Joy in... Cleaning?!?

Miserable wife?

Proverbs 14:10 says, "The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy."


If I am bitter and mad, my heart knows it... and probably so does my family and other people around me! By the same token when my heart is truly joyful, no one can get in the middle of it!


Now I have had my share of days (quite often, in fact) when I did not want to do my job--clean or "homemake"--in any shape, form, or fashion! And I am coming to understand that my attitude makes the difference. It is always important to make time to rejuvenate my mind and body so that I can be my best as a homemaker, but probably, if I am honest, I just want to be lazy all the time! 


Commercials on TV, billboards, and ads everywhere shout it out: You deserve a break! You're worth it! Self, self, self... take care of YOU. Look out for Number One. No one appreciates YOU. 


I challenge you, along with me, to take a hard look at your motives as a wife. Take your breaks, yes! Drink your water! Exercise! Get a massage! Take care of your body. Go have a coffee with a friend. You do need time to recharge when you're a wife/mom/nana... but take inventory of how much and how often you tend to shirk your responsibilities or procrastinate (Ahem! That's me!) because you are indulging in an entitlement mentality! (Ouch!) Deep inside, do I often tell myself that everyone owes me, and since they don't "pay up," I'll just pay myself? I'll eat the chocolate or the chips no one knows about... I'll put off doing the dishes until later...

OK, I'm off the soapbox! :)

On a practical homemaking note...


Mirrors. 
I love finding new ideas for homemaking--whether unconventional or conventional. One day recently I tried a waffle-pattern microfiber dishcloth (from a discount/dollar store) on my mirrors, using good old Windex. Amazing! Two or three swipes and I was done... no vigorous rubbing... no streaks... practically effortless! Love that!


Vinegar Uses. 
Recently I discovered this on Pinterest:

(1) Remove bacteria and pesticide residue from produce - Use 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, wash produce thoroughly.

(2) Clean windows and countertops - Use a 50% water and vinegar mixture to clean windows and countertops.

(3) Remove shower and bathtub film - Use vinegar full strength on an old wash rag.

(4) Toilet bowl stains - Use white distilled vinegar full strength with a scrubber.

(5) Furniture polish - Use a 50% olive oil and vinegar mixture and polish furniture with a soft cloth. Be sure to test furniture in an inconspicuous spot first because vinegar is acidic. 

(6) Clean microwave - Utilize 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water in a bowl. Place in the microwave and cook until boiling. Immediately wipe interior of microwave.

(7) Wash no-wax floors - Add 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar to a half-gallon of warm water. Mop or scrub floor.

(8) Clean kitchen cutting boards - Use vinegar full strength on cutting boards.

(9) Wash grass stains out of fabric - Use a 1/3 cup vinegar and 2/3 cup water mixture. Apply to stain and blot.

(10) Remove molds and mildew - Use a 50% water and white vinegar mixture for light mildew stains, and full strength white vinegar to kill heavier mildew and mold growth.

All-Purpose Cleaner. 
Found this online somewhere... The person who posted it said they use this cleaner on counters, tile floors, tubs, and toilets. I have tried it, and while it doesn't have the same wonderful smell Lysol disinfectant cleaner has, it is great and cheap! I tried mine with eucalyptus oil, since that's what I had on hand. Maybe I'll try some other oil scents I really like!

2 T.white vinegar (only distilled white vinegar)

1 t. Borax

Hot water

A few drops of a mild dish detergent

5 drops of essential oil (Lavender, Orange, Rose, etc.)

In a 16 oz. spray bottle add vinegar, borax and half hot water.
Swish around until borax has dissolved.
Add the drops of dish detergent and fill the rest of the bottle with hot water.
Add the essential oil… & Shake.

Happy Cleaning!

 Yes... Happy Homemaking! Take care of the king of your castle! How about bringing him his slippers tonight when he gets home from work? Then give him a few minutes of rest and peace from the children's inquiries and your chatting :) before supper! 

My John 17 Prayer

It is powerful to pray God's Word. Because John 17 is Jesus' prayer, I believe it is a powerful prayer to personalise.

Today I'm sharing my personalisation of this prayer, mostly considering my calling as a pastor's wife, helping, encouraging, and teaching the ladies of our church, but also influencing, as I am given opportunity, my grown children and my grandchild.

(I do not mean disrespect, nor am I putting myself in the place of Christ by praying this prayer! However, because I am His daughter, and He lives in me, I trust that the true intent of my prayer will be clear.)

