Prairie Oak Homestead

" Guess who wears the pants in that family? " We have all heard the line before, and we all know women who take charge and domineer their husbands. They might be a co-worker, a friend or even someone in your family---if you have had the opportunity to witness such an example you are sure to want to cringe at some time or another. I have heard it taught that in the Garden of Eden when God punished Eve that one of her punishments along with pain in childbearing would for her to 'desire her husband'---or desire his role. Now I am not sure if this is accurate, however, I do see a tendency for women to want to lead their husbands. I believe the Lord knew our sinful tendencies to want to lead and that is why the He clearly teaches us the order of families. Do we honestly think we will be happy if we lead? Do we think that he will suddenly stop being passive and start leading? We must understand that our husbands are always leading. They are either doing a good ...

The wife who would always hold in her husbands heart the place she held on her wedding day will never cease striving to be lovely. She will be as careful of her words and acts and her whole bearing toward him as she was before marriage. She will cultivate in her own life whatever is beautiful, whatever is winning, whatever is graceful. She will scrupulously avoid whatever is offensive or unwomanly. She will look well to her personal appearance; no woman can be careless in her dress, statternly and untidy, and long keep her place on the throne of her husband's life. She will look well to her inner life. She must have mental attractiveness. She will seek to be clothed in spiritual beauty . Her husband must see in her ever-new loveliness at the years move on. As the charms of physical beauty may fade in the toils and vicissitude of life, there must be more and more beauty of soul to shine out to replace the attractions that are lost. It has been said that "the wi...

This post may be a bit long...thank you in advance for reading. :) For years I struggled with awful feelings of unworthiness, frustration, anger, bitterness, etc. It was an incredible bondage. I wanted to share part of a letter with you that I wrote to my husband in 2005. It gives you a peek at where I was then. I will share with you at the end where I am now... "For years now I have been battling with myself. Even after being saved, I just didn't feel clost to God. I never really felt like I recieved the Holy Spirit. I never felt like a "new creation." I struggle with my emotions, my mind, and feeling tormented on a daily basis. Seeing you and Hunter needing me to be who God created me to be has sparked something in me. Today, I begged God to save me from my personal hell. To pull me up out of the darkness and into His light. I prayed for half and hour. I prayed for a sound mind and a joyous heart. I have let satan rob me of my joy all these years. I j...

It is cool here today, but the sun is shining! I can take the coolness so long as the sun is shining. It makes me feel so much better. :) Our internet is better today...hoping whatever they fixed stays fixed. :) I got my crossbow today and I'm soooo excited to shoot it. I just love it! It's a Tenpoint Titan HLX. It has a scope and an "accudraw" which helps me draw it back with a crank. :) Hunter is almost done with homeschooling for this year. We'll be doing math worksheets throughout the summer so he doesn't get rusty. :) I'm looking forward to next year...I can't believe he'll be in 7th grade and a teenager soon. O_O I'm thankful to God for the strength He gives us...I need His wisdom and guidance every day. It is so easy for me to get distracted. I think I have spiritual ADD...It takes a lot of effort to not fall back into old ways or let the old man resurface. About that...is it possible for the old man to resurface if we have be...

Obedience to God and what His word tells us is crucial. Obedience shows God we consider Him holy and worthy of honor. Obedience shows us that our faith is real. So how can you honor God daily? When God says something to you in His word, take it personally. Reading the scripture on honoring your husband or taming your tongue doesn't fulfill your obligation; your actions reflect your heart toward God. Obedience honors God. Disobedience dishonors Him. The practice of obedience will align your heart with God's own desire. For "just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" 1 Peter 1:15-16

Today I got to teach a friend how to shoot. :) She really didn't like guns and really wasn't that interested. But, she finally changed her mind. :) We have several .22's and she really enjoyed shooting them and boy she was a good shot (like me lol) :) We just need to get her to shoot a bow and we'll be set. LOL The captain got to eat breakfast with dad this morning and was able to let him know that what I meant by it seeming like I'm not able to have a dad is just that if God doesn't want me to have one, well then I won't have one. I meant no disrespect to him or any ill will in that. I was just looking back on my life and realizing that is one thing that God has not allowed me to have fully. I pray one day I will be able to fully show my love for him as a dad (it has not changed in my heart), that would be wonderful. But, that is all up to them and God. I hope he understands I didn't say it to upset him. I was just stating what was on my heart...

