Contentment

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." I Timothy 6:6-8

Contentment...do you struggle with this one? It seems when we feel perfectly content we are challenged, we are "attacked", or someone comes along who has (or seems to have) more. What are we to do? Be thankful, for starters...a good place to begin. I have found this to be a great way to combat discontentedness. Thank God for everything you can think of that He has blessed you with.

I am aware of a godly middle aged man who has never walked, has rarely (if ever) left his bed, and yet he is content! It puts me to shame whenever I think of all that we enjoy physically, not to mention all our many other blessings, and this man is thankful for so many things that I take for granted. Begin with thankfulness...you may be surprised how it will affect you.

My Clothesline

One of my favourite things to do as a little girl
was to pretend I had a clothesline!

That might sound strange to some,
but my Mom didn't have a line and the next door neighbour did...
I suppose I coveted that line.

I would get my doll clothes wet and hang them on a string...
installed at just the right height for me.
It was so satisfying when I retrieved them from the line
after being dried by the warm sun.

I was playing house.
 
When we moved into our current home nearly 15 years ago,
one of my first requests was for a clothesline.
I love it because it is up off the yard...WAY up!

In fact, it is attached to the house beside
our sundeck door and it travels the length of the yard to a back tree.

The sheets from the bunkbed are drying out there today
and they do not get in the way of anything that
might be happening down below.
When the boys were younger this was especially important!

I realize that not everyone shares my childhood dream
of having a clothesline, but for me,
it is one of the sweet things of summer!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Okanagan Peaches!

I grew up in a home where canning and preserving were a big part of what we did in the summer months. I did not grow up on a farm, but my Mom was reared with farm values and knowledge of "the old ways". She made the most of the bountiful produce available to us in those glorious days of summer. How wonderful it was to go into the basement on a wintery day and find a jar filled to the brim with lovely home canned fruit! The tastes of summer would be infused into the dreary days of winter. Such happy memories! Unfortunately, we will only just get that...a taste...as these will not go very far around here. I plan to hide them away for one or two of those dreary winter days for my family...hopefully I don't forget where I put them!

Organization

This time of year is all about being organized or getting more that way...at least it is in our house! We are gearing up for year number four in our homeschool journey and the organization of things is just kicking into high gear. I find it wonderful to look into a newly organized closet or desk and find that everything is in order. God is a God of order, and we are creatures made in His image.

How do we go about this? The answer...one step at a time. I just came across this website: www.flylady.net and it has some great tips for getting started. As with anything, you need to take from it what works for you and ignore the rest. One of the main concepts I took away with me from this lady's site is to do the tasks at hand in bite sized pieces...doable, right? Yes!! We are moving forward...one step at a time!

Patience

Give me patience Lord, I pray
When wee hands tug at me
With their small demands
Keep me from hasty replies,
Give me kind and smiling eyes.
May weariness, confusion or noise
Not obscure my vision
Of life's fleeting joys.
So when, in years to come
And my house is still,
No bitter memories
Its rooms may fill.

Author unknown

God's Grace

I am reminded today of something that once was told to me. I had been anticipating, with a measure of dread, a new work situation which I knew wouldn't be pleasant. A godly man learned of my distress and told me..."Camille, God's grace will be there exactly when you need it!" The grace for a future obstacle or situation will always arrive on time...God is never late with His provisions. We may wonder how we will handle what is coming; a new job, a new baby, a new home, the loss of a loved one, personal difficulty or illness, another homeschool year...again, I would say, God's grace WILL be there for whatever it is that you need to face. We all can wonder, but we must never worry...big difference! Worrying, of course, is sin. Turn everything over to the Lord in prayer and He will relieve you of the burden of care...trust Him, He DOES know what He is doing. God is Sovereign and Perfect...we know these things, but do we live like we know them? He works everything out for our good and for His glory...see Romans 8:28.

