Like a Bubbling Brook

Conversations With God

Jaime — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:38:27 +0000

Today, I'm sharing some of my conversations with God with the Raising Homemakers ladies. It's an honor to be a new monthly contributor on their new Raising Sons corner! Here's a sneak peek of my post:

My oldest son, about five years old at the time, ran towards me wild-eyed and screaming.

“Mommy! Mommy!!! Help me!"

Twenty yards or so spanned the distance between us, but it felt like two thousand yards. I stretched out my arms to him and he collapsed into them, sobbing.

Please join me there to read the rest --->

:: And, if you're visiting here from RH, welcome! Grab a steaming cup of your favorite tea and make yourself at home. I'm so glad you're here! ::

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Dinner on a Dime: Favorite Healthy & Frugal Dinners (and a link-up!)

Jaime — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:57 +0000

We're all looking for dinner ideas that are simple, healthy, and inexpensive.

Here are a few of my favorites (and there's more listed in my recipe index):

Cheesy Chili Pie

Chicken Pot Pie (with a savory herb and cheddar crust!)

Curried Chicken Fried Rice

Now, I'd like you to share your favorites! There are just a few rules.

Please...

Dinner ideas only. We'll look at other meals in other upcoming link-ups.
Try to keep them both frugal (less than $2 or so per person) and reasonably healthy (no processed foods, boxed meals, etc).
Share this post with your friends after linking up. They need dinner ideas, too!

Are you ready? I can't wait to read through your delicious recipes and ideas! I just know I'm going to be inspired!

(Email subscribers, you'll need to click through into this post to see the link-up.)

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A Fresh Start

Jaime — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:17:57 +0000

Jaime's note: Precious ladies, this post is written by Mrs. Wanda Fielder, one of our new monthly contributors for 2012. It's an honor to have her join us! She has been my own pastor's wife and mentor for nearly twenty years, and although God has moved us to pastor in another state, she will always be my pastor's wife. I know she will be a blessing to you, too, and will be an excellent Titus 2 lady to share at Like a Bubbling Brook!

Featured post by Mrs. Wanda Fielder

Did you as a child ever have one of the dime store magic slates? Literally, they used to cost only a dime! I’m talking about the cardboard with a sheet of cellophane over it and a plastic stylus to write or draw.

Even with all the new electronic toys these simple slates are still available. Never being very artistic I can remember trying to draw a picture on the slate and happily lifting the cellophane to erase the childish drawing and attempt something new.

January of a new year reminds me of the magic slate. This is a time to make a new start on your clean slate. You can begin your year with a clean slate that has not been cluttered with unfulfilled promises and neglected ideas of good intentions that have never materialized. Your board has just been wiped clean, and you can start anew.

Make a fresh start!

Perhaps you have been slack in church attendance or slothful in witnessing and Christian living. This is the time to use the clean slate and draw a brand new picture. You might be a young mother challenged with diapers, nursing babies, clutter, or sibling rivalry that steals away your time of devotions. Lift that slate cover and start fresh again!

New Year’s Resolutions?

Sometimes we scoff at New Year’s resolutions that are often soon forgotten; however, it is a wonderful time to make spiritual resolutions. If you have been less than diligent in your walk with God, please let me encourage you to make a new commitment.

For a start on your magic board of life, let your first resolution be faithfulness to God’s house. You are the one who will reap great benefits and rewards from this commitment. Not only will you be blessed, but your church family will also be blessed as we do need each other.

Swoosh!

So quickly lift the cellophane off your board of life and start anew. It’s looking lovely already!

Mrs. Wanda Fielder is a pastor's wife, published author, and conference speaker. She shares inspirational articles, recipes, ministry ideas and more at her site, Tea-Lightful Inspirations.

Be sure to stop by and say hello!

