Organic Pest Control for the Garden!

Well, the tiny beasties have found my flowers and vegetables, so here is what I googled and found for a way to get rid of them! Sounds a little dangerous - I will have to remember to label the concoction so that my sweet hubby doesn't accidentally use it as hot sauce to pour on his food! Just posting here so I can find it later - with ease - I do know how to bookmark, but then again, I REALLY know how to bookmark so it REALLY will be less work to just check back here! Click on the heading to go to the webpage because there is a LOT more stuff on it - REALLY, really good stuff. Really - hmmmmmm, must be stuck this morning, really...lol...

pest control solutions

Garlic fire spray is the stuff of legend. There are many recipes, but they consist of some or all of the following: garlic, chilli peppers, soap, vegetable oil, kerosene and water. Don't leave home without a concoction of this. Depending on its strength it will slay dragons and ants (must have dragons if we mention legends)!

The brew I use at the moment is very effective and goes like this:

* 2-3 garlic bulbs (about 6-10 cloves per bulb)
* 6 large or 12 smaller hot chilli peppers (any variety will do, or if unavailable try 1-2 tablespoon hot chilli powder)
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 3 squirts of liquid detergent (approximately 1 dessertspoonful)
* 7 cups water. (Use about 2-3 cups in the blender, and top up with the rest later)

Put the whole lot into a blender and vitamize well, then strain through muslin, a coffee filter or similar. Pour what you need into a spray bottle for use and keep the rest in jars with lids on in a cupboard or on a shelf somewhere, well labeled.

Experiment with it if necessary and check for results or any damage to young plants. If it fixes the problem and your plants are happy, you've got the perfect mix, but if there's still a few biggie pests, albeit struggling, then lower the water dilution rate or change the ingredient quantities slightly.

Lovely garlicky, pongy stuff, but the smell dissipates quickly once it's been sprayed around. This garlic fire mixture needs to be re-sprayed frequently, such as after rain and dew. It's best to spray every few days until there's no sign of pests, then about every week to 10 days for any eggs or larvae that may have hatched out.

Uses for this natural garden pest control are unlimited. Because it has oil and dishwashing liquid in it, it sticks to plants as well as suffocating pests such as scale and mealy bug. It will kill ants, aphids, caterpillars, grubs, bugs and just about anything small. SO BE VERY SELECTIVE — MIND THE LADYBUGS, LACEWINGS, BEES AND OTHER BENEFICIAL FRIENDS.

Spraying this mixture around the edge of your garden will deter pets. Rabbits, gophers, woodchucks and other garden gate crashers will also be discouraged.

Here's another version, if you don't have a blender (really!). Put a whole garlic bulb through a garlic press and let it sit in a glass jar with several ounces of mineral or salad oil. Mix a few spoonfuls with dishwashing liquid, hot pepper sauce and water in a spray bottle.

5 things....

I have seen some blogs lately which use their Saturday posting to share 5 things they are thankful for or made them happy during the week - a great habit I think! So here are my 5 things for this week:

1. The experience of going to a wedding - watching two people begin their lives as one!

2. Wedding music!

3 Seeing old friends and catching up!

4. Daydreaming with my little girl about the future (how to do romance, relationships, responsibility).

5. Seeing Angel in her Easter dress one more time - with her long curly hair down, and her sweet smile as she watched the wedding party enter the church...

Have a blessed Sunday!

Sharon's Morning Art

I am always intrigued by artists who can use color in non-traditional ways...I love the shading effects this brings...so I have captured this video by Sharon Tomlinson (an artist I like to follow)so I can reference it later...

Hope you enjoy it too!

Morning ART April 26 from Sharon Tomlinson on Vimeo.

The things we do - in the name of Science!

This isn't a picture of the ACTUAL wasp - and due to the "graphic" nature of our "experiment", there are no actual pictures of our process...the human mind and our imagination are so much more detailed than any photo documentation could be....

