Monday, November 16, 2009

14 Days of Thankfulness - Day 1


Day 1
A Christian Home

As I walked through my house this morning, I counted nearly 30 displays that my Mother created by hand to promote the Word of God in our home. Many adorn the long hallway of our home. One hangs on our refrigerator to quench one's spiritual thirst as they fill up their glass to quench their physical thirst. And quite a few hang in my room, daily encouraging me in the way of the Lord.

Lovingly creating my graduation invitations
which reflected my love and devotion to God.


Marmy has always been my best friend. I love her so much more than I can even begin to say. We've laughed together, cried together and grown together.

Marmy, age 20, cradling me, her first born.

She has always set the example of a faithful wife in my eyes - never trying to balance the raising of her children with the demands of a career or outside-the-home ministry. She began to homeschool me at eight years old, founding the "Morning to God" elementary school in our home. Each day we practised just what the name of our school implied - a routine of seeking God early in life and in the day. She has always been creative in her approach to teaching us. I remember making posters to illustrate memory verses; daily rehearsing of our memory passages with expressive motions to help us remember; and waking up to praise music engulfing our home in joyfullness, and then marching around the livingroom in our pajamas, shaking tamborines and maracas while singing along.

Marmy and me when I was nine or ten.

I can only remember happiness in my childhood, thanks to the daily labor of my Mother. I'm only beginning to see how much tireless work she had to put into making sure we were always clean, fed and educated - let alone the efforts of her tending to our spiritual necessities!

Marmy pauses the Math-U-See video to explain a problem to Jasco.

She has always taught us in the kitchen, at the supermarket, in the car. From every situation, she's presented a practical, and a spiritual lesson which has sharpened our skills and wisdom.

Marmy directs the placement of the tomato cage.

Perhaps, most importantly, her support to Daddy has been unwavering. She loves him even more than the day they married, and has faithfully served beside him. She strives to put his needs and visions first.

Marmy helping Daddy finish the wall of our screened-in pool room, this past Summer.

She would say that she is still learning what is is to be a godly woman. Such meekness is commented upon by many friends and family who have been touched by this amazing woman of God. It is her excitement in learning God's plan for women which makes it such a lovely task - one which targets the heart and then works it's way out to radiate naturally.

Marmy holds little Melody Borne during a bookclub meeting.

I have learned so many things from this lady whom God has graciously put over me as my dear Mother. I could never express the gratitude I feel toward her, and toward the One who gave me to her.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow,


Young Maiden's Day Book - Entry Twenty















Today… November 16, 2009

Outside my window… *contented sigh* As I sit out on my back patio, I see through the screen a red autumn sun which has barely made it's way above the trees, sining brightly and casting gorgeous rays of sunrise across the greyish dome, accompanied by a chorus of gusts which warn of storms quickly approaching. Such gusts carry the golden leaves with them, lifting them from the green trees and sending them fluttering to the ground. Tiny drops of rain hit the tin porch cover, adding a gentle beat to the whistling wind. It's a beautiful scene - a work of art given to this maiden as a gift from the Lord God who has orchestrated it.

I am thinking… about the handiwork of God.

I am thankful for… Oh my! That reminds me!!! Yikes - I was participating in the 14 Days of Thankfulness, and this has been my first chance since it started that I could sit down to blog. CostumeQueen, I apologize -- I shall try my hardest to participate in the remaining days. =) <-- That said, I'm very thankful for Christian grace and understanding..... ;-)

I am wearing… My "Vote Pro-Life" tee over a red undershirt with my denim, calf-length flowy skirt which is lined with white lace. Very patriotic, yes. =) I'm still quite inspired by yesterday's Restore America Rally for my favorite candidate running for Congress Dist. 14 in Texas, Mr. Gerald Wall.

I am reading…
Many different Bible passages including,
-Proverbs
-Psalms
-1 Corinthians
-Romans 11
-The Gospel of John

As well as these worthy reads by heros of the faith, large and small:
"John Calvin - Man of the Millennium"
by Philip Vollmer,
"So Much More" by Ana Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin,
"Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends" by Sarah, Stephan and Grace Malley,
"The Princess Adelina" by Julie Sutter,
"A Woman's Walk with God" by Elizabeth George,
"A Posmillenial Primer" by Andrew Sandlin,
"Answers Magazine" (latest issue) by Answers in Genesis,
"What He Must Be" by Pastor Voddie Bachaum (2nd time in a row!),
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris (2nd time),
and "A Journey in Grace" by Richard Belcher (2nd time).

