"And His Bride Has Made Herself Ready."

Happy Thursday!




Last night we watched a movie about Bobby Darin's life. There was a smoothness in his voice hard to describe. The crooners of his time sure could sing a love song! Currently, Sara Groves' song, "Fly" comes to mind. It is a beautiful love song, romantic and sweet- a wedding song. One of my favorites.


I recall the afternoon of my wedding. My highlighted, curly blonde hair was staying put with a lot of hairspray. I can readily remember applying light lavender eye-shadow and cinnamon-rose lipstick from Merle Norman. My knit dress from J.C. Penney's was dressed up by a double strand of pearls and button earrings with gold embossed edges. My shaky hands held tight to a handmade silk bouquet with flowers representing all the people that weren't there. Lily of the Valley for my grandmother Marie, dusty rose carnations for my Hantie, lupine-like purple flowers for my mom, regal yellow-gold roses for my grandmother Marilyn and a wild flower mix for the rest. My tall ivory shoes were hard to walk in, but I was in love with the man I was walking towards.


Preparing for that day, although mostly alone, was one of the most important things I've ever done. There wasn't anything more pressing or prominent in my life. 


This morning, in the chill of the early hours I read Rev. 19:7b, "And his bride has made herself ready." What a reminder that I am a part of another ceremony. This time I want everyone I love to be there! 1 Peter 1:13-16 gives me all the planning advise I need.


What have you learned about getting ready for a wedding?




Warmly,


Alis

Jane Eyre and "Until We Meet Again Cake"

Good Morning Porch Pals!




It has been a long time since we were together. I've missed you, and move ahead this morning with excitement.


There is something I've learned this summer, and that is some journeys of the heart are not to be public, and some stories, although written, are not to be read by everyone. Since June I have been living those stories and will share glimpses of them.


One story might be titled, "Reconnecting." Another might be named, "Letting Go." Still another might be designated, "Growing Season..."


This morning I am still appreciating last night. I spent the evening with my Titus 2 Girl saying goodbye our way. She is leaving for college in a week. There have been going away parties, and more to follow (that's how much she's loved!) but I needed time to reconcile her departure in a more personal way. A meal, a movie, memories retold, and mitigated pangs of sadness.


The most recent "Jane Eyre" movie was dark and haunting. I enjoyed it very much and silently pleaded for Mr. Rochester and Jane to be together forever. 


We baked a rich, opaque, dark chocolate cake to go with the film, that is only crumbs on a plate this morning. The kitchen has been our gathering place. A spot to examine our lives, our theology, our relationships, our families, and our futures. The walls stow a myriad of moments. Teaching moments, tearful moments, silly, nonsensical moments!


Tonight we said goodbye our way. A girl's night! Chick flick and chocolate. God bless you, sweet friend! Until we meet again.




From the porch,




Alis 

What Wicker Can Do For The Soul

He kept his hands over my eyes tightly, and made me promise not to peek. Me struggling to mentally map out the porch so that I wouldn't fall.

"Now, open your eyes!" And there under the shade of the trees were two wicker chairs.

"Where on earth did these come from?"

"Up the street. A lady had them in her driveway. She said they were free."

"Did you talk to the lady?"

"Yes. There was a table too, but we couldn't carry it. She said we could have them."

"Oh my goodness! You carried these all the way home?"

"Yeah. They're old, white, and country...so I knew you'd like them!"

A tender short story written on my heart by the youngest, on our twenty-second wedding anniversary.

"There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God..."

Sitting in an old, white wicker chair, under the shade of the tall trees. Or on the porch, in the same chair, under little white lights, imitating fireflies in courtship.

Little Man learned from his father that the best surprises don't have to be new and shiny. Some of them, in all their finery come from the heart of a boy on a walk.

Warmly,
Alis

My Trip Abroad

Hello Porch Pals!

I was both motivated and uplifted by Nina's morning meeting with us. She talked to my soul. Enough that coming home to the dog impacted, performing two dog baths, racing into town for a birthday gift, forgetting to change my clothes first, and skipping lunch, was manageable. Pretty much.

A snappy suggestion from the youngest to hit Border's Bookstore gained consent.

Yikes! I was starving! A decaf, nonfat, iced latte, and a chair by the window gave me some relief. What happened next, changed my afternoon! I decided to dive into the British Edition of Country Living Magazine. My "higgledy-piggledy" emotions quieted and I became a rover in a rustic new land.

I discovered a book called, Shropshire Teashop Walks, by Judy Smith. I was introduced to a fantastic pig named Rhubarb. Then I visited a fairytale English wedding in West Sussex. I learned how to plan the "perfect bathroom" and caught up with accentuating the colours of an arrangement by displaying it in a planter of similar shades. 

In my reverie I baked Rhubarb and Orange Loaf Cake, and toured the Aston pottery collection of hand-stencilled jugs. I admired the avian artwork of Richard Allen, lovely watercolors! Shopping, dreaming, speaking the local lingo, living vicariously through a proper English mum.

