Finially, Some Help Around Here

It wasn't long ago that my sweeping adventures looked more like an all-out brawl...Gwendolyn fighting and yelling at me to give up my broom, all the while holding on to the broom as I tried to move it front to back...very annoying.

Now, I can sweep the whole kitchen floor in one try, as she labors along with me. Now, I know they sell little toy brooms...I just found them to be incredibly flimsy, with the bristles unable to stand on their own. Besides, she really likes the "real" things a lot better.

This is a lobby broom by Rubbermaid. I got it at the Home Depot for $5.99. Someone, on line, even suggested trimming off the bristles to make it shorter...which would be an excellent idea...but I'm pretty lazy and it works just fine for us this way!

To be fair...she does still try and take my broom every once in a while so that she can have BOTH of them...but that's just Gwendolyn.

31 Weeks!

I'm liking this sideways pose...no inner-thigh action ; )

When I go to the grocery store and look at expiration dates on the food I'm about to buy (yup...I'm the crazy lady in Costco disassembling all of the top crates of organic spinach leaves to get to the bottom, just to get a later expiration of about 2 days), and it says something like June 1 or June 5 . I think...Oh, that's plenty of time. Then, I realize...wait, that's next week.

Then...I get excited! Being 31Weeks along doesn't seem very far to me...but only having a couple of months left seems like it will happen soon...especially with how busy I've been and how fast these months have seemed to go.

Time (or our perception of the time we have) is a relative kind of thing...and right now, I'm feeling busy with childbirth classes, bible studies, fun church planting stuff, and just trying to get my life and home in order so that I'll survive a little better when the little guy comes. When I do have time without other things in my brain (doesn't happen often), I find myself a little freaked out thinking about how things could wind up going.

Our little Augustine (Yup...I think we've landed on the name!) could be like our little Gwendolyn. PLEASE GOD, NO!

The nursing could go terrible...he could be really hungry...I could be extremely depressed and unable to eat or sleep...Gwendolyn could decide to break out anything she might be hiding of her personality (scary).

I think it's the nursing that is the most unsettling. But, that's why I have good friends...and that keeps me very hopeful. Half the battle is the encouragement and the help to be able to see further down the line than in the difficult moment.

Here are the things that are so fun to think about and get me really excited:

• Holding my BABY BOY (and the birth being OVER)

• The beautiful bassinet I am borrowing from Mandy Newman

• Giving Gwendolyn the Barney Doll and baby stroller we got her for when Augustine steals the spotlight
• Hanging out in the house with my husband, with no external commitments!
• Other people cooking dinner
• Seeing how Gwen reacts to her little brother
• Another chance at a newborn (could be redeeming...or NOT)

Please pray for me...that I would enjoy my little daughter (my little fighter), that I would be diligent to get things done quickly and without too much unnecessary fuss, for my marriage (that it would be defined by Grace and Love...not chaos and misunderstanding), and that Augustine would continue to grow strong and healthy and that he WOULD follow his sister and come out really quickly!

Have I mentioned that my worst fear is having a normal birth, like everyone else. Yeah, I don't want that : ).

Also, please pray for my selfish and impatient ways. I have been reminded so much, lately, how much of a selfish parent I really am. I don't say this for sympathy or to be re-assured of my wonderfulness...I am really very selfish. I don't like Gwendolyn's crying and screaming. I want to do things on my own time. I want to play on the computer and paint walls and organize things. I want to put myself first. I don't want to be self-sacrificial. I want to be selfish and I get angry and annoyed when I have to give myself to my little Gwendolyn and care for her emotional and physical needs.

I'm sorry, but that's just how it is...so, yeah, I need prayer! But, I have no doubt I will continue to grow in this area and begin to feel more blessed in parental sacrifice. But, I'm not like my mom. It was natural for her...for me, it is an absolute "area of growth."

And, it's about to become even more of an issue, with the arrival of our Augustine...but, BRING IT ON...especially since there's no getting around it : ).

Honey Balsamic Chicken (from Kelly the Kitchen Kop)

I made the best recipe last night! It was SO easy and SO delicious and SO good for you...according to pretty much any eating plan.

This Honey Balsamic Chicken Recipe comes from Kelly the Kitchen Kop's website...and she got if from Amy D.

I'm pretty used to Kelly having great recipes...but this one will be an all-time fav!

Enjoy!

