All of God's Critters

Peace On Earth

14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Peace.

Here is a paraphrase of something I read today about peace (Rick Warren, The Purpose of Christmas):

We will not have peace in the world until we have peace in our nations.
We will not have peace in our nation until we have peace in our communities.
We will not have peace in our community until we have peace in our families.
We will not have peace in our family until we have peace in ourselves.
And we will not have peace in ourselves until we allow the Prince of Peace to
rule in our hearts.

Please be a peacemaker this season to everyone you meet. In the store, in your families, at parties.
Take the strife around you and turn it to peace by being Christ to your friends and family members.
Let go of the hurts and injustices that will be coming your way this season. Let go of being offended.
Speak peace to the offender.

Peace be with you,
Joce

Blessing

Count 'em: 1!, 2!, 3!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Okay. Bad day here. Sinful nature out in full force.
Needed:
1. Holy Spirit
2. Fancy mashed potatoes
3. Bing Crosby
4. Counting of the blessings

Okay, feeling better now.
XOXO
Joce

God Answers Prayer

I have been noticing God's answers to prayer in my life. And, they are kind of fun. So I don't want to forget them.
Here are two from this week.
1. Brilyn has been asking for footsie pajamas since August. She has been praying for them for about a month.
2. Cade's barn boots cracked so far open, the foot part fell off. The left boot was in two pieces. I having been looking and looking at yard sales and VOA since July. I even stopped at a STORE and was prepared to buy NEW ones. They didn't have anything barn-bootish.

So, we waited and waited for these things. Can I afford to buy them? Yes. But I can't afford to buy everything we need brand new. So we wait for things. Sometimes we end up buying them new, and sometimes God sends them to us.

On with the story. We help out at a free meal at a church in Warsaw (NY, not Poland). They have a free clothes room there. Brilyn was psyched about going there to look for footsies. I had it in the back of my mind to check for boots, too.
You guessed it. They had both there. One pair of footsie PJ's, girls, size 6. One pair of rubber boots, kids size 11. And buy one pair, I mean only one pair. There were no other footsie pajamas. There were no other rubber boots. Just the exact sizes we needed.
Brilyn was amazed. I was a litte, too. I know that God will come through. But when He comes through like that? I stand amazed. I think He has a little fun with answers to prayer sometimes.

More to come.

XOXO
Joce

Classroom Management...in the Home

Kara's idea, totally.

5 cards to start the day. Brilyn's are decorated with faeries, Cade's with little pets.
Anytime that I would normally spank or timeout is now accompanied with, "Give me a card."

1. They do not like to give up their nice cards.
2. They want to finish the day with cards, because:

5 cards= 2 PBS shows, and a snack.
3-4 cards= 1 PBS show, and a snack.
1-2 cards= 1 PBS show, no snack.
0 cards= PJ's and books in bed at 6:30. Not fun when everyone else is watching TV and eating snacks.

Just wanted to record this for my own future use and just in case it will help with anyone else's family life.

Let me just say, it has cut down on backtalk and has improved speedy obedience.

XOXO
Joce

Yum.
Apple Squash Soup

Roast a butternut squash in the oven till soft.

Saute 1 large onion and 4 cloves of garlic in butter.
Peel, core and chop 4 apples, add the apples to the onions/garlic.
Season with 1 t curry, 1 t ginger, 1/2 t nutmeg, 1/2 t white pepper, pinch tarragon, pinch thyme.
Pour in some wine- I used Max Black from Deer Run Winery. About 3/4 cup.
Simmer on medium low until the apples are soft.

Scoop the cooked squash into the blender, add chicken broth. Blend till smooth.
Pour in big pot.
Spoon the apple/onion mixture into the blender, add chicken broth. Blend till smooth.
Pour into big pot with the squash.
Add chicken broth to soup until it thins to desired thickness.

Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste.

Let flavors mingle in big pot on low heat for about 1/2 hour.

Serve hot.

Yummy!

XOXO
Joce

Fear God

Mark 4

Jesus Calms the Storm


35That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." 36Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
39He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
40He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
41They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

So I was watching a DVD last night- Francis Chan's new series, Basic. The first one is Fear God.

He talks about how a lot of preachers and teachers and believers in general have kind of watered down the passages about fearing God, explaining it as a more socially acceptable "good healthy respect" of God.

Well. I have to agree with Chan that when the many different writers of the Bible talk about fearing God, they mean FEAR. Terrified. Scared senseless.

As illustrated in my Bible reading today. The disciples, Jesus' home-boys, saw his power and were terrified. Picture that. You are out on Lake Ontario in a down rigger and a huge storm comes up, with 20 foot white caps. You know in your head, "We're all gonna die!" And then your spiritual mentor wakes up and says, "All right, calm down, that's enough." And the storm stops. The water becomes as still and smooth as glass. The sound of the wind disappears completely. Quiet. Dark, eery quiet.
I think terrified is a good word to describe how I would feel.

Now, that Jesus in the boat is the same Jesus to whom we pray. Or whom we ignore because we are too distracted or tired to pray. Or whose commands we ignore because they seem like too much- he couldn't have meant it LITERALLY that we should love our neghbor as much as we love ourselves.

Now, when I pray, I picture myself entering the presence of the almighty God. I see myself crawling on my belly before him, nose to the ground, thanking Jesus over and over that His blood covers my stains. That He washed me white as snow so that I can crawl before my Maker and worship Him without being incinerated like a moth approaching the sun. And then I talk to God. And my prayers do not bounce off the ceiling.

Fear God. It is the beginning of wisdom. It is the beginning of every real relationship anyone has ever had with God the all powerful Creator of the universe.

XOXO
Joce

In words...

I have been having a nebulous thought for the last year or so that I have heretofore been unable to put into words.
I read it in a book today.
"...I am convinced that truth is objective and knowable. If something is true for one person, then it is true for all." ~David B. Currie

True truth.

I think our culture has taken tolerance to a silly level. I'm okay, your're okay, we're okay.

Instead of that limp garbage: You must love your neighbor as yourself.
But you don't have to say that "whatever works for them is okay." Sometimes what people are doing is just not okay. If your belief about what is right for you to do is based on the Holy Spirit's revelation to you through Scripture, it is true Truth. And what is right for you is right for everyone.

So. Think about that. What has God revealed to you about how you should live that those around you are totally ignoring? Get off your tolerant horse and get back on the high road. Be bold and tell it like it is. In LOVE.

Made-Up Scenario: Judgment Day
You get to heaven and you see your neighbor looking ashamed about a choice they made on earth. (Such as loving money). It's one that you knew they were making, but you never said anything to them about it. God had revealed His Holy will to you about it but you kept it to yourself in the name of tolerance. They keep looking over at you as the sad results of their choice are played in the sky. (All the poor people who died in misery because your neighbor didn't share.) Can you look them in eye? Or are you ashamed that you didn't have the strength of character to tell them the Truth?

One of the best lies Satan has handed out in recent years is that there is no capital 'T' Truth. But I would like to argue that there is. And if you have it, you really ought to share it.

XOXO
Joce

First Day of School

We started school today!

We began our day with private devotions:
Brilyn's:











Cade's:

And then we did calendar, and ABC's, and weather.
We read How Kind!

Then we worked on penmanship (the letter A, of course) and writing about how we can be kind to others. (Brilyn drew a picture of herself helping Cade find the toy airplane he wanted.)

We sang songs and played with clay, too. There was even a play time right in the middle of it all because one certain little baby guy needed to eat.