Picture this: Right as supper is ready to serve, a wasp is discovered in the den. BUT, instead of the usual "swat and squish", the idea is hatched by our young scientist that she wonders if a wasp can still fly without its stinger? The culprit is somehow captured live under a drinking glass, and it is now requested of ME (I don't know why, except for the fact that all children must think that their moms can do ANYTHING...)to simply stun it and NOT squish it, in order for the experiment to be carried out. At this point I am compelled to inform you that the scientific tools chosen for this experiment consist of one pocket knife and one water shoe. The budding scientist is holding the pocket knife, ready to carry out the amputation of the stinger; I am handed the shoe...and given instruction..."When I lift the glass, you smack it, but don't kill it or squish it..." Now you might think that an easy task - but note that wasps get angry quickly and easily...I was poised, shoe in air, the glass was tilted, the wasp buzzing...

What followed was frankly - comical! Imagine me trying to hit - and avoid smashing - an angry wasp who naturally has an erratic flight pattern! Of course I missed several times...only serving to make Mr. Wasp angrier! But somehow during the melee, he was stunned and the rest of the experiment carried out...the results? A wasp can still fly without it's stinger, but not without it's head...

I know, I know...trust me, your imagination works the best for the second part of the experiment/story!!!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...these wildflowers are abundant on our property right after the bluebonnets are done blooming (You can see a bluebonnet going to seed on the left). These consist of lime green star shaped flowers arranged in a sphere as the flower head. There is a touch of purple at the center and there are white - stamens perhaps? - that radiate from the center in a star shape as well. They are so unusual! And they are highly fragrant - a friend said that they smell like gardenias...Click on the photo to enlarge it and check out these details!


FOR TODAY
May 11, 2010...

Outside my window...a gentle breeze, green everywhere except for the pops of color from wildflowers and flower beds...he dogs lying lazily on the deck...an occasional bird flies by...so peaceful and content feeling.

I am thinking...about how to greater influence my daughter through "gentleness".

I am thankful for...a steady husband!

From the learning rooms...end of school distraction - but still on target for finishing in May!

From the kitchen...lots of fresh vegetables and salads due to the season.

I am wearing...jeans with a white tank - and barefoot!

I am creating...next school year's curriculum and schedule - doesn't that count? LOL.

I am going...to work on organic pest control formulas for the gardens today - however it looks like it might rain, so I might be putting that off till another day. At least I can research it and get the spray bottle ready.

I am reading...to Angel. It is a book from 1910 with loads of character stories in it. The jacket claims that this collection was found in every orphanage across the U.S. in the 1890s and early 1900s. She wanted me to keep reading and reading yesterday! BUT, I got so sick over the weekend and was still recovering, so I had only enough voice for one...today I will read as many as she wants!

I am hoping...for a day with no "battles of the will" over school work.

I am hearing...silence. peaceful silence.

Around the house...cleaning the baseboards!

One of my favorite things...cuddling with my girl in the cuddle chair!

A few plans for the rest of the week...maybe getting my hair cut and touched up. Perhaps listing some unused items on ebay - if I feel up to it! I will have to schedule appointments with folks that I have been putting off due to not feeling well...so much to do, so little energy!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

A video from a friend to make you smile!

A Wonderfully Successful Birthday Party! (Part 2)

A marshmallow catapult made from tissue boxes and pencils and rubber bands...


A "Food Storm" cake.....



Presents.....


And - oil, water, and salt faux "lava lamps"....



We couldn't have done it without the dads!


Happy Birthday to the best girl ever!

A Wonderfully Successful Birthday Party! (Part 1)

Angel was 9 on Wednesday - so this past Sunday afternoon we had her birthday party. We were brave, and hosted it at our house rather than Chuck E. Cheese's, a Jumping Party place, or some other venue...(we thought we would save money - HA!) But it was worth it for three DADs to say "This is the BEST kid's party ever!

