Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord. Luke 2: 11
Tuesday, 25 December 2012
Joy Noel
Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord. Luke 2: 11
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Putting your best foot forward
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Proverbs 31:22 NIV
And she's back! Our proverbs Woman knows how to make the most of her home and to dress in the best that she can afford. There is another significance to our Truly Good Woman (TGW) wearing purple however. Our TGW is wearing purple as it is an expensive fabric of high quality, but she is also wearing it for the significance of her faith.
(Princess Grace gown, V&A 2010)
Purple was symbolic to the Jewish nation for the colour blue (the broken law aka sin) with red (= blood. the priests atoning for the sin of others with sacrifices). So our TGW was showing that she tries to live a Godly life in which she regularly confesses her short comings. 'Then they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth over it.' (Numbers 4: 13)
Christians recognise too the same significance in Jesus, the one who died for all through his death on the cross, wearing purple at the time of his trial. 'And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and put a purple robe on Him.'(John 19: 2; Mark 15: 17)
And she's back! Our proverbs Woman knows how to make the most of her home and to dress in the best that she can afford. There is another significance to our Truly Good Woman (TGW) wearing purple however. Our TGW is wearing purple as it is an expensive fabric of high quality, but she is also wearing it for the significance of her faith.
Purple was symbolic to the Jewish nation for the colour blue (the broken law aka sin) with red (= blood. the priests atoning for the sin of others with sacrifices). So our TGW was showing that she tries to live a Godly life in which she regularly confesses her short comings. 'Then they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth over it.' (Numbers 4: 13)
Christians recognise too the same significance in Jesus, the one who died for all through his death on the cross, wearing purple at the time of his trial. 'And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and put a purple robe on Him.'(John 19: 2; Mark 15: 17)
Sunday, 15 April 2012
I'm doing the 'British Bloggers in support of British Flowers'
I'm participating in Vanessa Kimbell's 'British Bloggers in spupport of British Flowers' challenge. It's sponsored by Thompson & Morgan, and if you are quick enough you can contact Vanessa and she'll email you some of their seeds. Click Vanessa's link above, or the picture, to find out more.
I'm hoping to grow the Sweat Pea 'Anniversary' as it's mine and Iain's anniversary in August, the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click' because I love double blooms, and Zinnia elegans 'Lilliput mix' because Lilliput is a nickname for Elizabeth (my name).
Do take a look, it's definitely worth looking out for British grown flowers when buying cut flowers, and if British aren't available then buy Fairtrade roses.
Liz x
I'm hoping to grow the Sweat Pea 'Anniversary' as it's mine and Iain's anniversary in August, the Cosmos bipinnatus 'Double Click' because I love double blooms, and Zinnia elegans 'Lilliput mix' because Lilliput is a nickname for Elizabeth (my name).
Do take a look, it's definitely worth looking out for British grown flowers when buying cut flowers, and if British aren't available then buy Fairtrade roses.
Liz x
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Up before Dawn?
When editing the labels of my posts, this one seemed to jump forward as a new post - it is actually from a year ago, and I certainly wasn't up at dawn today!
Today's Truly Good Woman focus is Proverbs 31 verse 15.
In the traditional King James Version it says:
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
And in the NIV version it is more helpfully translated as:
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
I myself much prefer the Message version as a 21st century understanding of the text:
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
And all of that is even before discussing the text! I say I prefer it as if that is what I am doing, but as I checked the sunrise and sunset times I realised that I'm certainly not achieving that accolade (5am is a teensy bit early for me - and actually I'm quite glad. So well done to her, and I'm going to focus on the preparing breakfast (cup of tea and a bowl of cornflakes - sorted!) and organizing her day.
Now I realise that I'm still living in a rather luxurious existence with it just being myself and the Hubba - but I feel this ease actually makes me more lazy. I don't get up early because I don't have to, but in terms of organisation I do like to set the radio alarm to hear the news, I set the washing machine to have finished and the bread machine to have baked - so I may not be up but the house has been for a couple of hours. The joys of modern living hey?
What do people think of this? Do you have a routine?
A friend of mine who already had two boys recently had twins, I expect she now has a military routine. I'd love to hear what yours is, please post a comment to share.
