***Chickens ***
Friday, September 5, 2008

Posted in Serenity Garden

Robert E. Lee had a chicken he took with him the whole time the Civil War was going.  Many a soldiers tried to cook the chicken, but he managed to rescue it saying, “Boiling the hen will give us one fine meal, but keeping her alive will feed us every day.”

So, as I said, not only are we preparing to buy a home, we'd like one with land so we can have our chickens.  Today I emailed our county law division and asked them stipulations pertaining to keeping hens and the local zoning laws pertaining to the subject.  I am awaiting for more information so we can keep in mind those stipulation while we look.

In the meantime, as you may have already noticed, I'm looking at both city coops and plans for regular ones.  I have an idea of what I'd like for a bigger one if we find a place in the country. I'll share those plans later.  Right now, I'm picking out which chickens we'll order once we move.

Let me just say that there are lots and lots of chickens out there.  Bantams which are smaller in size and tend to lay eggs with more yolk than whites, then there are the common chickens, the specialty and the Cochins which have the cute feathered feet but have a reputation for being poor layers (please, all jokes aside here, I'm having a chicken breed crisis).  There are crested breeds with feathered crowns and heavy breeds which are used for meat. 

With all those breeds, I felt more and more confused at choosing exactly which ones would work for our area with cold Northeastern snow and wind.  Ones that were well mannered, lay eggs quite often, and are good setters.  (now I'm starting to sound like a singles add.haha)

Murray McMurray is a hatchary with good, healthy chickens.  Not only do they sell chickens, but other game birds like turkeys, ducks, geese. Lets not forget about pheasants, quail, peacocks, and guineas.  If your ever in the market, I HIGHLY recommend Murray McMurray at www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/index.html

One decision I do know, we are looking for brown egg layers.  So, that trims the list down a bit. The best part of Murray McMurray is they have "assortment" options for different breeds and egg colors.  So we have now decided to order the BROWN EGG LAYERS ASSORTMENT.

How easy was that?  We know we wanted brown egg layers, we just weren't sure which ones to choose because we've never had any of them.  Choosing the assortment, Murray McMurray throws in an assortment and you'll only know once they get to you which breed they are.  I like that alot because we don't have to choose just one breed, but can see which ones we really prefer for our next order. In the Brown Egg Assortment, they guarantee 5 of the following breeds:

Black Australorps; Lt. Brahmas; Dark Cornish; Black and White Giants; Buff and White Orpingtons; New Hampshire, Rhode Island Reds, Barred, White, Partridge, Buff Rocks;Deleware, Sussex, Turkens; White, Silver Laced, & Columbian Wyandottes, Red Star and Black Star.

A couple other breeds we were introduced to from our homestead friends, and plan to also purchase are Araucana and Dominique Chickens.  They produce green and blue eggs.  Our friends called them "easter eggs".  They're both pretty friendly and by exeperience with our friends when we were there, they are pretty good natured and do well in the winter months.  Check out a Youtube video above that I found on the breed.

How exciting to have made our choices.  We hope to introduce them late summer, early fall when we close on a home of our own. Woohoo!

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***The Eglu*** A Traveling Chicken Coop
Thursday, September 4, 2008

Posted in Serenity Garden

So I've been searching for plans for chicken coops.  In our search for a home here in NYS, I'm trying to keep in mind we'd like some land in the country to have chickens, goats, etc.  Sounds silly to those of you who know doug and I in real life, BUT we've always had this dream.

Thing is, he works in the city limits and finding a small homestead or a home on a small piece of land within our budget, has proved to nothing more than trying.

We won't let that get us down though.  If the good Lord wants us in the city limits, then we should plan accordingly.  Some cities allow chickens.  In fact, some allow chickens, just not the loud roosters within the city limits.

With that in mind, I've been looking for regular chicken coop plans AND small city type chicken runners that can move.  You can imagine my surprise when I found a site by OMLET that sells Eglu's.  Yup, IGLOOS for chickens are made from energy efficient polymers using modern construction techniques and at the end of its life it can be 100% recycled. 

Take a Look at their Brochure online in PDF

Above you'll see a guide to keeping chickens. The little girl is SO CUTE and the eglu is in the picture.  I just found the little girl to be so precious that I had to post this.

My one true concern with this is in the harsh Upstate NY winters, how the chickens would get on and not freeze to death.

This is where you avid homesteaders come in.  What do you think?  Have any ideas on what to do in the wintertimes?  Have any other ideas or plans?  How bout plans for bigger size coops if we do find a home with some land?

Let me know your experience and feel free to comment.

Blessings!

Rebekah

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*** Barak Says HE has more experience than Sarah Palin...Who's right? You do the math! ***
Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Posted in In The Readers' Den

Barak was in office 767 days when he announced he was going to become president.

Sarah Palin was in office 635 days when she announced she was going to be a candidate for Vice Presidency. If they get the presidential slot, she'll have 24 MORE days experience on January 20, 2009 when she'd enter Vice Presidency than Barak if he became president.

Since Baraks Candidacy, he's raised about 21million dollars a month for his state.

Sarah Palin? As Governor of Alaska she has 1.025 BILLION. That's right, BILLION, she's been handling which is 47 TIMES as large as Baraks.

Barak Obama has 2500 Employees working for him.

