The Cottage on the Hill

I saw this sweater skirt in the Junior's department at my local Target.  I loved it, wanted it, but couldn't justify the price, especially when I knew I could do this: I bought this unflattering-on-me sweater at Goodwill for $5.00. I cut it across the underbust, inserted some on-hand elastic, turned over the edge, straight stitched it and 5 minutes later: Voila!

(The recipe makes more than this, but we've already eaten a bunch by the time I just grabbed the jar and snapped a picture!) 1/4 cup organic unrefined sugar (I used Florida Crystals) Approx. 1/2 cup organic brown sugar 1/2 cup organic almond butter 1 egg 1 stick butter, melted 1 cup organic buckwheat flour 1/3 tsp aluminum free baking powder 1/3 tsp baking soda 1/3 tsp salt 1/4 - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut Enough coconut flour to make a good cookie dough...I think approx. 1/4 - 1/3 cup Cream almond butter, butter and sugars together.  Blend in egg well.  Mix together with buckwheat flour, powder, soda and salt.  Stir in shredded coconut, then blend in coconut flour until you have a good cookie dough.  You should be able to form balls without the dough being too sticky or too dry.  Form into balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 5-10 minutes. Keep in mind that I'm guessing a little on the...

Today's Character Study:  BOLDNESS Definition:  Exhibiting courage and bravery Bible Verse:  So be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid and do not panic before them.  For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.  He will neither fail you nor abandon you.  Deuteronomy 31:6

This morning I was feeling very selfish.  I was complaining to God about all that is on my plate and how I just want a break, something for me me me, a chance to run away.  While yes, we do need to have our batteries recharged at times, this verse popped into my head.  I'm quite sure it was the whisper of the Holy Spirit: Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.... Luke 12:48 I realized anew the importance and significance my role here on earth for the Kingdom of Heaven is.  I have been given much, and much is required of me.  Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt honored that the Lord has entrusted me with so much!  The more the Lord blesses us with, the more He expects of us. There is also peace in the knowledge that when we truly do need respite, the Lord will grant it to us.

Today's character study is:  BENEVOLENCE Definition: Desire to do good to others Bible verse:  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.  Galatians 6:10

I have a confession to make.  My husband doesn't buy me flowers and I would love him to.  I admit that my bottom lip sticks out a little every time I read a facebook status update from a friend who's husband surprised her with a bouquet at home or at work, in person or sent in.  It is something I would like.  It would warm the cockles of my heart to know that my beloved went out of his way and comfort zone and MO to actually go out and get me a "just because" bouquet.  But, I don't really expect or require it of him because its not his way. So, as those facebook status updates appear on my computer screen, I have a choice.  I can either let the bottom lip stick out, start to quiver and grow into some whiny bitterness about "if he truly loved me...." blah blah blah.  Or I can remember all those good little things he does for me besides: He did bring me flowers once.  I had just had a devastating miscarriage and he had to return to work.  ...

They don't just grow in Georgia! I picked these lovely, perfectly ripened beauties from my very own tree yesterday!

Today's Character Study: AVAILABILITY Definition:  Present and ready for use Bible Verse:  And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send and who will go for us?"  Then I said, "Here am I!  Send me!"  Isaiah 6:8

Thanks to my Pandora's "Loreena McKennitt" station, I am now a fan of Blackmore's Night .  Every song played I have loved.

Throughout the homeschool year, I will be teaching my children different character studies. Today's Character Study is: ALERTNESS Definition: Paying close and careful attention Bible verse:  Be on guard, keep awake, for you do not know when the time will come.  Mark 13:33 ESV