Daylight Savings Time!

Its that time of year again, the end of Daylight Savings (that is, of course, if you live here in the U.S.) So I thought I had better give you a little reminder, otherwise you'll be out of sync tomorrow with those around you.
I have to say I prefer DST in the fall because we get to put the clock back, which usually means for me that I get an extra hour of sleep. Can't complain about that!
Technically the time change is over night but we usually adjust our clocks before bed so that we don't forget in the morning.
If you choose not to use your extra hour for sleep, perhaps you can find another way to enjoy having one extra hour.... you could :

• read a book
• watch a movie/ TV show
• spend time with friends/ family
• clean your house (or not!)
• pamper yourself

Whatever you choose to do I hope you have a blessed day and night!

Smart Mom

Coming soon.. Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

Just a little heads-up about my upcoming blog series for November. I am anxious for October to be over as we don't celebrate Halloween and I'm getting kind of tired of all the ghost, witch, spooky, dead-things themes everywhere. So I decided to turn my attention to November and that always brings Thanksgiving to mind for me, therefore what could be better than finding GOOD things to be thankful for. Of course, when I say 'good' that implies to me the things of God.

I started working on my list of thirty reasons to be thankful, along with relevant scriptures, and I was completely amazed at the abundance of reasons I have to be thankful. I feel like I could go on for much longer than thirty days, which I guess is a good thing, because I do want to increase my thankfulness!

So I am excited to share my thoughts of thanksgiving with you during November, I hope you will join me each day and also share things you are thankful for!

Linda

Just added... Smart Mom's Store!

I am among the many people who are looking for ways to replace and/or supplement their income. There are countless opportunities available, and of course we all have different circumstances so what works for one, may not work for another. Blogging is fun for me even though it takes time and effort, however on it's own it doesn't pay any bills.

I have just added an Amazon Store to my blog -"Smart Mom's Store". If you are not familiar with Amazon stores, it's pretty simple: my Amazon store lists hundreds of items that are sold on Amazon.com, you simply click on the link to my Amazon Store and begin shopping for items you want. As purchases are made, I earn a small commission! All payment transactions are processed by Amazon and they ship your products just as usual. So you get what you want and I get blessed by you!

With Christmas just around the corner, if you are considering purchasing any gifts online, please keep Smart Mom's Store in mind. I am offering many categories, from clothing to beauty products, electronics, video games, toys, music, books, DVDs, gift baskets and more, I think you will find something for everyone. Purchases are safe and secure and Amazon's pricing is very competitive. Also, many items qualify for free shipping, so please click on the banner above this post to enter my store and check it out!

Thank you!

Smart Mom

Warm Your Hearts and Home

Warm your home as you bake these yummy treats and warm the hearts of your family as you share special moments together on a cool day! Quick breads such as these are easy and inexpensive to prepare, and they will fill your home with a wonderful aroma. These recipes are also a great way to utilize an abundance of zucchini or apples at this time of year! Enjoy!

Zucchini Bread IV from allrecipes.com I have made this bread quite a few times and my family loves it. It is especially good with some chocolate chips added!

Apple Bread also from allrecipes.com. This is also yummy, I had some Sweet Cinnamon Sprinkle from The Pampered Chef which I sprinkled on top before I baked it. Adding cranberries would be another nice alternative.

Make the most of it:

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  Be sure to serve up your family's favorite hot beverages - tea, coffee, hot cocoa, apple cider along with these breads.
  
  
  
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  Bake extra loaves to share with friends/ neighbors. A warm loaf of bread is a gift of friendship!
  
  
  
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  Bake extra and freeze some for another day.
  
  
  
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  Invite friends over to visit and share your freshly baked breads.
  
  
  

Have a great day!

Smart Mom

By Faith

Do you ever have those days where you just feel a burden upon you due to the circumstances in your life? Maybe you are going through a difficult time, or someone close to you is in trouble or ill, and you just can't shake the heavy feeling. Even as believers we experience times of uncertainty, we know we are not supposed to worry and yet our human nature has a hard time letting go of the anxiety. In 1 Peter 5:7 we are reminded to bring our cares to God "casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

It is during these times that we must draw on our faith to see us through.

"for we walk by faith, not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7

Rather than focussing on what we see happening around us, we need to turn our attention to our Lord who has saved us, rely on Him and on the promises we have received. He will never leave nor forsake us, and He can bring good out of every situation.