No passport required! Latte, optional.


Warmly, 
Alis

The Ribbon/Caregiver Poetry

Good Morning, Sweet Friends!


The caregiver is an unsung hero who spends their daily caloric intake, (often interrupted, cold, and quick) to nourish another, who is unable to care for themselves. Next, they recycle their energy into enough sustainable force to care for their families and homes. They appear to strangers as derelicts, half asleep, on-the-run, in yesterday's clothes, and talking to themselves. Their immediate family has been on the back burner for so long that they've learned to live there. The caregiver prays for just a day to close themselves off, turn off the phone, and hide. Yet they can't. Even if they had the time, they wouldn't take it. Love, guilt, personal integrity, need, fear, they all push them to continue...

I was a caregiver. I never realized how exhausted I was until my shift was over. Would it sound strange to say that after four years, I'm getting rest?

For some, being a caregiver happens because they live the closest to the one in need. Others become caregivers because they were an only child or because they are a spouse. Still others have become caregivers by profession or calling. Planned, or unplanned, care giving is an enormous responsibility and weight.

Care giving is rewarding. It is gratifying to give all that we have to another. It is a gift of time. It is a gift from the Lord. It is redeeming. It can cancel debt, renew relationships, share secrets and dreams, and teach us who we really are or who we want to become.

Today I'd like to share a website with my readers called, The Ribbon.com.
It is caregiver poetry. My very special aunt shared it with me when I was a caregiver. The piece titled, Letting Go became an anthem of mine, of sorts.

One of my favorite selections is called, To My Children.

If I tell the story one more time,

And you know the ending through and through,

Please remember your first nursery rhyme

When I rehearsed it a hundred times with you.



Caregivers need care. Please join me today in praying for, administering help to, and loving a caregiver. If you are a caregiver, please read The Ribbon. There is a community of other people in your position that can encourage you.

With love,

Alis

P.S.

I love you.

When He Says It First

Welcome, Porch Pals!

Seriously, it was hard to wake up! The alarm sounded and just for a minute I wanted to say, "I don't wanna go. Can I stay in bed today?" I'm just being honest. Last weekend was prom, and the Saturday Meeting, and...

But then I rolled over and our eyes met (through one-eyed squints!) and he said, "Happy Mother's Day!"

How many times have you stopped to consider, reader, what it must be like to be a husband and to put your trust into a wife with your home and children all day long?

As a new mother, while visiting my husband's family, I overheard a conversation between my husband and his mother.
"Does she like being a mother, Son?"
"Yes, and she's good at it. Really good at it."

That exhibit of respect and trust has lasted decades. So, Sunday morning when he said it first, before the greeting cards, the boys, or a meal out, I felt loved, and happy. Happy to be a mother, for him. Raising boys is a back-breaking, tear-inducing, continually amped, super-charged, daytime drama. By God's infinite grace alone, he has allowed me to share four walls with two boys and their father.

Thank you for rolling over and starting the day that way!

Warmly,
Alis

Repondez, S'il Vous Plait

Salutations, Sweet Friends!

'Tis the season to receive invitations for all sorts of gatherings- graduations, weddings, birthday parties, retirement soirees...
Have you noticed the letters, R.S.V.P.? The French words, Repondez, s'il vous plait, simply put, mean please reply.

Recently I had my hair cut and shared pleasant conversation with the young stylist. I listened as she expressed her plans for the future and tried to encourage her with analogous, "twenty-something" stories of my own.

At the station to my right, crude, curt comments were being made between  three 'tweens. I studied the way they spoke to each other. Earlier, my husband and I had been harshly spoken to by a fresh barista. I thought, "Doesn't anyone know how to speak kindly anymore?" So there in the salon I purposefully created an acrostic :

R-Reply or React with a right heart, or wait.
E-Enter the conversation on your turn. Don't interrupt.
S-Speak as if it doesn't matter who is listening-your boss, spouse, pastor, God
P-Practice eye contact, attentiveness, and courtesy.
O-Open up, don't clam up!
N-Never say, "You never," or, "You always,..."
D-Do not return insult for insult.

Much of the problem of hostility comes from responding to someone without thinking. Most of us would like to rewind several conversations and start over. Perhaps, this acrostic can help us as we seek to respond to one another in love. 

Sisters, in the book of Romans, we are reminded to never avenge ourselves. On the contrary, we are told to overcome evil with good.

How will you reply?

Swinging with you,
Alis

Cummerbunds and Corsages

Good Morning, Sweet Friends!

I have not abandoned my post, but have been researching data on all sorts of topics. There are books to consider for summer reading, some eye-opening nutrition facts, and a host of other subjects that I want to share over the next few months.

Dear friends, how was your Resurrection Sunday? I became very excited on Saturday night. It is so much more difficult to believe the Easter story than it is to believe in the birth at Christmas, isn't it? I mean babies are natural, but bodies being raised from the grave are supernatural! I have to say that I have put all of my hope in this faith, and I'm so happy to know that the grave will not hold me! Amen?!

