Ramblings on Gifts, Pies, and Blogs

Yesterday was quite an eventful day around here.

The morning was an especially early one for me ~ I spent much of it preparing for friends that were coming to visit in the evening.  Picking up toys, dusting furniture, running laundry... But then I baked one of these:

And also one of these:

Both are so very good paired with ice cream or coffee...

But, alas, I digress.

It was especially eventful here yesterday because of the many lovely ladies that came to visit Like a Bubbling Brook from Money Saving Mom.  Thank you, Crystal, for including my Homemade Chai Tea Kit idea on your DIY gift post.  It was a wonderful privilege to be included!

Yesterday's link lit an idea in me; I began to think of what a blessing sites like Money Saving Mom have been to our family - and many of you - over the last few years.  I remember following along with Crystal on a couple of her previous sites as well and was always so very encouraged by her posts.

So, today I thought I'd share a few of the other blogs that I've found to be a tremendous blessing, and each of these I've followed for at least a year, some two or three years.  Inevitably, I may not agree with everything they've shared on their sites over the course of time, but the inspiration has been invaluable ~

Eyes of Wonder - She doesn't post often anymore, but her photos, stories of family, and simplicity have been a treasure.  Her children are mostly grown and she has many lessons and thoughts to share.

Cultivating Home - She raises chickens and ducks, lives simply, is rehabbing a beautiful old home for pennies on the dollar, and has such beautiful children; we've never met in person, but I often feel like we are the oldest of friends when I am reading her posts.

The Prudent Homemaker - She says that her site is dedicated to all those who struggle to put food on the table, but I've found her site to be much more than that; her recipes are frugal and delicious, her gardening and canning abilities inspire me, and I really, really desire a thoughtful, well-stocked pantry like the one she's created.

And last, but certainly not least, is my sweet friend Mrs. June Fuentes's blog, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home.  When I first came across her blog a couple of years ago I had no idea that we lived near each other and would one day be spending time with each other's families.  She is a well of wisdom, and I never tire of gleaning from her.  I highly recommend her Christian Mother Series if you have the time.

Be blessed and encouraged today, ladies ~ you were created for such a time as this, in His image, and He knows the plans He has for you.

Do you have a favorite site or blog that you've followed for a year or more?  I'd love to hear about it in the comment section!


           Warmly,



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to Like a Bubbling Brook - it's free! Follow along on Facebook.
Get great local deals up to 90% off at Groupon.
Try Crown Financial Ministries' online envelope budgeting program, Mvelopes, FREE for two weeks by using this link. Cancel anytime!

Pausing to Pray

Dear Precious Mamas,

Would you please pause and pray for the precious family and friends of this young couple?

I ache for them and their terrible loss over the holiday weekend.

May God bathe them in His love and comfort their hurting hearts. 

           Kindly,


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to Like a Bubbling Brook - it's free! Follow along on Facebook.
Get great local deals up to 90% off at Groupon.
Try Crown Financial Ministries' online envelope budgeting program, Mvelopes, FREE for two weeks by using this link. Cancel anytime!

What We Should Really Be Afraid Of

My dear "real-life" friend, Rachel (a pastor's wife and mama extraordinaire) just shared some very wise thoughts on her blog in a post titled "Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid."  Here's a brief highlight of this timely post:

Yes, I want them to be afraid. Not of gruesome looking Halloween figures that come out once a year, but of the REAL monsters, chains and messengers of hell that walk the streets everyday. For in healthy fear, there is power. Power over the trap laid out to snare their feet. Power to say “No”. Power to make wise choices.

As Halloween approaches, this may give you some ideas for sparking a discussion about fear with your children.  Won't you hop over to read more and leave a hello?  Click here.



           Sweetly ~



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to Like a Bubbling Brook - it's free! Follow along on Facebook.
Get great local deals up to 90% off at Groupon.
Try Crown Financial Ministries' online envelope budgeting program, Mvelopes, FREE for two weeks by using this link. Cancel anytime!

Thoughts on Biblical Modesty ~

This six minute video clip discusses biblical modesty; not only are we to "keep it covered," but we also have a responsibility to be careful of "costly array."  Oh, how easy it is for materialism to creep in and pride to grow in our hearts!  I have been guilty of this myself, and am so thankful that I can take it to the Lord in prayer.  He is always quick to offer grace when I so desperately need it.