I am creating… a novel, a website, and a cookbook! Oh my!

One of my favorite things…
is early mornings. Stepping onto the dark, chilly back patio with fresh coffee and my study tote, armed with my study Bibles, an assortment of highlighters and pens, and my everything-binder for a quiet morning with my Savior. The sweetest time - and the foundation of a peaceful, focused day.

For education this week… Human and animal cells part 2, sign language, lots of creative writing, and of course, deeper digging into the Word.

A keeper at home skill I am using… studying, writing, organization, scheduling, cleaning, mending, cooking, letter-writing, child-care, money management, baking, party planning, and lesson planning. =)

A spiritual lesson I’m learning… is to always be joyful and radiant!

A godly character trait I plan to work on… To not always think I must speak my mind. Inspired by Proverbs 17:27-28. This goes hand in hand with being joyful and radiant! (Yes, I know this has been my character trait & spiritual trait for a while - but it really is a continual and conscious focus of mine.)

Scripture I am memorizing…
Titus 2
2 Timothy 3:16
1 Peter 3:3-4
Proverbs 12:1

Yes... still. I love this Day Book because it reminds me not to neglect my memorization work. Great accountability.

I am praying for… an abundance of joy that I can't help but spread... continuously. (Yep! Again!)

For the rest of the week…
  • Monday:
    -NaNoWriMo
    -Science Preparations
    -Web Design

  • Tuesday:
    - NaNoWriMo
    -Science Preparations
    -Web Design

  • Wednesday:
    - At least write a little on my NaNoWriMo Novel.
    - Teach science lesson.
    - Sign Language lesson
    - Web Design

  • Thursday:
    - Go to the Wards to help Ms. Ward with homeschooling or babysitting ("Mommy College!")
    - NaNoWriMo
    - Web Design

  • Friday:
    -NaNoWriMo
    -Web Design

  • Saturday:
    -NaNoWriMo
    -Web Design

    Wow! No big events to plan for... maybe I shall work on that "one-of-these-days" todo list!

A picture I’d like to share…

Yet another photo of dancing for Austin Town.
Dancers, from left: Lindsey, Me, Ms. Cindy,
a kind lady whose name I never learned, and McCauley

Christ's blessings,

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tuesday's Recipe - November 10


Date:
Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Time:
1:30 p.m.

Location:
The Bullman Home

Reading:
"So Much More"
by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin


Chapter Seventeen:
"Fathers, Daughters and 'Missions Work'"
Page 259


Recipe Swap:

Canning Recipes!


We hope to see you there!
What is Tuesday's Recipe?
To request an invitation to the Tuesday's Recipe Group Email Loop,
contact Shelby at ladylrae@gmail.com


Christ's blessings,

Monday, November 9, 2009

Young Maiden's Day Book - Entry Nineteen















Today… November 9, 2009

Outside my window… Mmm... now that I have my new laptop - this should be much more interesting to fill out! To my left I see a beautiful bouquet of roses that my Daddy got for my Marmy on their anniversary. To my right, I see my little brother stretching with Payton, his friend and martial arts instructor.

I am thinking… about all of the things I need to accomplish today!

I am thankful for… God placing me in a Christian home. I look around to see my Marmy sitting down with my younger sister and brother teaching them Bible History, a Scripture put on my little brother's door by his own will, my younger sister humming a Christian song, and waking up to see my Daddy reading his Bible before the crack of dawn... how many people have never had this blessing, and how many never will?


I am wearing… A blue scoop-neck knit blouse over a pastel pink undershirt with the floral-print skirt given to me by my great-grandmother who used to wear when she was younger.

I am reading…
Many different Bible passages,
"John Calvin - Man of the Millennium"
by Philip Vollmer,
"So Much More" by Ana Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin,
"Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends" by Sarah, Stephan and Grace Malley,
"Home Making" by J.R. Miller,
"The Princess Adelina" by Julie Sutter,
"Answers Magazine" (latest issue) by Answers in Genesis,
"What He Must Be" by Pastor Voddie Bachaum (2nd time in a row!),
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris (2nd time),
and "A Journey in Grace" by Richard Belcher (2nd time).

I am creating… a novel, a website, and a cookbook!