So take courage, remember God's love for you, and stand firm on the faith through which you are saved.

Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). Since the program began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined.

This is exciting progress, but there are still women who do not take advantage of early detection at all and others who do not get screening mammograms and clinical breast exams at regular intervals.

• Women age 65 and older are less likely to get mammograms than younger women, even though breast cancer risk increases with age.

• Hispanic women have fewer mammograms than Caucasian women and African American women.

• Women below poverty level are less likely than women at higher incomes to have had a mammogram within the past two years.

• Mammography use has increased for all groups except American Indians and Alaska Natives.

“If all women age 40 and older took advantage of early detection methods – mammography plus clinical breast exam – breast cancer death rates would drop much further, up to 30 percent.”  (NBCAM website)

“The key to mammography screening is that it be done routinely – once is not enough.” (NBCAM website)


For more information about NBCAM, please visit www.nbcam.org. For additional information, please call one of the following toll-free numbers: American Cancer Society,

(800) 227-2345, National Cancer Institute (NCI), (800) 4-CANCER, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, (800) 221-2141.

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month program is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Fifteen national public service organizations, professional associations, and government agencies comprise the Board of Sponsors, who work together to ensure that the NBCAM message is heard by thousands of women and their families.

Click here for an easy and free way to help fund mammograms for those in need at The Breast Cancer Site!

Need a Plumb Line?

Thus He showed me, and behold, the Lord was standing by a vertical wall with a plumb line in His hand.

The LORD said to me, "What do you see, Amos?" And I said, "A plumb line " Then the Lord said,
"Behold I am about to put a plumb line
In the midst of My people Israel
I will spare them no longer.
"The high places of Isaac will be desolated
And the sanctuaries of Israel laid waste
Then I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with the sword."
                                                                                            Amos 7:7-9

In our society, diversity and acceptance have become commonly used terms. We are constantly urged to be tolerant of other people's views and lifestyles and often labeled 'intolerant' or 'judgemental' if we voice our disagreement. As a result, many Christians have chosen to remain silent and have gradually become accepting of values which the Bible clearly speaks against. Over time, becoming complacent with the sin around them, some have followed the ways of the world. Though we all fall to temptation and sin, it is so important that we do not become like the world, therefore we need a standard to adhere to, a plumb line to keep us straight in this crooked world.

God showed Amos how crooked the nation of Israel had become by holding a plumb line in their midst; if there was ever a time that our nation needed a plumb line it is now. Sin abounds and we must find that straight line to keep us on the right track. I believe that God has given us such a plumb line in His word. The Bible holds for us all answers we need, there is no confusion in regards to what He considers sin, it is plainly stated. We must not compare our righteousness with the world, we must compare it with The Word.

The Bible is a gift from God and I treasure it and the promises given to me. I hope and pray that you read the Bible each day, keep it close to you to be your plumb line in the midst each day.

Energy-Saving Tips

The change in season with it's cool air makes being indoors so warm and inviting. My family enjoys being together in our family room with hot drinks - the kids are loving hot apple cider and freshly baked pumpkin bread! Mmmm... we are already looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas with all the fun activities, gift-giving and baking.
However, the fall and winter months bring something I'm not so fond of - higher gas & electric bills, so of course I'm always looking for ways to lower our expenses. Here's a few tips:

1. Check out The Home Energy Saver website to find out how much the average home energy bill is in your area, then find ways to make your home more energy efficient.
2. Use a programmable thermostat to manage your climate control; program your heating to meet your family's schedule and needs and avoid heating your home unnecessarily.
3. Train your family to close doors and windows, turn off lights in rooms that aren't being used and to use less hot water. (I know... good luck with that!)
4. If it's time to replace any of your household appliances, be sure to compare the energy efficiency labels before you buy. Also, check with your local utility company for any rebate programs being offered.
5. Heating water can account for up to 20% of your energy bill, so do pay attention to how long you let the water run while you are doing dishes or showering etc.
6. Set your outdoor lights on a time or dusk to dawn sensor so that you don't accidentally leave them on all day.

Keep looking for ways to save, those small changes can make a difference!

Smart Mom

Ok.. another giveaway..

Well, I just couldn't resist this one, so I had to enter and of course being the generous, tip-sharing person that I am, I figured I shouldn't keep the information to myself. Yes, I get an extra entry for blogging about it too!

