Clothed With Scarlet

Teacup Tuesdays - Mema's Shelf

2008-08-19T05:14:42-07:00

Mema Simpson. She was my Daddy's mother. Bobbie Louvena Quarles Simpson. Her sisters called her Vena, most other folks called her Bobbie.

Mema was born March 29th, 1911. She was the second born of seven children. The oldest child, Mattie, died around age seven. Mema's mother died when Mema was only ten years old, leaving Mema as the primarly caretaker of her five living siblings while Granddad Quarles worked as a blacksmith. Mema's father married again and four children were eventually added to their household.

Mema married in 1934 to an Army tail-gunner in training. Joe Scivally Simpson. He was the youngest of eight children, born November 1st, 1910. Their son, my father, was born October 15th, 1949. I was the only grandchild for over six years. Mema & Papa lived a little more than an hour from us so we visited often.

I have so many memories of them and their home. Mema died when I was ten but my heart overflows with memories of her. She remained particularly close to some of her sisters, Aunt Neva, Aunt Ruth and Aunt Vada. Those four women traveled and enjoyed many a day together even as old women. I can remember being in the front seat between Mema and Neva with Ruth and Vada in the backseat many a time. :0) She liked to listen to this song, One Day At A Time, sung by a woman named Christy Lane. And she liked to listen to The Old Rugged Cross.

Mema was a small woman of only four foot, eleven inches. She got her hair fixed every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. by Roberta. We often shared a bologna, mustard and onion sandwich for lunch. Her fried chicken was the best that I remember eating. The wall-heater that heated their entire home warmed me better than any heater I recall. Her high heels that I used to play dressup with fit better than any other. At bedtime we would stay up way too late and talk and she would tickle me until I ran out of giggles.

This teacup and saucer shelf hung in her dining room. Papa died when I was fourteen. Five years later when I had a husband and a house of my own, this teacup and saucer shelf became a part of my home.

There is a groove in each shelf that is designed for the saucer to sit safely inside of and a nail that is stained to match the wood for each teacup to rest on. I don't know where Mema got this shelf or who made it. It hangs in my dining room and I see it many times each day. What a privilege to have cups that overflow with memories and a shelf that brings a sweetness to my heart every single time that I see it.

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

August 19, 2008

Music: One Day At A Time

The Sword is Sufficient

2008-08-15T06:56:04-07:00

The last three mornings have been cool and comfortable.

A Texas August is never cool and comfortable.

I am learning so much lately. I have been chasing after God for a few months now. I want more of Him. I was, long ago, tired of my will and my ways. I fail myself, I fail my husband, I fail my children, I fail my Lord.

"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;" ~~II Corinthians 3:5

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." ~~Hebrews 4:12

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." ~~John 1:1

God has been showing me the power of His word. He has been teaching me how sufficient His word is. He has been showing me how insufficient that I am. Do you understand? The little bible with the maroon cover that lays upon the table in my home...it is not an it..."it" is Him. He is sufficient. Sufficient for every problem, every question of the day...

We have a tendency to want to "gulp" down a bit of God's word in the morning or in the evening and then we try to sustain ourselves on that small taste all day long. We find ourselves in a "hamster wheel" just running and running and getting so tired.

We are starving ourselves of Him. How can we rest in His sufficiency when we run all day long and leave Him, our bibles, sitting on the table, touched...opened only briefly each day?

What would happen if we opened God's word morning, noon and night and often in between? What would happen if we put down everything but His word? What would happen if we quit trying to "binge on God's word" and started consuming it? What would happen if we began to nourish ourselves by simply reading His word. No "bible studies", no devotionals, no watered-down forms or versions or outlines...

Just the sufficiency of The Sword...

I think it would be cool and comfortable...

...I think it would be like breathing in the coolness of the last three mornings.

I think it would be like feeling comfortable on an August morning in Texas...

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

August 15, 2008

Music: Big Snow in Salzburg

The Going-With-Us-Basket

2008-08-13T09:40:56-07:00

Getting little children or several children ready to leave the house poses a few particular challenges. Obviously. :0)

At some point in the past, I made it a habit to place the things that we would be taking with us next to the door that we would be exiting. I taught the children that the things in the basket or bag by the door were off limits. This practice allows you to not have to go and collect the library books again or to not pack the swim bag again and so on.