Philippians 4:13 says: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Philippians 4:19 says: "But my God shall supply ALL your NEED according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (emphasis mine)

II Corinthians 12:9-10 "...My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong."

As I journey with the Lord through this life, I have seen the truth in what that wise and godly older gentleman told me on that day long ago. We all have difficulties to face, trials, and sometimes terrible circumstances, but we CAN face all of it, with thanksgiving, WITH the Lord and by His grace...day by day, moment by moment. What a blessing to be a child of the King of Kings!

Banana Cake

This is a yummy cake recipe that I have altered to make it more healthy. I am thinking of trying to cut back on the oil and replacing it with milk or applesauce...we'll see how that turns out! This is the recipe that I have been using lately for those ripe bananas...my family loves it and it is so easy! Just cut into pieces and serve warm with a fork.

Banana Cake

2 bananas, mashed
2 eggs
1/2 cup olive oil

1 1/4 cups flour (I use 100% Whole Wheat)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda

Mix together wet and dry ingredients in two separate bowls. Pour wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just moistened. Scrape into greased 8 inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes (until toothpick comes out clean)

Tip: I double this and use a 9 x 13 inch pan ~ it takes 30 to 35 minutes to be done. Enjoy!

One more tip: I sometimes put in chocolate chips (which of course defeats the purpose of the healthy adjustments...or compensates for them...whichever way you want to look at it) and chopped nuts would go well, but we avoid nuts!

**UPDATE**
I tried making it with 1/4 cup milk in place of 1/4 cup of the oil and cut the sugar down to 1/4 cup and it still tasted good...healthier and healthier! :)

Back Yard...Work in Progress

Looking down on the old stairs and back entry from the deck...preparations for the new cement work!


Looking back toward the house...see the new cement steps and walkway?



Look at all that sod! Lots of work ahead for these smiling young men.



"Hurry Mum...take the picture...this stuff is heavy!" That's really what he was saying.



My four men working hard to make me happy...so sweet...I'm so thankful!



Looking good...compare to the top picture...yay!! :)



Fraser working hard to "keep it moist"!

Grandma's Waffles

2 cups flour (I usually use 100% whole wheat flour)
4 tsp Baking Powder
¼ tsp salt
1¾ cups milk (I use skim)
3 eggs, separated
½ cup butter, melted (could substitute olive oil for a healthier alternative)

Beat egg whites till stiff and set aside. Beat together milk and egg yolks. Stir dry ingredients into milk mixture. Add in melted butter or oil and beat well. Fold in egg whites. Cook on a waffle iron till done (mine takes about 4 minutes). May be frozen and toasted when needed.

We just had these for supper today...yummy!

BTW...we don't always eat them with the cream and berries, but they are certainly more special that way! The whipped cream definitely defeats the purpose of making them with such healthy ingredients. Hope you enjoy them whatever way you may choose to eat them.

Why?

Why does life sometimes not seem to be "fair"? Why do we do what we know we should not do? Why don't we do what we know we should do? Why do we take so long to ask for forgiveness? Why do we not just humble ourselves and let the Lord do His mighty work in us? Why...why...why???

Could it be because we live in a sin-cursed world and we are still in the body and not in Heaven...yet? We indeed are in a spiritual battle...day after day...it will never end until we reach the other side. The Lord is victorious. He will not fail. His truth will prevail. And yet, we must battle on. I think we often presume that we can sit back and take our ease, but this is just another lie from the Devil. We must always be ready to fight the good fight and not give up in this race. Arm yourself with the Word of God and prayer. Be sure you are in fact a Christian, and then draw strength from the Lord...day by day...moment by moment!

Are you discouraged or feeling as though the Lord is not with you anymore? Pour your heart out to Him in prayer. He never leaves us if we are His...He promises to give us the grace and strength for whatever it is we must face. Look to Him and draw from Him all that you need...I am doing that right now.

