Thursday, March 31, 2011

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.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

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



Monday, March 28, 2011

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!

Friday, March 25, 2011

"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

Thursday, March 24, 2011

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

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Joy In My Morning



When darkness falls
Temptations call
And all around me seems undone
You hear my pleas
Supply my needs
And tell me of your wondrous love

You are the joy in my morning
You're my song of praise
Just like the new day dawning
Flooding my world with grace

Though trials come
And every one
Can take me further from Your truth
You calm my fears
Dry all my tears
And draw me closer, Lord, to You

You are the joy in my morning
You're my song of praise
Just like the new day dawning
Flooding my world with grace

In You there's no shadow of turning
Constant in all your ways
You're growing my faith and I'm learning to lean
On You all of my days

You are the joy in my morning
You're my song of praise
Just like the new day dawning
Flooding my world with grace


Sovereign Grace Music
2008

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Fruitful Seasons


The Beginnings of Pear-Cardamom Upside-Down Cake




Welcome Friends!

I'm afraid I've got the fever. This ailment is best treated with dashing daffodils and well-tailored tulips. A pair of sandals, in a fair pink hue, and a delicate skirt rimmed with ruffles! Pleasure is mine with an egg-salad sandwich and fresh chopped chives and a strawberry tart on the side! All the anguish will subside if you'll just take me OUTSIDE!

It's time to update our Calendar of Fruit Seasons. I've included a recipe for a bittersweet chocolate sauce at the end. Remember, the fruits listed in capitals are at the height of their seasons.



APRIL: blood oranges, dates, kiwi fruit, kumquats, lemons, nectarines, olallieberries, oranges, papayas, peaches, PINEAPPLES, RHUBARB, strawberries.

MAY: apricots, blackberries, blood oranges, blueberries, cherries, dates, kiwi fruit, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, olallieberries, oranges, PAPAYAS, peaches, PINEAPPLES, PLUMS, raspberries, RHUBARB, STRAWBERRIES.

JUNE: APRICOTS, BLACKBERRIES, blueberries, boysenberries, CHERRIES, dates, figs, GRAVENSTEIN APPLES, huckleberries, kiwi fruit, lemons, limes, loganberries, MANGOES, nectarines, olallieberries, oranges, PAPAYAS, passion-fruit, peaches, PINEAPPLES, PLUMS, RASPBERRIES, RED CURRANTS, strawberries.

Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce

4 oz. semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 c. water

Heat ingredients in a small, heavy saucepan, stirring constantly, until smooth.
Serve warm. Makes 1 cup.

Enjoy the bounty of fresh, ripe fruit in your area. Served with a dainty dollop of real whipped cream, and a steaming cup of orchard peach tea, fruit makes an inviting dessert or afternoon snack.

Swinging with you,
Alis

Monday, March 21, 2011

The Hymnal

A Blessed Morning To You!


It is with great care that I spread open its yellowed pages and tattered, frayed front and back covers. The musty, parched pieces soothe my soul.
The deep green engraved cover is simply titled, The Hymnal in gold embossed letters.

The inside reveals that the book came from The Evangelical Mission Covenant Church of America. It was printed in 1950.

There is her familiar typed note taped to the inside. A warm greeting, and insight into the history of our family's favorite melodies. A chronicle of numbered songs played at funerals, during illnesses, and on the organ in the front room.

This treasured gift handed over in 2008 and signed by my grandfather was purchased by Ragnhild, in Boston. Rags was my grandmother who went to be with her Savior before I was born. Later, my grandfather went too. He often said that I reminded him of her. And my grandfather's wife, who has always been my mentor, gave the book to me.

"The lyrics and music have brought great comfort and guidance to many," she wrote. And so I hum Day by Day, Ragnhild's favorite, and next, Peace, Perfect Peace, Marie's favorite. I picture the pain that shook my grandfather's voice as he sang at her funeral. I imagine the tranquility in her pious spirit during illness, and I identify with my family's faith.

So much more than a book, I have inherited a treasure that moths cannot destroy. The binding cannot give way, the sealing is sure. The tattered corners will be smoothed in glory and another generation will be added to the ages.