I have just realized (I'm a little slow...) that this practice needs to be extended to my children's feet. The children's shoes truly do stay in their closets most of the time. My previous practice has been that my oldest (age six) helps her sisters get their shoes and helps them with buckles and such.

Well...sounds good in theory but the lack of attention span and ease of distraction can often deter them from the mission of covering their feet in a timely manner. Instead, when each child is getting ready for the day, the child is to gather their own shoes and put them in the DO-NOT-TOUCH-THIS-IT-IS-GOING-WITH-US-BASKET.

:0)

Works for us...

Just thought I would share...

;0)

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

August 13, 2008

Music: Moonlight Sonata

My Crown of Glory!

2008-08-11T05:40:54-07:00

Birthdays are so different now that I have my own children. It is a wonderful day to celebrate a life...a life breathed into existence by our Heavenly Father!

This is Mr. & Mrs. Hall. Mrs. Hall is an amazing and wonderful woman and a dear friend:

Mrs. Hall and I decided some years back that we were going to grow old God's way. We decided that we were going to refuse the world's way of everlasting youthfulness and embrace the blessing of growing older, whatever that may bring.

We decided that we would celebrate with a tea party once one of us found our first grey hair. I suppose that might just seem a bit silly to some folks but we intend it in all seriousness. My dear friend moved 2000 miles from me about two weeks prior to the evening that I spied my first grey hair. We celebrated via telephone and decided that our tea might have to be postponed until we both had a grey strand to celebrate, thereby giving us time to save some pennies for travel.

A few days ago, I located the second grey strand atop my head. Bailey happened to be standing beside me and questioned my excitement. I laughed and said to Bailey, "My words are not adequate, let me just read it to you." She was fast on my heels as I spun around and headed toward my bible.

Here is what I read to my daughter:

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. ~~Proverbs 16:31

I explained to Bailey that hoary means grey. Then I read it again like this: "The grey head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness." 'Bailey, that means that God has started making my crown of glory! My grey hair can be a crown of glory if I walk in righteousness with the Lord! Isn't that exciting? :0)'

Bailey smiled and said, "Mommy I am happy about your grey hairs, too. But what does that mean, 'a crown of glory'?"

I said, "Bailey, I don't know precisely and exactly what that means. I know that as I grow older and as I grey, if my grey hair is found in the way of righteousness, that it is a crown that God is making just for me. I know that it is amazing and humbling to watch God work."

:0)

With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. ~~Job 12:12

It never fails. If we look around us, we find that this old world twists every aspect of God's way for our lives. I don't want any part of that. He created us! He knows how many hairs we have upon our heads...it is his hand that begins to "paint" each of those strands grey. How can we possibly choose not to embrace God's perfect design?

There are many years to come before I resemble this lovely woman.

On each August 11th, I choose to be thankful for whatever the Lord brings in my next year of life.

~~~

August 11th is also a day that think of my own mother...as she cared for a newborn infant and began her journey into motherhood. If you are a mother, you know exactly how wonderful your child's birthday is.

Happy Birthing Day Mother! ;0)

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

August 11, 2008

Music: Moonlight Sonata in honor of my Mother & my Grandmother Bettye

Wait & Don't Be Weary

2008-08-10T07:40:50-07:00

26Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

27Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?

28Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

August 10, 2008

Music: Make My Life A Prayer To You

Lemons or Lemonade?

2008-08-07T16:55:47-07:00

Can you guess how many times I have mopped the dining room floor in the last 24 hours?

It has become rather comical. I swear that there must be a little mouse pouring tea or water onto my floor everytime I leave the kitchen/dining area. It seems like everytime that I walk through, there is another little puddle.

I had a friend over for Evening Tea yesterday and I assured her that her feet would surely stick to the floor!

:0)

I often tell the children that a situation is simply a matter of their hearts. We can partake of lemons in their sour state or we can make lemonade out of them. ;0)

They are but wee children...

It is up to Father and Mother to teach them how to take each step, each breath with care and with thought. It is up to Father and Mother to teach the children to be attentive and considerate.

What is gained when Momma makes her frustration obvious?

Eight times in the last 24 hours I have opted to smile with my mop in-hand or while I am assisting a little girl in mopping up a puddle.

It is not always easy and it is not always the first response that comes to mind but I must choose lemonade...

...lemonade...

...with extra sugar...

;0)

posted by Mrs. Klause

August 7, 2008

Music: Whistle While You Work

...we hold it in our hands...

2008-08-05T07:19:21-07:00

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." ~~Hebrews 4:12

~~~

Do we actually have any idea of what we hold in our feeble hands? Can we actually wrap our sinful and selfish minds around the power of God's Holy Word? His Word is quick. His word is powerful. His word is sharper than any twoedged sword. Do we get that? Do we understand that it is the words written on the pages of our bibles that pierce our souls? Do we gather that it is the Word that is Him?