We loosely based it on "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" - thus necessitating lab coats and science/invention type activities! Lab coats was Angel's idea, and it was up to me to achieve it - thank God for Thrift Town! And God sent me on the day that there men's shirts were on sale for half price! Yay! - lab coats were button down white men's dress shirts with the cuffs cut off the sleeves (and re-sewn to be the approximate appropriate length for tweeners) with an Angel-designed beaker and gooey lime green fluid emblem sewn above the pocket. Oh, and don't forget the name badge pinned over the heart!



Activities included the infamous Iowa State University "egg drop"...





The incredibly famous "Mentos in the diet cola 2-liter bottle" reaction...

Here are two pictures for thought I am sharing...the trumpet vine display was the best ever this year!

FOR TODAY
April 27, 2010...

Outside my window...morning is rising!

I am thinking...that I need to get serious about exercise and eating right.

I am thankful for...the rhythm of the seasons!

From the learning rooms...doubling up on lessons in an attempt to get done with 3rd grade a little bit early.

From the kitchen...leftover birthday cake from the party on Sunday - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm,Red Velvet (Angel's favorite).

I am wearing...jeans, a lime green shirt, and a denim shirt jacket over that as it is a bit cool this morning.

I am creating...a cleaner house at the moment (smiles).

I am going...to our home school group's curriculum overview tonight.

I am reading...Family Fun magazine for activity ideas as well as the CBD website for curriculum prices.

I am hoping...for the evidence of growing spiritual maturity in my children.

I am hearing...I can hear a bird calling. Her song sounds like she is saying "secret; secret; secret; secret!" I wonder if her eggs are just about to hatch and she is announcing her "secret" to the world!

Around the house...the comfortableness of quietness.

One of my favorite things...watching the flowers in the gardens take off and grow! I have always admired the "Bleeding Heart" perennials, and this year I planted some and they are doing wonderfully!




A few plans for the rest of the week: a day off from school tomorrow for Angel's 9th birthday and a trip or two to the museum before the CSI exhibit leaves (Angel's favorite)!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Ham Balls - a good Easter Main dish

This recipe is so common up North, but really no one south of the Mason Dixon line seems to have heard of it...it is so common in the MidWest that you can buy the mix in any grocery store! Here in Texas, we must grind the pork and ham in our own kitchens... (Sorry, no picture available!)

HAM BALLS

2 ½ lbs. ground ham

2 lbs ground beef

1 lb. ground pork

2 cups graham crackers (crushed)

3 eggs

2 cups milk

Mix and form into balls.

Makes 2 - 9” by 13” pans.

Sauce to put over top of balls:

2 cans tomato soup

2 tsp. dry mustard

1 C. brown sugar

¾ C. vinegar

Mix together and pour over ham balls.

Bake at 350˚F. for 1 ½ hours.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...what I have been working on over the Easter weekend (Check out the etsy shop later today to see the full picture.)

FOR TODAY
April 6, 2010...

Outside my window...the grass is finally green!

I am thinking...about how to greater influence my daughter to "love and good works".

I am thankful for...fresh air!

From the learning rooms...long vowel recognition.

From the kitchen...leftover ham balls from Easter (will be posting the recipe soon).

I am wearing...capris and a 3/4 sleeve black knit top.

I am creating...trees and angels...all being inspired by "sanctuary, home, rest, protection" still.

I am going...to a concert later in the week - Rebecca St. James.

I am reading...John 15:1-5.

I am hoping...still for that secret prayer request to be granted.

I am hearing...the comforting rhythm of the washing machine.

Around the house...focus on constructive activity.

One of my favorite things...bluebonnets in the spring!

A few plans for the rest of the week: a field trip, more sewing, more cooking, more art!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Step Five - The walk of death: Berith (covenant series)

Painting by Gwen Meharg: The Exchange

This step of making an ancient covenant could be very disturbing to our modern sensibilities; yet this particular step highlights the solemn nature of what a covenant truly is...and in grasping the depth and seriousness of covenant, we can embrace anew the incredible, indescribable gift that has been given to us through Jesus coming to earth in "the form of man" (Philippians 2:7).

Now, on to the graphic details...

