Thankful for faithful husband.....

Today was a downhearted day. Like many couples, we had a little bit of spat about finances. I personally must be thankful that I have a husband who is willing to work out side the home and deal with the stress of the work place to provide for our family. Without a husband who is willing to sacrifice, we would be at a loss. My main concern occurred when he stated that he believed that because I was getting a bachelor degree in Mathematics, I would automatically be qualified to receive a good job at a high wage. Little did he know, that the job a availability for Statistical mathematicians is little to none around this area. Further more his refusal to move away from family members also contributed to the lack of my ability to find a job in the first place. I personally do not want to move to a bigger city just so that I can find a job that suits my major, instead I am satisfied with following biblical order and being keeper of the home.

For some time I have been having to work part time at the same location that my husband works. It is ok, but it is stressful. The work it self is not stressful, but dealing with the gossip and the social pressures is extremely stressful. I hope that we will be able to balance our finances better in the next year, so that we can either accommodate less time for me working out side the home or a way to seek an alternative job that replaces the finances that we "supposedly" need.

For now I appreciate the fact that my husband is willing to work full-time at a less than satisfactory job to supply food, shelter and clothing to us, even though I only work at a part-time low wage job. I appreciate the fact that he does not consume a significant amount of alcohol. I appreciate that he is willing to deal with my less than satisfactory moods, somewhat "out there" ideas and somewhat anti-social behavior. I am thankful that he enjoys giving to our local church and organizations that support the sharing of the gospel. I wish to get more into giving in the next year......

Hand washed Laundry

How easy is it to hand wash your own laundry. It is easier said than done. It takes a lot of physical labor, but it is worth the effort and the time. It will also save you a few bucks at the laundry mat and/or on your energy bill if you hand wash clothes consistently.

Here is how to hand wash your own laundry with simple supplies that are easily purchased at the local household supply store. All you will need is a good bathtub to assist in draining water

What you will need:
An 18 gallon tote or tub of some sort
A plunger
Rubber gloves
Laundry detergent and softener
(optional) a wringer -- This makes doing the laundry by hand easier

Step 1:
Fill the 18 gallon tote with water 1/2 way and add the laundry detergent. Add enough detergent according to the size of the load

Step 2:
Add the clothes and let soak for 15 minutes

Step 3:
Stomp the clothes with the plunger for 10 minutes. If you don't have a plunger you can use your feet and stomp on the clothes.

Step 4:
Drain the soapy water and add cool water. Add softener. Stomp on the clothes for 5 minutes.

Step 5:
Drain the water again. Add more cool water. Stomp the clothes for 5 minutes. Repeat Step 5 once and drain the water.

Step 6:
Wring out the clothes. If you are hand wringing the clothes it can be very difficult and time consuming. Also, it may be best to let the clothes hang for a while before bringing to the dryer in order to cut down on the number of cycles that the clothes will need to go through the dry cycle. I would suggest getting a good wringer for this purpose if you have the financial capability.

Step 7: Dry the clothes, on a line or in a dryer and enjoy softer clothes that last longer than machine washed clothing.

Lack of Knowledge

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Today, we see problems infiltrate our society because people fail to open up their bibles and read them. Even if a person picks up a bible for a certain class in college, the person may end up getting teachings that are severely distorted and thus, people are not getting spiritual renewal that they need. How can we get knowledge of the word, without falling into the traps of society. First, we can separate our selves from the mainstreams of societal thinking. By being in the presence of God alone, we can ensure that we are not being distorted by the evil thoughts of man's heart. Secondly, we can look at the word as our daily bread and our breath of life of which we cannot live without. The minute that we think to our selves that we as humans can survive without the bible and the living word is the minute that we are succumbed to lies and deceptions of all sorts, shapes and colors. Third, we can challenge our selves by slowly studying the word and seeking to understand the very aspects of scripture that bring the bible to life. We can seek to understand the towns and places that are mentioned in the word. We can also look at history and link the historical contexts to scriptural contexts. Fourth, we can share the scripture with others. I am not saying that we should go out and condemn every single human being who has refused to pick up the bible and read it over the entirety of their life....but rather to feed the people scriptures as all people have need of scripture in the basis of his or her heart.

Refelctions of the weekend

This weekend I was scheduled to work at the local nursing home. Although I love the residents and the people I work with, I sometimes feel excessively over worked when I fill in my days out side of the home. Also, I sometimes feel pressure from other workers to conform to their lifestyles however, hideous and low-life the workers may be outside of work. Oh well, I pray that the time passes quickly when I am at work and things go smoothly each time because gossip can be a danger to doing jobs successfully at any job location. I hope to have my loans built up from college and other stuff paid off really soon. Also, I hope that we can quickly find an alternative income source within the next few months or so. I will be attempting to piece together a few patterns, create the item and place them for sale on the internet very soon! I hope some of the items I create sell! It would be a joy to me if I was able to sell some of the stuff I create with my own hands;) Reminds me of Proverbs 31. That chapter is such a perfect guide for all women. Every day we strive to meet the standards of Proverbs 31 with the help of the Lord at our side ;)

1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Long Winter Days

Today I cleaned off our desk that never ceases to have things piled upon it. After some time I felt the winter blues and felt I had to do something and meet with someone. My mind was thinking back to the times of high school and college where I would go and meet with someone for a little socializing during these long winter days. But then I looked into my heart and realized all I really needed was Christ. I picked up the bible and read a little bit out of it. I read about the troubles Eli had with his sons. I knew Christ was the one I could trust with all of my thoughts and worry's. I stepped outside and I immediately felt a burden lifted off of my shoulders. I took Micah outside and he walked around a little bit. He seemed to have never really set eyes on snow before. He didn't want to go inside. But the weather outside was about 8 degrees and it felt like it was below 0.
So inside we went and I made a cup of hot chocolate. A great way to finish the day.

