Afternoon Walk

Today Hosanna, Helayna and I headed out for a walk along our back roads. I was thinking we'd be gone for maybe an hour and then back home but it was so nice out with this warm weather we've been having! The sun was shining nicely and it was so peaceful.

Of course, there's always time for a few pictures :)

25 MPH wasn't quite her speed ;) However I was very proud of this little girl because she walked a total of 8 miles today!!!! We walk all the way to the main road (the Glenn) which is 4 miles from our house and all the way back....don't ask how long it took! We made it there in an hour and half but the way home was a little slower. We stopped frequently both directions for Helayna who's 7-year-old legs couldn't quite keep up with our's and spent a lot of our way home carrying her!

We had a little company on the way home :) Some of the neighbors dogs came out to the road to "greet" us and so did some moose....

Not sure if you can see but in the picture on the right the moose are in the middle there close to the road. Just glad we didn't have a moose charging us or those dogs!

And here we are celebrating our goal of making it to the hwy!!! YAY! 

A TOTAL OF 8 MILES ALTOGETHER!! ;)

So proud of us!! Then we just had to make it home...yeah, not as many exciting photos, we were pretty tired!

It felt so good though and I am so glad we went for it, feel a little bad we pushed Helayna a little too far I think but she'll sleep good tonight from it ;)

I'm going to try and convince my siblings to do it again Sunday evening for evening service and walk as far as we can to the Church! {Already looking forward to it}

Hope you are all able to get out and enjoy this "spring" weather we're having, cause it won't be long and we'll be under snow again I'm sure! And as for everyone in the south...sorry our cold decided to pay you a visit, I hope you're able to stay warm and snuggle indoors!

Random Fact

I was just crawling into bed tonight and added a third blanket to the mix!! I don't know what Im going to do when we get below 40*s ;) It seems a but early to be adding more blankets, I guess it's just catching me by surprise after the spoiled summer we had!

The cold will be here soon enough though...I have a bet going with my Dad that the trees will all be yellow by the 15th (not an actual bet as I wouldn't do that;), I have a feeling I'll be right though! Those trees are turning fast, and the snows been on the mountains a few times....oh, winter here we come!

Still wanting to get some nice fall posts up though! 

Modest Wardrobe #5

~Unpopular Modesty Beliefs~

So I know this week's post may ruffle some feathers, but I wanted to share with all of you what I believe. These things are just as important to me as any of the past or future other posts on modest wardrobe.

Before I begin I want to start by saying that unlike many people may think, these beliefs are not forced upon me, nor am I convicted in these things because I was raised this way. It is simply this...I love the Lord very dearly and have prayed about this and have felt His leading in my life to follow Him in these areas (plus many more:). And whether or not it is easy I am happy to follow Christ's leading in my life and do so contentedly!

I have shared with you what I believe the inward adorning should be, but today I'm focusing more on the outward adorning. I've divided it into about 4 different areas of outward adornment but something I'd like to say of them all...no matter what our outward adorning is, it should always be in humility, glorifying to Christ and never with the desire to draw attention to one's self.

Clothing:: Just visit my Pinterest board, it about covers that :) No, in all seriousness this is a matter I've always been passionate about. As you have probably been able to gather, I do indeed wear skirts/dresses at all times.

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with reverence; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becomes women professing godliness with good works." 1 Timothy 2:9-10

I talked about how I believe skirts are more feminine in my Feminine on the Outside wardrobe post, but I also believe that skirts are more modest then pants. They are looser and fuller then pants allow and they don't draw the eyes to any particular parts of the body. However, this is not to condone all skirts out there, there are many that I do not consider modest.