Two statements from this clip that really spoke to me:
"Modesty is humility expressed in dress."
"Immodesty is pride on display by what you wear."

Some food for thought on this afternoon. 

       By His Grace,


{Linked with Gratituesday and Women In The Word Wednesday}


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for taking the time to visit Like a Bubbling Brook. As another busy mama, I understand that your very few spare minutes are precious. If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to receive free updates via email. Thanks for visiting! 

Weekend Reading

My No-Knead Bread

This week was hectic, to say the least.  Not only was it our first week of homeschooling for this school year, but my sweet husband had to travel out of state, and it's also the first week I've felt well in the last couple of weeks.... meaning, I had *lots* of housework to catch up on.

Guess what?  Hubby is about to walk through the door, school lessons are done, the house is clean, I feel great, and dinner is simmering on the stove!  Just in time ;) 

That being said, I wanted to quickly share with you a few interesting links from this week:

Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers shows her readers how to make homemade chicken broth.  I keep meaning to try this!  Maybe now I finally will.

Lady of Virtue @ Large Family Mothering had two thoughtful posts that I particularly enjoyed this week (enjoyed? well, they convicted me, and I needed it...).  Check out the post Pusillanimous and also Mass Enforcement.

Money Saving Mom shares a recipe for homemade, healthy protein bars that I plan to try this week; just bought the protein powder today.  Seems like a good snack option with a glass of milk.

My very sweet and talented "real-life" friend June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home is hosting an exciting giveaway this week.... a free modest skirt from newCreation Apparel!  Enter to win on her site, or just click through to newCreation and purchase one... they are budget-friendly and very cute.  I love the denim ruffled skirt, how about you?

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend, my friends ~




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for taking the time to visit Like a Bubbling Brook. As another busy mama, I understand that your very few spare minutes are precious. If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to receive free updates via email. Thanks for visiting! 

Stepping Out Of The Safe Life

This four minute video clip from one of Frances Chan's sermons goes perfectly with my guest post from earlier this week. 

What is God asking you to do with your life?  What are you doing with the gifts and talents He gave you? 

Have you been living a "safe" life?




  In Passionate Pursuit,


(Thanks goes out to Courtney @ Women Living Well for sharing this clip)



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for taking the time to visit Like a Bubbling Brook. As another busy mama, I understand that your very few spare minutes are precious. If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to receive free updates via email. Thanks for visiting! 

Bubbling Brooks and Stagnant Streams

Dr. Howard Hendricks once shared the story of a professor who stayed up late at night pouring over his books. A passerby asked him, “What keeps you studying? You never seem to stop.” His answer was, “I would rather my students drink from a bubbling brook than a stagnant pool.”

How about those you have relationships with? Are they drinking from a bubbling brook or a stagnant stream? The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook (Proverbs 18:4).

This illustration always stayed with me and, as I was completing my master’s degree a few years ago, my heart grew heavy. I’d spent many years obtaining a formal education, reading books assigned by professors, studying subjects dictated by degree requirements, but I had neglected my study of His Word, His divinely-inspired love letter to me, the most important book of all...

To continue reading, click here; I'm guest posting over at Sarah Mae's site, Like a Warm Cup of Coffee, today!

  In Passionate Pursuit,

Thanks for taking the time to visit Like a Bubbling Brook. As another busy mama, I understand that your very few spare minutes are precious. If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to receive free updates via email. Thanks for visiting!

My Thoughts From The 2010 Family Reformation Ladies Tea

On Saturday I had the privilege of attending Stacy McDonald's (co-author of Passionate Housewives Desperate for God) 2010 Family Reformation Ladies Tea, where about 200 ladies of various faiths gathered together to be inspired by such engaging speakers as Jasmine Baucham, Sandi Grutzius, Stacy McDonald, and Hope Ware.  Each of them shared their heart and God's Word with conviction and passion.

Before this tea, I hadn't heard much about Sandi Grutzius, only that she and her husband serve on the board of Illinois Christian Home Educators, but as she began to speak, I found myself soaking up her words like a sponge. 

