Selfishness in Marriage

Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Galatians 5:19-23
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders,drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Isn't it amazing how when you write a post about selfishness being the cause of so many marriage difficulties that you fall into selfishness yourself? That is exactly what happened to me.

I am ashamed to admit it but it is true. The last few days I have been grumpy and out of sorts because my hubby was busy with things and not home much and because he was spending so much time doing things for others while the list of things that need to be done around here has been piling up. This led into a dangerous pattern of thinking along such lines as he must really not care about me at all, if he did he'd be here and he would do these things for me. Then that led to thinking up all kinds of other things I could be upset about like the fact that we only have one vehicle and he is always "hogging it". In reality he works out of town and I am in the home all day....unfair? Not hardly. But do you see the pattern and how things can spiral out of control by me selfishly focusing on myself?
Thank the Lord I was pulled out of that through my morning time with the Lord and focusing on scriptures like the ones above.

Looking back on it I am glad my hubby has been working hard with his job and in the garden so that we can enjoy the fruits of that labour. I am also glad that I have a hubby that sees the needs of others and has a kind a generous heart and likes to help.

I can see how a selfish line of thinking can get completely out of control until a marriage is ruined. It is dangerous to allow yourself to fall into that pattern. I pray that the Lord will protect our marriage from such pitfalls and strengthen our relationship.

Blessings,
Liisa

1950's Summer Meal Ideas

With it still being quite hot here I thought I'd share some menu ideas for summer that were featured in the July 1953 Woman's Day magazine.

Help Yourself Sandwich Bar

Assorted Cold Cuts and Cheese
Anchovies or Sardines
Chicken or Shrimp Salad
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Sliced Tomatoes
Lettuce
Red Onion Rings
Mustard, Mayonnaise and Soft Butter
Slice Dill Pickles
Sweet P
Rye, Whole Wheat and White Bread - Placed beside the toaster.
Ice cream cones
Choice of beverage

Dinner in a Hurry

Smothered Liver and Onions
Quick reamed parsley potatoes
Carrot sticks
Sweet pickles
Bread and Butter
Green peppers, Tomatoes and Cucumbers with French Dressing
Quick Apricot- Apple Whip
Tea or Coffee

Cook Dinner in the Cool of the Day and Reheat

Boiled Corned Beef or Beef Tongue
Hot Mustard Potato Salad
Onion Rye Bread Slices in Foil
Peach Crisp with Peach Hard Sauce
Coffee

Cold Dinner for a Hot Night

Frozen Fruit Salad
Turkey Salad
Chopped Olive and Walnut Sandwiches
Boston Cream Pie
Iced Instant Coffee

Picnic Dinner to Cook Outdoors

Skillet Lamb Chops and Vegetables
Marinated Ripe Olives
Mixed Sweet Pickles
Hard Rolls
Bought Ginger Cookies
Fresh Pineapple Slices
Coffee

Angler's Luck

Fried Fish
Tartar Sauce
Clam Hush Puppies
Tomato and Lettuce Wedges
Cucumber Sticks
Watermelon
Coffee

One thing I have learned from reading these meal plans and the ones I didn't print (besides the fact that they ate some weird things ~smile~) is that they are complete meals right down to dessert and coffee and it is possible even on hot days to make a really nice meal for your family. One other thing I noticed are the pickles - I always have a pickle plate when we have company for dinner and isn't my family just a deserving of nice touches like that just because they are my family?

Blessings,
Liisa

1950's Recipe - Pickle Dogs

This recipe originally appeared in Woman's Day August 1953 and sounds just perfect for the pickle lovers in your family.

Pickle Dogs

A pound of hamburger makes 4 big juicy "dogs".
Divide hamburger into 4 parts, shape each over a long dill pickle strip.
Cook over a quiet fire to desired doneness.
Meanwhile toast split frankfurter rolls for the hot pickle dogs.
Provide prepared mustard and ketchup or chili sauce.

