Sunday, December 27, 2009

Overdue



Wow! I can't believe how fast time flies,and it seems as if I say that all the time!! Well,I am past due on my "Of Skirts,Dresses and Pants(Part 2)" essay. Things have been so busy! We've had friends over who are enjoying their christmas break,our mom left to TX a week ago to spend christmas with some family,and I've been helping my fiance build our home.He is doing it himself!Well,with the help of his brother,and occasionally an Uncle and some Cousins. =)We almost have all four walls up!!! then he will begin the wrap-around porch and the roof.I am so excited!

But this coming week it will be back to business!Back to studies and lots of essay's! =)I hope to write one more essay on skirts,dresses and pants.Hopefully I can finish it in one more essay! And I would love it if Maria could write one on swamp swimming! Every one who reads that we "swamp swim",must be thinking we are completely out of our minds.Well,we are,but at least we have fun!Trust me every one,it is not a swamp.It was simply dubbed that,by how it smelt one year.It is a river! =) But I'll leave that to Maria,though that thought is a little frightening... O_o oh dear, don't frighten them too much Maria!! haha!

Today is beautiful and quiet.After hearing a wonderful morning sermon,singing and reading God's Word,we had a delicious lunch! Smoked turkey,green beans,gravy,homemade bread,stuffing(dressing),and mashed potatoes.And of course, we all ate far too much for our own good! Now every one is resting and conversing with one another. A wonderful Lord's Day! Later,(after we have recovered from the pain of gorging ourselves),we will probably go walking and then relax in the yard enjoying each other's company before Stacey and her father go home,'til we see each other next week!

~~Laura Michelle~~

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Today's Agenda




This morning is beautiful! It's always so refreshing to see the sun after a few days of absense.Though it's windy and chilly,you have to love it!Just another wonderful,perfect winter day the Lord has created. =)

Last night one of the sisters in our sisterhood stayed the night!Brittany.She is another young girl it would be extremely difficult to live life without!She helps complete the sisterhood.She is so unique and wonderful,as are all the sisters.She finally had a night off from work last night,and since we were very past due for some "sister" time, she spent it at our home last night! We were so happy doing the things most young girls do when they haven't seen each other in a couple weeks or so.TALKING! =) Maria conked out early on us,but Bella,Brittany and I braved on 'til three in the morning catching up on things!We never stay up that late,but since a sister was here,we made an exception.

So this morning we get to have her with us until twelve noon,when she has to return home,and every one goes back to the daily duties of life.A little sad that we have to part,but we are anticipating her next visit!

This morning we made stuffed biscuits for breakfast.We fill them with eggs,cheese,sausage,ham,etc... and they are delicious! Now Maria has gone for a walk,while Brittany and Bella hunt her down on the bikes! I'd love to follow,but the remainders of a cold make me think again about going out into the wind and cold!I'd love to get better some time soon!

I will spend today doing house hold chores,cooking warm meals,and reading some new books that arrived in the mail yesterday.I ordered two financial books,and I'm hoping they will be good.One is titled "The Teens Guide to Personal Finance" and the other is "Bonnie's Home Budget Book". Has anyone read either of these? Were they helpful?

Have a fun day everyone!!

~~Laura Michelle~~

Monday, December 14, 2009

Housework Is NOT Evil




Earlier I wrote a post titled "Busy,Busy Days!".I also put a poster with that post that had a comical looking girl standing next to the words "Housework is Evil". I just want to make sure everyone understands that I do not think housework is evil! =) In fact I thoroughly enjoy housework.Most days I find it very relaxing doing the various chores that require attention each day.Although I can't say I am looking forward to it today,since I am recovering from a sore throat and head cold.So I am a little tired,but I could probably say that for the rest of us,because the cold stuff has been going around.

I do enjoy housework,though like everyone else,it can seem a bit tedious to me at times(like when you're recovering from sickness!! =).I always have to remind myself how simple housework is in this day and age compared to years back.

Today we have washers,dryers,vacuum's,electrical heating and cooling,hot and cold water whenever we want it,refrigeration,and etc... Could you imagine having to do the things you do every day with out these? Instead of quickly throwing a load in the washer,you'd have to take a large bin of water and scrub clothes for a few hours or so to clean them,then hang them on the line to dry.
So though I may be a little fatigued at times,why complain when once you really consider it,housework is so simple!!