Jhn 17:1	These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: Father, please glorify Yourself and Jesus through me. The only glory I have is from You.
Jhn 17:2	As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. Thank You that because Jesus lives in me, You have given me, through Him, power over my flesh, all fleshly things, power for living this life You have given me to live. Only through that power, I can fulfill Your divine purpose for my life: learning to live for eternal values, sharing with others how to have eternal life in heaven, as well as sharing with others how to live with eternity's values.
Jhn 17:3	And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Thank You that life eternal--even the part here on earth--is to KNOW YOU! What a privilege You have given us to KNOW YOU and to truly intimately KNOW JESUS!
Jhn 17:4	I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. Help me to glorify You while I'm here and through Your might, finish the work You have given me to do.
Jhn 17:5	And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. Father, the only glory I have is of You, so I ask that You would bless me with whatever I need to fulfill my purpose, which You predetermined for me before the world was. You have promised to give me all things that pertain unto life and godliness (II Peter).
Jhn 17:6	I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Help me to lift up Your name to everyone You bring into my life, because they are Yours, and You have given them to me to influence. I pray that they would learn to keep Your Word more and more every day.
Jhn 17:7	Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. I pray that they would always see that in me there is nothing without You--that anything good I have to share with them is because of You.
Jhn 17:8	For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. Lord, I have been teaching ladies the words You give me, and I believe many of them have received these words, knowing that You sent me to share these things.
Jhn 17:9	I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. I pray for these ladies, for my children, for my grandchild, for everyone You have given me to influence. You have given them to me. May I always remember that they are Yours.
Jhn 17:10	And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. Everything and everyone in my life is Yours, and Your people are my people. I take joy and pleasure in fellowshipping with them.
Jhn 17:11	And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are]. When it comes time for me to leave these behind and go to heaven, Holy Father, I know that You will keep them in Your care, because they are Yours, and that You will continue to teach them to be ONE, unified.
Jhn 17:12	While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. While I'm here with them, please enable me to encourage them to seek Your face and increase in their relationship intimacy and devoted discipleship with You. May my example ever lead them to seek You and not go astray, but I trust You to continue to lead them.
Jhn 17:13	And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I look forward to coming to You when it's my time, but I pray that while I'm still here the ladies will have Your joy fulfilled inside them--that they would truly learn the depths of the ways You can and will meet all their needs (physically and emotionally) if they will only continually yield themselves to You.
Jhn 17:14	I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not want to give them my own words, but Your Word. Help them when those in the world hate them... help them to remember this world is not their home and they are not living for this world.
Jhn 17:15	I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. I pray that You would help them while they are working and living in this world, that you would keep them from evil.
Jhn 17:16	They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. And that they would remember they are not of this world, just as Christ was not of this world. He lived for eternity. Help me to live for eternity.
Jhn 17:17	Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Please sanctify them through Your Truth: Your Word is Truth!
Jhn 17:18	As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. I want to inspire and encourage them to go into the world to reach people, just as You have sent me.
Jhn 17:19	And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. For their sakes, I do seek to sanctify myself by yielding myself afresh to You each day, to receive from You what You would have me to share with those I influence...not just by active teaching, but by example, as they watch my life.
Jhn 17:20	Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; I pray also for those whom these ladies and my children will reach...
Jhn 17:21	That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. I pray for unity among our ladies, not fighting, arguing, jealousy... help them to be ONE as You and Jesus are ONE. Help us to be ONE in YOU, so that the City of Woodstock and the world around will see and come to believe that Jesus came to save them.
Jhn 17:22	And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: Help me to always give away the glory that You give to me... whatever good You give me in spiritual lessons... help me to give it away, so that we can learn oneness... with no bitterness, anger, evil speaking, or malice (Eph. 4).
Jhn 17:23	I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Jesus in us... You in me... so that we can become mature in unity, so the world can see YOU in us, and come to know that You love them, just as You love us!
Jhn 17:24	Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. Father, I want them to learn along with me, to become established in the faith, to mature more every day, not to stagnate...I want them to truly see Your glory, as You have revealed it to me, and continue to reveal it to me through Your Word... Thank you for loving me before the world began!
Jhn 17:25	O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. God, You are righteous! And the world doesn't know You! What a privilege I have to know You... and I want the ladies to know You even more!
Jhn 17:26	And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. I have been teaching them, and I have such a passion for Your Name and for them to learn Your love and the depths of intimacy that You desire with each of them!

I Corinthians 4:7

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? ~ I Corinthians 4:7

Everything we have in life is a gift. E.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.


Nothing should taken for granted. I could lose my sight tomorrow. My hearing. My fingers that enjoy skipping across piano keys and harp strings. My voice that loves to sing.

http://pricelesssimplicity.blogspot.com/

Am I truly grateful? Have I thanked God for these instruments that I use every day, more than a thousand times a day?


A fellow blogger advocates keeping a running list of gratefulness... 1,000 Gifts. While I have not yet read Ann's book 1,000 Gifts, I am an occasional reader of her blog.

