Blog - Prairie Dust Trail

Parasite Invasion and Demonic Attack, cleanse with caution!

9/28/2023

Tanya Candee is an RN - divorced from health care to pursue a career as a Certified Restorative Health Coach. She offers truth in an authentic attempt to practice what she preaches, which is all about detox and parasite cleansing.

A wonderful interview with Tanya Candee is an RN - divorced from health care to pursue a career as a Certified Restorative Health Coach.

She offers truth in an authentic attempt to practice what she preaches, which is all about detox and parasite cleansing. Tanya sees the body as a compost pile, in order to grow health, we need good soil.

“When we remove from the body what the Lord did not create and replenish what is missing, the body will restore. That is the foundational health approach. That my friend is possibly why what you’re currently doing is not working. Are you sewing seeds of health in bad ground?” ~ Tanya Candee

Find Tanya at Awakened Wellness LLC:

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.” Matthew 12:43-45

Plant Paradox review and Common Sense Farming

8/24/2023

The Plant Paradox is an interesting compilation of information and scientific study, but when my dietician friend found out I got it, she had some legitimate concerns. There are also some things as a farm girl and Bible believer that I totally disagree with.

A dear online friend of mine is going through cancer treatment. I'm so very proud of her because she stepped outside of the "norm" and is pursuing natural ways to help her body heal itself. The Gerson Therapy is a whole-body approach to healing with no damaging side effects.

In the midst of her experience, she shared a book recommended to her that she feels is making a huge difference. She specifically mentioned autoimmune disease and lupus, so I looked into the situation and ended up buying the book.

The Plant Paradox is an interesting compilation of information and scientific study, but when my dietician friend found out I got it, she had some legitimate concerns.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16

Anytime we consider changing habits, we should be cautious. In this review and discussion, I go into Biblical principles. The author is an evolutionist and the book is NOT written from a scriptural perspective at all. I also look at it from a farming viewpoint. For me, it HAS to make sense from both the natural and the spiritual before I'm going to consider change, especially any drastic change.

With this outlook in mind, there are some very interesting points in the research Dr. Gundry has done. There are also some things as a farm girl and Bible believer that I totally disagree with. We need to remember, sometimes these smart scientists don't have the basic, down-to-earth experience to back up their claims in real life. Don't doubt yourself in those instances. Think beyond the methodology and consider the old-fashioned, time-honored truths as well.

Scriptures:

Genesis 2:16-17
Genesis 3:17-19
Genesis 9:3-4
Genesis 7:1-3
Leviticus 11
Ezekiel 4:9
Daniel 1:11-13
Matthew 6:25
Revelation 2:7
1 Corinthians 8
Revelation 2

Disclosure: Purchasing products through the affiliate links on this page contributes to the success of this site at no extra cost to you.

For more information on Fermenting, Sourdough and Biblical eating:

Fermenting for dummies! SO EASY via Off Grid with Doug & Stacy (This is the video I learned from. Thank you Stacy!)

Sourdough with Traditional Cooking School - How to make a sourdough starter? What’s happening in a sourdough starter? What’s so great about sourdough bread? This video and sample chapter– a free release from our Sourdough eCourse and eBook — answer all those burning questions… and more!

Can Christians Eat Food Sacrificed To Idols? (I don't know anything about this ministry, but the article is very good.)

Feasts of the Lord free Bible Study - I'm really enjoying the new friends I'm meeting who are going through this study with me!

I'd love to know what your thoughts are on this. Please leave a comment or email me. I love hearing from you!

5 Tips for Spring Cleaning Home and Body

4/5/2023

Biblically the beginning of the year does not start in January. The Biblical year begins on the sighting of the first sliver of the new moon once the barley is Aviv (in seed, just about ready to harvest). This is usually in or around April, sometimes in March (when it seems like spring is coming early), and sometimes in May (when spring seems late).

There's no reason to get too worried about a special calendar or anything. It can be much simpler than that. One way or another, we still have to do most of our business according to the calendar everyone else is on. We should keep in mind:

"But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter."
Romans 7:6

Some would like to take verses like this and say we need to ignore the "old" law. Unfortunately, those people are missing so much meaty goodness in the scriptures. The spring feasts of the Lord are definitely filled with treasures.

If you would like an introduction to the Feasts of the Lord from a Biblical perspective, I have a free Bible study series for you. Click HERE to join.