It was a great start to our school year.

XOXO
Joce

Just the Fats

I was recently asked by an attendee at a breadmaking workshop if it would be okay to replace the butter in my recipe with Parkay.
I said no.
Here's a great article explaining why.

I know you're all going to write me nice comments thanking me for telling you to eat butter and bacon. :)

XOXO
Joce

The Pile

Going through the pile on my desk. Lots of stuff in there- dairy goat papers, cookbooks, to-do lists...
Two little papers of things I need to remember but don't want in my pile anymore:

1. Tomato varieties planted this year:

• Yellow Tomato Berry, similar to cherry tomato with yellow flesh.
• Black Truffle, medium size with dark flesh, almost purple.
• Pete's, Large tomato. Does not turn completely red, heart shaped.

2. Links I heard on the radio having to do with adoption:

• icareaboutorphans.com
• howtoadopt.com

Okay, that's all for now. Back to the pile don't you know.
XOXO
Joce

Food Nazis

The bad guys are at it again. Please take a moment to educate yourself about bill S.510.
It would greatly restrict our rights to grow and eat our own food, and also to buy vitamins.
Please visit Health Freedom USA for more information and to contact your Senators to place a hold on the bill.
I added this to the form letter provided by the Health Freedom people:


I am a small farmer in Bergen, NY. I am raising my family on a ten acre farm complete with garden, milk cow, pigs, laying hens, and meat chickens. We strive to maintain and protect heirloom vegetables and animals breeds. They are important to us. We work hard to give our kids wholesome foods to eat that have not been genetically modified or grown using pesticides, herbicides, or antibiotics. When I say we work hard, I mean we get up early and stay up late to milk the cow, work in the garden, feed the pigs, gather eggs, can the tomatoes, etc. Please support our way of life by placing a hold on this bill. Thank you.
 
Honest to goodness, it is very easy to go send a letter.
And very necessary. If you like to save seeds, take vitamin C in doses higher than 25 mg, or just have the freedom to buy non genetically modified vegetables at the store, go to the website, read about it, and send a letter.
 
Thanks. I thank you and your children will thank you. Or grandchildren, or nieces and nephews, or whomever you love who is younger than you.
 
Go! Go do it.
 
Stop reading this and go.
 
Thank you.
 
Blessings,
Jocelyn

I like lard

Joe slaughtered one of the pigs yesterday. I took the hams and bacons down to Warsaw Meat Packing this morning to get them smoked and packed.
And now, I am rendering lard.
Last year I did it on top of the stove and got a good result. However, I think I have found an easier (more efficient) way to do it.
I read a book about pigs this year, and I was talking to Charleen and Joe, and both recommend rendering in the oven. And Charleen also gave me the idea of freezing the fat before putting it through the grinder. Joe did it this afternoon, and it worked great.
So, I have heard the temperature should be 350, 225, and 170. I have it at 170 at the moment. We'll see how it goes. If it seems like that temp won't do the trick, I will be up-ing the temp by 10 degrees until it works.
I plan to leave it overnight, and then finish up with the cracklings, straining, and putting in jars tomorrow morning.
I think this site has a decent set of instructions.

On another note, I went on a date with Cade today. First we took Sabrina to her first day of work at the pet store, had breakfast at McDonald's, took the hams  and bacons to the smoking place (there was a sign in there that said "No Smoking" LOL, went to WalMart for freezer bags, and then to Lantz's. At the meat packing place, the Butterfly Man gave Cade a monarch to release. That was cool. And, at Lantz's, Cade and I shared a Sarsaparilla Soda. That was yummy.

Well, I need to get back to checking things off my list.

Blessings,
Joce

Zzzzzzz.....huh?

Oh. Hi.
Sorry, I, uh, fell asleep there. Really. I am very tired. But happy.
I have been working hard here. Tomatoes are relentless.
Apples are gearing up to tag team the tomatoes.
So.
My pantry is filling up and I am falling asleep.
Also- painting the barn, building a lean to for the horse, getting ready for our first official school year, heading to Virginia for a few days, etc.
Anyway, it is a beautiful day and I think I will go out and play.
I just wanted to check in and say hi.
Blessings to you,
Joce

Essential Oils are a gift from God

Okay.
MASTITIS:
Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness of the breast. If you have mastitis, you might also experience fever and chills. Mastitis most commonly affects women who are breast-feeding (lactation mastitis), although in rare circumstances this condition can occur outside of lactation.
In most cases, lactation mastitis occurs within the first three months after giving birth (postpartum), but it can happen later during breast-feeding. The condition can leave you feeling exhausted and rundown, making it difficult to care for your baby.
Sometimes mastitis leads a mother mistakenly to wean her baby before she intends to. But you can continue breast-feeding while you have mastitis.
Symptoms
*With mastitis, signs and symptoms can appear suddenly and may include:
*Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch
*General malaise or feeling ill
Swelling of the breast
*Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breast-feeding
*Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern
Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or greater

(*=yes, me)

Also, really really tired.

Really really really.

So. After Tina told me, duh, it's mastitis, I kicked into farmer/doctor mode.

Here's the list of treatments I used, and this is important mainly because- it worked!

1. Probiotics: yogurt, kefir, and kefir capsules.
2. Oregano oil capsules, 3 a day.
3. Multi as usual.
4. Fish oil as usual.
5. More water.
6. 1 Olive Leaf Extract capsule. (from a friend)
7. 1 packet of Emergen-C.
8. Tea tree oil and lavender oil, in almond oil, topically applied.
9. Lavender oil applied to breast pad.

And, that, my friends, saved me from the antibiotics.
I know some of you are like, dude, there comes a time when antibiotics are okay.
And, I agree. But today is not that day. Here's why I am so happy to have avoided them.
1. My own body system of friendly flora that I have been working on for years.
2. Jessup's body system of perfect friendly flora that is a gift from God through the wonderful thing that is breastfeeding.
I don't want to mess that up man. I can never ever get Jessup's perfect balance of bacteria in his body back for him once it has been annihilated by antibiotics.
So yay for Essential Oils that saved my boobies and Jessup's God-given protection from infection.

Amen.

XOXO
Joce

What's this? Pictures?

We went to Genesee Country Village with Hanna and fam a while back. Here are some pics that Hanna took.

Cade= the boy

Brilyn= the girl in green

Thanks for the pics Hanna!

XOXO

Joce

July's End

Ah. Another July comes to an end.
I think that will come as a surprise for me for a while.

A few things have come to pass during this month.
I found a monarch EGG on a milkweed leaf. That is cool.
It hatched today.
I sent the kids out to find some fresh milkweed to feed the new baby. It's smaller than my pinky nail.

I am in the process of pickling some beets. I love pickled beets.

The kids are husking some corn out on the deck.

I have a recipe up for Marilla Cuthbert's Plum Puffs. I bought some plums at the Farmer Party today. Hopefully I will get to make the puffs before all the plum are plum et up.

Baby is in his highchair working on some carrot puree- Coreless Red Nantes from last summer.

Joe's fishing the river.

I'm listening to Pandora Internet Radio.
How cool that they know just what I like to hear.
Jason Michal Carroll is singing 'Where I'm From' or "From Whence I Come" if you are opposed to Dangling Prepositions.

Quote of the Day:
"Git.Out.Side."

Well, I better go attend to some of these small people.

XOXO
Joce

Who am I?

