Becoming a Godly Woman

The journey has ended - perfect bread.

2012-01-19T07:36:00.001+11:00

I got a new book last year that has changed the way I bake bread. No more three hour rising stints I've converted to cold slow rising in the fridge. I have also accepted my inability to keep a starter alive so I am using instant yeast with unashamed excitement. It's the artisan bread in five minutes a day concept - with a few tweaks.300g fresh ground flour600g strong bakers flour900ml water2T honey2tsp yeast2tsp salt2T olive oilMix it all together in a large container (mixture should only fill half) and put it in the fridge overnight. Next morning get a pair of scissors, sprinkle a decent amount of flour on hands and mixture,grab a handful of dough and cut it off. Quick shape the ball by tucking the edges under the ball - the fact its cold makes this much easier. Place on a baking tray with baking paper and allow the mixture to return to room temperature (20 minutes). This isn't a rising, it will change very little in fact, it's just "waking up" the yeast. Don't be afraid if it smells really sour, that's good! Only bake what you need for that day and put the rest back in the fridge. The mixture will keep in the fridge for 7 days (it's very very sour by then - I was a bit scared the first time I baked it after 7 days in the fridge but it tasted the same as the 1 day old dough). Just before putting the rolls in preheated really hot oven (220*) oven cut a design in the top with a sharp floured razor blade. Put rolls in oven and pour 1 cup of water into a metal tray at bottom of oven. The steam makes the bread crispy and the cuts allow steam to escape without wrecking the rolls shape. This method is perfect for our family. My friend Clara uses the same book - she has tried other sweet bread recipes from the book too... These are my next project :)

Cicadas, motherhood and the conviction of sin.

2012-01-18T22:26:00.002+11:00

The clock tells me it's nine o'clock and the boys are finally asleep. There is a few cicadas outside buzzing away, cockatoos are squawking loudly from the gum trees that line the oval half way down the street, and I am smiling at the dinosaur twinkle lights that frame our "learning bookcase"... I love twinkle lights :) It's been a big day yet I have had a head full of thoughts that I need to sort through...

Being a mother is the most amazing and challenging thing I have done in my life thus far. There is a scripture passage that says women will be saved through childbearing. I have though about it many times with puzzlement - a different way of salvation? Does that mean all women throughout history who have given birth are saved? Surely not for Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one can come to the Father but by me." Then I heard a minister talk about it briefly in a sermon, addressing my confusion by returning to the Greek and giving a more accurate translation: "She shall be sanctified through the bearing and raising of children." Sanctification is the process of making us more like Christ and God's primary way of achieving this in married women is through mothering. I feel that I understand my sinful nature with greater clarity than I ever did before I was a mother: I am selfish, prideful, and impatient. Yet with similar clarity I can see the holiness of God, the mercy of God, and the faithful long suffering of God. Worthy, worth is the Lamb that was slain! Praise Him and adore Him!

I've been in a bit of a hole lately - really these two years - and have not had an attitude of thankfulness. I have recently been strongly convicted this and of my unwillingness to bring my troubles to God. He loves me! He wants to comfort and care for me! Yet I have been ignoring Him. I thought I could handle it alone but I can't. It all seems so obvious now but I haven't been able to see it till now. This is a fresh start, no looking back... Not I, but Christ.

Quick Note

2011-08-10T21:56:00.000+10:00

After hearing a bit of a scary story I have removed all the images and full name references of my family and friends from this and my other blogs. It is a shame, I really wish I didn't have to do it, but after much consideration I would rather be safe than sorry.

10 Week Meal Challenge - Week 4: Spiced Pilaf

2010-10-10T11:53:00.023+11:00

Sometimes I love the simplicity of perfectly cooked rice - a really clean side dish to contrast a robust main. Other times however plain old rice can be just that - plain and old. A risotto is brilliant but they don't exactly lend themselves to curries or salad. When I first did this recipe I was a little nervous that it was going to taste over the top - especially with the cardamon (a spice I have very little experience with). Those fears however where completely unfounded and now this little cracker is a regular visitor to our table.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves
3 cardamom pods, bruised
1 cinnamon stick, broken into 3
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds, optional
2 1/2 cups basmati rice
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted, for garnish
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
Special equipment: deep saucepan, 9 1/2-inch diameter, with lid

Cook the onion in the oil, in a deep saucepan with the cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, and nigella seeds, if using, until the onion is slightly browned and soft. Keep the heat medium to low and stir frequently; this should take about 10 minutes.

Add the rice and move it about in the oily spiced onion until it is slicked and glossy, then pour in the stock and bring the pan to the boil. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over the lowest heat possible for 20 minutes.

Turn off the heat, take the lid off, cover with a tea towel and clamp the lid back on the saucepan. You can leave the rice to rest like this for at least 10 minutes, and up to about 1 hour. Fork the rice through when you are ready to serve it, scattering the toasted sliced almonds and parsley on top.

10 Week Meal Challenge - Week 3: Courgette Carbonara

2010-10-03T20:09:00.000+11:00

Looking for a cheeky recipe? This one is very very sneaky... It has spears of zucchinis masquerading as penne! Has anything so duplicitous ever been attempted before? I think not!

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 medium green and yellow zucchini
500g dried penne
4 large egg yolks (free-range/organic)
100ml pouring cream
2 handfuls of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
olive oil
15 slices of pancetta
a small bunch of fresh thyme (leaves picked and chopped, and flowers reserved if you can get hold of flowering thyme)

Step 1: Put a large pan of salted water on to boil before starting on the zucchini. Halve and then quarter the zucchinis lengthways. Cut out and discard any fluffy middle bits, and slice at an angle into pieces roughly the same size and shape as the penne. Your water will now be boiling, so add the penne to the pan and cook according to the packet instructions minus 1 minute (I have never read a packet that didn't advise timing that over cooked the pasta).

Step 2: To make your creamy carbonara sauce, put the egg yolks into a bowl, add the cream and half the Parmesan, and mix together with a fork. Season lightly and put to one side.

Step 3: Heat a very large frying pan (at least 35cm diameter), add a good splash of olive oil and fry the pancetta until dark brown and crisp. Add the zucchini spears and 2 big pinches of black pepper, not just to season but to give it a bit of heat. Sprinkle in the thyme leaves, give everything a stir, so the zucchinis become coated with all the lovely bacon-flavoured oil, and fry until they start to turn lightly golden and have softened slightly.

Step 4: Now the pressure is on. You need to work quickly. When the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving a little of the cooking water. Immediately, toss the pasta in the pan with the zucchinis, pancetta and lovely flavours, then remove from the heat. Now listen to the pan... can you still hear sizzling? Wait!... the sizzling has stopped? Now add your creamy sauce and stir together quickly. (If you don't wait for the really harsh heat to subside you’ll scramble the eggs... yuck!)

Step 5: This is not a reheat type dinner - make sure everyone is around the table, ready to eat before step 4. While you’re tossing the pasta and sauce, sprinkle in the rest of the Parmesan and a little of the pasta cooking water if needed, to give you the perfect sauce consistency. Taste quickly for seasoning.

This meals music was a bit of Norah Jones: Come Away with Me

10 Week Meal Challenge - Week 2: Early Autumn Minestrone

2010-10-03T19:03:00.001+11:00

Well, the weekly meal challenge is definitely late but good things come to those that wait: such as in the case of this play on minestrone. My regular minestrone has pasatta sauce and diced beef, so this version which gains much of its flavour from the slow cooked soffrito and red wine, was a nice change.