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." ~~John 1:1

posted by Mrs. Klause

August 5, 2008

Music: Lord of the Dance

Crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch, crunch...

2008-08-02T06:04:41-07:00

So here is an excerpt from our discussion at breakfast this morning.

The girls are eating their breakfast. I am reading to them from the book of Matthew, chapter three. This morning I read verses 1-7. I read the passage straight through and then I go back and read it verse by verse and explain the words and the general meaning of the sentence. Each verse is usually followed by discussion oftentimes quite lengthy. After we have read through each verse and discussed each verse, then I go back and read the passage straight through again. Finally, the girls give a narration of what they have just heard.

Here is the passage from God's word: 1In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

We talk about verse one, verse two, verse three and then we get to verse four. "And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins..." So we talk about the clothing that John was wearing and why he may have been wearing such clothing. I give a definition for raiment, girdle and loins. We discuss the pregnancies of Mary and Elizabeth and I have reminded them that Jesus and John were cousins and relate that their own cousins. Then the second part of verse four, "...and his meat was locusts and wild honey." Bailey's face gets all scrunched up as she is crunching her cereal in her mouth. :0) Kennedy looks at Bailey and plays off of her expression with her own scrunched facial expression. It is what "eeewwwww" looks like on a persons face. ;0)

Kennedy says, "Momma what's a locust." Bailey hops in and reminds her of the plagues on Egypt and Kennedy scrunches her face up some more.

Kennedy: John ate bugs?

Momma Klause: Yes ma'am, and honey. It is what God's word says so we know it is the truth.

Bailey: Kennedy, did you know that there are still people that eat bugs?

Kennedy: (With an expression of utter amazement.) No Bay-way, they don't.

Momma Klause: Yes Kennedy there are people that eat bugs. The Klause family does not eat bugs but if that is all that we had to fill our tummies, we would be grateful for them. Maybe locusts are particularly tasty with wild honey.

** Their faces are still all scrunched up in the "eeeewwwww" position. **

Momma Klause: (Assuming that all questions have been answered and with nothing more to add, I read the next verse.) 5Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

Bailey: Momma? (With a very serious look on her face.)

Momma Klause: Yes Bailey.

Bailey: I'm still thinkin' that pizza would have tasted better.

:-)

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

August 1, 2008

Music: Canon in D

Summer Sale -- LAST DAY!

2008-07-31T05:12:44-07:00

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What makes this deal so good is that this ebook package includes the ecourse Supermarket Savings 101--this course alone is normally $17.97 and will show you how to drastically reduce your grocery bill. You will learn how to cut your grocery bill by up to 50% or more and have fun saving money at the same time!

Click HERE to read more about this huge sale! Get this money-saving ebook package at a low price while you can!

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 31, 2008 - Price updated August 1, 2008

Music: The Lonely Goatherd from The Sound of Music

...face Him...

2008-07-30T05:46:41-07:00

I've never had a need to sweep the front porch and sidewalk daily...until now. We have a tall crepe myrtle that stretches her flowered branches out over the sidewalk.

Each morning I am honored to open the front door for my husband so that he may leave for work. I respect him greatly for working so hard every single day. His hands are full with a cup of coffee and his lunch as he steps out onto the porch. I kiss him goodbye and sweep the small pink flowers off of the porch as he leaves for the day.

Our neighborhood is quiet. This morning the clouds were thick and white overhead and the sun was tucked behind the low clouds in the eastern sky. A steady and comfortable breeze blew against my face. The birds are busy this morning. They are chittering to one another, hopping along rooftops and flying in swoops and circles.

The clouds overhead as so beautiful. I want to reach out and touch the softness and pull it to me. Then...the wind...the breeze...