The covenant is “cut” by taking an animal and splitting it right down the middle. Each half is laid to the side and the covenant partners stand between the two bloody halves of flesh, with their backs to one another. Then they walk right through the bloody halves, making a figure eight, and come back to stop, facing each other.

In vivid symbolism, they proclaimed that they were entering into a type of death and then were journeying into a new life.  They were: 1) dying to living for their self-interests alone, and 2) passing through that death to a new relationship of union with the other party to the covenant.

Their walk through the sacrificed animal is saying two things:

First, that they are dying to themselves, giving up the rights to their own life and beginning a new walk with the covenant partner unto death. (Each half of the dead animal represents the covenant partners).

Second, as the covenant partners walk, they point to each half of the animal, in effect saying “God do so to me and more if I ever try to break this covenant.”

As we think about this step of covenant, fear and anxiety might overcome us as the overwhelming truth strikes to the center of our being; the truth that we each are a covenant breaker! We are under the penalty of death for having broken the covenant! 

Covenant gives an even deeper understanding to my heart of why Romans 6:23 declares "the wages of sin is death"! BUT, the verse goes on to remind us that the covenant is restored through Jesus. In fact, Jesus is both covenant partners...He is God, making the Berith journey, and He is man, making the Berith journey. Being man, and a sinless man - was always His plan in restoring our covenant standing before God! 

James 4:4-5 is about us breaking covenant, and God holding to His end of it: 

Unfaithful people! Don't you know that to be the world's friend means to be God's enemy? If you want to be the world's friend, you make yourself God's enemy. Don't think that there is no truth in the scripture that says, "The spirit that God placed in us is filled with fierce desires."  (Good News Translation)

God holds up covenant through the work of Jesus. God is jealous for His children and the Holy Spirit works within us to bring our worldly desires into conformity with covenantal reality. 

2 Timothy 2:11-13 is an affirmation of God to His covenant:

 11This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with him,

we will also live with him.

12If we endure hardship,

we will reign with him.

If we deny him,

he will deny us.

13If we are unfaithful,

he remains faithful,

for he cannot deny who he is. (New Living Translation)

Genesis 15 – The entire chapter describes God’s covenant with Abraham. God, a pre-Incarnate appearance by Jesus, walked the covenant walk in Abraham’s stead, as a substitution.  A foreshadowing of Christ fulfilling both sides of this covenant, Genesis 15 shows God taking two separate forms to walk through the sacrificed animals.

 Are you grasping this? It is so powerful! So full of incredible truth! And when we really comprehend this reality, we never need to be ashamed of our failures in our Christian walk again...He knew we would fail, but He had a plan to cover this terrible paradox of being a spirit being that still can cave in to the flesh nature!

As a sinless man, Jesus walked the covenant journey in our place and as a covenant partner with God, He paid the penalty of death of our covenant breaking in His own body. Now, when we receive Him as Lord and Savior, we are entering into covenant with both parties of a covenant already cut...we are joining with Christ in proclaiming that we are entering into a death and are journeying into a new life. He and we are declaring that we each are dying to living for our self-interests alone and passing through death to a new relationship of union with each other!

May this truth deeply penetrate your hearts and spirit this Passover and First Fruits season!

Imagine What May Have Taken Place on That Day

Gwen Meharg Painting: Abiding

IMAGINE WHAT MAY HAVE TAKEN PLACE ON THAT DAY...

He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground. All of the Garden’s inhabitants paused to witness the event. Hawks hovered. Giraffes stretched. Trees bowed.

Butterflies paused on petals and watched.

“You will love Me, nature,” God said. “I made you that way. You will obey me, universe. For you were designed to do so. You will reflect my glory, skies, for that is how you were created. But this one will be like me.

This one will be able to choose.”

All were silent as the Creator reached into Himself and removed something yet unseen. A seed, “it’s called `choice’. The seed of choice.”

Creation stood in silence and gazed upon the lifeless form.

