99 Days of Summer: DIY Week! Yesterday I was having a conversation at
"Cafe' Calvary" with the other ladies from our congregation. We were
discussing the need we all are feeling to get back to the basics, to
take control of the products we are using, and the food we are feeding
our families. This seems to be a phenomenon that is cutting across all
walks of life if the explosion of interest in Pinterest is any
indication. As you surf through the pins on so many of the boards you
will find numerous recipes for homemade EVERYTHING. We are concerned
about the environment, we are concerned about our health, we are
concerned about our finances, and they are all reflected in these types
of actions. As I have shared before, one of the reasons I decided to
come out of the full-time work force was to have more control of our
home: cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. Of course the reduction in
income had to be considered and
we took
steps before, and continue to do so now, in order for us to live on the
reduced income. After two years I continue to look for ways to reduce
our outgo and keep us healthy. Prices continue to rise and it is not
always easy to stay ahead of the curve. One of the greatest ways we
have reduced our outgo is by eating at home. If you followed my thread
last week, you know we take a big bite out of expenditures by the type
of shopping we do. This enables us to eat at home virtually everyday
and eating out is a special treat, not the humdrum norm it has become
for many families. Having lived in a city 3 flat for many years and
then a condo for our first few years in Michigan I did not have the
opportunity to have a true garden. Since coming home, I have been
considering and researching the possibility. For various reasons it has
not been the right time. But this does not mean I cannot take
advantage of the cost savings and health benefits of freezing and
canning fruits and vegetables. No matter where you live you can find
fresh produce to purchase. It might seem like a lot in the beginning,
but when you consider the overall benefits, the cost is negligible.
Last week I purchased a 1/2 bushel of zucchini for only $9. That is A
LOT of zucchini, but it is such an awesome ingredient to cook with and
can easily be frozen. Cut the zucchini in half length wise, remove the
seeds, and freeze. Cut in strips, also lengthwise, to form "lasagna
noodles," and freeze. Cube or shred, squeeze out as much liquid as
possible using cheese cloth or paper towels and freeze in recipe size
batches. Onions, bell peppers, carrots, corn, peas, green beans, and
potatoes can all be diced, spread out on a cookie sheet, frozen, then
bagged for freezing in recipe size portions. This is the same formula
for freezing fruit. So, even if you don't have the time to can,
freezing will bring the same benefits. You will be glad you took the
time in the middle of the winter as you enjoy the "fruits" of your
labor.
Word for Today, Gracious: I was born and raised in what some consider,
The South. Not the Deep South, but South enough that we say Y'all,
drink Dr. Pepper, eat fried chicken after church on Sunday, and still
address our elders with respect. We also say, "bless your heart," which
in recent years has had it's true meaning revealed. :) One of the
parts of my heritage as a part of The South has always
been what I considered polite speech. Coarse language was not common
place until recent years. When someone used a four letter word it was
whispered. That is not to say, language was not used, I am well aware
it was. It just was not a part of everyday, polite, conversation. The
phenomenon of coarse language in everyday speech has not just crept into
The South, it is world wide and sadly cuts across every walk of life
and age group. I have heard young children using language I would have
had my mouth washed out with soap for. Women that I have respected
throw a word into a conversation, and my opinion immediately changes.
Everyday I see postings, from Christian friends, on FB that even if the
post itself is fine, the title of the source is offensive. My question
is, what are you doing reading those sites and then thinking it is ok to
repost them? Sadly, Pastors are even using language from the pulpit
trying to be more relatable to their congregation. What we have lost
sight of in the language so easily tossed about today is the level it
has brought us down to. A woman "cussing like a sailor" is not
beautiful to behold. It is like trying to put lipstick on a pig. A man
that uses foul language throughout a conversation just sounds stupid. I
would rather be in a conversation where words of intelligence, that I
might not understand but can learn from, flow out. Teenagers that can't
hold a conversation without it being peppered with the choice words of
the day just prove the dumbing down of society. If we all purposed in
our hearts to guard our mouths, I believe we could change so much around
us. We need to consider that what is coming out of us is what we're
putting in. Don't be afraid to tell someone the language they are using
is offensive. The main headlines last week were about "freedom of
speech," well, I think in the midst of that should be the freedom of
polite speech. Chose your words carefully and offend no one. "Let no
unwholesome talk come out of your mouth."
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