Deep Cleaning the Home

Spring time is a great time to get some of that deep cleaning done. You know, those things you've been meaning to get to all year, but just haven't been able?

A quick note: If you don't have the time, energy or strength, set aside a little money to hire help. One person can do more in my home in a few hours than I can get done in a week! And don't worry about them seeing how your house looks. Most people who hire out for housekeeping have seen worse! I promise! The nice thing about hiring help is that it is JUDGEMENT FREE!

Some ideas of things that might need done:

Cleaning filters on appliances, heating and air conditioning units, and water system.
Going through seasonal wardrobe and cleaning the closet.
Wiping down baseboards and door frames.
Washing windows.
Refrigerator and deepfreeze cleaning.

There are so many things that get overlooked or put off for later. Spring is a great time to catch up on some of those things

"Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses.." Exodus 12

Health Cleanse

Not only does the house need cleaned, it's an excellent idea to do a gut cleanse as well. During Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Israelites were commanded to eliminate yeast from their diet and to eat "bitter herbs" for a time. Bitter herbs help cleanse they digestive system.

"...eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs." Numbers 9:11

I like to spend a week taking aBlack Walnut and Wormwood supplement and also avoid (or cut down on) sugar for a week or more.

Detox Bath

The word "wash" is in the Bible 133 times in the King James Version. The word "clean" is found 194 times. While the verses apply to different times and circumstances, it's obvious that God considers cleanliness important.

A good detox bath is soothing as well as cleansing. Kristen over at A Better Way To Thrive has a wonderful post and recipe for Relaxing Lavender Bath Salts. I like to apply castor oil instead of lotion after a detox bath. Castor oil is lovely on the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Clean the yard and porch

After all the winter weather, it's time to prune, rake and sweep around the house. As you are doing this bit of cleaning up, take note of any plants you may want to purchase when you see those great spring sales popping up. Also, do you need to replace any yard furniture? This is a great time to take inventory.

"Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10

Take time to breathe

Spring is a good time to enjoy the pretty days before the summer heat sets in. Open some windows, let in light and air. Listen to the birds play. Breathe in deeply and count your blessings.

Admittedly, here in the Oklahoma panhandle, I have to choose these moments with care and enjoy those days as they are presented. Between dust storms, wild fires, late blizzards and tornadoes, we can have five seasons in one day. So when I'm presented with a pretty one, I do my best to enjoy it as much as possible!

The Feasts of the Lord aren't legalistic, religious mumbo-jumbo. They're an opportunity for resetting your home and life for the year. Here's a great video with simple explanations and ideas for how to do this.

What are you doing this spring to prepare for the rest of your year? I'd love to hear from you. Tag me on social media with a picture of something that brings you joy in spring!

Is Farm Minimalism Really Possible?

10/5/2021

Out on the farm, it’s hard to keep a balance between stuff you MIGHT need and stuff you THINK you might need.

There is no true minimalistic lifestyle on a farm in the middle of nowhere. You have to keep stuff for the blizzard that might happen, because if you don’t, WHEN that blizzard happens – whether tomorrow or 12 years down the road – you will NEED that stuff to keep your animals from getting sick or dying, or to keep your house warm, and your family clean and fed when the power doesn’t come back on and the roads are blocked for weeks.

Simply put, on the farm or out in the country, you must be prepared for the possibility of the unexpected happening. You can’t afford to clutter your house, barn, and yard up with stuff that you don’t need and can’t manage, but you need to keep enough things that will save your bacon and make your life easier during a catastrophe.
So, what does that look like? Where do you begin to identify what is too much and what needs to go away?

Start with one room

First of all, let’s start with where you live. Pick one room (ONE. ROOM. You over-achievers, I’m talking to you) and look at everything around you in this one room. What is your first impression? Do you feel overwhelmed, or relaxed? What kind of feelings do you want to have when you enter this room? What kind of feelings does it give you now? Can you focus here? Does it look like there’s a lot of clutter? What kind of clutter is it?
For me, let’s go to my living room (that is on the opposite end of the house from my bedroom that I really should work on but am admittedly procrastinating on). In my living room, it’s movies, books, office stuff, and knick-knacks that hit me in the face. It looks like a mess. I want to come into this room to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family. Right now, I can’t relax. It’s overwhelming. There’s so much stuff! As I look around right now, I see that I could minimize MOST of this.
We have a lot of blankets and pillows, more than we technically use at one time. However, if we have one of our rare but dangerous Oklahoma blizzards that no one is ever prepared for, and the power is out for almost 2 weeks straight, those blankets and pillows are going to become very important for keeping kids, pipes, and animals warm and dry! What do I do to make them less of a clutter object? Keep the blankets folded and use a ladder or quilt rack to hang them from, and keep the pillows on the couch or on beds.