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photo credit

Natural Skin Care Tips For Winter

Jaime — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:37:00 +0000

Jaime's note: Today, Kristy from Little Natural Cottage is sharing her natural skin tips for winter. If you haven't heard, she has written a very helpful ebook, "The Cottage Mama's DIY Guide," which features nourishing, healthy tips, tricks, and recipes. She covers natural skin care, toxin-free cleaners, and more! You can read more about her book here. AND --- drumroll, please --- not only is it on sale today for just $3, but she's also given LABB readers an extra-special discount code for an additional 25% off! The code is WINTERBROOK and is good until Thursday. Enjoy!

Even in the "warm" state of Texas, delicate skin endures mistreatment during winter time. If you've ever suffered with eczema, chronic dryness, dandruff, or other winter-related skin maladies, then I'm sure you can relate!

Here are a few of my favorite tips for nourishing our family's skin during the cold weather season:

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Dry bodies mean dry skin. We simply cannot expect the largest organ of our bodies (our skin!) to compete with an insufficient supply of water. Health experts recommend drinking at least two quarts of filtered water per day; I personally believe this is a minimal amount. My goal is to encourage my children to drink two quarts of water a day; I strive to drink about twice that much.

If you're not accustomed to drinking a lot of water throughout the day, fill a pitcher with water in the morning and see how much of it you can drink by supper time. Make it your goal to empty that container before the evening meal! Even children can develop healthy habits in this area. It's vitally important for our overall health, and the health of our skin.

Eliminate skin allergens in the home.

Several of our children suffered with eczema as infants. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that "going green" with our household and body products basically eliminated this issue for our family. Detergents, soaps, lotions, and just about any product that comes into contact with our skin has the ability to create irritation; this is especially true for those with sensitive skin. Switching to "green" products, or using quality homemade products, can help skin endure winter dryness free of rashes and itching.

There are many wonderful "green" brands to choose from; our family's favorite is Melaleuca. We also love using the moisturizing handmade soaps from Simply Cleansing and Vintage Handmade Soaps.

Whole foods can help!

Not only will a diet of whole foods nourish your body (and thus your skin) with proper nutrients, but whole foods are also a great option for treating your skin topically.

Extra virgin coconut oil is a superb choice for moisturizing your face and hair (a little goes a long way!).
Warm olive oil treatments can help keep your hands, hair, and even your scalp from becoming too dry (use sparingly if you have oily skin).
A simple face mask made from oats, bananas, and yogurt will exfoliate and cleanse your face. (You can find this recipe in The Cottage Mama's DIY Guide.)

Resist the urge to spend a fortune on skin products... take a peek inside your kitchen pantry instead!

Humidify your home.

Our family spent seven winters in west Texas during the years my husband served as pastor to an area church. West Texas has cold, severely DRY winters.

During the cold weather months, I found it extremely helpful to keep a humidifier going nearly around the clock in our home. I used a steam vaporizer in our bedrooms at night, and a cool mist humidifier during the day, to keep a level of moisture in the air.

We are no longer in dry, west Texas, but I learned a few tricks that still work when we need them!

How do you nourish your skin during winter time?

Kristy Howard is a believer in Jesus Christ, a pastor’s wife, and homeschooling mother of four. She is passionate about living simply, naturally, and Biblically for the glory of God. She is also the editor and owner of LittleNaturalCottage.com, where she furiously writes about her loves during nap time. Be sure to check out her book, The Cottage Mama's DIY Guide.

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We’re Hosting a Virtual Party with LOTS of Great Prizes!

Jaime — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:41 +0000

That's right, there's going to be a HUGE party, and we'd love for you to join us!

On Tuesday, February 7th, from 8-10 p.m. EST, join myself and five other bloggers as we give away hundreds of dollars in exciting products and services, share about God's love, answer your questions, and encourage your faith.

Your hosts for the party:

The party will take place on our Facebook pages and you'll be spending twenty minutes with each blogger as they talk about different aspects of love and give away great prizes.

The LABB segment of the party will be on our Facebook page from 8:40 - 9:00 p.m. EST. During that time, you'll have an opportunity to enter to win these prizes from my generous sponsors:

Accordance 9 Bible Software, Introductory Level :: Valued at over $1400 if you were to buy these resources as printed books!

