The Life Ready Woman - Giveaway

Book - The Life Ready Woman - Thriving in a Do-It-All World

Author - Shaunti Feldhahn and Robert Lewis

Publisher - B & H Publishing

Description from the publisher:

"Whether a stay at home; or working mom, an airplane-hopping executive, an empty-nester caring for multiple generations or a single juggling high demands of career and personal life, today's fast-paced modern world leaves women gasping for balance. We as modern Christian women want to look to the Bible for guidance on how to manage our lives -- but because the world of women looks so different today than it did when the Bible was written, it is hard to find chapter and verse that seems to apply to our situation today.

Thankfully, God has given us exactly that timeless, unchanging guidance for how to find peace, clarity, and God's best for our lives once we know where to look! The Life Ready Woman: Thriving in a Do-It-All World, reveals a profound biblical roadmap for how each of us can find the abundant life we are longing for, rather than the stressful, torn, how-do-I-balance-it-all life we often feel like we are trying to keep up with today. Actually being a LifeReady Woman means that you are clear about your life, bold in your faith, and able to find God’s best for you, and the end result will be that you not only survive but thrive in our do-it-all world."

My Thoughts:

When I first started reading this book, I was a little shocked. It described a Modern Christian woman who had a husband and grown children. She was looking back over her life, realizing she did the "right" things by slowing down during seasons - like when the children were young, she worked less, etc. But I just could not relate.  I hoped it would get better! While it was wonderfully written, it was not the old-fashioned, stay-at-home-mom life that I know and love. So, I had a hard time with it. But I trusted the author and knew she writes great books, so I kept reading. I realized that many Christian homes today include a working mother - for whatever reason that may be. And this book is designed to help them.

Inside you'll find 2 parts to this book. The first part Explains the Biblical roles of women and our life purpose.  The second part covers details of what the reader can do to make changes and embrace a godly life.

Shaunti uses her excellent research and analytical skills to bring her ideas to life. They are practical and useful. I believe this book would be most appreciated by career moms and work-at-home moms.

The Giveaway

Would you like a chance to win a copy of this book? I have one available for a giveaway. All you have to do is leave me a comment!


One random winner we be selected on Thursday, March 3, 2011. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 

This contest is closed. The winner is - Amanda. 



*Disclosure - This is part of a Litfuse blog tour.  I received a copy of this book from the publisher for Review purposes*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.


An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

The Christian Home - Issue 4

Welcome to the fourth issue of The Christian Home, a weekly Blog Magazine posted every Monday morning.

Each article was submitted by various Christian Blog Authors. I am grateful for their participation. I hope you enjoy visiting them, reading their work and spending some time getting to know them at their own blogs.  If you would like to write for us, please see the instructions at the end of this post. For your enjoyment, there is a selection of music at the end of this issue. Please feel welcome to play the song while reading this magazine.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Design and Decorate



Angie - Pebblekeeper presents Sprucing up the Parlor posted at Petra School. Such a fun, inspiring post about quickly cleaning up the parlor and making it look inviting! There are plenty of pictures and easy ideas.

Susan presents Making Your Home Work for You: RE-Purposing Old Things posted at Homeschooling Hearts & Minds. She includes pictures and helpful advice for changing things around at home, to fit the ever- changing needs of the family.

Christine presents Before and After: Under the Desk posted at Our Homeschool Reviews. She shares pictures and a quick post on organizing.

Finances





Terri G. presents Thrifty Thursday: Just how can I really make money from home? posted at Accidentally Homeschooling... If you are looking for a little extra money, Terri's ideas will help.

Anita Chamblee presents Lifestyle Changes--Becoming Producers Instead of Consumers posted at Busy Hands Busy Minds. This is a motivating post that will make you want to work harder at home, learning and working on new things to be self-sufficient!

Christine presents Couponing 101: Part 4 posted at Our Homeschool Reviews. Helpful tips for those who are new to couponing.


Gardening and Flowers 



Briana presents Spring Cleaning in the Garden and Potager Info. posted at I Can't Decide. She shares photos and helpful information about working on her garden. Very educational!

Hospitality  




Michele presents Homemade Crockpot Yogurt posted at My Blessings From Above. She shares details and photographs on how to make this. I love that she put the final product in a pretty mason jar!

