Thursday, February 25, 2010

Recipe Day!

Biscuit Bread
 (makes 8x8 pan)

Preheat oven to 425*

  • 2 c of flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 c of vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 c of milk
  • 1/4 c of sugar 
Combine all ingredients, stirring until moistened.  Pour into pan and bake for 20 to 3o minutes.

This recipe was actually a mistake turned discovery. (I love those times)  Anyway, Grace was making a batch of cornbread for supper. But something wasn't right.  Little did she know...

It turned out far different than any cornbread we've ever had.  Light and fluffy, moist and sweet.  It tasted a little like biscuits, only lighter and sweeter.  The end result was that we loved it far better than cornbread so we make it all the time! 

Try it out sometime!









 
 

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Do you believe in True Love?


I shudder at today's concept of love.  No more the godly relationship of a young man and young woman who love each other unconditionally.  Instead, boy meets an attractive girl and asks her out.  They seem to enjoy each others company, so the relationship continues.  Finally, they tire of one another and break up.  Next week, both are going out with someone totally different.

I cringe inwardly when I hear of someone with a "boyfriend."  Is it true love, or lustful fancy, or some star-struck puppy love? I wonder.  Yes, I dare utter that word.  Lust.  Many cases are such.  Most of the time, true love is unheard of, even ridiculed.  Or perhaps people think they have true love.

Ask said people the definition of love.  If they stutter around, or give some absurd answer, you know without a doubt they really have no idea.

Has anyone ever seen the movie Princess Bride? (C'mon now, the-most-quotable-movie-ever.)  One of my favorites! (...yeah, I know, I could go into how there are MANY movies that are "one of my favorites." Perhaps another time.)  Anyway, I recall a line Westley said to Buttercup:  "This is true love.  Do you think it happens everyday?"

Some people may laugh or gag at such a line, but how well he spoke the truth!  It doesn't happen everyday!

A clear up.  I don't want to be mistaken here.  I do believe true love is out there, for one day I believe my husband and I will share such a bond.  I have seen true love displayed in lives, most assuredly in my own parents' lives.  It does exist! (Girls and guys, don't give up hope!)  I'm not blaming everyone who is in love, saying that is isn't real.  If you love someone with a humble heart, ready even to lay down your life for the beloved, courageous enough to fight the dragon, lowly enough to be a servant, sacrificial in all aspects of life, not vain or proud, but kind, compassionate, thinking no evil, never failing, ready even to live fifty years together, in sickness or in health, for better or worse, being rich or poor, even though rosy lips and cheeks fade away and gray hairs grow in numeracy, then you have true love.  (1 Corinthians 13)

The dating game is a system that is corrupting our youth.  Going from boyfriend to boyfriend, from girlfriend to girlfriend, only opens the gate wider for divorce after divorce.  If they practice such when they are young, what is to stop them from doing so when they are married?

Heartache after heartache, scar after scar, hut after hurt.  It will never end until they finally realize the error of their ways.  All they want to do is enjoy the lust of the flash for a season.

Let me ask you this question; do you think that anyone in the dating game has their future in mind?  Are they picking a partner for a life-long commitment?  They are not looking for a life-long marriage partner.  They don't even have marriage on their minds!  It's all for the "fun," a "good time."  The boys aren't out looking for a good woman who will love him--only him--bear children, be a homemaker.  They aren't looking to court and woo one woman, a pure and responsible woman, who will love only him.  No, they are trying to get the most out of every girl they date, then casting them away like yesterday's garbage.

Where is the chivalry in our men?  Where is the kindness, the thoughtfulness, the courteousness, the gentlemanly acts?  Oh, that's yesterday's age. Today is the 21st century man!

If this is the attitude of the 21st century, I want no part of it!  Where are the real men?  On today's streets you see boys swaggering lazily with skinny jeans and "droopy drawers." (I hate being vulgar, but what else can I say without strenuous vulgarity?)  No one gives respect to the ladies anymore.  No more "How do you do, Ma'am?"  No more tipping hats, opening doors, "ladies first," courtesy, or even just friendly smiles!