Dayspring Christian online store credit of $50 :: Have you shopped the clearance section of Dayspring's site yet? They have great sales and beautiful home decor!

One Evy's Tree feminine, embellished hoodie of your choice :: You can see all the gorgeous hoodies here. I love that they are modest, feminine, and FUN!

One 12x12 faith-inspired print from Red Letter Words :: Which one would you choose? They're all so beautiful!

I hope you'll join us for the party! We're going to have an amazing time together!

For all the party details, to find each blogger's Facebook page, and to RSVP, visit our Love Around The Block event page.

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5 Ways To Spend Less Money This Year

Jaime — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:53:33 +0000

Today, you can find me sharing at the Modest Mom. Here's a small snippet of my post about how to spend less money this year:

It's a new year and with it comes a fresh start, new goals, and clearer vision.

With ever-rising food and fuel costs, many families have resolved to live more simply and spend less. We made that commitment several years ago, and it has allowed us to purchase a home and vehicles debt-free over the years, even during the "economic downturn" and a period of unemployment. It hasn't always went smoothly, and we've certainly had challenges along the the way, but God has blessed our efforts. We are committed to re-assessing our spending each year and as life changes happen or expenses fluctuate. Nothing ever seems to stay the same!

It's our prayer that we can give more generously by living more simply.

Here are five things to consider as you begin a new year:

1. Pray for wisdom. I always try to remember that it's not my money, it's His, and He's letting me steward it. How does He want me to spend it? Pray for His direction and wisdom in this area. Read what the Bible has to say about money. There's so much encouragement in the Word! Pray about what other books you should read or financial advice you should follow. Pray for the little things, too, like help with stretching your grocery money. He will begin to give you wisdom in this area if you ask!

:: Please join me over at the Modest Mom to read the rest! ::

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The “Little” Things

Jaime — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:18:03 +0000

By Contributing Writer, Rachel Coltharp

“I want to do something big.” She says it with an apologetic look at me. “Not just take care of a house and little kids.”

Is that a little thing? I suppose if you look at it through the eyes of materialism, or from the perspective of those who believe that making a name for yourself is of the utmost importance, it may be a little thing. But what is it through the eyes of Eternity?

It is no small thing, this raising of children; this molding of their hearts into the image of the Almighty, this careful instruction that prepares them to meet Him, to know Him, to love Him.

It is no small thing that I do every day, for the smallest ones in my household; when I serve the least of these, I am serving Him.

It is no small thing, the giving of my time, the investing of my limited energy into these little ones who never seem to run out of energy. I am investing in eternity, where time will be no more.

Big things. Little things. Who can determine which is which? I choose to let God weigh it out. It's my investment in the hearts, minds, and souls of the children He lent me vs. the material gain and earthly position I might find pursuing lesser things.

It is no small thing, this giving of myself, for little ones, eternal souls. They are mine for a moment. A small, short moment. One day, too soon, they will lay down this skin they are in, and return their lent breath to God who gave it. Then, only then, will the little things be seen for what they really were. When the trophies of this earth have crumbled to dust, when the gains of our world have melted away, when the names of the famous have been forgotten, then we will know.

And then the little things will not seem little at all.

Rachel Coltharp is a pastor's wife of one and mother of four. She is fluent in four languages: Infantese, Toddlerspeak, Teenlingo, and Husbandism. She is a writer and public speaker who shares from her real life experiences, mostly mistakes and do-overs. She is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and an avid disciple of the the Apostolic doctrine. Find her sharing devotions at The Write Word and all things domestic and re-purposed at Galaxy Coltharp.

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:: shared at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home and Women Living Well

Today Only: Create a Free Valentine’s Day T-Shirt

Jaime — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:55:48 +0000

Today only, you can create a FREE Valentine's Day t-shirt at Vistaprint. Nominal shipping charges are applicable (about $4 or so), but wouldn't this be a fun little gift idea for Valentine's Day? You can get started here.

