WWU--This is My Comfort

Thank you, Mary, for hosting Weekly Wrap-Up!

It's time to reflect back on my week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

To participate with us, please click on Mary's button above.

This Weekly Wrap-Up is going to be short and sweet.  Well, short, at least.  I need to get to a couch to give my back a break.  It is really aching now, but oh, how I've missed blogging this week!  The Lord had other plans for my life, however, and I am content in that.  Without further ado...


Home Life

The Lord allowed my back to "go out" on Wednesday morning, to the point I was in utter agony by that evening, and immobile until some time on Friday.  When I could focus, I spent time in Psalm 119.  God's Word is a balm.

My view from the couch as my guys made Wednesday dinner.  :)

Jacob and Danny finished college classes and finals by Tuesday.  Everyone is happy.  :)

Danny is happy.

Jacob is happy, too.

My Kitchen and Garden

I baked whole-wheat peanut butter cookies on Tuesday, right before injuring my back.  God's timing is impeccable.  :)  (They turned out yummy, by the way.)

My Project Desk

...sits empty for the time being.


Behind the Lens

My first piece of official mail for my business!

The hilarious thing is that this particular piece of mail was from the county clerk's office, who returned my assumed business name application.  Apparently, they do NOT accept temporary checks.  Now that I have my "real" checks, I have to re-submit the application.  *rolls eyes*


Heart Thoughts

My heart has focused on the Lord this week.  That focus always gets keener when I'm experiencing trial, for which my back pain definitely qualifies.  As I lay in bed Thursday morning, wondering if I'd ever be able to get up to take a shower, I carefully read Psalm 119.  Here are a few verses that stuck out to me, and that I leave you with (all from the NASB).

My soul weeps because of grief;

Strengthen me according to Your word.

verse 28

This is my comfort in my affliction,

That Your word has revived me.

verse 50

It is good for me that I was afflicted,

That I may learn Your statues.

verse 71

I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous,

And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

O may Your lovingkindness comfort me,

According to Your word to Your servant.

May Your compassion come to me that I may live,

For Your law is my delight.

verses 75-77

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Prayer Request

God is good.

I have a prayer request for my dear online friends.  This morning I woke up with a slightly sore back, but by the time I had taken a shower and gone downstairs, I could barely move.  Thank the Lord I already had a chiropractor appointment scheduled this morning.  Plus baking cookies is out of the way.

I had fallen "up" the basement stairs yesterday, wrenching my left arm and "rug-burning" my right hand.  It may have been the cause of my back going out.  But whatever the cause, I am in considerable pain.

We had recently defrosted our two freezers, and all the ice packs--including the squishy one we use for "ache" issues--were still lying on the floor of the basement.  It's now getting cold in the freezer, so I must wait for some relief.  Thank you to those who will pray for me; I deeply appreciate it.  I'm going back to the couch to lie down now...

God is good.

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Counting My Blessings #2

Join us at Tamara's blog by clicking above!!

Food Report

We have been blessed in our grocery budget lately--meaning that we haven't had to spend as much as we normally would!  The Lord has seen fit to bless us in two ways:  1) through food stored up either by canning or in the freezer, and 2) through others.  We have thanked Him (and them!) more than once as we enjoyed tasty meals and side dishes.  And once again, several potential big bills are looming, and my mind wonders how we're going to pay for them, even as the Holy Spirit reassures my heart that I am His.  Do not fret, dear child.  You are mine.

We enjoyed blueberry muffins for breakfast once last week, with blueberries picked this past summer and stored in our freezer.

We used this tasty hors d'oeuvre as a topping for our spaghetti one evening.  It is a cream cheese, pesto, and dried tomato molded dip for bread or crackers.  Boy, was it tasty on our Italian!  Danny and his dad "fought" over the last portion for tonight's leftover pasta dinner.  :)

We made the usual two pounds of spaghetti, a mixture of regular organic and whole-wheat organic.  My five men can eat a lot!

We also pulled out of the freezer a package of fresh-sliced mozzarella cheese to use as a topping for our pasta.  We were blessed with a number of packages, and this was the last one.  Since I'm part Italian, I savored every bite of this; there is nothing like the taste of fresh mozzarella.  :)

Below is the finished product on my plate, sans the cream cheese/pesto topping. 

I was also able to add some sliced hot Italian sausage to the spaghetti sauce, part of which came from my canned supply of sauce.  Every time I looked in the freezer, I found another package of this wonderful sausage from Nature's Choice Farm.  It reminded me of the account of the widow whose jar of oil never ran out.  I remember purchasing a few packages of the sausage, but we've eaten it once a week for the past month.  Either way, God is good.

Thank You, Lord, for feeding our family with good food!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

WWU -- Contented Celebration

Thank you, Mary, for hosting Weekly Wrap-Up!

It's time to reflect back on my week, to store up memories in my heart,

and to acknowledge the Lord's ways in my life.

To participate with us, please click on Mary's button above.

Saturday, 11:24am--starting this post.  (I want to see how long it takes me to get this posted!)