Another thing I always try to make sure is that my tops are not to tight-fitting, figure-shaped, too low or too eye-catching. I also always where a second layer underneath any top as it gives an extra layer of modesty...plus its funner to coordinate outfits like that :)

Hair/Head-covering:: I think we often get more focused making ourselves feel more beautiful (which is natural to some degree), but to be carried away in these desires is dangerous. 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Peter 3:3 both state to not let the women's adorning be 'of braided the hair' or 'not with braided hair' I think it is important to not spend our time/money in fancying up our hair. God gave each women the hair she was meant to have, and we are all the more beautiful for it. His plan is always perfect, why would we want to change it?

"Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man." 1 Corinthians 11:4-8

  And there you have it, why I believe in wearing the head-covering. Why I believe in wearing it all the time is because it says when praying or prophesying, and though I could put it on most of the time when I'm praying, I have found that I pray often throughout the day for guidance, prayer requests, ect. Whatever the case, I believe it is right to always stay within the spirit of prayer, praying without ceasing as it states in 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Make-Up:: To be honest, I do wear some foundation make up but I have always drawn the line there. I really believe the Lord has made everyone beautiful and adding all the different make-up almost is saying you don't think He did a good enough job. And it's bringing attention to one's self, rather then focusing it on others! This also is pretty much what I believe for jewelry, I do believe wedding rings are appropriate and are many times a good thing, but I do think there is a fine line to draw there as well.

And that about wraps that portion up! Now it's off to get some pictures of the day...you know that is the hardest part of these modest wardrobe posts, I always forget throughout the day and never feel like it at the end!
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What I wore::

This is a new favorite fall-ish outfit! As it gets closer to fall I've been putting together different pieces of clothing that make nice fall outfits. This sweater goes well with a cranberry colored skirt I have as well making another fall outfit ;)

This turtle neck I got last year on sale from FredMeyers, the sweater was a score that I pulled from the yard sale items this Spring, and the skirt was passed on to me by one of my sisters I believe! 

Activity of the day:: Working the shop!

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Im sorry I've been absent with the Modest Wardrobe posts...I have alot going on right now ;)

How I love Him!

Im still trying to find the correct time to do some blogging, but if you saw my room and my list of 'things to do' you would know that blogging is not the only thing I've been lacking with ;) But our days have been full with getting together products for the state fair. 

But as I knelt before my bed this evening I was just reminded of the Lord's goodness and His mercy! Oh how I love Him! He has led me to believe the things I believe, to do the things I do, and is continually leading me to becoming the person He created me to be. 

One of the things that struck me tonight is the fact that as I ask for things (tonight it was a few prayer needs of others), the Lord already knows the need, the solution and the outcome, but it is my faithfulness He desires in my prayers. I am loving being His child and His servant.

He is my Friend, my Saviour, my Rock and my Leader! I love Him very dearly and couldn't resist sharing how I love Him with you as I am overflowed with His goodness and love!

Glory be to Christ!

Evening Activity...

Getting started on a new embroidering project! There's several pieces and it won't be complete for a couple months, but I can't wait to show them all to you then!

There's just something about sitting quietly and embroidering...and on this particular one its a design that I hand drew :-)

This is the color scheme, can you guess what the design is? ;)

I am so excited about these and can't wait to have them done!

Modest Wardrobe #4

Femininity on the Outside

I like to talk about being feminine on the outside as I enjoy wearing skirts, feeling elegant and lady-like. I do know however that not everyone would agree with me, some women find it difficult to be feminine all the time. Not to worry, I know it can be difficult but I also know that it is possible...and needed, I if I may add! 

Being  feminine does indeed have alot to do with if we dress like a lady. Deuteronomy 22:5 states that "The women shall not wear that which pertains unto a man, neither shall a man put on a women's garment; for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord your God." I know customs have changed over the many years, but in our day today men's garment is obviously pants and everyone associates a skirt/dress as a woman's garment. This is also a great way to be a light for Christ, and believe me as someone who wears skirts at all times...people will notice and ask.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Matthew 5:16 Although it is Christ's light within us that shines, we still have the responsibility to live in a way that allows it to shine. There are many ways we can allow that light to shine that don't leave it up to our clothing alone. We can let our light shine by our words...

