Living by the Little Way

Removing the Clutter

2012-01-18T22:02:00.001+08:00

It has been quite a while since I have blogged. So I feel it is time I got back to regularly writing and journal ling. Tonight the message given spoke about our ministry in reaching out to people. I have printed it below.

We have been really trying to de-clutter and set structure. My youngest daughter moved out of home just before Christmas so I have been going through a lot of accumulated stuff and giving it away or taking it to the tip if it is not any good for anyone. When you are getting rid of the clutter you never think you will get to the bottom of it. Sometimes it seems like it is moved from one room to another. I must say that it is such a freeing experience when you finally get a room finished and everything has a place. Living on Divine Providence we have had to think of ways that we can renovate cheaply. Eileen had a pair of lamps see picture below of one of the lamps but they had a pink base. Eileen had broderie anglais material for the lampshade that went in well with the bedspread we were using. Eileen googled how to change the colour of the lamp base and came up with the instructions. Amazing how simple it is to change something that was old and give it a new lease of life. The bedside tables that the lamp sits on were $15 from the Reject Shop and Eileen found the smart silver baskets down from $20 to $7 at Thingz.

From this

To this

I am blessed to have Lisa, Lee and their six boys live next door to me. Last Friday the eldest and his mate came over and helped me to shift my bed back into the main bedroom. It has been about 5 years since I was in this bedroom. I was so grateful as it is hard to shift stuff on your own and having someone do the lifting was definitely a blessing. I then went out and managed to get a beautiful doona that was reduced quite considerably in the sales and get some cushions to go with it. I am happy with the result.

My daughter is very close to having her first baby and they have been busy making a nursery so I was given my wrought iron day bed back. It is a beautiful bed from Ikea and I love the look with the patchwork bedspread. I have also added a rocker and dressing table to this room. I am so blessed to have a beautiful sister who is very creative and works tirelessly to get a job done.

18th January 2012 (Night Prayer)
My dear children,
I have asked you to reach out in holy love as My missionary servants of the little way. I have asked you to give glory to God by the way you live your life. Will you be My hands, My feet, My heart of holy love. The work is plentiful but the labourers are few. Many are in need of your help. Stay close to Me and let Me be your Good Shepherd. I will guide you in this work you have been called to do. You have been asked to step out in street ministry to those who cry out for help. Do not let this ministry overwhelm you. Walk moment by moment with Me. Listen to the prompting of God’s Spirit guiding you each step you take. I have asked you to take time in quiet contemplation to understand the ways of your Lord and God. You have been asked to make hospitality part of this ministry of love. Let My love flow through you and give nourishment to those who are overwhelmed by the daily challenges they face. You have been given companions to help you as you reach out to help the needs of the poor. Poverty has many faces. Do not make quick judgments for the cries of the poor are varied. Some of God’s people are spiritually mal-nourished. They are needing to see in action God’s love. Some are physically poor and are needing to be nourished with food for the body. Some are poor in mind. They are needing someone to reach out in understanding and listen to them. Pray prayers of healing of body, mind and soul as you continue to work as My Servants of United Love. Do not try and work by your own means. Call out to Me and I will answer you for the Lord your God hears the cries of the poor.

Hospitality

2011-05-22T12:57:00.001+08:00

Is Hospitality your gift? From an early age we grew up with a lot of people around our table at meal times. I am one of six children and Mum was a great cook. Dad quite often would phone Mum to say that he was bringing extras home for a meal and was there enough. Mum would make it stretch to feed all. Birthdays were extra special because Mum cooked meringues, lamington's custard sponge & cream chocolate crackles. At Christmas the table was set with all sorts of goodies and people dropped in to have a drink and to share in this hospitality.

In Roman's 12:13 it says:-

¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Today I cooked scones out of the CWA cook book (recipe below) and then invited Lisa Joanne & Eileen over for a cuppa and to share. Lisa has four boys and Jo has three boys so the boys had a ball running around on the front lawn and riding scooters. Mum's enjoyed sitting and having a nice cup of tea and scone in the beautiful autumn sunshine.