Video organization

Now, turning to our cabinets full of movies – What would these movies do for us in a blizzard, even if we were on generator power? Or God forbid our air conditioning dies during a week of 100 degree weather! Or a flooded house! They would all be ruined in short order! What do these movies do for me or my family? Nothing. We really don’t watch that much TV, and who has time to sit and watch all of these 1-3 hour adventures anyway? I can get rid of most of these movies, others I can take out of their cases and put into DVD organizers that take up less space, and the favorites could be displayed in one little area of the entertainment center. That would minimize so much visual noise and clutter in my space, thereby making it a more relaxing area for me to enjoy.

Office supplies

Okay, moving on!
There is a box – a literal BOX – of office supplies. It sits right next to the file cabinet and desk (our house is rather small, so the office is in the living room). It’s stuff that we already have plenty of – staples, sticky notes, highlighters, etc. and it is also where we have thrown the instruction manuals for everything. For our larger appliances, I can put the manuals in a baggie and tape it to the appliance. For the smaller appliances, I should file those manuals into a smaller box and probably put them into the garage. Or throw them away. Who really reads instruction manuals anyway?
As for the extra office supplies, why do we need so much extra? I’m not going to staple an intruder to death, use sticky notes to feed a fire, or feed my dog a highlighter during a food shortage. If those extras don’t fit into the drawer with the other supplies, then they need to go to someone else who will use them. They don’t need to take up precious space in my house.

Books, books, books!

The books and bookshelves STAY. Okay, well, some of them could go. Like, the Obama Diaries. It’s funny, but it brings me no real happiness, and it’s a one-time read. Same goes for Lord of the Flies and Animal Farm, but they are CLASSICS AND THEY STAY. OKAY? So do my 5 copies of The Hobbit and 2 sets of Lord of the Rings.
Okay, enough about the books. They all stay. Moving on.

Usefulness vs. emotional attachment

The knick-knacks need to be minimized for sure, but I have lots of emotional attachment to them. What do I do with those? Honestly, if I can’t find a way to make them useful, I need to throw them away or sell them. They collect dust, which is bad for family members with allergies or asthma. I don’t have enough time to keep them clean. And, there is SO MUCH STUFF in my house that immediately assaults the visual senses, no one can enjoy the cute little knick-knacks anyway.
My Windstone Edition dragons are big-time dust collectors, but they are heavy and can be used as bookends. So, I have found a use for them. I can also sell them for very good money if I MUST get rid of them. (I collect dragon stuff like a dragon hoards gold)
My Bobble Head Baby Groot, however, is only useful for keeping me amused. And believe me, he amuses me greatly. Any time one of our teenagers stomps across the house, a door slams, the baby throws something, or my husband drops a weight on the floor, Baby Groot dances and bobbles to delight me. However, he collects dust and takes up space. One arm is broken off. He often gets lost in other clutter that collects around him. He is not even worth anything if I were to try and sell him. Most of the time, honestly, he brings me no joy. The most I could do is move him out to my car, into a flower pot on the porch, or simply throw him away. Poor little guy. I love him so, but he’s otherwise not good for my mental or physical health.
My stereo is also useless. It has AMAZING sound. However, it can’t find a radio station to save its life, and if the power goes out, it’s useless. I only use it to save the battery in my Bluetooth radio, which is smaller, CAN find radio stations, and has a weather radio, a light, a solar charger, and can be hand cranked in an emergency. There is literally NO REASON for me to keep my giant dust collecting stereo, other than my daddy gave it to me, and it is therefore precious.

Things could be gone in a heartbeat.