And I fell in love with her emphasis on gratefulness... So I join in...

1. A friend loses her baby. I still enjoy my little granddaughter every day.

Elaine Morie Bender, waiting in heaven

2. An acquaintance's spouse is about to go to jail. I have a wonderful, faithful man who loves and daily provides for me.


3. People around the world have no shelter... I enjoy the warmth of a fireplace on a frozen winter evening. They scrounge for food... I am warmed and filled. Their only clothes are on their back... I have a closetful.

Filipino boy starts his own fire.
(photo, Victoria Wonser, missionary in the Philippines)

4. Many around the world sleep outside because they have no bed or home. I have a warm bed with beautiful blankets I love.

Philippines graveyard:
Missionary friends saw a man sleeping here
and many living here in a graveyard.
(photo, Victoria Wonser)

5. A family of seven children including a newborn loses their mother at age 39. I am 39 and I can still call or email my own mother any time. 


What are you grateful for? 


Will you notice and give thanks for the thousands of gifts God has placed all around you?

Divine Appointments

Last week while getting my hair cut, I met a Turkish lady who has immigrated with her husband to Canada... very friendly... just chit-chatted and then later as my haircut was finished and I was gathering my things and paying, I realised she had moved to the back at the sink to get her colour rinsed. I waved goodbye, and as I was driving away from the store, I thought, I should have invited her to church!

I just gave it to the Lord, thinking maybe He would orchestrate our meeting again at the hair stylist’s.

A few days later in WalMart, I was in the baby section getting some Goodnite pull-ups (I’m rarely in the baby section anymore), and a lady came up to me with a huge smile, brightly saying “HI!” I didn’t recognize her because her hair was normal, not full of colour foils! She told me where we’d met, and I immediately knew that God had appointed this meeting!

After talking a few minutes, I invited her to our church, telling her my husband is a pastor. She seemed interested and said that they might come visit. ☺ It may seem like a small thing, but it is so obviously God’s hand in our meeting in WalMart!

There are other seemingly less significant divine appointments, and I believe we many times don't realise that's what they are.

I think back to one day when I had three specific errands to run. I picked up the mail, went to the garage, backed out the car, and then, out of curiosity, decided to open a personal letter I had received and read it while sitting in the car in the driveway. I read it for a few minutes, and based on the message of it, had a little personal time with the Lord in the car. After I had wiped my tears enough to drive, I backed out. In my mind, I reversed my errand order due to one place being closed over lunch. I was only a couple minutes down the road, having made a decision to turn the opposite direction I had initially intended, when I came up over a rise in the road and saw a semi-truck jack-knifed across the road and a small compact car in the ditch.

Had I not stopped to read the letter and have that time with the Lord and changed the order of my errands, I might have been the victim. I later learned that the car crash was fatal.

Though I plan to go to heaven at my appointed time, I would like to go in a less painful way! I thank God for a divine appointment that kept me from the accident that day!

Have you noticed any divine appointments lately?

In the Closet

But thou, when thou prayest, 

enter into thy closet, 

and when thou hast shut thy door, 

pray to thy Father which is in secret... 

Matthew 6:6

Lord, I have shut the door,
Speak now the word
Which through the din and throng 
Could not be heard;
Hushed now my inner heart
Whisper Thy will
While I have come apart
While all is still.

Lord, I have shut the door,
Here do I bow;
Speak, for my soul attent
Turns to Thee now;
Rebuke Thou what is vain,
Counsel my soul,
Thy holy will reveal,
My will control.

In this blest quietness
Clamorings cease;
Here in Thy presence dwells
Infinite peace;
Yonder, the strife and cry,
Yonder, the sin;
Lord, I have shut the door,
Thou art within!

Lord, I have shut the door,
Strengthen my heart;
Yonder awaits the task
I share a part;
Only through grace bestowed
May I be true,
Here, while alone with Thee
My strength renew.

~ William Runyan


(public domain)


Have you spent time in the closet today?


photo: americanbella

Amazing Grapefruit Seed Extract

I have been a believer in natural supplements for as long as I can remember. They are just what they are called: "supplements" to eating well.

While I'll admit I'm still working on the "eating well" part, I love the product GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)! It has many amazing benefits. I have cured many a cold and sore throat with GSE. I think one of the greatest things about it is that grapefruit seed-extract remains effective even if the cause of an infection is unidentified, misdiagnosed, or unknown.

In my struggle against candida (yeast overgrowth in the blood), I enjoy the info from Sarah at her Candida and Food blog. Recently Sarah reviewed GSE and listed many household and personal uses that are, of course, all natural! No worries about synthetic ingredients.