Early Autumn Minestrone
Minestrone D'inizio Autunno

olive oil
4 rashers of prociutto
2 small red onions, peeled and finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 sticks of celery, trimmed and chopped
a small bunch of fresh basil, leaves and stalks separated
4 tomatoes, roughly chopped
200g tin of borlotti beans (drained and rinsed)
a glass of red wine
2 small courgettes, quartered and sliced
200g spinach, washed and roughly sliced (including stalks)
500ml chicken stock
55g dried pasta
a block of Parmesan cheese, to serve

Step 1: Make your soffrito. Heat a good splash of olive oil in a saucepan and add the chopped prociutto, onions, carrots, celery, and the finely sliced basil stalks (Jamie also added a 1/2 bulb of fennel - can’t say I’m that excited about fennel and didn’t have it on hand). Sweat very slowly on a low heat for around 15 to 20 minutes until soft. Do not let them take on any colour.

Step 2: Add the tomatoes, courgettes, and red wine and simmer gently for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Add the beans, spinach, stock, and dried pasta. Stir and continue to simmer until the pasta is cooked. If you think the soup is looking too thick, add a little more stock or some of the reserved cooking water to thin it down a bit.

Serving: Sprinkle each serving with the torn-up basil leaves and with some extra virgin olive oil drizzled over the top. On the table; a block of Parmesan and a grater, a warm crusty loaf of sourdough bread and a dipping bowl of olive oil and balsamic vinegar (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it - both must be good quality though or there is little point).

A little family tradition we have in our house is to match the music to the food. For this one we listened to Italian opera arias while we ate. I don’t know exactly why but a few candles and a little Verdi make even a simple soup pretty special. This set up also provides the perfect opportunity to do a little “eating out” training for our little man.

10 Week Meal Challenge - Week 1: Risotto

2010-09-15T14:39:00.000+10:00

After the longest blogging absence imaginable, I thought I would try and revive this blog by joining the beautiful Bride-to-be Meredith in her 10 week meal challenge (as this is her third week I guess mine will be only 7 weeks). I am going through a decidedly Italian stage in cooking so many of my recipes will reflect as such.

My first recipe is basic risotto. Kinda boring? No way! This recipe is gorgeous as is or can be tweeked to suit. Heres the basic recipe and I've included some of our family favourite additions at the end. It is from Jamie Oliver's "Jamie's Italy" but I've changed quantities and taken out a few things. NOTE: You really need to use aborio rice to make this recipe or the creaminess will just not happen.

Risotto Bianco

White Risotto

1.5 litres of hot stock (Chicken, fish or vegetable as appropriate)

2 tablespoons of oil (I use rice bran or olive)

1 large onion peeled and finely chopped

1 clove of garlic, very finely chopped

3 celery stalks, trimmed and finely chopped

500g aborio rice

Sea salt and ground black pepper

100g of fine freshly grated parmesan cheese

Good handful of italian/flat leaf parsley

70g of butter (optional)

Olive oil to serve

Stage 1: Heat the stock. In a separate pan heat oil, add the onion garlic and celery, cook slowly for 10-15 minutes without colouring. This is called a soffrito. When the vegetables have softened, add the rice and turn up the heat.

Stage 2: The rice will begin to lightly fry so keep stirring it. After a minute it will look slightly translucent. This is when the hot stock comes in. Stir in your first ladle of stock and a good pinch of salt, turn the heat down to simmer so the rice doesn't cook too quickly. Keep adding ladlefuls of stock; keep stirring that starchy creaminess out of the rice; allow each ladleful of stock to be absorbed before adding the next. This shouldn't take much longer than 15 minutes. Taste the rice to see that it is cooked - you want a slight bite - if you run out of stock just add hot water.

Stage 3: Remove from the heat and quickly stir through the parmesan. Place the lid back on the pan and allow to sit for 2 minutes. This is really important as you don't want the moisture to escape and the rice become gluggy (Australian-ism meaning thick and sticky). You want it to be creamy and oozy, kind of like porridge. Serve with a little drizzle of good olive oil and a few extra shavings of parmesan. Eat it as soon as possible, while it still has this amazing texture.

Family Tweeks

Even though we love this just the way it is there are just two of our favourite deviations that keep everyone interested.

1. Smokey Bacon, Lemon, Mint and Pea.

Add a two rashes of finely chopped bacon when your adding the onion in stage 1. At stage three when your mixing in the parmesan; add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, replace parsley with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped mint, 1 cup of fresh or defrosted garden peas. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice.

2. Roast tomato and Pangrattato.
Pangrattato is just so exciting! In a food processor wizz up a handful of dried mushrooms, two slices of stale bread (caibatta or a crusty sourdough are best), and a teaspoon of either fresh thyme, rosemary. In a hot pan add a good lug of olive oil and the breadcrumb mixture, frying until you can hear the crunchy mixture moving around the pan. Remove from heat and spread out on some paper towel. While the pangrattato is cooling down, gently stir through cherry/grape tomatoes that have been roasted in a hot oven. Serve risotto topped with a generous tablespoon (and I mean generous) of the pangrattato. (Note: I usually omit the italian parsley in this one too).

Derder the Dinosaur Story

2010-02-12T10:12:00.001+11:00

Little was given this feltboard for Christmas and he loves playing with it. I have noticed allot lately that he is talking to himself while playing with anything - he will be telling himself a little story... "One day Percy and Thomas went to the seaside..." or "oh no! cried Henry"... most things are mixed and matched from what we have said when playing train sets with him or from books we have read yet this story was different - the only prompting I gave him was "so what happened next?". We got the feltboard and as he placed the different pieces on the board he told this story...

Simple Women's Day Journal

2010-01-02T17:37:00.019+11:00

Outside my Window... Very fine rain is falling on the long strips of bark that litter out backyard. There is no hurry, it seems as though every drip is taking its turn, falling one at a time. The magpies are taking their cue from the rain and are softly singing.

I am thinking... About what I should organise for schooling this year... very excited about Montessori activities at the present - making a box of colours and geometry shapes!

I am thankful for... the diligence of my Composer in providing for us. He works very hard and I need to say thank you for that more than I do. Even more so than thankfulness is pride (in a good way) and respect - these are important things for a hubby to hear.

From the kitchen... We are making sun-dried tomato, fetta, prosciutto and baby spinach pizzas today: base and sauce from scratch - so much fun!

I am creating... and Ebay listing template for a entrepreneurial endeavour... the Lord has closed so many doors on this front, I am praying this will be the one he wants me to persue :)

I am going... nowhere today... just the way I like it!

I am wearing... jeans, singlet top and cardigan.

I am reading... A book on home churches... Not really fussed about it actually :( I haven't ever been to a home church so I am finding it difficult to know what is actually looks like... what happens? who does what? What's the difference between a Bible study and home church? The search for answers is on :)

I am praying... that God would show us what to do about church. If He wants us the start a home church that He would bring at least one other family to fellowship with... can't really do it with just two, can you?

I am hearing... Kitka: The Vine.

Around the house... The house is pretty tidy at the moment. I am writting this post, my Composer is reading out something about Dinosaurs from Answers in Genesis, and little boy is playing with his animals and talking to himself - "I'm so hungry cried the Giraffe... where is the triceratops.... ooo, the crocodile goes snap, snap snap!".

One of my favourite things... Is hearing my boys talking about Godly things. They are sitting on the lounge reading A is for Adam. I love hearing little boy answer questions, relating them to what he already knows. What a blessing!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Just spend as much time as I can with my husband and son. Having my Composer at home is so lovely - I wish he could be home always!

A special photo to share...

An African Violet from my parents front yard.

