Natural Cleaning

image via google

Since it's almost prep day I thought it would be a good time to update you all on how I've been cleaning without chemicals! :o)

I have 3 items that are pretty much MUST haves. Distilled Vinegar, Peroxide  and Baking Soda. These are the only three items I use for all of my cleaning needs. Aside from washing dishes. For that I use a store bought dish soap. Although I'm thinking of switching to castile soap. 

My multi-purpose cleaner is distilled vinegar, water, and some lemon essential oil. Before I had the oil I would soak citrus peels in a jar of vinegar for 2 weeks, making sure to shake it everyday. Then at the end of 2 weeks I would have a lovely scented vinegar. Once the vinegary smell disappears all that's left is a clean scent. I love doing this and I actually have a jar with lemon peels in my cabinet now. :o)

For mopping I use vinegar and boiling water. I like to use the infused vinegar or add a few drops of essential oil into it. Lavender would be a great one to use. 

In the bathroom I use the baking soda and vinegar. For the toilet I put in some baking soda then pour in some vinegar. After it finishes fizzing I use my brush and scrub a little, then let it sit for a few minutes while I wipe down the rest of the toilet, and flush. For the tub, if it needs to be scrubbed I do baking soda and vinegar, if it just needs to be wiped down I just use my multipurpose cleaner. To get rid of mold and mildew I just spray some diluted peroxide on it and let it sit for a bit (up to an hour). Then I just wipe it away, or depending how bad it is I may need to scrub it a little. 

For those of you like me who like to use things like fabric refresher, I make my own too. In the past I used some fabric softener, water, and baking soda. But we don't use fabric softener anymore because of our youngest's eczema. So I just replaced it with some lavender essential oil! I love it. The scent doesn't last for very long but it leaves the house smelling fresh. 

For spot cleaning on carpets, rugs, or the couch I use peroxide. I just pour it on the spot and then wipe it up after a few minutes. 

For clogged drains, I pour some baking soda down it followed by vinegar and just repeat until it's completely unclogged. 


I think that's everything, but if I forgot one you're curious about just let me know. Shabbat Shalom :o)

Prep day, planting seeds, and a gift

I can't believe another preparation day is here! Time has been flying by! I am going to be busy today, I'm trying out some new recipes :o) but in the mean time I wanted to share a few things with you. 

The other day I was cooking dinner and I had an extremely sobering thought... If I died today how would my children remember me? Would they remember me as always being too busy or too demanding?Or would their memories be pleasant ones of playing games and baking pies?

We aren't garaunteed any specific amount of time with our children So it's important to sow godly seeds in them EVERY day. It has to be a constant thing. 

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. - 2 Corinthians 9:6 

No matter what we're doing we're sowing something. If we spend more time on facebook than reading to our children that's a seed sown. Every action is a choice, and that choice is a seed. 

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. -Galatians 6:7

Sobering right? I hugged my girls extra tight after Adonai brought this to my mind...

Ok enough heavy stuff I have a gift for you! Awhile back I was listening to a show on Revive Our Hearts, I can't remember who was being interviewed but the woman was talking about how to be a blessed proverbs 31 mother. She used an acrostic for BLESSED that I wrote in my Bible because it was something I didn't want to forget about.

B- Beacon
L- Listener
E- Encourager
S- Seed Sower
S- Self-esteem builder
E- Example setter
D- Diligent

So often we hear about the total package of the P31 woman but not the sole area of motherhood. So I created this free printable for you so you can have a copy of it too! I pray it's as much of a blessing for you as it has been for me.


Shabbat Shalom

Lesson from a 2 year old

This morning as I was laying in bed, next to a wiggly 2 year old that had decided she didn't want to be in her crib any more, I learned a valuable lesson.  She wanted to put her feet down on the side of the bed, but when she did her feet got stuck. She put them there, they got stuck, she cried for help, I pulled her legs out and told her don't put them down there, she puts them down there again! 