She talked about our homes being a source of fulfillment and joy, about expectations of women in the workforce and in the church, about being busy with "good" things but not "God" things.  She shared her testimony, that she was once a very driven career woman, extremely busy, nearing the completion of her doctorate degree, working with Hillary Clinton's administration on health care issues.... and then God began to turn her heart towards home.

She shared some of the mental struggles she faced during this time, one of them being how Satan tried to keep her in the mode of being self-sufficient, relying on her own strengths and accomplishments, rather than trusting in the Lord and His plans for her.

And perhaps the most impacting thought that she shared was this statement from Charles Spurgeon: "Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong, but knowing the difference between right and almost right." 

How many times do we say to ourselves, "Well, it's not wrong for me to do ________ ."  Yes, but is it right, or only almost right?  Is it what is best?  Are the things that matter most - our husband, children, home - at the mercy of things that matter less?

These last few verses of Proverbs 31 were shared in the tea's program, and fit perfectly with what each speaker discussed:

She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Oh, that we all could be like the Proverbs 31 woman!  I also love the the charge to older and younger women, found in Titus 2:3-5, and it was mentioned often during the tea as well.  If you aren't familiar with that passage, then I encourage you to spend some of your Bible reading time studying it, and possibly praying it over yourself and the women in your church.

Me (left) with June (right)

Finally, I want to share my sweet friend, Mrs. June Fuentes, with you.  Some of you may know her from her inspiring blog A Wise Woman Builds Her Home.  She is a treasure, a wonderful mentor in the area of home and family, and it was my pleasure to be able to sit with her and her daughters at this tea.  We are fairly new friends, only having been together "in real life" a couple of times so far, but I am enjoying her friendship tremendously.  Be sure to stop by her blog and say hello, if you haven't already!

May God bless you and keep you this Monday ~

   In Passionate Pursuit,


{Linked with Making Your Home Sing Monday and Gratituesday}


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for taking the time to visit Like a Bubbling Brook. As another busy mama, I understand that your very few spare minutes are precious. If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to receive free updates via email. Thanks for visiting!  

Sharing Snippets and Stories

My feedreader has gotten quite full of interesting snippets and stories from around the blogosphere :)  Mind if I share a few of my recent favorites with you?

This downloadable paper doll city (above) is absolutely adorable.... and free!

Check out 50 healthy foods you can get for less than a dollar a pound.

Here are some wonderful kitchen secrets that I wish I'd known long ago.

Have you read anything particularly interesting online lately?

            Warmly,




Thanks for taking the time to visit Like A Bubbling Brook. As another busy mama, I understand that your very few spare minutes are precious. If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to receive free updates via email. Thanks for visiting! 

Studying the Word; Need Inspiration? {+Video}

This week, we are studying about the Word.  Why should I read it?  What should it mean to me?  What can I gain from it?

A couple of years ago, we found a wonderful video series by Dr. Howard Hendricks, the first being "Why Study the Bible?"

In this six minute video, Dr. Hendricks discusses three reasons for Bible study:

1. Bible study is essential for spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:2)
2. Bible study is essential for spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:11-14)
3. Bible study is essential for spiritual effectiveness (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

If you are joining me for this week's Bible study, you may find this brief video inspiring.  You may also view the rest of the series here.

Looking for more?  I've also been inspired by Dr. Hendrick's book, Living By the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible.

How have you been doing this week?  Any thoughts to share?

For those of you who are not joining in on our study, what you are reading in your Bible right now?  I'd love to hear about it.

In Passionate Pursuit,


(Isn't studying the Word a Finer Thing?)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First time here? Get each new post tucked into your email.

Precious Time With My Children

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth." Psalm 127: 4-5

Children are a blessing... a reward.  We believe that, and we cherish our time with our two boys.

That's why, when SarahMae offered this challenge, I just had to join in.

One day?  Anything my lovelies wanted?  Precious time with them while being completely present?  Surely I could give them one day. 

And so we played in the backyard while our large lilac bush was in full bloom and so very fragrant.