Scone Recipe from Country Women's Cookbook

2 Cups SR Flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon butter

1 egg

pinch salt

milk

Mix sugar and salt in the flour, rub in butter, then add well beaten egg, and milk enough to make a soft dough. Either cut into squares or use a small glass to form rounds about 40 - 50 cms high. Place on slide that is either dusted with flour, sprayed or use baking paper. Place the scones quite close together and bake in fairly hot oven for 10 mins. Serve with butter, jam & cream.

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Getting rid of the Clutter

2011-05-11T10:55:00.001+08:00

A lot of the messages lately have told us to remove the clutter in our lives. It is amazing that this is such a freeing experience. I have lived in this house for 29 years and it is amazing the stuff you keep in case you might need it. We have learned in our work that it is good to give away. We are amazed daily at God's providence and the many ways that He helps and provides for our needs. You forget that everything you have is from God and you forget to say thank you. It is not by chance that some people are gifted in the area of hospitality or that someone might be gifted in the area or putting things in right order. My sister is excellent in coming into a room and seeing the mess and putting everything into place. We have had to build a new grotto the last couple of weeks and for Eileen nothing is daunting. She trusts completely in God's help and gets on with the task at hand. She has done an amazing job.

The Upper Room - the curtains act as a wall and gives us space of 1metre behind to store the beads for the rosary making and the big screen television that we use for praise and worship on Sunday nights. These can be hidden by drawing the curtains. This area had a lot of clutter and good to clean and clear out what was not needed. We had a cupboard that was water damaged so we used a hand saw and recycled the cupboard by cutting away the damaged area and now this stores all the DVDs and videos.

Upper Room - We made new curtains behind out of crystal organza that was draped on the roof. It is beautiful at night with the candles as it shimmers. People comment that this room is very peaceful and the only thing missing is the real presence of Our Lord in the tabernacle. One day He will be back there.

The Grotto - It was so beautiful to watch this area transforming. We used a desk inverted on another desk and used steel mesh to form the archway. This was covered with a foam underlay and then we used cans of foam to form rocks over the arch. When this was dry we mixed up lime cement with builders sand, a little detergent & grout colour and this was layered over the foam. We were given a piece of domed glass from a Subway shop refit that we knew we had to use but we weren't sure where. This was used at one point for a little hot house. Finally we were given where we had to use it and that was to form the back of the grotto. It is so amazing as the glass was exactly same size as the desks. Nothing is by chance. You just have to be docile and trust and you will be shown.

The Craft Room - This area houses the knitting machines, sewing machines, statues waiting to be painted and all the craft. It is to the side of the Shrine and is sometimes used as a dining area.

Images of Our Blessed Mother

The message below sums up the little areas where people can go for quiet reflection in The Holy Family House of Prayer

3rd May 2011 (Night Prayer)
My dear children,
Thank you for the work you to do to further God’s Kingdom. My house will have little sanctuaries of peace for My people to come and spend time in stillness and prayer. Just as I told My disciples that there are many rooms in My Father’s house so too, I ask you to make My House of Prayer a place of many rooms where My peace and love can be evident for those who are searching for rest from the storms of life. Let the restful waters revive their drooping spirits. Many will come to experience My peace and love – to sit in quiet solitude to reflect on the love of their Lord and God. Let My house be a house of reflection. I want you to imitate My Mother for My Mother reflects the love of the Father, Son and Spirit in all she does. It is not the outer garment that reflects the glory of God but the heart within. Let your heart burn brightly with love for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I ask you again to continue in the work I have called you to do – let My House of Prayer be a holy sanctuary of love and hospitality. Welcome My pilgrims and show to them God’s love. There is much work still to do. Walk with Me moment by moment. I will reveal to you God’s plan. Do not let the work you do overwhelm you. Walk with Me in the present moment. Put all in right order. Remove the clutter that is unnecessary. Go back to a simple life of holy love. Learn to be holy as I your Lord and God am holy.

Community Meal

2010-11-06T14:36:00.003+08:00

Every Wednesday before we have our prayer group the Servants of the Little Way come together and share a meal. The prayer group started over 8 years ago. We had been prompted to come together for a community meal and after Lynzi's Room was built we had the perfect place to hold these meals. About a month a go we held our first meal. We try to cook nourishing meals especially those from our childhood. Last Wednesday it was quite hot so we had the meal and the prayers out in the grotto. People commented how beautiful it is. I encourage you to share one meal a week with a group of people and pray together afterwards. We have been truly amazed how God has provided so abundantly for these meals.

