Sunday, October 31, 2010

Homespun Scarecrow Costume


Oh did I have more fun making this costume!


I started with my straw cowboy hat and covered the conchoes with some fabric scraps.


I wore a red flannel shirt and my husband's overalls with some more fabric scraps sewed on.
(Flannel and oversized overalls - talk about a comfy costume!)


I put my hair in pigtails. 


And I stuffed raffia in all  the pockets and taped raffia under the hat and around the cuffs.


A little face paint in red and brown was the finishing touch.
($1 per tube at Wal-mart - the only cost for this costume!)


I slipped on my cowboy boots and was ready to go!


I hope this gives you an idea for a fun and frugal costume! :-)


Linked to Farm Girl Friday Blog Hop #77

The Gospel


October 31st
Question 31 - Will you base your salvation on what men say or on what God's word says?
Galatians 1:9
"As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!"  

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Job 21-23
Psalms 104:18-35
Proverbs 31
2 Corinthians 12-13

Saturday, October 30, 2010

The Gospel


October 30th
Question 30 - Is baptism optional?
Acts 2:36-41
"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Sprit...'  Those who accepted his message were baptized."
Mark 16:16
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved."


Tomorrow's question - Will you base your salvation on what men say or on what God's word says?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Job 18-20
Psalms 104:1-17
Proverbs 30
2 Corinthians 10-11

Friday, October 29, 2010

The Gospel


October 29th
Question 29 - According to the Bible, God's holy word, how am I to be saved?


Romans 10:17 
You must hear.
"Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."
John 8:24 
You must believe.
"I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins."
Acts 17:30-31 
You must repent.
"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere  to repent.  For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed.  He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."
Romans 10:9-10 
You must confess.
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved...for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'."
Acts 22:16 
You must be baptized.
"And now what are you waiting for?  Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name."


Tomorrow's question - Is baptism optional?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Job 15-17
Psalms 103
Proverbs 29
2 Corinthians 8-9

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Autumn Salad


Autumn Tossed Salad
10 servings
(from Taste of Home magazine)

  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 bunch romaine, torn
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup unsalted cashews
  • 1 medium apple, chopped
  • 1 medium pear, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries

  • In a blender, combine the lemon juice, sugar, onion, mustard and salt. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Stir in poppy seeds. Transfer to a small pitcher or bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled.  In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine, cheese, cashews, apple, pear and cranberries. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Enjoy!

  • Yummy!  Loved this!  I also like to add sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and golden raisins!

~hearth bench~


When we bought this house in May, 
we were really pleased that there was a fireplace in the living area.
But, the fireplace didn't have a hearth. :-(


Enter, my Dad, who has taken up wood working since his retirement.
He asked us to describe a bench that we could put in front of the fireplace and use as a hearth.
So we told him what we would like to have. 


And that is exactly what he built! 


Isn't it beautiful?? 


We just love it!
Thanks Dad!

The Gospel


October 28th
Question 28 - What are you waiting for?
Acts 22:16
"And now what are you waiting for?  Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name."


Tomorrow's question - According to the Bible, God's holy word, how am I to be saved?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Job 12-14
Psalms 102:18-28
Proverbs 28
2 Corinthians 6-7

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Gospel


October 27th
Question 27 - Can a Christian fall away?
I Corinthians 10:12
"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"


Tomorrow's question - What are you waiting for?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Job 9-11
Psalms 102:11-17
Proverbs 27
II Corinthians 3-5

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Gospel


October 26th
Question 26 - What is the cost of being a Christian?
II Peter 2:20-21
"If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.  It would have been better for them not to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them."


Tomorrow's question - Can a Christian fall away?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Job 6-8
Psalms 102:1-10
Proverbs 26
II Corinthians 1-2

Monday, October 25, 2010

The Gospel


October 25th
Question 25 - What is the worst kind of persecution?
Luke 14:26-28
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters - yes, even his own life - he cannot be my disciple.  And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."


Tomorrow's question - What is the cost of being a Christian?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Job 4-5
Psalms 101
Proverbs 25
I Corinthians 15

Sunday, October 24, 2010

The Gospel


October 24th
Question 24 - If one becomes a Christian, will he/she face persecution?
John 15:20 
"Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.'  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.  If they obeyed my teaching they will obey yours also."


Tomorrow's question - What is the worst kind of persecution?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Job 1-3
Psalms 100
Proverbs 24
I Corinthians 15

Saturday, October 23, 2010

The Gospel


October 23rd
Question 23 - Where does one actually become a Christian?
Galatians 3:26-27
"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."


Tomorrow's question - If one becomes a Christian will he/she face persecution?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Daniel 11-12
Psalms 99
Proverbs 23
I Corinthians 13-14

Friday, October 22, 2010

The Gospel


October 22nd
Question 22 - Why do we need to be baptized?
Acts 22:38
"Repent and be baptized everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."


