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Have You Been Snowed In During the Wintertime?

Have you been snowed in during the wintertime? If you know me you know that I lived many years on Redding Mountain. I used to have a blog called Redding Mountain. If you would like to read some tales about our adventures there you can check out www.reddingmountain.com.

Although we are going through a different sort of adventure at present there are some similarities and so it brought back many memories.

When you live in West Virginia it is very likely you may live on a mountain and find yourself snowed in during the wintertime. If you lived on Redding Mountain you would surely have experienced this as well as many other “adventures” in the wintertime such as no electricity for days or weeks, frozen water pipes, cooking on a kerosene heater, and/or a ride up the hill on the tractor when the road was impassable.

During our snow days, we became very creative.  Being snowed in actually became some of our fondest times. When you are snowed in for days everything becomes an adventure. Keeping your water pipes from freezing was a chore we had to deal with.  If we had a frozen pipe, someone would go under the house and find which one was frozen. We would then use the hairdryer to thaw the pipe. That is if we still had electricity. If no electricity we would have to rely on the water we had filled available containers with to use for drinking, cooking as well as flushing toilets. Many times we would have a kerosene heater to keep the main living area warm.

If the electricity was out we would move all the mattresses into the living area and close off the other rooms or cover the openings with blankets. There were so many of us that my father-in-law would mention how many BTUs we produced. That many bodies in a small space produced a lot of body heat. I would pile on the quilts and soon we would all be toasty. 

During the day when we were not taking care of survival, we would read books and play games. At night we would have our Bible reading time and sometimes quote memory verses or sing songs. Stories would be told by their dad and lots of laughter would ensue. Especially, with the antics of the “three little gitters” with the Redding kids always saving the day.

So find joy in these days that might seem hard and stressful at the moment for they’re what memories are made of.

 

 

 

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Easy Homemade Playdough Recipe

Easy homemade playdough
Easy homemade playdough

Are you looking for things to do with your kids?

Below is a recipe for playdough that I have used with my children for many years. You probably have all the necessary ingredients in your cabinet. This will only take a few minutes to make but will give you hours of fun!

One advantage of making homemade playdough is that you know exactly what ingredients are in it and you can create your own unique colors.

Recipe for Homemade Play Dough
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 Tablespoons cream of tartar
1 Tablespoon cooking oil
1 cup of cold water
food coloring

Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar. I put this in a small non-stick pan if you have one. I add the oil, water, and color and begin to stir over low to medium heat until it begins to thicken and stick together. It almost becomes a ball. I remove from heat and knead a little and set aside to cool for a few minutes. It is ready to play with now. Remember to store this in a sealed container or a sealed Ziploc plastic bag.

Let me know if you make homemade playdough and please share how much fun you had making it and playing with your kids today!

 

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What Does Will Roger’s Birthplace Have to Do With Education?

What does Will Roger’s Birthplace have to do with education? It seems like yesterday that we lay on the grass at Will Roger’s birthplace in Oologah, Oklahoma. We were a young couple in our 20’s with a baby. We like to visit historic attractions and of course free attractions. So we explored this beautiful place. Soon we found ourselves lying on the grass and our son experiencing the early days of his education.

I had grown up seeing the face of Will Rogers even though I really didn’t know much about him. He was a funny cowboy. I didn’t know he was a member of the Cherokee Nation, a commentator, newspaper columnist, as well as an actor.

I remember what a beautiful day we had. We lay on the grass, we may have had a picnic, we talked and interacted with each other and our baby, Micah. I remember we showed him the texture of the bark on trees and the blades of grass. This might seem silly to some but it was my way of approaching life and the education of my baby.

I took my baby outside in all weather to experience God’s creation. I knew even then that babies learn a lot from being outside. Even before a baby can speak words they have a great knowledge of many things. I wanted my baby to have great experiences so that as he grew and when he started to read he would know first hand what grass was, he would have touched and smelled and felt God’s creation. He was collecting a great amount of information about the world and God even though he was yet to speak a whole sentence. He was drinking in the wonder of God’s creation.

This was not his first experience with nature nor his last. By the time our son was two years old, he would have had many of these experiences with nature. And soon become an avid reader and explorer of the world around him.

