Not Dead, Just Uninspired

As the title suggests, I am not dead, I am just uninspired.

Remember the review about Little Dorrit that I posted?
Well, it just recently dawned on me that you might be more intrigued if you
saw the preview for it, Which can be seen HERE. I really hope you try to get a hold of the movie, it is really worth it.
Also, I recently found out that they made a second Cranford, for more info about it click HERE for a wonderful post and a link to the first episode of it, which will lead to the second, third and so on, if you are one that enjoys period movies. ;D That is all for now,
In Christ,


Jillian

For Today

Right now the snow is falling thick and fast. I have shoveled once today, but may need to do more. All good things come with a certain amount of work. The new year has come and everyone demonstrates renewed fervor for schoolwork, housework, exercise, or whatever other goals they may have set. Our ice rink has yet to reach completion, due to complications in warming trends (Yikes! Global warming). So life continues and we all grow up.

As I have been thinking about the various young ladies of my acquaintance all growing up around me (I have maintained some superiority in height ;-) and how to encourage them I came across a poem I wrote a couple years ago. I hope it brings some encouragement to you all as you grow into godly womanhood. (This really applies to all of you who like to cook and sew.)

Which Apron?

This is a day and age when woman must be strong

To fight the spiritual battle the world does send along.

To a worldly woman the apron symbolizes

Slavery to home, drudgery, unwilling sacrifices.

This woman longs to glory in wealth and fame and power,

And feels her family is a hindrance to her hour.

To a godly woman the apron symbolizes

The freedom she has gained through loving sacrifices.

This woman here does glory in forming heavenly treasure,

Raising children for the Lord is her delight and pleasure.

So many battles fought, on so many different fronts

There is no task too hard, her courage will not daunt.

How will you wear your apron? Will it be with shame?

Or will it be with pride, as woman once again?

~Caitlin Carstensen~

We Built a Town!

Putting together "town":

The finished product, after much frosting, decorating, and the like:
Hayley's house, Mothers Mercantile, and the tree is done by Nahla, who was spending the afternoon at our house:

My house, Caitlin's log cabin, and yes, those rocks are edible, chocolate, in fact:


And this deserved a picture all to itself, Laurels church, you can tell she is the artist in the family:
It is always so much fun to do this. I hope it inspires you! (Translated: Go make a gingerbread house, and post about it!)
Merry CHRISTmas,

Jillian

Horizons

Broaden your horizon and look to the distance.

Even when storms are coming, the path will go through them.

It is straight even when going uphill, so don't look down.

God has a glorious kingdom, and it is waiting on the horizon.

As you walk through your day don't forget the big picture that God sees.

Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning; Thou has the dew of Thy youth.

Psalm 110:3

The dumbest thing I've done

Yep, thought the title would attract your attention. If I had entitled it "Winter is here" or "The return of Snow", you probably would not have bothered reading it. I just wanted to say That winter is here to stay for us, and right now I am quite happy with it. I also just wanted to let you know that we are alive. ;)
In Christ,
Jillian

A Word

"Before Action"

By all the glories of the day

And the cool evening's benison,

By that last sunset touch that lay

Upon the hills where day was done,

By beauty lavishly outpoured

And blessings carelessly received,

By all the days that I have lived

Make me a solider, Lord.

By all of man's hopes and fears,

And all the wonders poets sing,

The laughter of unclouded years,

And every sad and lovely thing;

By the romantic ages stored

With high endeavor that was his,

By all his mad catastrophes

Make me a man, O Lord.

I, that on my familiar hill

Saw with uncomprehending eyes

A hundred of Thy sunsets spill

Their fresh and sanguine sacrifice,

Ere the sun swings his noonday sword

Must say goodbye to all of this;

--By all delights that I shall miss,

Help me to die, O Lord.

~W. N. Hodgson~

This poem was written by a soldier in World War 1. As Christians who daily are in a spiritual battle it is a faithful saying and encouraging reminder not to shrink from the tasks which we know are ahead. God will give us the strength for the battle.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might...Stand firm."

Ephesians 6

Caitlin

Our New Header!

We took some pictures today and decided this one would make a neat header. Comment and tell us how you like it, or if we should do something else. thanks! I will try to post something more tomorrow. Also:

Hayley is extending her story contest indefinitely until she gets more entries. Try to enter if you can!

In Christ,
Jillian