I asked God today to show me who I am in Christ.
This is a good way to start the day- to remember who I am. What I am. My state of being as a child of GOD.
What can I expect from myself as far as holy living goes? What if I start to feel bogged down by life? What if I start to forget my true value (God likes me and thinks I am cool) and start to focus on trivial things (like if people like me and think I'm cool).

Well, after praying about it, God directed me to this:

Romans 6
11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. 14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

For me, the sin that reigns pretty often in my mortal body is anger. I get really fired up sometimes. It's a physical thing, I feel it in my mortal body. But, I see in the verse above that I am not to let that sin reign in me. Instead, I am to offer myself to God- offer the parts of my body to him as instruments of grace. And then! Sin will not be reigning in my body, because I am using body for good.
If I remember to have my body doing God's work, there is no time for it to be doing sin's work.
And that brings me back to Crazy Love and true religion.

James 1
27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

If you are busy looking after God's creation, especially his people, there is no room in your body or in your life for sin.

It seems that when you are having trouble with your own self, it is in your best interest to look outward instead of inward. That's God- always doing things opposite of human wisdom. You would think if you are having trouble with self esteem or anger that you should focus on yourself and try to straighten things out. But God suggests getting over yourself and doing what he commanded- love your neighbor, baby.

Remember who you are. Remember what you are here to do. And everything else falls into place in God's perfect plan.

XOXO
Jocelyn

Janet

She’s with Jesus, happy, free

She’s waiting there for you, for me

Her heart is blessed and she sings

Heaven with her praises, rings

Her favorite hymns are on her lips

As she looks for you, hands on hips

Do not fail to meet her. Ponder

Count the cost to make it yonder

As you rest in this maple’s shade

What on this earth would you trade

To meet her in that lovely place

Surrounded by God’s precious grace

She walks beside the crystal sea

Waiting there for you, for me.
 
XOXO
Jocelyn

Pick one

I base my opinion about the Bible on what I believe about the world.

I base my opinion about the world on what I believe about the Bible.

Don't Worry.... : )

So, a certain friend of mine is expecting number four. Number three is almost one. Number two is three. Number one is five. She has been feeling some worry about the future. How is homeschooling going to go? How is three months with hubby away for training going to go? How is four kids five and under going to go?
Well, I don't know. But I do know that God knows. And He cares. And He's got it covered. Every day, He's ready. He's got it. So. If you are worried about tomorrow- let God have today. And when you see His hand today, you won't have too much trouble trusting that He also holds tomorrow.

I was reading along in my Bible this morning, and Jesus had something to say about it, too. He puts it so well, I guess I'll just let Him say it.


Do Not Worry


25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

XOXO
Joce

Taking Him Seriously

An Eye for an Eye


38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'[g] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
 
This goes so against my grain. It seems like this method will enable lazy people. It could cause people to treat you like a doormat, really USE you. I don't like to feel USED. You know? What the heck was Jesus talking about? Maybe He didn't mean it literally. Maybe He didn't really mean it at all. Maybe He didn't know so-and-so (fill in the blank here) who would take folks for everything they've got.  And then, I got to thinking (under the direction of the HOLY SPIRIT, I'll betcha).
 
Imagine what must go through someone's mind when, upon scheming and forcing you to give them your time, money, or possesions, you happily give them even more than they tried to force from you.
You know who I'm talking about. We all have a family member or friend who manipulates to get more. That's all they think about- how to get you to pay for their meal, or spend more time with them, or give them the CD you just bought. Biblical example: Jacob, the heal grasper. I am talking about heal-graspers here.
 
Most people either flat out refuse them or grudgingly allow the person to pry it from their death-grip.
I personally fall into the second category- I will give people what they want, but I will make them ask for it straight. I want them to know that I know that they are manipulating me to ge their own way.
What would go on inside their head if someone were to say, "Yes, you can borrow (ie. take with no intention of returning) that CD. Oh, and here, this is the one they just came out with this year. It's my favorite." Or, "Oh, you don't have any cash on you? Do you need a $20.00 just in case you need something before you get paid?" Or, "You need some help with your floors? Can I do your dishes while I'm here?"
 
If you willingly give more than someone tries to take from you two things happen.

Number 1: They are no longer able to manipulate you. You are GIVING to them, instead of them TAKING from you. I know I feel a lot better about GIVING to people than I do about them TAKING from me.
I feel better.
 
Number 2: (This one is more important, I think.) Instead of feeling like the low-down dirty scoundrel of a schemer that they are, they feel blessed, ministered to, fulfilled. They feel loved.
They feel better.
 
Instead of breeding contempt on my part and guilt on theirs, there is generosity and love. Wow. Contempt and guilt versus generosity and love. Hmmm. Maybe Jesus did mean it literally.
 
Give.
 
XOXO
Joce

In the oven...July 2010

Honey Oat Farmhouse Bread:
2 T Yeast
1 C warm water
2 T Salt
1/4 C honey
6 T butter
2-3 C warm water
2 C oats
6-8 C flour

In a bowl combine yeast and 1 C water. Dissolve for 10-15 minutes. Add salt, honey, butter, stir. Add oats, flour, and water, (a bit of each at a time for easy mixing). Knead for 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, cover with tea towel. Let rise till doubled in size. Form into 4 loaves, let them rise for a while- 30 minutes or so, and then bake at 350 for 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Of course.

Zuccini Bread
Sift:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 C whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Beat:
3 eggs
1/2 C vegetable oil
1/2 C melted butter
1 C brown sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
Combine wet and dry mixes, add:
4 cups grated zucchini
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Pour into greased pans (I used 1 8X8 and 2 tiny loaf pans)
Bake at 325 45-60 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out with crumbs.

And for dessert...

Berries with Sweet Cream:

2 C heavy cream
5 eggs yolks
2 t vanilla
2/3 cup raw sugar- divided

In a sauce pan combine 1/3 C of the sugar with 2 C cream. Heat on medium low. Separate 5 eggs, give shells and whites to pigs (or whoever will eat them in your house). Don't forget to stir the cream! Combine yolks with the other 1/3 cup sugar. When the cream mixture starts to steam, turn it all the way down and slowly add half of the hot cream to egg mix (drizzle in the hot cream while frantically whisking the eggs). Then, add the egg/cream mix to the cream still in the pan in the same fashion (drizzling/frantic whisking). You must do the drizzling/whisking or you will end up with weird scrambled eggs that no one will eat. When everything is back in the same pan, turn the heat back up to medium low, stir gently for 3 minutes. Turn it off. Add the vanilla. Pour into clean quart jar, and refrigerate for a few hours. Then. Put some berries in a bowl. Pour the cream over the berries. Get a taste of heaven on earth.

XOXO
Joce

Blueberries 2010

Blueberries.
18 pounds in buckets.
1 hour.
12 pounds in the freezer.
1 hour.
5 quarts preserves.
2 hours.
1 pie.
1 hour.
-------------------------------
18 pounds.
5 hours.
Blueberries in my belly today and all year long.

XOXO
Joce


For reference:

Blueberry Jam
without added pectin

9 cups crushed berries
6 cups sugar

Yield: About 7 or 8 half-pint jars

Please read Using Boiling Water Canners before beginning. If this is your first time canning, it is recommended that you read Principles of Home Canning.

Procedure: Sterilize canning jars. Wash berries before crushing. Combine berries and sugar. Bring slowly to a boil, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Once sugar is dissolved, cook rapidly to , or almost to, the jellying point, depending upon whether a firm or soft jam is desired. As mixture thickens, stir frequently to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and fill hot jam into hot, sterile jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened clean paper towel; adjust two-piece metal canning lids. Process in a Boiling Water Canner.