Sarah Palin? Handles 77,000 employees which is 31 times as large as Barak handles.

SO, if Barak, as he's stated on the news recently, is more than qualified with experience to be president of the United States, then Sarah Palin is 31 to 47 more times qualified than Barak. You do the math!

YOU as an individual American Citizen have a Freedom and Right to vote for whomever you want.  YOU have that right and really the OBLIGATION to your children and children's children, to uphold your duty as an American Citizen.

I don't care who you vote for!  Democrat, Republican or a Third Party you have an obligation and freedom from our Founding Fathers, to participate in electing your government leaders.  Take time to educate yourselves on all parties candidates running for office and REALLY look past "special interest groups" who help to form your opinions without you really knowing it.  Find out what each candidate stands for and vote according to what YOU stand for.

What do you stand for?  Who do you stand for?  If someone walked up to you today and asked what you stood for could you answer yourself?  Or would you answer the way you were taught by someone else?

Understand that this is America.  We have certain freedoms that our Founding Fathers founded this country on.  One with pride and accomplishment.  In helping others and learning to be neighbors even if we disagree with one another.

President George Washington said that if we become "Party Oriented"  instead of Americans United, we would falter as a Country of freedom. 

United we stand, divided we fall.

Use your freedom to vote wisely.  Vote for The United States of America and not by Party Loyalty.  Enjoy that freedom. Some don't have it. 

Blessings to you everyone!

Rebekah

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*** Palin says 17-year-old daughter is pregnant ***
Monday, September 1, 2008

Posted in In The Readers' Den

In my process of researching Sarah Palin, I'm finding more and more about her "human side".

I've been hearing rebuttle to my blog post on my general blog from bloggers who have legalistic views about women needing to be at home with their children so that they can be "good mothers"

I even received an anonymous post containing crap (not information) pertaining to feministic views of women from a skinhead website which is not only racist in origion, but contains hatred toward women, minorities and religions other than their own.

After deleting that paticular comment (any comment in my blog is subject to deletion ESPECIALLY if they don't have the gutts to put a name) and not responding to such hatred to give it more fuel, I decided to relax a bit and figure out what I could say.

In my recent findings today, Sarah revealed to everyone that her 17 year old daughter is pregnant and plans to wed.

Here comes the uproar I thought for a minute!

It's a shame that not only is there hatred left in this world, but that people would hide behind legalistic views to condemn people in Jesus name.  I am NOT one of those people.

I am a hardworking homemaker who after talking with my husband, is able to stay home and work for the needs of my husband and home...with one day having the blessing to stay at home with my own children.  I don't take that for granted one bit!  I came home during a tough time in our lives when Doug needed me here.  We learned how to live within our means on ONE INCOME and have since never turned back. I understand that there are many other women who would LOVE to do so and can't OR just feel their calling is in the community to make an impact on the world.  Whatever the reason, I respect that.

But as a Christian woman, there's one thing I WILL NOT DO.  I will not judge those other women who choose to work for the common good of their families and in Sarah Palins case, she's also working for the common good of America.

Like any nurse, poliece officer, pastor, soldier, Dr., Trash man and other workers who leave their families daily to work odd schedules so that people can live according to custom, and have the healthcare and emergency needs, it is NOT my job to judge another. I am also reminded by God Himself, when He tells us in His word that only HE can judge. That we will one day be judged by Him.  I can only imagine what He'd be saying to those who blatently judge based on their own idea of what people should be doing. 

~ Knock, knock. "Who's There"?  God says at the door.  It is I God, You know me!  "Ah, The one who felt compelled to take my place" says God.  Well Lord, You say here, here and here that I, um, erm.  "Did I not say Love thy neighbor as you love yourself?"  "Do you not know that if it weren't for me, you'd be in hell?"  "Do I not say in my commandments there is no other God accept for me? " God says.  "Then Why my child have you condemned others?"  ~

It makes me MAD when people hide behind legalistic views in the name of Jesus to spread hatred and belittle working women (or anyone else for that matter)  who in most cases these days, MUST work to keep their families afloat.  The book of James talks about each child of God having a God-given gift. Not everyone has the same gift.  Some have the gift of teaching, some the gift of giving, some a gift of ministering, and the list goes on and on and on. 

If we do not know what Gods conviction and will is over another, who are we to think that He hasn't a plan for Sarah Palin.  Maybe her gift is not only her family, but to share her testimony of trial and triumph with a hurting nation.  Someone who will listen.  She is human and is NOT God.  But she sure has a heart of compassion for the people in her community and country.

So back to her 17 year old daughter.  There is no doubt that this will be a tough road for her.  But she has something many other girls her age may not have.  The support of a loving mother and father. 

Sarah can understand what it's like to be a "working mother" . She also can understand teenage pregnancy first-hand as well as raising a child with special needs.  She wants whats best for her family and her country and is willing to tick her own party off if that means they're using taxpayers money to pay for frivolous things.

Does she have issues in her family right now?  Yes!  Is there any one person dumb enough to say they're absolutely perfect in every way?  I don't think so.

I absolutely LOVE to educate myself on candidates.  Truely there is no perfect candidate out there that agrees with ALL of my beliefs.  Until Palin was nominated as a possible VP nominee I was actually thinking of voting third party because I'm so sick of two parties that represent NONE of "We The People".