Tomorrow's question - Where does one actually become a Christian?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Daniel 9-10
Psalms 98
Proverbs 22
I Corinthians 11-12

Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Gospel


October 21st
Question 21 - How do we obey the gospel?
Romans 6:3-6
"Or didn't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection."


Tomorrow's question - Why do we need to be baptized?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Daniel 8
Psalms 97
Proverbs 21
I Corinthians 9-10

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

~decorating the front porch for autumn~









This Yellow Rose of Texas...


...is just outside my bedroom window!
I spotted the bloom while making up my bed this morning.

The Gospel


October 20th
Question 20 - What must we do?
II Thessalonians 1:7-9
"He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.  This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.  He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.  They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power on the day he comes to be gloried in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed."  


Tomorrow's question - How do we obey the gospel?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Daniel 6-7
Psalms 96
Proverbs 20
I Corinthians 7-8

Tuesday, October 19, 2010


I can't remember where I saw this idea.
But, it stuck in my head since it looked so easy.
I used simple black frames, 
pumpkin print card stock, 
and letters cut out of black card stock to spell f-a-l-l.

The Gospel


October 19th
Question 19 - What if we do not change?
Luke 13:3
"But unless you repent, you too will all perish."


Tomorrow's question - What must we do?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Daniel 5
Psalms 95
Proverbs 19
I Corinthians 5-6

Monday, October 18, 2010

Menu Plan Monday

Supper Menus
October 18th-23rd


Monday
breakfast for supper - waffles, hash brown casserole, pepper bacon, scrambled eggs, milk, juices
Tuesday
out for supper
Wednesday
stir fry veggies, white rice
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

The chicks are 12 weeks old!


The chickens are 12 weeks old
and doing very well.


I have introduced some free choice grit to their diet.


And I have been feeding them a bit of chicken scratch each afternoon.
They l-o-v-e it!  And they eat it right out of my hand. :-)


Mark my words, I do believe Miss Loretta will be the first to lay an egg.
I have found her sitting comfortably in one of the nesting boxes several times during mid morning.

Muffin Monday


~blueberry oatmeal muffins~

The Gospel


October 18th
Question 18 - Must we change our lifestyles?
I Corinthians 6:9-10
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
Ephesians 5:5-6
"For this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person, such a man is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient."
Galatians 5:19-25
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies,and the like.  I warn you, as i did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."


Tomorrow's question - What if we do not change?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Daniel 4
Psalms 94
Proverbs 18
I Corinthians 3-4

Sunday, October 17, 2010

The Gospel


October 17th
Question 17 - How do we get into His death?
Romans 10:9
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."


Tomorrow's question - Must we change our lifestyles?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Daniel 3
Psalms 93
Proverbs 17
1 Corinthians 1-2

Saturday, October 16, 2010

~boys and their bikes~

The Gospel


October 16th
Question 16 - What can we be through Jesus' death?  What can we be through His life?
Romans 5:10
"For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him  through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!"


Tomorrow's question - How do we get into His death?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Daniel 2
Psalms 92
Proverbs 16
Acts 18

Friday, October 15, 2010

The Gospel


October 15th
Question 15 - What two things does the gospel bring to us?
II Timothy 1:10
"But is has now been reveled through the appearing of  our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."


Tomorrow's question - What can we be through Jesus' death?  What can we be through His life?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Daniel 1
Psalms 91
Proverbs 15
2 Thessalonians 1-3

Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Gospel


October 14th
Question 14 - Jesus takes care of our sin problem with his death, but why was he raised from the dead?
I Corinthians 15:20-23
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.  For since death came trough a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."  But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him."


Tomorrow's question - What two things does the gospel bring us?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 52
Psalms 90
Proverbs 14
1 Thessalonians 4-5

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The Gospel


October 13th
Question 13 - How wonderful is His forgiveness?
Jude 24
"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy."


Tomorrow's question - Jesus takes care of our sin problem with His death, but why was He raised from the dead?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 51
Psalms 89:38-52
Proverbs 13
1 Thessalonians 1-3

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Gospel


October 12th
Questions 12 - Why did Jesus have to do each of these things to save us?
Ephesians 1:7
"In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."


Tomorrow's questions - How wonderful is His forgiveness?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 50
Psalms 89:19-37
Proverbs 12
Acts 17

Monday, October 11, 2010

The Gospel


October 11th
Question 11 - What is the gospel of Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
"Now brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.  By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.  Otherwise , you have believed in vain.   For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."


Tomorrow's question - Why did Jesus have to do these things to save us?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 49
Psalms 89:1-18
Proverbs 11
Philippians 3-4

Sunday, October 10, 2010


"Give me odorous at sunrise 
a garden of beautiful flowers 
where I can walk undisturbed."  

~Walt Whitman

The Gospel


October 10th
Question 10 - What can save us?
Romans 1:16
"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is  the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile."