Great is Thy Faithfulness,
Alis

Friday, March 18, 2011

When Cake Is On The Menu



Salutations, Porch Pals!

It's Friday Freebie Day at Raley's. With a minimum purchase this week, you'll receive a free three pound bag of premium apples. While you're in the produce department pick up the deal on fresh, plump strawberries, BOGOF. Head over to the bakery and grab an angel food cake and snatch a quart of low fat, vanilla ice cream, and you'll be ready to create this stunning, very quick dessert. It's also National Frozen Food Month so there are some real bargains on frozen vegetables, MorningStar Farms products, and Kashi products. These frozen foods are on sale at all grocery chains in our area.

Frozen Strawberry Layer Cake

1 1/2 pounds berries, hulled and sliced (6 cups)

1/2 c. sugar

2 Tbs. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. salt

1  12 oz. fat free angel food cake, sliced into 1/4" slices

1 qt. store bought, low fat vanilla ice cream


In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the berries, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Simmer for 15 minutes. With a potato masher, mash 1/2 of the strawberries and then let mixture cool.

Soften ice cream in a large bowl until soft and spreadable.

Line the bottom of a large cake pan with 1/3 of the cake slices. Cut to fit. Top with 1/2 of the ice cream. Spread 2/3 c. berries over the ice cream.

Create the next layer, using 1/3 of the cake slices, remaining ice cream, and top with 2/3 c. berries. Seal top with remaining cake.

Cover with plastic wrap and freeze six hours.

Let cake stand 10 minutes before slicing.

Have you ever noticed what happens when cake is on the menu? It feels like you're celebrating something. It makes an ordinary day into an extraordinary day. It says that Fridays can be special in our house, even when it's just us. It says, "Let's get out a game or watch a movie." And, "Do I have strawberries on my chin?"

Thank you for your loyal support to this blog, dear readers. I'm so thankful that many of you are being encouraged or inspired. It is my aim to continue  sharing daily reflections from one cracked pot to another.

Have a great weekend!
Alis

Thursday, March 17, 2011

How To Be a Glow Girl



Good Morning Sweet Friends!

The advertising agency said the cover would be glossy, like Glamour Magazine.
The premier issue would be calculatingly printed right before the holidays. The media specialist promised strategic placement. They were targeting female executives and research showed that these women were my marketing audience. I stared at the hot pink cover and read the ad copy.

"She is smart, savvy, ambitious, affluent and powerful. She spends time shopping, entertaining, at home with her family, actively engaging her body and mind, connecting with friends and reconnecting with herself...She is a key decision maker...She strives for greater success and personal fulfillment."

I couldn't pinpoint a reason right away for not being in the magazine. The world was attracted to a "Glow" reader.

I considered the following words that sounded something like Proverbs 31.
"She has the motivation and means to buy products and services that make her and her family's life easier and more fulfilling." I was beginning to be jealous of this woman.

Then it hit me. All of the attributes attached to this woman involved her head, her body, her energy, and her position. Nothing spoke of her spiritual life. I became fascinated with reinventing the "Glow Girl."

"She is a light and a prayer warrior. She is a prioritized, and purposeful evangelist. She is uplifting and encouraging and committed to those around her. She is not self-reliant, but reliant on the Holy Spirit. She is confident of who she is in Christ and sure of her position in his kingdom. She is full of integrity. She is a woman who glows."

Satisfied with my new demographics, I went to the Word. Romans 12:2 says,
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

As Christians we are "under new management." 2 Corinthians 5:20 states,
"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." Our lives should be an ad that says, "You want this."

There are many talented professionals in the workplace that are successful, influential women. Many Christians. They have been given an opportunity to effect those around them. I have a beautiful friend who is a hard-working, skilled individual. She is striving to have a marriage retreat leaflet allowed in her office. I hope she is triumphant.

Going back over the ad copy, which was used as a springboard for today's post, and not as a dissension project, I hope that dear reader you will look at your demographics carefully and consider what is beautiful in God's eyes.

These notes were taken from a speaking engagement I was invited to a few years ago.

God Bless you,
Alis

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Rainy Day Occupations



A Blessed Morning To You!

Those diversions that we may indulge in, on a limited basis, bring so much excitement when we can finally entertain them. Victorian mothers knew this secret, and thus kept a Rainy Day Cupboard.

