Saturday, July 28, 2007

Things on my mind lately.....

There have been a few things that I have been debating on blogging about. From not sure how I would word it....all the way to not knowing how "others" would react to what I wrote. (LOL, like I have such a large influence out in cyber-world!)

First off.... Modesty "for men"!

Okay...I am not saying that I think the male of our species should go around naked.....but is there all that much to be concerned about???

There is a thread on a message board about this topic, that has opened my eyes to what some people believe concerning this issue. I have always been an advocate for modesty...nothing flashy or "sexy". I also do not endorse having little girls look like miniature adults. I make sure that my daughter does not wear anything too short or too tight.

But you know what? I have never put THAT much thought into what my son wears. I mean, I make sure his shorts are not too short or too tight, but not ALLOWING shorts or even sleeveless T's???? I would never imagine putting those kind of restrictions on him! Also, my husband would request I see a doctor if I did!

I also believe that there are certain situations that allow for being without a shirt (if you are a male)! Swimming is a good example. I do not require my son to wear a shirt while swimming, or when running through the sprinkler in the back yard! I do not see anything wrong with a male wearing a tank top type shirt or even going shirtless when working out in the hot sun or in a hot house. Would I allow that type of dress while visiting friends or going to the store? No, of course not. That would be inappropriate.

Does that mean my son is immodest? Not as far as I am concerned.....nor is there anywhere in the Bible that states exactly HOW we are to dress. There are guidelines, nothing else.

Another thing on my mind: Predestination.

I know...what a weighty subject! LOL Now, this is the subject that I believe might cause a reaction some that read my blog. Although I apologize if I hurt any ones feelings....this is what I believe and feel on this matter, I am not sorry for that.

To me...there is nowhere in the Bible that tells us that Jehovah has already "chosen" all that He will save. If that was the case, there would be no free will (Galatians 6:7) and what use would Jesus' sacrifice had been if we were all predestined! (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20) That would also have meant that God set Adam and Eve up! He would have "planned" for them to disobey Him and bring sin and death into the world! Not a very loving thing for Him to have done! (1 John 4:8)

Also, it seems rather arrogant to believe that "I was chosen and YOU were not!" We are to be humble (James 4:6)....and to me, that is NOT a humble attitude!

Well, I think that will be all for now.

Friday, July 27, 2007

My next canning adventure....

Jams...Jellies....and Preserves!

I have some pickles spears "curing" in the cabinet and some relish that I have put up also.... Since I have only have water bath canner at this point (yes, I plan to get a pressure canner, but I need to save up for that purchase) I have a limit of "types" of things I can put up at this time. Not complaining....

The first couple of things on my list to do are:

Garlic Jelly and Blueberry preserves.

I will post how they turn out after I am able to do them....

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

More puppy pictures

Here are a couple more "active" pictures of Shiva:

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I will post some more later.....

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Introducing a new member of our family......

Please let me introduce to you SHIVA:


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She is an 8 week old lab mix. She has just curled up right into my heart. I will post more alert pictures later. They were took by my oldest and she has her camera with her! LOL So, I can not load them onto my computer!

Monday, July 09, 2007

Update on Canning Dilemma

Thank you for your response, Kayla. :-)

I did call the manufacturer....and made a bit of a fool of myself!

It was the CANNING company that but the disclaimer about not reccommended for glass top ovens....not the oven manufacturer!

She asked me what brand I had....and then told me what page to look at in the guide that deals with canning! LOL

The reccomendation is to do small batches and to alternate burners if you will be canning large amounts!

So, I will be getting started on some pickles tomorrow morning (Tuesday)!

Thank you for all your help!

Saturday, July 07, 2007

A Canning Dilemma

Okay.... if there are any canners out there, I have a question.

Back when we were remodeling the kitchen, I got the privilege of picking out a new stove. I had always longed for a glass top stove....so that is what I picked!

Fast forward and year.... Now I want to learn to can. I have all these plans of lining my cupboards with rows of tomatoes, pickles, green beans and anything else I could grow and process. Guess what???? I was told that I could not use a canner on a glass top stove!!

Has anyone out there had any experience with this? Will it truly break a glass top stove? I mean, how is this any different than any other cooking you do? I mean, I don't plan to process any water bath items for hours. And what about a pressure canner? You do not process that for hours! Why would this really pose a danger to my glass?

Or is this a case of CYOB* for the manufacturers??

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

*Cover your own bottom

Thursday, July 05, 2007

Blog Rating

Online

Mingle2 - Online

I found a way to minimize my computer time....

First, have the kids out of school....
Second, go out of town for a few days....
And then third, have your DH take a week off of work....


Talk about putting a major dent in my computer time! LOL That is okay, family always come first. (Okay, Jehovah truly comes first, but you all know what I mean!)

I have been busy with the kids since school let out. Mainly just doing things in the yard and around the house. There is a new exhibit at the little museum in our town that I will take them to next week....not sure if they will enjoy it, but I know I will! Hehehe.

This past weekend was my District Convention for Jehovah's Witnesses. The theme this year is "Follow the Christ".....and it was wonderful! I just love having three full days of learning and fellowship! My spiritual cup runneth over!

This week, my beloved is off of work. We have been busy going to Kings Dominion and working on projects around the house. I get so much done when he is here.

Hopefully, things will settle down some more next week, but I am not going to promise to write more often! Because every time I do...something comes up and it is weeks before I get back here! LOLOLOLOL

I hope this finds everyone reading it in good health!