Melodic Monday: Slow Down!

When I found this video devotional by Jeremy Camp, I knew I had to share it with you! Jeremy really is a man after God's own heart. My daughter, Mackenzie, and I saw him in concert for her birthday. I was touched by his humble spirit and his desire to give all the glory to God. He has an amazing testimony... and has truly walked by faith.

I chose this devotional because though I desire to be more like Mary, sitting at the feet of our Lord, I tend to be more of a Martha. So, I am reminded to slow down and experience the joy and fullness of His presence. Be still and know that He is God!

Dollars & Sense: Homemade Cleaner

You know the saying... "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" Well, I would suggest you make a homecleaner instead! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a cold glass of lemonade. And I never really understood the whole negative connotation associated with lemons. Our Creator made them and I think they are delightful. But I digress! I use lemon juice as part of a really simple, all natural, save-me-a-lot-of-money, homemade cleaning solution. Now, I am going to come completely clean, I am not a shining example of Proverbs 31-ness. My hubby will attest to that! But as I aspire to grow in my role as keeper-of -the home, I am learning some really cool things. While I do not delight in cleaning (I am still a work in progress), I am thrilled with this "recipe" and would like to share it with you. Drum roll, please...

3 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 cup of water

1 cup of vinegar


That's it. Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy! No poison. No fumes. So economical. How great is that? I put it in a spray bottle that I purchased at a dollar store. I used a permanent black marker to write "General Purpose Cleaner" and then I printed the "recipe" on the bottle as well. This way the kids can't conveniently forget how to make it when the bottle is low. ;0) Now, I will admit that I have yet to squeeze my own lemons to provide the juice. I use the bottled lemon juice and the kitchen counters don't seem to mind.

Be sure to come back and visit for more homeade cleaning product ideas!

P.S. Thanks to my husband for encouragement in my quest to become a Proverbs 31 women and for finding this recipe. (((Hugs)))

A Lesson in Loyalty

The disciples of Jesus lovingly called him Rabbi, which means "teacher." Truly He is! Our Lord delights in revealing His truths, sometimes in the most unlikely ways. In our homeschool, the children and I are doing a bible study on faith. This week the study focused on loyalty and faithfulness. Loyalty can be defined as being steadfast in allegiance to ones homeland, government, king or master or as being faithful to a person, ideal, cause or duty. We discussed what it means to be faithful and sought illustrations of faithfulness to God in the Scriptures. After discussing the life of Paul, the apostle, we concluded our lesson. But God wasn't done yet! Later in the day, the children were watching a program that showcased amazing animal stories. As I worked in the kitchen, I heard the kids summon me. They wanted me to hear the most amazing example of loyalty demonstrated over a lifetime... of a dog!

Hachiko was an Akita dog. He lived in Tokyo with his master, a professor at the University of Tokyo. For a year, the young dog and his caregiver had an established routine. Daily, Hachiko would walk the professor to the door threshold and say goodbye. As the end of each day approached, the canine would faithfully journey to the Shibuya train station where he would await his master's return from work. One day, Hachiko waited in vain. His master had tragically suffered a stroke at work and died. The Akito was given away to another family. Yet the dog repeatedly escaped from his new residence only to return to his former home. Eventually, Hachiko realized his master no longer lived there. So, he made his way across town to the station. For ten years, chuken Hachiko, translated "faithful dog Hachiko," returned each evening to await his master's return. His daily seeking of his master only ended when his life did. A statue of the Akito now keeps watch at the station in remembrance of Hachiko's steadfast commitment.

Wow. Utterly and completely committed. Faithful. Loyal until the end. My thoughts immediately turned to my relationship with my master. How often do I wait on the Lord? Do I meet with Him faithfully each morning at daybreak? Do I seek to be in His presence daily? Do I long to have Him by my side? How much do I yearn for His return? Am I willing to walk the distance, to endure? Will I continue to follow my Lord when I am unable to see His hand at work or when He seems far away? Over time, will adversity deter my allegiance? Will I be loyal to the King of Kings above all else?

Oh Saviour, daily may I seek you! Strengthen and empower me to be steadfast and enduring in my faith. May I long to be by your side and eagerly await your return! Thank you, Rabbi, for so lovingly teaching me about loyalty through the life of a dog.

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So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith... so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Peter 5:10