An angel spoke, “But what if he…”

“What if he chooses not to love?” the Creator finished. “Come, I will show you.”

Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow. “There, see the fruit of the seed of choice, both the sweet and the bitter.”

The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Chosen tenderness. Never had he seen anything like these. He felt the love of the Adams. He heard the joy of Eve and her daughters. He saw the food and the burdens shared. He absorbed the kindness and marveled at the warmth.

“Heaven has never seen such beauty, my Lord. Truly, this is Your greatest creation.”

“Ah, but you’ve only seen the sweet. Now witness the bitter.” A stench enveloped the pair.

The angel turned in horror and proclaimed, “What is it?”

The Creator spoke only one word: “Selfishness.”

The angel stood speechless as they passed through centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties. Children of the creation wandering blindly in lonely labyrinths.

“This is the result of choice?” the angel asked.

“Yes.”

“They will forget You?”

“Yes.”

“They will reject You?”

“Yes.”

“They will never come back?”

“Some will. Most won’t.”

“What will it take to make them listen?”

The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until He stood by a tree. A tree that would be fashioned into a cradle. Even then He could smell the hay that would surround Him.

With another step into the future, He paused before another tree. It stood alone, a stubborn ruler on a bald hill. The trunk was thick, and the wood was strong. Soon it would be cut. Soon it would be trimmed. Soon it would be mounted on the stony brow of another hill. And soon He would be hung on it.

He felt the wood rub against a back He did not yet wear.

“Will You go down there?” the angel asked.

“I will.”

“Is there no other way?”

“There is not.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier to not plant the seed? Wouldn’t it be easier to not give the choice?”

“It would,” the Creator spoke slowly. “But to remove the choice is to remove the love.”

He looked around the hill and foresaw a scene. Three figures hung on three crosses. Arms spread. Heads fallen forward. They moaned with the wind. Men clad in soldier’s garb sat on the ground near the trio. They played games in the dirt and laughed.

Men clad in religion stood off to one side. They smiled. Arrogant, cocky. They had protected God they thought, by killing this false one. Women clad in sorrow huddled at the foot of the hill. Speechless. Faces tear-streaked. Eyes downward. One put her arm around another and tried to lead her away. She wouldn’t leave.

“I will stay,” she said softly, “I will stay.”

All heaven stood to fight. All nature rose to rescue. All eternity poised to protect. But the Creator gave no command. “It must be done…,” He said, and withdrew. But as He stepped in time, He heard the cry that He would someday scream: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He wrenched at tomorrow’s agony.

The angel spoke again. “It would be less painful…”

The Creator interrupted softly. “But it wouldn’t be love.”

They stepped into the Garden again. The Maker looked earnestly at the clay creation. A monsoon of love swelled up within Him. He had died for the creation before He had made him. God’s form bent over the sculptured face and breathed. Dust stirred on the lips of the new one. The chest rose, cracking the red mud. The cheeks fleshened. A finger moved. And an eye opened. But more incredible than the moving of the flesh, was the stirring of the spirit. Those who could see the unseen gasped.

Perhaps it was the wind who said it first. Perhaps what the star saw that moment is what has made it blink ever since. Maybe it was left to an angel to whisper it: “It looks like…it appears so much like…it is Him!”

The angel wasn’t speaking of the face, the features, or the body. He was looking inside at the soul.

“It’s eternal!!” gasped another.

Within the man, God has placed a divine seed. A seed of Himself. The God of might had created earth’s mightiest. The Creator had created, not a creature, but another creator. And the One who had chosen to love had created one who could love in return. Now it’s our choice.

Max Lucado, “In the Eye of the Storm”

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
March 23, 2010...

Outside my window...the air is heavy with the scent of spring blossoms.

I am thinking...about what it means to be a "Daughter of God".

I am thankful for...all my material comforts.

From the learning rooms...she figured out multiplication before I even taught the lesson!

From the kitchen...chicken teriyaki.

I am wearing...jeans with a white 3/4 sleeve black knit top.