Homekeeping




April E. presents Proverbs 31: My work matters to God posted at ElCloud Homeschool: Busy Minds, Busy Hands, Busy Feet. This is an amazing post which will greatly encourage you. One significant quote from April that really spoke to me is this: "God values my work which allows my husband and children to succeed, even if it leaves me in the background where others don’t see me." I am going to print that out and post it on the wall as an encouragement. [Thank you April!] She did a marvelous job with this post! She describes this writing as, "A new perspective on Proverbs 31 and how it relates to my work as a homemaker, wife, and mom." 


Parenting 




Kimberly presents Today I Pray posted at Raising Olives. This is an excellent prayer for mothers and can be printed out and put on the fridge!

Tristan presents Raising Men and Women posted at Our Busy Homeschool. She takes a very strong and clear stand on the roles of men and women and shares what she is doing to raise her boys and girls for this. Her excellent advice and godly counsel will encourage many!

Heather presents Mommy and Me Time posted at Marine Corps Nomads. She explains the importance of spending one-on-one time with each child, whether they are young or old.


The Godly Home 



April E. presents Preparing for our Lenten Devotions posted at ElCloud Homeschool: Busy Minds, Busy Hands, Busy Feet. She explains an exciting way her family enjoys devotions.

Mrs. W Ross presents The Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Love posted at Life at Rossmont. She shares a devotional.

Movies and Music



Michelle Smith presents Movies as History Supplements: What?s a Mom to Do When Seasonal Laryngitis Hits? posted at A Life Better Than I Deserve. Wonderful movie suggestions!

Laura O in AK presents More Movies We've Been Viewing... posted at Day By Day in Our World. She shares two movie reviews, including one of my favorites - Boys Town.



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Thank you so much for reading!

There are four columns with no entries for this issue. They are:

Young Adults, Modest Fashion, Gentle Humor, and  Home Business. I'd love to have more entries for the next edition. Hope you will join us then!

To submit your work or to find out more about The Christian Home magazine, just visit the about page.







The Entire Christian Home Series.

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

The Last Witness of an Era

The culture around us is changing rapidly. Each generation becomes less and less recognizable to the last. There is a craving for the newest and the latest idea. Often Mothers are tempted to walk away from the old path and blend-in with the world around them.

We need mothers who will be a living example of the old ways. We need mothers with courage and discipline to stand strong in these times.

In my son's Karate class, the teacher will run to each student and try to knock him over. The student must always be on guard. He must stand tall and fixed. He must be unbending to resist the attack. This is the kind of strength we mothers need. The attack is the seduction of a worldly culture- seeking materialism, partying, endless fun, and ungodly living. Mothers must be seeking to glorify God, rather than self. In this, we must walk the old paths and be the light to the world around us.

Have you ever met an older person who was in a concentration camp? Or have you met someone who lived through the great-depression? They are the last of the witnesses of those difficult times. They have seen many things. They have experienced many things. We learn from them. We watch how they live now, and hear them speak. . . and we get a glimpse into the reality of history.  This is part of seeking the old paths.

This current era is changing rapidly. The music, the food, technology, family life, and social expectations are almost unrecognizable to previous generations. In order to keep godly culture alive, we must not conform to society around us. We must seek strength to be a witness of the era in which we now live. This is impossible to do alone. We need God's help.

"Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will."
- Jonathan Edwards, 1703-1758


Blessings
Mrs. White

Learning from Grandpa - Holiness from the Garage.

I am Just a Regular Mom.

A Precious day of Happy Homemaking.


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A Very Special Dinner

Preparing food in a dimly lit kitchen

It started late one afternoon. I couldn't think of a new and exciting dinner idea. Mr. White offered to look through the grocery sales ads with me. We brainstormed. Then it finally hit me - I noticed there was Bakery Sesame Italian Bread on sale for only $1 per loaf. I could come up with a wonderful idea with that.

I made a shopping list. I could only spend $10 and it had to feed all of us. We even had a guest over - Matthew's (18) girlfriend. So I had to make sure we would all enjoy our special meal.  I went out and bought the groceries. By the time I got home, it was already dark. I got right to work.

I turned on some classical music - (Mozart) and turned on the broken kitchen light. This florescent light switches off and on every few seconds. We rarely use it anymore. It needs to be replaced. Yet for some reason, I prefer to work by nightlights and candles so we only use the broken light in emergencies.

