Be Encouraged

 

Kindness Journal Project - One Word 2024

 If you have followed along here this year at all, you know that I don't normally have a One Word every year, but this year was different.  It's been such an interesting journey these last five months since I've been finding kindness and some of its synonyms.

I am such a visual person and I have a folder where I keep pictures that I've clipped from magazines and such so I decided to do a little journal using some of the things that I have found.  This will be an ongoing project for the remainder of the year, but I thought I would show you just a few of the pages from the Kindness Journal.

Nothing spectacular here.

  I just went to Michaels and bought a sketch pad.

 I wasn't sure whether to get the big one or the smaller one,

 but ended up with the larger one because I didn't want things to look crowded.

On the first page inside I typed out how I came to be partcipating in the One Word this year...

as a reminder to myself as the years go by.

I took advantage of the different blog posts that I've written over the months

by printing them out and adhering them to the pages.

I've also taken advantage of some of the pictures I've cut out and saved over the last years.

This post is just to give you an idea of how a person who isn't really very creative 

can do something special as a reminder just because she's a visual person.

How about you?  Do you consider yourself a creative person?  Are you a visual person?  

I've thoroughly enjoyed this project and look forward to adding more and more pages as I go along.

From Farm to Table - Part 2

 When we finished Part 1 we had just harvested our first crop that gave us enough Shitake mushrooms at one time to preserve.  Today I will walk you through the process that I decided to use.

After reading about the different methods that could be used, I settled on freezing them.  It's a very easy and straight forward process.

Here you can see some of the whole mushrooms to the right of the cutting board and then in the forefront you see that I have sliced the Shitakes in medium to thin slices.

This bowl was full when I finished slicing the mushrooms for processing.

I then put a few handfuls into boiling water for two minutes.

At the end of the two minutes, I used a slotted spoon and moved the Shitake slices to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Next step was to remove from ice water into the colandar to drain.

Then I used paper towels to pat them as dry as I could get them.

Once I had them as dry as I could get them, I placed them on a baking sheet for flash freezing them.  The only stipulation given is that they can't touch one another on the pan.  Then they go into the freezer for a couple of hours until they are frozen solid.  Once they are frozen they are not hard to remove from the tray.  

Then I just put them in quart freezer bags and returned them to the freezer.

Sorry, no picture for that step.

HOWEVER...

I did have a small pan of them that I kept in the freezer because I wanted to see how they turned out once they were cooked up since I still had another bag to process.  So, I thawed them out in the pan that were in the freezer in and...

fried them up in a bit of butter and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

They were delicious, so Strongheart and I decided that is the way we will preserve them so we can enjoy them all winter long.  My fear was that perhaps they would be slimy...but they were not.  I'm guessing that comes from doing the par boil and ice water before freezing.  So yummy!

Shitakes are used in many Asian countries in place of meat.  They have both the texture and taste of meat...

So...there you are...Shitake mushrooms from Farm to Table!

 

From Farm to Table - Part 1

 Earlier in the week I mentioned that I would post more about how the mushrooms went from farm to table.  I've decided to make it a two part series so that it doesn't take forever to read. :)

HOW WE GOT STARTED GROWING MUSHROOMS

Inflammation is always a big health concern, especially when one deals with arthritis or fibromyalgia.  Strongheart and I both had been doing some research about foods that were good to deal with inflammation and both found that mushrooms were close to the top of the list.  We both enjoy mushrooms and so Strongheart decided to give growing them a try.  He cut the logs (40 of them) from the proper types of trees that Shitakes and Lion's Mane needed.  The logs have to be cut in January and February, so he cut his during those months of 2022.

THE PROCESS

The logs were cut and stacked.

The evenly spaced holes for the plugs were drilled.

This is what one of the plugs looks like.

The plug is then tapped into one of the holes in the log.

And then the hole is sealed over with wax.

NEXT...

comes the wait.  We don't have woods on our property, but we have neighbors who do and they graciously allowed Strongheart to place all of the logs in their woods.  

As you might guess, rain is essential and the year that Strongheart started this project was a year when we didn't have much rain.  

In 2023 we had enough rain that last fall we were able to have a few of the Shitake mushrooms to eat.  SO yummy!  The Lion's Mane still hadn't done much at all in the way of growth.

While we have been enjoying the Shitakes all spring (and continue to wait for Lions Mane), we'd been just having enough to eat off several times a week.  And then Saturday of last week we had a bumper crop...the kind that you harvest at one time and preserve!  

In Part 2 I will share that process with you.

From My Journal

 TODAY IS: May 27, 2024

AROUND ME: the temperatures are cool after the thunderstorms and rain of last evening and night.  It feels delightful!

I AM PONDERING: the goodness of God in His provision for faithful godly men who can lead us when our pastor is  away.  

AMONG MY FAVORITE THINGS:  

BOOKS I AM CURRENTLY ENJOYING:  

  Refreshment for the Soul is a collection of Richard Sibbes thoughts on different topics and is compiled as a devotional.  So, it will be an ongoing reading throughout this year.