Can't you picture dear reader, the heavy armoire door opening to exhibit neatly labeled boxes packed with all sorts of activities? A "treasure trove of inspiration" that kept the children happily occupied all afternoon.

Tradition says that the Rainy Day Cupboard could not be opened or used on any other occasion, and not a single exception was made. I read a story in which a child asked for a rainy day supply and her mother declined. The child started crying and asked, "Well, whatever shall I do?" And mother smartly replied, "Pray for rain..."

Here are some suggestions for creating your own Rainy Day Cupboard. Stock a deep desk or high cabinet with:

stickers

wrapping paper

fabric and lace

empty tins and cartons

crayons, paints, pencils

buttons, boxes, and old magazines

cards, felt, wallpaper

yarn, stuffing, or beads.

This celebrated tradition was not restricted to young people. Women made tea and baked fine pastries. Whole families spent the day writing letters to family and friends far off. Rainy Days were not for gloom.

Ideas taken with love from Mrs. Sharp's Traditions, by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Warmly,
Alis

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Books On Purpose



Greetings Sweet Friends!

Spring is nearby! Spiders only start finding their way into the house when it's warm enough to come out from hiding! I've caught two trying to encroach our living spaces. Beware! I carry a large phone book!

Speaking of living spaces, today is the perfect day to introduce Staci Eastin's book, The Organized Heart: A Woman's Guide to Conquering Chaos.

Wait! Don't run! This is not another how-to book. I'm not going to discuss calendars, flip-charts, or schedules! This book is about the heart. It dares to examine why we aren't as organized as we could be. It's grounded in the grace of God.

Staci says, "Most of these books and tools assume that disorganization stems from lack of skill." But dear readers, most of us could admit that we have some basic knowledge passed down from a mother or grandmother.

The author identifies four idols that may be preventing or delaying us from getting organized. An idol doesn't have to be a statue. It can be whatever is earthly in you. The four she presents are: leisure, perfectionism, possessions, and busyness.

Leisure, or laziness is putting our own comfort and wants ahead of our tasks. Yesterday, I had to sort receipts for taxes. I thought of twelve different reasons to get up and do something different.

Perfectionism is creating an outer appearance that everything is well-maintained. While inwardly there might be a whole variety of chaos. A senseless idol since God's grace is what enables us to achieve everything. Who's being perfect in that scenario?

Busyness and possessions are idols of excess. An over-committed schedule can hinder organization and so can having too many belongings.

When we can identify what is interfering with our organizational system, we can more easily repent, and get rid of it. Obviously, there are occasional circumstances, that are out of our control.

As Staci so plainly states, " It is a change of heart that only the Gospel can bring."

It's getting the work done first, and then trusting God for rest later. Tax season was the perfect time to discover this book. I did file all of my receipts, and even spent the rest of the night reading!

This book is published by Cruciform Press. I would encourage you, dear readers, to pick it up.

Have a great day!
Alis

Monday, March 14, 2011

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."

Some of the blessings I can recount:

The demure look on her face when she discovered I was carrying a birthday bag with chocolate pie inside.

A living room full of girls watching Tron!

A liberal compliment from a unprejudiced four year old who thinks that I smell like granola bars... (the good kind).

Two brothers asleep on adjoining couches who fell asleep spending time together.

A dog, a boy, and snuggling by the fire, waiting for dad to come home.

One light-hearted traveler home safe and sound, toting volumes of books and satiated with stories.

Cutting paper flowers from cardstock 'til my fingers hurt.

A charmed breakfast with two at a tasty spot in town.

Receiving a bag of favorites from Whole Foods from a pillar of support in my life. My best friend.

Homemade soup from my walking partner which coated a sore throat with pure delight! Sweet Potato!

The headship of a husband, exercising the kind of love that Christ did and does for his church.

Ripe pears ready to be made into a perfect pear cake!

An overdue conversation with my sweet sister and the satisfaction of catching up with her.

Blessings to you,

Alis

Friday, March 11, 2011

When A Home Remodels You



Good Morning Porch Pals!