What was the emergency? I had to quickly plan out, prepare and photograph this special dinner for Erin at $5 dinners. I was asked by her, late last year, to write one dinner each month and it was to cost $10 or less.  My posts appear on her site every 3rd Thursday of the month.  I had slacked and slacked and finally the deadline for my post was looming near.

Every so often, I called Amy (16) into the room to help me take pictures. We tried to time the broken, flashing light with the clicks from the camera. I had hoped to get pictures with plenty of light. But this didn't happen. The result, however, of the dimly lit room, created some ambiance and a sense of a real home that I loved.

Everyone enjoyed our special dinner. I had to call Nana (who lives downstairs in our large old house) and have her help me come up with a name for this dinner idea. We decided to call it - Italian Chicken Subs.  It was posted last week. You can get all the details along with more pictures at Erin's site.

I hope you enjoyed this "behind the scenes look," of what goes into creating a recipe idea each month. I'd love to hear about your favorite dinner!

Blessings
Mrs. White

The Joy of Creating a Cozy Home!

When I am worn out, I love to have A Jane Austen Day.

Inspired by Little House - Delicate Beauty of Homemaking.


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The Family Daughter - Giveaway

Book - The Family Daughter - Becoming Pillars of Strength in our Father's House.

Author - Sarah L. Bryant

Publisher - KBR Ministries


Price - $12.00




This book is absolutely beautiful! It is professionally published with a high quality cover. Each chapter  starts with a Bible verse in pretty script writing. Ten chapters cover the following topics:

1. An Abundant Season.
2. In My Father's House.
3. Our Parent's Joy.
4. The Family Sister.
5. Pillars of Strength.
6. A Humble Maidservant.
7. The Spotless Maiden.
8. The Appointed Time.
9. Reflecting the Light.
10. Bouquet of Beauty.

As I read, I felt very calm. Sarah's writing is focused and inspiring. She shares important lessons on being a godly daughter at home. She also talks about some of her experiences in learning and growing in the Lord. We see real-life examples of her life at home. We get a glimpse into her heart concerning the importance of living a holy, consecrated life.

Interspersed throughout, you'll find testimonies of 11 other girls. You will see that there are many daughters living at home who are committed to their father's vision and the ministry of home. This is such an encouragment!

The following excerpts will help you see what is inside this book:

- On page 163, she asks you spend 15 minutes of your spare time, each day, seeking the Lord. She suggests singing, journaling, memorizing Bible verses and prayer.

- On page 136, she says, "Women have great influence in a culture. As daughters, we impact many lives through the choices we make. If you do not think serving the Lord in your home is of much importance, you are missing so much!"

- Page 136 - "The feminist movement in our society has affected the ambitions of women. Many girls fight against anything to do with being feminine."

- Page 86 - "Children grow up and mature so quickly. I feel both eager anticipation for the coming years my siblings and I will enjoy together, and also the trepidation as I realize this season together will not last long."

Sarah wrote The Family Daughter when she was 18 years old. She is the oldest of eight children and the editor of The King's Blooming Rose magazine. Reading her book is like gleaning loving advice from an older sister.

The Giveaway

How would you like a chance to win your very own copy of this book? All you need to do is leave me a comment telling me your favorite aspect of homemaking.

For additional Entries:


1. Post about this on Facebook.

2. Post about this on Twitter. 

3. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

4. Subscribe in an email to The Legacy of Home.  

5. Become a Public Follower through Google Friend Connect, or let me know if you are already a follower.

6. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.


7.  Subscribe to The Kings Blooming Rose Magazine (for only $7 for a year)


8. Choose to "Like"  KBR Ministries on Facebook

9. Follow KBR Ministries on Twitter.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*


One random winner we be selected on Thursday, March 3, 2011. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 

This contest is now closed. The winner is - Crystal in Alaska


*Disclosure -  I received a copy of this book from the publisher for Review purposes*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

A Delightful Home

I was out shopping last night with Matthew (18). He brought me to a place right nearby, in town. It had discount goods that were great for decorating the home. I found pretty bath mats with a matching shower curtain. I also bought a couple of small lamps. I even bought a $2 wall plaque that was so pretty! It is burgundy and has artwork on it that says, "Laundry Gathers Here." Can you guess where that will go? In my laundry room! I will look at it as I hang clothes on the line, out our second floor window. I can just imagine the warm spring days and the pleasant morning work of doing laundry while enjoying the fresh, clean air.

