Amy’s, Indiana is Opening up finally, World!

This week has been a hard week as a homeschool mom. I tried a new way with setting a timer for every 40 mins. I told the girls when the time went off, they could go run and jump for 10 mins. Problem with it was, that the timer would go off and a thought would get interrupted. I should have put boundaries on it and dismissed them rather than letting them fly like eagles. Once they heard the sound of the timer, their brains shut off. Lol. So back to the drawing board.

I’ve learned more than anything, with homeschooling, that what works for one may not work for the other which requires me to be versatile in my approach to each child.

I have to be completely honest that this week was the hardest and the week where I seriously thought of throwing in the towel. I won’t, though. But it was a thought….which caused me to discouraged and not come to the school day in a positive manner.

New week coming up. New hope. The Corna mess just doesn’t help as well.

Anyone else out there miss their church? I’ve learned just how much of an outlet my church is for me. I’m so very grateful and blessed to say that we’ve had drive in church the last 3 weeks. So much work has gone into it by the leaders. I don’t take that lightly.

While some of us are sitting around waiting, others are working harder than ever…in many fields of work.

Church is the other half of our lives. Seriously. Can’t wait for them doors to swing wide!

Until then…I crochet (next blanket is almost done then I’ll share the pic with you all), do laundry, try to homeschool and cook endless amounts of meals. I also get very excited to go to the store!Made homemade granola. Message me for for the very simple recipe.Tinker toys…because they’re good for boredom!Today we went to my dad’s and fished with my sister while my husband helped dad fix his roof.

Got a little bass. I gave it back it’s life. We had a nice day. Got some sunshine. Right after that pic was taken the fish flipped everywhere and I screamed!

The Vincent Ehindero Award

This award is new 😊 It was created by Vincent, a young man, who lives in Nigeria.

I was nominated by friend and bro in Christ, Stu. Gracias my friend! I haven’t done many awards lately, but Stu’s questions (as they always are) were too good not to answer!

Here are the guidelines:
1. Thank the person that nominated you with a link to their blog.
2. Make a Post of the award (with photo)
3. Post the rules.
4. Ask 5-10 questions of your choice.
5. Nominate 10-30 other bloggers (or more) and notify them.
6. Follow Vincent Ehindero @ vincentehindero.wordpress.com (to qualify for a free blog promotion and shout out) and more blogging opportunities.

Here are Stu’s questions:

1. What do you feel is your greatest achievement in life so far?

The things I want to brag on are really God’s achievements, as I could never be the mom or wife that I am without Him… Think of all the good you’ve done, and try to see you doing that without God.
2. After this Coronavirus shut-in is over, how do you feel the world will interact with one another?

I already feel a different spirit in the air. When I’m in public people are different. I’m hoping the tension and the frantic, frightened feeling will leave the air once civilization goes on with life. But I believe as well that many hearts are looking Up and sending prayers up that never did before.

The handshake, I’m afraid is gone. The pat on the back…probably gone too. Sad, really. But if all that stops and people start to pray and seek God in its place, I’ll take life without those things to see revival for sure!
3. When the virus mutates again in a year or less, because it will…just like the flu does, would you take the chip if it had the cure built in? (The chip is a reality now for those who do not know)

See told y’all, good questions!…my answer is no. I will not take a chip. I’m not a lost dog that needs tagged. I don’t need branded. I have a seal applied to my heart. I know Whose I am!

2 Corinthians 1:22 New International Version
set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Can I get an amen in the house? (Lol…I need out of my house so bad)
4. This is not a prideful question it’s just something I am curious about. What do you like most about my little ole blog?

Stu’s World, with all its Roman Numerals, is my favorite. I like it so much I stole your idea and even got you to make me my own Amy’s World logo!

I like your honesty. Blatant honesty.
5. What is the most odd acting or exotic pet you have ever owned?

I had a set of two pet mice 20 something years ago. Funny thing is we had a crazed mouse running through our livingroom right in front of us all just last week! I kept my feet up and squealed. My husband took his bb gun and waited it out and got him! I know so cruel…but the highlight of our week!
6. What scented candle is always lit in your home?

No candles since I’ve discovered essential oils! I diffuse lemongrass, ylang ylang, and peppermint together during the day. And at night Clary Sage, fennel and vetiver…
7. This is a request more than a question. Would you be so kind as to post your favorite sunrise or sunset picture? We all could use something to brighten our day😊

Y’all get 2!

These next pics are for my friend Renee, just because I’d like her to remember her influence on others is greatly appreciated and not taken lightly. God sees your devotion to others, Renee

This is open to anyone daring enough to answer Stu’s awesome questions. His questions remain the same for you!

Soup of Truth

Scattering like bugs on hot cement

People frantic, can you hear their lament?

Fear has taken control, a driving force

Determined lives now thrown off course

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Seems as though they run to find a truth

Willing to listen to sputterings of the uncouth

Fingers of blame pointing to all four winds

As the soup of truth gets more and more thinned

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What do You have to say about it all?