Liz xxx
Today's Truly Good Woman focus is Proverbs 31 verse 15.
In the traditional King James Version it says:
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
And in the NIV version it is more helpfully translated as:
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
I myself much prefer the Message version as a 21st century understanding of the text:
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
by Steve-h
And all of that is even before discussing the text! I say I prefer it as if that is what I am doing, but as I checked the sunrise and sunset times I realised that I'm certainly not achieving that accolade (5am is a teensy bit early for me - and actually I'm quite glad. So well done to her, and I'm going to focus on the preparing breakfast (cup of tea and a bowl of cornflakes - sorted!) and organizing her day.
Now I realise that I'm still living in a rather luxurious existence with it just being myself and the Hubba - but I feel this ease actually makes me more lazy. I don't get up early because I don't have to, but in terms of organisation I do like to set the radio alarm to hear the news, I set the washing machine to have finished and the bread machine to have baked - so I may not be up but the house has been for a couple of hours. The joys of modern living hey?
What do people think of this? Do you have a routine?
A friend of mine who already had two boys recently had twins, I expect she now has a military routine. I'd love to hear what yours is, please post a comment to share.
Liz xxx
Monday, 9 April 2012
Prepared for the Weather
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. Proverbs 31:21 The Message
No matter how little you prefer to accessorise, the winter wardrobe does demand more so than the other seasons.
Here again, the proverbs woman gives a good example of another area of our lives. The verse doesn't talk of fashion but of a family provided for with their winter clothes.
We too can prepare our family now with their winter clothes for next year. This week I have swapped my wardrobe around to my summer selection. While doing so I have washed and stored our scarves, hats, gloves, boots and coats. In addition to this I have a bag of items in need of repair...just need to find the time to mend them now!
We can apply this to other areas of life too. We can prepare for big events in our lives. If we know something is approaching we can have some peace in knowing that we've readied our resources. For those of us with a Christian faith, we can walk with God through our event or situation knowing that he gives enough strength for whatever we're going through.
Our Proverbs woman must have felt a peace in knowing that the winter was approaching but all was ready from the year before.
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Open Arms
'She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.' Proverbs 31:20 NIV
Giving to the poor is an instruction in the Bible, but it is more than just writing a cheque. Financially giving is important, but relationships are more so.
By Mr. Kris
In today's verse we see our proverbs woman extending herself to those in need whether they be poor, sick or old. This is about being a light to someone you know in your community. It may only be a short term need or a call of a longer duration. It doesn't need to be something that demands a new skill, it could be offering a skill or gift that you already have, such as gardening or giving a prepared meal.
Most importantly listen. Very simply ask how you could be of help.
Saturday, 18 February 2012
The Diligent Woman
Now, as I have gone so far as to base my blog upon the scripture of the Proverbs 31 Woman, I guess it's pretty much a given that I think she's pretty impressive. I am glad to say however, that I don't feel inadequate in comparison to her and that's not because I'm claiming I do everything she does!
My personal standpoint is that I view the things she does and achieves as examples of good practise, and I'm happy to those things when it suits me and when I can make the time to do so. I do not feel however that I am a failure if I don't spin my own thread!
I'm going to expand on verse 19 today, but in my thinking and reading about it , it got me wondering if other women felt the same confidence that I do or whether some even felt burdened by her example?
I even asked my husband what he thought about her. Interestingly he did recognise that she was busy and industrious but also felt that it's important to have time for family and loved ones, and he noted that there is no mention of a shared vision between the wife and husband.
‘She spins her own thread and weaves her own cloth.’
Indicating a craft in spinning and weaving, something I don't know of many people making time for today.
Whereas The Message says:
‘She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.’
And this can mean so much more to many more of us. For instance, she's a homemaker in how she prepares and resources the living spaces of the lounge and bedrooms. Where she can she makes the curtains, cushions and blankets. She plans and prepares the meals for the household, and is organised in doing this. She puts the equipment to good use, setting the timer of the bread-maker to be ready in the morning for toast and sandwiches. Making double quantity of Bolognese or cookie mix and freezing it for another time.