I know I shouldn't, but it seems I'm going to anyway. ;) Our internet has been goofy the last few days ...frustrating. Went to Lowes to get plants for the garden and it rained on us while we were there picking them out. They were buy one/get one. Got to the register and they wouldn't honor it...the Captain put down everything we were getting and said they could keep it all. We went to Menards... Now there is arguing going on between the Captain and Hunter about who ate the cookies...The Captain was looking forward to eating some... Since it rained, I have muddy dog prints all over my floors... And lastly, the dog has been getting up every morning at 4 am..ugh... It's not always easy to not bellyache. I know I shouldn't, but, well, I guess I'm just a bellyacher at times. I'm not perfect and I'm sure glad God loves occasional bellyachers like me. :) I'm ready for a good sleep...;)

Sitting at Panera Bread because our internet at the house is very slowwwwww right now. It's raining here and gloomy. Makes it hard to be cheery when things in your life seem to be uncheery at times. But, I'm working on it. :) On the cheery side, I am feeling much better today and feel like I'm on the up and up. :) Hanging out with hubby today because he is off due to the rain. We are going to go get some plants and seeds for the garden. Can't wait for good food to come forth. :) We may go see a movie tonight or just hang out at home and cuddle up on the couch. :) The Captain gets to eat breakfast tomorrow with our "dad." I'm so happy he gets to do that. He can tell him that I love him and miss him and hope things are going well for him. I care about them very much. I pray everyone enjoys their weekend. I hope it's a sunny one for you. :) We will be target shooting tomorrow with friends and getting some things done around this ole homestead. ...

This is from "Ladies Against Feminism" and I thought I'd share. :) Every now and again, even I get shell-shocked by what I see in the broader culture. Having come out of feminism 15 years ago and having read hundreds of books and thousands of articles on feminism, society, culture, and the family, you’d think nothing would surprise me. But sometimes God just pops my eyes open anew and reminds me what this battle is really about. One of the myths we strive to bury is that the homemaker is simply a sweet little washer of dishes, flitting about the house in pearls and heels and smiling vacantly over the back fence at neighbors while hanging laundry. That pop culture image persists to the point that even those of us who are totally committed to being at-home wives and mothers still sometimes start to view ourselves through the Mrs. Cleaver lens and wonder if what we’re doing really matters. I’m here to tell you loud and clear, “Oh, yes, ladies, it does .” I was...

the fight...We have been fighting satan's attacks for a while. I have been feeling poorly the last few days and have had a headache for 4 days or so in a row. Ugh. I am trying to not let that distract me from focusing on the Lord. Satan will use whatever he can to cause us to lose focus on our Savior. I am growing a bit weary, but am continuing in this fight. The constant mental attacks of thoughts that are so heartbreaking (albeit...lies) are just exhausting. Thank you for your continued prayers. I know that someday soon these attacks will lessen (they won't stop or else we are heading in his direction). The more we fight, the more we will grow stronger in the battle. This is just a time of exhaustion. Looking forward to the "second wind" :) Again, thankful for all the prayers...times like this I wish I could sit down and talk to my dad for godly wisdom. :)

I have been enjoying hanging out our clothes again. It is so fulfilling to not have to use the dryer and to watch the clothes blow in the breeze. The simple life isn't always easy, but it's so rewarding. During WWI and WWII people grew "Victory" gardens. The thought was to reduce pressure on the public food supply brought on by the war. Well, we grow a garden, not because of the war (although if we were asked to for that reason we would to show support for our troops) but because of elevating prices, unknown food additives, and pesticides. We enjoy knowing where our vegetables come from. I also enjoy canning the produce to have in the winter. I'm praying for a good garden year this year. Last year was horrible. Again, simple isn't always easy, but very rewarding. :) I love to just sit on my porch and relax and listen to the birds and watch the critters. I am so blessed to be a stay-at-home mom. I get to enjoy the simple life in it's full. I get t...

"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." Matthew 7:25 When storms come in your life, they may bring sorrow and pain-an illness, an accident, a loss in the family. In the midst of the event, your decisions can help save you and your family. Let's face it: disaster can strike whether you're a saint or sinner. To survive requires spiritual preparation. When you build your home on the foundation of God's Word, you can find safety despite the downpour outside. You can help those who you love to weather the storm. Begin now to prepare your house for the storms that are sure to come. Spend time in the Bible. Strengthen your relationship with God and with a godly community. Bring those you love before God on prayer. When the tempest strikes, you will have shelter. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty....

If you haven't read this book yet, I recommend you do. It gives a good insight as to what God has created us to do and be. It is based on Titus 2 and goes through several scriptures and how you can implement them into being a helpmeet. I got this book years ago when I was leading a ladies bible study. We all went through it. I did it because I needed to. I didn't have much of a clue on how to be a good helpmeet. A friend of mine in that was in that group years ago has let someone borrow theirs and they are going through it together. She lent hers to her friend so I lent mine to her. :) If you do read it, I recommend you either let your husband read it or read it to him. When you are just beginning to work our your "roles", it can be of tremendous help to him. He will get an idea of what he is leading you in and will know what he needs to keep you on track with. When he knows what you were created to do, he will get an idea of what he was created to do. :...