Rosary Bracelet for New Life

2010-10-23T22:16:00.002+08:00

Today Mark finished making the first proto type of a Rosary Bracelet of New Life. We are called to pray to end abortion and I think Mark has done a fantastic job.

Night Prayers

2010-10-10T11:22:00.002+08:00

We have been praying the last couple of nights out in the grotto and it is such a beautiful place to pray. . Yesterday we had a couple of groups of visitors and one group there was a priest who commented when he saw the grotto "this is a holy place" and knelt down to pray. In the next couple of weeks we will be cutting the tree back and removing the umbrella and cleaning the concrete.

This is the message that was received the night that we have finished the railing and kneeler

7th October 2010 (Night Prayer)

Thank you for the respect you have shown - for where you pray is holy ground and it is only right that reverence should be given. Many of God’s people have forgotten to be reverent and respectful when they come to the Holy Altar of the Lord or they pass in front of My Tabernacle. They have forgotten My hidden presence under the appearance of bread and wine-. My shepherds have lost their way. My shepherds must guide My people by the reverence they give to their Lord and God. Now is not the time to be casual and ignorant to My truth. All will be judged – the goats must be sorted out from the sheep. Give honour to your Lord and King. Do not forget My presence. Come to Me in adoration. Spend time with Me in front of My tabernacle. Listen and learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart. Read again Ezekiel 34: 8-16. I am your Good Shepherd. I will bring back My scattered sheep into the fold. There is only one shepherd and one fold. I am that Shepherd. It is time for My lost and forsaken sheep to come back to me with contrite hearts. All of God’s people must be purified in body, mind and soul. No one can enter the sheepfold unless they pass through the gate. I am the gate to the sheepfold. I will not forget My people for I have carved you on the palm of My hand. Come to Me and I will give you rest for your soul. Yes My little ones pray fervent prayers for My shepherds. Your prayers do help. Work humbly in the background to further God’s Kingdom. Pray prayers of protection for the Bride of Christ as the purification of My Bride must be accomplished. The old ways must die away for the new to rise up. Out of the ashes My Bride will arise. It is time – your preparation is almost complete. Stay awake for you do not know the time or place when you will be called to give an account as to how you have lived your life. Be holy as I your Lord and God am holy.

Recycling

2010-10-05T22:26:00.002+08:00

For quite a while we knew we had to build a fence and kneeler in the grotto to protect the area where Our Lord and Our Lady walked during the apparitions. The footprints are also at the foot of the cross. A couple of weeks ago we had swapped beds around and we had a spare queen size bed which we put in the garage at " Bethany" (house for pilgrims). On Sunday I was talking with Mark about this project as we were in the garage packing away boxes of meat into the freezer and it suddenly came to us that we could reuse the bed and make it into a fence. Eileen had also been given previously that the bed was to be used for a fence but she did not know where. Mark came around yesterday and today and we made a start on it. We unscrewed one of the wrought iron pieces from the bed head and screwed it to the other which was the bed end. He cut down the longer posts of the bedhead to match the height of the posts from the bed end. Brackets were used to attach the wood posts to the concrete. Behind the fence we cut down a plank of wood for a kneeler and rested it on two bricks in three different places. This will be covered with foam and a vinyl stapled over to finish it. The well will have a rope which has been covered in maroon velvet across to show people we do not want them to enter this area. James came late this afternoon and helped me with the gate. To us the area is Holy ground and we feel that it should be treated with respect it deserves. The posts will eventually be painted cream and the wrought iron bottle green to go in with the colours of the area. It makes me feel so joyful when a project comes together using recycled material with Heavenly direction. Frances and I prayed in the grotto tonight and it bought back so many memories because we used to pray in the area every night no matter what the weather. Frances was blessed to receive the perfume of Our Lady. I thank God for the special night he gave us.

Aprons

2010-09-29T13:12:00.002+08:00

Above is the new set of aprons ready to be sewed. We open Monday Wednesday and Friday at The Holy Family House of Prayer and those who serve here wear blue on Monday for Our Lady, brown on Wednesday for St Joseph and red on Friday for Jesus. In scripture it talks about how Jesus put on his apron and served. The emblem is Servants of the Little Way with the United Hearts image. In a lot of the messages we are called to go back to a simple life and to follow St. Therese of Lisieux with the Little Way. Tonight we start for the first time Community Dinners. We have invited those who come to our prayer group to come earlier and share a meal with us. I will let you know how it goes.