Blessings,
Liisa

Luau Lunch

Well, it was a success! We had quite a few people for lunch and it was such fun! My friend Nancy and I arrived at the church at 6 a.m. and started making the fruit kabobs which went much quicker than we thought it would. Then we got the crock pots with the Hawaiian meatballs going and headed outside to decorate. The tissue paper flowers I made held up really well to spite quite a bit of wind - duct tape works wonders to hold them on! Then it was back inside to get the rice cooked and finish up any little details and food prep and we were all done in time for the service! After the service it was just a matter of getting the hot dogs BBQ'd by one of our wonderful men and setting everything out. My friend Lisa who organized VBS and worked all week there in addition to her job in the afternoons and caring for a home and family also found time somehow to make a delicious Hawaiian cake! It was a yellow cake with crushed pineapple on top, then vanilla pudding and whipped cream mixed together and topped with bananas and coconut - it was wonderful! I am going to have to try and make it for my family!

I was so busy after the food went out I forgot to take pictures of anything after that! But here are a few pics of things before lunch. One thing I really liked that I didn't get a picture of is how the whole pineapple surrounded by grapes looked. I think I might use one as the center of the next big fruit tray I make.









Blessings,
Liisa

Peas! Peas! Peas!

Is there anything better than sitting on the porch swing and shelling peas while spending time with your son? I don't think so! That is how I spent part of my afternoon. So nice!

My sister, our friend and I went out to the Mennonite market in a near by town this morning and I was able to buy a big bag of peas as well as three big bags of pickling cucumbers and some yummy homemade graham crackers. My hubby will be making LOTS of dill pickles. I couldn't resist buying so many since it is so inexpensive to buy produce at the market and this way we will have lots of pickles to last until next summer. They are so good - I can't wait until they're ready! After the market we went to the Mennonite farm where I buy eggs whenever I can and I got a giant zucchini which I will be making into zucchini loaf tomorrow. We skipped the other farm we usually go to in that area since I had to get back to help at the church and we still wanted to go out for lunch on our way back home. Well, right across from the restaurant they have a little farmer's market and there was the lady and her family from the farm we skipped so I was able to buy some green beans from her and meet her husband and two of her little ones. They were so cute. It is a bit of a trip in the buggy to this town from their farm so we likely would have missed them at their place anyway. Funny how it all works out!

I just have to tell this story about my little monkeys and peas. I love to eat peas raw - just right out of the pod and one day last summer I had a bowl of raw peas and offered them to two of my little monkeys - they couldn't get enough of them and kept asking for more of the little green candies! I didn't have the heart to tell them they were peas! ~smile~

Hope you are enjoying your weekend too!

Blessings,
Liisa

Blueberry Picking

Every year towards the end of July I get together with some ladies and head about an hour south of here for blueberry picking. They are high bush blueberries and much bigger than wild blueberries, they are also much less sweet. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place, it just lifts my spirits to be there picking berries and visiting. This year it was just my sister and I and it was so much fun. We don't get out together much anymore just the two of us so it was really nice. I picked two baskets full and when I got home I washed, dried and froze most of them but kept out enough to make my hubby a blueberry pie.

Here is the recipe I use.....

Easy Old Fashioned Blueberry Pie

3 cups blueberries
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp. flour
1/2 cup butter
Pie crust for 9" double crust pie

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large saucepan combine ingredients.
Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Pour into pie shell.

Bake pie for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Blessings,
Liisa

P.S. My sister took that pretty picture of the blueberries....thanks Leanne!

An Incredible Post

For a must read post entitled Under the Shadow of Our Steeple - Does Anybody Hear Her? Can Anybody See? please visit Life As A Sheep.

Blessings,
Liisa

Getting Ready For a Luau

This week I have been busy getting ready for a Luau lunch at church on Sunday. Monday I made 10 lbs. of ground beef into meatballs, cooked and froze them. Saturday they will come out, defrost and be added to the sauce another lady is making to create Hawaiian meatballs. Yesterday I made dozens of paper flowers in pink, green and blue - Timothy (our cat) was a big help ~smile~


For our decorations we are going with blue and lime green table cloths and napkins, coconuts, pineapples, paper flowers, leis in a wooden bowl on a stand trimmed in a grass skirt beside the entrance with a large tiki torch. The cups and plates are a tropical theme.