I just wanted to say thank you to those who have prayed satan off my back. I am feeling better today. :) Thank you for interceding for a complete stranger. God hears and it's a blessing to know that the body of believers fight for each other. :) Despite the attacks from satan, our family has stayed strong. The captain and I have had some pretty fierce arguments, but have realized each time that we are not the enemy. We have stopped our arguments and prayed in the middle of it. We are not letting satan pit us against each other. We are stronger together. He desires to separate us with arguments so he can attack each one separately. We are standing together and not letting him separate us. We are united and the picture of Christ and the church is maintained. Separating a man and wife through arguments is much like satan trying to separate Christ and the church through gossip, backbiting, slander, etc. We are easier targets when we are separate, when we are not connected t...

I ponder a lot...I probably shouldn't. Sometimes my ponderings are painful. I'm really trying not to make any agreements with satan tonight. I would appreciate any prayer tonight against satan. He's telling me I'm not worthy to have an earthy dad. One is dead, the other has never wanted anything to do with me, and the one who does...can't. Let me explain that. :) (My step-dad was killed a few days after my golden birthday, my real dad doesn't want me, and someone who has stepped in my life to act as a dad can no longer do so.) I am glad that the Lord is a father to the fatherless. "A father to the fatherless...." Psalm 68:5 Satan is a sly fellow. He comes from every angle. I'm fighting hard not to feel worthless because I am not able to be a daughter to a loving earthly dad. I'm fighting jealous feelings of others who have wonderful relationships with their dad's. It hurts to see things you can't have and desire. But, I am...

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Revelation 2:3 There are a lot of spiritual battles going on. They have been going on since the beginning...we are no strangers to it. Do you remember the post where I said that we were not going to make any more agreements with satan? Well, so does he... I dreamed about demons last night. Awful. Satan is stepping up his tactics to sway us and wear us down. We have been bombarded with terrible thoughts, lies, frustrations, and difficulties. We will continue to stand up to him and hold our ground. The Lord gives us strength to not grow weary. We may be physically and mentally weary, but spiritually we are supplied with strength "refills" from God. :) We must not lose focus on Him. We must not grow weary. God is such a loving God. He is also a mighty Warrior. :) He cares so much for us that when satan attacks, He is right there with us. Continue to be in prayer for your loved ones,...

There are a lot of chores to do on this ole homestead....Spring has sprung and things need to be cleaned up after a long winter. Weeds are appearing and they need to disappear! LOL...The garden needs tilled. Every time we get a chance to do it...it rains. :( My husband works long hours and cannot get it tilled when he gets home. We have to rent one...we don't own one yet. We have chickens to take care of and feed. I love to sit in the coop and watch them just be chickens. :) The house needs painted and I plan on doing that in May or June. It will be a big task for me, but it needs to be done and my husband just doesn't have time to do it...so that leaves me. :) I love to help out...I just hope my strength holds up. :) We will need a solid week of good weather. The garage needs cleaned and organized...that will be a BIG task. ;) That one is mainly for my husband. He can do that one on a weekend. :) I help some, but he is the main doer. We have a few trees that need to...

I like early mornings when the sun is coming up and the birds are chirping...it's quiet. It gives me time with the Lord to refocus for the day and put Him first. It helps me focus on having a meek and quiet spirit that I desire towards my family. Yesterday evening wasn't so good or quiet. I had a falling out with my mom. It did not go well, but I am hoping she takes time to reflect on some of the decisions she has made concerning our son. Asking him to lie to us twice caused some turmoil in our son. We had to stand up and do what is right for him. We are praying for her to allow God to change her heart concerning her behavior. In the meantime, Hunter will be taking a break from visits with her. Waiting in the "quiet" while we wait to see what the future holds for us and our "dad" is getting easier. Although, I miss him. But, my husband said to me the other day that he is losing some of that closeness and relationship because of the separation. He ...

We were gone all weekend at a 4-H shooting sports program. I am now certified in the state of Illinois to teach kids in 4-H to shoot a rifle. :) I was the only female in that class. :) My husband is now the coordinator for our county. We are hoping to get a shooting sports program going soon. It was a fun weekend, but extremely exhausting. We met a lot of nice people. Can't wait to get started. :) The weather looks to be good this week. I pray it stays that way for my husband's work. I have to run to the church today to do some data entry and stuffing envelopes. Then I need to do some errands and come home and mow the lawn again. I forgot how FAST it grows in the Spring! I will leave you with this...never be afraid of doing the right thing...Doing the right thing is not always comfortable or easy, but it is God honoring. And don't be afraid to protect your children. They need to know that they can trust us to do just that...

