"That you also aspire to...

Lead a quiet life...

Being at home doesn't necessarily mean you're guaranteed a "quiet life". Distractions can easily pull oneself away from the home, even if it's a good thing. I've learned that we're not obligated to sign up for every little get-together or event :) Even though that sounds elementary, at first it was difficult to say "No" to the temptations of spontaneous invitations or events. Even though it could be great, sometimes it's not worth the stress of a late night, or a kitchen left in disrepair due to leaving in haste! --But it's been wonderful to spend most of the week at home doing projects, and not constantly being out.

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Mind your own business...

"Be still, and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10

Wrapped in a shawl, I sipped on hot tea as I searched the scriptures--And I always find it so relaxing to take as much time as needed to literally "be still" and read with an open heart.

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And to work with your own hands...

"I believe that when one can grow to the point where he loves his work, this gives him a kind of strength

that is most valuable." Booker T. Washington

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I had mentioned in a previous post that as I use this time at home to learn and grow, my short-comings are addressed (by my parents), and I receive any advice/helpful instruction from there, as they know my heart and have my best interests in mind . This is so beneficial! If I become dissatisfied or lazy in my work, I have to remember to do everything unto the Lord-- enjoying being at home, and eager to learn and work with my hands. Doing things the right way isn't always the quickest and easiest..but in the long run? A blessing.

..as we commanded you." 1 Thessalonians 4:11

I don't know about you, but I find this "command" beautiful!

When I think of 'Living a quiet life', I think of

Rest, peace, assurance, hard work, and a pleasant countenance.

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Today I decided to bake bread, and it turned out perfect!!

Dutch Apple Bread

In a large bowl:

*1 stick butter

*1/2 cup oil

*2 cups homemade brown sugar
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Homemade Brown Sugar recipe:

Have you ever looked at the ingredients in packaged brown sugar? It's corn syrup solids!! As a delicious alternative, I make my own brown sugar. It's super easy, fast, and gives desserts the "old fashioned" taste.

Ingredients: 1.5 TBsp Molasses + 1 cup Sugar=1 cup Brown sugar. That's it!

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After mixing the butter, oil and sugar together, I add:

*4 large eggs

*3 tsp vanilla

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In a separate bowl, I sift together:

*4 cups wheat flour

*2 tsp baking soda

*1/2 tsp salt

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This is optional, but I highly recommend it!

In a small bowl add:

*1/2 cup dried cranberries (Craisins)

Pour hot water over the cranberries(not too much) and cover bowl with plastic wrap.

This process is often used for raisins to "plump" them up before use in baking :)

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Alternately pour into butter/sugar mixture:

*2/3 cup apple juice

*Dry ingredients

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Chop 2 apples (I used Gala & Granny Smith) into small pieces:

*about 2.5 cups

Then fold apples into batter...

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Drain cranberry liquid elsewhere, then add berries to mixture.

*Pour batter into 2 greased and floured loaf pans

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Crumb Topping:

3/4 cup flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

3 tsp Cinnamon

6 TBsp Butter pieces

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Add crumb topping to the tops of bread before putting loaves into oven!

(I didn't use all of the topping)

Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 45 mins or until done.

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Ahh, the smell of bread baking is so comforting!! lol

It turned out delicious--not too dense, but warm and flavorful, without being heavy. My dad especially enjoyed this, so I'll try this recipe in muffin form so he can take some to work!

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