When we got home, I offered to pay John (13) to help me with some work. He was looking for ways to earn money and was eager to help. I had him throw out all clutter, empty shampoo bottles, etc in our bathroom. Then we set up the shower curtain and mats and made it look lovely!

Next, I took the new lamps and put them downstairs in the large playroom. They look so pretty. Each lamp only cost $6. I was thrilled.

When you buy a couple of simple, new things and bring them home, there is a tremendous motivation to clean and organize and make everything at home look delightful!


Blessings
Mrs. White

I want An Old Fashioned Home.

I don't like driving - My Chauffeur.  

The bad days - Struggling to Keep House.


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I Just Want to Go Home

I was gone for 12 hours yesterday. I went into the city to visit my girls, ages 21 and 23. I also had some shopping to do. The drive was so long. I missed being home! I bought many necessary items for John (13) and Amy (16). They were in desperate need of some fresh, new clothes. We were able to buy several items at a deep discount. However, the stores were all so crowded. The Lines were too long. The wait made me anxious and ill.

I yearned for home. I wanted to be in the parlour and greeting my guests. I wanted to bake and cook and clean. I wanted to be hospitable to my family in my own cozy domain. I also worried about those who were left behind- Mr. White and Matthew (18). They needed me too.

Sometimes shopping is an enjoyable experience. When you can leisurely walk around the little shops and visit with your companions, it is not so bad. That is why Amy, John and I took a much needed break in an Italian restaurant and enjoyed a pleasant lunch. We were refreshed and able to get back to our shopping. But then, once we hit the crowds and the dizziness of all the merchandise, I wanted to be at home.

We stopped at Rachel's apartment (my oldest) and visited for a bit. Then decided to bring Nicole (21) back home with us. She is on vacation from college and had been staying with her sister. I took her home. That is where she wanted to be. She missed "Daddy" and all the comforts and security of home.

Late that night, we put all our parcels on the living room floor. I could not believe how much we bought! And yet we did not spend very much money. The children were happy. We had hot chocolate and a late supper and were grateful for a warm, happy house.

I don't ever want to go shopping again..... Why can't we just have a little mercantile like the old days?

Blessings
Mrs. White

The importance of Morning Devotions for the Family.

You can have - A Beautiful Clean house in just 30 days!

A Pleasant Visit - Lovely Things Going on at Home.


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The Christian Home - Issue 3

Welcome to the third issue of The Christian Home, a weekly Blog Magazine posted every Monday morning.

Each article was submitted by various Christian Blog Authors. I am grateful for their participation. I hope you enjoy visiting them, reading their work and spending some time getting to know them at their own blogs.  If you would like to write for us, please see the instructions at the end of this post. For your enjoyment, there is a selection of music at the end of this issue. Please feel welcome to play the song while reading this magazine.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

Design and Decorate



Susan presents Making Your Home Work for You: Identify YOUR Problem Areas posted at Homeschooling Hearts & Minds. She shares actual photographs of the difficult areas of her home and encourages us to get our own homes in order.

Debbie Phillips presents Decorating My Food Diary posted at Debbies Digest. This is a lovely idea to make an everyday food diary notebook, much more fun with a beautiful, decorative cover!

Christine presents Before and After posted at Our Homeschool Reviews. She shows a picture of her daughter's messy room and then the after photograph of it nice and tidy! It looks beautiful!

Finances




Christine  presents Couponing 101: Part 3 posted at Our Homeschool Reviews. She shares details on how to save money at the grocery store.

Michelle Smith presents Groceries For Growing Girls and Boys! posted at A Life Better Than I Deserve. She shares her excellent ideas for careful grocery shopping.

Angie - Pebblekeeper presents Fish Tacos posted at Petra School. These look amazing!




Hospitality  





Michele presents Don’t forget the comments! posted at My Blessings From Above. She talks about all the helpful information she has been missing out by not reading blog comments. She also encourages you to visit blogs directly and leave a little note! 