Grace Communion International says:
'The example she sets is one of skill and industriousness. Whether this woman would be a computer programmer, a concert pianist, a mother, or all three, she develops her talents and hones her skills through education and diligent application.' Sheila Graham 2003.
Someone who works at being the best that they can be within their field of work is something we can all aspire to be.
Father God, I pray that you help and guide us all to be the best we can be, Amen.
My personal standpoint is that I view the things she does and achieves as examples of good practise, and I'm happy to those things when it suits me and when I can make the time to do so. I do not feel however that I am a failure if I don't spin my own thread!
I'm going to expand on verse 19 today, but in my thinking and reading about it , it got me wondering if other women felt the same confidence that I do or whether some even felt burdened by her example?
I even asked my husband what he thought about her. Interestingly he did recognise that she was busy and industrious but also felt that it's important to have time for family and loved ones, and he noted that there is no mention of a shared vision between the wife and husband.
Lise Sewing, Auguste Renoir
Anyway, what could verse 19 have to say for us today? Well, most translations say something along the lines of the Good News Version:‘She spins her own thread and weaves her own cloth.’
Indicating a craft in spinning and weaving, something I don't know of many people making time for today.
Whereas The Message says:
‘She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.’
And this can mean so much more to many more of us. For instance, she's a homemaker in how she prepares and resources the living spaces of the lounge and bedrooms. Where she can she makes the curtains, cushions and blankets. She plans and prepares the meals for the household, and is organised in doing this. She puts the equipment to good use, setting the timer of the bread-maker to be ready in the morning for toast and sandwiches. Making double quantity of Bolognese or cookie mix and freezing it for another time.
Grace Communion International says:
'The example she sets is one of skill and industriousness. Whether this woman would be a computer programmer, a concert pianist, a mother, or all three, she develops her talents and hones her skills through education and diligent application.' Sheila Graham 2003.
Someone who works at being the best that they can be within their field of work is something we can all aspire to be.
Father God, I pray that you help and guide us all to be the best we can be, Amen.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
New Year's Resolution
I don't usually make a New year Resolution, because I know I'm likely to fail and then feel bad. This year however, I waited a few days until I returned to work and could think about how I want to get that better 'work-life-balance' that I have previously posted about.
So I've decided my New Year Resolution is to leave work earlier. As a primary school teacher I'm fortunate enough to leave work by 4pm, and although I definitely have say 2 hours more work each evening, I find I am far more productive doing it at home as I faff at school. I end up doing nothing much, till 6pm when school closes, perhaps fiddling with a display or moaning with a colleague about all the work to be done (!), and then low and behold, I still have the work to be done at home.
Three days out of 5 I will leave school at 4pm.
And I have resolved to go to bed earlier. A lot of health and well-being is wrapped up in getting enough sleep and I need at least 8 hours in order to feel my best.
Two years ago, when I last had a class responsibility, rather than just teaching dance like last year, I ran myself into the ground. I worked at least 70 hour weeks and had about 5 hours sleep each night - I did not feel good and had a mini break down.
I'm managing far better this year but I still need to look after myself as work as a teacher can be addictive - the job is never finished.
Beauty sleep and a good work-life-balance - I'm looking forward to 2012.
Liz xxx
So I've decided my New Year Resolution is to leave work earlier. As a primary school teacher I'm fortunate enough to leave work by 4pm, and although I definitely have say 2 hours more work each evening, I find I am far more productive doing it at home as I faff at school. I end up doing nothing much, till 6pm when school closes, perhaps fiddling with a display or moaning with a colleague about all the work to be done (!), and then low and behold, I still have the work to be done at home.
Three days out of 5 I will leave school at 4pm.
And I have resolved to go to bed earlier. A lot of health and well-being is wrapped up in getting enough sleep and I need at least 8 hours in order to feel my best.
Two years ago, when I last had a class responsibility, rather than just teaching dance like last year, I ran myself into the ground. I worked at least 70 hour weeks and had about 5 hours sleep each night - I did not feel good and had a mini break down.
I'm managing far better this year but I still need to look after myself as work as a teacher can be addictive - the job is never finished.
Beauty sleep and a good work-life-balance - I'm looking forward to 2012.