Pasta

2009-10-20T22:30:00.009+11:00

As a bit of Jamie Oliver fan I knew that pasta was my next frontier after bread. Luckily I had bought a pasta machine about 10 years ago because it was on special for about $25 so I was well on my way. Mixed 250g flour and 3 eggs on the bench, just like the Italians do, and then knead the dough till it is smooth and silky... which took about 15 minutes. In the fridge wrapped in cling-film while I sweated 2 chopped leeks in a little olive oil over a low heat. In another pan, little olive oil, I cooked some fresh breadcrumbs with garlic and thyme until golden and crunchy, set aside on kitchen paper (didn't really need it though as I use only about a teaspoon of oil). When the leeks where really soft I turned then off and just set them aside. Back to the pasta... lots of flouring the benches, the pasta, everything! Then just feed the pasta through the thickest setting about 4 times, it gets a bit softer for some reason, and then feed it through the machine with the setting becoming gradually thinner until you have got what you want. Roll it up into a scroll - nothing is sticking of course because of all the flour you have been liberally applying - and then cut as you desire. I wanted it wide so I cut it about 1/2 inch. Into boiling salted water for about 2 minutes. While the pasta was cooking I retrieved the prosciutto from the pan and coarsely chopped it before returning it to the pan. I also added about 1/3 cup of fresh grated parmesan. By now the pasta was cooked and I quickly drained it and then added it to the leek mixture. Toss well and then serve with the crispy breadcrumbs over the top! Total carb fiest but that's what happens on a day of freedom.
Joy the baker has a much better recipe description if you thinking of making it yourself. There is also a link to a youtube tutorial. The same person that made this vodcast also made another using a pasta machine.

I strongly suggest the pasta machine... rolling by hand aka. rolling pin, seems pretty labour intensive and if you keep your eyes out you can get a machine for a fair price. NOTE: if you find one that doesn't have the slicing attachment don't stress, still get it, I don't think I will ever use mine as hand cut looks so much nicer :)

The whole time this is going on... about 3/4 hour... Joshua is just watching and asking questions, "What are you doing Mummy?" and "Me help?"... Here is my little chef helping make the pasta.

Family Bread Recipe - Ours and the Campbells :)

2009-08-11T11:43:00.003+10:00

This is the bread recipe I have been using with great success over the past couple of months. It has been made with white and wholemeal wheat flour, and used in traditional loaves, pizza bases (eliminate second rise and just roll it out and use) and also as Indian naan bread (eliminate second rise and just roll it out into wanted size and bake in a 250˚c oven for a couple of minutes on a preheated pizza stone or thick oven tray).

Traditional
1. In a large bowl combine 450mls warm water, 3tsp yeast, 2tsp salt, 1Tb honey and let sit for about 5 minutes in a warm place until frothy.
2. Then add 1Tb oil and 5 cups flour. Bring together in the bowl and then knead for 10 minutes on a lightly floured bench until the gluten has been thoroughly worked. Return dough to the cleaned bowl and allow to rise in a warm place for at least 4 hours or until it has doubled in size.
3. Take the risen dough out of the bowl and squash it back down to original size. Divide dough in half, form into elongated rounds and place into a bread pan lined with baking paper. Allow the dough to rise again, this time within the bread pans, for about an hour or until they are a good size (I don't find that my bread rises much in the oven so however much it has risen at this point is a pretty accurate indicator as to how big the finished product will be).
4. Bake in a hot oven, 200˚c or 390F, until the top of the bread is a medium brown. I always double check that the bread is cooked by tapping the bottom of each loaf - at this point you still have the chance to cook it a bit longer. Allow the bread to cool only until you can comfortably handle it and then serve (warm bread is just delightful!)

Of course, now that I have something that works I have decided to try a different recipe :) This one is from Serene from AboveRubies.org and it is a rye and spelt sourdough bread... very exciting! Unfortunately spelt and rye are the most expensive grains to buy here in Australia ($100 for 25kg of spelt and $60 for 20kg of rye). You can use wheat ($35 for 25kg of organic wheat) which is what I intend to do - I might get some rye but the mixture will be predominantly wheat.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-07-23T14:25:00.004+10:00

Outside my Window... the wind is throwing the trees this way and that. The clouds are sprinting across the bright blue sky.

I am thinking... about the weekend and am praying I will get over this flu I have :(

I am thankful for... my husband, who has cooked and cleaned over the last couple of days while I have been in bed.

From the kitchen... just dirty dishes unfortunately... I can imagine there is a large pot of piping hot soup though...

I am creating... not much actually - my projects have all been neglected during my flu.

I am going... nowhere in particular... except to fit infront of the heater :)

I am wearing... very very daggy: tracksuit pants and a jumper.

I am reading... The Fruitful Vine by Warren Henderson

I am praying... that everthing would be sorted out regarding my graduate diploma course - it is all a bit up in the air at the moment... please pray that the Lord would be glorified.

I am hearing... the blissful silence of a sleeping little boy.

Around the house... just mess, mess and more mess... not cleaning for a couple of day sure creates a backlog.

One of my favourite things... is reading and listening to Romantic piano music (Romantic as in the 19th century cultural movement: Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin, etc.)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... help hubby get ready for work next week, pray about university stuff and finish reading book. OOO, also find a recipe for a lemon slice :)

A special photo to share...

Joshua at the park with Mumm, Daddy, Aunty Margret and Uncle Henry after church :)

Art, Music and Literature - Oh My :)

2009-07-14T11:02:00.007+10:00

When we homeschool are son, and any other children the Lord sees fit to bless us with, we want to give them an education that is infused with Art, Music and Literature (specifically poetry and prose). In Australian schools, especially during the primary years, there is little appreciating of art, music and literature - its all making. When I say appreciating I mean understanding something of the elements of art, the principles of design and some the theory of aesthetics. I mean understanding something of tone colour, dynamics and structure of music. I mean understanding iambic pentameter and the beauty of language. Our modern artists are always talking about "self-expression" but is that what a Christian should do? As a Christian we are not to conform to this world but rethink everything from a Godly perspective. So, this is what I have been thinking about recently...

The philosophy of Christian arts, as all things, must be centred on Christ. It must be centred on Christ in both subject and form. The subject and form of Christian arts must be God honouring - what He has created and what He values - Theo-centric. Theo-centric arts bring honour and glory to God. This does not mean that it must mention God’s name, be produced by a Christian, or show a biblical scene to be Theo-centric; but it does require that the art not contradict who God is or what is said in His Word.

Using Galatians 5, ‘Fruits of the Spirit’ the characteristics of Christ-honouring artistic expression shall be put forth;

• Love - from the Greek word Agape, which means brotherly love affection, good will and benevolence.
• Joy - from the Greek word Chara, which means gladness, both received and caused.
• Peace - from the Greek word Elrene, which means harmony, concord and exemption from rage and anger.
• Longsuffering - from the Greek word Makrothumia, which means patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance, forbearance, slowness in avenging wrongs.
• Gentleness - from the Greek word Chrestotes, which means moral goodness, integrity, benignity, kindness
• Goodness - from the Greek word Agathosune, meaning uprightness of heart and life, goodness and kindness.
• Faith - from the Greek word Pistis, which means fidelity, faithfulness, and assuredness of God.
• Meekness - from the Greek word Praotes, which means gentleness and mildness yet firm and bold.
• Temperance - from the Greek word Egkrateia, which means self-control, the virtue of one that is not controlled by his carnality but, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is able to choose to sin or not.

With these definitions in mind, and a greater understanding of a Christian worldview, students should be encouraged to view, listen, and create all pieces of artistic expression where the characteristics of the work (elements, principals and communications) inspire you to think on and act in a God honouring way i.e. according to the ‘Fruits of the Spirit’. Showing students, within age appropriate constructs, what art is not Christ honouring can greatly aid and assist in them clearly being able to discern what they should let into their lives and also what they should emulate. The difference between the “sin expressive” art of the secular world and the “restrained glorifying” art of the Christian world as defined above is the basis of a Christian music, drama and visual arts philosophy.

When appreciating a piece of art, music or literature think about these things. It is a difficult area for many Christians, immersed in a sinful world, yet with prayerful consideration I believe that the Lord will guide those with a hungry heart.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-07-07T12:09:00.004+10:00

Outside my Window... the clouds are coming over - not rain clouds just the type that hide the sun :(

I am thinking... about a birthday present I am sewing... Will I get it finished in time?

