas on how I can modify it, comment and let me know!!)

 allrecipes.com

Random Angels...funny little snippets of my life...

11-16-11-Jordan says (my eight yr.old brother) 'I'm buildin' my house with dollar bills.'
He's so cute!!:)

Jordan (7yr.old) says,
'granilla bore' instead of granola bar!!!:)



Jordan steps on a needle and cries.  I tell him how bad Jesus must have felt when He got the nails in His hands and feet on the cross for our sins.  Jordan is quiet...then says something like this,
"Yeah but Jesus is stronger, so it wouldn't hurt as bad as me."  SO CUTE!

My brother Austin call Reese and Nicole's, 'Reeses and Nickel.'  :)


 Our little ring neck snake named Copper escaped again.  He's been gone a long time, and Jordan told Mom recently, "When the snake comes out, I bet he's going to be dead."
My mom laughed.  May never come out!!!:)

12-24-11
 My sister Elena likes to sing 'Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire' singing it like this:
"And flocks dressed-up like Eskimos."  (You know how its supposed to be folks dressed-up like Eskimos.)  She is so sweet.

12-25-11
Yesterday Jordan called 'Scooby Doo' Snoogy Doo.  He is so cute sometimes.:)

2-8-12
Elena said this about three-and-half years ago, (age 3) while she was laying in her bed, and I was in mine at bedtime,  "I'm a black woman!"  "No your not."  I said.  "Yes I am.  Cause its dark in here."  She answered.  Elena has gotten so big since then!  

 Austin also calls M&Ms, 'En-e-mens' (age 10-years-old) 

Elena said to me, 2-29-12
'I wike chicken pops, because I wike to eat popsicles!"

Elena said, 'It was a black lab snake.'
Also she says, 'Forget that stinkin' pillow pet!  I want ah business!'

8-11-11 Elena says, 'Were definitely gonna get sheep so we can have feta cheese.' 

3-30-12
Some little kids at our homeschool group, as I was trying to teach them the Base Clef notes, and I was going through the notes in words, like, "Great big dogs eat..." I paused, waiting for a response, I guess.  I messed up, and was supposed to say 'great big dogs fight..." but I said eat instead, and one little boy blurted out, "Eat dog food!"  I had to smile, and then a different little boy named Isaiah, (a rather ornery little one), blurted out, too: 'Great big dogs eat corn!"
O.K., not the sort of learning I was going for, but still hilarious and cute.  You never know what little kids will say...or what they can make of your mistakes!


4-12-12
Just today, I was calling a farm and home store to ask about their chicks for sale, and I asked the young man  if he had any Rhode Island Red chickens.  He seemed confused, and he was like,
"We don't know, ma'am.  You know, we don't know like if they're from Dakota, or Florida.  Their just red pullets."
It was so funny!  He thought I meant where the chickens were from, Rhode Island Red is a certain kind of chicken!  So he  had no idea what I was asking!
That man must of went to Harvard!  You know, not the 'civilized' Harvard, but 20 yr. old's learning 2+2=5, sort of Harvard!  Sometimes, you just have to be flexible and laugh at the little funny mistakes in life!  

Music Piece of the Month

In the Garden

For this music piece, go to the Free Music link on the side, or go to www.flutetunes.com and go under the BROWSE tab 

Proverbs of the Week

Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.

Proverbs 27:5

Psalm of the Week

Quote of the Week

'Live like you were dying.'

-Tim McGraw

Cold Recipes(DESSERTS)

Very Berry Gelatin

5 oz. packet of raspberry currant flavor gelatin
1 1/4 C. mixed frozen berries

Fix gelatin.
Add berries.
Pour into little cups and put in icebox.

FROM: The Cookbook for Girls

Favorite Books that I've Read

I'm a homeschooler, and love to read, so here's some good moral-based books that I highly recommend. 

LIFE OF FAITH SERIES is an awesome series for young ladies.  It was written in the late 1800's, but is very descriptive and is about each young woman's individual life of faith in God.
Here's some of the books that I'VE read and think are pretty good.

Bk. Four-VIOLET SERIES-Violet's Bold Mission
Bk. Five-VIOLET SERIES-Violet's Perplexing Puzzles

Bk. Two-ELSIE SERIES-Elsie's Impossible Choice
Bk.Five- ELSIE SERIES-Elsie's True Love
Bk. Six-ELSIE SERIES-Elsie's Troubled Times



These are about all the books I've read of this series.  And its cool the way each series somehow connects with the other.  (FOR EXAMPLE, Violet is Elsie's daughter!)


 You could probably get them off E-Bay or perhaps a Christian Bookstore.




More-
Anne of Green Gables
The Linden Tree
SUNSHINE ON HER FACE-(A book that I wrote.  The prices are all on the HOME page)
VATRANA (I wrote)
 BUTTERFLY ISLAND(I wrote)
Farmer Boy (Or any Little House on the Prairie books are well written and warm.
Cannons at Dawn (a Dear America book)
George Washington Carver

Heart warming books that are inspiring and uplifting.  Green Gables made me cry, and the Linden Tree is in depth yet heart-felt.


Recommended!!!!


New books that I've recently read or have started.....(2-8-12)
Mr. Popper's Penguins (finished)
Launching a Leadership Revolution (started)

Mr. Popper's Penguins is a heartfelt children's book written in the 30's, and Launching a Leadership Revolution is a chewy read but very good at learning how to become the leader God has called us all to be!! 

Measure of Mercy Club

The Measure of Mercy club is a club that I made up to raise money so my family can adopt.
For more info., and if you want to join,
comment...and I'll reply back when I see it.