Many of us make agreements with satan and we don't even realize it. It may start out small like a small thought popping in your head. Satan fuels that thought with mores lies until you have made up your mind that you agree with satan. For example...I can't watch Dancing With the Stars...it is too much of a stumbling block for me. Why? Well, just look at them. They have beautiful bodies that seem to move effortlessly. I made an agreement with satan that my body is just not up to par. It's just not good enough. I went from a small thought of "wow, they are beautiful" to "I'm not that beautiful...I don't have those nice curves... I could never be graceful like that" Those are all satan's lies and I AGREED with them. Sure, I don't look like that, but I don't have to fall for the lie that my body and grace are any less good. But, to keep those thoughts at bay...I just don't watch it. Another example would be realizing your ...

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6 As parents, I'm not sure we always think of parenting as a ministry. It's easy for it to become motions instead of ministry. When I first became a parent, I had a difficult time with this. I wanted the perfect home, perfect marriage, perfect child, etc. I wanted everything so-so. I wanted the kitchen to be very clean, so that meant no help from Hunter with baking or cooking. Too messy...I wanted him to be perfect, so that meant a lot of expectations that were unfulfilled by him. That led to a lot of yelling on my part. I was always irritable and that didn't always have to do with Hunter. But, I did yell at him a lot and would wait until he cried to stop. I know...that's horrible. I'm just telling you where I was. I'm no longer there.... God has changed me into a ministering parent instead of a mechanical one. I remember laying awake at ...

It is such a beautiful day outside...it's a bit windy, but it's sunny and warm so I'll take it. :) I woke up today feeling really good. I have energy today and I have been able to see really well today. I mowed the lawn and I lost some strength after that, but I'm still feeling good. :) I am thankful for these days...they are far and few between. Most days are very difficult to get through strength wise. Yesterday, for example, was a hard one. I think if I'm up to it...tomorrow I'll make some jelly. Hunter is going into church to help the worship pastor get some things done. He enjoys doing that. :) Hope everyone is enjoying their day today. :) Tell someone you love them. :)

Can you believe I slept until almost 9! I went to bed at a decent time, too. I must have been really tired.... I don't have to go into church this morning as they are closed today. I will go in tomorrow. So today I will go to the grocery store instead. I am using a menu planning site called www.thescramble.com. It is nice in that I can customize it to be gluten free. I needed some ideas as I have gotten very boring in my meals. :( We just like good ole home cookin'. Nothin' fancy or anything. Although a fancy meal every once in a while is good. :) My chicks are getting so big! I hope they integrate well into the existing flock. I can't wait til August when I get green and blue eggs. :) I really need to get to work on cleaning this house...my wood floors are full of dog feet prints because it rained recently. I feel like my house reflects my homemaking abilities. When it's a mess, I feel like a mess. I feel like it's a big part of my being a help...

It means being simple. I love simple things. I love the sound of frogs at night when I sleep with the windows open with a nice breeze blowing across the bed. I love the smell of the country. I love the smell of the corn in the summer when the sun heats it up and the wind carries the scent to my nose. Being me means having a simple heart. With this heart, I love my family and friends. With it I have compassion on others and a burden for the lost. With it I have a zeal for righteousness...wanting it in my own life and wanting it in the lives of the ones I love. With it I hurt. I hurt when others hurt and I hurt when circumstances are rough. With this heart, I love the Savior. Being me means having silly little pleasures like watching my chickens run. It is so funny that no matter how many times I see it, I laugh. Pleasures like eating all natural ice cream with strawberries on it. Pleasures like sitting by a bonfire and watching the flames dance and pondering on my life ...

Did you know that the marriage relationship was designed by God to picture the relationship between Christ and the church? Did you know that the husband is supposed to represent Christ in the relationship and the wife is supposed to represent the local church? I never want you to forget that EVERYTHING in this world that God has created has been designed to picture some kind of spiritual truth that He wants the world to know about. Day and Night represent Christ and Satan. The seasons of the year represent the stages of the Christian life. The physical process of giving birth reminds us of the salvation process. And the mystery of marriage itself: the process of a man leaving his parents and cleaving unto his wife and becoming one flesh pictures exactly what is supposed to happen to our own lives after we get saved ~ Christ left the glory of being with His Father in Heaven so that He could come to earth, join His Spirit with us after we get saved, and cause us to become a spiritual bei...