We had water fights with the garden hose.  Splashed in the kiddie pool.  Chased each other.  Got in Daddy's way as his strong arms pushed the lawnmower through 90 degree heat.  Drank icy cold drinks together.  Scribbled chalk on the patio.  Lounged on lawn chairs.  Crawled through tunnels.  Blew bubbles.

And it was wonderful.

Think you might want to do it, too?

      Warmly,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First time here? Get each new post tucked into your email.  Linked with Finer Things Friday, WFMW, Word-Filled Wednesday, Tuesdays Unwrapped and Gratituesday. 

How to Peel & Cut a Mango

Mangoes are one of my favorite fruits.  Last week I bought a box full of them from our local warehouse store, and they. taste. so. good. 

My husband grew up in the West Indies and according to him, mangoes grew on the trees in his neighborhood.  When he wanted a fresh, ripe, juicy mango, he would just pick one, peel it, and eat it.  Just like that.

Hmphhhh.

Me?  Well, I struggle with mangoes.  I love them, but they do not love me back.  I can never seem to cut them right and I ultimately end up just peeling them and then biting into them over the kitchen sink.  Those coveted juices run up my arms and drip down from my elbows.  It's a mess.  A blissful, wonderful mess.

Now you know why I am so excited about finding this short video tutorial, "How to Cut and Peel a Mango."  Maybe you could use it, too?



      Warmly,

This post is linked with WFMW and Real Food Wednesday.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First time here? Get each new post tucked into your email.Or, share your thoughts...

The Purpose of Our Home

Photo credit here  7K3JU6EF2CFR

"Every wise woman buildeth her house..."

Proverbs 14:1

As a Christian, what is the purpose of our home? 

Is it to be used as fuel for competition with the Joneses, or to burden us with unnecessary cares and countless hours of work?

"If our view of our homes is shortsighted, there is no motivation to accomplish the menial tasks of maintaining it. If we don’t cultivate a high and holy design for our homes, it is easy to slip into thoughts of frustration, comparison, or purposelessness.

If we view our homes as a place of hospitality – to welcome our families and the hurting around us – there will be so much more strength and motivation to keep it clean, organized, and prepared."

Most importantly, what does the Bible say about our home?

Read the rest of the blog post at Passionate Homemaking by clicking here.

Have you given much thought to the purpose of your home?

Weekly Round-Up: Good posts from other places

Welcome to the Weekly Round-Up! 

First, have you noticed a couple of changes to the LABB site this week?  I now have a Recipe Index page where you can view the small, but growing list of recipes in a hurry. 

Also, the site's sidebar has a section outlining how you can help support the LABB site.   Basically, you can support us by:

1) Purchasing from Amazon.com using the "books worth reading" banner in our sidebar; once you enter Amazon this way, I get a credit for *anything* you purchase, simply because you entered through this site.



2) Joining Swagbucks.com using my banner ad below. Use Swagbucks for your normal internet searching to earn free Amazon.com gift cards... I get credit for every Swagbuck you earn, up to the first 1000.


3) Clicking on the Google ads in various places on the site, if they are of interest to you. I get credit when you simply click!


4) Signing up for the free two week trial of Mvelopes, shown in a banner ad below. It's a great online "envelope" system budgeting program that we've used for nearly four years. We love it, and get credit when you simply sign up for the free trial. It's won many awards, and is also promoted by Crown Financial Ministries.


5) Passing this site or an interesting post of ours along to your friends, so that our readership continues to grow.

Now, on to the good posts from other places this week... 

My sweet, real flesh-and-blood friend Rachel wrote a convicting post about slowing down and enjoying this season of life.  Ouch.  If this was written for no one else, it was written for me :o)

Generation Cedar talks about being a "deliberate" mother.

Trent @ Simple Dollar suggests that we spend our money on time, not stuff.  He also had another great post about having a family dinner night with friends.  Maybe we should try this...

Hannah @ Cultivating Home discusses young boys and their behavior. 

In a similar theme, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home talked about not hurrying or being hasty in our daily lives.

Have a wonderful weekend!  It's supposed to be beautiful here in Chicagoland!
~Jaime

Weekly Round-Up: Good posts from other places

Welcome to Like a Bubbling Brook's weekly round-up of good posts from other places!

Posts to check out this week:

Nurturing Family ~

SarahMae @ Like a Warm Cup of Coffee reminds us not to treat our children as though they are burdens.