But, if a fire were to take our house, my precious things would be gone. As it is, I’ve had a fire ALMOST take my precious things, and I ended up wishing it had, because cleaning the ash and soot off everything was nearly impossible and took me YEARS to get done. The dust storm that followed the fire ruined many things to the point that I was forced to throw them away anyway. You would not believe how much better I felt mentally and emotionally (and physically!) once I had cleaned my living space and felt like I had room to breathe again (literally and figuratively).
All of this to say that THIS is how you minimize in an environment that doesn’t allow you to live as a minimalist: Look at what is around you. Even the stuff that you have a mental attachment to (which is mental clutter, let’s be honest). How often do you clean that? How much time do you spend with it? How does it serve you? What kind of situations can it serve you in? And if a fire were to come leave it a mess, would it be worth trying to save? Would it be replaced immediately, like a tent, underwear, or a phone? Just how important is it to your survival? Could you take it with you to live in a small apartment?

Organizing the Barn

The same goes for your barn! When will you use that spare saddle blanket? How many screwdrivers do you need? Are you ever going to fix that broken thing over there? When will you finish that project sitting in the corner? How many tents and sleeping bags do you need?
Sometimes, you will have good answers and reasons for holding onto things: you often DO need more than one screwdriver. You sometimes need a spare saddle blanket. It’s good to have more than one radio in an emergency. Those snow shoes will be a huge life saver during the next blizzard. That bottled water is important during a boil order. That stockpile of food will come in handy if the road is blocked for a couple of weeks. You DO go camping once every year, so the tent and sleeping bags need to stay.
Other times – many times, in fact – you need to own that it is just clutter and if you don’t use it regularly, you’re not going to use it, and it needs to go away.
Sit down with yourself and learn the difference between what you use, what’s really important for your survival in a catastrophe, and what is just taking up breathing/mental space.
Oh, by the way, this goes for the stuff in your storage shed too. If you don’t use it to the point that you need to store it, and you barely remember what all is in there, it’s time to have a garage sale, donate it all, or have a bonfire. Just sayin’.

The harshness that is Western Oklahoma has never left Kathryn lacking for a story to tell. When she’s not outrunning a wildfire, chasing a tornado, or watching the sun set in the West, Kathryn can be found on her couch, transforming the scenery she has seen into words and blowing them into her imaginary world, where dragons fly free. Learn more about Kathryn on Instagram.

Fall is in the Air

9/27/2020

While the leaves turn and fall from the trees and you start digging out jackets and hats, make sure to slow down and enjoy your blessings. Don't let yourself get too busy to start shopping for or making some heartfelt gifts. Send a card, email, or message to a friend letting them know you are thinking of them. This has been a hard year for a lot of people. Let's pray for our neighbors.

The weather has definitely been cooler. I've been so very ready for fall this year. Summer set in much too early for me and was very hot here in Northwest Oklahoma. Thankfully we did have quite a bit of moisture. Things are still a bit greenish outside, so maybe we'll get some of those pretty colors instead of things just turning the usual brown.

I've found myself craving chili, hot cocoa and woolen plaids.

I've been quilting baby blankets for the newest grandbaby. He will be arriving sometime next month. We are really looking forward to meeting him. I love seeing our family grow again. I really missed having babies around. The fur-babies are fun, but not the same as people-babies. All the aunts and uncles are having fun too. We have a lot to be thankful for this year!

Have you been catching the new podcast? I'm finally getting the ball rolling and the family is even chipping in. Last week, Kylee, our bunny girl joined me to talk about raising rabbits. Real Life on the Prairie podcast is really growing. We've had over 50 downloads already, in less than a month! You can catch it on nearly every podcast platform and listen at home or on the go. Coming up next week, Kathryn (our oldest and now a mother herself) will join me talking about helping children find their purpose.

Disclosure: Purchasing products through the affiliate links on this page contributes to the success of this site at no extra cost to you.

If you're looking for some recipes and craft or homemaking ideas, here are some things my friends are sharing:

Danielle Tate has an interesting post discussing whether or not Should Christians be Carving Pumpkins, plus a yummy Hormone Helping Hot Cocoa Recipe. She's also got her 6 Steps to a Debt Free Lifestyle free mini eCourse available right now. Make sure to check her out.

Traditional Cooking School has a Cultured Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats {with a Trim Healthy Mom option!}

For some artistic fun, Beyond the Stick Figure has a free Art Camp with a week of art education and fun for the children including some giveaways and Mommy inspiration for nurturing your budding artist.

The Beehive Connection has a new printable Fall Family Meeting Planner available on sale.