For food we are having Hawaiian meatballs,Rice, Fruit Kabobs, Blue Jello with gummy sharks and fish in it, chips with big goldfish crackers mixed in, Blue and Green Koolaid with a slice of orange on the cup, then the usual picnic lunch foods, hot dogs, beans, salads etc. All the salads will be served in pails with shovels for the spoons.

This is all to tie in with the VBS theme and to wrap up a great week with the children. All their families are invited so hopefully there will be a great turn out!

Blessings,
Liisa

Works For Me Wednesday - Spiral Notebook

This week I wanted to let you know about something I just could not live without and that is a spiral notebook. I have one that is always on my desk and in it I write phone messages, notes, to do lists, the sales for the week, my shopping lists which I add to through the week and then just grab my book for shopping and have the sales written down and my list as well. I also use it to jot down little notes or scriptures when I am doing my Bible study in the mornings. I am on a committee at church so I will write down in there things I need to discuss with my partner as I think of it then when I call her I can refer to my notes and know what I wanted to say or questions I need to ask others when I talk to them. My hubby has been away quite a bit for work lately and I write down his messages and things I need to tell him so I won't forget when he calls. I also use this book to jot down ideas for my blog.

I am quite forgetful at times and this book really saves me. Also I am able to look back through the book and everything is there and I am not hunting for bits of paper with someone's phone number or other information I need. I can also look back and see when things where on sale and how often they come up.

When the book gets full I go through and copy any important info. into the new book and go on from there. I also have a little one in my purse for notes or ideas that come up when I am out. A spiral notebook really works for me! For more ideas please visit Rocks in My Dryer.

Blessings,
Liisa

1950's Recipe - Summer Time Drinks

Since it has been so hot here I thought I'd share some recipes for yummy sounding summer time drinks.

Coffee Ice Cream Soda

Several hours before making soda, mix 1 cup boiling water with 1/4 cup instant coffee; add 1/2 cup sugar and dash of salt. Cool. Add 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Chill. For each soda, put 2-3 tbsp. in a large glass; add 1/4 cup milk and large scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fill with chilled carbonated water.

Frozen Raspberry Ice Cream Soda

Fro each serving put 2 tbsp. partially defrosted, frozen raspberries in a tall glass. Fill 3/4 full with carbonated water. add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and top with a few raspberries.

Orange Peach Freeze

For each serving, put 2 tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate in a tall glass. Add 3 or 4 ice cubes and fill glass 3/4 full with carbonated water. Add a scoop of orange sherbet and garnish with fresh peach slices dipped in orange juice to prevent discoloration.

Fruit Cooler

For each serving put 3 or 4 ice cubes in a tall glass. Add 1 long strip of pineapple, 1 slice each orange and lime and 2 maraschino cherries. Fill glass with carbonated water. Sweeten to taste with maraschino cherry juice.

Blessings,
Liisa

When Neighbourhoods Weren't Empty

I came across this letter published in the Neighbours section of Woman's Day July 1953 and it made me realize that all the other women in my neighbourhood are out at work and how empty our neighbourhood is during the week. Even after nine years of living here I am only on quick chat terms with my neighbours - some I do not even know! Here is the letter...

Open House at Our Home

Living in a neighbourhood overflowing with friendly mothers who like to coffee-chat, I was always at a loss about fitting this enjoyable break into a very busy schedule. Somehow the ironing always beckoned and, with two small children, it seemed never ending.