Nourishing Food ~

Heavenly Homemakers share a recipe for a Creamy Orange Cooler, as well as a recipe for chewy granola bars that I'm planning to try this upcoming week.  And don't miss their ice cream experiment; you may never purchase ice cream at the supermarket ever again!

Can't you just imagine having the Nourishing Gourmet's wonderful Bacon, Egg, and Avocado Salad on a hot summer day?

Practicing Frugality ~

WiseBread discusses how spending less money can make you happier.

Have a wonderful weekend!  It's sunshiney and beautiful here, and I hope it is where you are, too!

Smiles,
Jaime

Weekly Round-Up: Good posts from other places

Ah, yes, it's time for the weekly round-up yet again :o)  There have been some great posts in the blogosphere this week!  If you'll remember, the premise of Like a Bubbling Brook is nurturing family, nourishing food, and practicing frugality.  I'm going to break down the linky love into the same categories.

Having to do with nurturing family:

Kelly @ Generation Cedar shares a beautiful letter to her children about marriage.

Jasmine, daughter of Dr. Voddie Baucham (who some of you may be familiar with), writes about how significant home is in light of the Great Commission.

Having to do with nourishing food:

I'm excited.  If you check out Finding Joy in My Kitchen, you'll see that my 100% Whole Grain Cinnamon Raisin Bread made her Friday Favorites list.  How cool is that?!  Check out her blog while you are there... she has lots of great recipes!

Good & Cheap Eats shares some great ideas for making homemade cinnamon rolls in advance, rather than the morning of.  I wonder if I can make them with hard white wheat?  I think I'm going to try.

Having to do with practicing frugality:

Kim recently attended a Dave Ramsey seminar... so she shares some insightful and often witty Dave Ramsey quotes.

JD @ Get Rich Slowly writes an inspirational post about NOT keeping up with the Joneses.  How much is enough?


Have a wonderful weekend!
~Jaime

Weekly Round-Up: Good posts from other places

Here were some posts worth checking out this week:

~ Casual Kitchen debates the myth that it's too expensive to eat healthy.

~ Simple Dollar reminds us of all the things we use everyday that we're probably using too much of.

~ Money Saving Mom has a guest post about how gardening and preserving can save you money.

~ And, last but certainly not least, Cultivating Home pierced hy heart with her thoughts on hospitality.  Ouch.

Happy weekend to you and yours,

Jaime G

Weekly Round-Up: Good posts from other places

Be sure not to miss these great posts this week!

KimC @ Frugal Hacks shares how to negotiate a discount on medical bills.

Trent @ The Simple Dollar had two posts worth reading.  Check out Convenience Foods: What They Really Cost and also his family's crock pot recipes.  The turkey and wild rice sounds delicious!

We've enjoyed making homemade yogurt lately, so I really enjoyed Katie's guest post on Money Saving Mom, where she discusses how to use up three gallons of milk in one day.   Another (older) post about making yogurt that I enjoyed is over at Cultivating Home.

Happy reading, and have a wonderful weekend!

~Jaime

Frugal Living, Staying Home, and a Mother's Priorities: Blog Posts Worth Mentioning

Don't miss these great posts from these last few days:

Jess wrote a guest post for At the Well where she combats against the "you should get out of the house more" mentality. She says that "it's strange that it's politically incorrect to say that moms are needed. At home. To be there for their children."

Mrs. June Fuentes @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home shares a provoking look at a mother's priorities. This post spoke volumes to me. How will answer when God one day asks us, "Where are the boys and girls I gave thee?"

Happy Wednesday to you and yours,

~ Jaime

A United Front

"The beginning point continues to be, for me, that I must make my marriage a priority. If you happen to live with a loving, easy-going husband like mine, it’s easy to let marriage slip down the list of priorities.

But what a dangerous place for us to put our most important, earthly relationship! So my very first slap-in-the-forehead moment at the seminar was this:

Keeping my home is only partly about cleaning, cooking and managing the affairs here. It is foremost about keeping in the sense of guarding. And what more important to guard than the united front that is my husband and me?"

Kelly at Generation Cedar has this great new post about Christian marriage here. Check it out!