This cycle continued maybe two more times and then I started thinking about how we're all like that with Elohim. He'll tell us to do, or not do, something for our own good. But in our willful, and selfish, way we go against what He says. Which only results in us getting into a situation where we must cry out to be rescued. How senseless of a cycle! If only we'd obey instantly we could avoid so much heartache.

My prayer this Shabbat is that Adonai would show me the areas that I am in rebellion and help me adjust them accordingly. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  -Psalm 139:23-24

May your sabbath rest be blest! Shabbat Shalom!

Preparation Day

I can't believe it's been over a year since I've written a preparation day post! Wow. I guess that's just a reflection on how we've been living. We've gone back and forth over the Sabbath issue so many times. While we know the truth of the Sabbath it can often be hard to walk it out, especially alone. 

2012 has been a really difficult year for my family. Lot's of changes and upheavals have happened. But through it all Adonai has been nothing but faithful to us. We've purposed to end this year on a much better note and to head into 2013 with a renewed devotion to our Elohim. For me that means lot's of readjusting our diets (so that we are taking care of our temples), getting back into studying Hebrew, and reaffirming commitments that I've made to YHVH. For my family it means walking in the ways of Adonai, no matter how difficult it may be. 

Recently my husband and I watched Identity Crisis again (if you haven't seen this teaching I highly recommend it) and this time around something clicked for him. It was like the things that we've known for awhile took on new meaning for him. So now I've got a man on a mission, on my hands. :o)

How this will look in the coming months is unclear, but I trust that my Abba has a plan for my family. I do however know the first step that we must take is getting back to keeping the Sabbath! Shabbat was always a favorite of mine and I'm so excited to begin keeping it again. We will still be attending our church on Sundays, for the reasons found in this post. Only difference now is that my husband is able to be home for Shabbat and we're able to truly set aside this time for our Elohim. 

Well enough with all the heavy stuff, want to see my menu?!?

Dinner: Moroccan Chraimi Fish with roasted potatoes and corn 

Breakfast: Homemade Bagels, Cinnamon Rolls 

Lunch: Tuna Salad 

Plus: Challah, Pumpkin Challah, and Pumpkin cookies (if I get to them)

I am going to be busy, busy, busy but I'm super thankful my hubby has agreed to tackle most of the cleaning, so that I'm able to get everything done. 

May you have a blessed Erev Shabbat (Sabbath eve/preparation day), as you prepare to usher in the shalom of YHVH this Shabbat. 

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.- Exodus 31:13

Shabbat Shalom!

Preparation Day!

Today has been a busy preparation day as usual. But not too much cleaning! Just a lot of baking. I'm making challah, baked fish for dinner tonight, cinnamon buns for breakfast, and vegan Jamaican beef patties for lunch tomorrow. My kitchen is HOT. But I'm excited. I love the smells of Erev Shabbat. It makes my house smell like a home to me. I can't wait for my hubby to get home and find out that I made him some patties. He loves vegan beef patties and I have never made them before so I know he'll be very happy. Our anniversary is on Sunday so I'm hoping to make this whole weekend special despite the hurricane heading our way! If you think of us please just keep us in your prayers that we won't get blown away in the storm.

I pray that you all have a a wonderful Sabbath.

Shabbat Shalom,

Preparation Day!

Since the sun is setting later on Saturday than it was a month or so ago I have to prepare more food in order to make sure that no one is hungry. So I've decided to share our menu. We're sort of vegetarians. We still eat kosher fish but no other meat. We eat cheese, but drink soy milk and use margarine in stead of butter. Strange I know, but its us. :o)

Dinner: 

Tomato Basil Salmon, Mashed Potatoes, Corn and Peas, Challah, Fruit Cobbler with Ice cream

Breakfast:

Salmon cakes, Corn bread, Fruit

Lunch:

Vegetarian Soup, Challah, Fruit salad (kiwi and apple)

Snack:

Vegan Brownies or oatmeal cookies (I'm not sure which yet)

We usually eat dinners late so if anyone is hungry after Havdalah then I'll cook something quick.