Tomorrow's question -
What is the gospel of Christ?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 48
Psalms 88
Proverbs 10
Philippians 1-2

Saturday, October 9, 2010

The Gospel


October 9th
Question 9 - Why do we need a mediator?
Isaiah 59:2
"But your iniquities have separated you from God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."


Tomorrow's question -
What can save us?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 45-47
Psalms 87
Proverbs 9
Acts 16

Friday, October 8, 2010

The Gospel


October 8th
Question 8 - What is Jesus called?
1 Timothy 2:5
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."


Tomorrow's question -
Why do we need a mediator?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 43-44
Psalms 86
Proverbs 8
Galatians 5-6

Thursday, October 7, 2010

The Gospel


October 7th
Question 7 - Who does Jesus himself claim to be?
John 8:58
"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"


Tomorrow's question -
What is Jesus called?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 41-42
Psalms 85
Proverbs 7
Galatians 3-4

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Gospel


October 6th
Questions 6 - When Jesus came to earth, did he leave His Godhead in heaven?
Colossians 2:9
"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."
Hebrews 1:8
"But about the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom."


Tomorrow's question -
Who does Jesus himself claim to be?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 39-40
Psalms 84
Proverbs 6
Galatians 1-2

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The Gospel


October 5th
Question 5 - Whose son is Jesus?  What else do we need to believe about Jesus?
John 1:1
"In the beginning was  the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John 1:14
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."


Tomorrow's question -
When Jesus came to earth did he leave His Godhead in heaven?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 37-38
Psalms 83
Proverbs 5
Acts 15

Monday, October 4, 2010

The Gospel


October 4th
Question 4 - Who said this?  Who is Jesus?
Matthew 16:13-17
"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?'  They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.'  'But what about you?' he asked.  'Who do you say I am?'  Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'  Jesus replied, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.'"


Tomorrow's question
Whose son is Jesus?  What else do we need to believe about Jesus?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 35-36
Psalms 82
Proverbs 4
Acts 13-14

Sunday, October 3, 2010

The Gospel


October 3rd
Questions 3 - Is this a life and death question?
Romans 6:23 
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."


Tomorrow's question  - 
Who said this?  Who is Jesus?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 33-34
Psalms 81
Proverbs 3
Acts 12

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Laundry Room Curtains


I am "sew" excited to be sewing! ;-) 


I just fell in love with this brown gingham fabric
and thought it would be perfect to use to pretty up the laundry room!
(And little did I know, but gingham is the BEST fabric for beginning sewers to use. Talk about being able to easily measure, cut and press - wow!)


But first...I had to thread the machine! Gulp!


I hadn't done that since I was in high school home ec, 20+ years ago!


This machine is so simple and wonderful for me to relearn on.


And I successfully threaded the top and bottom threads on the first try!


I never could have done it without this little guy!


When I saw this little machine at Wal-Mart for a super low price 
AND with an instructional DVD included,
I felt the first small glimmer of hope that ~maybe~ I could sew!  :-) 


And, oh how I do love how these turned out.  
I made two panels and they hang evenly, much to my surprise! ;-)


I think they look so cute and homey!

After finishing these last night,
visions of more curtains, napkins, placemats, tablecloths, aprons...etc. etc. were indeed dancing in my head! :-)

The Gospel


October 2nd
Questions 2 - So what has been written?
John 8:24
"I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins."


Tomorrow's question  - 
Is this a life and death statement?

Daily Bible Reading 2010


Today's reading -
Jeremiah 32
Psalms 80
Proverbs 2
James 3-5

Friday, October 1, 2010

October is here!


"There is no season 
when such pleasant and sunny spots 
may be lighted on, 
and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, 
as now in October." 

~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Gospel


October 1st
Question 1 - Can we know how to have eternal life?
1 John 5:13
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."


Tomorrow's question - So what has been written?

The Gospel


During the month of October I'd like to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with you.  Not my words, not my opinions, and not my thoughts.  The scripture is all that is needed.


2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  


Each day during the month of October a new question will be presented with the scriptural answer.  I hope you will follow along!  


1 Peter 3:15
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."


*The question sequence is not my original material.  It was presented in a Bible class that I attended.* 

Sewing!


It's been a long standing joke in my family.
That Mom was going to sew "some day"...
That some day is here!  I'm really sewing and I'm excited!

Harvest Pumpkin Spice Scones


  • Harvest Pumpkin Spice Scones
  • 16 servings

  • 41/2 cups  flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons cream
  • for glaze
  • 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

  • Combine first nine ingredients. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk  eggs, pumpkin and milk. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Turn onto a floured surface; knead 10 times. Divide dough in half. Pat each portion into an 8 inch circle; cut each into eight wedges. Separate wedges and place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Brush with cream. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks; cool for 10 minutes. Combine the glaze ingredients; drizzle over scones. Serve warm and enjoy!