I am reminded of how big God is, how powerful. It is His desire that the light wind cool my skin as I stand on the sidewalk. The breeze pushes firmly against me as I turn to face it. The gusts blow and it whips my hair in front of my eyes. Then it slows and I can feel the coolness floating in between my fingers.

The wind seems like the will of God. I cannot control it but I can submit to the mightiness of it, the power of it, the softness of it...

"1The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

2Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.

3The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

4The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.

5Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever."

~~Psalm 93

Turn to His face...

Be still...

Feel His presence brush over...

Let Him consume you...

Every day...

Every moment...

...turn to face Him...

~~~

Please, stay and listen for a few moments...

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 30, 2008

Music: Kindness of Strangers

Teacup Tuesdays - Tiny Apples

2008-07-29T14:49:17-07:00

Mother gave me this small tea set some years ago. Sorry it is so dark, I tried, obviously without success. The tray is the apple of course and the teacups and saucers are on the left. The saucers are the most lovely in the set with the tiniest flowers hidden in the leaves. There is a teapot, cream pitcher and sugar bowl.

Bailey and Kennedy use the tea set on occasion.

But we have never had tea as you can see how tiny the set actually is.

:0)

Teeny, tiny apples...

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 29, 2008

Music: Tea for Two

Pancakes, Time & The Sword

2008-07-28T05:17:43-07:00

Do you ever just have fun?

I try to enjoy the little things and I try to help my children enjoy the little things more.

The picture above is two "normal" pancakes at the top and then a bird pancake and a flower pancake. I didn't have any particular bird in mind when I started but she turned out a bit "duck-ish". The above flower is about the fourth attempt. Addison enjoyed nibbling my mistakes.

My niece and nephew were visiting. The top pancake is a spider for Nathan. And then Bailey's heart, which did not turn out very pretty but it tasted good. The flower in the picture above was made just for Kyla Ann

Kennedy got the butterfly and Addison liked her caterpillar.

Poppa Calvin's turned out best since we were also having boiled eggs for breakfast! :0)

I didn't premeditate or plan, I just poured some batter into a little ziplock snack bag and snipped the corner off and started "drawing" I have altered the Mickey Mouse pancake "pattern" and made bear pancakes before but those got boring. ;0)

Take time today to have a little fun with you children. Live with the cheerfulness and joy that comes only from Christ. Today's batch of pancakes could be your last.

There is no promise of tomorrow. We have only today and only this very moment to bring glory to God in all that we do, all that we say and all that we think.

Our children must see Christ in us and we must place the Word of God into their hearts throughout the day! Read your bible to them Momma! Plunge the two-edged sword into their hearts as often as you can. The Holy Spirit is waiting to do the rest...in their hearts...and in ours...

:0)

P. S. Maple syrup wipes off your bible cover nicely.

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 28, 2008

Music: Nothing Without You

Teacup Tuesdays - This is what it is all about.

2008-07-24T05:32:07-07:00

This is Kennedy in her gown drinking a cup of hot tea before breakfast.

Sleepy eyes and soft padding feet... It is truly one of the best things to see and hear each day. As each child wakes up, she comes to find me and we cuddle and kiss and hug and "love each other" into another day. Oft times we have tea in the morning. It satisfies their hunger so that we can prepare our morning meal together. "Taking tea" could also be said "tying strings". The conversations that take place over a cup of tea are always so wonderful.

Sometimes we have fancy tea parties but most of the time I sit and have tea with my children just as I sit and have tea with friends. We talk of this, that and the other; sometimes the conversation is lighthearted and many times the conversations are heart-changing. This is what the teacup is all about. It makes for a lovely addition and decoration to our home but it is the strings that are tied right through the very handles. It is the strings that weave us together. It is not the tea that is contained within the teacup, it is the relationships that fill the cups and it is the memories that overflow onto the saucers.

Although I so enjoy a cup of tea with a dear friend, the very best cup of tea is taken with my child.

...sometimes we laugh and smile over our tea...

...sometimes we cry...

"9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." ~~Colossians 1:9-17