They're facing another giant on the corner. I drive by and stare at the equipment defacing their yard and the sections of fencing removed, and set aside. Piles stacked high of gravel and assorted PVC pipes litter the ground and dirt from the backhoe tires produce muddy tracks on the street.

We have contended with the giants for years. Each battle named after its colossal expense. The Battle of Plumbing, The War of Septic, The Fight For The Roof, The Siege of Siding and the Bathroom Campaign. The casualties have been many. Time, energy, time, money, time, temporary relocation, time, instability, time...

Now we face a new monster. The leaking, failing leach-field. That is why I stare at the equipment parked on the corner. The sounds of earth breaking machines and displaced roots will fill the air this morning. Dust will settle on the windowsills when the wind kicks up this afternoon. The stench will rise in the heat.

Our fellow soldiers will soon take victory showers.

And I slump down into my writer's chair, and turn on the news. 

Japan, my heart aches for you. Forgive me for stewing over my temporary
inconveniences. I cannot imagine your devastation. 

What sort of remodeling are you undergoing readers? 

 "Look at the old oaks: How is it that they have become so deeply rooted in the earth? Ask the March winds and they will tell you. It was not the April shower that did it, or the sweet May sunshine, but it was March's rough wind."
Spurgeon

Swinging with you,
Alis

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Pi Day

Salutations!

She made her way over to me eager to tell somebody the news. I looked up from my clipboard as she spoke up with a bashful smile.

"My birthday is on pi day."
"What's pi day?"
"You know, 3.14, pi."
"Oh, of course. (It's been a few years since I used pi.)

"So, which birthday is it?"
"Mine."
"No, what I mean to say is, how old will you be on pi day?"
"16."

"So, what do you want to do for your birthday? Do you have something fun planned?"
"I want to go to Marie Callender's for pie." (A girl after my own heart!)
"That is a great idea!"
"My parents said it's too far."


3.1416...the symbol denoting the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. There are at least 3.14 ways that I enjoy this young lady on the work-study team. So I start...

"Lord, you know how deserving she is. I realize that we are in a financial crisis, but it's her sixteenth birthday! She's so sweet and she has helped me with the cleaning so many times... You did put her in my life!"

The next day I was clipping coupons to take to Safeway. Oh, and pie was on sale! And so I started again..."I just want her to know how special she is. I want her to experience a surprise that is designed just for her. I promise to eat eggs, and peanut butter sandwiches this week. Even, oatmeal!"

And that's when I knew that He loved her 3.14 x's infinity. The Dollar Tree supplied this frugal spender's wish for tasteful party plates and a pretty gift bag.

She will look so cute with whipped cream stuck to her top lip and chocolate in between her teeth.

Warmly,
Alis

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Her Children Rise Up and Call Her...

September 2003


I am teaching the youngest to read. We have flash cards with "everyday" words on them. He holds the card with the word she written on top. I hear him sounding out the letters, "s,hhh,eh."

I look at him and say, "Sh."

He thinks that I am telling him to be quiet. This time he sounds out the letters in a hushed voice. "S,hhh,eh."

Again I say, "Sh."

Around and around we go and get an unrelenting case of the giggles.

I explain that s-h together makes a sound like shoe.

Next, he realizes that we have a card with her written on the top. He puts these two cards side-by-side and with a toothy grin and childish recognition he says, "Hershey's!"

Older brother is suddenly amazed by the kid in the overalls. He feels like they could be related after all.


September 2004

Youngest is staring at me and says," To tell you the truth, I think you're better than the President's wife!"


2005

Youngest is looking at a movie preview. "That program looks entertaining, but it's probably not appropriate."

Big words from a little guy.


Mothers, are you keeping track of the meaningful phrases and prose spoken to you from a child's heart? This is a gentle reminder.

Have a blessed day,
Alis

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Books On Purpose




Good Morning Sweet Friends!

I am eating up a book right now! Out of 192 pages, I consumed 41 in a flash. John Piper is one of my favorite authors and speakers and this time I am hooked. This Momentary Marriage is tasty!

I haven't studied very many books on marriage or the "self-help" type. Man's methods...they are as numbered as the stars. This book is different. Coming from the standpoint that marriage is from God, through Him, and for Him, Piper presents the purpose of marriage, to put the covenant relationship of Christ and his church on display.