Camille's No-Nuts Granola

I have a peanut allergic child which has altered my family's eating habits. One of the things I love is home made granola, but it is nearly impossible to find a recipe that doesn't contain nuts. We avoid all nuts for our "peanut-man" as he is affectionately called so as not to have a potentially deadly reaction. Here is a recipe for granola I have developed that actually tastes very good and you hardly miss the nuts! Hope you enjoy it too...let me know what you think.


Camille’s No-Nuts Granola

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats (organic)
½ cup flax seed (ground works too)
¼ cup sesame seeds
Sprinkling of sea salt
½ cup liquid honey (organic)
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Mix together first four ingredients in a large stainless steel mixing bowl. Mix together next four ingredients in a liquid measure. Pour liquid mixture over dry ingredients and mix well. Bake on a parchment lined jelly roll pan in 325 to 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes. (Watch it doesn’t burn...keep a close eye on it) Stir about half way through baking time. When granola is done it will be nicely golden brown. Turn out onto a wire rack lined with parchment paper and sprinkle with ½ cup raisins and ½ cup dried cranberries. Let cool completely and store in airtight container in pantry for up to one week. May be frozen for longer storage. Enjoy!

Tip: If you can eat nuts add them in...by all means!

More Books...

Just thinking about the post I just did and want to add two more books to the list! "Morning and Evening" by C.H. Spurgeon is a must have for any Christian...two daily readings for each day of the year. We have found this devotional book to be such an encouragement in our Christian walk over the years.

Another amazing book is a rewrite of the classic by Bunyan. We have read it aloud to our children more than once, much to their delight. "Little Pilgrim's Progress" is true to the original and is certainly appropriate for any young teen on your gift list. Don't steer clear of it if your children are younger, you will all benefit from reading it out loud...it has been an incredible blessing to both of us as parents. If your children are younger, you need to be aware that this is a faithful adaptation of the classic, which means that there are some potentially frightening scenes included. These deal with Christian's struggles with various enemies as he journeys to the Celestial City. Helen L. Taylor is the author and you will not likely find it in your local Christian bookstore. If you click on the titles a link will to take you to a site where you can purchase them.

**I am in no way compensated for these recommendations ~
these are books we have in our personal library and encourage our friends to read.

Fraser is Ten!

Loving siblings congratulate Fraser on reaching the ripe old age of ten! 

 What a blessing our children are...we desire more than anything else that they would each follow and serve the Lord with all their hearts for all their lives.

My Workers

My three little men have been helping their Daddy
in the yard as we prepare for new sod. 

What a great thing it is to have all these helpers! :)

Calvin manning the sod-chewer-upper.

Fraser's turn...

...and, finally Austin got his chance to try.

I'm one blessed Mama.

Love all my little men!

Many Blessings, Camille

Security

See the previous post? I quoted from the Bible from the book of Romans (8:28, 38-39). Are you a child of the King of Kings? Are these verses true for you? They can only be true for you if you are a blood bought Christian...saved from your sins by trusting in the perfect life and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Search out these truths...read the Bible...pray and find out if what I am saying is true. If you are already a Christian these truths are for you!

Our future is secure...even though we do not know what the future holds. The Lord promises not only to be there with us, but He is in control of whatever happens to us! He is Sovereign...nothing takes Him by surprise. What a blessing to rest in this. It is entirely possible to go through life experiencing a peace that is unexplainable even in the midst of tumultuous circumstances. May the Lord lead you to Himself, show you your need of the Saviour, and give you this incredible peace.

ALL Things!

~ Romans 8:28 ~
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

~ Romans 8:38-39 ~
"For I am pursuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Holy Bible

A Favourite Hymn

I lay my sins on Jesus,
The Spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all and frees us
From the accursed load.
I bring my guilt to Jesus,
To wash my crimson stains
White in His blood most precious,
Till not a spot remains.

I lay my wants on Jesus,
All fullness dwells in Him;
He heals all my diseases,
He doth my soul redeem.
I lay my griefs on Jesus,
My burdens and my cares;
He from them all releases,
He all my sorrow shares.