If you've ever considered starting your own business, or if you have a sidgig you'd like to get going... Katie has a free Grow Your Biz God's Way Marketing Masterclass. I highly recommend Katies courses. I've taken most of them and have really grown under her mentorship. Katie's philosophy is; your message matters and you are never too small or too old to share that message and create a legacy.

While the leaves turn and fall from the trees and you start digging out jackets and hats, make sure to slow down and enjoy your blessings. Don't let yourself get too busy to start shopping for or making some heartfelt gifts. Send a card, email, or message to a friend letting them know you are thinking of them. This has been a hard year for a lot of people. Let's pray for our neighbors.

What are you particularly grateful for today?

5 ways to rock Homemaking when you are Domestically Challenged

8/22/2020

Who posts pictures of dead plants on Instagram? I might just start.

Who posts pictures of dead plants on Instagram? I might just start. I have to say I'm thrilled we got to have Grand-baby #1 today, but what really made my day was a picture of dead plants with this caption:

Today’s tip for the domestically challenged... be sure to label your dead plants! That way people will know what you nearly managed to keep alive and they can visualize what they would have looked like had you actually watered them.
.
Follow me for more homemaking tips.
@tauna_phomemaker
aka Proverbial Homemaker
(Domestically Challenged. Divinely Equipped.)

Bless you Tauna! Paul and I got a hearty laugh out of you sharing such a relatable circumstance.

Sometimes we just need permission to let "Real Life" happen without feeling the need to get stressed out, worked up or to "take control" of the situation. Tauna's tagline is correct, the domestic arts may be challenging, but we can be comforted to know we are divinely equipped to do what needs to be done.

The first step in any recovery program is always admitting there is a problem. While being domestically challenged is never the root problem, it's a fun way to admit a very real struggle. The root of the issue can be several things:

Physical limitations - If you aren't getting enough sleep, get some rest. If your hormones are fluctuating, get some rest. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, eating fresh foods, and getting enough rest.
Loose boundaries - You may be overextended or over-scheduled. You may (probably) have a hard time saying "No" when you should. It's okay to say no. It's actually good for you and often, good for others to be told no occasionally.
Laziness - It happens. We all get a little slothful sometimes. Make sure to check number 1 and 2 before jumping to this one, and DEFINITELY don't let anyone else tell you this is the problem, especially if they are pushing #2... Do something lazy and call it "self-care" then get to work. You'll feel better!

If you are still struggling after all these are met, go back to your Bible. (I'm assuming you start there every day, if not, start. You won't believe the difference it will make.) Often, just addressing these then going to the Word will light the next step on the path you need to be on.

Disclosure: Some of the links below (not all) are affiliate links. Purchasing products through the affiliate links on this page contributes to the success of this site at no extra cost to you.

Once you've dealt with the root of the issue, (they will need to be revisited occasionally) then you can start using these tips:

Put on shoes and shine your sink. I've followed FlyLady for 20+ years and her tips, lessons and resources are timeless and effective.
De-clutter. Brenda Mason's Downsizing 31 program is a one month simplify your life process that will help you create a clutter-free home oasis.
Create a personalized cleaning routine. Here's a treat for you, my dear reader, make sure to subscribe for free printable homemaking cards.
Budget. Seriously, if you have money set aside for improvements, space saving options and the proper tools, your life will get easier. Danielle Tate, The Sex & Money Mrs, can help. Her Believer's Budget e-course is amazing but you can start with her 14-Day Savings Challenge.
Time management. Start with the kitchen. The kitchen is one of the most time consuming places we spend time in. Let's cut some of that time out for other things! Traditional Cooking School has 14 simple things you can do TODAY to save yourself some time in the kitchen this week.

This list is a really good start for getting things back on track domestically.

If this is overwhelming, don't quit. Breathe. It's going to be okay. God has a plan for your life and He will equip you to fulfill it. It's so easy to get bogged down in life's circumstances and challenges.

If you feel stuck right now Kathy Burrus can help. Her UnSticking the STUCK Places free masterclass is for the woman who longs to be doing the things that really matter - to her and to her world. But with each step forward she feels the tension, emotions, push back, and limits that keep her ‘stuck to the floor’. How do we break free of the stuck places and break through to who we really are? Kathy's testimony and insight will help you find things in your life to celebrate.

Dawnita Fogleman is a staff journalist at the Woodward News in Northwest Oklahoma.