What do You tell them when they call?

I’m sure love and forgiveness are first on your lips

Do they know they can guzzle from your well, rather than tiny sips?

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In the light I see tiny dust particles swirling

As truth is lifted off its shelf, twirling

I hear the slow creaking of a Book being opened

A place where they can always put their hope in…

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A map, a guide to light their way

If only they heed what Your words say…!

Behold I am doing a new thing, it shall spring forth

I will bring you out of the wilderness, you’ll find true north

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Our Guide, our Truth, and our Way

Is coming soon, humble yourself and pray

Faces and Facets of Pride

Kathy really hit the nail on the head with this post. Pride is multi-layered with many dimensions; nevertheless we must ask for forgiveness when we recognize it in ourselves. See which category of pride you find yourself.

 

image from google When I think of pride, I often visualize a long-robed Pharisee, parading along as his followers fawn adoringly in his presence. He’s soaking up the attention, loving the power he has over others as they hang on his every word. He goes home at night, fully satisfied within himself that he is […]

via Faces and Facets of Pride — Maggie Tiggles

Faithful Shepherd

They’re wondering where You’re at in all of this?

Will they just spiral into a dark abyss?

Did you have somewhere else to be?

Or were You watching while sipping Your morning tea?

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So many think of You as some cynical king

Sitting back waiting for us to kiss Your ring

Hurts to even write those words…

For I know You are the faithful Shepherd who herds

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I know you’re not wielding your gavel in hand

Wanting, waiting to judge all; every man…

I know your heart aches for ever lost soul

Hoping they would let you play your role

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Of King, of Lord, Father of all

Majestic in splendor, will they hear Your call?

By Amy Blount 2020

This Morning…

This Evening…

Venison vegetable soup with rice.

Amy’s Quarentine World

• From what I can tell, Indiana has a way to go before reopening. I’m grateful for homeschool as it gives us a sense of normalcy. But the toll is starting to hit each member in my household differently.

My Abigail, 10 yrs old, came to me few nights ago saying she’s scared about all that’s going on. That she really wants to go back her normal life. It was hard to see her tears. She’s my resilient one…but nonetheless she’s living in unprecedented times. I reassured her. We talked about some of the things we’ve learned in History these past months. How the women and children who stayed home while their husbands and fathers went off to fight in the Civil War.

I had her imagine what it would’ve been like for a girl her age living on a beautiful plantation one day and the next, her home being transformed into a hospital for the wounded.

I tried not to downplay what we’ve all been dealing with in these present days, but I did want her to see how blessed we are with our TV’s, warm homes, no war, phones that connect us around the world.

The quarentine is now taking a toll on my adult Autistic daughter who struggles with OCD. You may say you’re OCD about the toothpaste cap or your silverware drawer and many do deal with a smidge of it. What Lexi deals with is on a different level.

She’s been doing so very good too these past 9 months or so. We finally got her meds just right and then this hits. The hardest part of it is her endless desire to just find a way around it. “If I don’t have to worry about this mom, then I won’t feel like this.” No reasoning, long talks or anything helps her. It’s just a matter or time. It’s a thing she has to endure until it let’s up and use her coping skills til the end. These episodes have lasted weeks in the past. This whole being home, not going to her day services is taking a toll. She will now start to count how many times she pushes on the door to make sure its closed. She will hand wash way more than any of us are doing. She will think for hours about how a tiny grain of something was on her tongue when she had a drink of milk and wonder what it could’ve been.

Sadly, I watch and try to explain to her, but to no avail. So come on Indiana! Let’s get them numbers down.What else has been going on, you ask. Well I’m on Facebook all of the time because I’m wanting to see the faces of the people I rub shoulders with. I want to joke with them. I want to see their pics and what they’ve been up to.

We had drive in church last Sunday and will have it again every Sunday until we can worship inside. The coolest thing this past Sunday, was seeing a man and wife sitting in their lawn chairs in their driveway listening to our pastor! A couple who lives across the street from the church, who has never stepped foot in our church! So cool. Oh and the honking for clapping was just too funny. We also got together and had a drive by birthday parade for our pastor’s wife. It was over so quickly but put a smile on everyone’s faces. Was good to be a part of.Homeschool outside! This was the other day. Tonight we are getting 2 to 5 in of snow!Drive in church. Just being in that parking lot made me feel betterEaster anyway! Kept our group to 10 people and had a nice meal. Had the traditional ham. Anyone else have a ham?What happens when leah doesn’t get attention from mom during math.Egg hunt…because we needed one!I have an awesome church. I sure do miss the ministries I’m in and just the good fellowshipI love to crochet. Doing this has really helped me keep my head on straight…most days!What have you guys been doing to stay busy? Are any of you in states that will open?

Calling The Called

Will the church be the church in a time like this?

Or will it leave the lost swirling in a deep abyss?

Will the church be the church, hold out its hand?