I am thankful for... for my beautiful little boy - we were listening to Handel's Messiah and he sang along with the Hallelujah chorus without any encouragement :)

From the kitchen... bread, lemon butter, and pizza sauce - big cooking day.

I am creating... this post and a special project (post pictures when I finish it).

I am going... to hang the washing out - even though its clouding over.

I am wearing... very daggy: tracksuit pants, black cardigan and black singlet top.

I am reading... The Excellent Wife book - again :)

I am praying... that I would trust God in the little things as well as the big.

I am hearing... Kevin Swanson on Generations, talking about instilling the character trait of modesty in your daughters (link bellow).

Around the house... messy kitchen, Himalayan size mountains of laundry and sewing...

One of my favourite things... is practising music on my flute (I'd really like to get my 6th grade performance AMEB in the next couple of years so I can teach from home).

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... hope to get some sewing and practice done in between chores. Also want to help bubby with reading and counting (dirty/clean - up/down - etc.)

A special photo to share...

Little boy in a special playhouse sewn by Grandma - held up by a card table :)

Kevin Swanson's Generations Radio Program
Fathers Who Still Care about Their Daughter's Modesty The Problem of Distracted, Disengaged Fathers

If more fathers wanted to protect their daughters' purity and insisted on modesty in heart and dress, would clothing styles be any different than they are today? Would their fifteen year old daughters pose for Vanity Fair magazine, or stand up for their Christian faith in a bikini on national television?

Seldom discussed in Christian media, but highly significant in all of this is the problem of disconnected, disinterested, and distracted fathers. Kevin Swanson interviews James and Stacy McDonald on the subject of modesty, with a special focus on dad's role in protecting the purity and modesty of his daughters.

To those we love

2009-03-09T09:50:00.004+11:00

They say the world is round, and yet
I often think it's square;
So many little hurts we get
from corners here and there.
There is one truth in life I've found
while journeying east and west,
The only folk we really wound
are those we love the best.

The choicest garb, the sweetest grace
are oft to strangers shown;
The careless word, the frowning face,
are given to our own.
We flatter those we scarcely know,
we please the fleeting guest,
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
to those we love the best.

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I added...

Yet where we to look to God above
and see each other as He doth see
We would exchange disputes for a conduct of love
and live a life glorifying to He.

A Father Reading the Bible - Felicia Hemans

2009-03-06T23:59:00.006+11:00

T'was early Day, and sunlight streamed
Soft through a quiet room.
That hushed, hut not forsaken, seemed,
Still, but with naught of gloom.
For there, serene in happy age.
Whose hope is from above,
A Father communed with the page
Of Heaven's recorded love.

Pure fell the beam, and meekly bright,
On his grey holy hair,
And touched the page with tenderest light,
As if us shrine were there
But oh ! that patriarch's aspect shone
With something lovelier far-
A radiance all the spirit's own.
Caught not from sun or star.

Some word of life e'en then had met
His calm, benignant eye,
Some ancient promise, breathing yet
Of immortality :
Some martyr's prayer, wherein the glow
Of quenchless faith survives :
For every feature said- "I know
That my Redeemer lives"

And silent stood his children by,
Hushing their very breath,
Before the solemn sanctity
Of thoughts o'ersweeping death.
Silent yet did not each young breast
With love and reverence melt
Oh ! blest be those fair girls, and blest
That home where God is felt

This little poem, which, as its Author herself expressed in a letter to Mrs. Joanne Baillie, was to her "a thing set apart," as being the the last of her productions ever read to her beloved mother, was written at the request of a young lady, who thus made known her wish "that Mrs. Hemans would embody in poetry a picture that so warmed a daughters heart:" -

Upon going into our dear father's sitting room this morning, my sister and I found him deeply engaged reading his Bible, and, being unwilling to interrupt such a holy occupation, we retired to the further end of the apartment, to gaze unobserved upon the serene picture. The bright morning sun was beaming on his venerable silver hair, while his defective sight increased the earnestness with which he perused the blessed book. Our fancy led us to believe that some immortal thought was engaging his mind, for he raised his fine open brow to the light, and we felt we had never loved him more deeply. After an involuntary prayer has passed from our hearts, we whispered to each other, "Oh! if Mrs. Hemans could only see our father at this moment, her glowing pen would detain the scene; for even as we gaze upon it, the bright gleam is vanishing.
December 9th, 1826

The Poetical Works of Felicia Hemans, Ed. William Micheal Rossetti, London:Ward, Lock, & Bowden, Ltd. p.465

Cubbyholes, Special Spots and Cumffy Chairs

2009-03-05T11:01:00.005+11:00

Deb, inspired by her sister, wrote about her cubbyhole. I love special corners! For some reason I always associate them with winter and the cold. They must include; a nice place to sit, somewhere to put a cup of tea, a bunch of flowers, and sun from a nearby window. Here is my spot. It is actually in the dinning room, but because we have an open plan lounge-dining-kitchen it doesn't stick out.
What I love about the spot is that it is sentimental - it is not the most beautiful spot, neither is the photo that fantastic, but it is a place where I have put things that are special to only me.

Baby Felt Shoes :)

2009-02-24T17:38:00.006+11:00

Have you ever seen anything so gorgeous? You can get a pattern for a simple shoe from Martha Stewart or Heather Bailey.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-23T19:33:00.006+11:00

Outside my Window... It is 7:30pm. The sun, only just peaking through the dark rain clouds, is spreading a bright purple and pink glow across the sky. The trees are waving their branches excitedly; the wind animating their elegant white limbs. Its beginning to rain and the crickets begin their drone...

I am thinking... about my husband - he is teaching a music theory class and should be home at about 9pm - praying he is safe on the road. Also about beautiful Taliah and her gorgeous Abigail - she is as beautiful as Joshua is handsome.

I am thankful for... for all the little blessings God has seen fit to give us, as well as all the big ones :)

From the kitchen... yesterdays bread and cinnamon rolls.

I am creating... this post and the grandma's garden quilt. Also some bookmarks with counted red work embroidery on them (still happening).

I am going... to bed before 9pm (well that's the plan anyway).

I am wearing... jeans, purple top and black cardigan.

I am reading... The Excellent Wife book - again :)

I am hoping... that one day I will again be apart of a church where I feel like I belong... still :)

I am hearing... Schubert's Impromptu in A flat Major, Op. 142 (D935), No.2

Around the house... messy kitchen, bit of laundry and sewing...

One of my favorite things... is practicing music on my flute (I'd really like to get my 6th grade performance AMEB in the next couple of years so I can teach from home).

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... hope to get some sewing and practice done in between chores. Also want to help Joshua with ABC's and opposites (dirty/clean - up/down - etc.)

A special photo to share...

Beautiful New Bubby :)

2009-02-22T20:19:00.006+11:00

My lovely friend T had her baby this morning. Isn't she just beautiful :) I am so excited for her and hubby. What an amazing blessing this lovely child will be for them, and I am sure for us too.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-17T05:38:00.004+11:00

Outside my Window... Its 5:30am and dark. Birds not yet awake but I can hear my little boy talking to himself - I can't believe he's awake already :o)

I am thinking... that I should write a post which lists the most important Godly women verses - i have had a few visitors who arrive here from a Google search looking for specific verses... would be a good exercise for me to do anyway...

I am thankful for... for all the little blessings God has seen fit to give us, as well as all the big ones :)

From the kitchen... bread (once I make it), wheatbix with warm milk and sultanas for little boy and daddy, and maybe honey jumbles later on.

I am creating... this post and the grandma's garden quilt. Also some bookmarks with counted red work embroidery on them.

I am going... nowhere today. I am staying home with my favourite boy.

I am wearing... jeans, purple top and black cardigan.