By the way. I am definitely needing a new winter coat. The one that I have has a broken zipper. It may last long enough but I am definitely considering stitching up my own winter coat. Maybe I will stitch up some snow pants as well. It would be fun ;)

Place to shop for simple living supplies

If anyone is looking for a place to look for sustainable and old fashioned living supplies, check out www.lehmans.com They offer many great products and even have books to help a person live the simple life.

Let your light shine

In today's fast paced modern world it is difficult to slow down and enjoy the things that our ancestors used to live with every day of their lives. They did not have the modern conveniences that we commonly have today. Of course the conveniences are nice but they really can be a hassle if we put the things first before friends and family. To reflect on our past and embrace the simple things in life I purchased a simple oil lantern at Walmart and occasionally light only the lantern and turn off all of the other lights in the house. It is so great to watch my ds admire the only light in the house. Sometimes we read and do daily house tasks by the light of the lantern and other times we simply keep it lit to illuminate the room and add a sense of old fashioned glamor and light up our child-like immaginations.

In today's dark world we must remember that Christ light is still shining bright. Even though many people are blind to the light and continue to walk in darkness, we as Christians are still to keep our light shining.....even when we are standing next to many blind people.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
(Matthew 5:16)

Simple task for spiritual renewal: Darken your whole house and read your bible by lantern or candle light....It will remind you of how our forefathers read, studied and translated the bible by mere candlelight.

Nearly completed with shirt

Today I worked on sewing a shirt. I am nearly completed with it. I still have 3 more buttons to put on the shirt. The shirt is made out of an old bed sheet from a used clothing store. The pattern is from Walmart. At first I thought it would be difficult to complete the collar and such, but eventually I got the hang of piecing the shirt together and now I have an almost completed project. I can't wait to show it off. I wonder if anyone will notice that I sewed the shirt my self.

Knitting project complete

Today I completed the laundry for the week and set out to complete the socks I had started for my ds. They turned out quite nicely although they are a little bit large for his size 5 feet. I am sure he will grow in to them very soon. On days where I complete laundry and do simple tasks it is nice to know that I can complete a craft project as well in the same day. It makes me feel as if I am being productive. Also after I completed the grey socks I started working on smaller socks with the right needles to match the pattern. They should be pretty "cool" when they are done as they are going to be orange in color.


Besides working on knitting I also wrapped some Christmas presents. I am not too anxious to set up Christmas decorations as I know that my ds toddler will try to terrorize the decorations. Furthermore, I really feel as if some aspects of celebrating Christmas are more materialistic and pagan than they are truly in relation to celebrating Christ's birth. What really matters is how much we desire to know God more and love him and worship him every day by obeying his every word.

Welcome to Sunday!

Today is the day of rest for Christians. Remembrance of the day that Jesus rose from the grave. We can celebrate this event weekly as we gather together and sing praises unto him. Let us be thankful for his resurrection from the dead.

Ever growing faith

Out of all the resources in the world, the single most essential resource that no human can live without is faith. Without faith, the unknown is never discovered, the supernatural is never uncovered and childlike love is never exposed. Love is not fulfilled to the brim without faith.

Love in and of itself has been twisted and maimed and receives bad titles by mainstream society. The only way to fully understand God's love for us is through the scriptures. We cannot have full fellowship with others unless we come to terms and understanding God's love and forgiveness for us. Repentance cleanses us and renews us and sets us back on the path towards God.

Over the years I have had my share of ups and downs as a Christian. Sometimes Liberalism has crept in and almost wiped me out spiritually. But I have come to terms with understanding the detrimental lifestyle of letting the mind come before the love of Christ that is shared so abundantly throughout all of scripture.

The following resources have helped me better understand the bible and have helped me come to terms with how real and powerful the word of God really is in our lives.

Blue Letter Bible
Through the Bible
BBN Radio
E-Sword

Getting started with these resources will really give you a boost in your walk with Christ.

Homeschool pages

I currently have one 14 month old toddler to look after. Right now we love to go through the following:

http://www.yourbabycanread.com/template.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TYeqrDLHUc
http://www.letteroftheweek.com/

We have been very blessed by the above resources!

In the future when M (14 mo. old) reaches school age we will be using the following resource, granted God's purposes and destinations:

http://www.oldfashionededucation.com/

Introduction

Welcome to the Raggedy Cottage and Garden. As an effort to promote home style creativity and genuine old-fashioned character, I have started this page to prompt women and men to seek and to restore the old paths of faith and look toward the future of Christ's coming kingdom. Many of the subjects discussed in the blog are to inspire us to lead more simple and abundantly creative lives within the bounds of biblical scripture. Topics such as homeschooling, gardening, scripture inspiration in relation to today's society, crafts, kitchen essentials and more will be discussed in this blog. Enjoy this blog as well as other links I have shared with you. I may even have some items for sale on the blog so be looking for bountiful blessings. Be blessed by God and his abundance in his word.

Topics:
Kitchen
Canning and Preserving
Recipe's
Meat and dairy
Fireplace and Wood Stove
Fresh water
Lamps and Lighting
Library and Books
Animals
Gardening Planting
Gardening Harvesting
Home Accessories
Sewing and Quilting
Clothing
Modesty and Femininity
Laundry
Cleaning
Personal Care
Toys and Children
Music
Home school
Off-Grid Living
Home birth and baby
Bible
Christian Faith
Things frugal