Or will it leave the lost, wandering the desolate land?

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Will the church be the church and take the lead?

Or will it be absent leaving the lost thirsty, in need?

Will the church be the church run to the front lines?

Or will it leave the enemy to his own designs?

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I’m calling the church, I’m calling the called

Will we step up or leave them apalled?

What will they see when they see you and me?

Will we be something they want to be?

Comforting Chicken and Dumpling Soup

A newlywed in my church is on the lookout for recipes, so I got to thinking I’d do a recipe post with pics. Plus it gave me something to do! I hope you try this and enjoy it Kailey! Sure miss worshipping with you.

The recipe I made was for a family of five and leaves plenty leftovers, that stay good for up to 5 days in fridge.

To cut this recipe in half for 2-4 people without using a whole chicken, use 2-3 lbs bone-in chicken of any kind you like. Split chicken breasts or chicken thighs would render some good broth. You can also use boneless chicken but would need to double the boullion in the recipe to give you a tastey broth that may almost compare to bone-in.

Chicken soup Ingredients

1 whole chicken

7 to 8 carrots sliced (however many you’d like really

3 to 4 celery cut (however many you’d like)

1 onion…diced. I used yellow onion, but red or white would work

3 teaspoons Chicken boullion…Better than Boullion roasted chicken base is awesome, but you can use boullion cubes as well.

1 teaspoon minced garlic

Ingredients for Dumplings

1/2 cup butter

1 cup milk

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional-but makes all the difference in taste)

1 cup flour

3 eggs

Directions for Soup

Cover chicken in pot with water an inch higher than the chicken. Bring to a boil, then back heat down to med/high. Boil chicken until meat is falling off bones. Keep an eye that the water doesn’t evaporate or you’ll lose your tastey chicken broth.

Meanwhile, cut up veggies in any shape you’d like.

Once chicken is done, pull chicken from the pot to cool and pour in your veggies, add water if needed. Your veggies should float freely. Remember you’ll want enough water/broth for the chicken and dumplings going in soon.

Add in 3 tsp boullion base or 3 boullion cubes. Add about half teaspoon of pepper. Because you’re using boullion, which is highly salted, you will not want to put any additional salt in your soup.

Pull chicken off bone and toss into the soup. Cook this all on med/high to help veggies soften and flavors to mix

While that’s cooking make your dumplings…

Directions for dumplings

If you’re making a large pot of soup I reccomend to double the dumpling recipe, as I have here, so you have enough that no one fights over them!

In med sauce pan, melt butter, milk, salt and nutmeg over med heat. Milk boils fast so don’t walk away!

Take off heat. Add flour. Mix until the mixture pulls away from the side of the pan and resembles mashed potatoes.

Add in egg one at a time and mix in with a fork. Note: If you’re doubling the recipe, add 2 eggs at a time or you’ll be there all day mixing.

Turn your soup up to high, wait for a boil and drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter in the soup until all is in the pot.

Put your soup on lowest stove setting and cover with a lid.

Wait about 10 mins and dinner is ready!

Amy’s Inside World

Hi all. Just feeling like writing tonight. Sharing some thoughts that I know most of you can relate to.

I can count on my fingers the amount of times the kids and I have left our over the past two weeks. The weather in Indiana is yucky, rainy and usual for this time of year. The thought I had on that…well with the weather yucky, it’s a blessing in disguise because it keeps more people in their homes.

Stock piled with doubles and triples of the essentials. Big frequent meals all in the name of we have it, we bought it, we need to eat it type of thinking. Except the next thought is, what if they close the grocery stores? No food. Don’t eat it!! Hour later, stomach growling one of them long, slow, bored sounding gurgles….Eat! They won’t close the stores…they’re essential.

My thought pattern goes something like this throughout a day…

Wow my family and I have done pretty good. No major arguments. I love these people and I couldn’t imagine being stuck in this situation with anyone else…to

Did I really just hear him make that sound again? Ugh these kids…I need out of here….NOW! ! !….to

What if one of us gets sick? Did we take too many chances going for what we thought were essentials?….to

When daily life gets back to normal I’m gonna do this…to

I kind of like this break from all the have to’s…..to

God, protect us. Keep us.

If I overwhelmed you, I apologize because that’s not my intent. Neither is it to bare my feelings so I can have you all diagnose me with anxiety. I just believe that the majority of us, have these thoughts. Have these feelings.

A friend of mine called to check on me today. Called to hear my voice. It was nice. Really nice. I got to thinking recently about not hearing from this person or that person. I even caught myself saying that times like this will show you who your true friends are. And some of that may be true…I did have the thought or maybe God was telling me; those who you think have abandoned you that don’t really care may still care; they may just be going through alot and having alot of these same thoughts. These thoughts may be paralyzing them with fear to just get through each day.

If you’re having these fleeting thoughts but you’re not paralyzed with the fear…then check on your people. Not just the people inside your inner social ring but go to the outer ring of your social circle and check in.