Mother's Day 2010

Organic Cotton Pajamas @ Costco

My Costco has 100% Organic Cotton Kid Pajamas (Hanna Andersson brand) without flame retardant...for $11.99!

Google wouldn't let me upload any pics...but they are great!

They are thicker, sturdy cotton, without feet (Great for Tucson Summers). It looked like they go up to size 3.

There were some really cute pink ones, but alas, I opted for the less cute boy-ish ones in every size...hoping they will last through, at least, one more kid.

Aveda Fun!

Found this on the PYP Blog...Enjoy!

AVEDA Freebies

Does 'Organic' Automatically Mean 'Healthy'

I would like to say, upfront, that this post is, in no way, a push to any of my readers to start buying organic food or a suggestion that they should be doing that.

I mean to pass along an article that I actually found to be VERY helpful and, in most ways, coincides with "conclusions" I have come to in my own learning and experimenting process this past year. I have also had so many conversations with other moms about this very topic, and I think there are many curious people out there.

Also, I do not mean to be an advocate for Raw Milk...and have absolutely NO idea if it should or should not be the kind of milk to drink. For my family, we currently choose to give Gwendolyn pasteurized goat milk. But, that's just one option, and it's the choice that makes sense for us.

Here it is! Enjoy...if you like...Organic Is Only Part of the Story

Babysteals.com

Just wanted to pass this along...

I found this website (babysteals.com) and it looks like a good one to subscribe to.

One thing that caught my attention was the post about the (glamour mom nursing tanks) that they found on sale a little while ago (there is almost no inventory available, now, though).

These tanks are truly awesome and I remember spending a lot on one with Gwendolyn and only being able to buy ONE because of the cost. I'm sure plenty of women can wear the regular ones that are around $20 (half the price)...but I tried lots of those (walmart, target, etc) and they are definitely not made for those of us with big boobs that need lots of support : ).

You can get the GlamourMom tops with long length and they are very supportive, with thick material.

These can also be found on the Mom4life website (a real favorite of mine). At Mom4life, shipping is always free (no minimum) and I have found their prices to always be at, or below, the comps. Also, their customer service is impeccable! I have exchanged and returned countless things due to size, etc...they are always great to work with.

Link to Homemade Smoothie-Popsicles

I really like the PYP Blog: Lots of coupons and savings...and some fun ideas, too!

Check out the Popsicles:

Homemade Smoothie Popsicles

I Love Her WORDS!

Here's a quote from the picture caption on Heather Baker's Recent Blog Post:

"(Since when do a plastic potty, an empty coffee cup, and a bottle of red wine go together? Since I started potty training.)"

Heather is a friend-of-a-friend. I do not actually know her, but find myself loving her more each day! Many of her posts I feel I've already written in my mind (only MUCH less eloquently), and I just LOVE enjoying them!

I invite you (just as I was once invited by her friend, Lindsay) to enjoy the gifts and talents the Lord has given to Heather, as well.

Here's a taste of the deliciousness that is the God we have:

- from Heather's Small Beginnings Blog Post

I know that when you are training young children "victory" takes many forms. A mature woman recently told me that when she was home with three young children she judged her day a success based on whether she remained clothed and in her right mind.

Still, there is a part of me that wants some tangible proof of all my labor; and I would venture to say I am not unique in this desire: as human beings we all want to have “something to show” for the sum of our efforts.

But here I must remind myself that it is not a matter of what I have to show for my works; it is what He has to show for His. The work of Christ on the Cross means that I am His masterpiece, His living poemas – “written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God” (2. Cor. 3.3)...

And as such I am in the process of becoming something more marvelous it is beyond imagining… “It is by grace I am what I am,” says Paul, affirming the idea that it is not what we do that is of utmost importance – it is who we are. Christ is the penultimate finisher of what He starts. He promises that, in the end, He will present us without fault and with great joy before the glorious presence of His Father...(Jude 1.24).

God has given me work to do; plenty of it. But my real labor is in believing “in the living God, who is the Savior of all men” (1 Tim. 4.10); and not allowing myself to get bogged down by all the (in my case, literal) refuse that begs to be the central focus of all my days.

Ultimately, my goal isn’t just to get Audrey out of diapers. My goal is to assist her in acquiring the character qualities that will enable her to become the woman He designed her to be. “For physical training is of some value,” Paul says, “but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Tim. 4.8).