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29. Am I the only one who struggles with this? I think this is something alot of us could work on. Its important to be a good testimony when we are out in public and also when we are at home. Another way we can let our light shine is by our attitude...

"Do all things without murmurings and disputing: that all of you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Philippians 2:14-15 As women, it is our duty to live with meek and nourishing spirits and to have a contented countenance at all times. This is so important I think as we tend to be emotional and sensitive, we should try to have a polite and kind attitude all the time, no matter how we're feeling.

We should also allow our light to shine by our deeds...

"I have showed you all things, how that so laboring all of you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give then to receive."

Acts 20:35 One of the biggest things that leave an impression in people's minds is sacrifice. There are many areas in which we can give in service, we can serve our families, our churches, our community and ultimately our Saviour through it all. The giving of one's time, of one's energy or gifts, of one's wishes and dreams can be so God-glorifying and is a true testimony of our love for Someone greater then ourselves. 

Seeing a women in the grocery store who has all of the above in check and presenting herself as a true lady of God in clothing, speech, attitude, and deed is such a wonderful testimony for Him.

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What I wore...

The under shirt I have had for a little while now, got it to go with a different outfit this Spring.

And the skirt and top blouse came from my sister Heather as a pass-alongs!

Activity of the day:: Working the shop!

Please feel free to pin any of these pictures to Pinterest, just put my blog address in the caption please.

Have a blessed day!

10:30 pm

I've had a protective day at home today! It started with taring and "canning" (more on that later) fresh lettuce, doing a good amount of dishes, giving Helayna a bath, washing my laundry (including my blanket :-)), making banana crumb muffins, making dinner, and labeling soap for restocking the shop! 

I have been inspired with some posts I hope to put together within the next few days, and I know...last week was empty and it's already Friday and I haven't even gotten the modest wardrobe one put up yet, not to worry....it will be up hopefully by tomorrow evening! 

And here's a list of titles to blog posts coming up...

Modest Wardrobe #3,

Psalm 19:1,

Gardening at Haylee's,

I have an answer!!,

Banana Crumb Muffins,

and a few more that are on the pending list ;) And as these posts roll into next week's blogging, there will be a TFTT posts in the mist of them!

I wish you a blessed and delightful night!

Modest Wardrobe #3

Modesty of the Heart

As I mentioned last week, I truly believe that all modesty should start from the faith of the heart and today's study is really only a few more details for the heart's actions. It is my belief that no matter how good of a women we are, that it will bear little to no fruit if our heart's actions are not first in line with God's plan. One of my favorite verses when on the topic of modesty of the heart is 1 Peter 3:4 "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

I want to be seen in God's eyes as a ornament of great price, wouldn't you? The Lord never changes, so still today women of meek and quiet spirits are of great value to Him.

I will share next time on what I believe it means to live a meek and quiet spirit on the outward but this week I want to focus a little closer in on the meaning of a inward meek and quiet spirit and a modesty of the heart that is in all pureness holy before God. I often think of Philippians 4:8 and what it means to apply this verse in all that it states.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

I once did a study of what each of these main words mean, I wanted to look at this in a way that I could apply it to my daily life. What I discovered was that each thing goes beyond just 'true, honest or lovely', they mean more, new things I hadn't thought of when just reading this verse. Its a deeper challenge when you look around at the world and see all the wickedness...everything is opposite this verse, that's why when we think on these things we adjust our focus to be lined up wholly on God, and by following that focus we will be in line with His heart. 

I cannot share with you the definition of each word due to length of this post, but I highly recommend that you look each one up, print them out, and stick it in Philippians 4 in your Bibles as a reminder!