~~~

I pray that my children be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

I pray that they might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work. I pray that they would increase in the knowledge of God and be strengthened with all might. All according to the HIS GLORIOUS POWER! I pray that it be all unto patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. I give thanks unto the Father which hath made my children meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light...

~~~

The Lord has been teaching me to pray...not the fumbling words of a sinful and selfish wife and mother...but teaching me to pray the very words breathed by the all-mighty, all-knowing, all-merciful, all-loving, most-holy Creator.

As we sit across the table from our children today, we must listen intently and leave all the busyness of the day aside. Their characters are being formed, the hearts are being changed...

Each conversation...it really is all about eternity.

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 24, 2008

Music:

Do You Ever Enjoy The Silence?

2008-07-22T08:18:42-07:00

I wrote this last year but feel it important to share again. The Lord has brought me full circle in the matter of being quiet, particularly in reference to our husbands.

"Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit." ~ Ecclesiastes 4:6

"The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD." ~ Lamentations 3:25-26

"And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." ~ I Thessalonians 10-12

Over the last year the Lord has been teaching me to be quiet. The Lord will always take our fumblings and self-will and use it to His glory but have you ever stopped to think about what He might do if were to just be quiet for awhile? If we were to serve and love others...particularly our husbands...but cease to constantly excerpt our thoughts and opinions... Are you guilty of speaking defensively to some of your husbands comments? I am. Are you guilty of snipping at your husband when he fails to live up to your expectations? I am. Are you guilty of grumping and nagging your husband? I am. Are you guilty of just being crabby and sour in tone of voice? I am. How about the other side of the coin? Are you guilty of giving suggestions that weigh heavily towards your desires? I am. Are you guilty of jumping on the bandwagon of complaint or gossip? I am.

Silence and quietness is a powerful and tremendous blessing. Without our constant ramblings and regular voice into ALL matters, I wonder what the Creator would do. What exactly would He work together? What precisely would He orchestrate in the heart of your beloved husband without your words. Don't misunderstand me now... Our words can be a great encouragement to our husbands. I am his helper, his lover, his confidant, his best friend. I should be the arms of Christ when my beloved is weary. I should be his greatest warrior, in prayer on your knees daily for my husband. We should always be ready with words of kindness and encouragement for our husbands.

Do you often think you know what is best? I do. I am guessing that there are times when we do know best but it may not always be appropriate for us to make sure that we tell our husbands just how it should be. Have you been in prayer over a particular issue concerning your husband or your children or your family? The Lord has been teaching me that there are great rewards and blessings in silence. Serving, loving and ministering to my beloved husband in silence is an amazing thing! We visit and talk of course but God's word tells us to pray without ceasing and to do all things without complaining or arguing. When we are in constant prayer and when we never complain or argue, the words from our mouth should be laced with sweetness and never spoken without prayer first. "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." ~ Proverbs 16:24

Think of all that God has created. Think of the daily miracle of the sunrise and sunset. Think of the intricacy of how God weaves together the lives of our wee babies within us. Think of how awesome and amazing God is. Think of the power and omnipresence of the Lord. Now think of what your marriage might be like if you were always praying and often silent.

"1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety." ~I Timothy 2

It is in my heart to encourage you as a wife. To encourage you to be the woman that God designed you to be. God's design for your life will set you apart from this world. It is right and best for all of us to start our day on our knees. All of the words written above come as a result of my selfish and my sinful nature and as the result of the correction of a loving Heavenly Father. "But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13" "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: ~ Hebrews 10:24"

Won't you join me?

Being quiet is not always appropriate. Being prayerful is. We must take every thought captive and that is not possible once we have flung that thought out of our mouths. Conversely, taking a thought captive can translate into "taking something back" from the Lord that He intends you to speak to your husband. Ladies, we must be constantly in prayer. The thoughts that are on our heart ... we must take them to the Lord to determine when we should be quiet and when we should speak with tenderness and love. Being quiet can also create a place in which you run from the word of God...a crutch to not speak when the Lord is nudging you to talk to your husband.

Pray, pray, pray... We must pray without ceasing ladies. We must cry out to God and deny ourselves...we must seek His face and not be satisfied with the mere "crumbs" of His obvious existance in our lives. Trust in Him with all of your heart and never, ever lean upon your own understanding.

~~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

Originally posted: June 23, 2007

Denying Ourselves by Mrs. Crawford

2008-07-21T08:10:45-07:00

Mrs. Crawford over at Generation Cedar writes with tremendous passion and intensity. She wrote an article a few days ago that I wanted to share.

Here is an excerpt from Denying Ourselves:

"It's just like Jesus to ask us to do something He knows we can't do! And why? Because that leaves us completely dependent upon HIS strength and grace to walk in obedience. And that's tricky; He requires obedience (my will) to the things He asks of me (His will), but it's an obedience that can only be carried out through the strength He can give me. And what if I don't deny myself? What happens to me, my family, my church, community, neighborhood, world?"

Please take a few minutes and read Mrs. Crawford's article: Denying Ourselves.