(Speaking of smiles, I love to smile.  Whenever I'm out, I try to smile at everyone I see, trying to shine up the world a bit, you know?  Anyway, here is my philosophy: Don't ever smile at any young men unless you know them, or they smile first.  Most never return the smile or their look suggests...well, never mind.  I dearly love some of the old men though!  Although some do not, there are still those out there who smile and nod in return.  How that joys my heart!  This may sound silly, but I feel more like a woman when a man smiles and nods, opens a door, or speaks a friendly word.  I don't want any of this "chick" junk or catty grins.  I want to feel respected and honored, not like some flirt who is only looking for attention.)

I am so very thankful to know some men who are real men.  My daddy has shown me the way a man is supposed to be, biblically and physically.  None of that weak and unmanly junk.  When Mama married Daddy, she made the best choice for a husband.  They have been the best example to me and I hope that one day I can follow in their footsteps.

Thank God there are some young men out there who are going against the flow of this abased world.  I salute you all and thank all men, young or old, who are being godly examples.
I think you have now gathered I don't believe in dating.  I have never dated, nor will I ever.  One day, a young man will love me enough to go to my father and seek permission to court his daughter.  Until that day, I have a responsibility, a responsibility to remain pure and loyal.  That means I am 100% against dating.  No "cheap thrills" for me.

I really feel sorry for the boys and girls out there who are messing up their lives.  Would to God their lives would be changed!  All we can do is pray to the God who has everything under control, even when we may not think so.

True love may seem scarce in our day and age, but I am one who believes it exists.  Dating may seem like fun for a time, but in the long run, all that comes about is sorrow.  We need to look at the bigger picture.

Where do you stand?

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Random Rambling

Alas!  Fail accomplishes nothing.  What is today?  Oh yeah, Tuesday.  Absolutely not Monday.  Ok, so I missed yesterday.  It is not a big deal.  After all, my schedule is only a guideline, what you'd call the natural rules....whatever.  So it isn't a big deal.  Really. 

In my first post of Random Rambling (I'll say the first entry) did I leave you hanging in midair?  Or was I just too random?  Perhaps I get that way sometimes. (please tell me if I am all nonsense!)  Silly really.  I go from one thing to another.  Just ask around.

So, do movies or books ever do that to you?  That is one way, but then others times you feel like you could fly through the clouds on only your dreams.  My sister told me my post last Monday was weird.  WEIRD!  Get that!  She didn't understand it.  Great. If my own sister didn't like it, how will it come across to others? 

Well, perhaps I was coming off a little nerdy (I do that sometimes).  You will just have to bear with me.  *saucy grin* (....here I am not being impudent, I'm "cheerfully pert.")

Liberty is now 6 months old.  I gasp every time I think about it!  Six months has gone by this fast?  Surely not!  That means in another six months...*gasp*  ...she will be ONE YEAR OLD!

I love my new font look!  It reminded me of The Lord of the Rings script.  So of course I had to use it. I have come to the conclusion that I just might be finished with updating my blog.  Those who know me know I will still be doing odds and ends here and there....
However, I love the small changes that have happened already.

 The bliss of words flowing onto the page, creating characters and scenes that fit the story line in your head!  Oh how the heart beats with rapid pace, nervously anxious for the puzzle to finally fit.  Joy floods the soul once the page is complete.  Wonderful, yes contentment, even peace as you feel you have accomplished much!  I love those feelings.  I like to "wave at them as they pass by."  The wonders and joys of writers!

Friday, February 19, 2010

"Love alters Not"

"Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments. Love is not love which alters not when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove: oh no! It is an ever fixed mark, that looks on tempests and is never shaken; it is the star to every wandering bark, whose world's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks within his bending sickle's compass come; love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bears it out even to the edge of doom: if this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved." 

~William Shakespeare

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Recipe Day!

Quick Chocolate Softies   

Preheat oven to 350*


  • 1 package of devil's food cake mix (any cake mix will do)  
  • 1/3 c of water
  • 1/4 c butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1 c of white chocolate baking chips
Combine cake mix, water, butter, and egg in large bowl.  Beat until moistened.  Stir in white chocolate chips.  Mix well.  Drop by rounded teaspoon onto cookie sheet.  Bake 10-12 minutes.  Makes about 4 dozen.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

"Train up a child in the way he should go..."



                                               ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Drew! Drew, where are you?"  
Drew snickered quietly.  His little five-year-old body was wedged underneath his bed, hidden by the mess which was littered all around him.
"Drew!"  His mother's voice became more austere.  "Come to me this instant.  You'll be in big trouble if you don't come right now."
Footsteps sounded in the hallway and entered his bedroom.  "Look at this mess!"  She kicked a ball out of her way.  "Drew, come out now."  The command in her voice almost made him give in.  No.  He shook his head defiantly, almost bumping against the wall.