“I can’t do it!” Audrey squealed at one point this afternoon. Sweetheart, neither can I, I wanted to say. Not in my own strength; but thanks be to God I don't have to. For His blood sacrifice ... has provided me another way of getting through life: and that is by relying on Him....

whatever is true...whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely...--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

I was in the middle of spending, yet, another evening filling my time, and depleting my mental energy, with web searches for used twin beds, new recipes, grocery and household coupon codes, and information on how much formaldehyde is in which brand of mattress...when I realized what I really need.

I need my brain to be filled up with those things that are GOOD...things that are LOVELY...the things that make my life PRETTY...the things that make me giggle and cry tears of joy...the things that make me dorkier...but way more fun to be around.

I need JESUS. I need visible, tangible examples that remind me of the way I felt when I met Him years ago and realized how HE felt about ME.

I, obviously, didn't want to work too hard...so I clicked on a link to Noel Piper's blog...one I have subscribed to for months, but rarely ever go to (not because it's not interesting...but because it somehow feels easier to trot along in meaningless life-living).

I am thankful to the Lord for His faithfulness. He does not ignore me when I am pitiful. His spirit leads me to encouragement from another of His loved ones and I get to enjoy the way He works.

Check out Noel's comment on her husband, John Piper's, upcoming Sabbatical from his Church work...and be encouraged by Piper's Letter to his congregation on the same regard.
I have copied his comments, below:

John Piper's Upcoming Leave

Download:

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By John Piper March 28, 2010

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As you may have already heard in the sermon from March 27-28, the elders graciously approved on March 22 a leave of absence that will take me away from Bethlehem from May 1 through December 31, 2010. We thought it might be helpful to put an explanation in a letter to go along with the sermon.

I asked the elders to consider this leave because of a growing sense that my soul, my marriage, my family, and my ministry-pattern need a reality check from the Holy Spirit. On the one hand, I love my Lord, my wife, my five children and their families first and foremost; and I love my work of preaching and writing and leading Bethlehem. I hope the Lord gives me at least five more years as the pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem.

But on the other hand, I see several species of pride in my soul that, while they may not rise to the level of disqualifying me for ministry, grieve me, and have taken a toll on my relationship with Noël and others who are dear to me. How do I apologize to you, not for a specific deed, but for ongoing character flaws, and their effects on everybody? I’ll say it now, and no doubt will say it again, I’m sorry. Since I don’t have just one deed to point to, I simply ask for a spirit of forgiveness; and I give you as much assurance as I can that I am not making peace, but war, with my own sins.

Noël and I are rock solid in our commitment to each other, and there is no whiff of unfaithfulness on either side. But, as I told the elders, “rock solid” is not always an emotionally satisfying metaphor, especially to a woman. A rock is not the best image of a woman’s tender companion. In other words, the precious garden of my home needs tending. I want to say to Noël that she is precious to me in a way that, at this point in our 41-year pilgrimage, can be said best by stepping back for a season from virtually all public commitments.

No marriage is an island. For us this is true in two senses. One is that Noël and I are known inside-out by a few friends at Bethlehem—most closely by our long-time colleagues and friends David and Karin Livingston, and then by a cluster of trusted women with Noël and men with me. We are accountable, known, counseled, and prayed for. I am deeply thankful for a gracious culture of transparency and trust among the leadership at Bethlehem.

The other way that our marriage is not an island is that its strengths and defects have consequences for others. No one in the orbit of our family and friends remains unaffected by our flaws. My prayer is that this leave will prove to be healing from the inside of my soul, through Noël’s heart, and out to our children and their families, and beyond to anyone who may have been hurt by my failures.

The difference between this leave and the sabbatical I took four years ago is that I wrote a book on that sabbatical (What Jesus Demands from the World). In 30 years, I have never let go of the passion for public productivity. In this leave, I intend to let go of all of it. No book-writing. No sermon preparation or preaching. No blogging. No Twitter. No articles. No reports. No papers. And no speaking engagements. There is one stateside exception—the weekend devoted to the Desiring God National Conference combined with the inaugural convocation of Bethlehem College and Seminary in October. Noël thought I should keep three international commitments. Our reasoning is that if she could go along, and if we plan it right, these could be very special times of refreshment together.