I am creating...more nest themed projects! The ideas of rest, sanctuary, protection, retreat and home are right where my heart is lately.

I am going...to have a quiet evening.

I am reading...Psalm 45 with Isaiah 61:10.

I am hoping...still for that secret prayer request to be granted.

I am hearing...my son's video game being played from his room!

Around the house...confident expectation.

One of my favorite things...lace curtains.

A few plans for the rest of the week: a field trip, more sewing, more cooking, more art!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...the cherry tree in blossom - we didn't know what kind of tree this was till last year! That was the first year since we moved into this house that there was enough rainfal to produce the fruit! Of course, the birds had their cherry treats - we didn't get any : )

Questions for Dads and Kids

Getting ready

A while back, our homeschool group hosted a Daddy/Daughter dance - it was so sweet for our little girl and her Poppa!

I thought I would share one of the activities of the night - conversation prompts (but really, girls don't really need these, mostly the Dads!). Here they are - maybe you can use them in your families...

For children:
What do you like the most about your Dad?
What is the hardest part of being a daughter/son?
What is your Dad's favorite activity?
What is your Dad's favorite saying?
What is the best part of being a daughter/son?
What quality attracted you to Mom?

For Dads:
What is your favorite part of being a Dad?
What is the hardest part of being a Dad?
What is your daughter's/son's favorite dessert?
What makes your daughter/son laugh?
What is your daughter's/son's best character trait?
What makes your daughter beautiful? What makes your son handsome?

I am truly excited!!!

Wow - I've sold two pieces from my shop (I really have got to get more paintings done!) AND...........drum roll please...........I am in the finalists for the ClothPaperScissors 2011 Calendar Challenge! (See the entire list here.) And after an afternoon of emailing back and forth...if my piece doesn't work for the challenge, it is in consideration for a feature in the magazine!

I am thrilled because I believe the Lord is confirming this leading into developing my artistic side.

Here is another peek at my submission piece:



Blessings,
Cindy

How to make your own Herbes de Provence

I made this tonight to put over asparagus...OMG! So good and my husband LOVED it...

Here is another recipe for the same herb blend...frenchfood.herbesdeprov


How to Make a Herbes de Provence Blend

Herbes de Provence is a classic herbal blend used in French cooking. Yes, you can buy the herbs at the store--but it's so much fun to dry your own! You can even grow the herbs yourself, dry them and then create the blend.

You can try it on meats, poultry, and even in savory egg dishes like quiche and omelets. My favorite uses are on roasted chicken and in mushroom and cheese omelets. It's also a tasty blend in soups, especially vegetable.

Here is how to put together a savory Herbes de Provence blend.
Things You'll Need:
• 1 tbsp. Lavender
• 1 tbsp. Sage
• 1 tbsp. Rosemary
• 1 tbsp. Oregano
• 1 tbsp. Basil
• 1 tbsp. Thyme
• Paper bags or paper towels
• Medium mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Airtight container
1. Step 1
Start by growing your own herbs. However, in some climates, it may not be possible to grow some of them with success. So it is perfectly acceptable to purchase the dried herbs.
2. Step 2
If you do grow your own, pick the herbs just before they flower. Dry them in paper bags or lay them out on paper towels. When the herbs are dry, remove them from the stems and crush them gently.
3. Step 3
Measure out the herbs and place them in a medium mixing bowl. Stir gently and transfer them to an airtight container. An amber glass jar is best, but you can also use a plastic container.
4. Step 4
The blend is ready to use. Keep it handy and use a pinch here and there when you cook.
Tips & Warnings
• Make sure the dried herbs are of the highest quality and don't contain any mold, dirt or black spots.
• You can change the blend around as you see fit. For example, if you think an herb needs to be in a higher proportion, smaller portion or omitted, feel free to do so!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
March 10, 2010...

Outside my window...the cherry tree is ready to burst into bloom.

I am thinking...about what else to plant in the garden - flower and vegetable.

I am thankful for...the feeling of spring in the air.