NOTE: If seedless jam is preferred, crushed berries may be heated until soft and pressed through a sieve or food mill; then add sugar and proceed as above.

Blueberry Pie
(filling)


4 cups fresh blueberries

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup white sugar

1/4 cup water

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon lemon juice (or 1 teaspoon citric acid in 1 tablespoon water)

In a saucepan, combine 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, water, cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 3/4 cup sugar. Bring to a boil and continue to boil for 5 minutes or until thick and clear. Add butter and lemon juice.

Where to pick?
Hill n Hollow

Supper Tonight

Chicken that used to be tough as nails and is not anymore Marinade:

Ingredients


1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

3/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup lime juice

2 tablespoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon black pepper

2 tablespoons dried parsley
 
Cheesy Rice:
 
3 cups cooked rice
 
1 can mushroom soup
 
1 cup shredded cheddar
 
1 cup shredded mozzarella
 
butter
 
onions pureed to hide
 
garlic also pureed for hiding purposes
 
spices
 
Cook the rice.
Then, melt butter in a larege saucepan. Saute onions and garlic. Add the soup, and some milk, oh- and some sour cream too if you have it. Then add the cheeses- melt. Then spice to taste. I used some garlic salt, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Add the rice.

Love can be hard work

Love for Enemies


27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful

So I recently had this situation in which I was falsely accused of being shady. This hurt my feelings. I replied with grace pretty easily through the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. Praise the Lord.
Then, the accuser did more accusing. And it really really hurt my feelings, especially since I had already gone out of my way to illustrate just how much on the up and up I am. And when I went to respond, it was A LOT harder to follow Jesus' command in the above chapter. And I have something that I could write right here, and it would be a really funny jab at one of the accuser's shortcomings. But.I.am.not.going.to.write.it. Because there is a still small voice gently prodding me toward being a gracious person.
 
I have a bit of practical advice to share. Write what you think would be an appropriate response. DON'T SEND IT. Then, read it the next day and see if it reflects God's love. Because, as I was just reading in a magazine called Above Rubies, "a few words spoken (or written, in my case) hastily under provocation can cut the cords of influence that bound their hearts to ours."
 
That's really all I have to say about it. Loving your enemies is a lot harder when you actually do it (as compared to just reading it and nodding). LOL.
 
Love.
 
Joce
 
 
 
 

Sourdough Bread...because God loves us and wants us to be happy

Sourdough Bread

2 T sugar (I use only one)
1/2 C olive oil (or melted butter)
1 t salt
1 1/2 C warm water: 105F-115F
6 C flour
1 C sourdough starter
3 t butter, melted

Combine the sugar, oil. salt, water, flour, and starter.Stir. Form into a ball. Place in greased bowl. Cover with a clean tea towel and let stand overnight.
The next morning, punch dough down and divide into thirds (or halves for bigger loaves). Knead each piece on a floured board 8-10 times. Grease loaf pans and turn each loaf over once to coat. Cover with tea towel and and let rise in pans until doubled in size, 4-5 hours. Preheat oven to 350F. Bake the bread until the crust is nice and golden brown, about a half an hour. Remove from oven and brush each loaf with 1 teaspoon of melted butter (Or rub with the end of a stick of butter.). Let cool on wire racks.

from: The Amish Cook at Home by Lovina Eicher.

XOOX
Joce

To do today

Read the Bible.
Pray to God.
Go to town to the park to play with other MOPS mommies.
Make Cheese.
Crockpot roast
Weed more carrots
Get out 12 months clothes for Jessup.
Finish crochet block for Blankets for Haiti.
Go to Prayer Shawl meeting at church.

Lots of other small tasks that are always on the list, but don't actually make the written list:
Milk the cow, feed the baby, clean up clean up clean up, take a nap, etc.

There's a bit of what I am up to.

XOXO
Joce

Nancy Pelosi...still a goat

So, I couldn't get this little clip to embed, but you can follow the link if you want.
Nancy Pelosi simply astounds me.
XOXO
Joce

Something stinks

Francis Chan says, in Crazy Love, this:
         I wrote this book because much of our talk doesn't match our lives. We say things like, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Then we live and plan like we don't believe God even exists. We try to set our lives up so everything will be fine even if God doesn't come through. But true faith means holding nothing back. It means putting every hope in God's fidelity to His promises.

A page before that we writes:
      My suggestion as you think, make decisions, and discern how God would have you live is to ask yourself, "Is this the most loving way to do life? Am I loving my neighbor and my God by living where I live, by driving what I drive, by talking how I talk?" I urge you to consider and actually live as though each person you come into contact with is Christ.

I copied these words here because I agree with them so wholeheartedly and do not think even if I took the time that I could write them more succintly. So now, I will just expound on his words a bit.

I feel bad about the example established Christians set for new Christians. This is a real life example. If you recognize yourself in this example, give me a call. A person I know came to Christ a few years ago. God made a HUGE difference in her life. Because some Christian ladies cared enough about her to make her feel welcome at a church-y thing. And then, she came to know GOD! Which is awesome. That will totally be a star in their crown in heaven. Jesus is psyched.

But then, those Christian ladies gave her a bad list of what is important. They, through the way they live their lives, modeled their "Christian" priorities. And she sucked it right up. Here's the list: nice house, 3-4 kids, minivan, tasteful clothes, healthy weight, extra-curricular activities for the kids (soccer, ballet, etc.) , financial responsibility, college education, and the list goes on. Those are not bad things. But they are a wrong focus. We should not live in such a way that a new Christian comes to believe that that is the POINT.

When a new Christian observes a Christian with a few years under her belt, what should she see?
A new outfit or love that gives a new coat to a homeless lady?
A new hairdo or joy on your face?
A college education or peace in knowing that God uses you in your weakness?
A row of sparkling children or patience as you direct your child in how stay on the sidewalk?
A gas-effecient minivan or kindness in a old Blazer that stops for the old lady walking home from the grocery store.
A 'good steward' who sells all the kids' outgrown clothes or goodness to those who could never afford that Children's Place outift?
A well-planned financial system that ensures all 4 kids go to college without too much sacrifice or faithfulness in giving to the single mom whose oldest son is attending the community college?
A shiny sink or gentleness in teaching your children to put their dishes on the counter?
A Yoga-firm body or self-control in buying/growing and eating only what you need and giving what you saved to the soup kitchen or your extra produce to the people all those children?

I am writing about this today not to point fingers. Because, I honestly smacked my kids while I was writing this because they kept interrupting me.  Really.  And that is not gentleness (or patience or love or...). Because I can't do 'gentleness.' But the Holy Spirit can. And He does. When I let Him. But that is a whole other topic.

I am writing because that example I gave? It rips my heart out when I see that person striving for the wrong things. Things that lead her AWAY from trusting and serving God. Things that lead her to trust and serve herself under the guise of "taking care of her family."

I'll end with a quote and a question.

Quote: "Christians are like manure. Spread them out and they help everything grow better, but keep them in one big pile and they really start to stink."

Question: "Which are you? The kind that reeks, around which people walk a wide swath? Or the kind that trusts God enough to let Him spread you out- whether that means going outside your normal group of Christian friends, increasing your material giving, or using your time to serve others?"

Milk A1 or A2

New Milk Article

Nice to know I have a Jersey.
XOXO
Joce

Givers....or takers

I am reading Crazy Love again. Because now, I am taking action on some of the commands of Jesus...and it is a little scary. I have stepped out in ways that if God doesn't come through, I'll be up the proverbial creek. And, so now, instead of reading it for conviction and motivation, I am reading it for encouagement and assurance.