 And the last but certainly not the least thing I wanted to mention that I believe goes along with being modest on the inward, would be attraction...or rather, the sustaining from attraction. ouch! This can indeed be a hard one to swallow, it has been for me in the past many times. I know many of us would agree that we don't want/try to attract physically, but what about our actions, habits, words, or just over all wish to attract? It is a dangerous place to be, and certainly not one that rests within a humble and pure heart. I think that it is important to ask ourselves the question, why. Why do I want these 3" heels? Why do I think this skirt looks so nice clinging to my hips? Why do I layer the make-up so? Some of the most beautiful women I know are the ones who don't desire any approval man can give, but rather the approval of God.
My desire is to be meek and quiet, honest before God in my thoughts and actions, humble in heart and mind, and a lady of great value before my Lord and Saviour!

What I wore:

This white skirt was something I pulled out of a yard sale pile this spring,

The tank top I've had for a long time,

This top was given to me by a friend,

And these sandles were just given to me by my sister.

Activity of the day::Going to Anchorage to help Hope with her cleaning job!

A quick link--

I wanted to link up to this new ebook that has just come out by one of the authors of a blog I enjoy getting the subscription emails from...A Wise Women Builds Her House. Her book is called More than Rules: Exploring the heart of beauty and modesty, if you follow either links it will take you to her blog where you can find more information on it. I can't wait to read it myself!

Have a blessed week my friends!

Beautiful Scenery

Here are just a few snap-shot pictures I took while in town on a gorgeous day!

I love that a quick picture out the window while driving can turn out so stunning!

This one is probably my favorite, it is so beautiful with the green, blue, and white crisp colors, and then of course the road sign helps to add a little art to the picture!

We live in such a lovely and vibrant state! 

I don't know if I could survive living somewhere without the mountains on all sides of me ;) I truly am blessed here!

Wedding Coordinating

I have been so blessed to turn my dream into a small piece of reality by coordinating 3 weddings!

I have always had a huge interest in weddings and can't ever get enough wedding pictures.;) Several years ago as I grew more involved with the blogging world and older, I realized that all my hobbies were linked together and it has since become my dream to be a wedding planner! After dreaming and reading/studying all about it for a few years I got a chance to plan my first wedding for my sister Haylee in December.

It was such a wonderful experience that I enjoyed beyond words!! I love the whole process of planning, decorating, organizing, and making sure brides get the wedding day of their dreams!

Since then I had the opportunity to be the day-of coordinator for two weddings this June. One was an outdoor wedding on June 1st, it was a cool and beautiful day. The colors were wonderfully tied into the beauty of nature and we were able to enjoy the scenery all around without needing to stress over the wedding colors!

The second day-of job I did was for a gal in our Church who got married on the 15th of June. I had such an enjoyable weekend at the rehearsal, setting everything up and decorating, and then the wedding day! There were a few things that caused a some different stressful moments but we fixed it up...I did learn a few things that may be helpful in the future...did you know they made floral spray paint? Go figure right?! But they do indeed and it fixed our crisis of having the wrong color of flowers delivered to the wedding.

The big question now that I have been asked many times is the famous..."what next?" The answer...well I really don't have one. My desire and would-be plan is to start my own business in wedding and event planning but I am just beng patient right now and praying for direction. I don't want to do anything outside of the Lord's Will for me, and therefore am just taking the decision making slowly through the summer!

Anyhow, that is where I am in that area of my life and thought Id share with you! Prayers for direction and an open heart would be greatly apprieciated!

Friday Flings

Spending my day working our family's booth at Friday Flings (our small town Farmer's market). It's a refreshing day with cool weather and a little chilly breeze, but there's no complaints after all the beautiful sun we've been getting!

This above picture is from a few weeks ago when the sun was shinning and Hosanna captured a few pictures of our booth!

What are you filling your Friday with?