~~Laura Michelle~~

Monday, December 7, 2009

Twilight, The Great Obsession





The views which I express in this post, are not exactly the views that some of my sisters have on this particular subject, please keep this in mind while reading.

When I started reading the Twilight saga (author Stephanie Meyers concluded the series after the fourth book ) I found myself, as many other young girls my age, almost completely engrossed in the books thrilling story.
Stephanie Meyers based the books around a young teenage girl, Bella Swan, and her lover, Edward Cullen, a vampire. Bella Swan soon comes to realize that this vampire who loves her is not like many other vampires. He is sensitive towards the human race and wishes to control his blood thirst. Soon after meeting Edward Cullen she finds herself holding life-threatening secrets from her parents and others she loved, trusting someone who was dangerous and had a very high chance of killing her, deeply in love, and willing to give up her soul to live in "eternity" with him.
The books take you through the most exciting and romantic love affair between the two people who are determined to make things work no matter what their differences are.
After reading this thrilling tale, I started fantasizing and placing myself in Bella Swan's position. But, after taking a step back to consider the book's actual story and all the romantic craze it has thrown into the world of girls ( I am not mentioning women because of the older women who have let themselves become subjects to this obsession are not women in my mindset, merely girls ) I have realized how the ridiculously bad the examples are to the females of today.
Here are a few examples of the bad things the books are suggesting to me that are "OK":
1. It is "okay" to hide things from your parents, and occasionally lie to them.
2. It is fine to become full invested in a man that is not your husband.
3.If you love him enough, and feel as though life without him wouldn't be worth living, putting him before God in life, isn't a big deal.
4.If you are abstaining from fornication, you are still pure. Or, you only have to abstain from being so physical to the point that your vampire boyfriend might hurt you.
5. Boys who leave will most likely come back, so you should wait for them.

Beginning with the first example, I will go through each one and inform you as to why I consider them misleading and wrong. Although ( I am hoping ) most of you already see the wrong in such things, but for those who don't, here it is.


1.God gives us a command to honour and obey our parents. He has put over us authorities who are wiser and more mature, and he expects us to respect them. Lying or hiding things from them is not honouring or obeying them in any way. Of course, we know that by honouring and obeying our parents, we are honouring God. Now if your parents were to ask you or tell you to do something that goes against what God wants and will cause you to disobey him, then you are free from that commandment, only in those things. " Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right".(Ephesians 6:1)
2&3. We ought to know, that as young Christian girls, spending most of our time ( and thoughts ) on a young man, isn't wise. There are certain reasons for marriage, one of them is so you can do those things without causing yourself to sin by lusting after a young man and committing adultery in your heart. ( Matthew 5:28 ) We need to be careful how much time we are giving up for another person. Single years are to be a treasured part of our life, and remembered as the years you used for God's glory, seeking ways you could glorify Him and surrender you time fully to Him, for his service. When we marry, most of our time is spent honouring God by honouring and obeying our husband. We must be careful with our hearts and cautious of the men we give them to, who are not our husbands. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life".
4. Many people assume that just because sex outside of the marriage is sinful, doesn't mean other physical things are. But reconsider the twenty eighth verse of Matthew 5. "But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart". If only thinking about such things is a sin, how much more is it actually doing them?
Ask yourself this, "what is the point when I am not married?" It's for the sake of mere pleasure. ( "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures,..." Titus 3:3) We need to learn to keep our minds as well as our bodies pure.
5. The books made a small point to hint that Bella Swan couldn't be happy without some sort of male companionship. In the second book ( New Moon ), Edward left Bella. Bella then became a depressed, with-drawn, suicidal girl, and the only way she could find happiness, was to spend a great amount of her time with another male companion. So she used her friend to keep herself happy until Edward came back.
My idea of the books is that, they are well written books with a great amount of adventure and romance, but do not put forth good ideas into the minds o the female world today, and should be avoided, especially by younger girls.
I am not only saying this of Twilight, there are many other books and movies out there that give people the same impressions, ideas, and obsessions that need to be avoided.
-Bella

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Of Skirts,Dresses and Pants (Part 1)



This is just my opinion on clothing. This is not the exact opinion of my sisters, and though ours are similar they are still different.