One fine spring day I couldn't bear to be indoors, so with the aid of an extension cord, I moved my ironing board and stool to the open back porch and soon found myself back fence visiting while ironing and enjoying the sunshine. A few neighbours brought their coffee over and sat down in my garden chairs to chat. When colder weather came, I of course moved back indoors. Friends and neighbours now understand that Tuesday morning is "open house" at our home. they walk in without knocking and help themselves to coffee and rolls or toast , always ready in the kitchen and see that I am supplied too. Gathering around our dining table near my board, some bring bits of mending or knitting and some use the time to exchange news and recipes and problems. In bad weather the children play happily in our basement playroom. No sooner do some friends leave than others join the group, giving me a wonderful sense of belonging and the glow of hospitality shared. Friendships have been strengthened and broadened, and I now look forward eagerly to an otherwise irksome chore.

Mrs. H. Hillegass, Riverside, Ill.

Doesn't that sound wonderful! How I would love to have other women to visit with while ironing - it really would make it a much more pleasant task. Well I may not have the other ladies but I think I may start ironing on the porch if this heat keeps up in our area!

Blessings,
Liisa

Picture - From Art.com

Easier Mornings With Children

Lately I have had a couple of Moms express their frustration with getting themselves and their little ones ready in the morning. One mother of two said she couldn't imagine having to do it alone, she says her hubby helps her and it still isn't easy.

I thought I would share some things that will help with morning mayhem for any others that may be struggling with this same problem.

The very first thing is that your children need to respect you and your authority. It doesn't take long for those sweet little monkeys to figure out that they will get their way and can do as they please if the parents relent, do everything for them, threaten and don't follow through or give in to whining and temper tantrums. The worst thing you can do is to use a bribe when a child is being naughty - that is essentially rewarding poor behaviour and they will quickly learn that if they act poorly they will get a bribe to be good.

You need to avoid those things and speak firmly and seriously. If they refuse to listen or throw a fit then perhaps they need a time out to think about things and calm down. Keep repeating time outs for inappropriate behaviour. If your little ones are resistant start this re- training on the weekend and not when you have 15 minutes to be in the car. Being consistent is everything. In some cases it may take awhile to get the little ones on the right track but it will be so worth it. In every circumstance be consistent. No matter where you are or how rushed you are be consistent. It really does not take long for children to learn what is expected of them and how to behave properly when they receive constant and consistent training. They will love you and respect you for it. This does not mean you need to become a drill sergeant all the time it just means that if you ask your little one to do something nicely and they refuse you ask them again a little firmer. If they do not respond well then they receive a time out - there shouldn't be a need for any yelling just firm but gentle direction.

Next is organization. The night before pack bags, lunches etc. Set what you can near the door or even right in the car. Set your clothes, shoes, accessories make up etc. out the night before. Get your little ones to help pick out their clothes for the morning, this will stop any arguments about not wanting to wear a certain item, you can simply remind the child that they picked it out and the next morning they can choose again to wear something else. If you are worried about matching then make up complete outfits and put them on hangers then you can have them choose an already together outfit. If they are old enough to dress themselves then put the clothes where they can reach and they will be able to get up and get dressed on their own. Put out undies, socks, shoes and hair bows etc.

Know before bed what you will serve for breakfast, set the table and prepare ahead anything you can. If you have monkeys that are picky in the morning then before bedtime give them two choices for what they will have for breakfast. Then in the morning remind them that they picked it and that they will be given the opportunity to choose again for the next day. If you have more than one child then they take turns picking - do not get caught up in making 6 different breakfasts each morning. If it becomes too much then just choose one thing yourself and that is what is for breakfast, if they don't eat it they will not starve. Snack time is only an hour or two away.

Lists save me so much time and help me sleep better because I don't lay in bed wondering about what I need to do the next day and worrying I'll forget something. I also have a notebook beside my bed in case I remember something as I am going to bed. Make a to do/ to remember list for each day. Write a morning checklist as well so you can be sure you've got everything and done everything and you will save time running around.

As soon as they are able encourage your children to do things for themselves. The more they can do the easier it will be on you. Don't underestimate their abilities give them opportunities to try things on their own when you aren't pressed for time.

Routine is so important with children. Do the same thing in the same order everyday. They will know what comes next and what is expected of them and this gives them a sense of calm and security. They will naturally move through tasks on their own with little prompting after time.