Now, I am more interested in educating myself on Palin, NOT because she's a woman (I'd have rather of had Condy Rice as President if that was the case) but because she fights for Us.  Granted we'll be learning more before we actually make a choice, but darnit!  I'm not going to make my choice based on false Biblical beliefs.  I know He wouldn't want it that way.

***In closing, Sarah Palin is dealing with reality right now.  I do not condemn her because as many with teenage children understand, you can't control their outcome. You can give them great morals and a loving home as well as a God fearing one, it's up to them to make the right choices.  What I'm focusing on, is how Sarah handles this in hopes that she will use these obsticles as a testimony to others.  It is without a doubt a teaching moment.  I'm sure one that her dear daughter would have loved to learn outside the media. 

And to all you working women out there.  I'm proud of you all and lift you up in prayer for each hard day you fight.  I'm not a feminist.  But I believe in femininity. I'm proud to be a woman and proud of the accomplishments God has enabled us all to accomplish.  We each have such a different gift and what an honor it is to individually use them in His honor.

Blessings everyone!

Rebekah

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*** 10 Things to KNOW about Vice President Nominee Sarah Palin ***
Sunday, August 31, 2008

Posted in In The Readers' Den

Gov. Palins Biography

REASON #10:  PALIN’S YOUTH COMPLEMENTS McCAIN’S EXPERIENCE
For months, Obama’s supporters have touted the Senator’s youthfulness as one of his qualifications for office (a strategy they’re apt to scale back on, given their selection of a Vice President nearly as old as McCain).  If youth is seen as a plus by voters, then Alaska Governor Sarah Palin fits the bill.  At 44, she is 3 years younger than Barack Obama, and the youngest person ever to be elected Governor of Alaska.  Palin is also the state’s first Governor to have been born after Alaska achieved statehood, as well as Alaska’s first female Governor.

REASON #9:  PALIN PUTS PRINCIPLE AND THE PEOPLE FIRST
After her initial, unsuccessful, run against him for the Governor’s office, former Alaska Governor Murkowski appointed Palin Ethics Commissioner of Alaska’s Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.  If Murkowski figured this appointment would pressure Palin into overlooking misbehavior by her fellow Republicans, he figured wrong.  Within a year, Palin resigned in a very public protest over the ethics displayed by Alaska’s Republican leadership, filing a formal complaint against Randy Ruedrich, who was not only a fellow Oil and Gas Commissioner, but also the chairman of Alaska’s Republican party.

If Senator McCain wants a running mate willing to be a maverick to Party, but never to Principle, he need look no further than Sarah Palin.

REASON #8:  PALIN KNOWS HOW TO RUN, AND WIN, AGAINST TOUGH ODDS
To become Governor, Palin had to defeat both a former Democratic Governor and the incumbent Republican Governor – which she did, and won. Palin defeated Murkowski in the Republican primary, and then her Democratic opponent in the election.  She knows how to campaign successfully, against seemingly impossible odds.

REASON #7:  PALIN IS A REFORM GOVERNOR WITH BIPARTISAN APPEAL
Palin doesn’t just criticize pork-barrel spending – she slashes it.  A few days after she assumed office as Governor, she put the Westwind II jet her predecessor had purchased up for sale, on eBay.  The jet eventually sold, in 2007, for $2.7 million, slightly above its 2005 purchase price. Palin canceled roads and construction projects designed to benefit friends of the prior administration.

REASON #6:  PALIN IS A FEMININE FEMINIST, WITH HOMETOWN, NOT HOLLYWOOD, VALUES
1960s feminists regarded men as oppressors, and considered marriage a state akin to slavery or rape. They struggled to convince each other, and often themselves, that “a woman needs a man, like a fish needs a bicycle.” They treated with contempt women who married, had children, or violated their strict dress code (no heels, no makeup, no dresses, no color that mud doesn’t come in).

Palin’s is a feminism of a different, newer sort – call it ‘Feminism 2.0’ – a feminism that is not hostile to men, and that respects and honors women who work hard to balance a traditional home life with professional ambitions. Palin works hard to achieve such a balance:  three days after giving birth to her fifth child, for example, she conducted a meeting concerning a proposed natural gas pipeline.

Palin met her husband, Alaska’s First Gentleman Todd Palin, at Wasilla High School, where she was point guard for her basketball team, the year they won the championship.  A feminist who also enjoys being feminine, she ran for, and won, the “Miss Wasilla” beauty pageant, a race in which she also won “Miss Congeniality,” an award unlikely to be awarded to many feminists of earlier vintage.  She is, similarly, a member of Feminists for Life, an organization whose mission would have been inconceivable twenty years ago.

REASON #5:  PALIN IS UNAPOLOGETICALLY PRO-LIFE
As the mother of five children, ranging in age from 19 years to 4 months, Palin brings a kind of authority to her pro-life stance that will complement well Senator McCain’s pro-life position.

Palin has also risen courageously to the challenge of having a child diagnosed with Down Syndrome.  Her commitment to the sanctity and value of every human life helps highlight concerns regarding Obama’s position on late-term (actually, post-natal) abortion.