I am reading... The Excellent Wife book - again :)

I am hoping... that one day I will again be apart of a church where I feel like I belong... still :)

I am hearing... a 'ladies talk' by Martha Peace on Feminism - wonderful, I recommend you listen to it. It is such a clear explanation of how to identify ungodly philosophies that have crept into our thinking. She also explains the origin of these philosophies in Betty Friedan and Abraham Marslow. If you listen to the talk (found in the sidebar in the iPod) you can refer to this diagram of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which she refers to.

Around the house... clean kitchen, laundry, bedroom, bread

One of my favorite things... is living in a clean house :) It is as if I can think better when everything is tidy.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... bible, bread, biscuits (cookies), clean house, happy family... still sounds good.

A special photo to share...

Little boy's youngest Uncle and him watching Thomas the Tank Engine. My Composer is the eldest of 6 boys. The difference between him and this Uncle is almost the same as between this uncle an little boy

Simple Woman's Daybook

2009-02-10T08:03:00.006+11:00

Outside my Window... the leaves of our neighbours gun tree are dripping after an early morning shower. I can hear the drips falling onto the bark covering ground below.

I am thinking... that I must do some washing today even though the whether isn't perfect for it.

I am thankful for... my Composer. He left for work earlier than usual today and is going to spend the day working hard so I can stay home with our beautiful little boy. I need to show him more appreciation for this.

From the kitchen... bread from yesterday and dishes from this morning.

I am creating... this post :) Also a grandma's garden quilt (hexagons). It is the longest project I have ever done :)

I am going... nowhere today. I am staying home with my favourite boy.

I am wearing... very daggy: black tracksuit pants, brown top with black cardigan - I am doing some exercise when little boy has his sleep (about 11)

I am reading... Family Driven Faith by Rev. Baucham (too exciting for words - can't wait to talk about it with my husband after he reads it)

I am hoping... that one day I will again be apart of a church where I feel like I belong.

I am hearing... Melissa Ringstaff's workshop on Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman from her site: avirtuouswoman.org

Around the house... clean kitchen, laundry, bedroom... clean out my candle holders ready for tomorrow morning (early start)

One of my favorite things... is reading about other girls and woman who are striving for God. The apathetic nature of Christianity in Australia can get me discouraged, yet when I see how many of you are out in the wider world I don't feel so alien anymore

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... bible, bread, biscuits (cookies), clean house, happy family... sound good?

A special photo to share...

Special picture of little boy playing his Glockenspiel.

Victorian bushfires worst in Australian history

2009-02-09T09:53:00.006+11:00

Scene of horror ... dozens of small acreage properties have been destroyed

Victoria is a state of Australia, located in the bottom right hand corner. Over the last couple of days they have had the worst fires our country has ever seen. Over 108 people have died and hundreds have received burns, may life threatening. I have seen so many pictures on the news that are just heartbreaking; burnt remains of cars where people had died trying to get away, families with only one or two members having survived, and the faces of children who will remember the terrible fear they experienced for the rest of their lives.

I pray that through this horrific experience God may be glorified and that in their grief and brokenness, those who have survived might turn to He who is called "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" Isaiah 9:6.

The following is by Sandra O'Malley of the Australian Newspaper

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has told the nation to prepare itself for worse news as the inferno ravaging Victoria became Australia's most deadly on record. The military has been put on stand-by to provide assistance and most Australians were in shock as the death toll in Victoria climbed to 108, superseding the 1983 Ash Wednesday disaster, which claimed 75 lives. Mr Rudd promised all Australians would partner in the rebuilding of the Victorian communities razed by the bushfires. "We've come through bad times before and we'll come through this one," he said. But he warned people to prepare for more bad news. "I fear in the days ahead that the news is going to be bad and, I believe, the nation needs to prepare itself as full facts become known," he said. The prime minister has spent much of Sunday touring fire-ravaged communities and speaking to workers at the state's Country Fire Authority (CFA) headquarters. With Victorian Premier John Brumby, Mr Rudd announced a joint $10 million emergency relief fund to help victims of the tragedy. "The Rudd and Brumby governments are working closely together to ensure that the people and emergency workers in Victoria have all the support they require during this difficult time," he said. The prime minister will head out to fire-affected communities again this morning before he is expected to return to Canberra later in the day for question time in parliament. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is on standby to assist, providing resources and expertise including the deployment of army bulldozers to build fire breaks. Mr Rudd was in talks with high-level defence specialists this evening, discussing what the military could do to assist in each of the affected communities. Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon told AAP a response plan was in place to allow commanders on the ground to do everything possible to deal with requests for assistance. "We stand ready to help in any way that we can and we will respond positively to any request where we think we can make a positive contribution," he said. "The most obvious areas will be the deployment of heavy earth-moving equipment to assist with the containment of fires." Twelve army bulldozers have already been deployed to near Yea in northeast Victoria. Defence may help with the provision of stretchers and possibly tents to accommodate people who have lost their homes in the fires. "(And) we do have some expertise in firefighting as well and we'll be providing advice on the ground as well," Mr Fitzgibbon said. But the minister said there weren't sufficient numbers of ADF personnel with firefighting experience to help battle the bushfires directly.

From Monday, Centrelink will begin making disaster relief payments of $1000 for adults and $400 for children effected by the bushfires. Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin said the money would help people who fled their homes without so much as clothes or a toothbrush. "There are hundreds of people there, many of them have lost everything and this $1000 is really just to help them get some emergency clothing, a toothbrush. It's really just to provide immediate assistance," she told the Macquarie Radio Network. Centrelink will offer counselling services from Victorian relief centres and funeral assistance worth up to $5,000 will be available to the families of people who've died in the fires. The government will consider further assistance, as required.

Palin and the Pulpit

2009-02-09T09:27:00.003+11:00

Love it! If there is one thing I can't stand is Christians that back down when asked about controversial issues! Not here though, Rev. Baucham absolutely nailed this. He was firm yet didn't get defensive. Love it!

How blessed we are...

2009-02-03T11:32:00.005+11:00

The above pictures were taken in Robertson, Kangaroo Valley and Bowral. It is such a blessing living in the country. I hope to stay here for the rest of my days :)

Comments:
Meredith Ivy said...
How pretty! Those pictures look more like a postcard than real life. I hope you have a blessed week. :)
February 3, 2009 12:53 PM

Clara Van Nattan said...
Beautiful pictures... I just love countryside, too :)
February 4, 2009 8:42 PM

Julie said...
Hey!I love the pictures. Also I have not stopped by in a few days but I have to say I really like the new layout!
February 8, 2009 1:01 PM

Choose to be joyful!

2009-02-01T12:44:00.008+11:00

It seems that everyone has their own issues and trials that God is working through. Some people its health, others it is money or relationships. Sometimes we allow God to work and trust in Him, other times we don't.

Wise Julie (my new name for her) from "Keepers at Home" recently wrote:

Happiness is an emotion you feel when things are going your way or you are pleased. Joy is a response you choose no matter what life's situation is. I have had people tell me that I am being fake by pretending to be joyful when I am not. But tell me, what is accomplished by wearing a sad face? By going around saying, "Woe is me!"? What do I accomplish when I tell everyone my troubles and no one my blessings?

Flute Quartet

2008-10-28T15:28:00.000+11:00

This is just lovely - I really need to get back into practicing :)

The reality...

2008-10-23T23:18:00.002+11:00

Check out Stacy McDonald's blog. She is the author of "Raising Maidens of Virtue". Lovely stories of family life and encouraging articles of how to live a life that is pleasing to God. Click this posts title to see her original post.

Supporting your families economic activities...

2008-10-17T10:50:00.011+11:00

How do we prepare ourselves to be the best wife and mother we can possible be? I am a first generation Christian. I have not being brought up in a Christian home, nor have I been brought up to desire to be a help meet and keeper at home. The process of "de-programing" my mind to be content at home has been long and arduous, yet my husband and I are dedicated to homeschooling our children and forging an economic plan, with the Lord guidance, that will allow us to prosper (I use this word with hesitation, when I say prosper I simply mean that we shall be without "need"). One vital component of this plan is creating way in which I can make a modest income through entrepreneurial endeavours - based in the home.