Liz xxx
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Coffee Table Books
I love coffee table books. The promise of time whiled away with a favourite beverage while gazing through pages of beautiful photos is always to be looked forward to.
By [Clint] Clint McMahon
I don't actually have that many coffee table books, I find that they're a little bit of a luxury. Mostly I have bought them when travelling, or been given them as a gift when travelling, and indeed the charity shop is always a fantastic place to come across a rare find.
I even sometimes imagine the titles of Coffee Table Books that I should like to flick through. Whimsy titles might include 'Candy canes at Christmas', or one of an architectural interest might be 'Roofs across Italy'.
Indeed, time and money willing I could actually make these 'imagined' books. If I could afford a decent camera and travel the globe in search for candy canes or roofs in Italy so to take my own photos, I could then have them printed as a coffee table book by one the many photo printing websites.
One such site is www.blurb.com, where you can make your own book, to book store quality and publish it on their website for others to buy. Something to consider anyway.
I might even make a proverbs 31:10-31 book.
What would you make as your coffee table book?
I even sometimes imagine the titles of Coffee Table Books that I should like to flick through. Whimsy titles might include 'Candy canes at Christmas', or one of an architectural interest might be 'Roofs across Italy'.
Indeed, time and money willing I could actually make these 'imagined' books. If I could afford a decent camera and travel the globe in search for candy canes or roofs in Italy so to take my own photos, I could then have them printed as a coffee table book by one the many photo printing websites.
One such site is www.blurb.com, where you can make your own book, to book store quality and publish it on their website for others to buy. Something to consider anyway.
I might even make a proverbs 31:10-31 book.
What would you make as your coffee table book?
Sunday, 18 December 2011
It's been a long time...
You know it's been a long time when you forget how to do something. For me there are several things falling into this category, and am sad to say that they are good things that I feel I should try to make more room for.
First up is spending quality time in meditation with God. Iain, my husband graduates in 2012 and is hopefully going to find a church who would like him to minister. I know that God has a plan for us and wants to share in this time, so I really need to put aside a sacred time to spend with Him each day.
Other areas include blogging, writing in my journal, running, going to dance classes, reading, baking, oh and having a desk which is actually nice to work at and not just a dumping ground for things that I really ought to do, but only when I've got some non-school work time.
In comparison to this though, Iain and I are finding time to meet with friends, which I am so thankful for as friendship is important to us.
Last year was easier as my role at school was different, I was only teaching dance. Whereas this year I have my own class again, and as nice as it is to be with a nice bunch of kids who you have the privilege to see develop in their characters and learning, boy oh boy it does consume so much more of my time.
This academic year is going well but there is still some way to go in terms of my own efficiency and work-life-balance.
In run up to Christmas as things in the classroom begin to slow down, mostly due to the fact that once glitter, tinsel and Santa begin to make appearances, the children begin to go a little loopy! Now rather than just sit back and relax, I've tried to make the most of this opportunity to get as much done as possible for when we return in January - therefore no work over the Christmas holidays - yippee!!!
It will be a good break in which hopefully I will adopt some habits that will take themselves into the new year.
I hope you have some quality time to do the things you love over Christmas.
Liz xxx
First up is spending quality time in meditation with God. Iain, my husband graduates in 2012 and is hopefully going to find a church who would like him to minister. I know that God has a plan for us and wants to share in this time, so I really need to put aside a sacred time to spend with Him each day.
In comparison to this though, Iain and I are finding time to meet with friends, which I am so thankful for as friendship is important to us.
Last year was easier as my role at school was different, I was only teaching dance. Whereas this year I have my own class again, and as nice as it is to be with a nice bunch of kids who you have the privilege to see develop in their characters and learning, boy oh boy it does consume so much more of my time.
This academic year is going well but there is still some way to go in terms of my own efficiency and work-life-balance.
In run up to Christmas as things in the classroom begin to slow down, mostly due to the fact that once glitter, tinsel and Santa begin to make appearances, the children begin to go a little loopy! Now rather than just sit back and relax, I've tried to make the most of this opportunity to get as much done as possible for when we return in January - therefore no work over the Christmas holidays - yippee!!!
It will be a good break in which hopefully I will adopt some habits that will take themselves into the new year.
I hope you have some quality time to do the things you love over Christmas.