Modest Wardrobe #1

Welcome to this new series 'Modest Wardrobe'! Since I've been in the blogging world, modesty is one of the big subjects with the blogs I follow and it has always been interesting to me to read about different people's views on this subject. I respect it when ladies have the courage to post their convictions and beliefs with others, I don't always agree about everything but it is sadly a very controversial issue with many people and can start a huge discussion, so I do appreciate ladies that take the time to put together posts on this particular matter.
I will share with you what my beliefs are on modesty probably more on a step by step plan rather then all at once, but for this week I'll just kick off this new series with my 'Modest Wardrobe' for the day and a few quick links :)

This is what I wore yesterday...I have been baking this Summer and have had to become adjusted to wearing short sleeves, which in the past has never been an issue for me, I've normally just worn turtle necks or at least elbow length shirt all throughout the year but with our record-breaking heat this year Ive had to find some other options ;) And although yesterday was another very hot day it was very breezy out and help hugely with the temperature! So I went with a used-to-be-white tank top (now its a cream/gray :)), a light sweater and a flowy long skirt.

Activity of the day::::Attending a class on how to grow Peonies in Alaska!

A few Quick Links...

First, my Pinterest Feminine and Modest Style board! This is my most popular board with the most followers and re-pins :)
But I get these pins from other great boards and thought I'd share some with you today!
Here's a big one, Kimberly with femininity, femininity ll, femininity lll, and femininity iv! Plus she has some of the most beautiful boards with all sorts of pretty things and places!
I will share more with you in other Modest Wardrobe posts but I think those boards are enough to keep you busy for now!

Side note: You are more then welcome to pin my pictures, just please be sure to link back to me in the caption :) Thank you!

Random True Fact

There is an unwritten rule in the mosquito world that says that the most hilarious thing to do is to bother humans at night when they're trying to sleep! First the mosquito must circle around the humans head at least for several hours, causing a failed attach of arms violently striking, slapping and waving about in the air. Once the human is asleep it is the perfect timing to mark the accomplishment of annoying them by leaving the oh-so-famous ginormous bites all about the bodies!

Ok, don't ask the obviously, I'll just answer you here...yes, I have been kept awake by these "lovely" creatures. Yes, I have even had to move into a different room to sleep. And yes, they have marked me up so I won't forget. Aren't they just the sweetest?! (Said no one ever!).

Summer Portraits

Hopey was kind enough to go outside with me the other day and work on some Summer portraits for me. We were able to get some nice ones out of the 100+ we took :) It was such a lovely day and Hope has such a talent with the camera and got very detailed with some of the pictures!

 

Thanks Hope for all your help, you did a great job!!

Fundraising Yard Sale

There's a family in our Church who are trying to adopt a child or children from Ethiopia and have been raising funds as they go, so this spring they needed to have another large fundraiser so I volunteered to help ;-) The mom and children of the family had to go down and help take care of her ill father so I took on the full responsibility of organizing this yard sale! It was A LOT of work and time but really ended up to be worth it in the end! We were able to make 3'000 and still have lots extra for another sale later in the Summer! I have to say though....yard sales aren't my favorite event to organize...Im so done going through stuff ;) But I did learn a lot about hosting yard sales, especially fundraising ones...maybe I'll put together a post with tips and details...on my 'some day' list!

One of the really fun parts of the sale for me to put together was the lunch stand and bake sale but the part the customers loved was the homemade ice cream maker we had making ice cream to sell!

So it's said that Alaskan eat the most ice cream in winter, and not only did we get to prove that, we also got to see how well we do with 'winter' yard sales!! The middle May really isn't the ideal time for a large snow fall ;)

We got 4 inches that weekend...craziness! But thankfully it all is gone now and we have green trees and sunshine!

The Lord is so good, He provided such a great total even with all the many things that could have hindered it. And I can't wait to meet the little child He has already chosen for them from Ethiopia :-)

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

You know, they say "absence makes the heart grow fonder"...so my blogging friends, will you be fonder of me now that I have some new blog posts on the way? You didn't know there would be a test did you? ;)

Life has been so completely busy that I simply haven't had the few free moments it takes to do a blog post. But today my determination was meant and I made the time, my room is a different story however!!