I have two things to share from the book. One is a scripture passage that brings me to tears. Actual tears. For those of you who know me in real life- I don't spend a lot of time crying. I actually didn't shed a tear from like age 13-19. Like, none. God (and Joe) have been working on me to be a little more open emotionally, but not to the point that I would cry while reading the Bible, and not in front of other people! It must be the Holy Spirit. Praise the Lord.
(For those of you who are curious, I start to tear up around verse 6.)

Anyway, here are the verses:
     
from Isaiah 58

2 For day after day they seek me out;


they seem eager to know my ways,

as if they were a nation that does what is right

and has not forsaken the commands of its God.

They ask me for just decisions

and seem eager for God to come near them.



3 'Why have we fasted,' they say,

'and you have not seen it?

Why have we humbled ourselves,

and you have not noticed?'

"Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please

and exploit all your workers.



4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,

and in striking each other with wicked fists.

You cannot fast as you do today

and expect your voice to be heard on high.



5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,

only a day for a man to humble himself?

Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed

and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?

Is that what you call a fast,

a day acceptable to the LORD ?



6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:

to loose the chains of injustice

and untie the cords of the yoke,

to set the oppressed free

and break every yoke?



7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry

and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—

when you see the naked, to clothe him,

and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?



8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,

and your healing will quickly appear;

then your righteousness [a] will go before you,

and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.



9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;

you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,

with the pointing finger and malicious talk,



10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry

and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,

then your light will rise in the darkness,

and your night will become like the noonday.



11 The LORD will guide you always;

he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land

and will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like a spring whose waters never fail.



12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins

and will raise up the age-old foundations;

you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,

Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.



13 "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath

and from doing as you please on my holy day,

if you call the Sabbath a delight

and the LORD's holy day honorable,

and if you honor it by not going your own way

and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,



14 then you will find your joy in the LORD,

and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land

and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob."

The mouth of the LORD has spoken.

And then, here is what I read today. Chan was talking about Christ's command to love your neighbor as yourself. And how most Christians, when we here about others taking that literally- we are moved. We think it is so awesome! But, we do not step out in faith and follow that command in our own lives. And here is the really sucky part (sucky because I see it to be truth):

"Non-churchgoers tend to see Christians as takers rather than givers. When Christians sacrifice and give wildly to the poor, that is truly a light that glimmers. The Bible teaches that the church is to be that light, a sign of hope, in an increasingly dark and hopeless world. Matthew 5:16 says, 'Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.'"
~Crazy Love, pp. 140

I used to be annoyed at like Kingdom Bound or whatever when Compassion International would beg and plead and show pictures and TAKE A LONG TIME before a concert trying to get people to give. Okay, okay, there are poor people far away. Now, let's get on to Newsboys.

Now, I am annoyed that people (me) (CHRISTIANS!) were not clamoring to give and save and rescue those poor starving children. How is it that for all the church I have attended, that it had not been pounded into my head: GIVE. Give yourself. Give your money. Help the poor. That's pretty much all that Jesus talked about. How did I miss that?!?

Well. I am not missing it now. I have a clear focus. As Martin Luther said, "There are two days on my calendar: this day and that day."

Ball Blue Book of Preserving....GIVEAWAY!

In honor of Memorial Day, and also because I find myself blessed with two copies, I am giving away the Ball Blue Book of Preserving. It is a great resource for, well, preserving.
Speaking of preserving, I watched a fun DVD the other night: The Art of Canning with the West Ladies 
Please leave a lovely comment here and I will enter you to win the canning book.
XOXO
Joce

In a hurry bread

Hey.
Bread is a staple of our meals around here. We don't really eat pasta or potatoes very often- we like to eat bread. Sometimes, I forget to start a dough in time for dinner.
Here's the deal:
Italian Bread
from Joel Smith via Kara Riedl
5-6 C bread
2 T yeast
1 T salt
2 T sugar
2 C hot tap
 Combine 4 C flour with dry ingredients. Add hot tap water, combine. Add 1-2 more C flour while kneading 8 minutes. Shape into 2 round loaves, brush with water, cut an 'X' in the top and bake at 400 F from a cold oven for 40 minutes. Place a bowl of water on lower rack in oven for crusty crust.

Yum yummy yum yum.

Now, I am going to go eat it.
XOXO
Joce

Don't forget.

Thank a Veteran. Walk over to the guy who stands up in church on Sunday and shake his hand.

Visit a cemetary and say thanks. Show your kids the little flags, tell them what they stand for.

Happy Memorial Day.

XOXO
Joce

Mulberry Cream Muffins

From http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Blueberry-Cream-Muffins/Detail.aspx, with my personal tweaks in italics.

Ingredients
4 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup raw sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1cup oat flour
1 cup oats
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups yogurt
2 cups mulberries
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease 24 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2.In large bowl beat eggs, gradually add sugar while beating. Continue beating while slowly pouring in oil. Stir in vanilla and yogurt. Sift together flour, salt and baking soda.
3.Stir dry ingredients into egg mixture. Gently fold in blueberries. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups.
4. Mix 1/2 C sugar, 1/3 C flour, 1/4 C butter, 1 t cinnamon until it looks like crumbs. Sprinkle appr. 1/2 T onto each muffin.
5.Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Yummy.

XOXO
Joce

Some of you may know that I do not watch TV. Zero, zip, zilch, nada, none, not any, none at all.
I have not had time to post about all the reasons I do not watch TV (one of which is that I do not have time, LOL). However, this rhyming lady sums up one of the reasons I do not watch the BOOB TUBE.

So cute

Please head on over to Just simply Live and check out the pics of Brilyn and Kylie. Holy cute.
XOXOX
Joce

Love Language: Gifts

So, I read a blog post that I liked. And I wrote a huge long comment. I was like, man, my posts aren't even this long usually. So.
Here's the link to the post.
And here's my comment (with a few alterations to make it more post-y):

I agree that it IS SO HARD to understand your spouse's gift style. It makes you want to change how that person gives and RECEIVES gifts. But. It doesn't work that way. It shows more love on your part to give how the other person enjoys receiving.


I like a gift that says you know me...so ice cream, chocolate, books, and warm fuzzy things (like socks, mittens, etc.) make me feel so happy. Expensive gifts don't mean much to me unless they are something I really need.

Like Towels. I could use a new set of towels for my bathroom. LOL.

Maybe my husband will read that? HAHAHAHA.

Every thoughtful gift (the ones I didn't eat that is) I have ever received is placed carefully in my home so that I see them frequently. Because when I see them, I feel loved.

Anyway, my husband doesn't like gifts at all. He thinks they are shallow. Buy what you need at a good price when it becomes available. He thinks things are just that. Things.

However, a clean house or a job marked off his to-do list without him having to do it makes him feel so loved. This thought is as hard to cram into my brain as my liking presents is for his brain. Honestly, I just don't like to do dishes and I don't understand how that is a present to him. But It Is.

So, slowly, we have tried to get this down. And, when he doesn't get me a gift, (Like for Mother's Day and our anniversary yesterday- not kidding-) I remember that he really does love me and he shows me in a different way. Like, he let me sleep in yesterday. He did all the outdoor chores, milked the cow, and gave the kids a snack, a movie, and directions not to wake the mommy. All before he left for work. So, I knew I was loved. And, he did the grocery shopping while I was at choir practice. I knew enough to put "ice cream for Jocelyn" on the list, and he knew enough to get chocolate with peanut butter swirl. :)

Learn to give and receive gifts according to your spouse's style. It's cool like being bilingual. You can speak it AND understand it.