The elders have appointed a group to stay in touch and keep me accountable for this leave. They are David Mathis, Jon Bloom, Tom Steller, Sam Crabtree, Jon Grano, Tim Held, Tony Campagna, and Kurt Elting-Ballard. Five of these have walked with Noël and me over the last two months, helping us discern the wisdom, scope, and nature of this leave. They brought the final recommendation to the elders on March 22.

I asked the elders not to pay me for this leave. I don’t feel it is owed to me. I know I am causing more work for others, and I apologize to the staff for that. Not only that, others could use similar time away. Most working men and women do not have the freedom to step back like this. The elders did not agree with my request. Noël and I are profoundly grateful for this kind of affection. We will seek the Lord for how much of your financial support to give back to the church, to perhaps bear some of the load.

Personally, I view these months as a kind of relaunch of what I hope will be the most humble, happy, fruitful five years of our 35 years at Bethlehem and 46 years of marriage. Would you pray with me to that end? And would you stand by your church with all your might? May God make these eight months the best Bethlehem has ever known. It would be just like God to do the greatest things when I am not there. “Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:7).

I love you and promise to pray for you every day.

Pastor John

By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org

We Love Our Da-ddy

April 15th may be a dreaded day for many people...but for us it's the most fun day EVER. It's when we get our Daddy back! We miss you, Daddy...hurry home!

Spring Cleaning Update

Okay, We've been hard at work over here. And, by WE, I mean ME. Of course, my husband is working 15hr days, so he's off the hook. But, Gwendolyn and Dave the Dog are total liabilities...

I am so happy this cleaning is getting done, but I gotta say, I am NOT having fun. I keep finding myself thinking, "WHY am I doing this. Is it REALLY better that the tops of the cabinets are clean?"

I am a little behind in schedule, but that's totally okay. Things are moving along.

Here's what I've completed so far:
Kitchen
Pantry
Microwave, dust furniture/fixtures/blinds, windows, scrub surfaces

Master Bathroom

Here's my revised schedule:
March 18 - Kitchen floors
March 19 - Living room Windows/blinds, carpet spot treat, baseboards, vacuum
March 20 - Office
March 23 - Hall Bath
March 24 - My Friend Jenni and her little Madelyn are visiting!
March 25 - Master Bedroom
March 26 ('til infinity) - Garage

Refrigerator: Maybe Never

I took some pictures of my work...
At first I thought, why would anyone want to see pictures of my kitchen. But, then I remembered...this is my Blog and I can do whatever I want! And, I do have a lovely kitchen, so I figured you would want to rejoice in my blessing with me!




Here's the pantry...but, interestingly enough, no matter how much time you spend on a pantry...it still looks like a closet with a bunch of things stuffed in it.This little one has been my nemesis all week, but, yesterday, she took a moment to help...

21 Weeks for Our Little Guy

I TOTALLY believe, and tell all my friends, that you can be disciplined and healthy during your pregnancy...that you can DEFINITELY exercise and eat well...and that you don't have to become some bagel-eating bum just because you are pregnant.

In my defense, I never said that this is what I AM doing...only that it's what Can be done.

Unfortunately, it appears that the fact that chicken sounds (and tastes) discussing and I want waffles and syrup for breakfast every morning seems to be enough reason for me to just go for it :(.

ANYWAY! Here's myself and my baby boy!


Things with the pregnancy are going very well and I thank the Lord for such an uneventful experience...I have been very blessed! I'm getting more excited every day about meeting our Guy.

I, sometimes, feel a little worried about depression and breastfeeding issues (after he joins us). But, these thoughts always seem to be quickly followed by the understanding that whatever comes, we'll totally get through it...and, honestly, how much worse than Gwendolyn can it get?!

So, I am incredibly hopeful. I actually spend more time wondering if I will survive the crying, screaming and constant whining of my toddler...without permanently losing my mind!

Oh, and here's my butt...

And, here is my precious little Angel...

Spring Cleaning Schedule

Okay, I am now more motivated than ever to get my cleaning done...because I have two kids' rooms to decorate and I will not allow myself to look at one paint swatch until the cleaning is DONE! The decorating will be my reward.

So, I decided to move up my start date to Friday, March 12th. I have been a little ambitious in my first days of cleaning, in hopes that it will make the process easier..."eat my frog first". Of course, I have a beautiful Angel living with me who's schedule doesn't always mesh with mine. So, things must remain flexible...especially to keep my expectations in check : )!