Liz xxx
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Recipes for Round Mini Lemon Drizzle Loaves
Here they are, the two recipes I used to make my R.B.O.K. Round Mini Lemon Drizzle Loaves.
I used a pre-made syrup from Vanessa Kimbell's Prepped! and the Nigella Lawson recipe Mini Lime-Syrup Sponges.
Lavender Lemonade
Makes 1 litre
Prep time 25 minutes
Cooking time 5 minutes
20 lavender flowers (in bud)
500g caster sugar
500ml water
Zest and juice of 7 lemons
1. Put the lavender, sugar and water into a heavy-based saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5-6 minutes. Ass the lemon juice.
2. Strain and allow to cool before transferring to a clean bottle. This should store in the fridge for 3-4 weeks. Dilute to taste for Lavender Lemonade, or use as Lavender & Lemon Syrup.
Mini Lime-Syrup Sponges
125g unsalted butter, softened
175g caster sugar
2 large eggs
Zest of 1 lime
175g self-raising flour
pinch of salt
4 tablespoons milk
8-bun mini-loaf tin, buttered very well. (I used a 12 cupcake tin)
Preheat the oven to 180oC/gas mark 4.
I used a pre-made syrup from Vanessa Kimbell's Prepped! and the Nigella Lawson recipe Mini Lime-Syrup Sponges.
Lavender Lemonade
Makes 1 litre
Prep time 25 minutes
Cooking time 5 minutes
20 lavender flowers (in bud)
500g caster sugar
500ml water
Zest and juice of 7 lemons
1. Put the lavender, sugar and water into a heavy-based saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5-6 minutes. Ass the lemon juice.
2. Strain and allow to cool before transferring to a clean bottle. This should store in the fridge for 3-4 weeks. Dilute to taste for Lavender Lemonade, or use as Lavender & Lemon Syrup.
Mini Lime-Syrup Sponges
125g unsalted butter, softened
175g caster sugar
2 large eggs
Zest of 1 lime
175g self-raising flour
pinch of salt
4 tablespoons milk
8-bun mini-loaf tin, buttered very well. (I used a 12 cupcake tin)
Preheat the oven to 180oC/gas mark 4.
Cream together the butter and sugar, and add the eggs and lime zest, beating them well. Add the flour and salt, folding in gently, and then the milk. SPoon into the mini-loaf pan, and cook for 25 minutes.
While the cakes are cooking, prepare the syrup by putting the lime juice and suagar into a small saucepan and heating gently so that the sugar dissolves.
As soon as the mini-sponges are ready, take them out of the oven and prick them witha cake-tester all over. Pour over the syrup evenly. Try to let the middle absorb the liquid as well as the sides, then leave it to soak up the rest. Don’t try to take the cakes out of the pan until they have cooled slightly and the syrup looks like it has been absorbed, but be aware that if you leave these to cool completely they might be very difficult to get out of the pan.
So, after an hour or two, turn them out onto a rack and grate some lime zest over them before serving (or selling).
Makes 8.
Enjoy!
xxx
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Random Bake of Kindness
Random acts of kindness are brilliant aren't they. I've heard so many wonderful recounts of people's experiences with showing kindness to often strangers. One being, giving the car park attendant, on the dry summer's day, a cool can of coca cola. Or paying the car behind you at the motorway toll.
I know that when I've given a random act or received - it's made my day. So I thought it was great when Vanessa suggested we join in with the Random Bake of Kindness. It seemed to me to be the next level in showing gratitude. You need to decide who you're going to bake for and why, and to tell them why you're doing it. I feel that we don't express enough just how much we appreciate things sometimes. So this is brilliant, and I know of at least two more people for whom I want to do it already!
So for my R.B.O.K. I decided to bake little round lemon drizzle cakes.
I used two recipes for this creation. Firstly I had a bottle of Lavender Lemon Syrup which I'd made from Vanessa Kimbell's 'Prepped'. Again a brilliant flavour which can be used for several other recipes and for making lemonade. I made mine when the lavender was in bud, and it does give a delicious flavour, it isn't essential however so can be made as just a lemon syrup.