Thank You Cards

2010-09-29T13:04:00.001+08:00

I have been doing research online to make cupcake boxes and other little favour boxes. Above is some of the finished products. The blue one can be used to put a cupcake in.

Community Room and Crafts

2010-07-24T13:20:00.004+08:00

Some of my latest cards. The middle one is for my newest grandson Oden Patrick and the top cards are thank you and Christening cards and the bottom are First Communion Thinking of You and Just a Note to Say.

The table that Mark built

This is a table that has been made out of a packing crate. Mark who does a lot of woodwork for us at The Holy Family House of Prayer made this. We are so appreciative of Mark and his talents. He also makes our crosses and centres for the rosaries out of resin. His gifts are God given. Thank you God for Mark.

The garage before the renovation

John and Thomas bringing in the first sheet

Back doors looks over the Divine Mercy Shrine

Children at the Catholic School After Care donated groceries for our Soup Kitchen

We were given quite a while ago that we had to convert the garage into a community room. We did not know how we were going to do this as we live on Divine Providence and usually with our renovations we recycle materials and God provides them for us. I was talking to a friend Thomas, who is a carpenter and asked his advice. Thomas said straight away that he would help us. He came down to start the project about 3 weeks ago and the top pictures show Thomas and John, his nephew carrying in the sheets of plaster board. I was totally amazed and broke down and cried when I saw the big truck come and unload all brand new materials to start the room. Thomas and his friend Don and John have worked solidly giving up all their free time and more to do this project. I thank God for Thomas and his generosity. This room will be dedicated to Thomas's daughter Lynzi who passed away two years ago from cancer. Lynzi contracted the cancer in 2001 at the age of 16. We first met the family when they came to the church when the Weeping Madonna was there. Lynzi carried the statue. She was receiving chemo and went into remission. Lynzi became an air hostess and went and worked at Air Emirates. She felt in 2006 that she wanted to come home and when she arrived back in Perth went to see the doctor and discovered that the cancer was back with a vengeance. Lynzi had a great love and devotion to Our Lady, through her contact with the Weeping Madonna. Eileen and I took the statue up to Lynzi when she was in hospital. Lynzi also came down to the shrine a couple of times. What a beautiful young lady she was and so so courageous. We were sad to hear that Lynzi had passed away in February of 2008 just before her 23rd birthday. For us at the Holy Family House of Prayer LOL has taken on a new meaning. To us it means Love of Lynzi and this is what the room will be called. It will be a room filled with love and a testament to this young woman. The table that Mark made will be in this room.

Cards

2010-06-23T09:00:00.001+08:00

This week I have purchased an Epic 6 embossing & diecut machine. It was fortunate that Spotlight had 20% off the price. It is nice to put love into creating a card for someone you care about. At the The Holy Family House of Prayer on Wednesday's we have a craft day and so this is going to be one of our activities. The top card is for Vicky who turns 87 tomorrow. She still drives a car and is an amazing lady. The bottom card is for my grandson Jackson who turns 7 on Sunday. He and his dad Jeremy (my son) both share the same birthday.

I think it is nice to send people a card that have been created in love and I will keep you posted as to our creations. Well I am off to make a card for Jeremy.

Raised Garden Beds

2010-06-15T19:27:00.002+08:00

Here is two of the finished garden beds. The shade cloth is stapled on one side and the other is stapled to a piece of wood. This means that when the weather is sunny I can lift the shade cloth up. I made a template of the half circle for the end and sewed in a zip so that it give a bit of give when the shade cloth is lifted. I sewed this by using crochet cotton using a blind stitch. Now I am going to do that with the other ends as it is much neater finish. Eileen helped me to finish the second bed. We attached black poly pipe on top of the arch, which will be the sprinkler system. My brother Bernard gave me some extra black poly pipe as I did not have enough and told me to soak the end in boiling water. This enabled the fittings to go on with ease. I have attached a large riser into where there was a sprinkler and joined this to the hose on top and will add little sprays. I will keep you posted as to how the vegies fare.