REASON #4:  PALIN IS COMFORTABLE WITH AND LOVED BY BLUE-COLLAR VOTERS
Though Joe Biden talks a great deal about his blue collar roots (and about pretty much every else), any claim he may have to being just one of the people fell away years ago. Biden’s been a Beltway insider since Nixon was President, having been first elected to office in 1972.

Palin, on the other hand, is blue collar to the core.  A life member of the NRA, she hunts and fishes, and the man she loves is an oil rig worker and commercial fisherman, who races snowmobiles for fun.

REASON #3:  PALIN IS UNASHAMEDLY PATRIOTIC
Palin loves this country, and has cultivated such a love in her children.  Her eldest child, Track Palin, joined the Army last year, at 18.  When this fine young man learned that his mother had given birth to a child with Down Syndrome, he sent her a text message, expressing his joy that he finally had a brother.

REASON #2:  PALIN SUPPORTS TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE, BUT DEFENDS GAY RIGHTS
Palin supports the traditional definition of marriage, and opposes same-sex marriage.  Unlike many conservatives, however, she is sensitive to gay concerns about discrimination.  Palin’s is the first administration in Alaska’s history, to provide benefits to the partners of gay and lesbian employees.

AND THE #1 REASON SARAH PALIN WOULD BE THE IDEAL RUNNING MATE FOR SENATOR McCAIN?

TWO WORDS:  RICK LAZIO

Joe Biden was chosen to be Obama’s VP, because of his “attack dog” reputation.  Biden can get away with that kind of nonsense if his opponent is a man, but if he goes after a woman, especially a woman 20 years his junior, he’ll lose blue-collar men and every woman to the right of Nancy Pelosi.

Remember the Rick Lazio/Hillary Clinton senatorial debate, back in 2000, how outrage erupted among the Democrats, when Lazio stepped over to Mrs. Clinton’s podium, and tried to hand her a piece of paper?  (“Brandished” was the verb used in Salon.)  Lazio was accused, baselessly, of trying to intimidate Mrs. Clinton.

Biden has a history of getting himself into trouble by speaking without thinking, and is proud of – and knows he was chosen in large part for – his ability to treat his opponents with abuse, including those who, when convenient, he calls his friends.  Biden is a one-trick pony – he’s a bully – and he lacks the intellectual detachment and self-discipline to keep his mouth shut, when the cameras are on him.  If he tries to bully the small-town beauty queen young enough to be his daughter, the blowback in an age of Youtube will be impressive.

In 1980, many Democrats crossed party lines, and helped elect Ronald Reagan President.  Palin would encourage such a move, on the part of disaffected Democratic feminists.

By selecting Joe Biden as his running mate, Obama energized rather than neutralized, Hillary Clinton.  We can feel sure that, when “Don’t Stop Thinking about Tomorrow” was played tonight at the Democratic Convention, Hillary hadn’t.  She will almost certainly make another run for the Presidency, irrespective of the outcome of the 2008 race.  We can expect to see Mrs. Clinton’s name on the ballot again.

Were John McCain to choose Sarah Palin for his Vice President, and were he to win the election, we could well soon witness the first Presidential race in American history between two women – between Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, feminists of distinctly different generations, experiences, and values.

Thomas R. Marshall, who served as Vice President to Woodrow Wilson, once observed, “There once were two brothers.  One ran away to sea.  The other was elected Vice President, and neither was heard of again.”

If Sarah Palin were chosen to be John McCain’s running mate, she’d be a Vice President who didn’t disappear.  One way or another, we’re sure to hear more from her in the future.

source: Democracy Project

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What a Blessed Sunday
Sunday, August 31, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

Pic: Sunflower Valley in Camillus NY

Quiet and Calm, no work to be done. I find myself contemplating on Jesus.  My blessed Savior who died for me so I could live in Heaven.  It's been a beauitful, quiet day.  Birds have been chirping, I hear ducks quacking and the sound of crickets outside. 

Today really has helped me understand the importance of this blessed Sabbath day.  It reminds me of love, forgiveness of my own sinful ways and renewal of mind and spirit through Jesus Christ.  I'm not perfect in any way, in fact, it's the mere reason I need Him. 

He is my all, the love of my life, who in troubled times, comes to my defenses, forgives me when I let Him Down, and loves me UNCONDITIONALLY at times when others, as humans, have conditions. He celebrates with me, pushes me to overcome obsticles to be the woman HE wants me to be, holds my hand and pulls me up when I'm weary and knows my innermost desires.

While I can't graps EVERYTHING about my heavenly father, and at times I get SO confused when I try to grasp the mere thought of the Trinity as my human mind can only understand it, I find myself grateful for each day ,for the people in my life, the beauty of this world, while also being able to touch the lives and environment that surrounds me in order to bring some kind of light to a world that's so lost.  For it has nothing to do with me, but it is HE who saves the world.  I can only be used as this broken, imperfect vessel with hopes that maybe one day, I may make my Father proud.

Following His biggest commandment to Love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind and soul and loving others as I would myself.  That means loving everyone who may have hurt me just as I may have hurt others in the past.  That means forgiving even those who have hurt me as I have also hurt . For I am saved only by grace and the love of a perfect Savior. Whom without HIS forgiveness and HIS love, I'd be living in hell.  So it is my obligation to love and forgive others.  And so I shall.