We were invited to have dinner with a family from church. I drove the mother to church and I have to tell you about this amazing woman. She is blind. I have always been captivated by her charm, elegance, and sweet ways. The thing is, she's so capable! So, we're driving to church, and she puts her face on. She does her make-up. I cannot do that. Her face looked flawless. After church she hosted seventeen of us. No big deal. Everything was beautiful. I love to watch her in action. She teaches me so much!

Our household has been buzzing with activity. The youngest just wrapped up a pet-sitting job and is considering trading in his dirt bike for a laptop. And the oldest is considering prom.

We will be purchasing a purple tie and cummerbund to match the purple dress of an undisclosed certain young lady. As of last night, the couple will be joining several others for a formal evening together. This young lady was Student of the Month, she is extremely hardworking, and if Minnie Mouse could come to life, she would be a perfect representation-very cute!

I had to peek at Dan Carney's contribution to MSNBC, in the business section, where he wrote, Seven Unique Ways To Drive to the Prom. I must admit that my favorite was the vintage British steel, a '59 Silver Cloud Rolls-Royce. I would love to be in the passenger seat, riding next to The Man in that one. Cruising along an English back road with a picnic basket!

I am going to enjoy a DIY pumpkin latte and read aloud with my favorite middle-schooler.

Have an excellent day,

Alis

Reading Aloud

Salutations!

If I close my eyes, and sit very still I can feel the thick, green, plaid fabric of the old sofa underneath me and the warmth of the sun resting on the back of my neck and shoulders as it enters through the window above us.

We each have a reading book in our laps and on our turn we read aloud to the others. The three of us, together, enter a land of three different stories. The youngest has just mastered his first sentence from the Bob Books Set and brother and I shout out with cheers and an explosion of excitement. He confidently advances to the next page and the next, "Dot has a hat." The oldest, an advanced reader by now shares his book about a group of animals, and I finish with a selected Bible story.

We could have read all day. To be honest, some days we did. Math, and spelling just couldn't compete with the intimacy and camaraderie we shared while reading. It is a time I will never forget.

Nowadays, the oldest is away from home and the youngest and I have had to adjust to reading on our own. For a time, we read separately during a designated "free reading" hour. It didn't take long for me to feel like I was on a raft in the water, being pulled away by the current and wanting desperately to grip an outstretched limb to pull me in. To my delight, the youngest felt the same way and said to me, "I liked it better when we started with reading together everyday!"

He has grown into a young man and has surpassed beginning readers series. The high pitched squeals exclaiming, "MOM! I read the whole book!" have been replaced by a deepened and serious voice. However, he hasn't outgrown our mornings of hot beverages, the sun at our backs, and reading aloud. Neither one of us can wait to see how The Navigator ends.

Both boys have become avid readers. One thing I did right as a homeschooling mom was to teach my children to read and to read to them often.

If you are new to homeschooling, might I suggest Bob Books from Scholastic?
They were created by teacher, Bobby Lynn Maslen, and have been used globally. The first books start with the letters M, A, T, S, and add letters gradually. "Mat sat," or "Sam sat."

Let your little ones hear your voice. They will learn reading expression, and tone by mimicking you. What a joy to be imitated as a character from a good book! Don't be afraid to be silly and exaggerated!

Swinging with you,
Alis

The Flare of a Firework

Hello Sweet Friends!


This weekend I had the privilege of attending my oldest son's track event. He ran both the 100 meter and the 200 meter sprint. I was intrigued by watching the way the athletes prepared, personalizing their routines to equal their talents.

Before the race, the sprinters positioned themselves on their blocks. They started on their mark.

The first race was over quickly. The competitors ran with all the force and speed inside them to the finish.

I noticed that during the second race, double the distance, my son rounded the corner, looked up, and took about two foot lengths to run slower than his previous pace. Then he darted off to the end. Just that brief reprieve gave him the energy to complete the course.

That race reminded me of a fireworks display. There are glittery gold blazes of light that shoot up into the air as fast as they can and burn out immediately. And then there are masterfully designed profusions of light that leave the sky illuminated for several seconds.

What a lesson as we enter the work week. The course will be easily concluded, even when more is added, by starting on our mark, by pausing to look up and by taking a few steps slower than before. Just that short rest will give us the energy to complete the tasks before us.

I want to be a person who brightens the room for a few seconds, not someone that fires across the sky and burns out, too quick to really leave any sort of impression.

Best wishes,
Alis

My Little Purple Book, Part 2

He can't wait to present it to me. The little flower on the front, with its' purple center and bright blue petals makes it just too cute to put away.

The front cover has the letters M-O-M written vertically, and horizontally they begin the words, Memories of Mom.

I've never shown him my little purple book, but he has witnessed the answered supplications throughout his young life. He has been protected, provided for and preserved.

And this is some of what it says,

Peanut M&M's with mom.

Mom takes me to the park and buys me a little pumpkin.

My seventh birthday party- pizza and "Inspector Gadget".

First day of school. P.S. Best teacher ever!