This is a glimpse into the early days of the making of a mom and dad who would go on to have 11 children and teach them by letting them explore the forests, beaches, mountains, night skies, and meet a lot of people along the way. We continue to carry this philosophy with us on the journey.

Check out the home of Will Rogers at:

https://www.willrogers.com/birthplace-ranch

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Why I Memorize the Scriptures

From my earliest childhood, I knew the scriptures were important. As I sat in church listening to the Bible being taught I knew I was to sit quietly. My memories were not really of the lessons themselves, here it is, I thought I would become an angel when I died. Where I got this idea I have no idea. I was taught the usual Bible stories and enjoyed it all immensely.

High School

When I was a student at Mortimer Jordan High School in the 1970’s we had a POW speak to our assembly. I was very impressed with his story. I really wish I could remember his name.  Even though I cannot remember his name part of his story has stayed with me for over 40 years.

This POW shared some of the experiences he had while being held captive. One of the things he and his fellow prisoners did to help sustain them was to put together a Bible. Each man shared what scriptures he could remember and they wrote them on toilet paper. They compiled their own little Bible! This impressed me with a desire to commit scripture to memory lest I find myself in a similar situation with no Bible.

College

While a student at Alabama Christian and later Freed-Hardeman University each Bible class gave us memory verses.  I enjoyed this activity. One teacher emphasized in his life the importance of memorizing God’s word. It was said that he could quote whole books of the Bible. I was impressed. I wanted to have chapters and books memorized.

During my early years as a young bride, I would put a scripture beside my bathroom mirror to help me memorize the Word. It was mounted on a paper that said a scripture a day helps keep Satan away. I memorized a lot of verses this way.

Books

In the book Ordering Your Private World Gordon MacDonald shares the story of Howard Rutledge, a young man who is captured during wartime. As a civilian, this young man never had time for spiritual things. He soon realized he did not have the spiritual resources he needed to sustain him during his imprisonment.

Being imprisoned he said his hunger for the spiritual soon outdid his hunger for food. He said, “It took prison to show me how empty my life is without God.” By the time he was released, he realized his need to grow in his relationship with God. You can read his story in the book In The Presence of Mine Enemies. This story really stayed with me and gave me a greater desire to memorize the word of God.

Resources

We lived in Logan, Ohio in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Barbara Dunn, a friend, and Bible teacher gave me a copy of the Bible ABC’s. My children and I memorized these during that time. They are still with me. Through the years I have found several versions of these. Check out these two :

A B C BIBLE VERSES H

 icanteachmychild.com/abc-printable-scripture-cards/

Conclusion

I memorize scripture because God’s word is the Word of Life. I have hidden your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you. Why not memorize God’s word for yourself today!

Please share in the comment section what things you have used to commit the Word of God to memory.

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I Play With Buttons

What can I say? I love old buttons. Who can understand why such small things as the first violets in spring, old buttons in a cup, bookshelves filled with books, or old fashioned teacups can bring such joy? I’m not sure I really can understand why but they really do make my heart happy.

Yesterday I took a little drive to a friend’s house. I took the back roads over little bridges and winding roads. I saw the first daffodils of spring poking their heads through the soil. My heart rejoices at God’s creation. It was a cold but happy day.

On my drive, I passed the Rock Springs Church of Christ established in 1832. This little building holds such history. If you visit this little church which was the first Church of Christ in Rutherford County, Tennessee you will see pictures of the history. It is very interesting to think about the people who have come and gone who have had a connection to this church. Not just the building but each person and the lives they have lived. These are my people. People who were trying to serve God, love their families and the lost of their community. Imperfect people yes. People who needed God. And the story continues. Imperfect people still meeting in this little building still trying to serve God. When I was younger these little churches did not hold the same fascination for me as they do now. Now I appreciate that there is a light still shining in that same place for 188 years! A light dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ. If our world ever needed light it is now.

Pieced heart pins with buttons
Buttons!
Rock Spring Church of Christ 1832
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Teach Me to Pray

Teach us to pray.

Jesus’ followers asked him in the gospels to teach them to pray. And as we begin our study on prayer our key thought is: Lord teach us to pray. When I was a little girl we memorized the Lord’s Prayer. It is a very familiar prayer. If you haven’t memorized it yet start working on it today. Place a copy beside your bathroom mirror and soon you will know it by heart.