I rest my soul on Jesus,
This weary soul of mine;
His right hand me embraces,
I on His breast recline.
I love the Name of Jesus,
Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
Like fragrance on the breezes
His name abroad is poured.

I long to be like Jesus,
Meek, loving, lowly, mild;
I long to be like Jesus,
The Father's Holy Child.
I long to be with Jesus,
Amid the heavenly throng,
To sing with saints His praises,
To learn the angels' song.

Horatius Bonar, 1808-89

Thankfulness...

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thessalonians 5:18

Interesting concept! This doesn't mean that we are to give thanks only when things are going our way, or when things are even good...but it means give thanks for ALL things! How can we do this? Only with the Lord's help and by His grace in our lives. There are times when it may not make sense to be thankful, but it is through our thankfulness that the Lord will be glorified. When we are thankful we also have peace...peace which passes all understanding. Even in the midst of suffering and difficulties? Yes, even then. Obviously, we do not thank the Lord for sin and disease itself, but, we are to be thankful in difficult circumstances as well as in good ones. Try finding something to be thankful to the Lord for in EVERYTHING...what would happen if all we who are Christians lived our lives this way? Interesting thought, isn't it?

Testimony

Something I have found to be a blessing to me recently is the testimony of a young woman who was dying...it is long (nearly an hour), but well worth the listen. I played it and paused it over a period of time because life calls with its many duties and responsibilities. We also listened to it with our children over a couple of evenings. If you have your computer in an area of the house where you can be doing a chore while it is playing you will be blessed and a household task will get done at the same time. :) Whatever you do...try to make time to hear this lady's story...may the Lord use it in your life for His Glory!

Do the Next Thing

From an old English parsonage down by the sea,
There came in the twilight a message to me.
Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven
Hath it seems to me, teaching from heaven.
And all through the hours the quiet words ring,
Like a low inspiration, do the next thing.

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance, be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons, do the next thing.

Author Unknown

Often quoted by Elisabeth Elliot

Hymn to encourage...

A Sovereign Protector I have,
Unseen, yet forever at hand,
Unchangeably faithful to save,
Almighty to rule and command.

He smiles and my comforts abound;
His grace as the dew shall descend,
And walls of Salvation surround
The souls He delights to defend.

Inspirer and hearer of prayer,
Thou Shepherd and Guardian of Thine,
My all to thy covenant care,
I sleeping and waking resign.

If Thou art my shield and my Sun,
The night is no darkness to me;
And, fast as the moments roll on,
They bring me but nearer to Thee.

Augustus Toplady (1774)

My Birthday

The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful family. I would have to say that this was the best birthday I have had yet. My children and my husband treated me to a fabulous day. The boys had gone shopping with their own money the day before the "big day". At breakfast on my birthday they each treated me to a special token of their love. Howie then had to go to work...we are always wanting to eat, so he is always having to work! I took the kids on a bike ride through "the hundred acre woods" near our home which is one of my favourite things to do. After Howie was done work for the day we all went out to dinner at my favourite family restaurant...White Spot. Back at home Howie had a cake (which he secretly bought for me) and we celebrated some more! It really was a perfect day.

Beginnings...

I have been thinking of writing a blog for awhile now. The title of this post is "beginnings"...not because it is really the beginning...I am somewhere in the middle, but it is the beginning of blogging for me!

The Lord is so good and it is Him that we seek to serve. It is summer between years 3 and 4 of our homeschool life. Our children are 14, 12, 10 (tomorrow), and 7 and we have been a homeschool family for a full three years. The title of this blog is reflective of how I feel about what we are trying to accomplish in the lives of our children. We are all really here to "Glorify God and to enjoy Him forever" (Westminster Catechism)...we can only do this if we are His children and we can only be His child if we have Jesus Christ as our Saviour and Lord. We are flowers in His garden!