Me and mom go to Apple Hill for the day.

I take mom to get her a teacup, she loves it!

Mom helps me pick sunflowers out for grandma.

Thank you for believing in me so much!


My little book means more to me than anything. It takes me back to a time when a little boy fell in love with his mom. It reminds me of the instruction and training he had. Soon, his heart will belong to another. The little book is no more than 2" square, but it's enough room to stow my heart.


Warmly,
Alis

My Little Purple Book, Part 1

Years ago she gave it to me. And when she did, I examined it and pondered over what to use it for. Spiral bound and only twenty pages or so, and measuring 2" square it was not suitable to contain much. The little flower on the front, embellished by gold cord ribbon, made it just too cute to put away. I decided I'd use it to write prayers in for my sons. For several days I considered what to pray for in respect to their futures, their character, and their faith. Once the petitions were written and recorded in my book, I read them in the pediatrician's office, in line at the store, waiting for AWANA to get out...


This is some of what it said,

I pray that sickness and infirmity will have no place or power in their lives.
Ps. 107:20

I pray that foul language would feel like gravel in their mouths.

May weeping be a guest that only stays for a night. Ps. 30:5

May the truth of your Word be firmly established in their hearts so that faith will grow daily and navigate their lives. Help them to trust you at all times.
1 Tim. 1:12

Take away any loneliness or low self-esteem that would cause him to seek out less than God glorifying relationships.

Pain is a part of life in this world- when pain does happen, protect them in the midst of it, so it will be for their betterment and not their destruction.

I have chosen you and not cast you away. Is. 41:9

Let any lying spirit be uprooted in our home, because the Lord detests lying lips. Prov. 12:22

Choose life...

Fast forward seventeen years. Dear readers, I still have my little purple book.
It fits neatly into the pocket of most of my purses. My friend Tanya might like knowing the function that her little book took on.

What a privilege to beseech an Almighty God on behalf of the children he grew inside you. As their mother.


Warmly,
Alis

Morning Glories and Brunch on the Porch

Morning Glories

"May the God of hope fill you

with all joy and peace

in believing,

So that by the power of

the Holy Spirit

you may abound in hope."

Romans 15:13

Welcome Friends!

What a delight to be up early this morning before the wind and the clouds moved in. The man across the street had a tree cut down, and the whirl of the machine and the shredding of bark brought unwelcoming racket to my repose.

The corners on my crocheted table runner kept rising in the wind and the whole episode was rather fleeting-brunch on the porch...

Cake icing is still dripping down the carrot cake in little streams of pearly white and I think I'll put the kettle on for hot water, this my second round, inside.

Homestyle Carrot Cake

3 c. shredded carrots

4 eggs

1 c. nonfat milk

1 c. organic sugar

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. cloves

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour a 9x9 baking dish. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix until combined. Pour batter into pan and bake for 40-45 minutes. The cake will be a dark golden brown.

Icing:

2 oz. low fat cream cheese, at room temp.

2 Tbs. butter, at room temp.

1 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 Tbs. nonfat milk

Beat together until smooth. Spoon onto cake (right in the pan!!) while it is still warm.

This recipe is low fat. It is just carrot cake. There are no nuts, nor pineapple, nor raisins included.

The main dish from yesterday, served with roasted asparagus, rustic wheat rolls, and a dish of fresh-hulled strawberries, together with dessert, makes an incredible brunch for your family.

Happy 100th Birthday!

Blessings,

Alis

Recipe courtesy of The Farm Chicks

Morning Glories and Brunch on the Porch

Morning Glories-

"Thou hast

 made summer and winter,

day and night;

each of these revolutions serves our welfare

and is full of thy care and kindness."

The Valley of Vision

Good Morning Friends!

The quail are hastening to their passage, one in front of the other, dashing past the Russian sage in its' royal purple splendor. The Rocky Mountain bluebird is chirping out on a limb, and nobody seems to be talking back. The weeds have decided to march up the front knoll, and the sky is finally blue!

With only two posts left to reach one hundred, it's time to have brunch

outside and celebrate!

The main course will be:

Splendid Spinach-Cheese Bake

1 tbs butter, melted

Cooking spray

2 (6oz.) pkgs. fresh baby spinach

1 1/4c. low fat shredded Cheddar cheese

3/4 c.  low fat shredded Jack cheese

1 1/3 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 c. fat-free milk

1 c. egg substitute

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp. ground red pepper

Preheat oven to 350.

Pour butter into a 13x9 baking dish coated with cooking spray, tilt to coat.

Place spinach in bottom of dish evenly, and sprinkle with cheeses.

Combine flour and remaining eight ingredients in a bowl, and stir with a whisk.

Pour milk mixture over cheese.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serve immediately. Serves 12.

Tomorrow we will bake dessert, and prep the strawberries for our side dish.

Will you drop me a line and tell me how we should dress the table? What is your favorite spring centerpiece?

From the porch, and so excited!