Heather presents Gluten Free Green Chile Quesadillas posted at Marine Corps Nomads. These look wonderful!

Homekeeping




Mrs. Q presents Homemaking is Hard Work posted at Blessed Homemaking. She inspires and encourages you to get to work at home!

Shannon presents An Unwelcome Guest posted at Mountaineer Country. Oh my!! You will be shocked by this one! I loved it!

Parenting 



Kellyann presents Discipline - Part One posted at Walking Home . . . She shares her method for training young children.



The Godly Home 




Rodna presents What Does God's Word Mean to You? posted at Training Children up for Christ. She shares a heartfelt plea to encourage us all to Read Scripture more.

Mrs. W Ross  presents The Fruit of the Holy Spirit: Gentleness posted at Life at Rossmont. This is a devotional.


Movies and Music




Laura O presents Recent Movie Viewing in Our House posted at Day By Day in Our World. She shares about the latest movies her family has watched together.




Modest Fashion




Briana presents Modesty for Little Girls and Young Ladies posted at I Can't Decide. She shares pictures and wonderful ideas for dressing little girls.



Gentle Humor




Dawn presents Laughter is the Best Medicine posted at Guiding Light Homeschool. Enjoy a little smile and happiness while reading this post!


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Thank you so much for reading!

There are three columns with no entries for this issue. They are:

Young Adults, Gardening and Flowers, and  Home Business. I'd love to have more entries for the next edition. Hope you will join us then!

To submit your work or to find out more about The Christian Home magazine, just visit the about page.







The Entire Christian Home Series.

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

Creating a Cozy Home

[Above photo is not my house. Just so you know.]


My biggest goal this year is to get rid of everything I don't use or need. I want my home to feel like a relaxing place to be. I have thousands of books in my home library and am in the process of donating many of them to our local library. I also have 20 years worth of school books and curriculum I am ready to part with. Do I want to sell them? No. I would rather just donate them all at once.

I have closets full of clothes and shoes I don't need. I want to eliminate and simplify this all down to the basic necessities and then add in some charming pretty items.

I would love to have our parlour painted a pretty country blue. I want fresh flowers in vases. I want polished windows and furniture. I want pretty plants and beautiful paintings on the walls. This will be our welcome room. I remember reading this old book recently. A gentleman came to the door of a small country estate. A servant opened the door. She invited him in, saying "Come in, the parlour was just cleaned." In other words, it was ready for guests. In our house, the parlour is the living room. It is the first room a guest sees when they enter our home.

All this work of creating a cozy home is how I get ready for a wonderful spring! I will have an enormous head start before spring cleaning time arrives. My house will have only the basics and the treasures. All else will be donated and removed from our estate. This will help eliminate wasted time in searching for things, or all the extra cleaning, and help me enjoy the coming seasons.

I have every intention of sewing this spring, and hanging clothes on the line. I plan to spend much of my time outdoors creating a lovely garden, even though I know nothing about landscaping! But the fun. . .  and the delight . . .  in working outdoors and making this place beautiful in my own humble, simple way will give me great joy!

What are your plans for creating a cozy home?

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Servant's Heart in Domestic Occupations.

The peaceful beauty of Rising while it is yet Night.

Can you be, As Cheerful as Ever?


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Joining with
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Fit Mommy (Year 2 Week 7)

The following is my check-in for Fit Mommy Friday. It is hosted by Denise. This is a way for many of us to encourage one another, to share our progress and to meet our own fitness goals. When you visit our blogs and read about our week, would you take a minute to share an encouraging comment?

Here's My week:

Monday through Friday -

I did not exercise. Not even once. . .  But I will exercise next week.

Wasn't that the shortest check-in ever?

Blessings
Mrs. White

My complete Fit Mommy history.


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Make Doughnuts with King Arthur Flour - Giveaway

I have always wanted to make baked doughnuts! I have made fried doughnuts in the past, but thought a healthier version would be better for our family. King Arthur Flour has an amazing selection of products for baking, including the necessary tools I needed to make baked doughnuts!





They generously sent me two items:


 1. Standard Doughnut Pan (for baked, rather than fried doughnuts). $15.95

                                      

                                                     2. Ultimate Chocolate Doughnut Mix. $7.95

The recipe was on the back of the doughnut mix. I only needed to add one egg, some vegetable oil and water. Mixing was simple!  The non-stick doughnut pan was perfect to work with. It took only 12 minutes to bake these in the oven.