Yes, ((sigh of gratefulness)) I've had so much time to grasp just how much I REALLY have.  What life really means when I have a loving Father who supports me and speaks to me.  I am abundantly blessed with much.

Blessings to you all!

Rebekah

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***Our Potential Home Fell Through***
Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Well, after putting a bit on what I thought would be our home, we found out that the seller bought it through HUD and was turning it over.  Lets just say in a months time.  We hadn't had the Inspectors look at it yet, but the reason it didn't work out, was that they wouldn't be able to close in a timely fashion because of a stipulation with HUD.

Another couple concerns we have are A) a lien  AND B) He turned the home over so fast, we wonder if he re-did the wiring and such half baked.  Painting jobs are easy, but if the things unseen were replaced too quick or half-baked, we all know that our potential home could become a HUGE money pit.

I'm glad it was caught.

We're limited with time now. Mainly because one of the first time homebuyer program rules is changing due to the mismanaging of mortgages and defaults.  With that, things will change a bit and will cost US more. 

We also have reserves on moving in the winter-time.  We've moved three times already in a year since we moved from Ohio.  Now we've acquired more and moving isn't our favorite chore, not to mention doing it in the snow.  So we've decided on a cutoff and then we'll sign our lease for another 6 months and start looking again in spring if we don't find a place we're comfortable with.

We're not rushing ourselves because a program is changing, nor do we have intentions of moving in the snow.

SO, back to square one again.  It's all in Gods hands when, where, why, and how pertaining to a home of our own. 

Honestly I'm so much more calm than I thought I would be.  Oh, I had my "Woe Me" session this afternoon, where I reminded myself I'm an adult and to suck it up because Gods in control.  So back to normal I went and at peace with wherever and whenever God has planned for us.  He's never let us down thus far, and I know I can count on Him to guide and protect us.  Today he protected us with a purchase that couldn've potentially broke the bank if we had followed through.  He revealed so much to our realtor, real estate lawyer and us.  Praise God!

I'll keep you posted.

Blessings

Rebekah

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Home Buying Experience ***The Purchase Offer***
Monday, August 25, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

Today we found our potential home.  It's taken awhile to find it, though not as long as I thought it would.  It's in a nice area, cute little home and has quite the open floor plan.   We decided we couldn't let it go without a fight.

We called our mortgage broker, got all our paperwork ready for our realtor, called our real estate attorney, and upon acceptance, IF our offer is accepted, we will hire our own inspectors.

It wasn't the homestead I'd always dreamed of having where I'd have chickens, goats and lambs. BUT, God has blessed us abundantly and if this is the home, we'll have plenty of space for a HUGE garden.  The city won't allow us to have chickens or other livestock.  It's ok though.  The mere fact that the home would be OURS and that we could grow food next harvest season, well, My cup runneth over!

In the end, there are plenty of rooms in our Fathers house.  My gift doesn't come from material possessions here, but will be alongside Him in His house. 

I shall keep you posted when we find out more.

Rebekah

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Sorry it's been awhile, BUT....................................
Sunday, August 17, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

pic by allposters.com

I may still be absent most days.  We've been pre-approved for a home.  Praise God!  Now we start looking.  It's our first home and while I am on edge, Gods solely in control.

we've been doing LOTS of homework and looking for homes.  LOTS seem to be going quickly.  We see something, then it's contingent with a buyer. 

Please pray Doug and I find a suitable home within budget that God will speak BOLDLY.

It's another new exciting adventure down Gods direction for us.  I'm excited and grateful He's giving us the opportunity to own our own home.

I'll be back on days when I can and can't wait to find a home of our own.  Wheather it takes a month or a year, we plan to hold back and wait for the right one.

Rebekah

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*** Lopez Lomong, The BIGGER STORY ***
Friday, August 8, 2008

Posted in Good Health & Spirit

He's competing in the Olympic Track section and has such a humbling story.

He's one of the lost boys of Sudan and was taken away from his parents as they were in a church service,by the Sudenese Liberation Army.

His story is compelling because as a young 6 year old boy, he RAN in fear away from the army into the arms of freedom. He was adopted by a family from the United States. A family who lives a town away from my husbands family in a small town called Tully. He is one of several children who were adopted by this couple.

He later found his biological family, who survived the deadly takeover and has kept in contact with them. He boasts that he has two sets of parents.

With that in mind, He has just gotten his greencard and has become an American Citizen and will be walking the American Flag in the opening ceremonies of the Olympics representing America.

Tully and the surrounding Syracuse public have been supporting his family, trying to get them all there to see him compete.

His life is one that screams out the love of God, of perseverance, and of triumph. One FAR ABOVE any gold medal he could win. His life teaches us that there is so much more important in the world.

Just wanted to share this awesome story of adoption with you. My cup runneth over!

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*** An Olympic Dream, Triumph Over Struggles ***
Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Posted in A Womans Spirit

“The triumph can’t be had without the struggle. And I know what struggle is.”             ~Wilma Rudolph

I saw this and absolutely HAD to post Wilma's Quote.  In Leui of the Olympics, I wanted to post something meaningful.  A Testimony worth sharing. Wilma Rudolphs story is compelling and has not only wisdom, but what HARD WORK can accomplish when we faithfully push through.