Alis

Recipe courtesy of Cooking Light 2008

Another Dear Memory

Salutations Sweet Friends!

I was just recollecting the weekend's activities. We witnessed a whirlwind of meaningful events. Precious readers, sometimes I say to myself, "Dear Memory, please make a pretty scrapbook page of this in my mind." Life is an interrupted series of days isn't it. It is penetrated with joy and trespassed with pain. It is slow and purposeful and intensely speedy. I don't want to forget a single frame, but would rather store them in my head with pretty corners and lovely backgrounds.

So, please remember...

Sitting across from him, devouring Chinese food as "life" past and present, hovers over us, and we smile at each other and speak without talking,

hands rolling out rich, rolled sugar cookies in shapes of dinosaurs,

adapting Aunt Chick's royal icing to smother over cooled cookies and lay the foundation for sprinkles.

An old-fashioned fan used as adornment against blue frosted cupcakes with handmade, paper pin-wheels,

a commendable four-year old, starting a new year... his talented, skillful mother swallowing up memories of her own,

Best friends viewing a quirky, quick-witted little man hosting, "Taste of Home" in an air-conditioned auditorium, sharing a granola bar,

Teaching ten preschoolers to sing a song with hand motions and chasing ten preschoolers away from the street,

Enthralled by man-child inspecting a vehicle, (not a Match Box car) with his father,

grocery shopping with her and letting go of my discriminating low-price eye, for a time so that I could listen, monologue, connect, nurture, plan a menu...

She, behind the wheel, with that determined look on her face, not intimidated by its long bed or wide body, ready to drive a truck...

Blackberries bursting from cobbled top, oozing warm juice against Pyrex.

Chewing tough pork chops in good company...and chewing...

Watching Tangled and braiding strains of laughter,

Little man's impersonations, one-liners, and whimsical clamorings,

Thank you God for a weekend of memories.

What is in your scrapbook?


Warmly,
Alis

The Home, Continued...

A Prayer For Loved Ones

Holy Father, In Thy Mercy

Holy Father, in Thy mercy, hear our anxious prayer;

Keep our loved ones, now far distant, 'neath Thy care.

Jesus, Savior, let Thy presence be their light and guide;

Keep, O keep them, in their weakness, at Thy side.

When in sorrow, when in danger, when in loneliness,

in Thy love look down and comfort their distress.

May the joy of Thy salvation be their strength and stay;

May they love and may they praise Thee day by day.

Holy Spirit, let Thy teaching sanctify their life;

Send Thy grace that they may conquer in the strife.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, God the One in Three,

Bless them, guide them, save them, keep them near to Thee.

Amen.

Henry Ware

John B. Dykes, 1866

The Home, Continued...

The Home

"The sphere of her divine assignment."

John MacArthur

"I love you five times around the world,

and right straight into God's face!"

words from my youngest

at bedtime

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,

as you teach and admonish one another

in all wisdom,

and as you sing psalms and hymns

and spiritual songs with thankfulness

in your hearts to God."

Col. 3:16

If you are a "house worker"

today

Consider it a privilege to

share stories of faith

with your children.

Dear readers, do not "out-source"

their faith.

Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word;

Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.

Tell how the angels, in chorus, Sang as they welcomed his birth,

"Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth."

Fasting alone in the desert, Tell of the days that are past,

How for our sins He was tempted, Yet was triumphant at last.

Tell of the years of His labor, Tell of the sorrow He bore,

He was despised and afflicted, Homeless, rejected, and poor.

Tell of the cross where they nailed Him, Writhing in anguish and pain;

Tell of the grave where they laid Him, Tell how he liveth again.

Love in that story so tender, Clearer than ever I see:

Stay, let me weep while you whisper, Love paid the ransom for me.



Tell them what He has done.

Pass on your stories of faith

to the next generation.

God Bless You!

The Home, Continued...

The Home

"The sphere of her divine assignment."

John MacArthur

Underwhelmed.

Afraid to admit being parched.

Drained, thirsty...

"Wake Up! Strengthen what remains,

and is about to die...

He who overcomes, will, like them, be

dressed in white.

I will never blot out his name

from the book of life,

but will acknowledge his name

before my Father

and his angels."

If you are a "house worker"

today

Be overwhelmed by this,

"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end,

He will stand upon the earth."

Job 19:25

Don't wait to ask,

"What if I had given everything, instead of

going through the motions..."

(Popular song)

Upset Underwhelmed!

Ruin Normal!

This season demands downright exuberance.

The Home, Continued...

The Home

"The sphere of her divine assignment."

John Mac Arthur

"Her husband is known in the gates

when he sits among the elders of the land."

Proverbs 31:23

If you are a "house worker" today,

Pray for your husband.

"Enable him to walk worthy of his calling and

become the man of God you made him to be.

Continue to remind him of what You've called him to

and don't let him get sidetracked with things that are

unessential to Your purpose.

Strike down discouragement so that

it will not defeat him."

Dearest husband, your place is right

after God in my heart.

Pray for yourselves.