The final key to morning success is to get up in plenty of time so you will not end up rushed and frustrated. Getting up even an hour earlier will be worth it to get yourself ready unrushed and then be able to help your children without all the stress.

All these things take effort but it is so worth it for you and your children to have peaceful stress free mornings.

Blessings,
Liisa

Busy Day

My goodness it is hot here already and it is still early! It is going to be 31 degrees today but will feel like 40! Yikes! How I am longing for the house on the lake up North where it is cooler.

My first little monkey arrived at 7:15 and we headed right out for a walk before it gets any hotter. There was such a nice breeze and it was nice to be out walking around before there are too many others out and about. Just a peaceful morning stroll. I usually wait until 10 to go for our walk but I may make the early morning walk part of our routine.

I have a busy day ahead of me - my sister is putting on a concert at the church for youth tonight with four bands , one of them is my son's band, two others are local as well and one is coming from out of town. The proceeds from tonight's concert will be going to Blood Water Mission. $1 provides 1 person with clean water for 1 year. My sister has such a heart for outreach and helping others and this concert is just one of the ways she is making a difference. We are praying for the unsaved youth who will be there tonight who will have the gospel presented to them and have the opportunity to hear some testimonies and for those in Africa that so desperately need help.

Since the one band is coming from a fair distance we thought we had best provide them with some dinner at the church. I will be making chili, biscuits and chocolate chip bars. My friend is also making chili since there are five guys in the band and whoever they bring to help set up and whoever may be at the church helping - so it could be quite a number for dinner!

Hubby and I will be attending the concert as well and helping where we can not to mention cheering loudly and embarrassingly for our son.....actually we aren't allowed to do that anymore - well not too much anyway!

I also have an inspection this morning from the agency I care for children through. So busy busy busy!

I better get at it or I may not get it all done!

Blessings,
Liisa

Songs of Lasting Love

There used to be songs that depicted love as something to be cherished that would last forever. Songs like When I Fall in Love by The Lettermen.

Here are the lyrics for When I fall in Love.....


When I fall in love it will be forever
Or I’ll never fall in love
In a restless world like this is
Love is ended before it’s begun
And too many moonlight kisses
Seem to cool in the warmth of the sun

When I give my heart it will be completely
Or I’ll never give my heart
And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Is when I fall in love with you.

And the moment I can feel that you feel that way too
Is when I fall in love with you.


We need more songs like this today.

Blessings,
Liisa

Our Holidays

Last week we were on holidays in a small northern town. I was quite grateful for the local library though only open three afternoons a week to keep up my blog while we were away. We have been renting a house on the water for the last three summers and it is just incredibly beautiful there. We usually go up for two weeks and to save on expenses we share the second week with friends of ours who then stay for a week alone after we leave. This year though we were only able to go up for one week due to my hubby's work. So we went for the second week and our friends opted to come up mid week so we were able to have three days alone.

We spent alot of time in the boat fishing and exploring the area. It is just so beautiful and untouched there -you just really get a sense of God's creation when it has been untouched by man. Up where we were there is alot of goldmines both working and abandoned. We found one that is abandoned and took some pictures and we also found the old town site. It was pretty amazing to see. All that is left is two old cabin ruins and the ruin of the store. The main street is just a weed covered trail now. I just love to explore!

Here are a few pictures from our week away....

My hubby with two of the pike he caught. He says the big glasses help him catch fish ~smile~ I better mention he doesn't normally wear those!


The abandoned mine.


The town - taken from the boat.


Our friend exploring the store.


View off the back deck of the house - my men in the boat in the little bay.


Some of the untouched shoreline we saw on the boat.


Blessings,
Liisa

50's Recipe - Frosty Fruit Pies

I made this with crushed pineapple and it was so unbelievably yummy! I think it would be wonderful in any of the suggested flavors...well maybe not the prune juice but you never know! ~smile~.

Frosty Fruit Pies

Make a 9" pie shell and bake.

Bring to a boil - 1 1/4 cups crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, orange juice,
grape juice, prune juice, apricot nectar or applesauce.