~~~
posted by Mrs. Klause

July 21, 2008

Music: Be Thou My Vision

Lunch anyone?

2008-07-17T12:38:26-07:00

I like lunchtime. It is a wonderful break in the day's activities. It is a time to nourish our bodies and nourish our hearts. I have not yet made it a consistent habit but opening God's word at the lunch table is good for everyone I think.

As I was nibbling my sandwich today, I thought it might be fun to post my favorite lunch meal and then see if I could get a few of you to post your favorite lunch and the recipe if we need one. :0) I find that the midday meal is the one that needs a little "spice" sometimes...so a couple of new ideas might do us all some good.

My favorite lunch is a bologna sandwich. Really, it is. I like sandwiches a lot. Now I will take a bologna sandwich with just about anything on it but "the perfect" bologna sandwich is made like this:

two slices of fresh white bread

a thin coating of mustard on one slice and Miracle Whip on the other

layer bologna, lettuce, tomato, fresh onions, salt, pepper and the most important part (that makes it so yummy) is fresh sliced jalapenos

You must slice it in half. This is the only way to make sure that all of your goodies stay in the sandwich. I like plain potato chips with my sandwich but I will eat any fruit, fresh veggie or chip that we might have on-hand. An occasional slice of pepper-jack cheese is yummy and avocado slices always makes a nice addition to any sandwich that I eat. ;0)

So...what is your favorite lunch meal?

You can post a comment with your favorite and the recipe or just leave a link to your blog or website. Everyone...make sure you check the comments on this post!

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 17, 2008

Music:

Teacup Tuesdays - Stacking Four

2008-07-15T18:38:23-07:00

Isn't she lovely .. a new way to hold teacups and saucers! She is made of a thick creamy colored metal. She actually matches another pretty that I have that holds teacups.

Mother gave it to me a couple of weeks ago for my birthday. She couldn't wait...my birthday is in August. ;0)

I like it. The upright display allows more cups in a smaller space.

Thank you Mother!

:-)

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 15, 2008

Wife, you just can't do it. Stop trying...

2008-07-14T12:24:10-07:00

Isn't this a beautiful picture of a man and his wife?

Clinging to one another... Looking through his eyes right down into his heart... Allowing the soft music to carry their steps... The sweet smell of the flowers surrounding them... When they stop dancing, they will peer out into the magnificent blue sky and wonder together... Then they will wander over and see their images, side-by-side, in the reflection of the water...

I just can't be that wife to my husband. I do not have all that he needs.

You do not have all that your husband needs either.

You cannot be the wife that your husband needs.

What is it that you, Wife, have prayed about and determined that you need to do for or with your husband? Words that you need to speak... An attitude that needs adjusted... An action carried out daily...

A conversation that needs to be had.

Socks that simply need to be picked up daily, with a smile on your face.

A friendship that needs to be ended.

An alarm clock that needs to be adhered to.

A tongue that needs to be controlled.

Daily exercise that needs to be done.

Meals that need to be prepared.

~~~~

I don't know what the Lord has laid on your heart or if you have even begun to seek the Lord's will in your daily words and actions toward your husband. Are there things that you feel like you need to do that you just can't? Are there words to be spoken that you just cannot seem to pull from out of the depths of your heart? Are there tasks that you need to do or that your husband has asked you to do that you struggle to complete each day?

~~~~

Our marriages are not about our happiness. Most of us know that already. We have made a commitment to love, honor, cherish and obey for better or worse until the sting of death parts us from our husbands. Marriage is, however, about our holiness. It is about refining us. Our marriages are for the glory of God.

As I sat before the Lord this morning, I realized something.

The Creator told me something this morning. Not in words that were audible but in that "voice" that you can "hear" deep down inside your heart.

"You cannot be all that he needs."

{sigh}

That statement doesn't mean exactly what you think it might mean though...

Sometimes we see things only from our perspective.

Marriage is not about our husband's happiness either.

God uses our marriages to make our husbands more holy.