"Make me my husband's helpmate, companion,

champion, friend and support. Help me to create

a peaceful, restful, safe place for him to come home to."

God Bless You!

Prayers from The Power of a Praying Wife.

The Home

The Home

"The sphere of her divine assignment."

John Mac Arthur

"Let all that you do be done in love."
1 Cor. 16:14

If you are a "house worker"
today,

He giveth more grace when the burden grows greater;
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy;
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father's full giving has only begun.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure;
His power has no boundary known unto men
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth,
and giveth, and giveth again!
Based on James 4:6


God Bless You!

Feeling Right At Home- Home Works! Series

Happy Friday, Ladies!

We have a power-packed weekend teeming with events this week. They include time with special family and close friends- the best kind of events! But first, it's a Home Works! Day. Today we conclude our series dedicated to cutting our grocery bills in half.

Have you started spring cleaning? Pick up this Sunday's paper for over $35.00 in savings from S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Also, I'd like to invite you to join their members program called Right at Home. Just log on to RightatHome.com for the details. There are recipes, coupons, decorating ideas, cleaning tips and more!

Don't forget that today is the first of the month, all on-line coupon sites will be restocked today. Try Coupon.com or RedPlum.com to start.

Lastly, have you wondered what to do with the food on sale and haven't found any inspiration? Try Foodista, The Cooking Encyclopedia Everyone Can Edit.  Their website recently released a cookbook containing food bloggers from over twenty countries! 100 great recipes were chosen. If you love to cook, I promise you this cookbook will take you into orbit! My very favorite sites are:

1.) The Runaway Spoon-(I Loooove that name!)

2.) Married2Chocolate-(Check out her No-Bake Frozen S'mores Bars!)

3.) Savour Fare

4.) Eat, Drink, Wash Up

5.) Kitchen Simplicity-(She's Norwegian, love her, need I say more!)

I hope you'll spend time surveying one of the sites and acquire lots of new ideas.

As a final comment, I'd like to share that Safeway has a really great on-line coupon program called, Just For U. By going to their website, and signing up for a savings card, you can load coupons to your card that are not available to the general public. I use this program regularly. It's quick, easy, and convenient, and there's no clipping involved.

This concludes the series. Keep in mind that there are times of plenty and there are times of want, but God always provides what is needed. Friends, I've had seasons when I couldn't use recipes, because I couldn't afford the ingredients for a "dish", and a simple supper, served with a happy heart got us through. Gratitude for what is in front of us, for what God has allowed, and allotted is key.


A long time ago, a friend taught me that "you won't share steak with someone, if you weren't willing to share hot dogs." Don't be afraid to sup soup with a friend, as long as you're together. Food is just for energy- and an ample supply helps us to serve others, doing God's work. It can be a creative outlet for someone who enjoys preparing meals, or it can be a burden. I just don't want us to get too caught up in it, and forget what's important. Amen!?

From the porch, (glorious day!!)
Alis

Healthified!- Home Works! Series

Welcome Friends!

We are nearing the end of the week, and closing out the month of March. This morning I was awakened by birds singing; wasn't that a pleasurable way to greet the day! How did they know that they are my favorite among all God's creation?

An early trip to Raley's produced a few frugal finds- juicy mangoes, (those will be delicious in a smoothie or on a chicken sandwich), gnocchi, and pork loin chops. Van's Flax Waffles were a nutritious find, and so was Nature's Path granola, both on sale. Granola will be great with a banana.

Continuing our week of couponing tips, today's super secret is...

Eat Better America!

This website is crammed full of videos, eating tips, special needs eating suggestions, recipes and more. When you become a member you can expect to receive valuable coupons each month. In March, members saved $39.05 in coupons.

I have been cooking recipes from this site for a couple of years. I use the "healthified" recipes that have been made-over with healthier substitutes. I'm hoping my best friend will whip up a batch of Healthified Mocha Scones. There is a scrumptious recipe for Healthified Carrot Cake Bars. My family really enjoyed them!

In addition, I wonder if you are familiar with All You Magazine. This magazine can be purchased at Walmart, and it pays for itself. The magazine has contained almost $100.00 in coupons in one month. Fun to flip through due to its crafty ideas, and homekeeping tips, All You is all that!
(Another benefit, almost all of the items are sold in Walmart)

I hope today's advice helps in the long run to improve your health and your savings.

Tomorrow, look forward to Foodista's Best of Food Blogs Cookbook!

Swinging with you,
Alis

P.S. We have lost our morning carpool for a couple of weeks. Please pray for us as we adjust to this circumstance in the midst of rising gas prices. And pray for our friend who will be traveling to a family emergency.

Coupons By Request

Good Morning Porch Pals!

I was up with the chickens this morning to take the oldest to high school and then I made a quick dash into Walmart. Finally, I'm in my writing chair and ready for a Vanilla-Caramel Truffle Latte, a favorite recipe by trainer, Bob Greene.

