Poverty

picklewart.blogspot.com

Matthew 5:3,5 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."

Are you a poor person? Do you live in poverty? Most of us would say "No" to these questions, and we're blessed to be able to do so, but perhaps our poverty lies elsewhere. For some, it really may be the common idea of a lack of money and provision, but for many of us, it might be in a lack of security or safety. Or what about a lack of a strong marriage or other personal relationships? Do you struggle with a lack of self-confidence or emotional stability?

We all have our own place's of poverty. This area is where God desperately wants you to meet Him. "Blessed are the poor"… your blessing is hidden in your need, in your hurt, in your poverty. We can be caught up in presenting a strong front, a Christian life, a perfect way… but we're not perfect, and that's where life gets real with God.

I'm not a perfect wife, mother, worker, or ministry servant. I never have been nor will I ever experience perfection in any of these things. BUT this is where God meets me – in my imperfection, in my shame, in my humility. He wraps a spotless robe of white around me, embraces me, shows me mercy, and helps me to do better each time.
I am so thankful to have His absolute perfect love. I may have areas of poverty in my life, but right now, I sure do feel like a very wealthy person!

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Home-made Bisquick - Cheap & Easy!

picklewart.blogspot.com

Do you use a lot of Bisquick? It's quick to make, easy to mix and store, and cheaper than purchasing it in the store. AND -- You can make your own and control what ingredients go in it... and it's not hard.

*If you prefer whole wheat flour like I do, so you could mix it ALL w/ wheat or go half in half with white.
*Watching your sodium? I use the fake salt potassium stuff instead of regular salt. They also make a half and half sodium/potassium mix.
*Sugar an issue? Swap some or all of the sugar for your preferred sweetener like Splenda or the latest favorite, Stevia.

Home-made Bisquick

10 C Flour
3/8 C Baking Powder
1 tsp Cream of Tartar
1 1/4 C Powdered Milk
1 1/2 TB Salt
1/4 C Sugar
1 lb Oleo (shortening - like Crisco)

Mix all together and store in an airtight container.
Lasts approximately one month.

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Local August Events!!

picklewart.blogspot.com

Local August Events!!

August may be the dog days of summer, but there's still a lot of excitement and summer fun to be had around here!!

Monett Farmer's Market
Each Wed 3 pm - 7 pm & Sat 8 am - 1 pm
Downtown Monett off Broadway on Front Street

Fri Aug. 13th - "Broadway Nights" in downtown Monett
Businesses open until 9 pm or later
Special events planned including a "Chalk Walk".
Contact Monett Chamber for more info.: http://business.monett-mo.com/contact

Wed Aug. 18th - Sat. Aug 21st - Howdy Neighbor Days
Music, Car Show, Food, Carnival, Parade, & Games
http://howdyneighbordays.com/main/
417.476.2323

Fri Aug. 20th - Sat. Aug 21st - Ernte Fest
North side of Freistatt on Hwy H
Contact info: Chairmen: Bob Dieckhoff (417) 466-3641 or Maurice Schoen (417) 235-7420
Dinner Menu : Adults = $8.00 Children = $5.00
Bratwurst
Sauerkraut
Breads
German Potato Salad
Green Beans
(other snacks, sandwiches and dinner items available in snack shack)
http://www.erntefest.org/

Sat Aug. 21st - Seligman Truck and Tractor pull at Ruby's Event park on Hwy 37
417.662.3611

*And my personal favorite!!!!!!!...
Sat Aug 28th - 100-mile garage sale
Several local communities involved in this including Monett and Pierce City
Info thru Mt. Vernon Chamber 417.466.7654
or Monett Chamber: 417.235.7919 Email: chamber@monett-mo.com
**If you know your town is participating, let me know!

Sat Aug 28th - Dickerson Park Zoo - McDonald's $1 Day
Good for adults and kids
Open 9 am to 5 pm

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Summer Daycamp Swap

picklewart.blogspot.com

I know it's getting late in the summer, but I read about the concept of a co-op.-style summer camp swap to do with your friends. Each friend takes a turn hosting a day of "summer camp" or "fall camp" or ANY season of camp for that matter! This idea greatly intrigued me. I have many Christian friends that I would feel very comfortable entrusting the care of my children to. As I look into it, the more I realize this could really become a blessing to both you and your friends! A break to do what Mom needs to do, a savings on the cost of a babysitter while you do it, and the opportunity to serve one another in a much-needed way!
So, here's what I'm finding as I go along:

• Come up with a theme for the day. It will make it more memorable for the kids involved.
• Agree on discipline ahead of time. Ex. Time-outs, corners, etc. with phone calls if it needs further attention.
• Agree on no TV, movies, computer, etc. beforehand.
• Define any age limits of children involved in the summer camp swap.
• Address nap times. All children are different. As long as everyone knows ahead of time, any nap schedule can be accommodated.
• Before adding new members to the rotation, discuss in private with the existing members before offering.

Below might be a timeline example of a Summer Camp Swap for preschool-aged children (older children could do longer days):

9 AM Drop-off - Coloring sheets while they settle in
9:15 Books, Songs/Music, Circle Time
9:45 Craft/Art
10:15 Outdoor Activity
10:45 Small snack
11:00 Free Play
11:30 Indoor Activity
12:00 LUNCH!
12:30 Indoor Activity/Free Play
1:30 Pick-up
(This schedule allows for PreK ages to go home for rest/nap times in the afternoon.)

I'm curious if any of you have ever done anything like this. I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas!!
~Michelle

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