I don’t understand… March 31, 2010

Why do some people find such joy in hurting other people? Why does it make them feel better about themselves to make others feel badly about what they look like or how much they weigh? I remember as a teenager (and probably more of a young middle school-aged one) finding some self-esteem in looking down at others, but I grew out of that a long time ago. By the Lord’s grace and mercy I have learned not to feel that way. When I see someone who is struggling with their weight I feel sad because I know how they feel and how hard it is. When I see someone with awful acne I sympathize because I, too, have struggled with that. When I see a mother having difficulties with her children in public I empathize because I, too, have those discouraging moments. I’m not saying that I’m perfect- I have many other sins that I deal with on a regular basis. I guess I just don’t understand why it makes these people feel good to hurt others. I’m trying to find my confidence in who God made me. Do I need to lose more baby weight? Yes, a lot, but it won’t happen overnight. All I can do is work on it day-by-day. Do I really need some new clothes that fit better and are more put-together looking? Yes, but that’s not something we can afford right now and, with the hopeful weight loss, I don’t want to invest in something that I pray will be too big in a few months.  Sorry for the rambling… my heart is just hurting this morning.

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4

I don’t think this verse means that God wants us to not care at all how we look. Many passages, including Proverbs 31 and The Song of Solomon, encourage us (especially as women) to find ways to beautify ourselves and our homes for the enjoyment of our husbands and families. But I do know that this is not where the Lord’s emphasis is. I pray that I can teach my children, especially my girls, that it is their inner beauty that is of great worth in God’s sight.

In other quick news, I begged James to let me get a book that I’ve been wanting for a long time. It’s called Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell. I’m not quite finished, but it has been such a blessing. (And it is most certainly not just for homeschooling moms!) It deals with frustration and anger, discipline and organization. Teri’s writing is always so Biblically-based- she includes scripture to back up everything that she says. I highly recommend it to mommies (or future mommies) who are dealing with anger and frustration when their children misbehave or when they just can’t get everything done that they need to get done in the day.

That’s it for today… remember to be gentle with the feelings of those you come into contact with today. We never know when our words (or ugly looks) might pierce someone’s heart, whether intentionally or not. (And if you have to start a sentence with “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but…” then just stop right there.) Have a wonderful day.

Love,

Kate

Mmmmm…. March 4, 2010

Okay, so it’s late, but I wanted to post about this really quickly. Last weekend James and I watched Food, Inc. I’m not going to go into all it’s about- you can google it if you’re interested. Basically, it’s about where our food comes from, and also a little about the poor treatment of animals and, especially, people that goes on in an effort to get us fast, cheap food. We highly recommend it. Knowledge is always good, even if you don’t agree with it. Anyhoo….

So last weekend I tried to make a loaf of “No-knead Whole Wheat Bread.” It was good, but, despite the fact that I didn’t have to knead it, it was still kind of a pain. I had to use the mixer to mix it up, and that created more of a mess than I really cared for. So I looked on Craigslist for bread machines, and we found one in Gaffney for $20. A great deal since it was only used about 3 times and looked brand-new. It didn’t come with the instruction manual, but I was able to download and print that from the internet. That said, I finally had what I need to make bread tonight, so make bread I did. It is delicious! And I feel so good about giving my children something healthy to eat . There was a little depression that happened when somebody I won’t name (Sarah Laine McKinney) opened the lid. Sigh… Oh well, it still tastes good… so, bear with my silly self, but here are some pictures . (You can ooh and ahh over it for pretend, if you want .)

Mmmm, looks good… I wonder how it tastes…..

See my handsome husband (or rather, his handsome hand) slicing our yummy bread? Notice the serrated knife… I’ve been using the serrated blades from my electric knife for over a year now, so my sweet husband brought home a real serrated knife.  Now to put it up in a very high LOCKED cabinet so the girls can’t get it….

Oh, and in case you’re wondering (you know you are, ha ha), hopefully I’ll have some sewing pictures to post after my class tomorrow. I LOVED my class! I got there about a half hour early and got right to work. The other girls and ladies were all sweet, and the instructor was a hoot! I got both the girls’ apron patterns cut out, but was held up with the bias tape because you were supposed to iron the curves in. Who woulda thunk it? So I’m bringing my iron tomorrow so I can iron the stuff as I go. I have a feeling I’m not gonna like bias tape very much… This past weekend I bought pretty fabric for the kids’ Easter outfits. Their patterns are all cut out, but I haven’t cut the fabric yet. I’m hoping to get their early tomorrow so I can get started, and I may stay a little late since the room will be empty and it’s a quiet place to work. (I didn’t last week ’cause I had an awful headache.) Okay, now I really have to go- the girls and I organized the kitchen cabinets today and I need to get the stuff that’s going to Good Will into a box for James to take during lunch tomorrow. Love you all!