There are many circumstances in my life right now which have some kind of obsticle or struggle in the way.  It's hard sometimes NOT to lose hope in the Lord and just fall prey to wallow and self-pity.  But that thought process will NOT help any situation. Rather, will cause me to FAIL to unwillingness to ACT.

I am reminded of one paticular Scripture that correlates with Wilma's wise words:

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5

We have Triumph through Jesus Christ, in that He suffered tremendousely for each of our sins.  He didn't struggle for no reason.  God had His own plan. Jesus was born in the likes of human flesh.  Was tempted in the desert and understands temptations because he too was tempted.  Only Jesus NEVER followed through with the temptation.  Oh, it was HARD, it was Grueling.....even in the mount olive, He sweat blood crying out to God asking if there was another way.....but KNEW He would follow through with Gods plan to serve as a living sacrifice that would bridge the gap between sin and righteousness.  His sacrifice on that cross was like taking whips, pounds, nails in my own hands and feet, and throwing vinegar on my wounds, each time I fall prey to sin.

ONLY, my triumph was paid by the PERFECT sacrifice Jesus became when He stood in my place on that cross.

My struggles?  I have them.  But they're nothing compared to the obsticles Jesus went through.  I was reminded last night of the loneliness He must have felt when people close to Him, ignored, denied, blasphemed, and made fun of Him.  How lonely it must have felt to be there in His final days, without people who understood just how great Gods plan was and feeling alone to the world, while knowing His Father in Heaven understood and supported Him unconditionally.

What an Awesome God we serve! 

As we celebrate these days Internationally with the Olympic Hopefuls of ALL Countries,  Let us focus on the Hard work and dedication of each athlete as they accomplished  their dreams and persevered through struggle to be honored as the Worlds Best.  Most importantly, lets remember to pray for mankind, and for lives to be saved by the mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

***Please go to the very bottom of this blog, silence the music and check out the story of Wilma Rudolph.

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Marinated Peppers for Canning
Monday, August 4, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

MARINATED PEPPERS
Bell, Hungarian, banana, or jalapeno

4 lbs. firm peppers*
1 cup bottled lemon juice
2 cups white vinegar (5%)
1 tbsp oregano leaves
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, quartered (optional)

* Note: It is possible to adjust the intensity of
pickled jalapeno peppers by using all hot jalapeno
peppers (hot style), or blending with sweet and mild
peppers (medium or mild style).

For hot style: Use 4 lbs jalapeno peppers.

For medium style: Use 2 lbs jalapeno peppers and 2 lb
sweet and mild peppers.

For mild style: Use 1 lb jalapeno peppers and 3 lbs
sweet and mild peppers.

YIELD: About 9 half-pints

PROCEDURE: Select your favorite pepper. CAUTION: IF
YOU SELECT HOT PEPPERS, WEAR RUBBER OR PLASTIC GLOVES
WHILE HANDLING THEM OR WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY WITH SOAP
AND WATER BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR FACE. Peppers may be left
whole. Large peppers may be quartered. Wash, slash two
to four slits in each pepper, and blanch in boiling water
or blister in order to peel tough-skinned hot peppers.

Peppers may be blistered using one of the following
methods: Oven or broiler method: Place peppers in a hot
oven (400 degrees F) or broiler for 6-8 minutes or until
skins blister. Range-top method: Cover hot burner,
either gas or electric, with heavy white mesh. Place
peppers on burner for several minutes until skins
blister.

Allow peppers to cool. Place in pan and cover with a
damp cloth. This will make peeling the peppers easier.
After several minutes of cooling, peel each pepper.
Flatten whole peppers. Mix all remaining ingredients in
a saucepan and heat to boiling. Place 1/4 garlic clove
(optional) and 1/4 teaspoon salt in each half pint of 1/2
teaspoon per pint. Fill jars with peppers, add hot,
well-mixed oil/pickling solution over peppers, leaving
1/2-inch headspace. Adjust lids and process.

Recommended process time for MARINATED PEPPERS
in a boiling-water canner,using half pints or pints only, 20 minutes.

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*** Raspberry or Blackberry pie filling ***
Sunday, August 3, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

Raspberry or Blackberry pie filling to can:

7 c cleaned fruit
2 c cool water
1 1/2 c splenda
2/3 c clear jel (I used Knox)
2 T lemon juice
4 pint jars

1. prepare boiling water and jars as usual
2. combine splenda and clear jel in a large pot. Whisk in water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low. quickley fold in berries and return to boil over med heat, stirring frequently until mixture boils. Remove from heat.
3. Ladle hot pie filling into hot jars. remove air bubbles and apply lids.
4. Process for 30 minutes.

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Putting Food By for Newbies
Saturday, August 2, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

photo by: allposters.com

One of my recent past-times lately is envolving "putting up" for Winter Season. My mom gave me a water bath canner for Christmas one year and I started canning last harvest season. Nothing too much. I just made a series of jams and jellies. Started freezing fresh fruits and veggies and continuing the planning process for our small home garden here at our rental.

There's nothing more gratifying than canning your own Home Grown Fruits and Veggies to put by for the year. One Pro to this thought is that you KNOW whats going in your foods. Most people leave MSG out of their soups and stews, there's no dyes in your foods, no HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP and no concentrate.