Piper makes four points in the first half of the book that I should include most surely in this review. First I'd like to highlight Ephesians 5:31-32:

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother
and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall
become one flesh." 32 This mystery is profound, and I am
saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

Keeping that verse in mind let us also look at Genesis 2:18:

Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man
should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him."

and verse 22

"And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man
he made into a woman and brought her to the man."


The four points from John Piper that I would like to display this morning are:

1.) God's design in creation. God made Eve as a helper fit for Adam. He contrived her with intent. She was part of the design.

2.) Piper points out that God brought her to Adam. He states that God "took the role of being the first father to give away the bride."

3.) God spoke the design of marriage into existence. We read it in Ephesians. "Therefore a man shall leave..." Did you notice the words "hold fast"? That is a covenant-keeping hold.

4.) God performs the one-flesh union. God joins them; He is the doer. We so often think about the parents, the pastor, or the couple as coming together by their efforts, but it says God creates this.

Oh my stars! The mysteries of marriage should cause us to call on God for his grace daily! Do you realize dear readers why divorce misrepresents Christ?
As Piper affirms God would never leave his church. He tells us, in Matthew 28:20, "I am with you always, to the end of the age."

In my opinion, if marriage is the doing of God and the display of God, than a relationship of living together would misrepresent Christ as well. Why? Christ would never not commit to his bride. This writer cannot speak as one who has not made this mistake.

The second half of the book dives into grace, and the roles of a man and a woman in this very special and unique relationship. We may follow up on that half later. Until then, if you've never really thought about the fact that your marriage proclaims the gospel, try to deliberately live that out today.

It is such a blessing for me to share with you!

Warmly,
Alis

Monday, March 7, 2011

Update/Mission Accomplished



Dearest Porch Pals,

Thank you for your prayers over this extra special basket order! After sketching, and ordering, and placement and presentation, it grew into the gift I was hoping for.





With the order fulfilled I look forward to staying in touch with its recipient. Through this project God reminded me once again how much I love my job! I was born to create baskets!





What are you passionate about dear readers? This order came after a very long interval. It may be a very long wait until the next. The joy that came from this project will be sufficient in the meantime. The experience was never really about the basket. It was God's decree, provision and providence for two women, two daughters...and the counsel and support of another.

Thanks be to God for the comfort and joy that he brings to his people.


Blessings,
Alis

Friday, March 4, 2011

Frogs in the Kneading Bowls! When Bread is On The Menu


Salutations!

I could handle frogs in my bed, and I could handle frogs in the hall, I could even handle frogs in the bathtub, but not in the kneading bowls! There were frogs all over the Sunday school classroom as we listened to the story of the plagues in Exodus. The Word said that there were frogs in the kneading bowls.

I am attached to my bread bowl. I love its wide rim and deep body. I love the way the stainless steel shines. I labor with that bowl! It's so satisfying to lift the towel off the top, and see bread raised and ready for the oven!

One of my favorite bread recipes is this one from Edward Espe Brown.

Focaccia-Olive Oil Bread With Fresh Rosemary
Makes two loaves.


2 c. warm water
2 tbsp. dry yeast
3 tbsp. fresh rosemary, minced
1/4 c. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 c. unbleached white flour
1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
3 c. unbleached white flour
Olive oil for glazing
Coarse sea salt

Start with the water. Stir in the yeast, then the rosemary, olive oil, and salt. Stir in the one cup of white flour and the 1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour. Beat about 100 strokes.

Fold in 2 cups of white flour, 1/2 c. at a time. Turn the dough out on a floured board and knead using up to one more cup of flour to keep from sticking. Knead until smooth and elastic.

Let the dough rise for about an hour until it doubles in size. Punch down and let rise another 40 minutes.

Divide the dough in half. Shape each half as desired. Place on oiled sheet pan and brush the top with olive oil. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.

Preheat oven to 375. Let rise about 20 minutes, and then bake about 25-30 minutes until browned.


This bread smells so good! Have you ever noticed what happens when bread is on the menu? Put out a pretty dish of butter and it disappears! At first we cut it with a serrated bread knife into evenly spaced portions, and soon we just rip it off like wolves in the woods! Bread goes with anything. Have you ever asked yourself, "What should we have with...?" and all the while you were thinking about that one thing... Bread?