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How to Simplify Grocery Purchases

Jaime — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:40:10 +0000

Before we moved to our new state last year, I lived only five minutes from my sweet mama. On Monday mornings she would call me and ask, "So, what time do you want to bring the boys by today?" She knew I would be grocery shopping and was always so gracious about asking to watch the boys while I was out and about. What a blessing she was!

Oh, how I miss living close to my mama! I love it here, don't get me wrong, but it's been quite an adjustment bringing the boys along to just about every errand I make.

Necessity has forced me to find a way to simplify my grocery routine. Online shopping has not only been a time saver, but a money saver, too.

Here's where I'm shopping now:

Azure Standard

Azure Standard just began delivering to our city this month, and I'm planning to be a regular customer. On our last order, our organic apples cost us less than $1 per pound, which is a fantastic price this time of year, even compared to conventional apples. All of their prices are very competitive and their products are natural and organic. Besides apples, we also ordered organic carrots, organic dried beans, organic whole oats, organic red wheat berries, organic turkey bacon, Ezekiel wraps, and more. They have lots of produce and bulk goods to choose from.

Amazon.com

I've found that Amazon's Subscribe & Save program allows me to get the best prices on diapers and wipes when you calculate it on a per diaper basis. I also order laundry supplies, cat food, furnace filters, and sometimes maple syrup from their site. They have a complete section dedicated to natural and organic foods.

Vitacost

Vitacost sells a wide range of products, including healthy snacks (Kashi, too!), baby items, household items, Burt's Bees, and more. They have Arrowhead Mills Organic Quinoa, Nutiva Coconut Oil, and more at prices that are comparable to most major stores. If you're new to Vitacost, you will get a $10 coupon code if you sign up right now, and then get additional $10 codes for referring friends to sign-up, too. That's one of the things I like about their site --- by signing up and referring friends, my credits accumulate and I can get many items I need for free or very little cost. All the details are listed on their site. My most recent order with them included Mill Creek natural hairspray, Seventh Generation tissue paper and dish soap, dried fruits, and more.

Sam's Club

I try not to step into Sam's Club too often, but when I do I purchase natural cheeses, milk, eggs, cream, and produce. Before we moved where we live now, we made similar trips to Costco. Costco also sells this Seeds of Change quinoa and brown rice blend that we like to keep on hand. I sometimes purchase maple syrup here, too, depending on Amazon's price.

Our Local Supermarket

There always seems to be a few things that I need that aren't available with my other options. When I want just one parsnip, or fresh herbs, or other odds and ends, I make a quick run to our local supermarket. I also watch their weekly sales flyer for loss leader sales (usually on the front page) and stock up on a great deal when it comes along.

Have you tried to simplify your grocery shopping? Have you found that you've done more shopping online or went out less often?

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top image credit

Weekend Reading

Jaime — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 03:40:51 +0000

Managing Life as a Work-at-Home Mom, Part One :: Keeper of the Home

An excerpt from the post:

"If there's one thing I have learned, keeping my husband and children a priority is absolutely crucial as a work-at-home mom. There have been seasons where my work kept me too busy and distracted, with little leftover to offer my family relationally and I don't want to ever do that again."

Beware of these marriage killers :: Simple Mom

An excerpt from the post:

Remember this mantra: Don’t attack. Don’t defend. Don’t withdraw. Marriage is supposed to be for better or worse. Stay present, especially when the going gets rough.

If you are looking for helpful books on budgeting and getting debt free this new year:

Crystal Paine's excellent book, "The Money Saving Mom's Budget," was released this week. It's at a low price of $8.40 right now, and all proceeds go to Compassion International. Don't forget to order your copy!
One of my all-time personal favorites is "Your Money Map" by Howard Dayton. I can't recommend it enough!

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***ADVERTISING PACKAGE SPECIAL THROUGH 1/31/12: Do you have a product or service that would interest LABB readers? For a limited time, we'll share your 125 ad in our sidebar for one month, write a post introducing our readers to your site or product, and share you on Facebook --- ALL for only $50. Contact us for more info and mention this limited time offer.***