What your getting is the benefit of NATURAL foods.

Yes, it takes time, yes, it can be a LONG process when you have a days worth of canning. But the satisfaction it gives from keeping YOU and YOUR FAMILY safe from harmful chemicals and preservatives really outweighs the tedious process it sometimes becomes.

Many women like myself actually LOVE the process. It's a way to kinda get away from the "norm" for a bit and just have fun with the process. You can even have a " Canning Party" like my friend Leslie from the Syracuse Sparks Team on Sparkpeople.

Today I'm making Sugar Free Black Raspberry Jam with the berries I recently picked. After I cook the jam, because I'm using SPLENDA or an alternative sugar (I.E. sweeteners, honey, stevia, Cane Juice Crystals, Sucanat, etc.) I will be adding a pectin with a calcium pouch in order to help the jam take its consistency with alternatives to sugar. In my case, I use Pamona's Pectin, which can be found at the following link:
www.pomonapectin.com/

To Learn more about the basics of Canning and "How To's", The first suggestion is to buy the latest Ball Canning Book. It has recipes and teaches how to can and the methods of canning. You can also find them online below:
freshpreserving.com

Next is another cool website that will teach everything via your computer:
Farmgal teaches canning methods, freezing, drying, and even soapmaking skills.

First thing to know as a newbie is you won't be learning to can EVERYTHING. Unless of course you have both a water bath canner AND a pressure canner.

The difference between them is that all acidic items can be canned in water baths because they have ACID which kills bacteria.

Meats, stews, soups and non-acidic fruits and veggies MUST be canned with a pressure canner in order to ensure proper sealing so you don't have bacteria residing in your food such as Botcholism which can have potentially fatal outcomes.

Now don't be afraid! If you do things correctly, you won't have that problem. Remember Acidic fruits and veggies, anything with lemon in it or tomatoes, vinegar, etc, is acid, THEY can be canned in a water bath. While all other NON-ACIDICS go right into a pressure canner.

You want to be sure that you buy a pressure canner that has a good sound seal. A pressure canner that will LAST for MANY years. They're pretty pricey, but you won't be sorry. One that I'm saving for and that MANY other canning friends have purchased is the All-American Pressure Canner which can be found at the link below:

homesteadharvest.com

Don't faint! As I've said, they're pretty steep, but VERY GOOD for pressure canning and you'll have it for your life-time and can pass it to your own kids if you like later on.

Regular Water Bath Canners can be found for cheap at your local Walmart stores as well as True Value or Ace hardware stores. Lehmans also has all canning supplies as well.

So there's a bit of information on Canning for those that are newbies. I must go for now. I have GOT to get my jam finished.

Much love to you all.

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*** Two Sets Of Jonses by Big Tent Revival ***
Thursday, July 31, 2008

Posted in In The Family Room

****Be Sure to go to the very bottom of this page to mute the music so you can hear this wonderful song that puts life into perspective.

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*** Steven Curtis Chapman Media Appearances ***
Thursday, July 31, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

 Source: Steven Curtis Chapman E-Newsletter

Sparrow Records/EMICMG and StevenCurtisChapman.com announce today that the next radio single from Steven's THIS MOMENT album, available to radio for airplay on August 1st, will be "Yours." Additional breaking news! A new version of the song will be released. "Yours" (new verse) includes a new 4th verse that Steven has written since the loss of his daughter Maria in a tragic accident on May 21, 2008.

Steven felt it was important to acknowledge what the family has been going through over these past 8 weeks, and "Yours" has taken on new meaning in recent weeks to many who work alongside Steven. Already a very special song, Steven's reflections since Maria's loss in the 4th verse only make the song even more challenging, compelling, and passionate. Concertgoers this past weekend had a chance to take in the new lyric, and on each of the 3 occasions rose to their feet in a standing ovation as Steven sang the closing line in the new verse.

The song will be hitting radio airwaves shortly (we hope) for official adds on August 8th. And I'm told it looks like it may be on iTunes and other DSPs as soon as August 5th.

All of the royalties generated by sales of "Yours" (new verse) will go to Shaohannah's Hope!!

Here's the new verse lyric...

I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here
in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you.

The Chapman family will be appearing on...
Good Morning America on August 5th
Larry King Live on August 7th
People Magazine issue of August 15th

Opportunities with outlets of this sort of reach would normally be reason for wild celebration... on this occasion though, I think you'd understand why we would rather not even have the coverage. The Chapmans didn't seek these appearances, and these were cautiously and prayerfully considered with input from the family, pastors, counselors, and Steven's team. When these many opportunities came, the discussion quickly centered around the opportunity to use them to remember and celebrate Maria, to thank the tens of thousands of you who have sent condolences as well as the the hundreds of thousands or more that have prayed for this family, to highlight adoption and orphans...

and most importantly that the Hope of the Gospel be proclaimed.

It's our hope that this is what will be accomplished, that as many as possible will be reached, especially those that would not hear of it any other way... and we seek your prayers as the family endeavors to do so in these interviews. Follow live blog updates from Steven's manager, Jim Houser on August 7th at StevenCurtisChapman.com.