I have enjoyed recently looking at the "Entrepreneurial Endeavours" posts on Merediths blog and thought I would follow suit and do something similar.

Entrepreneurial Endeavour 1: Hand painted Shopping Bags
I don't know whats happening in other countries around the world but here in Australia with the newly elected Labor Government (Australian version of democrats) we have been forced to jump on the environmental bandwagon - bit of a Little Brown Hen "The sky is falling, the sky is falling" situation actually but I'm sure its going to be okay. One aspect of these reforms is the phasing out of plastic shopping bags - we don't have brown paper grocery bags just the white plastic ones. As soon as I heard this I had a light bulb moment and think that it would be a cracking success at the markets or through a local store - hand painted canvas bags. They can be used over and over again for groceries, trips to the library or music lessons, any situation when you need a bag! You can either create stencils and print by hand, or if you want to make lots of one particular design you can go the screen printing approach. The former is a bit more labor intensive but it means you can make "limited edition" designs and change colours often, the latter is easier when your repeating a design many times over, but it does have a high set-up cost. If you like sewing on the machine, you could make the bags your self - I can't say I am particularly fond of machine sewing so I would buy the bags premade - $1.55 each/per 100.

Hope this has been inspiring. This is something that I am going to attempt soon so when I have the finished product I'll post a couple of picture for some public criticism :)

Happy Godly Mummy-to-be...

2008-10-16T09:04:00.011+11:00

Psalm 139:13-15
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

"Possessed" is translated from "Qanah" and means to get, acquire, create, buy, possess. "Reins" is translated from "Kilyah" meaning Kidneys - which figuratively refer to the seat of emotions and affection, or of course the literal organ.The word "covered" in verse 13 has a number of different definitions: to cover, to screen, to overshadow. In the KJV this is how the word is usually translated yet in the Strong Concordance the word " Cakak" can be ascribed the meaning to weave together.

In light of the previous post, and in honour of my beautiful friend pictured above, I would like to share with you what I believe this passage to proport: We are created by God from the very moment of conception. Like a weaver overshadowing a loom, our God was instrumental in the construction of every fibre of our being. He created each organ, each righteous emotion and our desire to give and recieve affection in Godly relationships that honour Him. We are no random product of chance but the artwork of the Creator God. With the fall the artwork has been corrupted, right from the moment we are created, yet that does not change the process that God performs.

In Christ,
Laura

Abortion Survivor

2008-10-14T15:35:00.008+11:00

When Gianna Jessen was born, the abortionist was trying to kill her not deliver her. But she survived a saline abortion attempt on her life. Since surviving she has grown up to be hated by many. Why? Because her very survival and her life exposes every aspect of the Pro-Choice lie and that she credit the All Mightly God in Heaven for her life; Recently Gianna gave a 16 minute talk on abortion at the Victorian Parliament (State of Australia). This video is powerful and disturbing. This two part video touches your heart and inspires thankfulness to our Lord. His blessing are indeed abundant and He is so very long suffering.

A visit to the park...

2008-10-13T10:49:00.004+11:00

I had to share some of the photos I took at the park the other day. While my Composer has been on holidays from work we have made a daily visit to the park and little boy just loves it

Here he is smiling for the camera, he is such a poser :)

Loved the slippy dip!

Action shot on the swing - definitely his favourite

Walking back to the car with daddy after playing sword fights with sticks - not exactly the safest game but daddy is very careful :) I love living in the Highlands, it is just the most beautiful place.

It is one of my greatest joys to see my family together - I know that many Fathers wouldn't give their children the time of day, so I am so very grateful that my Composer always makes time for him. He is daddy's little man.

Do you really "study" the Word?

2008-09-17T23:23:00.010+10:00

First I must apologise and explain myself... the reason I haven't blogged for so long is because I have been madly trying to get a special project finished I have been wanting to do for some time... its a bible study on Blogger :) The best part is, that's all we do - "STUDY THE BIBLE" - its revolutionary I know :P

There is a time and place for topical, biographical and all the other "ical" studies out there, but they are all working from the premise that someone else before you has read the bible and found the verses you are reading. Why not study and read the bible yourself! Your understanding will be not "according to this person..." or "I have always believed...", but rather "this is what the Scriptures say...". With time and diligence you will see connections and themes begin to form before your eyes. In education circles they call this type of learning 'authentic learning'. This is because, as many of you home schooling mothers will know by experience, learning by discovery is a much more effective form of learning because the student has ‘possession’ of the knowledge. Even though some would argue that it is much more labor intensive than other methods, (I sometimes cover only three verses in half an hour) let me assure you that this form of study yields a harvest of truthes that beyond a doubt has transformed my walk - and it’s the Word of the Living God - transforming is what its all about for the believer!!!!!

Christian women, seeking an authentic learning experience, desiring the joy of truly possessing what you learn from Scripture, striving to be a woman for God... let me take this opportunity to invite you to come and join our community. The Book of Ephesians is were we begin and we are hoping to begin very soon. There is no charge, no special books to buy, and no strict timetable of study, all you need is an internet connection and you're ready to go.

Visit the new blog at Women for God
Please email me to register your interest.

UPDATE: Women for God is no longer running.

Day Journal

2008-09-08T09:39:00.002+10:00

Outside my Window... the sky is like a great thick grey blanket. Everything looks very 'England' - at least what I imagine England looks like.

I am thinking... how I really need to be doing my Mathematics lesson plan assignment for uni

I am thankful for... my bible. I cannot imagine my life without the incredible privilege of always having access to the Word of God.

In the kitchen... is a huge mess that really needs to be cleaned up but I don't want to wake little boy up who is sleeping in the next room

I am creating... an order to get some gorgeous ribbons from strano designs [put on hold - postage is expensive:(]

I am going... to the shops to buy bread and milk - no sun, no homemade bread :(

I am wearing... a 3/4 denim skirt, black tights, uggs, a green blue slinglet top and a black cardigan (i love my black cardi)

I am reading... Ephesians and 1 Peter.

I am hoping... that the issue of headcoverings would become clear for me.

I am hearing... Voddie Bauchaum on "Biblical Headship" - tough stuff.

Around the house... more cleaning to be done - Kitchen, Laundry and bedrooms.

One of my favorite things... is boy's face when I go into his room just after he has woken up - just happy to see me. We have big hugs and kisses.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... uni work, wash, clean, laugh, study the word, love my husband and son, and hopefully grow in the Lord.

A special photo to share...
little boy just received a present from Nanni - animal figurines :)

Pregnancy with little boy

2008-09-06T09:33:00.007+10:00

Just under 18 months ago this is what I looked like - about ready to pop. The most incredible part of having a baby is feeling him move inside you. I don't know what other Mums think but I was pretty selective who I let feel my tummy when little boy was kicking - I don't know why but I felt like it was a very personal thing. Its all pretty hard work, I can't say I felt fabulous often, but he was definitely worth it. Look at him...

Here is the latest photo I have of little boy, he is outside in our simply ghastly backyard, "digging" - he LOVES "digging". He gets a bit of dirt on his scoop or spade and then throws it all over the cement. Thinks it's just so funny :)

Home Discipleship - What does that look like?

2008-08-15T08:41:00.000+10:00

Generations with Vision - Kevin Swanson

No Sunday Schools? No Youth Pastor? No Children's Church? What kind of a church is that? Two pastors discuss the challenges and the blessings of forming a home discipleship church. Henry Reyenga and Dr. David Feddes are pastors of Family of Faith Church in Monee, Illinois.

On the right had side of the church web site there is a link to download the hymn of the month: Jesus Loves Me - which they mention in their talk.