Here's my schedule, as it stands right now:

Kitchen
March 12 - Pantry and fridge
March 15 - Microwave, dust furniture/fixtures/blinds, windows, scrub surfaces
March 16 - Floors/baseboards

Living/Dining
March 17 - Windows/blinds, carpet spot treat, baseboards, vacuum

Office
March 18 - Just Do It!

Master
March 19 - Bath
March 22 - Bedroom

March 23 - Hall Bath
March 24 - My Friend Jenni and her little Madelyn are visiting!

Garage
March 25 & 26

Wish me LUCK!

BOY or GIRL??

I know these things are hard to see...but what we have here...is a PENIS!!!!!!!!!!!

WOO HOO!!! I can not even express how excited we are! I can't stop smiling. And, even better...our little boy is developing beautifully! Everything checked out awesome!



He was moving around and sucking his thumb...we didn't get a great profile shot, but from what I saw, I wouldn't be surprised if he, also, looked like those other people in my little family...

My STOLEN RECIPES Page

Okay, so the more I use the computer, the more I realize...I don't know how to use the computer. It's really quite sad.

Never-the-less I have created a "page" of Recipes on this blog (at the top, under the big picture), where I plan to post the recipes that I have taken from other people's websites and use often.

I don't like this format and I think there is a better way to do it...but I don't know what that way is, just yet : ).

The recipes that I have come to love and want more of are ones that are affordable, nutritious and EASY. I'll be posting these recipes so that you can enjoy them too. Here are just a couple that I made this week, to start...

My STOLEN RECIPES Page

Spring Cleaning...Planning

Okay, it's officially MARCH! We're not happy about it...but we are going to CLEAN!

I sat down today and wrote out the items that would be included in my cleaning...and almost cried. Then, I thought that it might actually be more appropriate to laugh...because I had, originally, thought I could get it done in a week's time. HA, HA, HA, HA, HA!!

Anyway, I'm going to begin on March 15th and do a task each day until it's done. My husband works 13-14 hour days in March and on Saturdays, so I'll be utilizing nap time and some evenings to do my cleaning. I have a feeling I will also be using Barney and Veggie Tales!

Soon I will assign actual days to each task...but here is my preliminary list:

Living/Dining
windows/sills/curtain rods
carpet spot treat/vacuum
baseboards
dust furniture and fixtures

Kitchen
wash and dust furniture
scrub surfaces
floors and baseboards
clean and organize pantry
fridge (gross) and microwave
windows/sills/curtain rods
dust fixtures
Office/Playroom
dust furniture/fixtures
clean desk and store extra material in garage
store some toys
window

Bathrooms
clean out under cabinets
scrub EVERYTHING

Master
store or dispose of unused clothes
dust (fixtures, furniture)
vacuum
windows/sills/rods

Garage
Too exhausting to list items

The secondary rooms are getting shifted (new nursery and Gwen's big girl room) and painted and decorated...the stuff I LOVE doing and wish I could do in the other rooms, instead of cleaning them...so I'm not including them in the Spring Cleaning.

The Garage is actually not as bad as I think it is...It just needs to get done...but I'm saving it for the end.

So, go ahead and get your lists done (if you are joining me) and let's give each other support through the marvelous World Wide Web. Your timing and tasks can be completely different from mine. Perhaps you will use this "Spring Cleaning" time to catch up on Scrapbooking or organizing photos or organizing closets or doing some serious Menu Planning...or finishing sewing projects...or yard projects...Whatever!

I look forward to being diligent with you and I am counting on those of you who have already agreed to make sure I'm on task!

Cloth Diaper Give-Away from Envîbum!

Check out Passionate Homemaking's post on Envîbum's Give-away!

17 Weeks (Baby Time)

Our little Up-and-Comer is almost 17 weeks now. The three of us went out on a lovely Date for Valentines Day. It was sooooooooo nice to be with my husband, and the food was delicious! It's not all the time that I actually enjoy my food, these days, so it was great! The day reminded me that we really need to get out on our own more...our second child can come because he's very well behaved (so far).

It has been interesting and different being pregnant for the second time. I like that all my attention isn't focused on the pregnancy...although I really enjoyed that once-in-a-lifetime season with Gwen. I like that I have some experience in childbirth and get to enjoy thinking a little more critically, this time. It's fun to have at least a little bit more of a clue when it comes to being a mom...although I know things are definitely about to change. And, honestly, it's a little relieving realizing that I can be hopeful in thinking that I will suffer less from un-met expectation and fear of failure when this little one does arrive.