Achoo!   Drew clamped his hand over his mouth, eyes wide and frightened.  His mother's face appeared.
"You're in big trouble, young man."
Drew slowly crawled out from underneath the bed.  His eyes were downcast and his body slumped.
"Why didn't you come when I called?"
Drew gulped.  "Because I didn't want to,"  he whispered, tears gathering in his eyes.  His guilty conscience told him he had done wrong.
"Okay son, you know what to do."
Drew nodded glumly.  He walked into the living room and found the wooden spoon.  He eyed his enemy warily.  If only he could show it how much pain it inflicted!  Oh, he'd show it good!
He plodded back to his room and handed his mother the spoon.  He bent over, resolutely.
"Drew,"  his mother's voice was gentle.  "You knew the punishment if you disobeyed."
One. Two. Three. Four.

Drew winced as the tears fell down his cheeks.  He turned and looked into his mother's loving eyes.
"Next time, come immediately when I call, understand?  Remember what the Bible says, 'Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.'"
Drew nodded as he wiped the tears from his eyes.  He hesitated and bit his lip.  Suddenly, he threw his arms around his mother.  "I'm sorry, Mommy!"
His mother held him tightly.  "I love you, Son, that is why I must punish you.  The Bible commands parents to do so.  One day you will understand."
Drew buried his face in her neck.  "I love you too, Mommy! he whispered.
                                                                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of His correction: for whom the LORD loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth."  ~Proverbs 3:11,12

Raising children can be tedious, I'm sure.  However, as I have yet to experience it myself, I cannot properly say.  I do come from a family of eight children, so I've experienced the opposite.

All I know is from my parents' example and what I've read in the Bible.  I know that "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." (Proverbs 13:25)

The Word of God tells us plainly:  "Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying."  ~Proverbs 19:18

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  ~Proverbs 22:6

"Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell."  ~Proverbs 23:13,14

Not to make a mistake here.  This does not give parents the right to continually beat their children on a daily basis.  Punishment for disobedience and sin is one thing; continued beatings just because the parent may be a bully is another.  A true parent is someone who has the best interest of their children at heart, like God does with His children.  Punishment is necessary for correction, not to satisfy a parent's anger.  Love is to rule over all. (1 Corinthians 13)

There are three extremes: those that rule in anger and force, those that rule in love and correction, and those that rule in indulgence.  Those who rule in anger take punishment to the extreme, acting as if their children were a curse.  Those who rule in love follow the Bible's commands to train up a child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

But then there are those who rule in indulgence.  They don't believe in "corporal punishment."  The very idea of whipping a child horrifies them.  The very idea!  Therefore their children are wild, ungrateful brats (literally) who know how to get their own selfish way.  Their parents then sit back and wonder "what else can we do? We've given them all they want, we've never used the rod, what else can we do?" (what about giving them a sound thrashing?)  They even come to admit that their children are devil terrors.  Parents are to be firm, yet loving, but they most assuredly are not to leave their children on their own.

If parents knew how to control their kids, if they would only follow the Bible's wisdom, the home could once again become a state of self-control, not wild and rambunctious.

"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."  ~ Proverbs 29:15
                                                          ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Drew grew up to be a fine young man.  True, wen he was young, he had to be punished.  But that strengthened his character.  He determined in his heart to one day teach his own children the same biblical teachings his parents taught him.

Then came that day when his own son was seemingly nowhere to be found.   "I wonder...."
                                             ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Monday, February 15, 2010

Random Rambling


I think I've decided to use Mondays as my rambling day. (but then again, a while back I had decided to write on Tuesday, post pictures on Thursday, and write a book review on Saturday.  Yeah, I've stuck well with that.    ...Don't you just love irony?...)

I'm constantly changing aspects about my blog.  I've never been sure of what to stick with.  I've wanted certain themes to abide by, but nothing has stirred a particular interest.  Finally now, I believe I have it!  Of course you've noticed my background.  See all those books?  How could you not miss them?! *sigh* Ah books!  How I love thee!  How I long to read thee all day!  I am am restless until I rest in thy embrace!   Oops.  A little of track there.  But hey, what is random rambling for, anyway?

