Nationality....

So, this week Jake is taking leave and is administering the Iowa Standard Achievement Tests to the kids.   This is our second year of him taking leave and testing them.  I am growing to appreciate this hands on approach from him, as it allows me to focus on other things, like updating our blog..  Anyway, as with all tests the kids are required to fill in their nationality.  You have to understand that on my side of the family, way back 6 generations is a pure blooded Indian.  The kids know this and take delight in the fact that they have some indian roots.  So, would you be surprised that the kids marked on their tests that they were Native American Indian?  So funny.  I was amused, but Jake thinks I have corrupted them.  Obviously I don't spend the day explaining to them that they are Caucasian.  They are more freckled than white and that's not an option...

Another Mystery

This could only be one of two people... or maybe both.

Helping our Husbands....unexpectedly

I just read a great post, it really benefited me. I have been on the end of taking sides against those who have hurt my husband or otherwise corrected him perhaps in a truthful way. In light of our walks as Christians I think too often I have not helped in this area but rather hindered. Read and see for yourselves...

Oprah....her own god

I have been doing a bible study entitled Idols of the Heart. It's been eye opening to say the least and I am greatful to God for excellent teaching and His Word. I know I will be held accountable for all that I have been taught and read that is truth. I will have no excuse before the Holy Judgement Seat. On that note, neither will any of us. We live in a time where it is easy to get our hands on God's Word, we could probably walk and find a church before we get thirsty for water. There are false teachers everywhere and a lot of what is being preached from pulpits across america is feel good, tickle yours ears, god made in our own image mumbo jumbo. I am not surprised by what I just viewed. Oprah is a puppet for Satan and will be held accountable. It saddens me to think of weak minded people swallowing her influence for doctrine. People, turn off your tv, log off the internet, open God's word and read it. There is only one way, Jesus Christ. He is the perfect redemption. Equal to God, only He could satisfy God's wrath against man. Believe, ask forgiveness for your sins, and repent. We are born into sin and the natural inclination of our heart is to not believe God. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. That includes my sweet babes. Not believing God, is calling Him a liar. The liar isn't God, it's Satan, who is the father of lies. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9. I love to preach these things to myself, for one it humbles me to repentance, and it is also very refreshing to my soul. The Word of God is sweet and it alone is perfectly truthful. Believe God for who He is. There is no other God before Him!

Surprise, Surprise, Silas is Sinful

Oh my sweet Silas. Born sinful, just like all the other children, and his parents too. What am I to do with a child who worships me as his idol? At this age just love him and begin pointing him to the One he should worship. We were all born to worship, the question is who will that be, or what will that be? As I watch my children in various stages of life, I am able to see the deep, desperate condition of their hearts. I want so much to make them understand the gospel, the Glory of the Father. However, Jake and I are learning, daily in fact, that we can't make anyone understand God, that's the job of the Holy Spirit. We may only pray and guide the children in what they ought to do. They resist with all that's in them. Yet, little by little we do see change. The question is do they realize how desperate they need God? I am not sure if they do, though some of them appear to be desiring God, a bit. This is beautiful to watch and I pray that it explodes within them!

March Walks

Nothing like a walk on a cool Spring Day. Nothing like a little time in the house without any kids underfoot as well!

Please -- Try this at Home!

If you know me, you know I like bread. I use the word like with every strongest affection attached to it. I came across this recipe when I was thumbing through a Williams Sonoma catalog. It's called No Knead Rosemary Lemon Bread. I doubled the recipe because I have a huge dutch oven. Only for the rising I split the dough into 2 big balls, then I threw them in the pot side by side when it came time to do so. Thus, the split across the top. This bread is fabulous dipped in an olive oil and balsamic mixture with cracked pepper on top. It finishes with a nice crust and the middle is tuggy, chewy, moist. Just like a sponge. It's awesome! Next time I make it, I'll throw in a bit of fresh garlic. Also, my first rise was something like 24 hours and it turned out fine. One more thing, you can go the williams sonoma webpage and find the recipe with helpful pictures.

This bread is almost effortless to make because it requires no kneading. Instead, the dough is allowed to slowly rise over a long period of time. Then it is baked in a preheated covered cast-iron pot, which helps produce a crispy, bakery-style crust on the finished loaf.
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
1 3/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
2 tsp. chopped lemon zest
Cornmeal as needed
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, rosemary and zest. Add 1 5/8 cups water and stir until blended; the dough will be shaggy and very sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest at warm room temperature (about 70°F) until the surface is dotted with bubbles, 12 to 18 hours. Place the dough on a lightly floured work surface. Sprinkle the dough with a little flour and fold the dough over onto itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes. Using just enough flour to keep the dough from sticking to the work surface or your fingers, gently and quickly shape the dough into a ball. Generously coat a cotton towel, preferably a flour sack towel (not terry cloth), with cornmeal. Put the dough, seam side down, on the towel and dust with more flour or cornmeal. Cover with another cotton towel and let rise until the dough is more than double in size and does not readily spring back when poked with a finger, about 2 hours. At least 30 minutes before the dough is ready, put a 2 3/4-quart cast-iron pot in the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F. Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Slide your hand under the towel and turn the dough over, seam side up, into the pot; it may look like a mess, but that is OK. Shake the pan once or twice if the dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the loaf is browned, 15 to 30 minutes more. Transfer the pot to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Using oven mitts, turn the pot on its side and gently turn the bread; it will release easily. Makes one 1 1/2-lb. loaf