The teapot is on and that means it's a Home Works! Day. Today we will be looking at ten companies that will mail coupons to you at your request. They are all organic, and/or natural food businesses. Let's get started with a list:

1.) Amy's www.amyskitchen.com

2.) Arrowhead Mills www.arrowheadmills.com

3.) Clif www.clifbar.com

4.) Earth's Best www.earthsbest.com

5.) Kashi www.kashi.com

6.) R.W. Knudsen Family www.knudsenjuices.com

7.) Rudi's Organic Bakery www.rudisbakery.com

8.) Stonyfield Farm www.stonyfield.com

9.) Traditional Medicinals www.traditionalmedicinals.com

10.) Vans International Foods www.vansfoods.com



I would challenge you to write these companies and try their delicious products.


As a side note, Stonyfield's yogurt got high marks in the health newsletter I subscribe to. It's high in protein and calcium and tastes creamy, and smooth!

Salmon has been at the lower end of the price cycle and we have enjoyed it with this tasty dressing:

1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. lemon juice
2 T. orange juice
2 T. honey
1/8 tsp. ea. salt and pepper
2 cloves garlic, pressed
dash of Tabasco

Just spread a thin layer of melted butter onto each fish portion, skin side down. Broil for 5-7 minutes. Coat the salmon with dressing and return to the broiler until cooked crisp, and flesh flakes easily.
Yum Food & Fun Magazine Feb/Mar 2011


Salmon is rich in Omega-3's for your heart, brain, and to reduce inflammation.
Use any leftovers to top a salad. Yum!



From the porch,
Alis


The list above was taken from Stephanie Nelson's book, The Coupon Mom's Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bills in Half.

My Favorite Frugal Friends- Home Works! Series

Welcome Friends!

I trust that you survived yesterday and are receiving the mercies of this new day. This next twenty-four hours is a gift not only to yourself but to the family, friends, and strangers that you will affect in some way.

"You have ordained every breath we take. In pleasure or pain, there is no mistake." Sovereign Grace Music

The teapot is on and we are moving on in our Home Works! series. This week we are focusing on cutting our grocery bills. Yesterday, I went to work contacting three of my favorite frugal friends. They have all given me permission to share their websites with you. Each of these women are so talented at what they do.

Heather Berrien is @ ACouponChick.com. If you subscribe by email to Heather's website you can expect to receive the very latest information on deals for just about anything! Recently, I obtained "bricks" coupons for Ghirardelli chocolate squares, which I will use to surprise my bff. Heather has helped me to save soooo much! She works hard at tracking down the bargains, so make sure your printer ink is full! I'm talking about six or seven deals per day!

Chrissy Pate is @ BeCentsAble. Chrissy saves me time by "rounding up" deals under the heading, "Top Deals of the Week." She also skillfully designs deal scenarios for you to get the most out of your dollar. You can expect detailed information on chain store bargains. She offers useful advice and instructions to newbies. Thanks, Chrissy!

Molly Green is @ Econobusters.com. Molly's website has been a favorite for years because it's very family-friendly. It is not a coupon site, but a fascinating conglomeration of tips, recipes, games, ... Molly has a monthly e-book series called, Molly's Money-Saving Digest. Check out Molly Goes Camping. This gal is a full-fledged, money-saving master. You can expect to have fun while saving with Molly.


Please take the time to visit these ladies. Let them know I sent you. And if you have friends that could benefit from this week's information, please feel free to photocopy the posts and put them in a binder.

Thank you for spending time with me this morning. I hope this series is helpful. In this economy, I pray the information will be pertinent and beneficial for all!

God Bless You,
Alis



My Sixty Percent Strategy- Home Works! Series

A Blessed Morning to You!

The teapot is on and that means it's a Home Works Day! We are going to start the week by cutting our grocery bills. This week's tips are strategies that I use to manage our one income family on a tight budget. I will start with my best secret.

Do you know that the products we buy have a twelve week cycle during which there is a peak price and a lowest price? Have you spent time and energy trying to track these prices in a notebook? Let me suggest CouponMom.com.
Stephanie Nelson has been providing me with grocery lists for a long time, and I almost never buy anything that is not 60-100% off.

To start, visit her website, CouponMom.com, then set up an account for free.
Stephanie's company does all the tracking for you. From a drop down menu, you will be asked to choose a grocery store and the state in which you live. Next, a list of this week's items on sale will appear. In the farthest column to the right you will see a percentage. That percentage represents the discount between the regular sale price and the current sale price.

The CouponMom will also indicate whether or not there is a coupon available for the purchase, and will instruct you on where to find it. By combining the sale price with a coupon, you can really find some good deals.

If you're thinking that macaroni and cheese with orange-colored powder, and Nestle's chocolate milk is all coupons buy, then you're missing out on saving a great deal of money. With CouponMom.com I can even track the fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy, and organic products that we eat and plan a menu accordingly. On a recent visit to my store, I saved $132.00.

CouponMom is a valuable resource to use with several stores. Print lists from two or three and keep them in your car. That way, during the week if you're in the neighborhood, you can take advantage of the savings. Stephanie has lists for Walmart, Target, and the drugstore chains too.