Shabbat Shalom!

Preparation Day!

Our God is an AWESOME GOD! I want to share this video with you all. This is so unbelievably interesting! YHVH speaks to us in ways that we can't even yet comprehend. In this video Mark Blitz explains a message that is hidden within the Hebrew text of Proverbs 30:4-7. This is just so amazing to me! 

Mark Biltz Q & A Yeshua in Old Testament

"But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul." Deut 4:29

Shabbat Shalom! 

Preparation Day!

It's almost Shabbat and my heart is heavy.... I usually try to keep my preparation day posts about Shabbat or something light hearted. But something happened today that made me feel just how hard it is to be set apart. Making decisions for myself is easy. When dealing with family sometimes its hard to go into details and when I just say "I don't want to," most times people leave me alone after that. But when it comes to my children for some reason it never seems to be so simple; at least not with my family.

You see my cousin is throwing a party for her daughter. My daughter who is two was invited. Now normally this would be no big deal! But this party is being held at an indoor water park. Sigh. While the idea of a water party for little kids sounds like great fun, my mind turns to modesty. This is not a secluded water park, it's not like the children will be the only ones there, AND its not likely that any of the children will be dressed modestly. Sadly in the world we live in, being near water means its ok to be naked. I can't allow my daughter to be around that. I know to some it may seem innocent enough but I can't knowingly and willingly submit my child to that. Some of my own family members have boasted about the bikinis they will be wearing. How then am I as a Torah loving follower of Yeshua HaMashiach supposed to handle this situation. 

Just simply saying no we will not be attending brings question after question of why not. When I finally just say point blank we don't want our child in that environment, although it may be taken fairly well, I know in my family it means I will be talked about behind my back. But that's not the part that is making my heart heavy. Its the feeling of not allowing my child to take part in what should be innocent fun! She's two and she has a few friends from Sunday school but how will it be received when she can't attend their parties because it's Shabbat? Although I   KNOW this is the right path, it breaks my heart to think that my children will have lonely lives. That they won't get to go to friends parties and that they won't have any friends but me and their father. While in a way that's fine and well, because I'm more than happy to be my children's friend, but the fact still remains that I am their mother and not their friend. There will be times where they may want a friend but I have no choice but to be a mother. We don't have a local Messianic fellowship and I don't have any like minded friends that live close by. This road is certainly not the easy road but I know it's full of blessings that I can't even pretend to imagine. 

Here is the patience of the saints: 

here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. -Rev 14:12

But I won't end this on a low note! Its's SHABBAT after all! :o) So enjoy this adorable video I found on youtube. 

Preparation Day!

Another joyous preparation day is upon us! Friday has become my second most favorite (and hectic) part of the week. Of course I LOVE Shabbat but I also really enjoy getting ready for Shabbat. Knowing that its coming and that in just a few short hours it will be here! Everything that gets done on Friday is in preparation for Shabbat! I love it!

Lechah dodi, liqarat kallah.

 

P'nei Shabbat neqabelah!

Shabbat Shalom,

Preparation Day!

lyrics and translation from hebrew songs 

Shamor  vezachor bedibur echad                           Guard and remember in a single utterance

Hishmi’anu El hameyuchad                                    We were made to hear by the unifying God*

HaShem echad ush’ma echad                               God is One and His name is One

Leshem uletif’eret velitehilah                                  For His name for glory and praise

Lechah dodi, likarat kalah                        Come my lover to welcome the Shabat  (referred to as the bride)

Penei shabat nekabelah                                            We will welcome Shabat

Hitoreri, hitoreri                                                       Wake up, wake up

Ki ba orech, kumi uri                                               Your light is coming, rise up and shine*

Uri, uri, shir daberi                                                   Wake up, wake up, and sing a song

Kevod HaShem alaich nig’lah                                   You saw the glory of God