Stir in until dissolved - 1 pkg. lemon flavored gelatin

Mix in - 3/4 to 1 cup sugar (depending on sweetness of fruit)

Cool until almost stiff.

Whip until stiff - *1 cup chilled undiluted Carnation Evaporated Milk with 1 tbsp. lemon juice.

Pour on top of the gelatin mixture. Beat in slowly with rotary beater or electric mixer at low speed. Pour into baked pie shell. Chill at least one hour. Garnish with shaved chocolate if desired.

* To whip carnation simply chill in refrigerator tray until soft ice crystals form around outside edges ( 15-20 minutes)
- Note I put mine in a shallow dish in the freezer.

Success tip - For a fluffy high pie be sure the gelatin mixture is almost stiff and that the carnation is whipped until it forms stiff peaks.

Lemon or lime variation - Use 1 cup boiling water and 1/4 cup lime or lemon juice. Lime or lemon flavored gelatin may be used.

This recipe appeared in Woman's Day August 1953.

Hope you enjoy it!

Blessings,
Liisa

And the Winner is.....

Cat from The Vintage Housewife!!!

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your magazine! Please email me at allofmydays@live.ca with your mailing address and I will get that out to you first thing tomorrow morning!

Blessings,
Liisa

Give Away Reminder

Just a reminder that tomorrow I will be drawing a winner for this.

If you would like to enter just leave me a comment!

Blessings,
Liisa

Love One Another

Have you ever encountered a difficult person or met someone that just rubbed you entirely the wrong way? Have you known someone who's actions just seem meant to hurt or offend you? How did you feel about that person? Did you love them?

The other morning in my personal study I came across John 15:12 where Jesus says "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."

Jesus commands us to love one another in fact in John 13:35 Jesus tells us that by that shall all men know that we are his disciples, if we have love one to another.

God is really speaking to my heart about this. I must confess that in dealing with others in the last while I have not always been loving towards those who have been hurtful or difficult or even those who have rubbed me the wrong way. I ashamed of my hardened heart and am praying to see others as God sees them. I am commanded to love others as Jesus loves me. How grateful I am that he sees past the surface and loves me anyway. I need to do that too, to see past the surface to what may be behind that and see the person and love them.

I have confessed my poor attitude and am praying that God will soften my heart and open my eyes, that He will help me to see others as He sees them and to love them as He loves me.

Blessings,
Liisa

Things to be Learned from June Cleaver

I just absolutely love Leave it to Beaver and in watching it I have learned quite a bit from June Cleaver. Here are some of the things I have noticed......

-She gets ready for the day first thing in the morning. Before she gets breakfast fro everyone she has on a lovely dress, jewelery and shoes. She has her hair and make up done. this enables her to not only be ready for the day and look good for her husband but to open the door to early morning callers like the Beaver's friends who call on him to walk to school.

-She never looks unkempt. She is always well dressed and groomed.

-She provides a sit down breakfast for her children every morning.

-She makes sure her children are well dressed and groomed.

-She makes her children healthy lunches for school and sees them off each morning.

-She gets her hubby his coffee and serves him breakfast too.

-Ward always has cleaned and pressed clothes. Wally and Beaver do too.

-June bakes for her family and always has fresh fruit on hand for snacks.

-She welcomes her children's friends into their home - even Eddie.

-She makes all their meals - no instant foods and eating out is special occasion.

-She sets a lovely table for dinner each night and they eat together as a family.

-She always has a dessert prepared for after dinner.

-She has taught her children proper table manners.

-After dinner Wally and Beaver help with the dishes.

-When June does a deep cleaning she covers her hair and gets serious - cleaning under couch cushions, the windows and everything.

-She never contradicts or argues with Ward in front of the children - she waits and discusses things later.

-Her home is always neat and tidy - she could welcome company at anytime.

-She is active in the community and with her children's school but does not let it interfere with her duties at home.

-She is a wife and mother and is happy and satisfied with her role in life.

Blessings,
Liisa

Marriage and Divorce

Marriages are struggling and crumbling all around us these days and i think there are several reasons for this.