Back to what I was saying.  I found the best background, the-one-I've-been-searching-for-all-this-time-only-I-didn't-know-it. (it was right in front of my eyes and I didn't even see it.)  The books were the main cause of my interest being sparked, but another aspect that snagged my attention was the title: lost in Jane Austin.  I've finally found the one! was my exuberant thought.  So I spruced up a header and now! I am content.

Besides, my background finally matches my reading and writing passion.

(By the way, if my topic suddenly differentiates suddenly from paragraph to paragraph, it is because that is the purpose of this post.  See, Random Rambling.)

After all the snow we received on Friday, we now have nothing. nada. zilch. (sometimes I wonder what the source of my wording is...I need a dictionary for a brain.)  Our snow has completely vanished.  Now blue skies have appeared; small wisps of white clouds come and go; the dirt soil is just as red; the grass and trees, dead from the winter, will be turning green again; birds are about; the sun is shining brightly.  All in all, a very lovely day. (We'll see how tomorrow is...)

As much as I loved receiving some snow, I most assuredly am ready for warm weather.  The flowers will be blossoming, the trees beginning to bloom, wild berries will ripen, birds will sing, the soft, spring rain will fall, the wild animals will once again resume life after hibernation, the bees will buzz, and the farmer's crops be planted.  Spring and Summer seem displays of new life.

As a writer, many things pierce the heart.  Some things go deep.  Have you ever seen a movie that seemed to stir your very soul?  You live inside the story.  Tragedy occurs: you weep.  Joy is experienced: you laugh.  Into the very depth of your heart, you are pierced with sorrow, longing, peace, happiness, anger, contentment or discontentment.  Then, when the story finally ends, emptiness leaves you feeling lonely and puzzled.  Lost.

Stop!  No more!  I'll never watch another movie, I'll never read another book!  The story seems so real.  You are caught right in the middle of it.  When it finally ends, those feelings seem to stay with you and you wander around aimlessly, wondering why you feel that way...

P.S. This post was meant for earlier in the day, (explaining my description of the day) and will be continued next Monday, if you think it leaves you hanging.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

A Winter Wonderland

I just had to post a quick little entry about something spectacular that happened yesterday.  Here it is in February already, and although we have had a pretty cold winter, there has been no snow.   Then, suddenly, in the middle of the day yesterday, snow started falling!  An eye-opener!  It continued falling until night when at last we received a total of 4 INCHES!  That is absolutely shocking to Southerners!  Of course we all took many pictures.  After all, when does it snow in Georgia?!

The start. Not much of course, but some of us were still excited...

 
*singing* "snow flakes keep falling on the ground..."


The snow started to fall heavily!



  
Blue sky this morning!


"I'm glad I live in the land of cotton, old times there are not forgotten, look awaaaaay, Dixie land!" :P
 
Trees heavy-laden with snow

 

  
Isn't it a wonder? =)


Friday, February 12, 2010

The birthday of a hero? I think not...

(Picture credibility goes to my sister, Kirstie, an amazingly talented artist.)

Today being Abraham Lincoln's birthday, I thought it appropriate to post a link to my article I wrote on him awhile back.  You can read it here.  If everybody knew the truth about Lincoln, we might have a mighty change in certain areas...

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Think Before You Speak


I'm sure your mom has told you that before, right? (C'mon now, you know she has.)

Don't you just hate those moments?  A discussion amongst a group of people, the opportunity arises, you open your mouth...and something utterly absurd pops out!  Of course it really happens so fast you can't stop it, so you really openyourmouthandsaysomethingridiculous.  Then come the looks.  Either people just stop and stare, continue conversing, raise their eyebrows, laugh, or maybe frown.  Perhaps they give you that you-are-so-dumb-stare. 

But then, you glance over at your mother.  Oh how you wish the floor would open up and swallow you! Literally.  You'd rather be any place but where you are.

Shucks, you think to yourself.  Just when I was on a role, proving I was mature.  That went down the drain faster than water.

I tried looking up a verse that would fit my post.  Maybe I didn't look hard enough, or perhaps people didn't struggle with "open mouth, insert foot" back then. (I seem to think mankind has been struggling with that throughout history.  Just my opinion.)  So I came up with this one.  It's probably the closest we can get.  

"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." -1 Corinthians 10:12

Instead of the Bible literally talking about "open mouth, insert foot," it is a "stand up, fall down" mentality. (same difference, don't you think?)