We find the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4.

Let’s read Matthew 6:9 first.

Names of God.

Think of all the names of God you can think of and write them down. I did this on the whiteboard as a class activity. Here is a start:

Father

Provider

Eternal God

I AM

The Lord is Peace

Faithful

Lord of Lords

Great God

Lord Almighty

The God of Heaven

As we speak or pray each of these names we can add why this is true. Because he has provided us with all good things we can with assurance say to God you are provider.  Think of things God has provided you with and acknowledge his provision.

Which name of God do you use the most? How do you think of God?

I think of God as a Father the most. Probably because of some childhood insecurities thinking of God as a father this has meant a lot to me. Read Matthew 7:9-11. How does looking at God in this way make you feel?

Read Matthew 6:10-11

God’s will be done.

Think of specific areas of your life that you would like God to work his will in. Maybe you will want to write them down. As you write them down and remember to think of specific areas.

Give us today our daily bread. I have probably never felt closer to God than when I was depending on him for my daily food. It is obvious that God provides for all of our needs but sometimes we think we do. So, remember today to thank him for your food and ask him to bless those who are enduring the hungry season.

Read Matthew 6:12

Forgiveness.

The keyword in this passage is AS. Forgiving those who have sinned against us is not easy. When I read forgive as I have been forgiven it is easier to focus on the person who has wronged me instead of how I have wronged someone else or how I have been forgiven. Is there someone you need to forgive? The ask God for the strength to forgive. Ask God to show you the things you have done wrong and ask forgiveness for those as well.  Because when I realize I need forgiveness it is easier to forgive.

Read Matthew 6:13

Temptation.

My constant prayer through the years has been for God to keep us from the evil one, especially my children. As you pray this part of the prayer you might want to share areas of temptation and ask for God’s protection and deliverance from those things. The evil one is prowling about seeking someone to devour.

Praying the parts.

In Jennifer Gerhart’s book Prayer, In Practice, she divides the Lord’s Prayer into five steps and calls it Praying the Parts. This is the beginning.

Praise

Purpose

Provision

Pardon

Protection

 

Resources for this lesson:

Bible

Prayer, In Practice by Jennifer Gerhardt

60 Minutes of Prayer-The Lord’s Prayer

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Prayer is a Big Topic!

Prayer is a big topic!
My necklace reminds me to pray.

 Prayer is a big topic! On January 28, 2019, Maria and I met for dinner. Maria and I have attended church together for 3 years. We had been in some Bible classes together and I knew that her heart and passion for God were real. I wanted to get to know her and more about her walk with God.

I asked Maria if she would help me teach a study on prayer. Not just a study, but an actual study and practice of prayer. We both agreed we should do a class on prayer.

Prayer is a Vast Topic

I quickly realized how overwhelming this subject might become. Have I mentioned prayer is a big topic? We brainstormed as we ate and shared our life and experiences. Keeping notes of thoughts and ideas we might want to cover. We had to narrow down our study somehow.

The Bible has a lot to say about prayer! So prayer indeed is a big topic. Looking through my books I found a lot of resources that I already had on hand. Friends shared with me their lessons and thoughts on prayer (Thank you, Nancy!). I checked out library books on prayer, did a scripture word search on prayer, studied the prayers prayed in the Bible. I listened to podcasts and audio lessons from Lipscomb’s Summer Celebration by Chris Altrock on the prayer of Samuel. These were fantastic. 

Timing

Maria and I thought we would begin this class in the very next quarter. Did this happen? No. There were many delays. We both have children. With graduations, weddings, children leaving for college, and moving we had a full year. Add to that my husband, 16-year-old daughter and I spent a month teaching in Malawi. Returning from Malawi I found out we were signed up to begin the study in November! WOW! 

Planning

Maria and I met several times, studied, prayed together, and planned for this study. In my mind, back in January of 2019, Maria and I had a vision. We envisioned each of us stretching, getting out of our comfort zone, learning and growing, praying more, and seeing answered prayers. Did our class turn out to be what we had envisioned? Not exactly! Did those things happen? Yes. So we took an idea and some plans and God made something out of it.