NOTE: I do not agree with everything this church teaches. I am simply giving the link for you to do further investigations yourself. Be as the Bereans were in acts - test all things to see if they are true - don't take my word for it :)

Sleet in the Highlands.

2008-08-11T11:00:00.002+10:00

Yesterday it almost snowed - well sort of - this is out the back of our sliding doors. Yes, the garden is terrible but we haven't got to it yet.

Peppermint Creams

2008-08-11T10:44:00.005+10:00

The reaction was "awwww" (descending in pitch) which I will interpret to be really good. Happy with the size - the espresso creams were too big - they look a bit boring though... might need to rethink presentation. Might need some chopped peppermint in the filling - flecks of green?

My Darling Composer

2008-08-01T08:40:00.004+10:00

This is me bragging about my hubby.

1. Who is your man? My Composer is my husband, he is little boy's daddy, and the most fantastic music teacher in the world.

2. How long have you been married? 5 years in December.
3. How long dated? 2 years

4. How old is your man? 25
5. Who eats more? Definitely him - like a horse.
6. Who said "I love you" first? He did. We had been going out for 3 months and he said that he loved me and wanted to marry me... one day (LOL!)
7. Who is taller? He is, I am just over 5 foot but he is about 6 1/2 foot.

8. Who sings better? He does, he once sang at a friends wedding and I just cried and cried, it was so beautiful!

9. Who is smarter? He is. He has a photographic memory. I am the girl to speak to about English Literature but Sam is your man about everything else.
10. Whose temper is worse? Mine, hands down, but he is much more stubborn (hee,hee,hee:)
11. Who does the laundry? I do most of the time.
12. Who takes out the garbage? We both do - which is why we have missed the truck quite a few times :)
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do.14. Who pays the bills? He does

15. Who is better with the computer? He is good with the technical aspects and music programs like Sibelius and Reason but I know how to do the graphics side - Photoshop and Illustrator etc.

16. Who mows the lawn? We don't have any, bu I know he would if we did.17. Who cooks dinner? I do - the kitchen is my domain :)18. Who drives when you are together? Mostly him because I don't have my license yet - I have my L's and can only go 80km/h - about 50miles an hour.
19. Who pays when you go out? Go Out!!?? We don't :) No, that's a lie, we went to the movies about a month ago and he paid, but its our money anyway so...
20. Who is most stubborn? Definitely him and I refuse to hear otherwise :)
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Even though I'm not an American I'm going the plead the fifth :)
22. Whose parents do you see the most? Both of our parents live in a small town about an hour from us - I think we see both of them equally, or try to at least.

23. Who kissed who first? I kissed him - very bold, very bold - it was his first kiss to. I became a Christian when I was 20 so unfortunately it wasn't my first kiss but I like to say it was my first "real" kiss.

24. Who asked who out? He asked me but, I hate to say it, I sort of gave him an ultimatum. "Either ask me out or leave me alone!" Gosh I sound scary!

25. Who proposed? He did. It was the most lovely night of my life - I'll write it up someday.

26. Who is more sensitive? ME! I am getting better but I am really hypersensitive.

27. Who has more friends? I do but only because I have more time to foster friendships.

28. Who has more siblings? He does. 5 younger brothers

29. Who wears the pants in the family? He does. I much prefer skirts. ;)

30. How did you meet? At church, through a friend - my bridesmaid.

Packaging

2008-07-23T13:07:00.009+10:00

When I get to the markets to sell the biscuits there are two ways I would like to package them;
First is using a display cabinet like this one use by the amazing "Two Tarts Bakery" - I can't say I like their name but the cabinet is great. When someone makes a purchase I would put the product in a simple paper bag. - Update: not going to do this now, too expensive and lots of handling.

The second way is in cellophane bags like these and little ribbon ties. What do you think? - Update: no sticker, too much added to cost, but I still like the bags.

Samaura Artisan Bakery - Menu Draft and logo

2008-07-21T14:00:00.020+10:00

Here is the logo - the design is still in flux - I have done about 5 or 6 others since I put this one together and I seem to always come back to this.

Menu Draft:

TEA SHAPES ~ $2.50 bag of 4
Green tea leaves
Earl Grey & currant triangles
White tea & strawberry squares
Chai & almond flowers
Lemongrass & ginger circles

CHOCOLATE DROPS ~ $2.50 bag of 4
Dark chocolate & orange
Dark chocolate & ginger
White chocolate & macadamia
Milk chocolate & hazelnut
Milk chocolate & cherry
Milk chocolate & walnut

OATMEAL DROPS ~ $2.50 bag of 4
Oatmeal and white chocolate drops, lightly salted
Oatmeal, dark chocolate drops studded with dried cranberries

GINGER DROPS ~ $2.50 bag of 4
Fresh, powdered and crystalised ginger drops rolled in sesame seeds

THUMBPRINTS ~ $2.50 bag of 4
Raspberry
Blood Orange
Blueberry
Cherry
Passionfruit
Peach
Rosehip

ICE QUEENS ~ $2.50 bag of 4
Spiced ginger fingers with lemon icing

BISCUITWICHES ~ $2.50 bag of 4
Hazelnut biscuits with chocolate ganache
Espresso biscuits with cinnamon cream
Cocoa biscuits with peppermint cream

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO COOKIES ~ $2.50 bag of 4
Dark chocolate chunks, rich cocoa, chocolate covered espresso beans

FESTIVE BISCOTTI ~ $2.50 bag of 4
“Sandy” textured biscotti with cranberries & pistachios.

What do you think?

Teach your children the Word!

2008-07-21T11:05:00.005+10:00

As this precious little girl has shown it is never too early to impress your children with the truth of God's word. They are like little sponges at this age, give them something worthy to learn.
Note: don't forget to press pause on the music player in the right hand column.

Home Discipleship Churches

2008-07-16T17:55:00.006+10:00

Even though I may not agree totally theologically with Godly men like Kevin Swanson and Henry Reyenga, I am fascinated with the movement they are involved in called "Home Discipleship Churches" and "Family Integrated Churches". Here in Australia there aren't, as far as I know, any churches using this type of format with is a real shame because it seems to be really exciting.

I have been reading and listening to some very interesting material of late regarding this topic. The best two resources I have so far come across are book called "The Spontaneous Spread of Home-Discipleship Christianity" by Henry Reyenga (free from this site) and a really powerful sermon given by Voddie Baucham at the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas. I haven't been able to get Voddie Baucham's book "Family Driven Faith" but it's on my list. This is a quick breakdown:

The Christian church in its present form is not working. We make many converts with our entertaining church services, but few make any lasting commitment, and when someone does make that commitment he or she is usually dependent on Sunday and Wednesday night services to feed their faith. We value material possession over God's blessing through the womb, and the children that we do have are being handed over to 'professionals' to be educated in humanist thought. 80% of the children born of "Baptist" parents are not continuing the faith of their parents. Our birth rate is something like 1.7 children per family. We are dying out!

The answer is a radical rethink of how we live out our faith, what we value and how we intend to equip the next generation to live in a progressively sinful world.

Each Home-Discipleship church service includes:
1. hymn singing in four parts (learnt together at home)
2. whole families getting up in front of the body and quoting their scripture memorisation passage (learnt together at home)
4. The sermon topic is given to the family head the previous Sunday, allowing them to study the passage during the week (learnt together at home)

People that accept Christ can not be expected to just "know" how to be a Christian. As a new Christian I received little guidance on what I was to do next - practically. It is only now after being a christian for over 7 years that I feel I am finally understanding how to do a personal bible study and pray. Its not that I blame those who were there for me at the beginning, I just don't think they really knew what I needed. This is what these types of churches plan to avoid. Salvation is not "answer an alter call" at the end of an emotionally manipulating concert but a decision based on revelation of our sinfulness and understanding of our position before God. Sanctification in not simply regular attendance to church and doing lots of church stuff but a slow process of change through time set aside for methodical bible study and purposeful prayer both as apart of a group and as an individual.