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*** Meet Bently Fluff ***
Thursday, July 31, 2008

Posted in Good Health & Spirit

He's a bit of a shy bloke, but he landed on our porch and refused to move.  EVEN when we came out.  He wanted to sit and talk.  It was apparent that we had left the camera in the car, so my husband ran to grab it.  When he came back Good ol' Bently Fluff was perching on the feeder. 

We could literally pick him up by our hands, but not knowing how old he was and weather or not anything was wrong with him, we both chose NOT to.  (I have saved several birds in my lifetime by being eaten or hurt.  I have special bird gloves I use now whenever a baby falls from it's perch or one gets caught in someones basement, or just in case one needs to go back near his friends.

All in all, I'd say he's beautiful and just a glimpse of good sweet heaven.  I can't wait to take up residence in my Fathers House one day.

For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.   I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine. Psalm 50:10-11

My Cup Runneth Over!

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*** Emergency Preparedness ***
Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Posted in Good Health & Spirit

Over the past several months, I've been hearing more and more about being prepared for emergencies.  Power Outages, Freezing Cold Temps, those who are in Tornado areas, Hurricanes, and other disasters, not to mention being prepared for war times in an unknown world like today. 

It used to be heard by those who were Mormons who offered their advice on how to be prepared for a year in case of disasters, or those like my great-uncle who were from war era's who built shelters with TONS of food and other emergency supplies.

While I know where I'm going if I do pass, I also would like to be prepared while I am here.  So over a year ago I've started replenishing certain supplies, trying not to go overboard.  I started out simply with toilet paper whenever it was on sale and moved to batteries, flashlights, candles, boxes of matches, cans of tuna, chicken, anchoves, then on to learning to can where I started making jam, jelly, and new this year, salsa, spaghetti sauce, pickles and the likes.

Being prepared to me, means my immediate family will be taken care of in case a disaster strikes.  On the other hand, no disaster happens without people other than ourselves.  My thought is that I'd like to have enough around to be able to slightly care for others who also need the help.  Doug is a nurse and I am a nurses aid by trade, so caring for people other than ourselves is something that drives us to reach out with the love of Christ to others.

I'm not in a state of panic.  I know when I mention my preparedness to family members, they think I'm absolutely nuts.  Dad rolls his eyes thinking I worry to much as do many others.  Honestly though.  I'm not worrying about what could or would happen.  As many wives and/or homemakers probably know, we want to prepare and care for our families.  My instinct is to make sure we are cared for.  In any given emergency from small to large, I'd like to be prepared with supplies NOW instead of panicing when the emergency takes place and having the inability to focus on my loved ones.

It's important to me that no matter what day it is, through joyful times and times of little, that I am able to focus on the needs of others, NOT on something we lack.

With that said, Glenn Beck mentioned a couple of months ago in his newsletter information about Emergency Preparedness.  It brought a smile to my face, but also helped me focus even more on learning basic needs for emergency preparedness.  Just today, I was visiting another blogger "Working My Way Home", and she mentioned a site that I got all excited about. 

Shelf Reliance  is an emergency preparedness food and emergency supply store that allows you to purchase grains, freeze dried fruits and veggies as well as special shelving storage units that can be place in a basement.  I've been looking for sites like this and haven't found one until today when I was lurking  a blog. 

Check it out...

While your waiting, maybe you can do some research yourself on Emergency Preparedness so the next time the lights go out and it's below zero, you have food, blankets, batteries, and maybe a backup unit to help keep you sustained until the emergency is over.  Don't wait until there's an emergency, be prepared.  I think you'll appreciate your hard work if ever the occassion were to arise.

Blessings

Rebekah

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*** Recycling Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs ***
Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Posted in Good Health & Spirit

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a great way to help save energy. But if you’ve been keeping up with the news lately, you know that there’s been some worry about getting rid of them since they have small amounts of mercury in them.

 Home Depot announced recently that they want your bulbs so they can trash them responsibly (dubbed their National CFL Bulb Recycling Initiative). That means you can turn them in to any Home Depot spot and they’ll take them off your hands for FREE.

For more information check out Home Depots Latest Press Release Here

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*** Sugar Free Black Raspberry Jam***
Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen

Sugar-Free Black Raspberry Jam

8 cup fresh raspberries
1/2 cup water
1 1.75oz package unsweetened pectin, with calcium
3/4 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, granulated

-  warm your jars in a water bath canner and bring water to a boil, reduce heat and simmer  OR put your jars in the dishwasher and allow them to clean and dry using the HEAT option.  Place lids in water to cover in a small saucepan; bring water to a simmer. Simmer until ready to use. Remove and drain jars and lids, one at a time, as needed for filling.

-  Crush raspberries using potato masher or food processor. Place exactly 4 cups of crushed berries in a large Dutch oven; stir in water. Gradually add pectin, stirring until blended. Let stand for 10 minutes.

-   Bring mixture to a full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) over medium-high heat. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; add SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener, stirring until SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener dissolves. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.

-   Ladle hot preserves immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with 2-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on rack in canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to a gentle boil.

-   Process 10 minutes. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing center of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.) Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, store refrigerated and use within 2 weeks.

***If your using a pectin product with separate pectin and calcium packets, follow the package directions to mix calcium water. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons pectin powder and 2 teaspoons calcium water. Follow package directions for preparing recipe

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