When you are plagued with the doldrums, and stuck in a slump, get out your kneading bowls! Teach your children about Pharaoh. I like to sing a little ditty, "No! No! They cannot go!"

This is dedicated to my very special little people at HBC. Especially James, whom I can hear singing our ditty with great enthusiasm.

Swinging with you,
Alis

Thursday, March 3, 2011

A Fragrant Home



Good Morning Sweet Friends!

The morning is already advancing with accelerating speed. My to-do list is longer than my get-up-and-go. Fernando Ortega echoes, "Give me Jesus..."
and I am taken by the song writer's petition for Christ at three specific events:
in the morning when I rise, when I am afraid, and when I go to die.

I have just received a shipment of merchandise for the baskets from one of my favorite vendors. Scented candles in all their welcome fragrance from Pure Integrity Candles.

As spring approaches and temperatures become milder I will delight in filling my home with the aromas of lemongrass, sage, honeysuckle, and lavender. I would love for my dear readers to enjoy these special candles. You might visit their website or order from me.

Did you know that God's word describes our service to Him as fragrant when it is offered in the right aspect. It is only pleasing to Him when it comes from a heart that presents it with joy. In my business, presentation is everything! So it is with God. Where are your motives this morning?

I believe that in the morning, when I rise, is the perfect time to petition Jesus. To ask for that grace that I will need today. To plead for the strength that I will require. To pray, boldly for his guidance and praise humbly for his gifts and his character. To want more of Him.

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere."
2 Corinthians 2:14

May your sweet service be an influence for his gospel today.
Alis

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

She Was Thinking About You




A Blessed Morning To You!

"Hi, This is Alis from Comfort and Joy Gift Baskets. I have a very special delivery for you."

I don't want to sensationalize this story. What I do want is for the person who will answer that phone call to know that she was on her mother's mind. Her mother ordered the basket and then went home to be with our Lord a week later.

I want her to know the tenderness in her mother's voice as she described her to me. I want her to know that her upcoming birthday was important to her mother. I want to tell her, "She was thinking about you!"

I feel very passionate about this project. Even still, I hit walls in my efforts. There was a photo album in my mother's things after her accident. She told me several times that she was working on a special gift for me. She had created in her own way a picture story-book of my life. There were pages opposite the pictures where she had planned to write text. If the words were there, they would say she was thinking about me.

I have humbly asked God to help me with this very important work. Above all, I pray for the basket's recipient. I pray that she would know the comfort and joy I pack into that basket. From a mother, to a daughter, with love...

Please pray,
Alis

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Fit Children



Good Morning Porch Pals!

Track season has started! It's time to lug the shoes, shorts, water bottles, snacks, and other equipment around in duffle bags. Martial Arts practices year-round. Often a stray belt, white cotton pants, or t-shirt finds its way to the car or laundry basket.

Boys need activity. Climbing trees, balancing on a rip-stick, riding a dirt-bike, lifting weights, these are all activities that my boys enjoy.

With all that exercise they also need fuel. I've got baked oatmeal in the oven right now just waiting for the youngest to wake up to. The aroma of apples, vanilla-flavored almond milk, and cinnamon should have him up in record speed. The oldest will need energy later today after practice. I've got delicious little power balls in the freezer. The recipe is easy and nutritious.


Almond Butter Balls

1c. almond butter
1c. almonds, finely chopped
1c. dried cherries
dash of cinnamon
pinch of salt
dash of cayenne pepper
1/4c. unsweetened cocoa powder
2tbs. honey or agave

Mix all ingredients until blended. Roll spoon-size portions into balls. Freeze.
Store in freezer. I like to store three balls in a snack-size bag, and store all the snack-size bags in a larger zip-lock. The recipe will make about 2 1/2 dz.

Our whole family loves these!

I'm so glad that I can be involved in keeping my boys full of strength and stamina. It brings me joy to see them healthy and feeling great!

Little changes like skipping soda, staying away from fast foods, and making sure that something is available for them to snack on that is healthy is so important.


Full of vigor,
Alis