XOXO

Joce

The One-Third Rule

My rule for book reading is, that if after the first 1/3 of the book I am not thrilled, I do not keep reading. Life is too short to read mediocre books.
Well.
I have now been married one-third of my life. And, since I have enjoyed the story so far at least as much as any book I have read (well, maybe with the exception of Harry Potter, and The Hobbit, and ...no, no, never mind, just those two. LOL) I think I will keep reading to see where this story heads next. To tell the truth I think I will enjoy what is to come even more!

10 years today! Whoa.

XOXO
Joce

Raw milk discussion

Read the article if you want.

Make sure you laugh appropriately at this:

“Geographically speaking, the area where the manure is isn’t that far from the utters where the milk comes from,” Sarah Klein, an attorney for the Washington, D.C.-based food and nutrition think tank

I can't let that one go. Rarely do I find such an amazing example of stupid.
1. Geographically. Perhaps she was using a map.
2. Manure. FYI- wiki says: "Manure is organic matter used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. In the past the term "manure" included inorganic fertilizers, but this usage is now very rare."  Maybe she means they park the spreader near the milk house?
3.  Utters. Holy cow. I am not even sure how to make fun of that. A talking cow joke? A comment about how many 'utters' does she think a cow has? Goodness gracious. People are taking her seriously, QUOTING HER IN A NEWSPAPER.  Utters. LOL.
4. And, I just can't help but bash her for her dangling preposition. Please Ms. Klein, at least have the self respect to spew your drivel using proper English. "...utters where the milk comes from." Heaven help me.

Anyway. The article was okay...that quote was just irresistable to me. LOL.

For a good article on raw milk..go here.

An excerpt:


For the past century, however, we’ve done our best to wall ourselves off from microbes. In 1989, David Strachan put forward the “hygiene hypothesis,” which posed that this separation could be causing the increased incidence of immune disorders. As the years have passed, many studies have helped refine his proposal. Scientists found that hygiene itself wasn’t a problem. People who never used antibacterial soap were just as likely to have asthma as those who scrubbed obsessively. In a 2006 study of thousands of children living on farms in Shropshire, England, Strachan and another scientist, Michael Perkin, found that raw-milk drinkers were unlikely to have eczema or to react to allergens in skin-prick tests. “The protective effect of unpasteurized milk consumption was remarkably robust,” Strachan and Perkin wrote. Then, in May of 2007, a group of scientists published a paper after surveying almost 15,000 children around Europe. They found that children who drank raw milk were less likely to have any among a wide range of allergies. Either there’s something about industrial milk that’s harmful, Perkin wrote in a commentary that accompanied the paper, or there’s something in raw milk that’s beneficial.

Or visit Real Milk for more info.
XOXO
Joce

Aborted babies used to develop vaccines..read it here

Well, I think it is time that I post about this. I keep hearing from folks, when I say, "There are fetal cells in vaccines," they say "I've never heard of that." And judging from facial expression and tone, what they mean is, "So it must not be true."
And honestly, I am terribly upset that I didn't know this information when making vaccine choices for Brilyn and Cade. I want to spread the word to help other parents make informed decisions.
A new article was just published today. It talks about the link between the fetal cells in vaccines with the rise of autism. That is not my main concern, but it covers that topic as well as the plain and simple fact that vaccines do, in fact, contain cell lines "derived from the bodies of aborted children.”


Here's the website, and here's the article (below) for you non-clickers.

****************************************************************
Study Confirms Autism Boom - Correlates with Aborted Fetal DNA in Vaccines
By John Jalsevac

Washington, DC, April 20, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed 1988 as a “change point” in the rise of Autism Disorder rates in the U.S. - a date that pro-life leaders say correlates with the introduction of fetal cells for use in vaccines.

While the EPA study does not speculate into the cause of the jump in autism rates, and makes no mention of aborted fetal cells, the researchers point out that it “is important to determine whether a preventable exposure to an environmental factor may be associated with the increase.”

According to the pro-life group Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute (SCPI), which specializes in vaccine research, that “environmental factor” may well be the use of aborted fetal cells in vaccines.

The group pointed out in its most recent newsletter that 1988 is the same year the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices began recommending a second dose of the MMR vaccine, which included cells derived from the tissue of aborted babies.

Analyses of autism rate data published by SCPI identify 3 clear change points in U.S. autism disorder trends: 1981, 1988 and 1995, all of which the groups claims roughly correlate with the use of vaccines (Meruvax, MMRII, and Chickenpox) that were cultivated with the use of tissue from aborted children. The group says that it has been unable to identify any other factor that might correlate to the change in autism rates.

“The only environmental event correlating with these statistical autism trend ‘change points’ which would impact almost all children was the introduction of vaccines produced using human fetal cells and containing residual human DNA and cellular debris,” said SCPI.

Pro-life groups say that the research by EPA adds to an increasing body of evidence implicating the use of aborted fetal cell material in the nationwide vaccinations impacting nearly every child born in the United States.

American Life League has joined Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute in calling for a Fair Labeling and Informed Consent Act in light of the findings.

“For years the evidence has pointed toward the link between vaccines using DNA from aborted babies and the rise of Autism Disorder rates,” said Jim Sedlak, vice president of American Life League.

"Parents need and deserve to know the risks associated with vaccinations made from lines derived from the bodies of aborted children.”

SCPI has affirmed that they are continuing to study the impact of residual human fetal DNA in vaccines on the brain development and autism in children, and will present their studies at the International Society for Autism Research in May 2010.

For more information:

• Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute http://www.soundchoice.org/
• Click here to read Sound Choice's April 2010 newsletter. http://www.soundchoice.org/Images/SCPINewsletter_April_2010.pdf
• Environmental Protection Agency: Timing of Increased Autistic Disorder Cumulative Incidence (10 July 2009)
• http://www.all.org/pdf/McDonaldPaul2010.pdf

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

• Is Aborted Fetal DNA in Vaccines Linked to Autism?
• http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jul/09072106.html
• Fetal Tissue in Vaccine Production May be Linked to Autism in Children Claims Campaign Group
• http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jul/09070611.html
• Abortion-Tainted New Flu Vaccine From Vaxin Uses Aborted Fetal Cell Lines
• http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/feb/05020703.html

************************************************************************

And now, for the chart I showed my pediatrician:
http://www.cogforlife.org/
Click on the 'vaccine sources' listed on the left.
Feel free to peruse the entire site, you'll find it to be worth your time. The part I found most convincing were the actual Manufacturer's package inserts describing the fetal cell lines.

Let me just say that my pediatrician was very concerned. And? SHE DIDN'T KNOW! She kept asking, "How did I not know about this? Why didn't they tell me in med school? Or during my residency?"
And then she started asking, "What am I going to do about this?" Because her office is a part of Strong and they won't order special moral vaccines those of us who are appalled by this. They order from the company that gives them the best deal. Period.

So, I am doing my part today to inform folks about what is in vaccines. Because, if my child's doctor didn't know I bet there are a bunch of regular folks out there who have no idea.

So. Now I've done it. I've put it all out there. I would ask that you spread the word. Because, like I said before; I wish had known. I would never have chosen to inject the cells of murdered babies into my own babies.