From the learning rooms...double schoolwork and she did it like a champ!

From the kitchen...getting my recipes together for Easter...stay tuned : ).

I am wearing...jeans with a white 3/4 sleeve top.

I am creating...space in my office by finishing UFOs - and still working on the mixed media nest!

I am going...to Wednesday night children's service at my friend's church later.

I am reading...a new blog I found "She's Becoming Doughmestic" - looks like some great recipes...

I am hoping...for a secret prayer request to be granted.

I am hearing...the wind whipping past the skylight as I type.

Around the house...there is a feeling of peace.

One of my favorite things...NCIS reruns (not very spiritual, LOL)

A few plans for the rest of the week: dentist appointment; counseling client; run by Jo-Ann's to get a few skeins of embroidery floss for one of those UFOs.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...IT'S NEVER TOO LATE! Believe it or not - this advent calendar has been waiting to be quilted for around 20 years! We did use it unquilted - now to put it in the attic with the rest of Christmas...

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
February 24, 2010...
(sorry, didn't get this published on the 24th!)

Outside my window...sunshine yet cold.

I am thinking...about new projects to create!

I am thankful for...technology!

From the learning rooms...she isn't feeling well, so we will do make-up work tomorrow!

From the kitchen...Seven-up and soda crackers!

I am wearing...workout clothes (haven't worked out yet)

I am creating...an entry for ClothPaperScissors' 2011 calendar contest - theme is "Make it Pretty"...and still working on the mixed media nest.

I am going...to the post office later.

I am reading...Brer Rabbit stories to my little girl as part of Black History Month.

I am hoping...to finish another project by the weekend - either the painting or a small quilt project.

I am hearing...my little girl's voice as she does her "pretend play".

Around the house...I am doing good at keeping the kitchen neat.

One of my favorite things...the warm feeling from cuddling with my little girl under a fleece blanket.

A few plans for the rest of the week: catching up on school work.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...the entry into Cloth Paper Scissors 2011 Calendar Contest

More on the name....

In the days of antiquity, soon after the foundation of the earth was laid, 12 Tribes of people - all descendants of one man who had received a tremendous promise - emerged from all of humankind as one nation through which all of world history can be viewed.

12 Tribes is a celebration of the legacy this ancient people left for those of us who live today!

These 12 Tribes originated from the sons of Jacob, the Biblical patriarch....12 in number from different mothers. Their story is far from being dry or boring...the human drama excels the best plot-lines of even modern dramas, action-adventures, and romance!

For this post, I am simply sharing their names...and the idea that each of their names hints at a wonderful legacy for us to inherit.

You see, in Biblical times, great care was taken in giving a child their name. Frequently, inquiry was made to God on what name a child should be given. The name of someone was believed to represent 3 ideas: the very person; all that is known about the person, and the very presence of the person...you can see how incredible this concept is when considering that Christians asked to pray "in Jesus' name"! To find the meaning of someone's name was to know quite a bit about the person and the destiny of that person.

So, relating this to the 12 sons of Jacob, first we investigate the meaning of their names. The Tribes (in order of birth) and the meaning of their names are as follows:

Reuben - viewing (or behold) the son
Simeon - hearing and obeying
Levi - joining or cleaving to
Judah - confession or praise of God
Zebulon - home or dwelling place
Issachar - reward or what is given by way of reward
Dan - judging
Gad - a company
Asher - happy or blessed (blessings). This word is always in the plural form.
Naphtali - a wrestler or striving with
Joseph - added, an addition
Benjamin - son of the right hand


After some prayer and a leading to reduce the meanings of the names to one word which would convey the same idea in more modern terms for our use here, I developed the following list:

Reuben - Adore/Worship
Simeon - Wisdom
Levi - Embrace
Judah - Praise/Declare
Zebulon - Abide
Issachar - Reward/Treasure
Dan - Discern
Gad - Fellowship
Asher -Blessings
Naphtali - Conqueror or victory
Joseph - Increase
Benjamin - Honor