Ephesians 1

 Wow... this chapter is sooo good!!! 
"Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people-free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds.  And not just barely free, either.  ABUNDANTLY free!"

"It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for."

Homemade Dish Soap

Homemade Dishwasher Soap

{soft water recipe}

1/2 cup borax ($.18)

1/2 cup washing soda ($.33)

1/4 cup food grade citric acid ($.66)

* for hard water, try increasing the amount of borax or add 1/4 cup course kosher salt, not regular salt!

Combine ingredients and use sparingly. Use about 1 tsp. per load.  (For hard water, you may need more.)

Rinse Aid: Add white vinegar to the appropriate dispenser. Refill as needed.

Homemade Laundry Soap

Here are 2 recipes for homemade laundry soap:

1/2 cup Borax

1/2 cup Washing Soda

1 cup Fels Naptha Laundry Soap, grated

 

OR

 

1 1/2 cup Borax

 

1 1/2 cup Washing Soda

 

1 bar Zote Laundry Soap, grated

 

How to make it:

Grate your bar of soap (the smallest side of your grater... as this is for a powdered laundry soap).  Measure and mix in the borax and washing soda.  That's it!

 

We made the recipe with Fels Naptha this morning because that is what we had on hand.  It made about 1/2 of a gallon mason jar.  I will do my best to keep track of how long this lasts us and report back.  I am looking forward to trying this out! 

Perfect Love

Perfect Love.  It means love that goes on doing until there isn't any more to be done, and that goes on suffering until it can't suffer any more.  That's why, when Jesus hung on the cross, He said, "It is finished."  There wasn't one sin left that couldn't be forgiven, not one sinner who couldn't be saved, because He had died.  He had loved perfectly." 

Blueberry Pancakes

There is just something so nice about being able to serve your family a hot, homemade breakfast.  I decided this morning to make the kids blueberry pancakes.  It wasn't the weekend or a special occasion, just a Tuesday morning that we are enjoying together.  Such a simple thing but it comes with so many blessings!  I am able to be at home to cook them breakfast and THEY are home to be able to eat breakfast at their leisure (we can actually talk - I am not rushing them out the door).  I am pleased that they are eating a healthy, satisfying meal... a great start to a full day.  Who knew all those blessings came with blueberry pancakes?!

Dance Recital

This past weekend both my girls participated in the annual "Footsteps in Faith" dance recital.  It is a wonderful show based entirely on God; giving our talents back to Him and lifting up His name!  What a blessing to be a part of this.  There is something so innocent and pure about children worshiping their maker.  It was a joy to see my girls delight in this opportunity.  It is quite an experience as a parent to see your children "in the spotlight".  I felt both thankful to the Lord for lending these precious gifts to me and overwhelmed that the Lord has entrusted them to my care!

My Little Prince

I had the privilege of spending the evening with my little prince last night!  It is very precious time because it goes by so quickly.  I tried to take it all in... his sweet little toes gripping the floor for balance, the sound his disposable diaper makes as he waddles, and his great big smile when his eyes catch mine.  He talked with me in his own little way, with sounds only he and I can understand.  I watched as he tried to figure out how things work and delighted in rolling the ball back and forth endlessly.  The Lord has been so good to me by allowing me time with this wonderful boy.  I am not always so thankful for his sounds (screaming and crying), his never ending curiosity, the chore of messy diapers etc., but, in the quietness of this evening I am thrilled by it all!