Anyway, here it is: A giveaway at A Mom After God's Own Heart for Karen Kingsbury's new book, Miracles: A 52 Week Devotional. If you have never read Karen Kingsbury, I highly recommend her books, but visit A Mom After God's Own Heart and read her review.
She has 5 copies to give away and the giveway ends on October 31st. So what are you waiting for?

Totally Together Reviews: Samsung Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator Review and $200 Best Buy Gift Card Give-Away

Totally Together Reviews: Samsung Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator Review and $200 Best Buy Gift Card Give-Away


I just entered this giveaway on Stephanie's new blog. Who couldn't find a use for a $200 Best Buy gift card??? (If I win, I know I'll have to fight my son for it!)

What Would You Ask For?

Everyone knows the story of Aladdin, the genie, and the lamp and at some time in your life you have probably been asked what you would wish for if you were given three wishes. Would you choose good health, peace, happiness, fame, fortune? 

Well, God is not our "genie" and He certainly doesn't always give us what we ask for, but there was a man to whom God said "Ask what I shall give you." The story is found in 2 Chronicles 1: 7-13

"In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you."
Solomon said to God, "You have dealt with my father David with great lovingkindness, and have made me king in his place.
"Now, O LORD God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.
"Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?"
God said to Solomon, "Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you."
So Solomon went from the high place which was at Gibeon, from the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem, and he reigned over Israel."

Solomon was a man who sought to serve God faithfully, apparently his heart's desire was to be able to fulfill the calling to which he had been called, therefore he asked God to bless him with wisdom and knowledge for the task. His request was not selfish or self-serving and was indeed in accordance with God's will. Subsequently God chose to bless Solomon abundantly even in ways he had not requested.

I find it somewhat difficult to choose one thing to ask for if the question were posed to me. For sure I would love wisdom, but I would also love more faith, I definitely desire these so that I can teach my children to follow the Lord. I would love to see revival, an end to sin....ah yes, the list can go on. The good news is that God does answer prayer, and grants us many of the desires of our heart if we ask in faith, and according to His will.

How about you? How would you answer the question asked of Solomon? Please leave a comment, I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Be blessed.
Linda

Get Free Admission to Disney Parks!

Want a day at DisneyLand or DisneyWorld but not sure you can afford the admission fees? Here's your opportunity to get free admission and to give back to an organization.

BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2010, when you sign up here to volunteer a day of service with a participating organization (and your service is completed and verified) you'll get one day admission to a Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® theme park, FREE! Disney wants to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service.

Check it out, be sure to look at all the terms. You can sign up for e-mail reminders too!

No Compromise

Thanks for visiting my blog. I titled this blog "In All Your Ways" based upon Proverbs 3:5-6, because as a believer in Christ, I am convinced that we must surrender to Him each day and acknowledge Him in ALL our ways if we desire to live a faithful life in accordance with His will. I hope to share with you my thoughts from the Bible and on Christian living.

I have been working through the Old Testament for several months now and this last week have re-read the book of Daniel. The stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego are so familiar, yet their message is still so relevant for today.

Four young men, placed in several situations where they were forced to choose between obedience to their God or their earthly ruler; tempted to compromise their faith to save their skin; to go with the flow rather than face persecution.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego refused to bow to an idol and so were placed in the fiery furnace. God sustained them and used it for His glory, even bringing King Nebuchadnezzar to bless the name of God (Daniel chapter3).

Daniel, pressured to stop praying to his God or be cast into the lion's den, refused and continued to pray and give thanks to God as was his custom. Once again, God delivered His faithful and spared Daniel from the lions; King Darius subsequently made a decree that all men should "fear and tremble before the God of Daniel" (Daniel chapter 6).

How often in today's society do we compromise our faith in order to make life just a little bit easier? Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego could have taken the easy way out, but they were well grounded in their faith and chose to take a stand for their beliefs. I get the impression that compromise was not even an option in their minds.

There is so much compromise today, even among Christians and I wonder if we/they are aware of it. So many 'things' can take precedence in our busy lives and consequently God often gets pushed down our to-do list. How will we respond if our faith is tested? For this reason it is crucial that we establish habits of faithful living as Daniel and his friends did, then perhaps we will have the strength to stand firm during times of testing.


Daniel 10:11 tells us that Daniel was highly esteemed by God, what an honor! I pray that we will each be faithful and obedient, not compromising our faith, therefore pleasing to God.