Thanks to the Lord, and His gift of our little Gwendolyn, I actually have pretty low expectations on how well I will be able to "pull it all together"!

The things about this pregnancy that are more of a bummer are a lot less energy and still some yucky days. I think I probably haven't been taking very good care of myself...but not for any reason other than the fact that I keep forgetting to. I guess life is just a little more full of other things, and in a good way. But, I need to take my vitamins and get a little exercise...that's for sure!

Oh, and I have been craving Olive Garden BIG TIME! All I can think about is the salad with that ridiculous sugary dressing!

I Have the BEST Life

Right now I am sick and am also suffering from what appears to be severe allergies. However, I'm kind of the good kind of sick...you know, the kind of sick that still lets you roam around your house doing some of the things you want, without having to do the things you DON'T want to do (like dishes).

My only child (outside of the womb) is asleep and I have just made myself an afternoon breakfast. I am going to watch T.V. and lay around. It's awesome. I don't have to be anywhere and my commitments all involve my home and family.

I am just reveling in this moment...wanting to remember it and be thankful for it. It's so easy to "revel" in the exhausting or frustrating mom-moments...more so, I'm sure, when one kid turns into two and three...

Lately, I have had one particular verse come up multiple times in every day..."Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I wish I could say that this verse has come up so much because I have been so close to the Lord that I have found it natural to "give thanks in all circumstances", but that is absolutely not what is going on. I've thought of this verse so much because I have felt like complaining so very often...which is strange...I clearly have THE BEST LIFE!

New "Wise Guy" Blog

I wanted to pass along the news about a new Blog that is sure to engage and challenge! The blogger is a man who loves the Lord, loves his wife, and loves his beautiful little triplets.

Dave is the husband of my friend Kyra. And, if Kyra is any reflection of Dave's character (and I believe she is) than I would have to say that Dave is a pretty freakin' awesome dude.

Enjoy the new "Wise Guy" Blog!

Spring Cleaning

Okay, so I know it's not spring. But, I'm planning in advance and wanted some company.

I don't know if it's because there is a new baby coming or because I have to cringe when I look in the corners of my home, but I am DEFINITELY doing a spring cleaning this year. It's really been a LONG time. In fact, now that I'm thinking about it...I can honestly say, I'm not totally sure that I have EVER done a spring cleaning!

I can just see the the faces of my beloved friends now (Kelly, Mandy, Jenná...just to name a few). How did I wind up with such clean friends, anyway??

I think when things have gotten really bad, I just move...but with the economy as it is...I think I actually need to clean this time.

So, probably in March, I am going to be sending out a blog inviting anyone interested to join me in the madness...in your own homes, of course. I know, some of you do a mini-spring cleaning every month, so maybe this is more geared toward the rest of you.

I am going to assign the cleaning tasks over the span of a week and ask that everyone would check in to make sure I'm on schedule. More to come!

Wonderful Blog Post about Making "Natural Living" an Idol

In response to a wonderful and refreshing POST by Passionate Homemaking.

It's such an encouragement to anyone who has also wrestled with these questions or anyone who has felt condemned by someone regarding these things. I have also pasted her words to the bottom of this post.

Like most people who find some interest in gaining a better understanding of "Natural Living", I have found myself, multiple times, at a cross roads where I think "What kind of person do I want to be?"

Do I want to be the kind of person with a "whole foods" agenda or a "non-toxic" agenda? When people think of me, do I want them to think that I'm that woman who's "into all that stuff"? Or, do I want people to remember me by my kindness and for my excitement for who God is?

These questions have helped me, greatly, in feeling more and more at rest with the decisions I do make concerning what I feed my family or which cleaning products I use. These kinds of decisions are irrelevant regarding the Lord's design for my life. And, THANK GOODNESS!!!

This doesn't mean I shouldn't enjoy the freedom to make these decisions and even share my interests (with selected friends). The Lord has blessed me with a home and family to enjoy and to care for.

The following was taken from the Passionate Homemaking Blog...

Please note: I want to express my heart from the outset of this post to assure my readers that these are musings that the Lord has been working in my heart lately, and I felt compelled to share them with you. I in no way desire to condemn anyone, but my motivation in sharing is to challenge us all to guard our hearts in this matter.