I hate sticking my foot in my mouth.  I tell you, I do it often enough too! (Arrgg! I get so angry with myself!)  Hmmm.  Now I wonder why it frustrates us when we look stupid in front of others.  Pride.  Yes, I believe we have found the reason!  Pride.  Don't you just cringe when you hear that word? (in this case, see the word.)  You suddenly want to put up your defenses.  "Pride?  No way!"

Oh yes, I am serious.  What other reason can there be?  Aha!  I just thought of this verse.

"Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."  -Proverbs 16:18

I think that pretty well describes me.  I rise up on the wings of self-pride, only to be dashed on the rocks of humbleness and meekness.  I become lowly, just as I really am.  All my self-satisfaction is blown away.

Pride may be something everyone struggles with, but hallelujah, we have a forgiving and merciful God.  We don't have to be lost in hopelessness and despair, thinking we are undone forever!  God has given us hope, eternal hope. (Galatians 5:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:3; John 3:16)  We may be imperfect human beings, but we can glory in the One who is perfect in every way.

Monday, February 8, 2010

When you're grinding your teeth, stomping the floor, and pulling your hair.


Days like this are common for me.  Whether I am writing, playing my violin, getting impatient with my siblings, something always happens that makes me want to scream at the top of my lungs. (Ok, I know the title sounds more like a tantrum, but really, I don't mean that.)


There is one problem.

I get too frustrated with myself.

Ugh. I throw down my pencil, my brain all jumbled.  What seemed like great ideas suddenly lost their grandeur.   I turn up my nose in disgust.  I'll never make a writer!  My story suddenly seems lame, poorly written, even ludicrous.  I read and reread the story and can't seem to be satisfied.  I do know I'm not being overly particular because my writing does seem...what's the word? Juvenile.  I haven't had much experience, well, hardly any at all, so I shouldn't expect to write an elegant-sounding novel right off the bat.   But, if you could just read my writing...
Tears would probably be running down your cheeks in rivulets and laughter choking your words.  Ha.Ha. Very funny.

I guess I shouldn't become so discouraged.  God made me according to every detail He had set down from the very beginning.  If I ever write a book or publish a story, that is totally up to Him.  He has given us all different gifts according to the grace He has granted us. (Romans 12:6-8)   Therefore, we are to use those gifts to the best of our ability "with cheerfulness."  

Remember, we are human and cannot do anything perfect.  What is impossible with us is completely possible with God. (Luke 1:37; 18:27)

Isn't is awesome that we have such an almighty and majestic God who is in control of all things?

Whether I ever publish a book or not, all the glory and praise belongs to God alone.  On  my own I could do nothing.  It is only by His Holy Spirit working in me that I "can do all things." (Philippians 4:13)

I give everything that I am, and everything I have ever done or will do, to Christ alone.

Haven't I said before that writing helps me work out my own problems?  After I put down my thoughts down, things don't seem to be so bleak.

Now, where did that pencil go...

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Recipe Day!

Chocolate-chip Oatmeal cookies

Preheat oven to 375*
  • 2 sticks of butter, softened
  • 1/2 c of granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 c of packed brown sugar
  • 2 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp of milk
  •  2 eggs
  • 1 3/4 c flour
  • 2 c of oats
  • 1 1/2 c chocolate chips
 Combine brown sugar, butter, and granulated sugar in bowl until creamy.  Beat in eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.  Stir in flour, oats, and chocolate chips.  Drop by rounded teaspoon onto cookie sheets.  Cook for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.   Makes about 4 dozen (more or less).

I have decided to do a recipe once a week, preferably something I or one of the family have tried before. ....Well, maybe I'll even add in some recipes that we haven't tried, but sound tasty and exciting to make.  Maybe we'll even find some interesting and unusual recipes!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A Bit of Silliness, Really.

I sniffed the air appreciatively.  Mmmm!  What a mouthwatering smell!  Oh how I wished for some!  I looked around, not believing my eyes, and saw everyone else's calm demeanor.  Why were not their mouths watering?  Why were not their noses sniffing eagerly as well?  Was I the only one?  Ah, there it was again, that delicious, aromatic smell!   

Ok, ok, maybe I do need to decelerate a bit.  Still, that's that way I saw it!

However, the pleasant aroma, which I so avidly described, did not does not live up to its taste. (or should I say down?)