Dusty Draft: Continue to support next generation. Quit fighting and think about the future...
Why did the large family of turkeys cross the road? While they declined to comment, speculation is they may be preparing for hunting season...
Oklahoma ranks high in civic racial equality - This was a fun story to write. I called on the kindness of several friends as contacts to weigh in on a topic high on the list of recent current events.
Locals hold an event to focus on suicide awareness - A topic close to my heart.
Trash or treasure? The Sod House Museum holding ‘Treasures’ workshop - Antiques!
Area Oklahoma Milk Bank is over two-thirds full of donated breast milk and ready for pick-up! Breast milk for NICU babies.

So... Have you killed any houseplants lately? Do you have a prayer request? Email me or leave a comment below. I LOVE hearing from you!

Sticky Summer & Sentiments

8/16/2020

Summer can end in chaotic vacation recuperation and back-to-school preparation. On top of the normal havoc, this year has added concerns and considerations that seem to be affecting every aspect of our lives.

I'm looking forward to Fall. We've been seeing the hummingbirds and monarch butterflies coming through on their migration. The flies are swarming and sticky, so I know autumn is just around the corner.

The flies aren't the only things that seem sticky right now. Summer can end in chaotic vacation recuperation and back-to-school preparation. On top of the normal havoc, this year has added concerns and considerations that seem to be affecting every aspect of our lives.

My friend Kathy is hosting a free class for those struggling to break free from the things that are holding them back. The UnSticking the STUCK Places challenge is August 19th.

I've really been enjoying Kathy's live videos this summer. Her thoughts and devotions have been refreshing.

Disclosure: Purchasing products through the affiliate links on this page contributes to the success of this site at no extra cost to you.

Summer has been hot, yet blessedly moist this year. The extra rain has made the weather muggy, but the moisture has been so nice after so many years of drought.

We hate adding heat to the house with much cooking or baking. By the end of the summer, we're looking for creative ideas for cool meals and snacks. One refreshing afternoon snack is these Dairy-Free Fudge Pops (with sugar-free options!) from Traditional Cooking School. These are so much healthier than corn syrup laden ice cream. We also like to freeze bananas to blend up into smoothies with fresh milk.

I'm looking forward to Handprint Legacy Live event at the end of this month. As a faith-based small business owner, I'm looking forward to Katie Hornor's virtual fiesta from Mexico and learning more about creating a marketing system that will fit our unique needs.

Katie coaches businesses of all shapes and flavors. Her methods fit everything from our rural funny farm to businesses of a myriad of services and products.

Completely fed up with current events, I've been filling my 45 minute drive to and from work each day with audio books. Nothing especially educational or edifying. I've been listening to delightful Christian Historical Fiction stories by Julie Klassen.

So far I've listened to:

The Silent Governess
The Girl in the Gatehouse
The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

I'm finishing The Tutor’s Daughter this week.

These have all had a Georgian / Regency or early Victorian flavor which has been refreshing. I particularly enjoy the occasional recipe or historical 'how to' with tips hear and there on housekeeping and child-rearing...

Are you in the midst of back-to-school? Getting a good start to the year can be difficult. Budgeting the expenses of the new year and planning subjects of study are some things that can make the start a bit bumpy.

My friend Mellissa has The Ultimate Student Planner. This helpful tool is printable in two designs.
Danielle shares How to Start Homeschooling Without Going Into Debt with helpful finance and budgeting tips.

I also have a sample Schedule, Routine & Tools for Homeschooling with several resources listed to help as well.

How has your summer been? What's been your favorite memory this year? What are you looking forward to most this Fall?

Tips for Healthy Bodies and Healthy Finances

6/14/2020

When summer hits, I find myself with a little extra winter fluff hanging on that needs to go. My knees start hurting and I have a hard time handling the heat even without the extra, so it's got to go.

When summer hits, I find myself with a little extra winter fluff hanging on that needs to go. My knees start hurting and I have a hard time handling the heat even without the extra, so it's got to go.

Though I've never been exceptionally overweight by most, average standards, I am considered 30 to 40 pounds over my suggested Body Mass Index. I just carry most of it in my hips, which is an easier area to camouflage.

My biggest problem is a lack of will power. I'm generally not an over-eater, and my extra is hormone related. It just takes a lot of effort to get it to budge and simply cutting portions won't do it. I already eat a lot of vegetables and salads when they're available. I eat a limited amount of carbs and sweets. I usually only drink water, coffee and hot herbal teas.