It is SO lovely out that I actually sat outside for a little while today (manly to get this picture;)! And I set up a tftt picture so I now have next week's picture, sorry about missing the 20th's. I hate doing that...I just couldn't get it together enough to blog that week!
So, this is just a note to say that I have an outline for what the next few weeks should look like on my blog so keep checking back and hopefully I'll have posted!
Blessings...and no melting out there ;)

PS. I'm thinking about starting a once a week (on any day I pick;) 'Modest Wardrobe' or 'What I wore' post....what do you think? Please let me know your thoughts in a comment below!

Birthday Blessings!

I had a wonderful Birthday Saturday! Mom and I went shopping all day and out to lunch at Olive Garden. I hadn't been there before but completely enjoyed it ;) I found several nice treasures from shopping at all the cute little stores that we went to!

We came home to several people at our house for a little dinner party Hope put together for me! It was a lot of fun, I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.

So to all who made my birthday very special...THANK YOU!! I had an amazing day :)

Oh, and as a side note...I have a few more teacups to pose as TFTT pictures in the future! So excited my teacup collection is growing!

Chocolate Chip Scones

I love Pinterest! I just thought Id start with that little intro ;). I saw this recipe on Pinterest a few evenings ago and thought it looked good, so I pinned it for a future time...little did I know that future time would be just a day or two later ;) Dad bought chocolate chips yesterday while at the store and I got to work on making these scones!

And I have to say that after two failed attempts on making banana bread in our bread machine these nicely replaced my confidence :) I was pretty upset to learn I couldn't conquer a bread machine but I've know decided that it was the bread machines fault altogether!!

I know you all want to try these nice tasty little scones that just go perfectly with tea! Speaking of which, I now have my next week's thought for tea time picture!

Chocolate Chip Scones

Ingredients:

2 3/4 c. All-purpose Flour,

1/3 c. Sugar,

3/4 tsp. Salt,

1 Tbsp. Baking Powder,

1/2 c. Chocolate Chips,

2 large Eggs,

2 tsp. Vanilla,

1/2 c. to 2/3 c. Milk

Glaze:

3 1/2 c. Powder Sugar

7 Tbsp. Water

1 tsp. Vanilla

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.

2. Work in butter just until mixture is unevenly crumbly; it's ok for some larger chunks of butter to remain unincorporated. 

3. Stir in Chocolate Chips.

4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, and 1/2 c. milk.

5. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until all is moistened and holds together.

Stir in additional milk if the dough seems dry, and doesn't come together (I had to do that).

6. Scrape the dough onto a well-floured work surface. Pat/roll it into a 8" to 8 1/2" square, a scant 3/4" thick. Make sure the underneath is very well floured.

7. Cut the square into 2" squares and then cut each square in half diagonally, (I floured my knife and it worked better!).

8. Transfer the scones to a well-greased (or parchment paper lined) baking dish. They can be set fairly close together.

9. For the best texture and highest rise, place the pan into the freezer for 30 minutes, uncovered. Preheat your oven in this time to 425*F.

10. Bake for 19-20 minutes, until the scones are golden brown! I transferred mine after the freezer into a new baking dish to avoid cracking or braking with the temperature change.

11. Make the glaze now. If your sugar seems lumpy sift it before making, for an extra smooth glaze.

12. Now, glaze each scone! I used a pastry brush and glazed the tops, let it harden, then dipped the bottoms in glaze and set upside down to harden that. If you want additional yummy glaze tops then glaze as much as you'd like ;)

I glazed the scones over a rack in a sheet cake pan to catch the drippings!

13. Put your tea kettle on, invite a friend, make some tea, and serve with these yummy chocolate chip glazed scones!!

These are way delicious and are a new favorite recipe in our home!

This recipe came from the King Arthur Flour website, but the pictures are mine :) If you're pinning to Pinterest please leave my link in caption!

Happy baking!!