Lechah dodi, likarat kalah                        Come my lover to welcome the Shabat  (referred to as the bride)

Penei shabat nekabelah                                            We will welcome Shabat

Boi beshalom ateret ba’alah                                      Enter in peace o crown of her husband

Gam besimchah uvetzahalah                                     Even in gladness and good cheer

Toch emunei am segulah                                          Among the faithful of the treasured nation

Boi Kalah, boi, kalah                                                 Enter o bride, enter o bride

Lechah dodi, likarat kalah                        Come my lover to welcome the Shabat  (referred to as the bride)

Penei shabat nekabelah                                            We will welcome Shabat

Lechah dodi, likarat kalah                        Come my lover to welcome the Shabat  (referred to as the bride) Penei shabat nekabelah                                                    We will welcome Shabat

(*wikipedia translation)

Shabbat Shalom!

Preparation Day!

I love Shabbat. It's such a peaceful time in my house. Spending time with HaShem, no rushing, and no chores. We're still learning about what works for us and how to go about certain things, but since we've been observing the Sabbath we have grown in so many ways.  

*Barukh attah Adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam, she’asah li kol tzorki*(Blessed art thou, Lord our God, King of the universe, who provides for me all my needs)

And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.- Ezekiel 20:20

Shabbat Shalom!

Preparation Day!

(quotes from The Sabbath, by Abraham Joshua Heschel)

It must always be remembered that the Sabbath is not an occasion for diversion or frivolity; not a day to shoot fireworks or to turn somersaults, but an opportunity to mend our tattered lives; to collect rather than to dissipate time. (pg. 18)

It is one of life’s highest rewards, a source of strength and inspiration to endure tribulation, to live nobly. The work on weekdays and the rest on the seventh day are correlated. The Sabbath is the inspirer, the other days inspired. (pg. 22)

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever. (pg. 40)

***********************

If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

 ¹⁴Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. (Isaiah 58:13-14)

May you have a blessed Sabbath rest! 

Preparation day is here again!

Sorry its been awhile I'm having some computer issues. I'm actually posting this from my phone! But I will be back soon (prayerfully) and I will post pictures of my FIRST Challah! I baked it today for Shabbat after finding a great egg free recipe! (we don't eat eggs which is why I never baked a challah before) I'm very excited about this new discovery! Well I have to run for now, I pray you all have a blessed Shabbat.


Shabbat Shalom!

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." -Exodus 20:8

Preparation Day!

It's preparation day again! Oh how I love the smells that come from my kitchen on this day! I've been getting more and more tired lately, this little one is draining my energy. So I do most of the cleaning on Thursday and do my cooking on Friday. It works for us so far. 

I'm very excited this Shabbat in particular because we have a new stove! Our old oven was broken and the maintenance man thought he could fix it. But we prayed and prayed for a new stove and God provided! Now we finally have a working oven, and its new! I have a delicious smelling banana bread baking now and I have dough for a white bread rising. I'm so excited about having fresh bread. We don't eat eggs so I can't make Challah but I think any bread would be just as much a blessing to have. 

I'm still struggling with what to do with my almost 2 year old on Shabbat when there is no tv. She is active but she's not so great at keeping herself entertained. She LOVES attention. I'm sure it's my fault I talked to her NON-STOP since she was a day old. She's always had all of my attention, so I can't be mad at her for wanting it now. I pray she will be ok when the baby comes along. I'm 23 weeks now so time is moving quickly. 

This Shabbat we plan to rest at home and do some studying and reading. I usually find either a Jewish or Christian video to watch and we will have some time to relax and watch a movie that keeps our priorities in order. If any one has any advice for making Shabbat special for very young children please share. Money is tight right now so instead of making three full meals as I usually do I  will be making two meals. One for tonight just after sun set, and one for tomorrow. We'll snack on left overs in between and the breads that I'm making. 

I pray that everyone has a Blessed and Restful Shabbat!