One of my favorite things…
is Mondays. I love the fresh start to the week, and the chance make another entry in my "Young Maiden's Day Book."

For education this week… Introduction to animal and human cells, sign language, lots of creative writing, and of course, deeper digging into the Word.

A keeper at home skill I am using… studying, writing, organization, scheduling, cleaning, mending, cooking, letter-writing, child-care, cross-stitching, calligraphy, money management, baking, and lesson planning. =)

A spiritual lesson I’m learning… is to always be joyful and radiant!

A godly character trait I plan to work on… To not always think I must speak my mind. Inspired by Proverbs 17:27-28. This goes hand in hand with being joyful and radiant! (Yes, I know this has been my character trait & spiritual trait for a while - but it really is a continual and conscious focus of mine.)

Scripture I am memorizing…
Titus 2
2 Timothy 3:16
1 Peter 3:3-4
Proverbs 12:1

Yes... still. I love this Day Book because it reminds me not to neglect my memorization work. Great accountability.

I am praying for… an abundance of joy that I can't help but spread... continuously. (Yep! Again!)

For the rest of the week…
  • Monday:
    -NaNoWriMo
    -Science Preparations
    -Web Design

  • Tuesday:
    - NaNoWriMo
    -Tuesday's Recipe
    -Science Preparations
    -Web Design

  • Wednesday:
    - At least write a little on my NaNoWriMo Novel.
    - Teach science lesson.
    - Sign Language lesson
    -Web Design

  • Thursday:
    - Go to the Wards to help Ms. Ward with homeschooling ("Mommy College!")
    - NaNoWriMo
    -Web Design

  • Friday:
    -NaNoWriMo
    -Web Design

  • Saturday:
    -NaNoWriMo
    -Web Design

    Wow! No big events to plan for... maybe I shall work on that "one-of-these-days" todo list!

A picture I’d like to share…


We had a lovely time at Austin Town this year.
Here's a snapshot of a few of us dancing the Virginia Reel.
From left: Lindsey, Me and Ms. Cindy clap as the first couple skips down the line.




Christ's blessings,

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

NaNoWriMo 2009 - Day 4


Things are really going better than I expected!
My word count total is now 13,373 words.

Hope y'all are having a fabulous day!

Christ's blessings,

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

NaNoWriMo 2009 - Day 3


That's right! Today my progress bar inched over the 10,000 words mark!
Double the daily goal posted on NaNoWriMo for today!
And 1/5 of the way to the month's goal which is 50,000.

Needless to say, this makes me very happy.

Happy writing & Christ's blessings,

Exquisite Autumn Give-Away...

Hand-crafted with love and care,
these seasonal delights would bring
warmth and cheer to any kitchen.




This adorable apron and these gorgeous potholders,
made by the hands of none other than Miss Jen,
are being given away to celebrate the
1 Year Anniversary of Blessed Femina.


Do visit... You'll be glad you did!

Congratulations Miss Jen!
Happy 1 Year Anniversary!


Christ's blessings,

Monday, November 2, 2009

NaNoWriMo 2009 - Day 2


NaNoWri's End-of-the-Month Word Count Goal: 50,000

NaNoWri's November 2nd Word Count Goal: 3,333
My Word November 2nd Count Goal: 6,667
Today's Word Count Total: 7,133!


Today's been productive!
Now on to non-NaNoing life.......

Happy writing!

Christ's blessings,

Young Maiden's Day Book - Entry Eighteen















Today… November 2, 2009

Outside my window… For the past few days, my laptop has been at the kitchen table. So, outside the window I see our back-porch patio with Marmy, Jasco, and McCauley all piled up on the couch drinking coffee and eating breakfast.

I am thinking… about NaNoWriMo Novel - "Healing for Bekkah, Daughter of Eve".

I am thankful for… November - Autumn finally shows itself in temperature!


I am wearing… A blue scoop-neck blouse decorated in large blue and pink flowers with a pink undershirt and purple skirt.

I am reading…
Many different Bible passages,
"John Calvin - Man of the Millennium"
by Philip Vollmer,
"So Much More" by Ana Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin,
"Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends" by Sarah, Stephan and Grace Malley,
"Home Making" by J.R. Miller,
"The Princess Adelina" by Julie Sutter,
"Answers Magazine" (latest issue) by Answers in Genesis,
"What He Must Be" by Pastor Voddie Bachaum (2nd time in a row!),
"Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris (2nd time),
and "A Journey in Grace" by Richard Belcher (2nd time).