Vegetable Garden

2010-06-09T17:05:00.000+08:00

I have been doing a lot of research on creating gardens using the wicking method. The garden beds above will be changed eventually to this method. Basically it feeds the plants from the roots up and there is no wastage of water. Eileen and Lisa came home a few months ago with a van load of pine which Mark generously cut to size for me. This week I have been nailing the pine in and creating an edge. The white frames are pvc pipes cut in two metre lengths. I will cover these with shade cloth. This is going to protect my plants from insects, cold weather and my chooks when they free range. My next project is to use a gazebo that is minus its cover and build a shade house where I can start my seedlings. I am going to start off with foam boxes and use the wicking method. There is a lot of wonderful information at http://www.easygrowvegetables.com/ I will keep you posted as I learn the techniques.

New Addition

2010-05-23T15:47:00.001+08:00

My sister-in-law Nola breeds different kinds of chickens and today gave me this beautiful silkie who I have named "Ruby". She was a hit at a 3 year old birthday party that I attended today. I have made a nice home in one of the coops and will keep her separated for a week or so until the "other girls" get used to her. The chickens are doing well and are very content under their heat lamp. I buried the rest of the eggs today from the incubator and found that their was a dead chick in one and the rest were infertile. I have really enjoyed this experience and yesterday I spent a great deal of time researching home made incubators. The link is http://www.backyardchickens.com/chicken-coop-incubator.html There are some really great incubators on here and I have started collecting all I need to build one and went over to James this morning and he will help me to put it together. I will post the photo's on here as it comes together. Such a great project especially if you have children.

New Life

2010-05-22T07:29:00.001+08:00

It has been a couple of months since I posted anything and wanted to share with you my beautiful little chickens born 20th and 21st May. Just over 3 weeks ago I borrowed my sister-in-law Nola's incubator. She is a pro at hatching eggs whereas this is my first attempt. I had two roosters that I had to give away as you can't keep them and they had just started to crow. I gathered 18 eggs over 5 days and then placed them in the incubator. There is a rod that you push in to turn the eggs in the morning and then pull it out in the evening to turn them again. You do this for 18 days and also fill up the water about every 3 days. Then the last 3 days you leave it. On Thursday night I noticed one of the shells starting to crack open and slowly the chick made its way out of the egg. It was a yellow one. The next morning in my excitement I took it out of the incubator but it was too early and on consulting Nola she said you have to wait at least 24 hours if not longer. I put it back in and low and behold the little chick started to peck at other eggs and help the chicks out. So cute!! We now have 5 born and I have taken 4 out and left one in the incubator. Now I know why they say "don't count your chickens before they hatch". I am in anticipation of how many chicks that the good Lord wants to give me. They are going to be given to my friends Lisa and Frances. I will keep you posted as to how they are going.

2010-03-07T18:21:00.002+08:00

Above is my sister-in-law Wendy's works of art that I talked about in my last post. I have to say that the biscuits I took to the Christening party went down a treat and the children were asking for one as soon as I arrived at the party. They ended up eating 4 or 5 of them each. Today I went onto Youtube and watched how to decorate them and how to make fondant icing so I am looking forward to making some more. Below is one of the links that I found helpful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZlrfELlepI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naIsZCNPEd4&feature=channel

Patrick & Lily's Baptism

2010-03-07T10:34:00.002+08:00

My sister-in-law Wendy does the most incredible arrangements of gingerbread in all sorts of shapes and themes on a stick. After family night on Friday night and seeing some of her creations I decided to have a go myself. I used my Mum's favorite biscuit recipe which is included in my recipes here on the blog. Today is the Baptism of my friend Lisa and her sister Carly's babies Patrick and Lily. I was awake creating quite late but I enjoyed it. Wendy uses as well as the royal icing plastic icing but given I did not start the project till 9.30pm I had to go with what I had in the cupboard. I feel that I would like to try the plastic icing because you would get a crisper finish.

Who is your Valentine?

2010-02-13T19:31:00.001+08:00

This year my patron saint that was chosen for me was St. Valentine. It has made me look at this saint and how they secularized this day. Below is the story how Valentine's Day begun.

The History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.

The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.

Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270.