I recently encountered two stories that have challenged me in the motivation and out workings of my pursuit of natural living. The first account began with a friend desiring to throw a baby shower for an expectant mother in her church. This friend was expecting her first little one. The hostess simply wanted to bless and encourage this new mother in her pursuit. When she asked for gift ideas, the new mother stated that she only wanted organic baby clothing, wooden natural toys, organic cloth diapers, and the like. Half of the guests could not afford these products. One lady missed the memo and came with a few plastic toys.

How do you think this made her hostess and guests feel?

The second account took place when I heard a couple share that they had not been tithing for several months. They couldn’t afford it. I knew firsthand that this family ate all organic, healthy and natural foods. This could not be sacrificed.

What is more important?

I have had conversations with friends or family members on various occasions when I tried to persuade them of the health consequences or benefits of a certain product. What has resulted? Relationships have been hurt. I have left others feeling condemned or inadequate. Or at a shared meal gathering, when another mom instructs her son not to eat that food item because “it’s not food”, relationships are damaged because we exalt food over fellowship.

Do I consider myself superior to others because we have adopted a more natural lifestyle?

In the past I have skimped on hospitality because I did not want to spend the money to buy good quality food for my guests or when bringing a meal to another. I made the excuse that I couldn’t afford it. In all honesty, I wanted to keep the best of our budget for my family. This is not true generosity. True generosity takes place when I joyfully give the best that I can following the Scriptural command to do unto others as you would have them do to you (Matt. 7:12).

Where is my heart?

The apostle John’s last words in 1 John are, “Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts (1 John 5:21).” These last words are significant…He wants them to be remembered.

How often do I turn a good thing into a god thing?

As Tim Keller states in Counterfeit Gods, “Most people know you can make a god out of money. Most people know you can make a god out of sex. However, anything in life can serve as an idol, a God-alternative, a counterfeit god…What is an idol? It is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.”

Natural living can become an idol when we willingly give our emotional and financial resources to achieve it.
Natural living can become an idol when we think that it can give us significance, security, safety and fulfillment.
Natural living can become an idol when we hoard the benefits and not freely offer it to others.

What is my motivation for eating healthy and living naturally? Because I have desired to be a good steward of creation and for the health and wholeness of our family.

Can preserving the safety of my family become an idol in my life? Yes!

When I give my money first towards the purchase of good healthy food prior to giving it back to the Lord in my worship of tithe, natural living has gone too far. When I am more concerned about the safety of my family to the extent that I sacrifice relationships, the service of my brothers and sisters, than natural living has become an idol.

Eating healthy will not guarantee my family a more peaceful longer life. It will not add a single day to my life than God has already determined. Only God knows the number of my days. (Psalms 139:16) He calls me to be faithful to care for my physical body, and this includes being wise in what I put into my body, knowing that it will affect my ability to serve the Lord; but when I raise that to a god-level, it is no longer a good thing. My security must only be found in Christ. He controls my family’s health and wellness.

Eating healthy and living naturally does not make me any more honorable in God’s eyes than any other. We are all in equal standing before Him.

Our first fruit of income should always go to tithe and not food. (Lev. 23:10; Numbers 28:26). Where your money is, there your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:19-21) If I put more money towards my health and wholeness before God and giving unto others, than that is where my treasure lies. It will burn up at the end.

Unity in the body is more important than the safety of our family. (Rom. 14:1-3; Psalms 133)

God calls me to be generous, not to hoard the good stuff for myself. Am I only concerned about my health and not the well-being of my friends, family, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? God loves a cheerful giver. I am challenged to serve the best to my guests as I possibly can. The more you give the less hold it has on your heart. (2 Cor. 8:9)

I have seen and confess to these evidences of idolatry in my heart. Am I implying that organic food, clothing, or wooden toys are bad? In no way. It is a matter of the heart. What is my motivation? Is that a God-glorifying motivation? My challenge to you all…let’s not raise being a good steward to a god position. Let’s not make others feel guilty, discouraged, or overwhelmed because they cannot afford the natural lifestyle or only in part. It’s about relationships. Let’s keep God first, love one another, and pursue giving generously to one another as we are able. Jesus commanded in Luke 10:27 states, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” I hope you understand my heart in communicating this message. There is no condemnation here. This is just a challenge to go further up and further in in our pursuit of Christ Jesus with me.

“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.” - Romans 14:1-3