The second recipe is from Nigella's 'How to be a Domestic Goddess'. Its based on the Mini Lime-Syrup Sponges and made a useful reference for quantities as I wanted to bake them in the tray as she had done with a mini-loaf tin.
This was such an easy recipe, and although I was over generous with the syrup - they were very, very moist - having the syrup ready made it a very quick bake. I will post about these two recipes in a day or so as I don't want to take away from the R.B.O.K. focus right now.
It wasn't difficult for me to choose who I would give my first R.B.O.K. to. And I know already that I won't do justice to how much gratitude that I and others I know feel for Anne's loving and caring nature.
As it happened I knew of Anne before I met her. Iain (my Hubby) and I did an internship at a church in Solihull in 2009, knowing that he would next be studying at a Ministry college in London. To where it just so happened the previous minister of the said Solihull church was now lecturing. In Solihull we realised how appreciative the people had been of Peter, the previous minister, and just how much they missed Anne his wife, so I was keen to meet Anne and felt confident that I wouldn't be disappointed.
It seems funny looking back, not knowing Anne, because I know Anne so well now. Not only do I join Anne with the other partners of those working or studying at the college for fellowship and shared times, but I go to the same church and we work at the same school. Infact, we always have so much to talk about and it doesn't matter if we've seen each other every day, there's still more to share!
Now it's not that Anne is only good at chatting as she is excellent at listening and remembering. So often I see Anne with people and she remembers so much about what is going on in their life and asks after them. Anne would probably be the first person to say she's not perfect, but it is so refreshing and encouraging when she shares something that has maybe not gone the way she hoped, and she reflects on why that might be. It's so healthy, she doesn't bury it away but shares it and is considerate of it in the future.
Here is a Truly Good Woman and she is inspirational in her friendships, marriage, family, work and church. I know I am blessed in having her friendship, while Iain is at college, and I very much look forward to years of shared times and catching-up when we have moved to a church of our own.
Anne I thank you for your friendship, for your constant encouragement and advice, for Oswestry and for your example.
I pray that you feel encouraged by this post and that your friendships are always blessed.
Much love, xxx
I know that when I've given a random act or received - it's made my day. So I thought it was great when Vanessa suggested we join in with the Random Bake of Kindness. It seemed to me to be the next level in showing gratitude. You need to decide who you're going to bake for and why, and to tell them why you're doing it. I feel that we don't express enough just how much we appreciate things sometimes. So this is brilliant, and I know of at least two more people for whom I want to do it already!
So for my R.B.O.K. I decided to bake little round lemon drizzle cakes.
The second recipe is from Nigella's 'How to be a Domestic Goddess'. Its based on the Mini Lime-Syrup Sponges and made a useful reference for quantities as I wanted to bake them in the tray as she had done with a mini-loaf tin.
This was such an easy recipe, and although I was over generous with the syrup - they were very, very moist - having the syrup ready made it a very quick bake. I will post about these two recipes in a day or so as I don't want to take away from the R.B.O.K. focus right now.
It wasn't difficult for me to choose who I would give my first R.B.O.K. to. And I know already that I won't do justice to how much gratitude that I and others I know feel for Anne's loving and caring nature.
It seems funny looking back, not knowing Anne, because I know Anne so well now. Not only do I join Anne with the other partners of those working or studying at the college for fellowship and shared times, but I go to the same church and we work at the same school. Infact, we always have so much to talk about and it doesn't matter if we've seen each other every day, there's still more to share!
Now it's not that Anne is only good at chatting as she is excellent at listening and remembering. So often I see Anne with people and she remembers so much about what is going on in their life and asks after them. Anne would probably be the first person to say she's not perfect, but it is so refreshing and encouraging when she shares something that has maybe not gone the way she hoped, and she reflects on why that might be. It's so healthy, she doesn't bury it away but shares it and is considerate of it in the future.
Here is a Truly Good Woman and she is inspirational in her friendships, marriage, family, work and church. I know I am blessed in having her friendship, while Iain is at college, and I very much look forward to years of shared times and catching-up when we have moved to a church of our own.
Anne I thank you for your friendship, for your constant encouragement and advice, for Oswestry and for your example.
I pray that you feel encouraged by this post and that your friendships are always blessed.