At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom, indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.

The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine’s Day for the celebration of this new feast. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the coming year, arose in this way.

Happy Valentine's Day for the 14th February.

Family Night

2010-01-26T10:21:00.000+08:00

Family Night

2010-01-26T10:12:00.004+08:00

Family Night Cook Off Challenge

We are now in our third week of this challenge and things are starting to heat up in the kitchen!! For those who are visiting this blog. I come from a very large family and every Monday night a group of us go to my twin sister's house for Family Night. This year we decided to start the year with a Family Night Bake Off.. We were divided into pairs and given a night that we would be preparing food for 20 adults give or take a few and 6 - 9 children. The rules are that you pay no more that $50 for the meal, be creative, you are judged on four different catergories and these scores are totalled and will be revealed at the end of the competition. These votes are recorded either by video or still camera and will be put together into a video for the finale. The first week was Erin and James and they did an Italian feast, last week was Robin and Belinda who were very creative with Richmond Ave Airlines boarding passes and all and last night Nick and Renea excelled with an Australia Night theme with fireworks, (sparklers thrown from top balcony accompanied to music), quizs, two up and home made beef and chicken pies (yummy) and pavlova, cream & fruit salad. It is a fun way to spend Monday night and you look forward to what is in store the next week. I will keep you posted.

2010-01-21T12:16:00.001+08:00

Lisa, Belinda & Jo - three Mum's in waiting

Vegetable Garden

2010-01-21T11:32:00.001+08:00

Vegetables that are grown at The House of Prayer

Chutney and Strawbery Jam that was made from home grown tomatoes & cheap strawberries from Spud Shed.

It seems that with this blog it is either a feast or a famine. As one of my New Year's resolutions for 2010 is to try and write regularly on my blog. Sometimes I find it hard to fit in all that needs to be done in the day but this year is a year of discipline, getting fit, living the life God wants me to live, a year of balance - taking time for God, taking time for my family and taking time for myself. I feel that I need to work on my health to be able to maintain the balance in my life. I have been wanting to post the pictures below for such a long time and now I need to structure into my calendar time to write.

Grotto of St. Pio

2010-01-21T10:36:00.003+08:00

Fr. Teddy Miller blessing the grotto on 8th December, 2009

Pray Hope and Do Not Worry

Eileen working on the garden in front of the grotto at St. Pio's House of Hope

Catching Up

2010-01-21T09:53:00.007+08:00

Beautiful 2 year old Joshua (Eileen's grandson) having a nap at The House of Prayer.

My first attempt on my $8.00 knitting machine at making a dishcloth. I have been making dishcloths by hand from a pattern I got from http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com and then went to a garage sale at the quad centre in Shenton Park and picked up an Empisal KL 680 knitting machine in August 09. They have the garage sales every three months so in November Grandma (mother-in-law) and myself went again and I picked up a Singer with ribbing attachment for $10. I am hoping to be able to teach the girls that come to live at St. Pio's House of Hope (house for girls who are pregnant) some housekeeping skills and craft work.

All the ingredients used for soap making

Jackie and Norma came to our course in learning how to make soap and deodrant. This was then used for Christmas presents. Below is the part completed new chook house built by James & Jo who live behind and is Eileen's daughter & son-in-law.

Prayer Blanket for Sinead

2010-01-21T09:41:00.004+08:00

This is a prayer blanket for darling little 4 month old Sinead who has an agressive brain tumour. Her Mum and Dad and four brothers visited us at The Holy Family House of Prayer a week ago. Please pray for Sinead and her family.

Prayer Rug Ministry

2009-01-26T14:09:00.004+09:00

For quite a few months I have been prompted to make a prayer rug for our beautiful friend Sr. Monica. Finally before Christmas I sat down and put the rug together and delivered to Sr. Monica at the hospice in early January. Eileen and I were amazed to see that the St. John of God hospice had patchwork quilts on the wall and also on some of the beds. Our vision is to make these quilts to give to those who have cancer or are very ill.