Other important features, in Family Integrated churches, is that there are no major 'programs' directed to one particular group; youth groups being the most notable. Voddie Baucham says that they are unbiblical and they don't work! Amen! Instead have the younger people and the older people come together and fellowship: the younger bringing zeal and the older bringing maturity, knowledge and wisdom. WOW! This sounds almost biblical :) What does this look like? Father and Son camping trips, mother and daughter afternoon teas, church lunches and most importantly regular family hospitality! Bring people into your home, make a simple meal for them and talk about the Lord. This is one of my favourite things and I can't wait till little boy is old enough to understand what is being said - it is such a wonderful time of learning.

I hope I have wet your appetite to think more about these things. Listen to the sermon, share it with your husband, order Henry Reyenga's free book (I do not agree with everything he says but its interesting). Love some feedback - What do you think?

Update...

2008-07-16T11:36:00.003+10:00

Just to retain integrity in my postings - the antipasto and brushetta didn't happen the other night - I didn't leave enough time to go to the shops so I decided to make good old Spaghetti with meat and vegetable passata. My friend said she didn't feel sick afterward - hopefully she wasn't just being polite - and we then had coffees and hot chocolates. Great night - she's going to be an awesome mum - homeschooling too :)

A house to make into a home...

2008-07-16T10:38:00.011+10:00

Do you have dreams of owning your own home? I do. Somewhere I can have chickens and a big veggie patch, somewhere little boy can run about, kick a ball, have a cubbyhouse and a schoolroom, and where we could have a guest room so friends can stay. I'm not complaining, I know that at this time God has us here, renting and I am learning to be content, yet I don't think its wrong to plan... I have very detailed plans:).

I have always been on the look out for ways to build inexpensively without compromising on the end result. I thought maybe we could get a kit home and build it ourselves but considering neither of us have experience or relatives with that level of experience it would probably be wiser getting someone else to do it. I had a look anyway and decided that I really liked this floorplan - I have made a few changes - the rumpus room that I split in half into two rooms - one with french doors leading out onto the veranda (This would be Sam's study), that veranda on the right hand side of the house has been widened to twice the width, and a walk in pantry has been added - cutting into the lounge room, which I would close off with french doors and use as a homeschool room. I don't think I would want to use a wood frame either - termites can eat through a house in a matter of months - so I have been looking at insulate concrete forms from Zego. Its very quick - a single story house in a matter of weeks - and has great insulation properties.

As far as land is concerned its going to be difficult. Where we are you couldn't purchase anything bigger than 300 - 400 square meters for under $150,000 and that's really too small for what we want to do. About half an hours drive from us there are blocks for $95,000 and they are over 2000 square meters - much better!

We will probably have to wait for a few years, I think 5 and the Composer thinks 10 :), before we can seriously think about this but its fun planning in the mean time. All I need to be sure about is that I don't let it become an idol - God first, husband second, little boy third, everyone else fourth then somewhere down the list is the house - a right prespective is very important.

Day Journal...

2008-07-15T12:42:00.015+10:00

Outside my Window... is three loads of washing swaying to and fro in the cool winter breeze. The sun is warm today and there is a large flock of cockatoos squawking loudly as they move from tree to tree.

I am thinking... how excited I am that my friend and her lovely husband are coming over this afternoon and how I can't wait to congratulate her on her 1st pregnancy.

I am thankful for... my husband and the unity of the Spirit that I share with him.

From the kitchen... not sure yet. My friend can't eat much because she is nauseous, but I'm going to try putting together some brushetta and antipasto.

I am creating... a website for my biscuit business that will be starting soon.

I am going... to the shops so to buy things for tonight's dinner - under $30.

I am wearing... a 3/4 denim skirt, flat dunlop slip-ons, a dark red slinglet top and a black cardigan.

I am reading... Mind Siege by Tim LaHay - only started last night but its so far so good.

I am hoping... that during the next school term when my Composer is back at work that he and I will make the time to have daily time with God - both together and separately.

I am hearing... the genius of Dvorak in his "Song to the Moon" from Rusalka. It's on the Swoon Album by ABC Classic FM.

Around the house... cleaning to be done - Kitchen, Laundry and bedrooms.

One of my favorite things... is little boy's face when I go into his room after his sleep - just happy to see me. We have big hugs and kisses.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... wash, clean, laugh, study the word, love my husband and son, and hopefully grow in the Lord.

A special photo to share...
This is a photo of my antique sewing table that sits in my dinning room. I have my grandmother's vase with lavender from my mum's house, a doily that my great grandmother made, a pile of stones we gathered while on holidays in Tasmania I think, a special box I am keeping things in for little boy when he gets older and a framed verse: Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

Chocolate Chip...

2008-07-14T01:31:00.001+10:00

My Composer said that if these were the only biscuits I ever made for the rest of our lives he would be content... I love it when he says things like that, he is such a darling :)

Honey Jumbles

2008-07-14T01:29:00.000+10:00

Another trial recipe... this one is a definite.

Espresso Creams

2008-07-14T01:25:00.001+10:00

Two espresso bean flavoured biscuits sandwiched together with cinnamon cream... Sound good? My latest farmer's market stall trial... the results were very promising... My Uncle was pretty impressed :)

First day of the Composer's holidays...

2008-06-28T15:49:00.000+10:00

Today is my Composer's first day of a three week break - and boy does he need it. Over the past 11 or so weeks he has been running around like a headless chicken! Exams, reports, doing accreditation paperwork - he is just so tired. He had a special sleep in till 8:00am this morning after which he woke to find freshly squeezed orange juice, a pot of coffee, flowers and a "Family Breakfast Menu" - designed by little boy, written by Mummy - all waiting for him at the table. He decided he would have the pancakes with stewed apples and yoghurt and ate it quicker than it took me to make it. For lunch he had homemade tomato soup and fresh bread - oh yeah, the bread worked!! My Composer played with little boy for a while, did about 2 1/2 hours work and now they have have gone for a walk so mummy can have some quiet time.

2008-06-27T23:24:00.000+10:00

Quick picture of little boy and I today - have a mountain of uni work due so I haven't been able to write anything - actually no, that's a lie, I have written quite a bit but I didn't think it was "blog worthy". Let me explain: starting this blog has reminded me of when I was at school. when you would start class at the beginning of the new year. Everyone is on their best behaviour while the teacher would give each student a pile of crisp new exercise books - one for each subject. The front covers were fold free as if someone had just ironed it. Each page was so very white, you almost felt guilty writing in it and what you did write in it you wanted to be your best. It was like that pile of books were a reflection of me - blank with no mistakes. Well, I have felt the same about this blog. I haven't written anything in a non-academic style, except letters and emails, since I was at school and creative writing was never a strength so I am kind of nervous.

But... I shall conquer my fear of failure by reveling in the knowledge that I will never be the best blogger on the web, there will always be some blogger that has a better turn of phrase or a style of expression than I and I actually find this liberating. I'm not aiming to be the best, I just aiming to be real.

PS: I am terrible at proper grammar so I apologise :)

Bread disaster...

2008-06-25T08:49:00.000+10:00

Well, the bread experinment didn't succeed in the traditional sense of success :) It was as hard as a rock, and well, tasted like a rock too. I thought I might open it up and ask is anyone could pass on their handmade bread recipe.

Welcome...

2008-06-16T12:03:00.001+10:00

Hello and welcome to my blog. I hope that what I write in the future here will only every be challenging and encouraging. I plan to write about anything and everything - house cleaning, homeschooling, the Word of God, family worship, cooking, art, music, sewing, literature and what ever else comes up. It might be regularly updated, then again it may not be - just depends on what the Lord has me do on any given day.