"We are each preparing for ourselves the house our souls must live in the years to come" - J.R. Miller, Home-MakingBy the way, if you haven't read this book yet, it is a wonderful read.
Hummingbirds are small birds in the family Trochilidae, native only to the Americas. They are known for their ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings, 15–80 times per second (depending on the species). The Giant Hummingbird's wings beat 8–10 beats per second, the wings of medium sized hummingbirds beat about 20–25 beats per second and the smallest beat 70 beats per second. Capable of sustained hovering, the hummingbird has the ability to fly deliberately backwards (this is the only group of birds able to do so) or vertically, and to maintain position while drinking from flower blossoms. They are named for the characteristic hum made by their wings.[1]"O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches." Psalm 104:24
The diet of hummingbirds requires an energy source (typically nectar) and a protein source (typically small insects). Providing many plants that carry blooms used by hummingbirds is the safest way to provide nectar for hummingbirds...Homemade nectar can be made from 1 part white, granulated table sugar to 4 parts water, boiled to make it easier to dissolve the sugar and to purify the solution so that it will stay fresh longer. The water should be boiled before measuring to ensure that the ratio of sugar to water remains 1–4. The cooled nectar is then poured into the feeder.Things to avoid using in feeders include honey, which should not be used because it is prone to culture bacteria dangerous to hummingbirds. Artificial sweeteners should also be avoided because, although the hummingbirds will drink it, they will be starved of the calories they need to sustain their metabolism. Some commercial hummingbird foods contain red dyes and preservatives, which are unnecessary and possibly dangerous to the birds, so dyes and preservatives should be avoided because neither have been studied for long-term effects on hummingbirds. While it is true that bright colors, especially red, initially attract hummingbirds more quicklythan others, it is better to use a feeder that has some red on it, rather than coloring the liquid offered in it. It is possible that red dye is harmful to hummingbirds. Commercial nectar mixes may contain small amounts of mineral nutrients which are useful to hummingbirds, but hummingbirds get all the nutrients they need from the insects they eat, not from nectar, so the added nutrients also are unnecessary. Authorities on hummingbirds recommend that if you use a feeder, use just plain sugar and water.
A hummingbird feeder should be easy to refill and keep clean. Prepared nectar can be refrigerated for 1–2 weeks before being used, but once placed outdoors it will only
remain fresh for 2–4 days in hot weather, or 4–6 days in moderate weather, before turning cloudy or developing mold. When changing the nectar, the feeder should be rinsed thoroughly with warm tap water, flushing the reservoir and ports to remove any contamination or sugar build-up. If dish soap is used, it always needs extra rinsing so that no residue is left behind. The feeder can be soaked in dilute chlorine bleach if black specks of mold appear and rinsed with clear water.[1]
GRA'CIOUS, a. [L. gratiosus.]
5. Acceptable; favored.
I found this in my email today, and was truly inspired to be a better godly woman. I hope it can so inspire you."A lady is a woman who understands that she has been bought with a price, and therefore glorifies God in her body and her spirit, which are God's.
'For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.' (1Corinthians 6:20)
"She surrenders every aspect of her being and identity to God. Like a shepherd, she thinks of everyone before herself, andendeavors to lead others back to Christian civilization and obedience to God by her public and private example.
As a servant of the people, she realizes that every attention to her appearance and education is for the benefit of others and not herself. For this reason she thinks carefully about how she presents herself. Because the way she dresses communicates her loyalties, whether she's loyal to pop culture or to her own comfort or to her King and His law. Her appearance can set an example to people and show modesty and
femininity to be as beautiful as they really are. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, she "maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple." She thinks carefully about how she speaks and carries herself, because she knows the world is watching, and as an ambassador of the Most High King, she must be a model of strength and dignity.
'But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.' (1 Peter 2:9)
"She wants everything she does to inspire and edify others and glorify God. She radiates regal serenity, grace and poise, a gentle and quiet voice, discretion, self-command, sincerity, peace, cheerfulness and humility.
"No task is too big or too small, too high or too low, for a lady. She'll be able to rise or stoop to the occasion, however demanding it may be, without losing her poise and grace. She is not too dainty or delicate to do the dirty work in serving her family. Understanding that there is a time for everything, she is balanced and flexible; ready to serve tea or to take up a tent-peg against an enemy.
"She is hospitable and warm, gentle and kind, filled with compassion for those with real needs. Her manners show a concern for the comforts of others instead of an absorbing focus on herself. Many girls are inhibited by shyness, and I was one of them. I was so shy and self-conscious that I had a hard time even talking to people, let alone reaching out to people in a Christlike way. A few years ago I
[Elizabeth] realized that shyness is nothing more than excessive focus on self and often a fear of man. These are both sinful. It wasn't until I purposed to focus on the people I was around and their needs, that I was able to overcome my reclusiveness.
"A real lady learns to ignore her comfort zone. Like the pilgrim women, she is intrepid, brave, hard-working and sacrificial. Instead of pursuing her own interests, she has studied to be useful.
"And finally, she is distinctively feminine in a way that complements and completes masculinity, rather than clashing with it."
Love to Thee" and Stepping Heavenward, continues to weave this fascinating tale, she tells how he came to love a godly maiden that beautifies his lowly home; and how together, through hardship and toil, they grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then she ends with a some thought provoking guidance in how to find and be a godly husband/or wife. This book was so intriguing I finished it three days after receiving it for graduation. I shall probably read it many times over. I highly recommend it.
"The steps of a good man, and of a good woman too, are ordered by the Lord. Here is a rich consolation for you and me too. I sincerely believe that there is not one circumstance which has happened to us but was in that covenant ordered in all things and sure. Bless the Lord for so sweet an assurance of this blessed truth. Infinite wisdom and infinite love cannot mistake. Trials, losses, crosses - all, all were needful, and when we get home we shall plainly see how wisely they have been ordered. Let us, then, leave our concerns in the best possible hands. He will do all things well for us, and in us, and by us. We are His and He is ours. What need we fear?" - Mary Winslow
I baked bread today. This isn't my normal baking day, but due to the heat Monday (my normal baking day) I waited till today. Now the weather is so gourgeous it is almost like a clear fall day. I am enjoying it while it last because by Monday it is suppose to be hot again... sigh. Anyway, here is the "new" recipe I tried today. It isn't new to me because I have made it numerous times when I was a mother's helper. This is the first time I made it at home. I remember that it never lasted long among Mrs. E-'s family of seven children, five of which were boys. Enjoy!