Eileen and I had a Fabric Warehouse and one of the classes available was a Heritage Quilting Class. I just loved the look of this quilt and the thought of creating a classic piece. It was made up of sampler squares and done in calico. With this in mind I wanted to achieve a smaller version of this but also make it easy so that the rug could be achievable by anyone able to sew a straight line. I went up to Jackson's Art Supplies in the city by train and had 10 different screen prints made. Above is a sample of the different screens and the symbolism of the square. The rug is 1m wide and 1.5m long. It is made up of 15 squares. It is calico on front and backed in polo fleece. The images on the front are screened to match the polo fleece on the back.

We will be making a DVD showing how to make the rug and give to anyone who would like to be part of this project. I have researched online prayer rugs and have found that they are a comfort to those who are given them and that some take them to chemo sessions with them. One lady started this ministry when her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia and she found that in the hospital a lot of the patients were cuddling soft toys or pieces of cloth for something to hold on to. The rugs will be given free of charge.

S.O.U.L. SOUP PATROL

2008-10-14T20:02:00.004+08:00

Today we purchased a van for our mission of feeding the homeless and disadvantaged.

Nana Smith's recipes

2008-10-14T13:40:00.003+08:00

My Mum Joy Smith was such a beautiful lady. She was selfless and giving and was a real role model for being a good mother and house wife. Below are some of her recipes and a few that I have collected over the years.

Sausage Rolls

Sausage Meat
Puff Pastry
Carrot
Onion
Parsnip
Turnip

Peel vegetables and grate or use food processor to chop. Combine with sausage meat. Lay out pastry and place a roll of the sausage meat on top and fold or roll. Baste top of pastry with egg or milk and bake in moderate oven until brown. Sausage rolls can be cut prior to baking to whatever size required.

Mock Schnapper

3 Large Potatoes (grated)
2 eggs
1 tablespoon flour
1/4 teaspoon bi carb. Soda
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Or 1 tablespoon of self raising flour

Break eggs on the grated potatoes and beat up. Add the flour with cream of tartar and soda; mix well. Drop spoonfuls into frying pan and cook till brown on each side.

3 Min Cake

1 cup sugar
125grams margarine
1 tablespoon cornflour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 cup S.R. Flour

Mix all together for 3 minutes in a mixer. Use this cake for the basis of any cake. For apple cake slice apple and put into top of cake before baking. For orange cake great rind of orange and add to the cake and add a bit of the juice of the orange. Bake for 50 mins on 350 F or 150-175 C. Cake can be iced or spread a little butter on the top when hot and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Custard Sponge

2 eggs
1/4 cup cornflour
1/4 cup custard powder
1/4 teaspoon bi carb soda
1/2 teaspoon cream tarter
1/2 cup caster sugar

Beat eggs and gradually add sugar. Sift all other dry ingredients and lightly fold into egg mixture with knife or spatula. Grease cake tin and cook sponge for 20 mins in moderate oven or until the skewer comes out of the cake clean with testing.

Pavlova

4 eggs
3 cups of sugar
8 tablespoons boiling water
2 teaspoons cornflour
2 teaspoons vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Separate the yolks of the eggs from the whites. Use only whites of eggs and combine with the other ingredients and beat until the mixture forms peaks. Use baking paper on a slide and put mixture into the centre of the tray and bake 180 c for 30 mins and then turn down to 90c for 30 mins.

Nana's biscuits

125 grams (1/4 lb) butter
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup self raising flour

Beat butter and sugar to a cream, add eggs and mix well, then add coconut, and flour and mix all together. Use teaspoon and roll into ball and flatten with a fork. A slither of almond can be pressed into the top before baking. Bake in moderate oven until light brown. Store in airtight container.

Raspberry Shortbread

125 gr (1/4lb) Butter
1 1/2 cups self raising flour
1 cup coconut
1 small cup sugar
1 egg
Raspberry jam

Beat butter and sugar to a cream, add egg well beaten and then the flour. Mix and roll out. Spread lightly with raspberry jam. Beat together 1 egg, a small 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 large cup of coconut. Spread on top of jam. Bake 30 mins in a moderate over and cut into squares.