The donuts were delicious!! They are cake-donuts and are healthier than the fried version. Clean up is also much easier! Each standard doughnut pan makes 6 donuts. The mix contains two separate bags and will yield a total of 12 donuts. I know your family will love these just as much as mine did!

The Giveaway

How would you like a chance to win your very own King Arthur chocolate doughnut mix and doughnut pan? I have one set available for a giveaway. All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me what kind of doughnuts you like best.

For additional Entries:


1. Post about this on Facebook.

2. Post about this on Twitter. 

3. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

4. Subscribe in an email to The Legacy of Home.  

5. Become a Public Follower through Google Friend Connect, or let me know if you are already a follower.

6. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.


7.  Follow King Arthur Flour on Twitter.


8. Choose to "Like" King Arthur Flour on Facebook.


*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*


One random winner we be selected on Thursday, March 3, 2011. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 

This contest is closed. The winner is - Deanna from Home Haven. 



*Disclosure -  I received these items from King Arthur Flour for Review purposes*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.


An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

Review - Lady in the Mist

Book - Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes


Publisher - Revell

This story is set in the early 1800's, in Virginia. It is a historical fiction work and centers around a specific crisis in America at that time - When relations between England and America were difficult and dangerous.

There are a couple of main characters who are intriguing. You will meet a Midwife - Tabitha, a British redemptioner - Dominick, as well as many servants, and townspeople. The story itself is fascinating, brilliantly written and amazing! I was taken in on the very first page and did not want to put the book down.

You'll find a gentle love story emerging. You will be kept in hopeful suspense about a variety of situations. You will love reading about life for servants and the working class. The town is right on the ocean and there are stories about missing men who are taken away at sea by the English. There is fear and suspicion. And through it all is faith in God, and those who struggle with faith in God. Overall, an excellent story!

“Available February 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

*Disclosure - I received this book from the publisher for review purposes.*

Review - An Unlikely Blessing

Book - An Unlikely Blessing by Judy Baer

Publisher - Guideposts

Description from the publisher:
"An Unlikely Blessing is a heartfelt story about a new pastor and life-long city dweller Alex Armstrong, who reluctantly accepts his first assignment, a two-point parish in the wilds of North Dakota. Hilltop Township, a farming community, blooms from the prairie like a wild pink rose—lovely and prickly all at once, much like the people who live there."

My Thoughts:

It is not very often that I dislike a book. It is hard to explain why, in this case. I appreciate the author's intention to write a Christian book and share a good message. That is always important. However, the way this story was written made it difficult for me to get into. In some cases there were too many adjectives thrown in, when one would have been enough. In other cases, the choice in language seemed shallow and uneducated.  Overall, I would have to say it is a good story, but to get to the message, you have to wade through some "fluff."

*Disclosure - This is part of a litfuse blog tour. I received this book from the publisher for review purposes."

When Mother Falls into a Dangerous Rut

The problem did not dawn on me until I stood in the kitchen last night trying not to cry. Then a dish slipped to the floor and broke. I looked up, the tears could no longer be held back. I saw 2 bottles of laundry detergent still sitting on the living room floor - the ones I never managed to put away after grocery shopping a few days before. I was tired and my nerves were frazzled.

Amy (16) saw the black streaks of mascara running down my cheeks. She sympathized. Then she got me settled in the other room and told me to rest. She found an old VCR tape of the I Love Lucy Show and told me to watch it. After two episodes I was no longer crying. I was happy again and well rested.

What was this rut I got into? I stopped exercising. . . I stopped taking breaks. . . Mr. White had several days off from work, but I was busy doing hours and hours of homeschooling, errands and housework each day. I did not rest. I forgot. 

I remember cleaning and tidying the living room. I remember saying, "I'll just do this one last thing, then I really need to get some rest." But I continued working. Mr. White came over to me. . there was an intervention. . He put his hand on my arm and said, "No. Stop. Go rest now." He was concerned. He sees that once I start cleaning, I cannot stop myself. . .


I must remember to rest. God provided us with work to do, but he also tells us to rest. Please don't ever let me forget. I don't want to be crying in the kitchen again with broken dishes at my feet.

