Freedom of Speech

 

Above: This Saturday afternoon while three local Pastors preached for an hour on the lawn of our County Courthouse, there were about 14 of us holding signs and lining Main Street just a few steps away.

Below: All the family joined in.

Bottom: This is one end of our line. It extends up to the real estate office past the lights at the intersection. The folks that passed by were so kind and supportive. Many waved or gave a thumbs up - we even got a "God bless you!". Only a few turned their heads away. None were rude.

So why street preaching? 

1. The Word of God is always fruitful, whether we see the results or not. 

2. It can provide a point of discussion for those that see us. This could be a discussion with us, other vehicle occupants, or friends and family.

3. It can stir folks to think about their lives and whether they are ready for eternity or not. 

4. It can encourage other Christians to live boldly for the Lord. 

5. And it is obeying the Lord to take the Gospel to the lost. 

Adventures in Tree Trimming

Ignoring the dirty front door (note to self: must wash this!) - here is the last we hope to see of these gadgets! They have been a part of Dh's life since Saturday, December 27th. I don't want to be a tattle-tale, but think "chain saw", "big tree limb", "step ladder", and I think it will all become more clear. We praise God that it was not more serious, but a fractured rib and tibia are good reminders that tree trimming is best left to the professionals - or at least be sure you know what you are doing!

Skills learned:

*How to call for an ambulance and give good directions.

*How to spend 6 weeks in a recliner, walk on crutches, and bathe with just a sink.

*How to pry Dad out of a recliner while listening to yelps of pain.

Results:

*Two cords of good oak firewood. (courtesy of #2 son and a huge, now-on-the-ground, tree limb)

*Dh is banned from chain saw use.

*Lots of praise for a merciful God.

The Power For True Success

I use this book in conjunction with Achieving True Success. The same 49 character traits are listed, but this book is all from a biblical perspective. You can click on this top image in order to read some of what is written concerning the character trait of hospitality. The cover of the book is below. Around our house it is actually known only as "The Blue book". It is available at the IBLP website, here. 

Knitted Baby Blanket

I am finally nearing the end of my first "big" knitting project. I began knitting when I was about 5 or 6 years old. I can remember my dad teaching me to knit on some pretty pink, plastic knitting needles. My mom has been a knitter (though never a sewer) from when she was young  (and makes beautiful projects), but since I am left handed she could not quite make knitting understandable to me. My dad figured out how to translate it all into "lefthand".
At first I would just knit rectangles which were then fashioned into doll clothes - mostly Barbie, but some baby dolls too. Then over the years I have done simple hats, scarfs, and slippers. I recently started knitting more in the last four or five years. I have done many (many) of those simple dishcloths, both for gifts, and to use in our home. About a year ago I decided I wanted to take a step beyond simple projects, but I also wanted to be sure that they were projects I would  actually finish! I found this free pattern on-line. The picture  above is my work to date, and the pattern link is here.  (The bottom corner isn't quite square as I haven't blocked it yet.)
This baby blanket is actually based on the dishcloth pattern, but is a much bigger project. I felt this was the perfect challenge to prove my staying power and get something large completed. I am almost done! I actually don't have a specific use for it right now, but I will put it in the cedar chest for a future grandchild. Then on to the next project. I am planning to do this one next as  one of my SWAP entries - we will see.

Achieving True Success

This is one of the main books I use for practical, daily character training. There are 49 character traits listed. Each is defined - and it's opposite trait noted. When there is a negative trait I am seeing in a child (or myself!), I look for that negative trait listed in the book in order to train, pray for,  and notice the opposite positive trait that needs to be developed and instilled in the individual. The book also notes practical ways to show this trait in the home. And my favorite part of the book - the 5 "I Wills" that are always included with each trait. I write the "I Wills" on posters to hang on the wall, we say them out loud to memorize them, we try to spot them as we go about our day, and we rejoice to see one of those "I Wills" in use. The "I Wills" give us a handle on what to aim for and spot in others. Praising a child for a character trait is affirming and character building. One place to find it is here.

Dinner

I had to use up some hamburger I had unthawed, and the weather was hot, so I didn't want to heat up the oven - so I made this concoction. It turned out pretty good, everyone enjoyed it. 

Saute an onion (I hate having a leftover piece of an onion, so I always just use one whole onion for any recipe.) and brown the hamburger in a little olive oil. I use my cast iron frying pan for this. Then I just sliced up 5 red potatoes, skin and all and added that in with a drizzle of olive oil over the top. I flavored it all with salt, pepper, garlic (lots of garlic), a tiny dash of red pepper, some paprika, and a dash or two of Teryaki sauce.  I laid a lid over the top of the frying pan (it has no actual lid, I just use one from another pan that fits down over the food) and let it cook. I stirred it once in a while. In about 20 minutes it was done (when the potatoes are soft.)  A quick and easy one pan meal. 

Hoodies!

I finished a second hoodie for #2 son. You can read more about it (if you want the details) by clicking on the "My Reviews" side bar to the right. This picture also shows you our front yard. We have had a few hard frosts in this area of FL so the grass is all brown - but no snow!!! And the migratory songbirds are coming through the area now as well - lots of singing robins in the mornings.