XOXO
Jocelyn

Trouble

I found this poem in my 'pile.' You know what I mean.
The Thing that grows and grows and eventually takes over your desk and buries your computer. That's what happened. I closed my lap top and it disappeared under the Pile.
So. I went through the Pile. And I found a poem I wrote, oh, up to a year ago. Yep. That long. I let the Pile grow That Long.
Anyway, the second page is missing, but I don't want to lose the page I have, so I am writing it down here.

In this world
You Will Have Trouble
Grief and pain
sickness and strife
will come your way
Don't let it be
a surprise.
Don't let Satan convince you that God has
forgotten you
Abandoned you
withheld His protection
from your path.
In this world
you will have trouble.
Following Christ
will not lead you
down Easy Street.
Your path is straight
But narrow
Sometimes it will be
hard to find.
Do not despair!
The path is there
beneath your feet
Follow the lead
of that kindly light.
No matter how dim
it may appear through your veil of tears.
Because this path
leads to Hope!
Rejoice in your suffering
it is the Way to hope.
Travel that road
from suffering to perseverance
from perseverence to character
from character to Hope
Hope!
Hope that does not disappoint.

XOXO
Joce

Be bold!

I am in a hurry. But I wanted to post.
Today I was encouraged by a song I learned a long time ago. It goes like this:
Be bold! And be strong.
Banish fear and doubt.
For the promise of our God
Is of blessings coming in and of blessings going out.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice! Rejoice!
I just want to impress upon all the mommies out there that teaching your children Christian songs is really a wonderful way to allow the Holy Spirit to work in them later in life. The songs may not be your idea of awesome music to jam to, but they are working in your child's heart (and yours).
The same with scripture memorization. It is amazing how the Holy Spirit uses verses I have hidden in my heart to help me on my way.
Help your children learn verses, and learn some more for yourself while you are at it!
Proverbs 22:6 (New International Version)
6 Train [a] a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Well, I really really really have to put my peas and lettuce in if I want to eat anything green anytime soon.

XOXO
Joce

My Day: An Overview and an Excerpt

I would like to share my daily schedule for two reasons-
1. I would like to solidify some of the things I have found that work.
2. It might help someone else with their daily routine.

The times are relative- if small people decide to sleep in, I do not wake them. :)
6:30- Get up, get dressed, milk.
7:00-Process milk
7:15 Feed baby
7:30 Feed two kids
8:00 Clean up kitchen, straighten up downstairs
8:30 Make my breakfast, help kids clean up playroom,
9:00 SuperWHY! And I eat and do my devotions, make list of things to do today.
9:30 Kids get dressed, clean up their room, I straighten up the upstairs. Then the kids do morning chores: Brilyn does the breakfast dishes, Cade vaccuums under the table.
10:00 Kids go outside, I feed the baby, and then I do some Big Jobs-like vaccuuming, make cheese and bread, or sort through bags of kids clothes, etc.
11:30 Lunch
12:00 Read aloud and nap for kids, clean-up the downstairs again, do phone calls, emails, eat my lunch, play with baby
1:00 Feed the baby, take a nap
2:00 Choose supper, get it started, finish list, do school with Brilyn
3:00 Cade wakes up, spend time with him.
4:00 Joe comes home, kids go back outside, I feed the baby, and then do a job like sewing or something else that requires quiet
6:00 Supper
6:45 Feed the baby
7:00 Milk
7:30 Kids to bed
8:00 Time with Joe
8:30 Eat ice cream
8:45 Shower
9:00 Feed the baby, Bed

That's the main idea, I will add more as it comes to me.

XOXO
Joce

And, now for some Cade humor.

Narrator: Cade and Brilyn are playing out on the deck. Brilyn comes in to use the bathroom, Cade follows. Mommy notices he is eating something. A huge mouthful of something.

M-"Cade, what are you eating?"
C-"Dis." Holds out handful of grass/weeds.
M-"What is that?"
C-"Gwass"
M-"Why are you eating grass?"
C-"Brannan div it to me"
M-"Brilyn, why is Cade eating grass?"
B-"He's the animals in the zoo and I am the zookeeper."

Mommy pauses here to think the thought- No, I am the zookeeper around here. Goodness gracious.

Continue conversation:
M-"It is not okay to eat plants you pick outside unless mommy says it is okay. Like, you may eat the onion plants because mommy showed you."
M-"Look at me. What are you allowed you eat?"
C-"Pizza?"
M-"Hmm (smirk). Well, what shouldn't you eat?"
B-"The picnic benches? HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
M-"Don't eat grass. The end."
The end.
XOXO
Joce

The Home

I would like to introduce you to a blog Kara recently recommended to me:
Passionate Homemaking
I would especially like you to read today's post:
What is the purpose of the home?
Because it leads up nicely to my next post.
Enjoy.
XOXO
Joce
Also, Kara is Blogging about being a Proverbs 31 lady. I like what she has to say for today.

Crazy Giveaway

Jocelyn, a servant of Jesus Christ
To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ:
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

So I have been talking a lot about the book, Crazy Love, by Francis Chan.
Why do I talk about it so much? Because the Holy Spirit has been using it to change my life. You know, the way I live. I have a desire to love people. Because I now understand in my heart that to love Christ and to be obedient to Him is to love people.
I have had 1 Corinthians 13 memorized since I was what, 14? And it has suddenly become so much more than a nice thing hear at weddings.
Read this, and listen with your heart:
1 Corinthians 13
Love
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Dude, if you don't have LOVE, you don't have (much) Jesus. How could I have been missing that for so long? I am a 22-year-old Christian. And this LOVE stuff is just now sinking into my heart in a way that is changing me.

And so, I am excited about it. God has used this book in a crazy way in my life.
I would like to give one away to you, my readers. Just in case you are intrigued by my sudden obsession with living as Jesus calls us to live and want to read it for yourself.



So. I need this from you. On your blog or FB or whatever: A link to your favorite post here from February 25th to today and a link to crazylovebook.com, and a comment here to let me know you did that.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

XOXO, (aka LOVE)
Joce

Solo mission

So, Joe got what I had. And it was no good for him. He didn't drink the super duper drink...and he should have.
So. I was left to man the battle stations.
Let it be chronicled here that I milked Clara all by myself, start to finish. 2 whole gallons, thanks to the new green grass. You may not think that is all that big of a deal, and it is not, physically. I have been able to do it for a while.
It was a mental victory. Because, some of you may remember the last time I milked by myself.
So. It was good.

And then, since Joe wasn't quite up to eating yet (he really should have drank his garlic and pepper broth, I made a supper just for me. You know, things I like to eat and to heck with the meat. (Dont worry, I let the kids eat, too).

Fresh honey oat bread and cream of potato and cabbage soup. Mmmm. It was rainy and windy out, so double yum.

Recipe for soup:
In a large pot-Saute a chopped onion and two minced cloves of garlic in about 2 T bacon grease. (Whenever I fry bacon, I pour the leftover bacon grease in a coffee cup and keep in the fridge for frying. It saves me a ton of money on butter and adds rich flavor to whatever I fry. Imagine how good my fried eggs sandwiches are.) Add some cubed potato (8 medium, peeled) and shredded cabbage (about a half a head). Let the flavors mingle a bit, and then add 4 cups of chicken broth (enough to just cover the potatoes and cabbage). Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and let cook until the cabbage is just tender. Mix together 2 T of flour with 1 C milk, add to pot. Return to boil, then reduce to simmer. Let it bubble until thickened. Don't forget to stir it. Add some spices- like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder...until it tastes good to you.