Some Things I Learned

As I studied and prepared for this class I quickly realized I was learning the most. I learned that Satan will work hard to prevent his people from praying. I am involved in spiritual warfare. If you don’t believe it, teach a class on prayer!

Every day is filled with distractions. It is important to slow down and learn to listen to God. One of the thrilling things for me was to relearn the value of prayer journaling, keeping my prayer list updated moment by moment as people ask me to pray or as needs are brought to my attention. This has become such a blessing as time reveals the ways God is answering my daily prayers.

We have many opportunities to pray for and with people, let’s not miss them. We all feel we have a lot to learn about prayer. No one feels they have quite figured it out. Praying get’s easier the more we do it. To pray is simple. Just pray.

Yes, studying different aspects of prayer was good for me. Studying the postures of prayer mentioned in scripture helped me to learn about my prayers and how they reflect my life. Reading the prayers in scripture taught me a lot about the people in the scriptures, their situations, determination, and confidence in God. 

Yes, prayer is a big topic but the most important thing is to spend time talking with your heavenly Father!

Make the most of your opportunities to pray. God is the answer to my needs and yours!

Now I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that you will be encouraged to spend more time with God. Prayer matters. God loves you and longs to talk with you and have you talk with him. Amen.

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Gratitude – Redding Formal

Gratitude
2019 Redding Formal
Gratitude
2018 Redding Formal

Gratitude. My heart overflows. The more our family grows it gets harder for us to all get together at the same time. I am thankful to Gabriel who started the Redding Formal tradition. This last weekend was the Second Annual Redding Formal. Solar Punk was the theme. I am not sure I really understood the theme but I did dress a little more colorful than usual.

What mom doesn’t like to have all of her children together for a beautiful event? I am thankful that each of our children, their mates, and children were all able to be there.

We had before dinner speeches, and strange (non-alcoholic) drink combinations, ate crickets, told stories, and shared our year. We had a  delicious catered dinner of baked chicken, red potatoes, green beans, caesar salad, and rolls. Dipping dots and ice cream with peanut butter was our offerings for dessert.

This time of year I think brings our hearts closer to family and a great sense of gratitude for all God has done in our lives. I especially have so much to be thankful for and in reality, we all do.

I want to do better about expressing gratitude even after the immediate events have passed.

Today I tried a new online company source for cards and invitations. I have used several of these sources through the years and was thrilled to be invited to try this one. I explored the website and found several useful products. It was easy to use and to personalize. I love the little envelopes you can choose for your cards too! So check out:  https://www.paperlesspost.com/

 

 

 

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Update after Malawi

My heart is so full! How could I begin to put on paper what my heart has experienced this last couple of months?

When I returned after being in Malawi for a month, I hit the road. My overflowing heart shared news and greetings from our Christian family in Malawi. I hope to express my deep appreciation for all who shared in our work. My heart is still so full of the beautiful people, Bible studies, new Christians and great needs that I witnessed. I thought I would be able to put into words my second trip to Malawi but I know they will not convey what I have experienced. I must try. Be patient with me.

This year we spent a month in Malawi.

Below lists some of the things we did. I am sure it cannot possibly be all that we did while there. There is just too much nor can it convey the joy that I experienced among people who have so little of this world’s possessions.

Prison Ministry

We visited prisons at Ntcheu, Domasi, Mzimba, Maula, and Kachere. It was wonderful to get a report from the chaplains that our people are doing a great work. They are always there. The inmates who studied WBS were not repeat offenders. Not the case with others. When we give them hygiene gifts, the inmates know they are not forgotten.

It was nice to be remembered by those we met before and those who had become Christians last year. It was great to see them active in their faith. They were excited to receive more teaching. Many obeyed the Gospel. We met some new students and signed up new ones. We did teaching and preaching in the prisons as well as delivering soap and toothbrushes.

Ntcheu

We were able to teach men and women at Ntcheu again this year. There was only one female inmate. Last year two female inmates and two female guards obeyed the gospel, as well as seven men. This one remaining female was very excited to see us again and receive a Bible. She and the guards were doing well. She is learning to sew with instruction from the guards. We gave her a piece of fabric to help her along.

There were 21 baptisms at Ntcheu. Because of the lack of water, the inmates have to go outside the gate to haul some in.