I just want to add that so many moms are too busy to clip coupons. And even the thought of remembering to buy the newspaper is overwhelming. With CouponMom.com, you're saving automatically, by choosing to buy products at their lowest prices. So, even if you don't clip a single coupon, you're going into the store prepared to save.

Please try CouponMom.com and let me know what you think. I would really enjoy hearing testimonies from you! Also, find a buddy to team up with. When a team clips together and makes trips to the store for one another, the savings build. Anyone interested?

Have a great day!
Alis

P.S. This one's for you, my friend! Love you!

"A Mother's Secret"

Welcome Friends!

This week I was blessed by two expressions of love from my young men. The artist drew a still life of a motionless daffodil, its trumpetlike center protruding and its delicate petals proudly on display. The deep thinker wrote a letter, a loving collection of prose for me to treasure, a promise of his love forever.

Straight away, I am reminded of Proverbs 23:25, "Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice." 


I do rejoice! But it didn't just happen. I have never put so much work, prayer, tears, or energy into anything as much as I have raising these boys. And it's not over yet...

The following writing was authored by a woman who shares her parenting secret with us:

"A Mother's Secret"

When in the morning I washed my children,

I prayed that they might be

cleansed by the Saviour's precious blood.

When I dressed them,

I prayed that they might be

arrayed in the garments of salvation

and in the robe of

God's righteousness.

When I gave them food,

I prayed that they might be

fed with the bread of life.

When I started them on the way to school,

I prayed that their faith might be

as the shining light,

brighter and brighter to the perfect day.

When I put them to sleep,

I prayed that they might be

enfolded in the Saviour's everlasting arms.

What an example of a prayer warrior. Perhaps dear reader, you are in a season of waiting. There is a detachment, or repugnance for what you stand for. I want to encourage you, don't give up. Recall the mother from the old song whose older children recited,

"Somebody, somewhere was praying that night, When Jesus came in and saw the light. It must have been Mama, I've heard her before. As she knelt by her bedside, and her tears touched the floor. Thank you, Mama, for praying for me, If you had not prayed, then where would I be? They called you old-fashioned, but you loved the Lord, And your prayers touched the Master, as your tears touched the floor. She held to the altar and wouldn't give in, Till she knew all her children had been born again. Just an old-fashioned Mama, but she loved the Lord, And her prayers touched the Master, as her tears touched the floor.

One day Jesus called her to that heavenly home, First she bid all her children they never would roam. Now I thank Mama and Daddy for their teachings to me, God provided salvation on Calvary's tree."

Will you join me in praying for our children today? Pray for all ages. They will not always be under the protection of our homes, but they should always be in our prayers. If you don't have children of your own, can I challenge you to pray for children you know?

Warmly,

Alis

Excerpts from Keepers At Home Magazine, Spring 2004, Volume 12

Further Into This Momentary Marriage

Good Morning Friends!

He said over dinner, "This weather has got to let up soon!" I agreed. This morning is showing more of the same; gray, windy, and dismal. I'm forcing myself to see the power in the wind, the beauty of a prolific dark sky and the poetry in a dormant, sleepy neighborhood, but the weather is weighty and unkind. My heart longs for spring.

There is a positive side to days like this. They induce reading, or writing, or more pensive activities that can be done indoors. And so, we will pick up from where we left off in John Piper's, This Momentary Marriage.

Much is written to husbands, and I would highly recommend the reading, however I will only address the portion written to wives. I must tell you that I find it to be very worthwhile.

Using Scripture, Piper points to four characteristics in a godly wife:
Her hope in God, her ability to exercise fearlessness, her habit of internal adornment and her humble submission.

Her attitude in regard to her husband says, "I delight for you to take the initiative in our family. I am glad when you take responsibility for things and lead with love. I don't flourish in the relationship when you are passive and I have to make sure the family works."

Piper writes, "She looks away from the troubles and miseries and obstacles of life that seem to make the future bleak, and she focuses her attention on the sovereign power and love of God who rules in heaven and does on earth whatever he pleases (Ps. 115:3). She knows her Bible, and she knows her theology of the sovereignty of God, and she knows his promise that he will be with her and will help her and strengthen her no matter what."

Does that sound reasonable to you? Understand that she can only do this by God's grace. "Strength and dignity are her clothing..." Proverbs 31:25. She has to wear this strength. She isn't living in a fantasy world or wearing rose-colored glasses. She has to put it on everyday. And at the same time, she is dressed in a gentle, quiet spirit. Grasp this, she isn't a mute. This gentleness describes "the character of her action and reaction to her husband and life in general." She does everything with grace.

Lastly, I want to share Piper's definition of submission. It "is the divine calling of a wife to honor and affirm her husband's leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts." Each one of us has received a gift to use to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 says, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace..."

My favorite line from this writing is, "You live with free grace everyday..." With that grace we can become godly wives characterized by the four points outlined.

I hope you've been encouraged.

From the porch,
Alis