Recipe for bread:
3 C occident flour (or all-purpose flour)
1 C buckwheat flour (or any kind of flour you have on hand)
1 C oats
2 t yeast
1 1/2 t salt
1 egg
2-3 T honey
10 ounces of milk
2 T butter
I used a bread machine on dough setting. When it beeped, I made two loaves in greased loaf pans, let them rise on the back of my hot stove for, oh, 20 minutes (till doubled in size), and then baked at 350 for 25 minutes. YUM.

XOXO
Jocelyn

From the book...

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit. By Francis Chan
p. 37
"It really is an astounding truth that the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. He lives in me. I do not know what the Spirit will do or where He'll lead me each time I invite Him to guide me. But I am tired of living in a way that looks exactly like people who do not have the Holy Spirit of God living in them. I want to consistently live with an awareness of His strength. I want to be different today from what I was yesterday as the fruit of the Spirit becomes more manifest in me."
(Big bold type added by me)

I am finding it easier and easier to relinquish my hold on my life- my time, my money, my kids- as I give them up to God and find that He is faithful. I am safest when God is in control. I am strongest when God's strength is made perfect in my weakness. How did I discover this? By trusting Him enough to hand some things over to His control and then finding that His way is better than my way. Take a step out in faith, give something you love to God, and find that He will keep you and your stuff in the palm of His hand.

Now that I have learned to trust God, that all He has for me is good, I can give more and more of myself to Him. And in its place? I get more of HIM! And that is from whence the good stuff comes. He is using ME!?! To do His awesome work! And it is better than crack anything this world has to offer.

XOXO
Joce

Keep your nose clean, kid

So, I have some post nasal drip working this week. (Yeah, its gross, sorry to offend.)
But, the good news is, I have some tips and tricks that work.
1. Neti pot/ saline rinse. Just try it next time your face feels like it is going to explode.
2. Peppermint oil all over your head- well at least wherever you feel pressure. (Use it above your eyes only, think Vicks VapoRub).
3. Make yourself a little broth that goes like this: Mince and saute a variety of peppers, onions, and garlic. Then, add one tablespoon of that mixture to a mug. Add 1/8-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (as much as you can stand) and 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon. Pour boiling water over it, let it steep for 10 minutes, drink it. Eat the garlic/onion/pepper mix too, if you can.
Easy version (not as potent, but works) In a mug combine 1/2 t garlic powder, 1/2 t onion powder, 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon, and 1/8-1/2 t cayenne pepper, pour boiling water over it. Drink it.

Feel better.

XOXO
Joce

Bubble gum, bubble gum in a dish. How many babies do you wish?

Well, I have finally found a statement that reflects my beliefs on birth control and family planning.
From chemical birth control (with which I do NOT agree) to the QuiverFull train of thought (which I find intriguing, but, not for me) I have been searching for that which I think God is in favor and which is the best for me, my husband, and our family.

When it comes down to it, I think any of the chemical birth controls are a bad choice. From the health concerns and side effects, to the fact that if all else fails they are abortaficients (harden the uterine wall to prevent implantation of the baby) I consider them to be inferior- physically and morally.

But, I also do not feel that it is wise to have a baby a year- which is pretty much what I would get if we ignored the matter all together. I like to have the opportunity to nurse my babies until they are two. (I know you can nurse and be pregnant at the same time, and you can tandem nurse siblings, but that can cause serious health problems for mommy. ie- They suck the life out of you.) So, for me, 2-3 years apart is what I consider natural spacing.

So, now for the official statement.

"A married couple seeking the will of God makes a genuine commitment to always include His will in their marital relations. Natural family planning is God's plan for naturally spacing children that respects a female's natural rhythmic cycle."
~Celebrate Life March April 2010.

"The choice of the natural rhythms involves accepting the cycle of the woman, and thereby accepting dialogue, reciprocal respect, shared responsibility, and self-control (by husband and wife)...In this way sexuality is respected and promoted in its truly and fully human dimension and is never used as an object."
~Pope John Paul II

I am glad to have found it put so concisely and clearly.

For more info on Natural Family Planning, go ahead and google:
BOM, Creighton, Couple to Couple League, and Marquette methods.

And for more info on the Pill: http://www.thepillkills.org/

I believe that family planning is an important issue that requires a lot of thought. There are critical moral, spiritual, and health concerns with the various choices available.
I like natural family planning because it is respectful of the woman, does not involve adding dangerous chemicals to our bodies, and is helpful in naturally spacing children while still embracing a married couples' fertility and God's desire to bless us with children.

XOXO
Joce

PS: This just in- Vitamin D deficiency is linked with infertility.

Blind Side

I absolutely LOVE this movie.

I think you should watch it.

XOXO
Joce

I think it means...the world

1 John 2:15-17 (New International Version)
Do Not Love the World
15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

So the side note in my Bible says..."John uses the word WORLD to mean...we dare not love the sinful ways of the world." I think they pulled that right out of their world-loving butts.
It says very clearly to me "everything in the world...comes not from the Father but from the world." This means everything. This is a reminder that this world is not our home, and we should set our hearts on God, not on that which will decay.
I think that we (humankind) have a tendency to cling to our possessions and positions- and it does not come from the Father. I had a conversation yesterday in which the other person said, "Well, I don't think God calls us to give up our lives." And good grief! That's EXACTLY what God says.

Matthew 10:39-40 37
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

And again, in Matthew 16:24-26
24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?

I am not advocating abandoning your children or shunning your inlaws (even though you may wish I was saying that) or quitting your job. I am saying that your HEART should be set on things above. Do your work here- raise your children, provide for your family. But, do not let those tasks overtake your love for God and His work. This world is not your home. Your house and job are not the point. Do not forget that.

I would like to ask that you consider how tightly you cling to the things of this world. Your house, your job, your family. Does it outweigh how often you take up your cross? Do your actions show that your heart is set on the things of earth or on things that are eternal? What is the ratio of how much time and energy you spend building barns and harvesting crops on this earth to how much time and energy you spend following Christ's admonition to love your neighbor as yourself and storing up treasures in heaven? Which home do you spend more time decorating- the one made of sticks and mud, or the mansion Christ is preparing for you?

Just think about it.

I need to go make cheese and change a poopy diaper, but I didn't want this scripture to get away from me. I do not want to be "like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. " I want to hear the Word and be changed. Trasnformed. Different than when I started.

More like Jesus.

XOXO
Joce

Po diddy

So, the time has come to bling my baby. Jessup is the HAPPIEST person I have ever met. And, quite possibly, the nicest.
Despite his amazingly chillin' nature, he still has to get teeth. And, the process has begun. Grumping and drooling. Drooling and grumping. Biting.
My babies start teething about three years before they actually get a tooth. (That is an exaggeration, obviously.)
It's a long process. So, last time I had a baby cutting teeth, Hanna let me borrow an amber necklace. Cade loved it- the way it looked, the way it WORKED. He was po diddy and apparently pain free.
So, when Jessup started in with the grumping/drooling cycle I asked Hanna where I should buy one. She told me to go to Inspired by Finn. And, while I was there, I saw this little deal where if I linked to their site, they will give me 15% off my order! So Linky Linky I did. Here it is again in case you missed it.

Jessup is grumping RIGHT NOW, and so, I need to go. But check out the pain-relieving benefits of baltic amber at Inspired by Finn. And I will be able to write more when Jessup gets his amber necklace and STOPS CRYING.

XOXO
Joce