One of the reasons is that so many couples go into marriage with divorce already on their minds thinking they'll just get divorced if it doesn't work out. They just fail to see it as the life long commitment it is meant to be. when you enter into marriage with the belief that you are together to the end no matter what life throws your way you will work through the difficulties and issues rather than feeling it's just too tough and not worth the effort. We need to remove divorce from our minds and truly be committed to our spouses.

A general lack of faith in our times contributes as well. So many turn form God or never really knew him and do not have the strength that comes from that relationship with Our Father. When God is a part of your marriage it will be stronger. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. Eccl.4:12

Selfishness is probably the biggest problem of all in fact most troubles can be traced back to this. Adultery is born of selfishness. The grass is always greener mentality is also caused by selfishness. How often do you hear someone say " I just wasn't happy." Sadly I hear it too often. The key in that sentence is "I". I often wonder if they worked to make the other person happy. I have read countless stories of women who were in very unhappy marriages often on the brink of divorce who felt they were unhappy and their husbands didn't treat them well. These women then took their eyes off themselves and focused on making their husbands happy. In turn their husbands changed and became wonderful, loving caring men who would do anything for the women they loved. Marriage and life in general are not all about us - our eyes need to be off ourselves and on others.

The Bible is so full of wonderful verses for marriage and life in general. Here are a few of them....

Proverbs 31:10-31
Ephesians 5:22-33
Proverbs 21:9
Matthew 5:27,28
Matthew 5:37
Matthew 6:34
Titus 2:2-5
Proverbs 3:5-7, 10:12, 12:4,22, 14:1, 15:1

Oh, there are just so many more but I'll stop there and encourage you to delve deeply into His Word, it really is life's instruction manual - all you need to know for any matters in life can be found in it's pages.

Some other books that have been a blessing to me as a wife are-

The Adventures of Being a Wife - by Mrs. Norman Vincent Peale
The Total Woman - by Marabel Morgan
Total Joy - by Marabel Morgan
Created to be his Helpmeet - by Debi Pearl
Desperate Housewives Passionate for God - by Jennie Chancey and Stacy MacDonald

Some of these books I came across when I was newly married and a couple are nearly as old as I am but they are good! ~smile~

Marriage is one of the greatest gifts in life and we need to treat it as such.

Blessings,
Liisa

Every Girl Should Be Married

Are you a fan of old movies? I am. We just got the Turner Classic Movies channel in our area and I just love it! The other day I watched Every Girl Should Be Married and it has become one of my favorite movies. It's the kind of movie where you catch yourself smiling through the whole thing.

i love how this movie portrays a woman who loves babies, wants a husband and a beautiful home. She takes the time to learn all she can about the man she loves, his habits, favorite foods, restaurants and activities. She enjoys cooking for him and serving him a lovely meal. She admires how hard he works and lets him know. She even makes sure to have his favorite things on hand. I think as wives there is a lot we can learn form that.

When my hubby and I were dating I could not wait to be with him no matter what he was doing, I listened to his every word and I did my best to provide for him little things that he really enjoyed. Even when I made him a sandwich it was made with care and was something special. He felt loved and admired. I need to be sure that he always feels that way!

I will be making the extra effort to make sure my hubby feels loved and special and cared for. It really doesn't take much effort to make his favorite foods, to make my home clean and lovely - somewhere he wants to come home to. To perhaps purchase a magazine he will enjoy and leave it out for him near his favorite spot.

My hubby loves the stuffed mushrooms I make. I usually only make them for company or when we are going out somewhere, but this week I will make them just because he loves them. I know that will make him feel special. Is there a special treat you make that your hubby loves? Why not make it for him this week?

Finally we need to take the time to really know our husbands, to know all their likes and dislikes, what their quirks and habits are and what they would really like us to do and not do. Now I am not saying pin your hubby down and interrogate him. Simply take the time to really pay attention to him. I know that can be a challenge withe very thing that goes on especially if you have a house full of little monkeys but it will be worth the effort. A happy marriage is a strong marriage!