Home Life

As I listen to Jacob's less-frequent cough, I thank the Lord for health.  No one else has caught his cold, which is a good thing since next week is finals week for Jacob and Danny.  Will I ever be especially glad when Danny walks through the door after completing his Rhetoric final.  He agonized his way through the class, and obsessed about every essay paper assigned.  But he's pulling an A so far, and as long as he gets his outline prepared for the final exam, he should be fine.  (The students are allowed to bring an outline for the in-class essay final.)

Jacob is an excellent student, and rarely asks for my help--except for commenting and making suggestions on his papers, proofreading them, and typing them for him (he can't stand typing!).  He offered me Trader Joe's dark chocolate peanut butter cups to type his final Psychology essay.  That was a no-brainer "yes" for me!!

Joseph likes to read through his brothers' papers, too!

Christmas decorations are all up, or at least the ones I'm willing to put up!  If you step into my home, you'll be greeted by a cheery Christmas-y foyer, and you'll see the tree--with my grandmother's manger set nestled at its base--in our front living room.  If you step beyond the hallway, however, the rest of the house is as it appears each and every day.  I just don't have storage space for lots of decorations, and I'm also way too practical to have lots of decorations!

It has been a peaceful season, since we aren't shopping for gifts this year.  We, along with our extended family (a small crowd at 11 people), decided to celebrate Christmas differently this year.  There is no hustle and bustle, and so far our outside activities have been minimal.  It's very nice.  :)


My Kitchen

I've been enjoying cooking a bit more, because it warms the kitchen and I can fend off feeling cold for a little bit.  (I'm almost always cold all winter long.)  I have a Nutri-Mill recipe for whole-wheat peanut butter cookies in my plans for the next few days.  That might be the only cookie recipe I prepare this month!  We'll see how it goes.

We've been blessed with some fresh vegetables and fruits, and a few other food items, over the last few weeks.  We have used them to create and enhance some delicious meals, and we are still in the mode of giving thanks for what the Lord has provided.  God is good.  He has blessed us beyond measure, and we need to remember Him in this abundance.

Enchiladas for dinner

I turned my portion into Enchilada Salad!

Though my vegetable garden is "closed," I still have a few little purple onions in the fridge, and I slice them up for salads and things.  Though they are little, they are strong!  Plus we continue to enjoy the various salsas, jalapeños, tomatoes, and apple products that I've canned this year.

My Project Desk

I actually altered a blouse this week!  I have hooks/eyes to sew on between the front buttons, but I have taken in the sides.  I found this blouse at a resale shop some friends took me to a few months ago, and it was brand-new with the tags still on!  It is a very tailored, very well-made blouse, and I hope to wear it for a long time.  Photos soon...


Behind the Lens

I have been busy getting my ducks in a row with Christine Anne Photography.  I now have a business checking account, and have filed my business name with the county.  Once I hear back from them, I have to publish a notice in the local newspaper for three weeks, then make sure the newspaper files (I can't remember what document) with the county.  Then I'm official!  It seems like a long process for this little business.

I try to take pictures of something every day, but life happens, and my business is not my life.  It really is a hobby, and a passion, and I don't want to lose the heart of my love of capturing people and things on film.  I do have some upcoming business opportunities, about which I'm excited and nervous all rolled into one!  I'll tell you about it soon.  For now, enjoy this photo of a cinnamon-oat muffin to which I added blueberries.

Heart Thoughts

Since we're wrapped up in the Christmas season (hey, that's a nice pun!), I thank the Lord for His peace and His perspective during this time when our culture has mega-commercialized the greatest event in history and in our faith.  But we are to enjoy this season of reflection, waiting, and celebration, no matter our circumstances.  We are to be content in the current situation in which we have been placed.  For truly the Lord has led us here--or has allowed us to walk here--and we need to remember to celebrate with joy and contentment.

...for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

I know how to get along with humble means,

and I also know how to live in prosperity;

in any and every circumstance I have learned

the secret of being filled and going hungry,

both of having abundance and suffering need.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11b-13 nasb

I frequently quote "I can do all things..." when I am faced with a challenge, but it is interesting that in context, it is linked to contentedness.  Contentedness is the secret to the knowledge that I can indeed do all things through Him who strengthens me.

End Note:  It's only 12:26pm!!  I thought I'd be working on this post over a couple of days--thank You, Lord!!  :D

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

FFG -- My Farm Girl Day

My dear friend Lori hosts Friday Farm Girls at Heart every week;

please click on her button to visit her blog

and to find out how you can participate!

I'm so tired this morning.  And actually, I can't even say it's morning any more; It's 12:17pm as I start to type this post!  I was up several times in the night with an upset stomach, though I'm feeling mostly better.  I have a pot of homemade chicken soup on the stove warming right this very minute.