Much love, xxx
Little Round Lemon Drizzle Cakes
I'm being lazy and uploading photos via phone to flickr - not SMART- but lazy :)
Friday, 2 September 2011
Random Bake of Kindness
Anne and Rachel receiving my Random Bake of Kindness.
More to follow later today...must actually go prepare my classroom now, putting it off long enough!
Friday, 26 August 2011
Above Diamonds
I've done it! I've taken the plunge and changed my blog name. 'Above Diamonds' is smidgen less pretentious (but not too much) than 'truly good woman' but hopefully it sets a better balance.
I'll be looking for diamond photos now and wondering whether my new blog name will have put me off of your lists? Oh well it'll be fun checking in on peoples blogs anyway.
Liz x
I'll be looking for diamond photos now and wondering whether my new blog name will have put me off of your lists? Oh well it'll be fun checking in on peoples blogs anyway.
Liz x
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Blog name change
So I've been thinking for a while about changing my blog name. The general direction is going to stay the same and I still want to manage the three sections that have made 'Trulygoodwoman'. However, I haven't been too comfortable with the present name for quite some time.
I've decided to keep the Proverbs 31 theme but to go with the name 'Worthmorethandiamonds'. There are several US similar versions but mine will be a little UK / EU version.
I plan to do this in the next day or so. I'm not sure what this will do to your following but I hope to see you soon.
Love Liz xxx
I've decided to keep the Proverbs 31 theme but to go with the name 'Worthmorethandiamonds'. There are several US similar versions but mine will be a little UK / EU version.
I plan to do this in the next day or so. I'm not sure what this will do to your following but I hope to see you soon.
Love Liz xxx
Monday, 1 August 2011
Flavour Giveaway
At the risk of sounding like a Prepped! Groupie - seriously, I just keep going on about it! I just must recommend the Plum and Cardamom Crumble creation- it's sooo yummy! And so, I am giving away a humble and yet delicious packet of Green Cardamoms.
I love that the flavours are a paradox of being traditional and yet refreshingly new when combined together.
I'm now making Cardamom sugar and can't wait to try the other recipes. In the meantime, check out my reviews blog for how I got on with the crumble Truly Good Woman Reviews 'The crumbs of Crumble'.
The winner will be chosen by random number generator - just leave a comment to say which flavours are inspiring you in the kitchen and how they can be used. Entries close at 10pm on Monday 8th August.
(A chance of winning the Giveaway is only open to UK residents - sorry!)
I love that the flavours are a paradox of being traditional and yet refreshingly new when combined together.
I'm now making Cardamom sugar and can't wait to try the other recipes. In the meantime, check out my reviews blog for how I got on with the crumble Truly Good Woman Reviews 'The crumbs of Crumble'.
The winner will be chosen by random number generator - just leave a comment to say which flavours are inspiring you in the kitchen and how they can be used. Entries close at 10pm on Monday 8th August.
(A chance of winning the Giveaway is only open to UK residents - sorry!)
Friday, 29 July 2011
Working through the night
As I am sure you have noticed I haven't been blogging very regularly for some time now. Largely this is due to life being too good! I'm very ambitious with my time, or should I say overly optimistic? I do so much, and so often things like blogging, craft or sorting out the pile of filing, end up on the back burner.
However, if you look back to see the times when I have blogged, it is often nearing midnight or in the early hours. There are those times when, I've still had so much to do and it's already late but I've been inspired to post something and so it just can't (it simply cannot!) be postponed.
Put it down to my determined nature, or could that be 'I've decided I'm going to do it, so I have to do it now!' There are many times each month when I am up late, determined to get done whatever project I am working on. This is what our scripture focus for today is talking about:
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
We also see here a woman who knows that she does a good job, she doesn't begrudge that it may take a long time, and others know they can trust that she will get the job done.
However, if you look back to see the times when I have blogged, it is often nearing midnight or in the early hours. There are those times when, I've still had so much to do and it's already late but I've been inspired to post something and so it just can't (it simply cannot!) be postponed.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
We also see here a woman who knows that she does a good job, she doesn't begrudge that it may take a long time, and others know they can trust that she will get the job done.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Ready for the task in-hand
I always read the scripture that I'm studying in several translations and a commentary so to get a fuller picture of what is intended for the reader. Today's reading is one which immediately meant something to me for what I am going through now, but when I read it in other translations it had a fuller meaning. Isn't that interesting?