You can read the entire post here. However I wanted to let you know some of the benefits right here:

Suggested Uses For Grapefruit Seed Extract

CAUTION: ALWAYS DILUTE! Do not use full strength. Do not put in eyes. Avoid all contact with sensitive areas. May cause irritation if used full strength on skin. If full strength contact or irritation occurs, flush with water for at least 10 minutes. Irritation is temporary and may last up to 48 hours. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Internal Uses

Internal Use: (Never use full strength)

Orally. Adults, mix 1-5 drops of Maximum GSE into a glass of water or juice (5 oz. or more), 1-3 times daily, with or without meals. Children (5 years and older), 1-3 drops mixed into a glass of water or juice (5 oz. or more), 1-2 times daily, with or without meals. Do not use full strength in mouth.

Throat Gargle. Stir 1 drop of Maximum GSE into a small glass of water (3 oz. or more). Gargle several times. Use as often as needed. Always dilute.

Ear Rinse. Thoroughly mix 1 drop of Maximum GSE with 1 oz. of glycerin or alcohol. Apply 1-2 drops of this solution in affected ear 1-2 times daily. Use as often as needed. Do not use full strength in ears.

Nasal Rinse. (adults only) Mix 1 drop of Maximum GSE with 6 oz. of water. Use one full eye dropper of the mixed solution per nostril. Tilt your head backward and release the solution from the dropper into your nose. Swing head forward and down (head is now upside down) to force solution up into the nasal passages. Return head to the normal upright position and allow nasal passages to drain. Do not inhale through the nose during this process. Always dilute.

Vaginal Rinse. Mix 3-5 drops of Maximum GSE with 6-8 oz. of water. Douche once daily for one week or as directed by a healthcare professional. Always dilute.

External Uses

External Use: (Never use full strength)

Facial Cleanser. Thoroughly moisten (splash) face with warm or cool water. With hands still wet, apply 2-3 drops of Maximum GSE to fingertips and gently massage facial area with circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry. A tingling sensation may follow. This is an indication of the deep cleansing properties of Maximum GSE. Always dilute.

Skin Rinse. (minor skin irritations) Dilute 1-3 drops of Maximum GSE with 1 tablespoon of water. Apply this solution directly to affected area twice daily. Do not use full strength on skin.

Nail Treatment. Dilute 1-3 drops of Maximum GSE with 1 tablespoon of water or alcohol. Apply this solution directly on surface of nail along the cuticle and underneath the front of nail, or soak nails, twice daily for as long as desired. Do not use full strength on nails.

Scalp Treatment. Add 2-4 drops of Maximum GSE to each shampooing (mix in hand or on head with shampoo). Massage into scalp and leave on for at least 2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Household Uses

Toothbrush Cleaner. Stir 2-4 drops of Maximum GSE into a glass of water. Immerse toothbrush for 15 minutes (or leave in between uses). Rinse toothbrush before using. Change water and remix every few days.

Vegetable/Fruit or Meat/Poultry Wash. Sink washing - Add 20 or more drops of Maximum GSE to a sink full of cold water. Briefly soak any vegetables, fruit, meat, or poultry. Rinse if desired. Spray washing - Add 10 or more drops of Maximum GSE to a 32 oz. pump sprayer bottle filled with water. Spray on any vegetables, fruit, meat, or poultry. Rinse if desired.

Dish and Utensil Cleaning Additive. Add 10-20 drops of Maximum GSE to sink dishwashing water or to final rinse. Add 10-20 drops to automatic dishwasher with detergent or to final rinse.

Cutting Board Cleaner. Apply 5-10 drops of Maximum GSE to cutting board and work into entire board with a wet sponge or dish cloth. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with water.

All Purpose Cleaner. Add 15-30 drops of Maximum GSE to any 32 oz. pump sprayer bottle filled with water or cleanser. Use on all surfaces around the house.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. ~ III John 2

*I was not compensated for reviewing GSE.
**This list of uses as well as the photo of GSE was copied from Sarah at Candida and Food.

Greatly Blessed

Greatly blessed and highly favoured,

Imperfect, but forgiven child of God!
©2010, William J. Gaither, Inc.





We are so blessed


By the gifts from Your hand


I just can't understand


Why You've loved us so much


We are so blessed


We just can't find a way


Or the words that can say


Thank You Lord for Your touch



We are so blessed


By the things You have done


The vict'ries we've won


And what You've brought us through


We are so blessed


Take what we have to bring


Take it all ev'rything


Lord we bring it to You



When we're empty
You fill us

'Til we overflow


When we're hungry


You feed us

And cause us to know


We are so blessed


Take what we have to bring


Take it all ev'rything


Lord we love You so much

©1982, William J. Gaither, Inc.

This is the song that played as I walked down the boardwalk at our beach wedding ceremony to marry my love nearly four years ago. 

We are still so blessed!