I am creating… a novel!

One of my favorite things…
is writing! =D I'm excited about NaNoWri, can't you tell?

For education this week…Plant anatomy/physiology, sign language, lots of creative writing, and of course, deeper digging into the Word.

A keeper at home skill I am using… studying, writing, organization, scheduling, cleaning, mending, cooking, letter-writing, child-care, cross-stitching, calligraphy, money management, baking, butter churning (that's a new one!), and lesson planning. =)

A spiritual lesson I’m learning… is to always be joyful and radiant!

A godly character trait I plan to work on… To not always think I must speak my mind. Inspired by Proverbs 17:27-28. This goes hand in hand with being joyful and radiant! (Yes, I know this has been my character trait & spiritual trait for a while - but it really is a continual and conscious focus of mine.)

Scripture I am memorizing…
Titus 2
2 Timothy 3:16
1 Peter 3:3-4
Proverbs 12:1

Yes... still. I love this Day Book because it reminds me not to neglect my memorization work. Great accountability.

I am praying for… an abundance of joy that I can't help but spread... continuously. (Yep! Again!)

For the rest of the week…
  • Today:
    - Reach a word count of at least 6,667 on my NaNoWriMo Novel. (Check!)
    - Prepare a science lecture on plant anatomy and physiology.
    - Organize all of my laundry and clean my room.
    (Check!)
    - Order my new laptop!!! (Daddy's paying for half of it, as a belated graduation gift!) (Check!)
    - Straighten, vacuum, dust and sweep the living room. (Check!)
    - Sign Language lesson

  • Tuesday:
    - Reach a word count of at least 8,333 on my NaNoWriMo Novel.
    - Finish science preparations.
    - Work on next week's Christian Way meeting.
    - Get all of my laundry washed and put away! Quite a feat....!
    - Learn about Butter Churning for Friday's volunteer work at the Austin Town Reenactment.
    - Sign Language lesson

  • Wednesday:
    - At least write a little on my NaNoWriMo Novel.
    - Teach science lesson.
    - Work on next week's Christian Way meeting.
    - Lots of cleaning!
    - Choose a costume for Austin Town, and make any repairs needed.
    - Sign Language lesson

  • Thursday:
    - Go to the Wards to help Ms. Ward with homeschooling ("Mommy College!")
    - Reach 10,000 words on my NaNoWriMo Novel.
    - Work on next week's Christian Way meeting.
    - Final preparations for Austin Town!

  • Friday:
    - Austin Town!!!
    - Reach 11,667 words on my NaNoWriMo Novel.
    - Possible over the net late-night write-in with Jess, Val, Lindsey and Nae.

  • Saturday:
    - My Starling's birthday!
    - Austin Town...
    - Reach 13,333 words on my NaNoWriMo Novel.

A picture I’d like to share…

The family strolled through the Wings Over Houston Airshow...
The baby I was supposed to be pushing in my stroller was on my Daddy's shoulders...
(He took the picture.)
From left: Jasco, Gramps, Marmy, Gemaw, Me, Luke Eli & Addon (in wagon), BJ and D'Lane.


Christ's blessings,

And We're Off!


Well, NaNoWriMo 2009 has officially begun.

I had convinced myself that I did not have enough time this year, and that I was not going to participate.

But then I woke up this morning, nearly getting emotional about missing it.

After three years of being a NaNoWri - I'm kind of attached. There's a certain spring that this contest puts into your novel-writing-step. It's probably the crazy idea that I could write 50,000 words by November 30th...

Anyway, my insane excitement took over my sane practicality -- and I gave in, forgetting all the little hurdles such as having a schedule so tightly packed that one must reserve time to brush her teeth. Heh... such minuscule details. Here's my picture to prove my insanity. *sigh* How can you ignore your favorite contest when it's logo is on your coffee thermos - answer me that!


Today I hit 5,000 word mark. I'm excited about that little accomplishment! I've completed 10% of the total word count.

Maybe I'll win this year? It's not probable - as I have yet to see a "Winner's Bar". But after today's head start, maybe there is some hope?

Regardless, it's a blessing to place my novels on the front burner for the month - thanks to my family's great understanding and support.

What is NaNoWriMo?

Christ's blessings!