The Soul's Conflict  by Richard Sibbes

I AM THANKFUL FOR: the Lord's watchcare over some family members who have been very ill.

FROM THE KITCHEN:  

From farm to table...

more to come later in the week concerning the mushrooms.

SOMETHING I REALLY ENJOY: 

A project that I've been working on regarding my

One Word 2024.

More to come at a later time regarding this as well.

TO DO LIST FOR TODAY:  Laundry and working a bit in the perennial beds.

"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12

Memorial Day Weekend 2024

 

Be Encouraged

 

Peace Like a River - a book review

 

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger was a National Bestseller and I understand why.  It encompasses some adventure, some tragedy, and some healing.  

It's narrated by 11 year old Reuben Land and tells the story of his family which consists of his dad Jeremiah, his older brother Davy, and his younger sister Swede for the majority of the book.  Reuben's mother left the family when his dad, who had been in medical school, gave it all up.  Jeremiah raised his three children by himself.

There was an altercation when Reuben's older brother Davy shot, partly in self-defense, two bullies who had entered the Land home during the middle of the night to do harm to the Land family as a result of a fight that Jeremiah had broken up in the locker room of the school where he'd been a janitor.  Davy, who  showed no remorse for what he'd done, becomes a fugitive of the law.  The majority of the rest of the novel is about the family, the FBI, and local authorities trying to locate Davy.

Along the way, the Lord intervenes in their lives through a woman named Roxanna Cawley who provides shelter for the family when a major snow storm hits the area.  Jeremiah does end up marrying Roxanna to the children's delight.  She was the mother that they had never really known when it came to the way she cared for them.

I don't believe this book was presented as a Christian novel, but there's definitely a strong Christian sense to its theme.  I don't agree with some of the emphasises placed on some things, but I read this book for pure pleasure and I don't have to agree with everything that it talks about in order to enjoy the book.

I would highly recommend the book.  Leif Enger is definitely a wonderful storyteller.

From My Journal

 TODAY IS: May 20, 2024

AROUND ME: the fog has lifted and we have temperatures in the low 80s promised for today!  It's so wonderful to see the sun shining after days of rain.

I AM PONDERING: the goodness of God in His provision for faithful godly men who can lead us when our pastor is  away.  

AMONG MY FAVORITE THINGS:  

The mother of one of our little nextdoor neighbor girls called the other evening to make sure I was home because her youngest daughter had something she had made for me.  When the Little brought it over she was all smiles as she handed it to me and said, "It's a cross that I made for you."

BOOKS I AM CURRENTLY ENJOYING:  

  Refreshment for the Soul is a collection of Richard Sibbes thoughts on different topics and is compiled as a devotional.  So, it will be an ongoing reading throughout this year.

The Soul's Conflict  by Richard Sibbes

It's Easier to Succeed Than to Fail by S. Truett Cathy

I AM THANKFUL FOR: the little blessings in life...

FROM THE KITCHEN:  I tried a new recipe for Mushroom, Spinach, & Swiss Cheese Quiche one evening last week.  YUMMY!  The recipe is from Magnolia Journal...here's a link to the recipe...Mushroom, Spinach & Swiss Cheese Quiche

SOMETHING I REALLY ENJOY: This perennial flowerbed in the middle of the side yard.

TO DO LIST FOR TODAY:  A bit of laundry and lunch out with friends to celebrate a birthday.

"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12

Be Encouraged

 

God's High Calling for Women - a book review

 

God's High Calling for Women by John MacArthur is one that I read because this is one of my favorite topics.  Every couple has their times in marriage where there are struggles, and ours hasn't been any different, but I find that there is so much freedom in living in the role that God has created for me as a woman.  As I read this book by John MacArthur he emphasized the very same things that I have come to hold so dear. 

 The book is an indepth study of 1 Timothy 2:9-15.  It is Paul's instructions to Timothy about the problems that women were causing, due to false teaching, at the church in Ephesus.  

As a bit of background, Paul had given much of his ministry to laboring in Ephesus, teaching the Believers there about God's order of things.  Not long after moving on from Ephesus, false teachers came into the body of the Ephesian church and Paul saw things that needed corrected.  Much of it had to do with the false teaching that had allowed women to be in places of preaching and leadership that was against God's design for the order of home and church.  

Perhaps the best way to review this book is to share some of John MacArthur's words.

In Chapter 4, page 71, we find, "A tendency of women to be occupied with the adornment is only a manifestation of the carnality of their hearts-dressing to flaunt wealth, to attract lust and sexual desire, and to express a spirit of insubordination to one's husband."

In the same chapter and page we find women's attitudes being highlighted.  "Women are to present themselves then in modesty and humbleness of heart, deomonstrating total control over their passion and appearing in such a way that draws attention to their godliness and virtue."

