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Monday, July 30, 2007

Good Quote



I found this quote thought provoking. It's context was in the chapter called "Home Memories" speaking about not making memories that will later torment us, but I think it applies to many aspects of life.
"We are each preparing for ourselves the house our souls must live in the years to come" - J.R. Miller, Home-Making

By the way, if you haven't read this book yet, it is a wonderful read.



Thursday, July 26, 2007

Hummingbirds


Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

Physical Description
Average length: 3.5 inches (8.9 cm)
Average weight: 1/8 ounce (3.1 g)
Body temperature: 105°-108°F (40.5°-42.2°C)
Wing beats: 40-80 per second, average about 52
Respiration: 250 per minute
Heart rate: 250 beats/min resting; 1200 beats/min feeding
Flight speed: 30 mph (48 kph) normal; 50 mph (80 kph) escape; 63 mph (101 kph) dive [2]

Here is some great information on these beautiful birds and the proper way to freed them:
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]

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 quickly than 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]

"O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches." Psalm 104:24

1 Wikipedia, 2007

2 Hummingbirds.net

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Graciousness


"A gracious woman retaineth honor: and strong men retain riches." Proverbs 11:16


Gracious according to Webster's 1828 dictionary:

GRA'CIOUS, a. [L. gratiosus.]

1. Favorable; kind; friendly; as,the envoy met with a gracious reception.

2. Favorable; kind; benevolent; merciful; disposed to forgive offenses and impart unmerited blessings.

Thou are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful. Neh.9.

3. Favorable; expressing kindness and favor.

All bore him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded from his mouth. Luke 4.

4. Proceeding from divine grace; as a person in a gracious state.

5. Acceptable; favored.

He made us gracious before the kings of Persia. [Little used.] 1 Esdras.

6. Renewed or implanted by grace; as gracious affections.

7. Virtuous; good.

8. Excellent; graceful; becoming.

What is your definition of gracious?
What is a good example of a gracious woman?

A True Lady

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, and endeavors 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."




This excerpt was taken from
Issacharian Daughters #048 - Dominion Oriented Femininity published by Genevieve Smith, she was quoteing from a speech given by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin at the VF Father's Daughter Retreat. Vision Forum will probably be selling CD's of the complete speech soon so keep a eye on their website if you would like to obtain the entire speech.

To find out how to subscribe to this newsletter and read past newsletters click here.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Books: The Best Price on the Internet


The next time that there is a book that you would like to own, instead of going to the local bookstore, try finding it on Bookfinder. This website isn't a book seller but a book search engine. You type in the author and title and it comes up with the most relevant titles. When you click on the title it takes you to a page that shows you all the book websites (Amazon, half.com, ebay, ABE books, Alibris, and more), their price including shipping (scroll the arrow over it to get the divided price) and any comments on that product. Try it out, it is the first place I always go to to find my books cheap. Most of the time you can find the book for which you are looking for a fraction of the cost and in excellent condition.

That's my frugal tip, if you want to join in on Frugal Fridays visit the Biblical Womanhood blog and leave your link.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Aunt Jane's Hero- A Review


"They were living to themselves: self, with its hopes, and promises, and dreams, still had hold of them; but the Lord began to fulfill their prayers...They had asked they knew not what, nor how; but He had taken them at their word...They were hardly willing to follow on so far, or to draw so nigh to Him...They could almost pray Him to depart from them, or to hide his awfulness. They found it easier to obey than suffer-to do than to give up- to bear the cross than to hang upon it: but they cannot go back, for they come to near the unseen cross, and its virtues have pierced to deeply within them...Before, they had only heard of the mystery, but now they feel it...They live alone with Him above, in unspeakable fellowship; willing to lack what others own, and to be unlike all, so that they are only like him...Had they chosen for themselves, or their friends chosen for them, they would have chosen otherwise. They would have been brighter here, but less glorious in His kingdom...If they had halted anywhere-if He had taken off his hand, and let them stray back- what would they not have lost? What forfeits in the morning of resurrection? But He stayed them up, even against themselves... It was good for them to suffer here, for they shall reign hereafter-to bear the cross below, for they shall wear the crown above; and that not their will but His was done on them."


The preface of this heart touching tale sets the mood. What follows it is the story of how a young man, through the prayers of his "Aunt" and far away father, comes from loving this world and what high society can give him, to loving Christ and fully devoting himself to Him. As Mrs. Prentiss, author of "More 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.

This book is available starting at $3.99 from Amazon.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Blueberry Season!


It is blueberry season here in Michigan and Mom has been buying them left and right to keep in the freezer. So I tried this delicious recipe that not only used up some blueberries, but also those over ripe bananas on the counter. The bread was very soft and good. It makes two 9x5" loaves or one 13x9" pan. You may want to half it.

Sour Cream Blueberry Bread

4 c. sifted flour
2 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
2 sticks butter, at room temp.
3/4 to 1 c. sugar
4 eggs
2c. mashed ripe bananas (3 lg, 5 sm.)
1 c. sour cream
1 t. vanilla
2 c. blueberries
1c chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350.

Stir together flour, soda, and salt. In large mixing bowl cream together butter and sugar. Add lightly beaten eggs. Add bananas, sour cream and vanilla; stir until combined. Fold in blueberries and pecans. Pour into greased loaf pans and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Enjoy!

Monday, July 16, 2007

Infinite Wisdom and Infinite Love cannot mistake


This quote from Heaven Opened was a real encouragement to me today.

"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

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Our Daily Bread


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!


Bread or Rolls

Mix:
3 c.flour
2 T. yeast
2 t. salt

In large bowl combine:
2 c. boiling water
1/4 c. butter (1/2 c. for rolls)
3 T. honey (6 T. for rolls)

Let sit until it is about 120 degrees. Stir in flour mixture. Continue adding flour (up to 3 c.) until stiff enough to knead. Knead 10 minutes. Let rise till doubled. Punch down, shape, and let rise again. Bake at 350 for 14 minutes (rolls) or 30 minutes (bread).

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

New Book List



I am back, after a long break from blogging. Inspiration was lagging but I have been "reinspired" now.

Here recently I have been raiding our home library for books to read and have been abundantly blessed! So, as a result, I am adding a book list to my blog and hope to review each book as I finish it. I have also provided links to places that have these books in case you are interested. So far, they have all been wonderful reads. I would love to hear what everyone else has found especially inspiring recently.