Bran Fruit and Walnut
3 cups of all bran
3 cups milk
2 cups of sugar
3 cups mixed fruit
3 cups SR Flour
3 tablespoons golden syrup
Walnuts
3 eggs

Soak bran in milk and let it stand and be absorbed. Add rest of ingredients and stir with wooden spoon. Place baking paper or grease loaf tins and divide mixture between three tins. Break up walnuts and put on top of cake mix and bake in oven for 50 mins on 150 to 180 C. Slices can be buttered if desired

BOILED CHOCOLATE CAKE

3 CUPS OF SUGAR
2 CUPS OF WATER
1 TEASPOON OF BI CARB
4 TABLESPOONS COCOA
250 GRAMS BUTTER

Melt the above ingredients into a large pot and let cool.
Mix 3 cups of SR Flour and 4 eggs.

PUT INTO 3 LOAF TINS AND COOK
APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR IN MODERATE OVEN.

Moose Munch
I hope one of these honey butter caramel recipe comes close to the one that Harry & David uses for their moose munch caramel corn. Once the caramel corn has cooled down you can always dip the pieces in melted chocolate. I bet its great dipped in white chocolate and using macadamias instead of almonds. Let's not forget cashews either. I wouldn't actually dip the pieces, I would just add melted chocolate and stir to coat the pieces. Then spread it out on a cookie sheet to cool, separating the pieces as I spread the mixture out.
HONEY ALMOND POPCORNSoftened butter1 1/4 c. Sliced almonds4 qt. Popped popcorn1/2 c. Butter1 1/2 c. Honey1/2 tsp. Salt1 tsp. Baking soda2 tsp. VanillaGrease a large bowl with either softened butter orMargarine. In the bowl toss together the almonds and thePopped popcorn. In a saucepan with high sides, melt theButter. Add honey and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring con- Stantly and allow to boil for five minutes. Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla. Pour over popped popcorn and stir to coat. Place on large cookie sheet and bake in 300 degrees oven for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove from oven, loosen from pan and cool. (Makes 4 quarts.)HONEY CRACKLE3 qt. Freshly popped corn1 c. Blanched slivered almonds1/2 c. Butter1 c. Firmly packed light brown sugar1/4 c. Honey1 tsp. VanillaInto a large shallow roasting pan, turn the popped corn.Sprinkle the almonds over the corn. In a 1 quart saucepan over low heat melt the butter; stir in brown sugar and honey. Over medium heat, stirring constantly, bring to a boil. Boil gently without stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in the vanilla. Pour mixture over popped corn and almonds. Stir until well mixed. Bake in a preheated 250 degrees oven, stirring every 15 minutes for 1 hour. Cool completely. Break apart and store in a tightly covered container. Makes about 3 quarts.

In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." – Mother Teresa

2008-10-11T23:00:00.007+08:00

I have just been watching Karol the Pope the Man and doing the ironing at the same time. Pope John Paul II was truly an amazing, courageous man. He inspires me with the love that he showed to all people and the little things he did to make a difference. God Bless you Papa.

It is amazing how satisfying it is to pick and cook your own vegetables. Tonight I cooked beetroot and it bought back childhood memories of when Mum used to cook the beetroot and also when she grated it and we had it with a roast dinner on a Sunday.Today Eileen's grandson Jacob came over to help me and he planted some chinese cabbage seeds for me. We then planted rockmelon and watermelon. Next week Michael is going to help us to brick pave around all the garden beds. I am on a steep learning curve and the message tonight spoke of learning "Do not be afraid to embrace the more simple way of life. Prepare well. Take time to study and learn how to live more simply. It is important for you to be prepared. Ask for guidance when you lack knowledge or understanding and you will be given it. Seek the answers to your questions and you will find them. Call upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray always with an expectant heart." (message received by Eileen and posted on http://www.weepingmadonna.blogspot.com/)

Learning to Live Simply

2008-10-11T16:21:00.001+08:00

My world has been opened up to going back to a simple way of life. Things are happening gently. My twin sister Eileen and I along with Eileen's daughter Jo and her husband James have dug up the back garden and built raised garden beds to grow our own vegetables. Above is a picture of James & Joseph with the Kanga digging up the yard and what the garden looked like the day the tornado took out the fences.

On my 5oth birthday I was given two chooks. It was the best present and there started my love of "the girls" (Henrietta and Hegatty). I now have 7. 3 Isa Brown's and 4 American Highlines. The 4 Highlines are in a yard behind me in a house we call St. Michael's and where we run S.O.U.L. Soup Patrol from and the 3 Isa Brown's are at the side of my house.