Chapter 4, page 72 we find a woman's testimony being spoken about. "If they make a profession of godliness, they should support that with good works.  So their deeds should demonstrate that profession of godliness they bear."

In dealing with the matter of women's role in the church, the book gives a background of what the Jewish and pagan cultures were like which brought Paul to make the statement in verse 11, "Let women learn".  Women were basically looked upon as second-class citizens and they were not allowed to be educated, so Paul is saying, "Let women learn".  But he then goes on to say "in quietness and in all submission."  I felt MacArthur did a great job in going into depth about why this is to be.  

Other topics that are addressed have to do with the woman not teaching in a public worship service because it usurps the authority of men.  He gives so many scriptural reasons to back this up.  

I found this book to be extremely good in the way that MacArthur gives cultural background information and backs up everything with Scripture...which anyone who follows MacArthur knows, he always does!  

One thing that I found thought provoking because for some reason I have missed this entirely is how God created Adam first and then Eve...which set the order for how God made the roles for men and women.  I've had a lot of teaching in my years of being a Christian about the roles of men and women, but this was the first time that it was studied by taking us back to Genesis.  I'm so thankful!

From My Journal

 TODAY IS: May 6, 2024

AROUND ME: the fog is low but the sun is doing its best to shine through!  It's supposed to be a beautiful day and I am looking forward to it!

I AM PONDERING: how a holy and righteous God allows us to come to Him through the righteousness of Jesus Christ who has redeemed us.  My own righteousness would never permit me in His Presence, but because Jesus paid the price that satisified God by taking my sins upon Himself, I have that wonderful access to Him.

AMONG MY FAVORITE THINGS: 

Strongheart took on the landscaping at our church after we moved into our new building.  There's a slight incline that was begging for something different and he planted these wild tulips.  They have not disappointed!

Click on the image to enlarge it so youcan enjoy their beauty.

BOOKS I AM CURRENTLY ENJOYING:  

  Refreshment for the Soul is a collection of Richard Sibbes thoughts on different topics and is compiled as a devotional.  So, it will be an ongoing reading throughout this year.

The Soul's Conflict  by Richard Sibbes

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

I AM THANKFUL FOR: the Lord's provision of a second vehicle.  When Strongheart retired we went from having two vehicles to one...which has worked well for us these last 6 years.  We needed to keep the F-150 with it's 8 ft. bed because of all of the firewood he does, but it was beginning to get increasingly harder for me to get in and out of it due to some health issues.  We started searching for a small SUV that would give me the ability to get in and out of it easily with no pain.  The Lord blessed us with a used Subaru.  I'm so thankful to Him.

FROM THE KITCHEN:  The first Saturday of each month the men at church have a prayer breakfast where they have fellowship over breakfast, and then have a Bible study and time of prayer.  Strongheart always likes to contribute to the breakfast so I made Pumpkin Overnight Cinnamon rolls to send with him this past Saturday.  He brought home an empty pan. 😀  I'm sorry that I didn't think to take a picture of them before he left.  

SOMETHING I REALLY ENJOY: This perennial flowerbed that I can see from my kitchen window. 

 

 A QUOTE TO REMEMBER:  

TO DO LIST FOR TODAY:  Laundry, cleaning the outside of all the kitchen cabinets, giving the kitchen floor a good clean.

"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom."

Psalm 90:12

Be Encouraged

 

Rebels at the Gate - a book review

 

Rebels at the Gate by W. Hunter Lesser is a historical piece of work concerning the Civil War.  It isn't a genre that I typically pick up to read, but this particular book was loaned to us by a young man in our church who loves history and also actively participates in reenactments.  

Strongheart and I read this book together and had so many good conversations as a result of reading it together.  

One reason that we enjoyed it was because it was written, not only with how the different battles were going, but it also dealt with the battles that were fought in WV...many of the battles not far from us.  It also included how WV became a state of its own, separated from the state of Virginia.  Up until it's time of statehood, our area was known as Western Virginia.

We also enjoyed learning more of the lives of Robert E. Lee and George McClellan. They were definitely two distinictive personalities.

Above all else though, the thing that really has given me much food for thought even a week after finishing the book is what the men suffered during this time of war.  There were times when they fought with having a great lack of provisions...both in the realms of ammunition and food and substantial clothing.  There was also the fact of disease and the deaths that occurred from that. 

One particular incident that stands out when it comes to the lack of clothing occurred in Pochantos County (now WV) when a large number of men were from Georgia  who had left home to fight without bringing proper clothing to deal with the cold winters here.  And some who did possess coats reached a point where they ditched the warmth of clothing such as coats because they were dealing with the downpours of rain and the mud that was slowing down the supply wagons.  Many died from exposure to the weather.

It's really sad to think of what the men and their families gave in order for us to have liberty when we look at the state of our nation today.  And it certainly has given me a new appreciation for my state of West Virginia.

If you enjoy history the least little bit, I would highly recommend this book.