Mzimba

Our new sister Cecilia and the Chaplain Peter wanted to provide a meal for us so we spent one evening visiting them at Cecilia’s home. The Chaplain escorted us to the  officers quarters and on our return. We also found out Cecilia has adopted her niece. Many have adopted orphans in Malawi. Her son is away at University.

We made two trips to Mzimba

Soap and toothbrushes distributed.

Bible teaching to the men and women two days.

Baptisms 18. Mzimba has over 100 members of the church in this prison. I was happy to see the spirit among the members with their new brothers. It was also a bit easier to do baptisms in that there are two wells on the prison grounds.

We did a sewing lesson with Mzimba prison ladies and gave them small sewing kits to repair their own clothing. These $1 kits were greatly prized.

Visiting  Muya Tembo

We went to Muya Tembo’s (one of our prison ministers) new place and spent some time waiting in his neighborhood while our tire was repaired. His living conditions are very simple. There is no indoor plumbing, and cooking is done outside over an open fire. There is a well in the area. We only heard great things about Muya’s work. We also witnessed first hand how he went and talked with the neighbors as they gathered around to see the drone as we waited for the tire to be repaired. He also gave them some Bible materials and over heard questions being asked. We were able to give Muya’s daughters and friends hygiene bags as well.

Cecilia attended church with us at Makari where my husband, Lawrence preached and after church my daughter Esther and I both taught the ladies. There was one baptism. It was nice to see that they also have teaching for children at this congregation. This was our first visit to Makari but somehow a bookmark made by the ladies day group at church last year found it’s way all the way out to this far out village and was hung from the ceiling as a decoration.

Domasi

The OC Officer in Charge, Eunice wanted to meet with us. She was pleased to receive a Bible and surprised to find out she was mentioned in the Bible. We were able to share the story of Eunice in the Bible, and she encouraged us to continue the great work with this prison. 

We gave hygiene bags to Domasi prison which had all new female inmates but one. They had heard that there was a lady there last year who brought these and they were really hoping I would come again. Unfortunately, the first visit I did not have any with me. I was not scheduled for a second visit so I told them they must pray. And it became necessary to make a return trip to that area for a totally separate reason. They were very happy that God allowed the second visit. We were also able to give our one remaining student from last year a Bible. We taught them and also started them on WBS courses. Two visits to Domasi.

We gave soap and toothbrushes.

Lawrence preached to over 300 male inmates,  Penjoni a local WBS worker and preacher also gave a message and then while we were waiting for them to fetch water for the baptisms one of the christian brothers who is an inmate gave a lesson. There is a baptistry on the grounds but it’s water had been used by someone doing laundry. So 14 guys took 5 gallon buckets down the road for water to fill the baptistry. There were 24 baptisms at Domasi our first day visiting there. Peter Masters one of the Orrs Sellers preaching school students went with us and did the baptisms.

Ntaja Village

We made a long trek to Ntaja Village. We followed up with some who had requested to be baptized before their release from Domasi prison and had not been allowed. 5 obeyed the gospel. They are in a village surrounded by Muslims. They have been followed up with, given Bibles, and introduced to the local church which is 6 km away. We had a series of car problems and this was one of those trips we broke down. I thought we might have to stay in the village that night. But alas we were on our way and broke down again. We eventually reached our lodging very late. Our hosts said they had been praying for us.

Kachere

Kachere is the juvenile prison in Lilongwe, with 18-22 year old males. We met with the officer in charge Mary. We had met her last year and she had wanted a pink Bible like mine so I was able to give her one. Our friend and minister Watson has been taking care of this prison and their WBS lessons. There is much work to do here.

Bibles

Everywhere we go people long for Bibles. This really touched my heart; I was embarrassed to own 26+ Bibles. We spent $738 on Bibles to give to our students. We were able to give some English Bibles we brought with us as well. After some searching we were able to purchase a Shona Bible and delivered it to a sister (I taught last year). She will be released to go home to Kenya soon. She was beyond happy to receive a Bible and a visit. It was wonderful to see her looking healthy. Last year she was very ill when I was here. I met her at Mzimba prison but this year I visited her at the Maula prison.