Though I believe it is best for a girl or woman to wear more skirts and dresses than pants, I know it is not for everyone.For some it may seem too radical,unpractical or just plain uncomfortable.I myself don't wear them all the time.But I've recently made the decision to wear mostly skirts and dresses.I've been thinking a lot lately about wearing pants into the public.I don't believe it is sinful,but I do believe that women and girls who wear a skirt or dress(that is modest)in public,make a greater statement to the public as women representing Christ.But if girls and women strive to appear as modest,feminine and godly as they can in their lifestyles,I believe the Lord will bless them,whether they wear pants,dresses or skirts!


At the beginning of this month I finally decided to wear skirts and dresses when doing any type of errand(s) in "town" and,if I can,when I'm at home. I say town because we live further out in the country,and the nearest store is ten-eleven miles away.And it's very small! =)

Why I've decided to do this is for a couple reasons.First off, I am an extremely prideful girl! I know a lot of people would say that it's just human nature,but I am especially so.I didn't truly give my heart to the Lord until I was fourteen.But when I turned sixteen I began wandering and became a little rebellious.Thankfully it only lasted a year,but it was one very wasted year that I regret.During my rebellion I became obsessed with my physical appearance and was constantly working-out to get the perfect body.Not to mention I had quite a few people telling me how beautiful I was,and that I had the perfect model body.So naturally I started wearing clothes to show if off,and I became EXTREMELY vain! So this is one of the reasons why I do not wear jeans or pants into public anymore.When I wear pants it's hard for me to keep my thoughts from straying.I'm always wondering,"do I look good?!",or such things as that.Wearing skirts and dresses in public helps me keep my thoughts humble and to remember I am representing Christ.I once read an article by a young married woman.She wrote that if the Bible tells us to be different or separate from the world(2Corinthians 6:15-18 "And what concord hath Christ with Belial?or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?for ye are the temple of the living God;as God hath said,I will dwell in them,and walk in them;and I will be their God,and they shall be my people.Wherefore come out from among them,and be ye separate,saith the Lord,and touch not the unclean thing;and I will receive you,And will be a Father unto you,and ye shall be my sons and daughters,saith the Lord Almighty."),but we are dressing exactly as every other immodest unchristian girl and woman,how is the world to know we are different? Of course character and demeanor are more important,but let's face it,the world judges first impressions by appearance. Another reason I've chosen to wear skirts and dresses is because I feel more feminine and pretty in them.I feel more like a lady,and strangers are more respectful towards me,especially men.And last but not least,my fiance loves it! =)

Now earlier I said I do not wear skirts and dresses all the time.I also mentioned we live in the country.We own chickens,dogs,cats and horses.At one point we had goats.So that means a lot of outdoor chores requiring cleaning of pens,hauling of manure,grooming,feeding,watering,etc... every day!women years back did these things every day in skirts and dresses.But I've found it's simpler for me to do things like these in pants.One of the reasons is because we live on a budget,and we can't afford to replace skirts and dresses all the time if they are badly torn,stained,etc... So I like to keep my skirts and dresses nice and clean while wearing pants as "muck clothes". =) Not to mention we do a lot of horseback riding! So riding astride may be a little difficult. =)

~~Laura Michelle~~

Friday, December 4, 2009

Busy,Busy Days!




Well, today I hope to make some "headway" on the crocheted blanket I'm making for Jordan. I've managed to find another skein of black in the yarn container,so maybe I'll get somewhere. I also plan to start that book. Wow! There is always so much to do when taking care of the home! Laundry and dishes never end. Some times,just some times, I envy those with dish washers! =)

I am so happy today is sunny also!! But I am a little disappointed that tomorrow is supposed to rain. Not only because Jeff may not be able to work on the house,but I was hoping we could have gone riding tomorrow.But who wants to ride in the rain and cold? Certainly not me,and I bet the horses wouldn't like it either. =) Sooo, I was considering on making a few frozen meals for the days to come,but we'll see. OK,well I think Maria should be the one to write a post on swamp swimming.I'd like to write one on wearing dresses and skirts.Stacey and Bella what will you write about? OK, lots to do,so I'm off! Luvs,

--Laura Michelle--

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Glorious December!


Hello my wonderful sisters! Are you guys as incredulous as I am that it's December?! Oh well, that means our annual swamp swimming is right around the corner!! haha, so who is going to be the one to right a post on Swamp swimming? That way every one will know what it's about, and that it isn't actually a "swamp". =) So what are your to-do's for this month? I haven't quite figured out my whole list yet,but one is to read "Vermont Folk Medicine". And really, I am too tired to think right now! So I'm off, luvs! --Laura Michelle