So, what do I do?

I have to really work myself up to the idea, mentally and emotionally. I have to make up my mind that I'm going to lose the weight. ...which is definitely not successful on it's own, but if I don't make up my mind, I won't do it at all.
I stop eating supper on a few days a week, trying not to eat anything after 3-4 in the afternoon.
I supplement a few meals a week with a meal replacement, high protein shake or bar. I really love them and in summer I tend to not have an appetite for large meals. Especially when I'm busy, this works well.
When I'm craving ice cream, I try to have a frozen banana smoothie instead. I blend a frozen banana and sometimes frozen strawberries with some milk or cream cheese and enjoy!
I give myself days to eat normal. Usually Friday and Saturday and then one other day in the midst of the week. This helps keep me from burning out.

As with everything else in life, it takes consistency and flexibility. I also know my body well enough to know, if I get stressed, my body will rebel. So I make sure to get plenty of sleep, rest and happy things going on. I don't usually try to add a workout routine at the same time. I'll stretch a lot and take a walk on pretty days, but I don't push myself beyond what I know I can handle. After the weight is off, it's easier and more comfortable to move about and start the exercises.

I wish I could just stay consistent and keep the weight off. But when winter hits, I always seem to go into hibernation mode with a good book and hot cocoa. I give myself that grace. I'm healthy, and that is what is important. Continuing to get more healthy is always the goal.

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While considering physical health, finances are something to consider as well. We've always struggled through summer. My husband is a contractor and customers tend to not want to pay him until after summer vacation and new school clothes and supplies are purchased for their children. So we tend to be last on the list to pay. We're blessed to have been out of debt for a good while now, but I know a lot are struggling especially with the economy as it is.

My friend Danielle Tate is offering a course. She and her family have had some major financial devastation to work through and she is a financial counselor, so she definitely knows her stuff.
I encourage you to check out her 6 Steps to a Debt Free Lifestyle to help you work toward eliminating the debt you have and live with a new mindset for financial freedom.

A few extras this week:

Cathy Duffy has done a review of the Beyond The Stick Figure drawing course. Cathy is a respected Homeschool icon. I know so many have struggled with teaching their children art. I'm so glad there is such a sweet course now. If that's an area you struggle with, definitely check it out.

Also, there is a Free Trial of Traditional Cooking School. There are so many great homesteading tips and wonderful recipes on the Traditional Cooking School site.

And for Bible study, The Followers of Jesus Christ website is a great place to find topics and teachings of Biblical Prophecy, Freemasonry, Cults, Ritual Abuse, SRA, Fraternities, Healing, PLUS, many more Bible studies and helpful ministry Resources such as Books, CDs, DVDs, Tracts, Poems, and PDFs!

How are you doing so far this summer? I'd love to hear what your plans or goals are for the next few months!

Keeping the family healthy

4/5/2020

Our skin and our mucous membranes are our first line of defense for immunity. Shouldn’t you be more concerned about taking care of your immune system since THAT is what actually fights covid-19?

The immune system is a wondrous thing. The way God created our bodies to fight sickness and disease is pretty amazing, and kinda gross all at the same time.

Because we have several in our family with allergies to certain medications, I've worked really hard to find natural, alternative remedies.

The best thing we've found though, is to keep boosting and strengthening the immune system.

Several things have come and gone in and out of fashion as far as herbs and supplements, but some things are basic, good-ole common sense.

Our friend Joyce has put it really well here. She is a mother to three adorable little'ns. Their family brought some friends and helped us build fence after the devastating wildfires of 2017. They've been such a blessing to us. I'm thrilled to be able to share her wisdom with you.

Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31

Our skin and our mucous membranes are our first line of defense for immunity. Shouldn’t you be more concerned about taking care of your immune system since THAT is what actually fights covid-19?

Vitamin A

Strengthens the skins ability to keep out pathogens/invaders (our first line of defense)
Strengthens the epithelial cells of the mucous membranes, lungs, bronchial, trachea, (airway)
Contains Lysozyme, an enzyme with the power to split open bacteria, viruses, yeasts and expose them for the white blood cells
Encourages growth and strength of cilia in the lungs to move invaders to the mouth to be swallowed for consumption in the acid of the stomach
Supports the production of white blood cells
Crucial for the white blood cells to create anti-bodies for our immune system.