Look here:
She does her work with energy, and her arms are strong. (New Century Version)
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. (New International Version)
She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. (New King James Version)
The above were helpful and inspiring, but did somewhat make me think that I ought to be doing more bicep curls and triceps dips!
Whereas the following, in more simple language (what does that say?) spoke to me directly:
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. (The Message)
She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm. (Amplified Version)
My faith tells me that we all have a God given purpose. Sometimes that purpose can be difficult, even painful. Last year was really difficult for me, I almost quit teaching, but I'm glad to say I didn't. And it may sound trite but I know the experience has made me stronger.
This year has been brilliant, and although not without it's struggles, it has given me back the confidence to go forward.
Tomorrow I am going to be jumping up in the morning, dressing for work, eager to get started for I am meeting my new class for the next academic year. I already know them and my team of colleagues so I know how blessed I am. And because teaching is teaching and all that it involves, the highs and the lows, I am praying that the Father builds with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes my arms strong and firm.
Amen.
xxx
Look here:
She does her work with energy, and her arms are strong. (New Century Version)
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. (New International Version)
She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. (New King James Version)
The above were helpful and inspiring, but did somewhat make me think that I ought to be doing more bicep curls and triceps dips!
Whereas the following, in more simple language (what does that say?) spoke to me directly:
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. (The Message)
She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm. (Amplified Version)
My faith tells me that we all have a God given purpose. Sometimes that purpose can be difficult, even painful. Last year was really difficult for me, I almost quit teaching, but I'm glad to say I didn't. And it may sound trite but I know the experience has made me stronger.
This year has been brilliant, and although not without it's struggles, it has given me back the confidence to go forward.
Tomorrow I am going to be jumping up in the morning, dressing for work, eager to get started for I am meeting my new class for the next academic year. I already know them and my team of colleagues so I know how blessed I am. And because teaching is teaching and all that it involves, the highs and the lows, I am praying that the Father builds with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes my arms strong and firm.
Amen.
xxx
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Lavender time
On a house outing to Box Hill (as visited by Jane Austin's 'Emma') last year, with our fabulous friends from college, we stumbled across Mayfield Lavender. It was a gloriously sunny day, we'd had a cream tea picnic on Box Hill and visited the ruined Folly. With laughs and walking, it really couldn't have been topped.
Then on the way home we discovered a sensational field of bright blue. One of our cars had noticed it on the way and much to our joy it was open to visitors and had a shop!!!
If you're in reach of Surrey, Mayfield Lavender, is well worth a visit. They do have an online shop but being there in person is so much better because the smell is amazing.
The day was growing into a beautiful evening and we were standing in the middle of rows upon rows of lavender taking photo upon photo. Of course I bought a massive bunch of lavender, enough to divide amongst my friends, and to spread across the flat in various vases (dry) and to use for lavender sugar.
Another reason to love Vanessa Kimbell's Prepped! is the delicious lavender chapter. I can't wait to make my trip to Mayfield lavender and then get on with the recipes. Take a sneak of the types of glorious flavours in Vanessa's lavender chapter with the post on Mail Online 'Lavender and Lemon Cake'.
Then on the way home we discovered a sensational field of bright blue. One of our cars had noticed it on the way and much to our joy it was open to visitors and had a shop!!!
If you're in reach of Surrey, Mayfield Lavender, is well worth a visit. They do have an online shop but being there in person is so much better because the smell is amazing.
The day was growing into a beautiful evening and we were standing in the middle of rows upon rows of lavender taking photo upon photo. Of course I bought a massive bunch of lavender, enough to divide amongst my friends, and to spread across the flat in various vases (dry) and to use for lavender sugar.
Another reason to love Vanessa Kimbell's Prepped! is the delicious lavender chapter. I can't wait to make my trip to Mayfield lavender and then get on with the recipes. Take a sneak of the types of glorious flavours in Vanessa's lavender chapter with the post on Mail Online 'Lavender and Lemon Cake'.
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