I know that the substance has sustained many a weary traveler, given warmth to the coldest of bodies, given many an "addiction", woke up even the sleepiest at first taste, yet even those such qualities have not alerted my taste buds to the liking.

Curious as to what that mysterious substance is?  Maybe you have already guessed it (I've given plenty of clues); therefore I need not tell you.  But for those who are not so quick minded, I will relent: Coffee, the ever-so-mysterious-substance.  Surprised?  Maybe even shaking your head at my foolishness?  Or maybe you are trying to stifle laughter?  Or better yet, telling yourself that I am the most absurd and silly girl on planet earth and you are never coming back to my blog again.....I can only imagine.  Personally, I am doing the first two.  I know I will be coming back.


I have often remarked how I wished coffee tasted as good as it smelled.  Walking down the coffee isle in the store alerts all my senses to the wonderful smell of coffee!  If coffee tasted as good as it smells, I would completely understand why many love it.  On the contrary, I completely and most assuredly do not understand.  What's with the brownish/blackish liquid that has absolutely no taste except of that worse than boiled dirt? (How do you like my analogy?)   Really now, coffee does not have a pleasant taste whatsoever.   I really wish I could understand.

I have had both my mom and dad say that they felt the same way when they were young.  Now they drink coffee every morning most times.  But, Mama only drinks her coffee with creamer in it.  The "sissy stuff" as Daddy says.  He, of course, drinks it plain black. (Gross!)

Am I just being childish?  I even have friends who drink coffee!  Is it just me? I wonder many times. 

What do you suppose, that a couple of years from now I'll look back upon this, really as a childish feeling?  I may end up loving coffee sometime.

Rather, I prefer hot chocolate.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The Responsibility

(Scene One) I gazed critically at the dirty sink.  How could it have came to this? I groaned inwardly.

The day was Saturday,  our major weekly cleaning day.  Of course, the house gets cleaned during the week, but Saturday is major.  Saturday gets us ready and prepared for the Lord's day; plus, after a full week, the house tends to be dirty, if even in some spots more than others.

The kids' bathroom was dirty.

(Scene Two) This time I groaned aloud.  Again I gazed upon a dirty sink, filled to overflowing with dishes.

This scene could not be helped.  The day was Monday.  Every Monday the sink is full of dishes.  This particular week happened to be mine.  Dishes piled atop each other, all encrusted with food.  The dishwasher was full as well.  All the dishes smelled like yesterdays meals. (what's with the irony?)

I felt pretty discouraged.   

Ok, let's say I felt pretty angry.

I do NOT want to deal with all this! I cried to myself.  

I wanted to hurry through it all and be done.  Oh to be done!  But no, I had that responsibility.  Did I want to prove myself to be mature, or a little baby who couldn't handle a sink full of dishes?

Dishes are a small responsibility compared to other things.  But it is still a responsibility.  How many times do we hurriedly skip over things just to be done so we can do our own thing?  Is that a premonition of what we will do when we have our own home to tend?  Our own children to take care of?  I most assuredly would not want my husband coming in from a long day at work to a dirty house, unkempt children, laundry everywhere, dishes piled high, beds unmade, etc. etc.  I will want to have an orderly and clean house that I wouldn't be ashamed of.

But, too many times I do not have things in order.  Either I hurriedly do the job, or don't do it altogether.  Shamefully I admit.  I'd rather be off, doing what I please.  That is not maturity.  That is not responsibility.

What does it say about the Proverbs 31 woman?  "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness." (verse 27)  

As keepers of the home we are not be idle and lazy, only doing what pleases us. (yes, let me tell you there is some housework that is not pleasing.)  We are to be good stewards.  That means we are to put others first, clean that toilet even-though-it-seems-to-be-the-most-disgusting-thing-EVER, do that laundry, wash those dishes, make those beds, clean those rooms, vacuum and sweep those those dirty floors.  "A man works from sun to sun, but a woman's work is never done."  (Don't know where that comes from, but it is funny nonetheless.)

I am so irresponsible many times.  But I want to thought of as accountable, not shiftless and lazy.  I don't want my years to be wasted with laziness.  So from now on, I will try to act responsible.  The Proverbs 31 woman in the Bible is the best example we can imitate. (oh, did I mention my mom as well?)

By the way, in the end, I did my part faithfully and washed all those dishes.  In the end, it was a real pleasure to see a clean and tidy kitchen.