Blessings,
Liisa

A New Look and a Give Away!

As some of you who have visited before may have noticed I got a new look! My son made me a new header and I just love it!

I just love the 40's and 50's and feel like I may have been better suited to that era. My blog now reflects that feeling.

I have several posts in mind including a weekly 1950's recipe. I have purchased many Woman's Day magazines from the 50's at yard sales, antique stores and flea markets and I just love the recipes in them so once a week I will be sharing one of those. I may share the occasional article from them as well. I would encourage you to pick up these magazines if you have the chance they are simply wonderful!

In honour of my new look I would like to host my first ever giveaway! I would like to give one of you a copy of Woman's Day May 1954. It is in excellent condition and full of wonderful articles, advertisements, pictures and projects. Simply leave me a comment if you would like to win! I will draw a winner on Monday July 14th.

Here are a few pictures...






By the way don't you just love Perry Como? ~smile~

Blessings,
Liisa

Yard Sale!

Tomorrow we are having our yard sale. We usually do it later in the summer but tomorrow is our town's town wide yard sale which means alot of fun for the shoppers but also alot of people in town for it which means more sales for those who hold one....hmmm...does that even make sense? I lost myself in there somewhere!

Today I baked 6 pies - 4 Dutch apple, one rhubarb and one blueberry to sell. I also baked a big batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies some for the church bake sale tonight and some for our yard sale.

Yesterday my sister came to help me sort and price all the things I hope to sell and tonight my hubby and I will bring it all into the kitchen so it is ready to go out bright and early. I don't know about where you are but here people start arriving at 6:30 even if you advertise to start at 8 so we will be up and prepared.

I plan to have a table with a pitcher of lemonade and cups for people to help themselves to. I like to float round lemon slices in the lemonade just to make it look a little special.

I took time to print some signs for books, movies, jewelery, clothes etc. with the price on it and a cute picture. I also printed labels for the pies with pictures. I think it just adds a nice touch to have everything looking pretty and organized.


Here are some of the pictures I used for pie labels....





I think as with anything in life it is worth the extra bit of time to make things nice, it shows that you care.

Blessings,
Liisa

O Canada!

In honour of Canada Day yesterday I thought I would post the lyrics of O Canada as sung by Trevor Baker.

O Canada
O Canada, our home and native land
True patriot love, in all thy sons command
With glowing hearts, we see thee rise
The true north strong and free
From far and wide, O Canada
We stand on guard for thee
God keep our land glorious and free
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee (repeat)

Ruler Supreme Who hearest humble prayer
Hold our dominion in Thy loving care
Help us to find, O God in Thee
A lasting rich reward
As waiting for the better day, we ever stand on guard
O Canada, Glorious and free
O Canada we stand on guard for thee (repeat)

O Canada, in praise of thee we sing
From echoing hills, our anthems proudly ring
With fertile plains and mountains grand
With lakes and rivers clear
Eternal beauty thou dost stand
Throughout the changing year
Lord God of Hosts, we now implore
Bless our dear land this day and evermore (repeat)

Blessings,
Liisa

Works For Me Wednesday- 5 Ingredients or Less

Today's Works for Me Wednesday is the 5 ingredients or less edition - sharing recipes that have 5 or less ingredients. Here are two of my favorites....

Lil' Mum's Sweet and Sour Ribs

Boil ribs with and onion for 1 hour.

Make sweet and sour sauce -
1 cup ketchup
1 cup brown sugar
almost 1 cup vinegar
2 cups water

Boil for a few minutes in a pot. Thicken.
Put ribs in a pan, cover with sauce.
Bake at 350 degrees until done 1/2 hour to 45 minutes or so.

Ground Beef Pie

Pie shell
1 lb. ground beef
Diced onion
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 can of gravy

Brown ground beef with onion, drain, add mushrooms and gravy.
Pour into shell and add top crust.
Bake until heated through and nicely browned - about 20-25 minutes at 300 degrees.

For more recipes please visit Rocks in My Dryer

Blessings,
Liisa