Cross It Off the List!  My Farm Girl heart is happy to be back home after a morning of running errands--which is a great Farm Girl thing to do!  The most important errand ended up being the easiest--getting Joseph's handicapped state ID card.  Usually, our driver services facility is crowded and agonizingly slow--I completed two New York Times Sunday crosswords while I waited one time I was there.  But today, Joseph and I walked in, showed our paperwork, and were able to walk right up to a representative at the counter!  And she was so nice--sometimes they're not.  :)

There was no charge for the ID, since it's for a handicapped person, so we went right to the picture-taking area, and the guy behind the counter there was very nice!  He told us that Joseph would be able to ride public transportation for free (not that he would ever need to do that, but still...), and get into museums and such for free or at reduced prices.  The man was so friendly, it just made my day.


Afternoon of rest.  After completing the rest of the errands, I'm home, and happy to be here.  My tummy is getting a little upset again, so I might grab some blouses to alter and curl up on the couch.  It's so bright and sunny after the snowfall last night, and perfect curling-up weather.  I'm getting the boys to do laundry this afternoon.  :)

Fun with Friends.  Tonight, we'll be going out to Lori's for Game Night.  My Farm Girl heart loves the fellowship of other believers!


Well, since I started this post, I've been interrupted by hubby coming home for lunch--a good interruption--and lunchtime.  Now it's back to the "Farm Girl Day" plan!

I hope you're enjoying a perfect Farm Girl Day today!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Tea Talk -- His People to Deliver

Welcome to my home!

Sit and have a cup of tea with me and share a little time of relaxation and encouragement.

To join, click on Ruth's button above!

I'm having...a cup of Earl Grey decaf at my dad's and mom's house (this past Sunday), in one of my mom's mugs.  She has a nice variety of tea/coffee mugs that she has pulled together over the years.

I'm feeling...pretty good.  I actually went out for a walk yesterday in the 15-degree (F) weather to the bank to open a business account for  Christine Anne Photography.  I was glad to hang out at the bank while working with an account representative just for the chance to get warm again!!  :)  I love my bank--they offered me the use of a "business table" in their lobby that I can reserve for free for two weeks to display my business!  So last night I ran out to Kohl's with a $10 off coupon and bought a couple of photo frames for display purposes.  And frames were 50-60% off!  Yah-hoo!  I love sales with coupons.

On my mind...oh, you know me; I'm always making mental lists, and I don't think that will ever end!  My mind is always thinking and organizing; sometimes I do wish I could turn it off!  I do have a couple of books to read to consider whether our state homeschool organization (ICHE) should carry them in our bookstore.  And winter is a great time to read!  I'm also looking forward to Jacob's and Danny's college semester ending next week.  Poor Jacob got a nasty cold/flu bug this week, so we "drugged him up" and sent him to those classes he couldn't miss.  He is feeling much better now, thank the Lord!

I leave you with...two verses of our church's "hymn of the month."  We are singing this hymn each week as we await the celebration of the birth of our Savior.  I love these words!

Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light

Break forth, O beauteous heav'nly light,

And usher in the morning;

Ye shepherds, shrink not with affright,

But hear the angel's warning.

This Child, now weak in infancy,

Our confidence and joy shall be.

The pow'r of Satan breaking,

Our peace eternal making.

He comes, a Child, from realms on high,

He comes the heav'ns adoring;

He comes to earth to live and die,

A broken race restoring.

Although the King of kings is He,

He comes in deep humility;

His people to deliver,

And reign in us forever.

God's goodness and blessings to you during this special time of waiting!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne

Mindful of Others

As we are in the rhythm of the Christmas month, I'm stopping for a moment of reflection.  Our sons have been commenting lately about how commercialized this season has become, and I have to agree.  Just turn on the TV or radio, and watch--or listen.  Walk into any retail store and be immediately assaulted with Christmas deals.

A Christmas without gifts?

We have exchanged gifts every Christmas I've been alive.  Fernando and I have explained to the boys that it's a symbol of the gift that God gave to us in Jesus, God become man, to die for our sins.  I don't have an issue with gift-giving at Christmas--after all, we have spent the whole month of November thanking the Lord for all the blessings He has bestowed on us, and entering the Christmas season naturally puts us in the mood to share tangible thanks with others.

But this year, we have much less money to spend.  My sister-in-law was recently laid off.  Our boys--the only children in the family--are all older (Thomas, the youngest, is 14), and they really don't want to make a "wish list" for Christmas.  Most of the adult family members (and there are only seven!) agreed that too much effort and energy have been put into making lists, and searching for/purchasing/wrapping gifts for each other.

So we are doing something different this year.  We "adopted" two needy families, and got together and bought gifts for them.  One evening, eight of us tromped through Target, searching for things that each family member needed, and adding a little something special for each one.

Our family was so blessed to participate in this endeavor together.  Although we won't be exchanging gifts on Christmas day, we agree that we've already received gifts galore from our Lord--a warm house, family, food on our table, clothing on our backs.  Everything else is just a want.  We are happy.

May the Lord's peace settle quietly deep in your heart during this advent season!

Back to life,
Christine

visit my photography blog!
captured by Christine Anne