Beta Carotenes

Part of Vitamin A, available for the body to use without being processed first by the liver
Supports the mucous membranes also our first line of immune defense
Vitamin C
Necessary for the formation of collagen to create a strong skin matrix to keep that first line of immune defense
Empowers white blood cells and promotes the growth of these cells
Enables white blood cells,phagocytes, to literally kill and eat viruses and bacteria

Bioflavonoids

Found in citrus fruits and are a catalyst for Vitamin C that converts it to metabolites which super charges the Vitamin C for many functions- as if it is Vit C on steroids.

Vitamin D3 (sunshine)

Balances the immune system and bolsters it’s ability to fight infection.

Magnesium

Also super charges white blood cells to attack and kill invading organisms

Probiotics

Balances gut bacteria and Some probiotics can help with yeast overgrowth (the ones I take do and they also have bioflavenoids)

Iodine / Iodide

Supports the thyroid, a major endocrine gland that is vital to the metabolism thus the functioning of the immune system.

Fear and worry deplete your immune system and invite illness in the front door.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

Thank you so much, Joyce for letting me publish this here! Joyce is a Plexis distributor. If you're interested in some supplements, those are really good. Our family has enjoyed them. I encourage you to visit her Plexis site.

This has not been the first pandemic to hit the world, and it will not be the last. The SAD, standard American diet has not prepared us for fighting illness of any sort. With all the different auto-immune issues and allergies people face today, I wonder how much is brought on by the processed foods and beverages we take in. Of course, I believe more people should pursue country life. While we definitely don't escape the ravages of this world, I tend to believe our quality of life is much better overall than those stuck in cities.

A cowgirl's thoughts on face masks and a pattern link...

3/22/2020

A cowgirl's thoughts on face masks and a pattern link...

Cowgirl logic says, carry a hankie with you for each person in the family for dust storms and smoke when there's a wildfire. In case of a super contagious sickness, a few more layers sure can't hurt, plus these are really cute!

On the sober side, if it makes the neighbors feel more comfortable to see your family picking up feed or groceries with a covered face, why not?

Also, this is a great project for the family to do together. Younger children will love picking out cute fabric patterns. I plan to use those little poof-ball things and hot-gluing them on.

If you are starting the homeschool journey, start out playing lots of educational games and developing relationships with a strong routine (homeschooling only takes about three hours a day) and good habits. Don’t think about formal academics until that foundation is laid.

We do have several with allergies in our home and one with pretty bad asthma. I'm looking forward to getting some of these made and seeing how well they work.

I think if we use felt for the mouth area, it would give extra filtration... Plus putting a pocket area in for extra filters if someone is needing more. If you want to donate these, someone might want or need to add some extra. I bet a coffee filter folded in half would work.

For basic home and family use purposes, woven cotton, flannel and felt should work very nicely. I bet these are going to be used a lot more often in our country and others who haven't had the habit, once this is over.

For more extreme cases, like those going through cancer treatment, dialysis and such, they may need more protection. I'm not sure if we could find "carbon filters" as one pattern suggested but I was thinking about getting some activated charcoal and soak inserts after washing...

Of all the patterns I've sifted through, this is the one that is most Cowgirl friendly. It's in English, which is helpful. She shows lots of great pictures of her whole, adorable family wearing them, and it's free (Thank you!).

Craft Passion has free patterns and tutorials that look fun and easy to follow. I admit, I hate all the pop-ups and ads, but a girl's gotta make a living however she can in this day and age. The pattern itself is printable and fairly self-explanatory.

The Face Mask Sewing Pattern comes in 3 sizes. There's a guide at the bottom of the printable page to help you make sure it's printing at the right size. I had to adjust the settings to 'fit to paper' in the 'Scale' in 'More Settings' for my printer.

I made the mistake of not checking sizing on a printable pattern recently and ended up with a whole bunch of pot holders that are too small for big hands to use... Learn from my mistake! LOL

Again, on a sober note... Our lives are changing. We're seeing unprecedented things happening around the world. Perspectives will change. The wildfires did that for us three years ago. We'll never see our world the same again. Therefore, we feel blessed to be a bit more prepared for this than others may be.

How are you doing? With all the scary information and funny memes... it's easy to feel lost in the shuffle. Check in with me. I'd like to help. >hug< Don't know where to start? Fill out this short, little form for a start and let me know where you are in all this, by clicking the image below:

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