TWO Sewing Co-ops Established

We were able to purchase three sewing machines and set up two sewing co-ops. One in Biriwiri and one in Ntcheu. We set them up with enough supplies to get them started and encouraged them to reinvest in their business. They are working together several days a week to further their sewing skills. Some seem to be doing well from the reports we get and some are taking longer to catch on to the skill of sewing. The Ntcheu Co-op  has two sisters teaching them. The Biriwiri Co-op has a local tailor teaching them. These ladies are all very excited about the new skills they are learning. We hope to set up more in the future and also to hold a business workshop in their area. This is very important work. They have so little opportunities to make a living.

Churches

We taught at a few Gospel meetings and church services (Lawrence and Eddie)and Esther and Reda taught at some ladies’ days while we were there. We were reunited with those we met last year and some who had become Christians.

Baleni village (7baptisms), Chinyamula village (1), Mdeka church of Christ (2), Makari church of Christ (1)

WBS School students

We went to some villages even though most of our work revolves around the prison ministry. We visited students we had come in contact with through the schools. And met one in the market place as well.

Children’s Tutorial Centers

We visited two tutorials even though school was not in session yet. It was to begin the next week. They came and recited for us and greeted us. We were able to give the teachers from three tutorials supplies and teaching materials. 37% of the children in Malawi are malnourished. Our plan is to re-establish a nutrition program in these schools. Betty Melcher (my mom) provided 40 sets of clothing (uniforms) to one of the tutorials. My mother made these sweet little skirts and shorts.

Preachers and Teachers Meetings

Met with all of the present and perhaps past preachers and also the tutorial center’s teachers to fellowship and share news and experiences.

Ntcheu Hospital

Visited with sisters in Christ. Gave 20+ hats to babies, baby blankets, and hygiene bags to new mothers in the name of Christ. Unbelievable hospital conditions. They have 20 births a day.

Hygiene Bags

We were able to give out 50 hygiene bags. On one occasion we hosted 20+ school girls at our guest house. We shared a time of fellowship, no bake cookies, crafts, and hygiene bags. Receiving these gifts thrilled the girls.

Water Wells

We visited several areas last year and this year that were in need of a closer water supply. Even though there are many needs we decided to focus this year’s walk for water on Milala community because it would have the largest impact. 280 families will have a changed life because of this. Children will be able to be in school more, Better hygiene, less illness, etc. We were part of a Walk 4 Water this last Saturday which raised enough money to drill a well in this community!!! Now we are trying to raise funds to host an Agricultural workshop in this same community.

Milala village

Oh the stories of dirty water, giant spiders, living without running water, cooking over an open fire, killing and dressing chicken for dinner, etc. There is so much more but I just couldn’t wait any longer to share some of my journey.  If you have questions please ask.

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Easy Homemade biscuits

Homemade Biscuits
Homemade biscuits
Homemade biscuits
Homemade biscuits

This morning I woke up early. I decided I wanted to make breakfast for the two kiddos I still have at home. (How did this ever happen that I only have two kids at home?) When I had a house full of kids my biscuit making always started with 8 cups of flour!

We are packing to move and to go on a month long mission trip.  I have been trying to use our perishables before we go. Today I took a little extra time and carefully worked the butter into the flour mixture and it was well worth the effort. On busier days I confess I take the lazy way out and do a quick drop biscuit. These turned out so well that I think this will be my regular biscuit recipe for awhile for the small batch and they were really easy to make actually.

2 Cups of all-purpose flour

1 Tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

6 Tablespoons of chilled butter

3/4 cup of milk

 

Preheat your oven 425°. Combine the dry ingredients and then cut the butter into small pieces and then work it into the flour until the butter pieces are pea size or smaller. I do this with my hands, you can use a pastry blender or two forks if you wish. After this is done quickly add the milk without over stirring and then knead for a few minutes until smooth (not too much). Then pat out the dough and cut out with a biscuit cutter. Mine is already packed so I used this small square Rubbermade container which is probably used for salad dressing. I placed each cut biscuit into my iron skillet. Placed the skillet in the hot oven for about 12 minutes or until done. These were very good with boysenberry jam.
While the biscuits were cooking I scrambled a few eggs. Just a simple breakfast but still really good. Even with only two kids at home I turned around and the skillet was empty.