For my own sake and well-being, I will cultivate the art of making a mess look neat.


Blessings
Mrs. White

For the Children - The Bible Treasure Box.

Always remember that Mother Makes the Home.

A story and a picture of my children from many years ago - Suppertime with Precious Helpers.

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The Prairie Primer

Product - The Prairie Primer - Pack A

Company - Cadron Creek

This Christian based package includes four resources:


1. The Prairie Primer, written by Margie Gray


This large paperback book contains more than 330 pages.   It is a "literature based unit study." [You will need a set of "Little House on the Prairie" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, sold separately.]  This program can be used as the main foundation of your curriculum, since it includes ideas and plans for most subjects (other than math), or it can be used to supplement your current educational plans. The study is rich in 1800's history.

2. Historical Timetable

This small brochure gives a list of events which happened throughout the life of Laura and her family. You will see dates, as well as fascinating facts. An Example: The year Betsy Ross died was the same year Laura's father (Charles) was born. You will also see the rise of our federal debt from 53.2 million in 1810 to 370.1 billion in 1970, the year before Laura's final book (The First Four Years) was published.

3. Laura Ingalls Wilder Country

This large book is packed with vivid,  full color and black-and-white photographs. It was written and compiled by William Anderson. It is described as "The people and places in Laura Ingalls Wilder's life and books." The pictures are gorgeous and fascinating! There is background information and little known facts throughout. You will see pictures of the current Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove Minnesota.

There is an actual wedding picture in here of Ma and Pa Ingalls! You'll also see the family Bible, Grace as a baby, the three oldest girls when they were little and Ma and Pa when they were older. They are not at all what I imagined! They look so real! This is a wonderful resource to understand the history of the family and the background of life in the 1800's, in general.

4. The Little House Cookbook

This charming book includes plenty of recipes and information about what people ate in the 1800's and how they prepared their food.  The book is subtitled as: "Frontier Foods from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Classic Stories."  You'll learn about social customs, food storage, and how they prepared a variety of recipes. You'll also get to try these out for yourself since modern explanations are included. Two of my favorite recipes are: Heart Shaped Cakes (p. 200) and Light Biscuits (p. 72)!  In Chapter 8, "Thirst Quenchers and Treats," starts with a charming sentence:

"The world Laura entered in 1867 was a world without wrapped candy bars, canned soda pop, packaged ice cream and frozen layer cakes."

Readers get quite an education from this valuable book!


How The Prairie Primer worked for my family:

There are many ways to use the Primer, depending on each family's situation. Some may have young children and use it daily. Others may have older children, and use it occasionally. It can be used for a history program or a full curriculum since it presents plenty of daily activities in Bible, Science, Art, Literature, Music, Writing, etc.  You can find many of the suggested books and resources at your local library.

As for my family, I used it with my young teenage son, who is dyslexic. He is not a strong reader and would not have been able to read all the books. It would have been very hard for me to teach him history if I only depended on his reading abilities. I have found the Prairie Primer, and this kit, to be an amazing resource.

Here is what we are doing, a few nights a week:

1. I read one chapter from the assigned book. (One of the Little House books.)
2. I ask him the comprehension questions from the Primer.
3. We pick one or two of the activities to do (or discuss).
4. We look through the book by William Anderson to see all the pictures and get an idea of the setting.
5. We read a recipe or description from the cookbook (if it was mentioned in the book.)
6. We read the Timeline and talk about historical events and compare them with today (when applicable).

The result:

My son is extremely interested in what he is learning. He loves to hear about how Pa is out hunting and working on the farm. He enjoys the funny stories about home and family life, and has developed a tremendous understanding of what life was like in those days.

We have come to love our quiet reading times and do them in the early evening.  We are using this mainly as a history curriculum. He does all his regular schoolwork during the day. We do the Prairie Primer a few nights a week. It is relaxing and pleasant and gives us a break from the events of the day and the worries of the world around us. There is enough assigned work here for one or two years. We intend to take our time with it. Overall it is an excellent resource which I highly recommend.

Cadron Creeks offers many other resources including The Webster's Dictionary of 1828 (which we have owned for many years).  Their Victorian-era program looks delightful as well!

*Disclosure - I received this product from the publisher for review purposes.*

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