A wife's calling

My last posting, I'm ashamed to say, was written more then two months ago. My faithfulness in blogging has weakened because of my own struggle with guilt or more accurately described as a feeling of hypocrisy. Here I have a blog with the intent to encourage wives and even single woman to be keepers of the home. To take pride in taking care of family and household needs. Now it looks as though I will be entering into the work force.  I will explain.  My brilliant husband, Erik,  was  asked to consider becoming dean of KSBT (Keystone School of Biblical Theology) several months ago. When he came to consider this position on a serious level, he mentioned to me that if he did accepted it he would want me and no one but me to be his secretary. I said no of course. " I am a house wife and have no desire to work....outside of the home anyways". To be frank I really thought he was either trying to tease me, knowing full well I'm grossly under qualified, or merely trying to be polite by asking me. But when he insisted that he was serious and wanted me to go to the office with him and be his assistant, my first reaction was something of a Moses plight. " Erik, are you crazy? You know cant do that! I cant type, I hate computers, I love being a housewife, its what I was called to do........no! " But saying no to Erik is loosing battle. As much as I tried to, Erik wouldn't take no for an answer. Instead, he used his big brown eyes and encouraging words to convince me that I could this. I walked away from our discussion so encouraged in the Lord, excited to work with him at KSBT and totally convinced that a wife's calling isn't to be just a housewife for him but rather to be their husbands helpmate and truly help them in any capacity that he desires her help.  If he wants her to be by his side, helping him with his work, or busy preparing sumptuous meals at home then that is exactly what she is "called" to do. I fully intend to continue to "keep house" for our small family of two. But I also intend to work in Erik's new office by being the helpmate to him that he desires me to be. With Gods grace I will be more of a help then a hindrance in the office. My office skills are sorely lacking but....with God ALL things are possible! I'm happy to say that though many changes will be taking place I will be continuing this blog. This is a passion of mine and I apologize for my inconsistency. Using this blog as a means to encourage christian woman to love God, their husband, family and home is something I know God would have me to continue with. God bless you all!

Apple Cake

4 Cups diced apples (6 apples)
2 eggs (beat with fork)
3/4 Cup white sugar
1/2 Cup olive oil
2 Cups all purpose flour
1 tes.salt
2 tes. cinnamon
2 tes. baking soda
2 tes. vanilla
1 Cup walnuts


Preheat oven to 350*.Mix all ingredients but the apples together then add the apples last. Dump the mixture into a greased and floured 13/9 pan. Bake for 25 min.

Tip: After you have taken it out and its cool enough, place plastic wrap on the top to help keep the moisture in. It's a super moist a delicious cake. Enjoy!

The Shade Garden, Part 1

 Last year at this time there was nothing here but an old, warped, wooden barrel flower pot and two undernourished shrubs. I tore out the barrel and transplanted the shrubs. Friends from church gave me shoots, baby plants and extra bulbs to create what I call the shade garden. the photos below are of whats' in bloom right now.

 Perry-winkle blue ground cover

 Bleeding heart (pink variety)

Young Japanese maple

gizzmo: Excalibur dehyrator

 This is a five tray food dehydrator from Excalibur. It can be found at Amazon for around $160.00 to $200.00. It is really simple to use and I have never had ANY problems with it or the turn out of the food. Right now I'm drying bananas and mangos. The secret to a great dried snack is ripe produce. Make sure it's at the peak of its flavor before putting it in the dehydrator.

My feet Love this mat!

 Do you find yourself standing in the same places in the kitchen or work shop? I highly recamend these rubber mats. They really save your feet and knee joints from unnessisary pain! Hint: Makes a great Mothers day gift!

                    I attached extra lining to help keep it in place. It can't move an inch now! I love it! I have three. Yeah, I know maybe a bit excessive but I've got happy feet! I have two in the kitchen. One in front of the cutting board and the other in front of the sink. My third mat is down in the laundry room. You see, we have front loaders and I have to get down on my knees alot. These mats can be very expensive (up over a hundred dollars) but I was given one and  I bought two at Walmart on sale for ten dollars a piece! My advice is not to exceed forty dollars for one, it can be done. Keep your eyes pealed.

Daily reminders from Paul (Gods Word)

1 Thessalonians 5 16-22

16. Rejoice evermore.
17. Pray without ceasing.
18. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19. Quench not the spirit.
20. Despise not prophesyings.
21. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22. Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Getting rid of the green

Getting rid of the green was on my spring cleaning list and I finally got to it last week!  Warm soapy water and an old toothbrush did the trick. You can also use a bleach and water solution.I'm really pleased with the way the green lifted right off the white but I'll probably have to do it again in the mid summer and once again before the snow fly's. I let it go too long last year and it grossed me out all winter long. The picture up top shows you how bad it was and what a difference a little soap, water and elbow grease can do.