God uses our marriages and what happens each and every day to refine our husbands.

~~~~

Our lives are so intricate. The Lord weaves us together for His glory. I do believe that it is beyond our ability to understand how God weaves our free will and poor decisions into His plan. I recently shared a very simplified word-picture with a young woman: The way that God weaves our lives all together would be like us trying to knit a tiny little baby's hat when someone keeps changing the color of the yarn and the pattern. It is like trying to knit this hat when someone randomly removes one of your needles from your hand and then gives it back a while later.

God gave us free will. The ability to choose whether we would obey His will or whether we would disobey His will. He "weaves" all things for the good of those who love Him. He "weaves" our lives so that He is glorified no matter what our decisions.

My beloved husband's heart is beyond my ability to understand. The work that God is doing in his heart is beyond my ability to understand. No matter where our husband's are in their lives... No matter who they are....

...loving or unloving...

...gentle or harsh...

...hard-working or lazy...

...sober or drunk...

...self-controlled or selfish...

...saved by Grace or not...

Wife, if you are seeking the will of God in your marriage, then you must obey when He makes clear a particular plan. When the Lord tells us something or shows us something then we must simply obey. We must take not allow our own emotions to control us but we must simply obey the whisper of our Heavenly Father.

Ladies...if you have "heard" the Lord over a particular matter but are failing to carry it out or move forward...you, me...we are grieving the Lord greatly. We are disobeying the Lord. We are exerting our wills over the perfect will of the Lord. We are allowing our emotions to control us. We are thinking that we know better. How arrogant we can be sometimes.

Have you ever or do you ever instruct your children to simply obey and then ask questions later?

:-)

I have.

I think it is that simple for us too.

~~~

Do what you have been told to do Wife.

Almighty God, Creator of the Heaven and Earth, The I Am... He is at work in the hearts of our men. We cannot be all that our men need. We try to fill all the gaps.

There are threads that we do not have. There are stitches that we cannot weave. There are gaps that we cannot fill...

...only Christ can fill the gaps...

...only the work of The Master's hand can create some things...

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." ~~Matthew 6:33

"2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." ~~Colossians 2:2-3

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 14, 2008

Music: Canon in D

Happy Birthday Addison!

2008-07-11T05:46:38-07:00

Addison is turning two today.

~~~

She was born in the afternoon...

...with lots of family and friends at the hospital awaiting her arrival...

...Daddy and Addison...

...Kennedy (17 months old) and Bailey (4 years) seeing and holding Addison for the first time...

...when Kennedy saw Addison, she started giggling and she giggled for days every time she saw Addison or held her; she was so excited...

~~~~

Her first birthday party celebrated 2000 miles from family and friends. We had just moved to Washington a month prior.

Addison really liked balls so we made it a Round Birthday Party. ;-) We had a polka dotted cake and balls and bubbles.

...she liked the bubbles...

~~~

We have family coming in this weekend. I will post more photos over the next couple of days for our family and friends that are far away from Addison on her birthday.

~~~

May I just take today to shout from the rooftop...

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward!

~~~~~~

Psalm 127

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

~~~

Birthdays are completely different to me now that I have children of my own. What an amazing day of celebration. A celebration of life of our child...the life that has already been lived and the life that is ahead of our child. A day where my feeling of thankfulness to the Lord overwhelms me. The reward of our children is amazing and humbling. A day of tremendous joy for the Klause quiver is blessed.

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 11, 2008

Music: Over The Rainbow

Teacup Tuesdays - Drinkin' From My Saucer

2008-07-10T19:25:58-07:00

DRINKIN' FROM MY SAUCER

I've never made a fortune
And it's prob'ly too late now;
But I don't worry 'bout that much,
I'm happy anyhow!

And as I go along life's way
Reapin' better than I sowed.
I'm drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!

Haven't got a lot of riches,
And sometimes the going's tough;
But I've got loving ones around me,
And that makes me rich enough!

I thank God for His blessings
And the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!

I 'member times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin;
But all at once the dark clouds broke
And light peeped through again.

So, Lord, help me not to gripe
About tough rows I've hoed.
I'm drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!

If God gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings;
I'm already blessed enough!

May I never be too busy
To help others bear their loads.
I'll keep drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!

~~~

:-)

~~~

posted by Mrs. Klause

July 10, 2008